Chapter 497: I'll Be the First to Kick It (Bonus Chapter, Seeking Monthly Votes!)

"Gooo——aaaaa——lllll!!"

"Oh my god, what is this! What is this!"

"Tang Ye! Tang Ye!"

"It's Tang Ye again! A direct free-kick goal by Tang Ye! China equalizes!!!"

【Hat trick achieved. You receive an extra 80 Counterattack Points.】

The System's voice rang loudly in his mind, but Tang Ye could hear nothing now.

Adrenaline and thyroxine rushed to his brain simultaneously, turning Tang Ye's eyes completely red.

"Ahhh!!!!!"

Reaching the area below the stands, Tang Ye yanked up his shirt, threw it on the ground, and then roared toward the spectators.

The jersey lay discarded on the grass nearby; in the camera frame, Tang Ye's six-pack abs looked as if carved by a knife.

He had trained his body for so long and specifically upgraded his Physical Confrontation Talent to 【Unparalleled Genius】 precisely to stand up and dominate the match at this very moment!

"Tang Ye!"

Players from both the field and the bench rushed over, jumping onto Tang Ye one after another as the Chinese team players formed a human tower once more.

"Oh my god!"

"Yes, 3:3, a hat trick from direct free kicks, and China has equalized. You might find it hard to believe, but this is exactly what you are witnessing with your own eyes!"

"With this single match, Tang Ye has demonstrated to us the true meaning of ultimate individual heroism!"

Check Dongqiu Di Live Match Report: Tang Ye scores with an heaven-defying curved shot straight into the top corner; China equalizes.

【????】

【??????】

【Wait, what is this?】

【66666】

When shock reaches its extreme, people are rendered speechless; even the typing ability of Chinese fans seemed affected.

Ending the celebration, Madaloni returned to Lippi's side with tears in his eyes.

Lippi kept his hands in his suit pockets.

"Change of plans."

"Prepare to win the championship."

"Oh GG Bond! A hero in a fairy tale!"

"Oh GG Bond! Hot blood flows in the heart!"

"Oh GG Bond! Everything is held in our hands!"

"Make the world a better place; persistence guarantees success!"

"Tang Ye!"

Bang!

"Tang Ye!"

Bang bang bang bang!

As the match entered the 113th minute, a player from the Japanese substitutes began warming up, clearly preparing for a potential penalty shootout.

Slap!

Ritsu Doan launched a long pass to Takumi Minamino.

Minamino surged down the flank!

There was truly no strength left, yet they still had to hold on.

Slap!

The cross came in; Liu Liu Yiming stretched out his foot to clear the ball, then collapsed to the ground.

"Huff, huff huff..."

In the camera frame, Liu Liu Yiming's expression was extremely pained; it was ultimately Zhang Zhang Linpeng who helped him up from the ground.

Thump thump!

Slowly returning to the defensive half, Tang Ye resumed playing as a defensive midfielder.

Since just now, he had felt as though stomach acid was about to surge up from his esophagus, and this sensation was growing increasingly intense.

But there was no choice; he could only hold on for now.

Bang!

Another clearance sent the ball away as the match reached the 121st minute.

With only one minute of stoppage time remaining before the end of extra time, Japan still maintained possession.

During extra time, Japan's possession rate had reached a terrifying 82%!

Okazaki Yuya Osako passed horizontally to Takumi Minamino.

Minamino took a shot, but mishit it completely; the ball struck Zhang Zhang Linpeng before flying out for a corner kick.

At this stage, both teams had exhausted their stamina, so distorted movements were inevitable.

A corner kick for Japan!

Slap!

The corner was delivered, with the first point of contact aimed at the center!

Bang!

Zhang Zhang Linpeng headed the ball clear.

The second corner is delivered to Ritsu Doan.

Boom!

Ritsu Doan wants to take a long-range shot, but Tang Ye blocks him.

With no other choice, he passes to Genki Haraguchi.

Genki Haraguchi shoots!

Boom!

Inside the penalty area, Zhang Zhang Linpeng, Wang Wang Shenchao, and Gao Lin all fall to the ground; ultimately, it is Wang Wang Shenchao in the middle who blocks the ball.

Tang Ye seizes the opportunity to kick the ball out of the crowd, followed immediately by Wu Lei.

Crack!

The Chinese striker clears the ball away with a single kick.

"Beep, beep-beep—!!!"

The referee blows the whistle signaling the end of extra time.

The score is 3:3.

But since this is a knockout match that must produce a winner, a penalty shootout follows next.

The players slowly walk toward the substitute bench.

"In this Asian Cup, neither the Chinese team nor the Japanese team has experienced a penalty shootout yet; one could say this is the first time for both sides this year."

"Yes, the Japanese team has many penalty takers from European leagues; although the Chinese team is somewhat inferior in this regard, they are not too weak either."

From Wu Lei's clearance, one can see that the Chinese team actually intended to play for penalties.

At least compared to the elusive open play, the Chinese team has a higher probability of winning the match through penalties.

The camera follows Tang Ye to the sideline.

After stumbling a few steps, Tang Ye suddenly kneels on the touchline.

Ugh...

Ugh, ugh...

"Hey, respect! Respect!"

Wei Wei Shihao and Gao Lin rush up to block the photographer's lens, preventing them from filming Tang Ye vomiting on the ground.

Of course, the fans still saw that scene.

This...

It seems the Chinese team's primary penalty taker is already completely exhausted...

"You have all done very well, okay? You have done very well; I am proud of you."

Rarely hearing such words from Lippi, the gathered Chinese players are still somewhat surprised.

"Now I need to confirm the penalty order for later; the first one..."

Speaking of the first one, Lippi instinctively looks at Tang Ye, who has not yet finished vomiting.

"Hiss..."

Logically speaking, the fiercest player should go first.

But the fiercest player on the national team has already completely burned himself out during regular time and extra time.

"Lei, can you do it?"

The pressure is immense, but Wu Lei still nods.

Yet the next second, Tang Ye walks up from behind.

"Let me take the first kick."

Tang Ye looks at Lippi.

"Are you sure? Are you sure you can take the first kick?"

"Yes, I will take the first kick."

Knowing how important scoring the first penalty is, Tang Ye naturally must go up.

"Alright then, the first is Tom, then the second is Lei. The third..."

【Can't catch my breath, brothers.】

【I've been watching from 12 AM until now at 3 AM, but why am I not sleepy at all?】

【The Japs got sniped three times in a row and still haven't died; are they really this strong?】

【I truly never expected it would go to penalties.】

After the two captains finish the coin toss, the penalty shootout begins quickly.

The goal is the one closer to the Chinese fans, and the Chinese team is also kicking first.

China:

Japan:

"The first penalty, China's number 10, Tang Ye!"

Tang Ye carries the ball into the penalty area; before him stands Shuichi Gonda on the goal line with a serious expression.

Tang Ye spins the ball twice in his hands, then places it on the white spot.

"Go!"

"Tang Ye! Tang Ye! Tang Ye!"

Beep!!!

The whistle sounds, and Tang Ye begins his curved run-up.

3, 2, 1...

Smack!

A gentle push shot aimed for the dead corner on the left.

Shuichi Gonda guessed the wrong direction!

Tang Ye raised his right hand, pointing his index finger at the fans in the stands.

"Wow!!!!"

China: √

Japan:

The first player for the Japanese team was Okazaki Yuya Osako, who also chose a push shot.

Goal!

Both sides scored one out of one, returning to the same starting line!

The second player up for the Chinese team was Wu Lei!

He ran up.

Smack!

The push shot was taken, hitting a fairly decent angle.

But Shuichi Gonda parried the ball away!

"Oh!!!"

"The Chinese team missed the penalty!"

Wu Lei covered his face with both hands, his shocked expression suggesting he couldn't accept the result.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry... sorry."

Walking back to the lineup, Wu Lei was on the verge of collapse.

"It's okay, it's okay, it's only the second kick!"

Zhang Zhang Linpeng and Gao Lin hugged Wu Lei.

As for Tang Ye, having just taken his penalty, he was now squatting on the ground.

Ggbond had never been this nervous in his entire life.

"Takehiro Tomiyasu... Goal."

The commentator's voice dropped.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu's goal, the Chinese team fell behind in the penalty shootout.

The camera panned to the stands, where a young fan who looked only four years old, wearing a Chinese team number 10 jersey, covered his eyes with his chubby hands.

His father was just as nervous as he was.

The third player up for the Chinese team was Gao Lin.

A direct volley, and the ball went in!

Then it was Japan's turn.

Wang Wang Dalei looked at the Japanese team captain, Maya Yoshida, with a fierce expression.

Maya Yoshida...

Bang!

The Japanese team captain blasted the ball into the stands.

"Beautiful!"

"The Japanese team missed the penalty! Both sides are back on the same starting line!"

China: √×√

Japan: √√×

"Roar!"

Tang Ye, who had been squatting on the ground, suddenly jumped up.

That feels good!

【Nice, thanks to the Japanese captain for the big gift.】

【This Japanese captain is no good; he choked at the critical moment, haha.】

【Damn, Laozi is going to have a heart attack from fright; dare you make it any more thrilling?】

【I'm watching the live broadcast in the emergency ward; totally stable, if I faint someone will save me.】

The fourth player up for the Chinese team was Zhang Zhang Linpeng.

This was the Chinese team's third captain for this Asian Cup.

Shot!

Goal!

"Three goals out of four kicks; if the Japanese team doesn't score their next one, the Chinese team can build an advantage, meaning they at least won't lose this round of the penalty shootout."

The next player up for the Japanese team was forward Takumi Minamino.

Placing the ball on the penalty spot, childhood memories raced through Takumi Minamino's mind.

Seniors, if you let me score this goal, I would accept even death!

Tatakae! (Fight!)

Bang!

A push shot was taken, but Wang Wang Dalei parried it away.

"Woww!!!"

The veterans of the Blue Samurai squad ultimately could not bring themselves to take Nanami Takumi's life.

"Japan missed the penalty; China takes the lead!"

China: √×√√

Japan: √√××

With five chances in total, China currently has three goals while Japan has only two.

The logic is simple: if China scores their next shot, they will secure victory in this match.

The next player up for China is Wu Xi.

"Brother Xi!"

"Let's go, let's go!"

The players cheered for Wu Xi as Gao Lin hugged him tightly: "Don't feel any pressure; if we lose, we can always play another round."

After exchanging encouragement with his teammates, Wu Xi took the ball and walked toward the Japanese penalty area.

"China!"

"Let's go!"

"China!"

"Let's go!"

Wu Xi made his preparations.

Beep!!!

After his run-up, he delivered a pushed shot.

Gonda Shuichi guessed center, but he guessed wrong.

"Goal!"

"Goal!"

With two shouts of "Goal!" ringing out, the Chinese players near the center circle had already started running to celebrate.

"Roar!!!"

Tang Ye tore off his shirt and embraced Wu Lei and Wei Wei Shihao.

"We won!"

"We won!!!"

He was so overwhelmed with excitement that his mind went completely blank.

The Chinese players now knew only one thing.

That was that they needed to shout.

To celebrate with their shouts!

"Haha!"

The Chinese players huddled together, and Tang Ye was quickly surrounded by his teammates.

"Come on, come on!"

Gao Lin and Wu Lei chased after Tang Ye, signaling for their teammates to hurry over and help.

"No! Haha! No!"

After running just a few steps, he couldn't go on; Tang Ye was finally caught by Wei Wei Shihao in one grab and fell to the ground.

All the national football players gathered together.

"Tang Ye!"

Tang Ye, right in the center, soared into the air at their call.

"Wow!!!"

Though he had been shouting "no" just moments before, Tang Ye was now already enjoying the sensation of flying.

"Tang Ye!"

"Wow!"

The Chinese fans cooperated perfectly; every time Tang Ye flew up, screams erupted from the stands.

"To all our viewers watching on television,"

"We do not persist because there is hope; rather, there is hope only because we persist. After ending regular time drawn 2–2 and extra time drawn 3–3, China ultimately defeated Japan 4–2 in the penalty shootout, successfully advancing to the final of this Asian Cup!"

"Tang Ye!"

Bang bang!

"Tang Ye!"

Bang bang!

Tang Ye was still flying in the air, not yet coming down; the live camera slowly zoomed in, allowing the fans to clearly see the smile on Tang Ye's face.

The scene suddenly shifted, and what came into view was a black-and-white photograph of Tang Tang Xianmin in the stands.

He, too, was smiling.

Their smiles were practically identical.

"Deng deng deng deng deng deng, deng deng deng!"

"Deng deng deng, deng!"

"Deng deng, deng deng deng deng deng deng!"

"..."

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Tang Ye scores a direct free-kick hat-trick; China draws 3–3 in extra time, wins 4–2 on penalties, defeating Japan 7–5 on aggregate to reach the Asian Cup final for the first time since 2004. (Comments: 242,381)

The Japanese team players stood dumbfounded on the grass, their head coach Hajime Moriyasu wearing a blank expression.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Standing on the sunny beach, a cold wind from the Sea of Japan blew up the bangs on the players' foreheads.

In the end, we failed after all...

I'm sorry, seniors...

A flash of white light erupted, and the players' consciousness returned to the stadium where they had just lost the match; an unprecedented sense of loss swept through their hearts.

Before them stood the giant Tang Ye, towering twenty meters high.

Tang Ye squatted down, looming over the Japanese team players like a monster, and spoke terrifying Japanese.

"Boxer shorts, boxer shorts (Weak, easily defeated)."

"How many floors for a bag of rice? (Make me feel pain?)"

"Daga, kotowaru! (No, I refuse!)"

"I gave too much rice! (Accept my pain!)"

Bang!

Takumi Minamino knelt on the ground.

He could no longer distinguish between reality and illusion.

"Captain Tsubasa Movie: Stormy Rise! Fierce! The Journey of the 2019 Asian Cup"

Episode 1: Setting Sail! The Goal is the Peak of Asia!

Episode 2: The Opening Match, A Powerful Middle Eastern Opponent!

Episode 3:...

Episode 14: The Crucial Battle, The Eastern Dragon's Counter-Attack Defense

Episode 15: Feigning Weakness at the Start, Falling Behind!

Episode 16: Absolutely No Retreat Allowed!

Episode 17: Extra Time, The Friendship of Childhood Friends.

Episode 18: Escaping Death, Minamino-san's World-Saving Wonder Goal!

Episode 19: China Concedes a Penalty, A Miracle for the Blue Samurai is Imminent!

Episode 20: The March of the Volunteers.

(End of Chapter)