Chapter 744: Tang Ye and C. Ronaldo's Little Squabble

《Sports Weekly》front-page headline — 4 rounds, 10 points, China's best-ever start in the Asian Qualifiers 12-team stage — has the World Cup ticket already been secured?

After the 4th round concluded, the situation in Group B also became clear — first and foremost, it was China and Japan, these two teams.

When the groups were first drawn, it was already predicted that China and Japan would form a separate tier within Group B, above the other four teams, and right now it does indeed look that way. After all, these two teams, whether in terms of squad strength or coaching ability, are far stronger than the other teams in the group.

In the neighboring group, South Korea and Iran are in a similar situation.

So has China's spot in the World Cup proper already been secured?

"Yes!"

"Secured!"

Li Li Laoba, brimming with confidence: "I want to reiterate again, I don't really watch the national team's matches — unless Tang Ye is playing, then I'll take a look. Let me tell you all, based on the recent Asian Qualifier matches, in my eyes China has already been pre-approved for a World Cup proper spot."

"Or rather, already been pre-approved for a knockout-stage spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar (Manchester accent)!"

Although Li Li Laoba is a bit abstract, his exaggerated reaction actually mirrors the current state of China's national team fans.

Currently the two most confident fan bases in global football.

First, Manchester United.

Second, the China national team.

Setting aside the fans' perspective and looking at it from the China national team players' angle, drawing 2:2 with Japan in Japan's home stadium is indeed a very good result.

An away draw, then take all 3 points at home — the script seems to have already been arranged!

As for Tang Ye himself, his trip to Japan this time was actually slightly awkward.

At first it was quite nice — he ran into a Japanese female fan who supported him and received her blessing.

The fan's blessing gave Tang Ye a rather good impression of Japan.

But during the match he was taunted by a Japan national team player, which was really hard to stomach.

As for that movie…

The corner of Tang Ye's mouth twitched.

To be honest, he had thought Tao Tao Naimu was a movie star at the time, but he really hadn't expected her to be that kind of movie star.

On Check Dongqiu Di, fans were either celebrating China's 10 points in 4 rounds, or teasing Tang Ye about the Tao Tao Naimu incident.

【Tang Tang Qiuwang, I'm begging you, shoot one! (crying) (crying) (crying)】

"……"

Absolutely hateful — Tang Ye turned off his phone and decided not to look at the news for the next few days.

……

AFC Official — Asian Qualifiers October Players of the Month by Position.

Goalkeeper: Shuichi Gonda (Japan).

Defender: Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan).

Midfielder: Tang Ye (China).

Forward: Azmoun (Iran).

Head Coach: Ferran Escriba (China).

《China Sports Daily》reposted AFC news: Due to targeted remarks about the referee after the match, the AFC will fine China head coach Escriba $20,000; in addition, the AFC committee will open an investigation into Japan forward Okazaki Yuya Osako's celebration gesture.

October 21st, 21°C, moderate rain.

"Dembélé's decision-making here is a big problem!"

"I think he could have passed to Rodri instead — he didn't have to pass to C. Ronaldo. C. Ronaldo's position just now was really quite average."

"Manchester United's corner kick…"

*Smack! *

Dembélé takes the corner.

Near post position.

C. Ronaldo!

He jumps up, but Manchester United fail to get the ball at the first post.

Far post.

Tang Ye, no one knows when, had crept over — he lifted his leg and pulled off an alley-oop.

*Smack! *

Goal!

52nd minute of the second half — the first goal of this match!

From Tang Ye!

【Quest Progress: Goals (4/8)】

"We can see that, although Sevilla played very resiliently in the first half and successfully dealt with Manchester United's attacks on multiple occasions, in the end they still couldn't hold on…"

Visiting team head coach Lopetegui kept shaking his head, followed by a sigh.

The gap in quality between the two sides was simply too great — no matter how he tweaked his tactics, it was useless.

And what about Ten Hag on the other side?

He only needed to sit there and wait for the goals!

……

Direct free-kick opportunity — Tang Ye and C. Ronaldo are chatting.

C. Ronaldo seems to have a particular fondness for direct free kicks; after receiving a clear refusal from Tang Ye, he tried once more to ask for the chance.

"No, this one won't work."

Tang Ye still shook his head: "You've already taken one before. If we work a set piece, we can let you take it, but this one's from too far out — no need for a dummy-run routine."

Tang Ye's implication was that Cristiano Ronaldo's direct free-kick ability wasn't worth him making any concession.

"Then give the next one to me."

Cristiano Ronaldo spread his hands and said nothing more.

"Beep!!"

A simple observation showed the distance was actually quite far.

3, 2, 1...

Tang Ye accelerated quickly, readying himself.

Bang!

The direct free-kick soared out, passing its highest point.

Bounou!

No contact!

"Gooo——aaaa——llll!!!"

"Beautiful!"

"The second goal of this match!"

"Still from Tang Ye!"

【Mission Progress: Goals (5/8)】

"Wow!!!!"

"Tom!! Tom!!!"

"..."

"Switch positions!"

"B. Fernandes is moving to the center."

"He receives Rodri's pass!"

"A direct shot!"

Slap!

B. Fernandes' shot struck Koundé, and the ball rebounded out.

But it wasn't a big problem; B. Fernandes quickly regained possession.

"Here!"

Cristiano Ronaldo called for the ball from B. Fernandes.

Uncertain if such a pass was feasible, B. Fernandes chose to look for Tang Ye first.

Watch what Tang Ye does!

With a flick of his right foot, Tang Ye suddenly cut inside into the penalty area.

Aiming for the gap between Carlos and Fernando, he decisively delivered a low driven shot.

"Gooo——aaaa———llll!!!"

"Hat-trick! It's a hat-trick!"

【Awesome, awesome!】

【Why is Sevilla so weak? I remember they were supposed to be quite strong.】

【Laughing to death; this goalkeeper can't even see the ball.】

"Tang Ye!"

"The first hat-trick of the season for Manchester United has been born!"