Chapter 13 The Dante Tragedy

The Wolfsburg penalty area was fraught with tension.

Dante and Kiessling jostled, vying for the dropping ball.

The Brazilian center-back was once considered Lúcio's successor.

He delivered a very good performance during Bayern's "Treble" season.

Unfortunately, he gradually lost his way, becoming a backdrop to the 7-1 World Cup massacre in 2014, and also to Lewandowski's five goals in nine minutes...

Who was Lúcio?

The defender of the 2002 World Cup champions.

The main defender of Bayer Leverkusen's "Triple Runner-Up" team.

.....

The football spun violently, plummeting into the penalty area!

Dante overpowered Kiessling, leaping high, his afro whipping around as he cleared the ball!

Bang!

"A wonderful clearance!"

"Oh no!"

Casteels' pupils shrank, watching a black shadow hurtle towards him, heading straight for the upper right corner of the goal!

The Wolfsburg goalkeeper didn't have time to make any save!

He couldn't defend against his own teammate's backstab!

A seemingly ordinary cross transformed into a thunderous shot after being headed by a teammate?

When the net bulged again, the roar of the Volkswagen Arena abruptly ceased.

0:2!!!

"Oh! It's an own goal!"

"Wolfsburg center-back Dante has contributed another own goal. According to statistics, he has already caused three own goals this season."

"Mistakes on the football field are inevitable. The spin on Li Kang's cross was too strong, leading Dante to make the wrong judgment!"

"Salt on the wound! Wolfsburg needs to make changes quickly!"

"Leverkusen has extended its lead thanks to an own goal header from the opponent!"

...

-[Dante, a defender with his own disaster attribute!]

-[Wherever there is Dante, there is disaster.]

-[Let me count: when he played for Borussia Mönchengladbach, they lost 7-0 to Stuttgart; 7:1 against Germany in the World Cup; five goals scored by Lewandowski in nine minutes this season...Does Bayern's 4-0 loss to Real Madrid count? Does the penalty he gave away in the Champions League final count too? This guy is too unlucky!]

-[Pitiful to see, hard to guard against an inside thief.]

-[Abused by Wolfsburg while at Bayern, slaughtered by Bayern while at Wolfsburg.]

-[Dante's classic quote: "Ronaldo is easier to defend than my son!"]

-[Disaster-prone defender!]

-[Li Ming Deng's pass was too terrifying; it was difficult for the defenders to handle.]

.....

At the edge of the field.

Dino looked dumbfounded: "Boss, I suddenly realized that all the preparations the coaching team made before the game have gone up in smoke!"

Old man Toppmöller clapped and smiled: "Not every game is full of thorns."

On the other side.

Hecking glanced at Van Dijk, then at Dante, almost unable to resist taking off his leather shoe...

Half a year ago, during the summer transfer window, Wolfsburg and Leverkusen were fighting fiercely over Dante!

Later.

Because Leverkusen couldn't afford Dante's high salary, they eventually withdrew from the competition.

They were still too poor.

To put it into perspective: one Dante's salary is equal to four Çalhanoğlus, six Son Heung-mins, twenty Brandts, three hundred Li Kangs from the youth team...

.....

Amidst the boos from all around.

Dante stood frozen in place, rubbing his face.

His teammates on the defensive line ran up to comfort him.

Casteels patted him on the shoulder and said seriously: "Cheer up! Leverkusen's attacks aren't that threatening! We can tie the score! Just like that 5-4 game last season!"

His voice was loud.

The Wolfsburg players shuddered upon hearing these words!

In the distance.

Kiessling gave Li Kang a thumbs up and ran back to the center circle together.

"If you covered up the score, Wolfsburg would look more like the team that's in the lead."

.....

The match continued.

Possession changed hands back and forth.

Wolfsburg's midfield simply couldn't get the ball.

Arnold had no space to slowly launch a vertical long pass attack.

The "iron triangle" frontline couldn't touch the ball at all.

Li Kang hadn't played so easily in a long time, feeling that the intensity of the competition was like a youth team practice match.

He only needed to be active in the middle, connecting the front and back...

"There's no crushing power in Wolfsburg's midfield! They can't complete intensive penetration and transition."

"The few long pass attacks initiated from the backcourt were also resolved by Van Dijk."

"The director's camera has turned to the VIP box, where we see several young descendants of the Porsche and Piëch families, namely..."

"Last season, in order to expand its Dragon Country market, Volkswagen Group successfully signed a player from the Chinese Super League. I wonder if Leverkusen's young player Li Kang will become the darling of European car brands."

"It should be difficult. Li Kang's car endorsements start with Koenigsegg supercars..."

"In recent years, FIFA has strengthened the protection of underage players. The situation should be much better from now on, because Li Kang is already 18 years old."

The scene was too boring.

Duan Xuan and He Wei chatted about off-field matters.

Not to mention advertising endorsements, even the major sports media couldn't get a chance to go to Leverkusen to do an exclusive interview with Li Kang.

....

The game time passed minute by minute.

Wolfsburg couldn't find any opportunities.

Leverkusen waited for an opportunity to strike.

The home fans booed wildly.

The hundreds of away fans who traveled with the team waved their flags enthusiastically.

Old man Toppmöller sat back in the coach's seat, crossed his arms, and couldn't help but yawn.

Dino and the coaching staff engaged in a heated discussion: discussing how to play against Frankfurt in the next game.

Hecking became increasingly impatient, roaring at the players on the field from time to time.

....

The Wolfsburg players couldn't express their suffering.

If they went through the ground, they couldn't get past the barrier formed by Li Kang, Kramer, and Bender in the middle.

If they went through the air, Leverkusen's backcourt had too many tall players, and they simply couldn't beat them.

It was completely different from Leverkusen last season!

Hecking couldn't hold back anymore! He waved his hands madly, signaling the players to press forward and launch a full-scale attack!

Being two goals behind at halftime wasn't the end of the world.

What was hopeless was not seeing any chance to tie the score!

43rd minute of the match.

Kramer successfully intercepted Guilavogui, who was sprinting.

The nearby Wolfsburg players spread their hands helplessly.

The football rolled to Li Kang's feet.

In an instant.

The phantom of Rui Costa suddenly appeared, the number 10 jersey, like a cluster of red and black flames.

From God's perspective.

The depth flaws in Wolfsburg's formation were like the Mariana Trench.

Accompanied by a crisp sound.

The Volkswagen Arena was suddenly slashed by a sharp blade!

The football skimmed the grass, speeding away.

Wolfsburg's high defensive line was easily torn apart.

Old man Toppmöller and Dino began to celebrate!

Hecking stood unsteadily, his eyes dull.

'This kid's awareness and vision... and passing, are too much like De Bruyne!'

....

Son Heung-min shook off Träsch and sprinted forward at high speed!

He didn't even need to look back to observe the through ball's path!

He firmly believed in his heart: Li will definitely pass the ball to my feet, and it will be in the direction of my dominant foot!

"Li Kang's signature skill! A super long-distance through ball!"

"This long passing ability has historically only been seen in the midfield superstars of top clubs, greatly reducing the speed of attack and defense transitions!"

"Perfect lead, Son Heung-min doesn't need to make any adjustments..."

"Wolfsburg's backfield is a wide-open space!"

"One-on-one... Oh? Dante!"

....

Dante trailed at the very back of Wolfsburg's formation.

In fact, he wasn't bad. Although his level was far from his "Treble" days, his defensive awareness was still top-notch.

At the moment Li Kang received the ball.

He judged the direction of Leverkusen's attack!

Thus...

Dante seemed to transform into a seasoned general, retreating while gesturing to goalkeeper Casteels not to attack, and to block the near post!

'I'm not fast enough! I must retreat directly to the edge of the penalty area!'

'As long as I block Son Heung-min's shooting angle to the far corner, I can resolve the opponent's one-on-one!'

'This is what a defensive core should do!'

....

Wolfsburg fans were nervous!

Leverkusen fans were extremely excited!

As far as the eye could see!

Son Heung-min dribbled into the Wolfsburg penalty area!

Dante, who was waiting in full battle array, quickly forced his way in from the side!

Forcing! Just forcing!

There was no intention to tackle at all!

His strong body seemed to want to squeeze Son Heung-min out of the penalty area!

Old man Toppmöller frowned slightly.

Dino looked stunned.

Praise was revealed in Hecking's eyes.

Both coaching teams were full of admiration for Dante's performance!

....

"Dante is very experienced!"

"Son Heung-min doesn't have much of a chance..."

"Beautiful!"

Unexpectedly.

After slowing down slightly, Son Heung-min accelerated again, easily shaking off the pressing of the Wolfsburg center-back, and pretended to smash the ball towards the far post!

Goalkeeper Casteels looked calm, took small steps, and prepared to make a save!

There was no fierce shot as expected.

Because Dante brought Son Heung-min down.

Beep!

The referee blew his whistle! Raising his hand to point to the twelve-yard spot!

On the way, he also took out a yellow card from his pocket!

The audience was in an uproar!

"Penalty!"

"Judging from the slow-motion replay, there is no problem or controversy with the penalty!"

"Dante's defensive awareness is strong, but his current body can't keep up with his brain. He can only choose this way to resolve the opponent's attack!"

"If Leverkusen scores this penalty, they will almost kill the game."

"Li Kang's presence is strong. Three long passes have threatened Wolfsburg's goal!"

"Let's see who will take it."

....

At the edge of the field.

Dino said excitedly: "Boss, the referee should give Dante a red card!"

Old man Toppmöller said in a low voice: "Don't worry, it's a good thing that Dante is still on the field. If Hecking replaces him with Naldo, the game will become a bit tricky!"

As he spoke, the Leverkusen coach lowered his head, his fists trembling. It had nothing to do with the victory or defeat in front of him. He was most afraid of seeing his players take penalties. This shadow had accompanied him for many years of his coaching career.

Dino scratched his head, completely unable to understand his own coach's train of thought.

On the other side.

Hecking slumped back in the coach's seat.

His emotions were complicated.

There was nothing wrong with Dante's approach, but why was this guy so unlucky?

......

The Wolfsburg players swarmed around the referee, arguing non-stop.

Son Heung-min got up.

Kiessling picked up the ball and threw it to Li Kang.

"Li, don't be stunned. You are the first penalty taker!"

Li Kang patted the ball and walked towards the twelve-yard spot.

Penalty?

The system prompt sounded quietly.

[Life is like taking a penalty.]

...

A lonely and melancholic phantom suddenly appeared.

Blue jersey number 10.

Baggio.

Li Kang subconsciously waved his hand, trying to scatter the phantom.

It had no effect...

He stood in front of the penalty spot.

"Li Kang will take this penalty!"

"What he and Balotelli have in common is that they have a big heart!"

"Penalty kicks are a psychological game!"

Many economists and psychologists have also joined the study of penalty kicks, resulting in various mathematical models and game theories.

The most famous is the mixed strategy Nash equilibrium.

Of course.

No research theory is useful to Balotelli.

His penalty kick success rate is terrifying.

.....

The referee suppressed Kruse, who had the most to say, with a yellow card.

The Wolfsburg players gave up arguing and obediently stood outside the penalty area.

Both sets of fans couldn't help but become nervous.

Penalty kicks are the most gripping rule.

Casteels took a deep breath and made strange jumping and arm-raising movements, trying to affect the penalty taker's mentality.

Dante hesitated slightly and secretly pointed out to his own goalkeeper!

He was well-educated and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in his early years.

'That kid's dominant foot is his left foot. Judging from the starting point of his run-up...'

Beep!

Accompanied by the referee's whistle.

Li Kang began to run-up!

One step, two steps, three steps...

During the process, there was no change in rhythm!

Bang!

The moment the instep of his right foot made contact with the football.

Casteels stomped hard on the grass with both feet, leaping up and pouncing towards the upper left corner!

But the football flew lightly towards the center of the goal!

0:3!!!

"Beautiful!"

"The ball is in!"

"Li Kang has killed the game!"

"He has a big heart!"

"Looking at the top five leagues, mentality is the key to victory in penalty kicks!"

"Leverkusen has scored three goals in the first half! Unless a miracle occurs, it will be difficult for Wolfsburg to tie the score!"

...

Livestream.

The barrage of comments flew.

-[I thought Balotelli's penalty kicks were awesome, but I didn't expect Li Ming Deng to be no weaker than him!]

-[Big-hearted players are generally very strong at set pieces!]

-[Penalty kick game theory is researched for normal people...Do you call these two guys big-hearted? One has a mental problem, and the other has a psychological problem.]

-[Leverkusen can let Li Ming Deng clock out and go to the locker room to do his homework!]

-[It's hard to say, have you forgotten that round of the game against Hertha Berlin? They were three goals ahead at halftime and almost tied!]

....

At the edge of the field.

Old man Toppmöller dared to look up when he heard the cheers.

Dino clapped and praised: "Boss, you are so wise! Li is indeed the most suitable first penalty taker!"

Hecking's face was ashen.

He angrily picked up a box of mineral water next to his seat and slammed it heavily on the grass.

......

Baggio's phantom turned into golden powder and scattered with the wind.

The negative emotions that surged in Li Kang's heart disappeared instantly.

His teammates surrounded him, excitedly ruffling his hair.

At the goal.

Casteels spread his hands towards Dante, regretting: He shouldn't have listened to the reminder from this unlucky guy!

Dante's expression was bitter, he knew that any explanation at this moment would seem pale and weak.

Draxler put his hands on his hips and sighed helplessly.

A springboard?

Does Wolfsburg still have the elasticity to be a springboard?

It would be good if they could avoid relegation this season!

......

The match restarted at the center circle.

The referee raised his hand to look at his watch and blew the whistle to end the first half.

Old man Toppmöller and Hecking walked towards the player tunnel together.

The relationship between these former master and disciple would never waver because of their team affiliations.

....

The fifteen-minute half-time break ended quickly.

When the second half of the game started.

Li Kang was still in the locker room doing his homework.

Çalhanoğlu was suited up and ready to play.

There was no suspense in the game.

Leverkusen chose the most pragmatic way to play: a tight defense.

Van Dijk calmly directed his teammates, resisting wave after wave of Wolfsburg's attacks.

72nd minute of the match.

Leverkusen turned the tables, and the front and midfield lines pushed forward crazily, catching the opponent off guard.

Brandt finally saved enough money to buy a house!

He received Kiessling's headed pass on the right side of the penalty area, shook off Dante, and pushed the shot into the goal!

0:4!!!

90th minute of the match.

Draxler took a long shot. The football roared towards the stands!

The Bundesliga referee was too lazy to add extra time and clocked out on time.

He blew the final whistle directly!

...

The Leverkusen players felt relaxed after the first game after the holiday.

Soon, they will challenge even stronger Champions League powerhouses!

At the same time.

UEFA was also busy preparing for the Champions League quarter-final draw.