Chapter 396: The German Tank Lands at Luzhniki; Actually, Tom is Hot

Baidu Hot Search No. 1: China vs. Germany.

No. 2: The China-Germany Match at the World Cup.

Nine out of the top ten trending news items were related to the World Cup, and eight of those concerned the China-Germany match.

11 PM is a decent time; the national football team's first proper World Cup match since the Korea-Japan World Cup will surely attract the attention of countless fans!

In the locker room, Tang Ye placed his cleats on his bench and then tightened the laces with his hands.

Feeling it was about right, he switched to put his other foot up.

"I've never seen you check your laces in the locker room before,"

said Wu Lei, who was taking off his jacket nearby.

Tang Ye shook his head: "I don't know why either; I just felt like doing it."

Tang Ye always did whatever he wanted to do, without scrutinizing the reasons behind his actions.

As for what he was doing right now...

Hmm, perhaps the pressure really was too great.

Of course, there was no helping that.

Representing the country at the World Cup at the age of 19, and representing China, a team entering the World Cup for only the second time in history.

With 80,000 spectators on-site and over a billion television viewers, this match was historic for Tang Ye no matter how you looked at it.

"Check your laces, Feng Xiaoting; keep an eye on the captain's armband."

"Don't feel too much pressure, don't feel too much pressure!"

Madaloni paced back and forth in the locker room, patting every player on the shoulder.

Stopping beside Tang Ye, Madaloni asked: "How are you feeling?"

"Hmm... not entirely comfortable, but I'm still quite looking forward to it."

A smile graced Tang Ye's face.

The large number of fans on-site was part of the players' pressure.

But Tang Ye would transform that pressure into his own passion.

He wanted the more than 80,000 people in the stands to cheer and shout for him!

"Focus on controlling the tempo; defense remains the core. The position is crucial, pay attention!"

"Mr., that's already the third time you've said that today."

Tang Ye laughed: "Oh, no, it should be the fourth time. Hey, I can't quite remember clearly; anyway, it's either three or four times."

"Haha, come on, come on, mind the tempo! Widen the defensive line! We're playing long-ball counterattacks!"

Having said that, Madaloni glanced at the camera in the upper corner; this was used to record the team's locker room situation.

However, this camera was completely independent; no one other than the players could touch it before the match ended, so there was no need to worry about tactical leaks.

"By the way, remember to say a few words later."

Madaloni emphasized quietly.

"Hmm, why? That's not really my job, is it?"

Tang Ye asked, puzzled.

"Your words carry more weight for them; just remember to shout a couple more times, that's all."

Madaloni said.

Compared to captain Feng Feng Xiaoting, the words of the 140-million-euro Manchester United core would provide stronger encouragement to the players.

Clap, clap, clap!

"We're starting soon, get ready, get ready!"

After Lippi made his final emphasis, Feng Feng Xiaoting clapped quickly.

The players stood with their arms around each other's shoulders.

"Just as I said in the bus: since we're already standing here, there's nothing to regret; just bring out what we showed in the warm-up matches."

"Um..."

Just as Feng Feng Xiaoting finished speaking, Tang Ye opened his mouth.

Just as Madaloni had analyzed, the moment Tang Ye spoke, the locker room immediately fell silent; even Lippi lifted his head.

"I don't know how to put it, but I feel we still have some chances in this match."

"I've played a few matches against Jerome Boateng, Müller, and the others; honestly, I feel there's nothing so scary about Fan Fan Dejia players. We have the ability to compete with them."

Tang Ye looked into his teammates' eyes: "Let's push forward; just push forward!"

"Come on!"

Feng Feng Xiaoting shouted loudly, his expression terrifyingly fierce.

"Three, two, one!"

"China!"

"China!"

"China!"

Bang!

Tang Ye was closest to the door, so he kicked it open and led his teammates charging out.

Check Dongqiu Di: Player comparison for the China-Germany match; Germany's starting lineup valued at 503 million euros, China's starting lineup valued at 146 million euros. (12,319 comments)

【Here we go, bros, damn!】

【Germany is still so expensive, but this time I'm backing the national team.】

【"Losing by three goals or fewer is acceptable, alright? Let's go, let's go, let's go!"】

【"Lose by three? With my, Tang Tang Qiuwang's, tackles, we must lose by two or fewer!"】

【"I'm a Ferrari and after the party is done~ (When the party disperses, I depart like a Ferrari)"】

【"I keep on going, missing the moments~ (I press forward constantly while lingering over those fleeting instants)"】

【"Living in the fast lane is getting kind of lonely (yeah)! (Living life in the fast lane is somewhat lonely)"】

Pleasant pop songs played in the stadium, the lights flashed, and the noise was deafening.

Then, halfway through the song, it suddenly stopped.

The image on the large screen at the venue switched; in the brightly lit player tunnel, Tang Ye was chatting with the ball boy he was holding by the hand.

"Wow!!!"

The fans at the venue began to scream.

Although the stands offered no view of the player tunnel, the players would undoubtedly be walking out any moment now.

"Tom!"

"Mm, Toni."

Tang Ye exchanged greetings with three players: Kroos, Müller, and Kimmich.

Tang Ye actually knew Neuer as well, but the German goalkeeper was standing too far ahead; he could only raise his hand in acknowledgment, unable to walk over for an embrace.

Kroos shook his ankles, while Neuer rotated his wrists; the German players all appeared relatively relaxed and at ease.

On the Chinese side, however, the atmosphere was far more serious; apart from Tang Ye, who was chatting with Müller, everyone else wore vacant expressions.

"China Media Group, China Media Group. Good evening, dear audience members! This is the live broadcast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F, Round One match between Germany and China!"

The camera focused on Tang Ye once again; at this moment, he had finished chatting with Müller and was looking up at the ceiling, one wonders what was on his mind.

"As we can see, the Chinese team's number 10 currently in the frame is Tang Ye..."

The ball boys rushed out first, carrying the flags of both nations, followed by the players entering the field.

Taking a deep breath and then exhaling slowly, Tang Ye followed closely behind Wu Lei.

"Now, please..."

"Fans and staff at the venue, please stand and maintain solemnity."

"Now, playing the national anthem of the People's Republic of China, 'March of the Volunteers'."

Placing his hand over his heart, Tang Ye soon heard the familiar melody.

"Deng deng deng deng deng deng, deng deng deng."

"Deng deng deng, deng!"

"Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves..."

There were nearly ten thousand Chinese fans at the venue, which was quite impressive.

Worth mentioning is that there were even quite a few foreigners wearing Chinese national team jerseys cheering for the squad.

Hiss...

If nothing unexpected happens, they should be Manchester United fans and French fans?

"Now... (Now, playing the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Germany)."

The ball boys exited the field, applause rang out from the venue, and the players gathered together.

"Let's go!"

Clap clap!

Tang Ye moved to his position and stood ready.

Glancing toward the stands, Tang Ye gave a thumbs-up.

"Wow!!!"

The fans were simply too enthusiastic, but there was no helping that.

Of the eleven players on the field for the Chinese team, most fans in the stands only recognized Tang Ye, though a small minority also recognized Wu Lei and Zhang Zhang Xizhe.

Zhang Zhang Yuning stood in the center circle as the fans in the stands began the countdown!

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

"..."

"Two!"

"One!"

"Beep——!!!"

"China Media Group, this is..."

"The match has begun. I will now introduce the starting lineups for both teams. First, the home team, the German National Team, wearing white jerseys, attacking from the left side of the screen to the right!"

Germany (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Neuer

Defenders: Kimmich, Jerome Jerome Boateng, Hummels, Plattenhardt

Midfielders: Khedira, Özil, Toni Kroos

Forwards: Thomas Müller, Werner, Draxler

Head Coach: Löw

"Next is the away team, our Chinese National Team! Wearing red jerseys, attacking from the right side of the screen to the left!"

China (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Zeng Cheng

Defenders: Wang Wang Shenchao, Mei Fang, Feng Feng Xiaoting, Zhang Zhang Linpeng

Midfielders: Zhang Zhang Xizhe, Tang Ye, Zheng Zhi

Forwards: Yu Yu Hanchao, Zhang Zhang Yuning, Wu Lei

The starting lineup China fielded today is identical to the one used in their final warm-up match against the United States.

By substituting Zhang Zhang Yuning, a young player competing in Fan Fan Dejia, for Gao Lin, Lippi made it clear he intended to fully activate Tang Ye's role on the pitch.

As for whether he can actually be activated, that remains to be seen depending on how Germany plays.

"China is playing quite steadily; after kickoff, they've kept possession in their own half, but Germany surely doesn't intend to give China any chances to control the ball."

"Müller and Werner are pushing up together!"

China's backline passing triggered Germany's forward press; Feng Feng Xiaoting quickly passed to Zhang Zhang Linpeng making a run on the right, and Zhang Zhang Linpeng sent a low, long pass to Wu Lei.

A chance!

Tang Ye is moving toward Wu Lei!

Özil is tracking him!

"Pass it directly!"

At Tang Ye's request, Wu Lei passed the ball over.

Watch Tang Ye!

With Özil behind him, Tang Ye feinted to take the ball and turn away, but instead suddenly lifted his foot, letting the ball pass between his own legs and Özil's.

Tang Ye's move completed a nutmeg on both himself and Özil!

Turn!

Realizing he had failed to defend, Özil immediately reached out to grab.

He grabbed Tang Ye, but at the very moment of contact, Tang Ye had already completed his pass.

A direct pass with his left foot to Zhang Zhang Xizhe on the left!

"China, well..."

The commentators were somewhat surprised, as they truly hadn't expected the national team to deliver such a dazzling performance right from the opening against Germany.

"Ahem."

Recovering himself, He Wei hurriedly resumed his commentary.

"Zhang Zhang Xizhe, take the ball and adjust first!"

"The defenders are pressing!"

Slap!

Zhang Zhang Xizhe tried to play a through ball to Wang Wang Shenchao, but Kimmich easily intercepted it.

His pass was too rushed!

Germany launched a counterattack.

It must be said that Germany, worthy of being the defending champions, drew roars of applause from the stands the moment their counterattack began.

China is rushing back to defend!

Tang Ye, along with Zhang Zhang Xizhe and Yu Yu Hanchao, tried to win the ball back, but Germany dissolved the threat with a series of short passes.

Passing little by little to the right flank's baseline, Kimmich reached the byline!

Boom!

Müller played a through ball across!

Kimmich!

Kimmich controlled the ball, and the stands erupted with cheers from the fans.

Adjust!

Mei Fang was watching, while Wang Wang Shenchao marked Müller; the two each guarded one opponent.

Kimmich stopped dead, controlling the ball on the spot, then sent a cross into the center to Özil.

Özil passed again to Draxler on the left!

What started on the right baseline had now shifted to the left baseline.

Germany completed the transfer of possession in an extremely short time!

Draxler!

Boom!

A cutback to Toni Kroos making a forward run; the latter swung his leg widely.

"He's going to shoot!"

Tang Ye shouted loudly.

Boom!

Kroos unleashed a long-range shot.

The power was sufficient, but the shot was far too straight, easily caught by Zeng Cheng.

"Counter! Counter!"

Tang Ye shouted loudly.

However, seemingly due to tactical defensive requirements, Zeng Cheng, upon securing the ball, did not launch a counterattack immediately but instead threw the ball to the defenders.

Hiss!

Tang Ye, who had just started his run, could only stop.

With his teammates lacking offensive desire, this situation made Tang Ye feel very uncomfortable.

But thinking about it carefully, playing cautiously against Germany is actually quite good.

Within the first few minutes of kickoff, the Chinese national team had largely settled into their defensive rhythm; after Feng Feng Xiaoting received the ball, he remained composed, looking for Mei Fang and Wang Wang Shenchao, yet refusing to attempt any forward passes.

After maintaining possession for a minute and a half, the Chinese team initiated their advance from the center circle, only to gradually retreat back into their own half.

There was no other way; the pressing pressure exerted by Germany's forward line on the Chinese team was simply too immense.

The players were forced to pass laterally, or even back to the goalkeeper, just to retain possession!

Having gone so long without touching the ball, Tang Ye suddenly began to feel a surge of anxiety.

Damn it!

Instructing Wu Lei to cover his position, Tang Ye dropped straight back into the defensive third to offer support!

"Come on, come on, be decisive!"

He trapped the ball under his foot, then pushed it to Zheng Zhi!

Tang Ye and Zheng Zhi executed a rapid one-two combination, after which Tang Ye used a change of rhythm to easily shake off Werner and Özil.

"After Tang Ye dropped deep, the Chinese team's defense clearly came alive."

"They chose to build up the attack themselves!"

Upon gaining possession, he sprinted forward at his maximum speed.

Snap!

The pass sliced directly behind the defensive line!

It was aimed at Zhang Zhang Yuning!

Zhang Zhang Yuning started his run right on the offside line.

At this moment, he was the first player in front of Neuer!

A one-on-one opportunity!

It was a one-on-one, but only under ideal circumstances.

Unless Zhang Zhang Yuning struck the ball directly on the volley, the one-on-one chance would vanish once the time taken to control the ball was factored in.

He extended his foot to trap the ball!

Zhang Zhang Yuning spent over two seconds bringing the ball under control, by which time Germany's entire defense had already fallen back into position.

With no other option, he could only pass back to Wu Lei, who had moved up to support.

Wu Lei immediately returned the ball to Tang Ye!

OK!

The chance has arrived!

He paused for an instant upon receiving the ball, then accelerated once more.

Creating space, he passed the ball to Zhang Zhang Yuning!

Understanding Tang Ye's intent, Zhang Zhang Yuning gently laid the ball forward.

Tang Ye easily took control of the ball!

Khedira still attempted to rush in and steal it, but Tang Ye would never allow him to succeed; stepping forward with his left foot, he used his own body to shield the ball.

Without any overly flashy moves, Tang Ye simply used his sense of rhythm to shake off Khedira.

Arriving at the edge of the penalty area!

He raised his left foot!

Feinting a pass to Wu Lei at the far post, he suddenly hooked the ball from his left foot onto his right.

A Cruyff turn, albeit a modified version!

Entering the penalty box!

"Wow!!!"

The stadium suddenly erupted in noise as Tang Ye dragged the ball sideways.

Jerome Boateng closed in!

"!"

The situation looked grim; at that moment, Tang Ye suddenly had a flash of inspiration, turning his back to Jerome Boateng before using his heel to flick the ball.

Thud!

The ball smashed into the ground and bounced up, leaping directly toward the goal.

The bottom-left corner, an impossible angle!

Neuer dove out, managing to parry the ball away just before it crossed the line.

"Holy crap!"

Clutching his head, Tang Ye shouted aloud.

It was just that close!

"Oh!!!"

Clap, clap, clap!

"Beep, beep, beep!!!"

Applause rang out from the stands; standing inside the penalty area, Tang Ye's expression was filled with helplessness.

Had Neuer reacted even a fraction of a second slower, that ball would have gone in!

"Holy shit..."

On the substitutes' bench, Maddaloni took a sharp intake of breath, while Lippi, sitting beside him, leaned back in his seat.

"I know what you're about to say,"

Lippi suddenly remarked.

"We forgot about this guy's personality."

"He didn't play seriously in the warm-up match…"

……

PS: A 7-hour flight delay meant I barely got any writing done yesterday, so there are only 2 updates. But the 3 updates I promised for today won't change — the third update should be before 1 PM.

I'm working on revising the locked chapters, I'm really sorry!

(End of chapter)