Chapter 876: Honored to Be China

The Baijiahao — Although the Qatar World Cup has a rule clearing yellow cards before the semifinals, red cards are mandatory and unaffected by this rule, meaning Zhang Linpeng cannot play in the semifinal match.

As the first team to advance to the semifinals, the Chinese national team arrived early at the host city, waiting for their next-round opponent.

France and Brazil — China’s semifinal opponent will be decided between these two teams.

“Actually, I think Brazil would be a more suitable opponent for the Chinese team.”

CCTV5+ special program: China’s football expert shared his views on the semifinals: “We say China reaching this stage is already a miracle, and it truly is. But we also know everyone hopes the national team can keep creating miracles. Well… in my view, along with other experts on the program, it would be much better if China’s semifinal opponent were Brazil.”

Brazil is a traditional football powerhouse.

Even among netizens with little exposure to football, the words “Brazil” represent the highest level of the sport — unbeatable.

Yet in recent years, Brazil’s strength has declined sharply and is no longer as dominant as it was decades ago.

For the Chinese team, Brazil is superior to France — the program’s experts provided a series of arguments.

1. France has Mbappé and Dembélé; either player is beyond China’s ability to handle.

2. After two knockout matches, the Chinese players’ energy is completely depleted, making it hard to withstand France’s fierce attacks.

3. During this World Cup’s group stage, Brazil made frequent mistakes, seen as a sign of poor form.

4. China previously faced Brazil in the Russia World Cup; for the Chinese team, Brazil is not invincible.

Based on these arguments, the task for Chinese fans is now clear.

Cheer for Brazil!

Brazil must defeat France!

…

Match preview: Quarterfinal — France vs. Brazil — Who will advance to meet China in the semifinals!

【Click to follow for match start reminders】

The World Cup is sometimes too dramatic — Brazil was the team that eliminated China four years ago, and now Chinese fans must step forward to cheer for them.

Neymar, if you knock out France, we’ll forget what happened four years ago!

【Cheer Brazil!】

【You know, I’ve always been a Brazil fan】

【Actually, having France advance isn’t bad — I like France. How about this: Neymar goes up and swaps a red card with Mbappé】

【Rodri and De Jong have already repaid their big brother’s favor — it’s your turn now, Deng. Referee, show him a red card!】

【Does anyone have the WeChat payment code for the referee of the France-Brazil match? Send it to me】

“Who does King Tang favor?”

In the hotel pool, the Chinese team players were soaking in ice baths.

“France will definitely win — Brazil has no chance.”

Tang Ye’s answer was so blunt that Zhang Yuning looked surprised: “I thought you’d say we should cheer for Brazil.”

“That’s different — I am indeed cheering for Brazil.”

“But you just said France will definitely win?”

“Cheering for Brazil and France winning are two separate things, Ning!”

Tang Ye shrugged: “I know Brazil will lose, but I want them to win — so I cheer for them.”

“Then your friends on the French team must be really upset.”

Hearing this, Tang Ye raised an eyebrow and rubbed his nose: “Heh, let them make the sacrifice.”

“Hah! Damn, that’s good!”

“Still, I do feel we have a chance against Brazil.”

Feng Xiaoting smiled: “I literally don’t know my own level anymore — we beat Spain, then the Netherlands, and now I feel we can beat Brazil — damn, this is insane.”

“That means we’re awesome.”

Tang Ye spoke with firm conviction.

“Come on, honestly — didn’t we play Brazil once before? There was some logic to it. Now we’re definitely stronger than we were four years ago.”

“What was it like playing Brazil four years ago?”

Wei Shihao turned to look at Zhang Yuning.

“How I felt is how you felt — aren’t we the same?”

“I wasn’t even on the roster four years ago.”

“Oh?”

Wei Shihao’s remark stunned Zhang Yuning: “What’s going on, Hao-ge? You didn’t play in Russia? Come on, snap out of it — your name is Wei Shihao!”

“Asshole.”

Poor Zhang Yuning was just scolded by Wei Shihao; Zhang Xizhe, who had been silent until now, finally spoke: “You guys are really confident — you think beating Brazil is guaranteed? Can you recover in four days?”

“Absolutely.”

As he spoke, Tang Ye sank lower, half his head submerged in ice water.

Feeling his statement was imprecise, he stood back up: “Anyway, I feel I can recover — though my shoulder still hurts a bit.”

He pinched his right shoulder — he’d been hit hard during the match against the Netherlands yesterday.

Other players also had various aches, and some might be even worse off than Tang Ye.

Young players in their twenties were fine, but for those over thirty, recovery was a real challenge.

Especially Feng Xiaoting — this center-back was nearly forty!

“Can you even run by then, Ting-ge?”

“Worry about yourself first!”

…

“Dembélé, right side! Move closer!”

“Griezmann.”

“Shoot!”

“Goal!”

“Dembélé!”