Chapter 483: The Battle for First Place in Group C, The Great Republic of Korea (Requesting Monthly Votes)

CCTV-13 News: At 21:00 Beijing Time on the evening of January 11, in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group C match between the Chinese men's national football team and the Philippine men's national football team held in Abu Dhabi... after 90 minutes of fierce battle, the Chinese men's national team ultimately defeated the Philippine men's national team with a score of 8–1, securing their qualification from the group.

【Evening News】

【Chinese Fans: This Feeling Is Too Dreamlike】

"China Football Daily"—Both China and South Korea confirm qualification with 6 points each; who will claim first place in Group C?

Attached: 2019 Asian Cup Group C Standings (as of the second round):

1. China, 6 points.

2. South Korea, 6 points.

3. Kyrgyzstan, 0 points.

4. Philippines, 0 points.

With two teams at 6 points, regardless of the third-round results, both China and South Korea are confirmed to advance to the knockout stage.

As for the group ranking...

Chinese fans naturally hope the Chinese team can defeat South Korea, but users on Check Dongqiu Di quickly noticed something off.

If the Chinese team finishes first in Group C, they will indeed face a relatively weaker opponent in the Round of 16.

However, the problem is that under the current situation, if the Chinese team takes first place, they will most likely be drawn into the same bracket as Japan.

"Japan, ah, they are a favorite to win this Asian Cup, but unlike Qatar, the Japanese team's style is somewhat more fluid."

On the CCTV-5 special channel, instructor Zhang Lu was providing his analysis to the fans.

High-density possession play is exactly what the Chinese team fears.

Why does the Chinese team fear possession play?

This question is too simple; just look at Manchester United.

After all, the Chinese team is the "Little Manchester United"; whatever Manchester United fears, the Chinese team fears too.

"Then, Instructor Zhang Lu, do you think it would be better for China to be in the same half-bracket as Qatar or as Japan?"

"This question..."

Zhang Lu was also stumped: "If I must say, I think China should still play against Japan. After all, the strength of Qatar's current squad is greater than that of Japan's."

Tang Ye was officially called up to the national team in March 2017; since then, the Chinese national team has not played against either Japan or Qatar.

Without data for reference, tactical analysis becomes quite difficult.

The knockout stage matters are serious, so the Chinese team held a meeting internally regarding this.

Players, coaches, and Football Association officials all attended.

"I think, no matter what, we must win the next match, whether we end up in the same half-bracket as Japan or Qatar. We need consecutive victories to maintain our form."

Lippi's voice was not loud, but while he was speaking, no one else made a sound.

Well, except for Tang Ye, who was secretly shaking his leg underneath.

After all, Lippi is a World Cup-winning coach; his experience is extremely rich.

For the current Chinese team, maintaining momentum and executing good tactics is far more important than matching up against a weaker opponent.

To put it plainly, the gap between Japan and Qatar is actually not that large.

Rather than hoping to encounter the weaker of the two, it is better to hope that over the next few matches, the Chinese team gradually finds their best tactics.

After Lippi finished speaking, several Football Association officials did not speak but instead all looked toward Tang Ye, who was sitting next to Wu Lei.

Tang Ye lifted his 1-liter bottle of milk and took a big gulp.

"Not bad, damn it; we must take down South Korea; their reporters are truly f***ing disgusting."

"Then let's do it!"

The Football Association leader slammed the table and stood up: "Our goal is three consecutive victories in the group stage; no matter what team we face later, we just need to put on our best performance and play!"

"Take them down!"

"Wow!!"

With a goal difference of +10 hanging over them, the Chinese team players were filled with momentum.

Over the next few days, Lippi further intensified Tang Ye's training for the shadow striker position.

The Italian head coach hoped to use this move against Japan or Qatar to achieve the effect of a surprise tactic.

Tang Ye cooperated fully; during these few days, he specifically added extra training for his thigh strength, hoping to run even faster when the actual match arrived.

【Speed: 78 → 78】

Hiss!

Although the numbers showed no change, with speed still at 78, Tang Ye could definitely feel his own improvement.

A blood vessel on the front of his thigh was pulsating.

It was as if it were about to mutate!

Tang Ye (40 years old)

【Ball Control: 88; Passing: 91】

【Shooting: 80; Heading: 60; Set Pieces: 80】

【Speed: 78; Stamina: 76; Physicality: 85】

【Defense: 76; Vision: 97】

Overall Rating: 86

"Tang Ye!"

Zheng Zhi pushed open the door and walked into the gym, discovered Tang Ye was also there, and thus greeted him.

Tang Ye, sitting on the bench press, did not react.

"Tang Ye!"

Zheng Zhi called out again, and this time Tang Ye finally turned his head: "Hmm? Brother Zhi?"

Noticing the white Mao Jin hanging around Zheng Zhi's neck, Tang Ye smiled: "You're here for extra training, Brother Zhi."

"Damn, I never thought you'd be here."

Zheng Zhi hung the Mao Jin on the treadmill, then switched it to jogging mode to warm up.

"Online fans say you're lazy, but they don't seem to understand you."

Zheng Zhi gave a bitter smile.

To be honest, he too had been misled by the online sentiment, thinking Tang Ye was a player who only slept and played video games.

Now it was clear that was absolutely wrong.

The so-called ggbond was actually a very disciplined guy; otherwise, he wouldn't have made it this far!

"Haha, you're impressive too, Brother Zhi."

Tang Ye stood beside Zheng Zhi, watching him gradually increase the treadmill's speed: "Can you recover if you train now? Aren't you nearly forty?"

"Haha!"

Zheng Zhi shook his head and laughed loudly.

If it were anyone else, he might have taken those words as mockery, but Tang Ye most likely meant no such thing.

This guy probably didn't even know the implications behind what he said.

"I can stay excited; that's why I'm still here at my age. Lippi even wants to give me the captain's armband."

As he said this, a hint of obvious pride flashed across Zheng Zhi's face.

A national team captain nearing forty could definitely go down in the history of Chinese football.

"But I see you didn't take it,"

Tang Ye remarked; for this Asian Cup, the first captain of the Chinese team was Feng Feng Xiaoting, with Zheng Zhi as the second captain.

"Because I know I'm getting old. The captain should be able to start every match and play as many minutes as possible."

Zheng Zhi gave a bitter smile.

"Alright, but you're still amazing, Brother Zhi. Are you planning to leave very late today? I can train with you."

Tang Ye silently committed Zheng Zhi's words to memory.

"By the way, Brother Zhi,"

Thinking of something, Tang Ye posed his question: "Most players retire around thirty-five, right? Do you intend to keep going?"

"As long as I can still play for the national team, I will definitely continue."

Zheng Zhi clenched his right fist and tapped it against his chest.

"I joined the national team during the 2002 World Cup. Since then, we haven't won a single trophy (not counting the EAFF E-1 Football Championship). Online, everyone is just cursing us. But let me tell you, I am certain we will win a championship."

Tang Ye widened his eyes: "When will that be?"

"Sooner or later!"

Zheng Zhi answered casually, but then turned his head away.

Sooner or later.

Just how soon?

Soon enough that he would have to retire before seeing it...

"Hmm... Brother Zhi,"

Tang Ye blinked, clenched his fist, and lightly punched Zheng Zhi's swinging arm: "If we really get a chance to win a championship in the future, I will definitely step up to help. You must retire later; I'll help you. I'm not lying."

"Go for it, Tang Ye!"

While increasing his speed, Zheng Zhi threw a punch at Tang Ye: "Don't waste your talent; start running!"

Seoul Radio Station.

Ding-ding-ding-ding!

Today's female host was quite good-looking, but that wasn't the point; the point was today's radio news.

"Today we are discussing a topic: the upcoming 2019 Asian Cup match between the South Korean men's national football team and the Chinese men's national football team."

"South Korea lost to China during the Russia World Cup qualifiers, but Son Heung-min did not play in that match."

The radio screen displayed an image of Son Heung-min's head; it was a photo of the player celebrating after scoring in a Tottenham match against Liwupu.

A fifty-million-euro super winger; he was the future of South Korean football and the faith of South Korean fans.

Next came South Korean social media, with the radio screen scrolling briefly to show comments from a few South Korean fans.

"Fan comments express belief that Son Heung-min's inclusion will bring a qualitative change to the match between South Korea and China."

"Although the Chinese team defeated the Philippines 8–1, the situation for the South Korean team should be very difficult, sseumnida."

In the eyes of South Korean fans, the Republic of Korea would never be defeated by China.

"South Korean team!"

The female host raised a clenched fist.

"Hwaiting!!! (Go for it!)"

Time quickly moved to January 13, the day of the Premier League's 22nd round match where Manchester United played away against Tottenham.

Though it was called the 13th, the match time was actually near dawn.

Although he still had to play against South Korea later, Tang Ye still chose to stay up late to watch.

He sent a text message saying "Go for it" to Rod and Marcus, then opened a pack of original-flavor Lay's potato chips.

Come on, brothers.

Dongqiu Di Match Report: Manchester United won 2-0 away against Tottenham, firmly holding first place in the Premier League; De Gea made 12 saves in a single match to force a clean sheet, while Rashford scored in consecutive games. (31,732 comments)

Repost: At 3 a. m., Tang Ye reposted Manchester United's official victory poster with the Chinese caption: Awesome!

【Manchester United is indeed in great form.】

【Damn, we're playing South Korea soon, and Ggbond still isn't sleeping!】

【Isn't the time difference in the UAE different? Besides, I often see Tang Ye online playing LoL after 12 a. m.; never seen him sleepwalk through any match.】

【Wait, is it really that hard to admit De Gea is the best in the world?】

【I am Guardiola, and right now I'm freaking out.】

Tang Ye had been extremely happy these past two days; the national team won by an eight-goal margin, and the club, being the strongest among the strong, secured their unbeaten record.

"Yes, yes, yes, when you prepare to dive, you must lift your foot up, otherwise you won't make it in time."

Master GG was very generous, actually willing to share the secret technique of his three-stripe slide-on-knees celebration with his teammates.

However, this thing seemed a bit too difficult to learn; after more than ten minutes, not a single person had mastered it.

"Tang Ye, how many years is the contract you signed with Adidas?"

Zhang Zhang Yuning suddenly thought of a question.

"Three years. What's up?"

"Then during these three years, you won't be able to slide on four stripes or five stripes?"

As a loyal fan of Tang Ye, Zhang Zhang Yuning knew Tang Ye's capabilities.

Four stripes and five stripes were no problem at all for him!

"Mm, but it's fine; to be honest, four stripes aren't very easy to pull off, so three stripes are the best."

Tang Ye crossed his hands over his chest, looking exactly like a grandmaster.

Zhang Zhang Yuning was Kung Fu Panda, the disciple of the grandmaster.

"How much money did they give you?"

Facing this question, Tang Ye squinted his eyes and said nothing.

"Ten million... Euros?"

"Haha, a bit higher."

Ooh!

Zhang Zhang Yuning exhaled a breath.

Top-tier stars are truly outrageous.

"King Ball Tang, if you become a coach in the future, will you teach your students this slide-on-knees celebration?"

"Damn, I think that's a very good question."

Tang Ye turned to look at Zhang Zhang Yuning: "If they want to learn, of course I will teach them. But I feel I probably won't become a coach; I have no interest in that, it's better to go up and play myself."

Saying this, Tang Ye juggled the ball a few times beside Zhang Zhang Yuning.

Ever since turning professional, he had grown to love this thing called football more and more.

It was truly so much fun!

"Beep!!!"

The whistle blew; the players who finished training gathered before Madaloni, and the Chinese team's assistant coach analyzed the South Korean team's match tactics in detail for the players.

Good student Tang Ye summarized several key points.

1. The South Korean team excels at midfielders making forward runs, thereby forming multiple receiving points in the attacking third. The Chinese team also likes to do this, but South Korea executes it more thoroughly; even their defensive midfielders will make runs all the way to the goal line.

2. Pay attention to restricting Son Heung-min's speed on counterattacks.

3. Beware of set pieces.

The first two points were characteristics of the South Korean team, while the last point had long been a regular fixture in Tang Ye's notebook.

Before every match, Madaloni would emphasize defending against corner kicks and free kicks, as if the Chinese goal would explode the moment the opponent earned a set piece.

"Let's not say anything else; just come on, okay? Come on!"

Madaloni hugged Tang Ye's head with his hands, as if hugging a ball.

Tang Ye did not know why Madaloni was doing this.

He only knew that whenever Mr. Assistant Coach spoke, the surrounding temperature would rise rapidly.

Passion was burning!

Match day!

The China-South Korea match was absolutely one of the focal games of this Asian Cup, so naturally, there was no shortage of fans around the stadium.

Barring any surprises, this should be the only match in Group C with an attendance rate exceeding 98%.

The host, the UAE, was very generous, hanging a giant poster for both South Korea and China outside the stadium.

The deadly part was that both posters felt very thick to the touch, and upon approaching them, one seemed to smell a strong scent of American banknotes.

This was a clash between China, the most valuable team in this Asian Cup (182 million Euros), and South Korea, the second most valuable team (84.35 million Euros), briefly termed the Asian Value Derby.

Outside the stadium, the Father of GG, Tang Tang Zhengxiong, accepted an interview with a Xinhua News Agency reporter.

"South Korea will definitely be an easy win; we already beat them once during the Asian qualifiers. As for Son Heung-min... to be honest, I don't think Son Heung-min will have a particularly obvious impact on South Korea's overall strength; after all, he is a winger, not a midfielder."

"It seems Mr. Tang is very optimistic about this match."

Tang Tang Zhengxiong adjusted his sunglasses: "Of course, those bastards are just like that; the Japanese dwarfs probably won't fare well either; I've looked down on Japanese people and..." since childhood.

Before he could finish speaking, the Xinhua News Agency backend cut off the live broadcast directly.

One mouthful of 'bastards', one mouthful of 'dwarfs'; Tang Tang Zhengxiong, what kind of devilry are you up to again!

……

"China Media Group! This is your live broadcast of..."

"The head referee is checking his watch!"

"The match has begun!"

South Korea (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Kim Seung-gyu

Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-jae, Jin Zhenzhu

Midfielders: Hwang In-beom, Lee Chung-yong, Jung Woo-young

Forwards: Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang Ui-jo, Son Heung-min

Head Coach: Paulo Bento

"As we can see, both teams are employing a 4-2-3-1 formation."

"As for the Chinese team, although they tried a tactic of deploying Tang Ye as a winger in the previous match against the Philippines, in this game Tang Ye has returned to his position as an attacking midfielder."

South Korea is absolutely an opponent that requires serious attention, so the primary objective for the Chinese team in this match remains stability.

Right at the start of the match, Son Heung-min quickly found an opening on the left flank.

Wu Xi moved up, preparing to challenge for the ball!

Slap!

Son Heung-min knocked the ball forward, then accelerated, directly avoiding a direct confrontation with Wu Xi.

"Oh!"

"South Korea's desire to attack is very strong!"

After completing the breakthrough, Son Heung-min accelerated forward.

He lofted a high ball toward the far post where Kim Min-jae was positioned!

After controlling the ball, Kim Min-jae kept it near the baseline; meanwhile, the Chinese defenders quickly retreated into the penalty area.

Let's see what South Korea plans to do next!

Kim Min-jae crosses!

It's aimed at Hwang Hee-chan inside the box!

"Stick to him, stick to him!"

Yan Yan Junling shouted loudly, and Shi Ke, without hesitation, decisively marked Hwang Hee-chan tightly.

Unable to complete a shot immediately, Hwang Hee-chan had no choice but to pass back.

The return pass went to Hwang In-beom!

A through-ball played back into the penalty area!

The one receiving the ball is Son Heung-min!

Bang!

The shot came out, but Yan Yan Junling easily parried it away.

Oof!

That was close!

Chinese fans suddenly felt the pressure mounting, and the players naturally felt the same.

"It's fine, it's fine, just watch your positions, watch your positions!"

Feng Feng Xiaoting signaled to his teammates not to panic.

South Korea earned a corner kick; Tang Ye stood in his assigned position.

Slap!

The corner was taken, and at the first point of contact, Yan Yan Junling punched the ball away with his hands!

The ball was already in the air, and players from both sides were scrambling for it.

Kim Min-jae won possession of the ball!

He immediately struck a long-range shot!

Bang!

Kim Min-jae struck with great force, but he didn't expect Tang Ye to suddenly slide out in front of him.

Tang Ye blocked the ball with his body!

"Beautiful play, Tang Ye!"

Getting up from the ground, Tang Ye didn't even have time to brush the grass clippings off his body before immediately rejoining the defense on the flank.

In this match, the South Korean team wants to score, because only by scoring and taking the lead can they secure first place in the group.

The Chinese team only needs a draw to secure first place in the group, but they still need to score to establish an advantage.

If they can build a significant advantage, they can test the shadow striker tactic during the final moments of the second half; this is what Lippi wants to do!

KOR: 61%.

CHN: 39%.

With many players from European leagues in their squad, South Korea's level of possession and passing is naturally impeccable.

Fortunately, the Chinese team isn't trailing by too much; 39% is completely acceptable.

After all, China is playing for depth, not frequency.

"Here!"

Raising both hands upward, Tang Ye received the pass from his teammate.

Passing from his left foot to his right, then pushing the ball forward with his right, he easily shook off the defender beside him.

He ran forward at his fastest speed while observing the position of his mid-lane teammate.

The chessboard was already set.

……

PS: Two more updates remaining.

(End of Chapter)