Chapter 195: Dragonfly Touching Water

Bu Feng rubbed the back of the young club member's head.

He wasn't in a hurry to serve the ball.

At first, he was observing the number of pressing players Spain had committed in the front.

Mo La Ta clapped, gave Li Kang a thumbs-up toward the backfield, and quickly retreated.

The other goal.

De He Ya felt he needed to stay professional, raising his hand to swat at the fluttering moth.

Almost across the entire football pitch, he silently observed Bu Feng's way of kicking off while directing Sheng He Sai to mark Pei Lai.

Only this way wouldn't be so cold.

"Bu Feng didn't kick the ball directly upfield; he passed it to Ji Ye Li Ni near the byline."

"The goalkeeper's way of kicking off also influences the team's upcoming tactical tendency to some extent."

"At this moment, a long pass isn't possible; there's no numerical advantage in the second-ball contest near the midfield circle."

"Hey? How did Xi Ban Ya leave a gap in the second ball? Only Die Ge Ke Si Ta is pressing up front alone!"

"Die Ge Ke Si Ta's nickname is the 'shit-stirring' type of centre forward, having truly inherited the teachings of Xi Meng Ni and Mu Li Ni Ao."

"In terms of close-quarters entanglement, he alone can match two people."

"Ji Ye Li Ni really dislikes this kind of forward with psychological flaws; he quickly slipped the ball to the flank's Kan Dei Lei Wa."

"Under the influence of standing water, the ball nearly slid out of touch, yet it still wasn't challenged by any other Spanish player."

"Kong Di took a deep breath and rubbed his temples:"

"The match situation was a bit difficult; Spain did not pour in large numbers like Belgium did in the group stage to increase front‑court pressing."

"According to Italy's original pre‑match targeted setup:"

"Spain's midfield interception is weak."

"If they launch a front‑court press,"

"Italy would then let the steady Bo Nu Qi advance directly into midfield to find Pei Lai, who would then distribute the ball to both wings, thereby breaking through Spain's half in one go."

"This is a killer weapon aimed at Ba Sa's possession system."

"But..."

"Who would have thought that the 'Shi Yi Yao' Bu Si Ke Ci would actually be reduced to a substitute for the Xi Ban Ya national team? Hiding his talent in the group stage was bad enough, but he isn't even allowed to play in the knockout‑stage do‑or‑die match!"

"Mi Ni Ya Nuo hurriedly handed over the coaching staff's suggestion report."

"Bo Si Ke glanced briefly, ran out of the coaching bench, and, drenched in heavy rain, vigorously waved his fat hand at the players on the field."

"Li Kang understood instantly and quickly made a gesture to his teammates."

"Everyone understood."

"This was a tactical change the coaching staff had arranged before the match."

"The internationally recognized gesture comprises two simple elements: the tactical idea of 'yielding a second‑point gap' from Mu Shi Huang Ma, and the tactical form of 'splitting the battlefield' from Ma Jing."

"It's quite marvelous."

"The two elements are not contradictory when one holds a lead in score and yields a large area."

"What unfolded on the pitch left the Yi Da Li people bewildered!"

"Kan Dei Lei Wa surged down the flank, reached near the midfield, and lofted the ball to central Pei Lai."

"Pei Lai stopped the ball with his chest, feeling a bit unaccustomed."

"Nobody was closing in on him, and nobody was contesting him."

"The centre was empty."

"He instinctively wanted to square the ball to the advancing Fu Lun En Qi, but realized it was pointless..."

"Looking across the opponent's half,"

"Li Kang led the Spanish players from the forty‑meter zone, setting up a defensive formation."

"It was not zonal marking, nor a double‑line interception."

"Rather..."

"Forget it; Pei Lai also couldn't make sense of it."

"Even Yi Da Li's historically weakest number nine still passed the ball to Fu Lun En Qi."

"Meanwhile,"

"Accompanied by Kong Di's roar,"

"The other Italian teammates also surged forward desperately, pressing high, widening the attack, adding depth, determined to break through with an invincible armada!"

"Time ticked by second by second."

"Rainwater eroded stamina, yet it did not dull either side's fighting spirit."

"The Italian teammates were getting a bit anxious."

"Once the ball entered the forty‑meter zone, regardless of the attacking direction, Xi Ban Ya could always muster a local numerical advantage thanks to the wide‑runs of Li Kang, Sa Er, and Ka Suo La."

"The battlefield seemed to be split into countless fragments."

"Panicked Italian second‑tier attackers lost contact with their teammates and could no longer play their roles properly."

"Fortunately, Bo Nu Qi and Ba Er Zha Li's timely support always managed to narrowly defuse Spain's counter‑attacks."

"\"Xi Ban Ya has left a gap in the second‑point area from the midfield line to the forty‑meter zone... \""

"\"It's not pure zonal defending; Ka Wa Ha Er and Hu An Fu Lan's positions are more like two wide midfielders! \""

"\"They used their numerical advantage to cut up the pitch. \""

"\"Die Ge Ke Si Ta lurking in the opponent's back line makes the Yi Da Li people dare not let their guard down. \""

"\"Li Kang's vision seems completely unaffected by the rain; his prediction of Yi Da Li's overall attacking direction is too accurate. \""

Unexpectedly, in the rain match, Spain played very much like Madrid.

Both Royal Madrid and Athletic Madrid can seize the initiative even without possession! They stifled Italy's attacking rhythm changes.

At the Stade de France, the clamor gradually subsided.

Italian fans felt bewildered.

Spanish fans were equally perplexed: their home team's style of play... had never felt so unfamiliar.

The relationship between the two teams seemed to have reversed.

The shield was on the offensive, the blade in defense.

Li Kang played very easily.

He gradually tried to reduce his running range, even without personally directing, his teammates from Royal Madrid, Athletic Madrid, and Arsenal could still easily hinder the opponent's advance.

Top-tier ingredients...

Often, top-tier stars only need to adopt the most advanced tactical system to unleash power beyond their era.

The ability of Italy's midfield and forward players was completely inferior when matched up head-to-head.

However, Spain's counterattack after winning the ball, even if it could easily pierce Italy's high defensive line, could not threaten the goal under the opponent's three-center-back system.

With God's perspective, he observed Conte's hand gestures while moving to cover.

He still didn't fully understand 'Conte's three-center-back system'.

Perhaps if the current Italy team had a 12-year-old Balotelli and Pirlo, the situation would be different.

Ramos and San Jose felt very relaxed; they were like a wall, with an additional moving wall in front of them.

'Li Bu Si Ke Ci is really tough.'

'Casemiro alone doesn't compare to Li.'

Naturally, the most relaxed person is still De Gea.

To adjust his position, he calmed himself and pulled out his pockets several times.

He even couldn't resist wanting to touch the water bottle beside the goalpost, or change to a different-colored glove.

The 40th minute of the match.

Pei Lai charged into the thirty-meter zone, stopping Bonucci's long pass with his back to it.

He was about to pass the ball to the advancing Gariceni.

Suddenly he realized that the little dwarf leaning on him could actually, like a loach, poke a foot out from under his crotch.

Cazorla.

The Arsenal midfield master not only possesses delicate footwork, but also top-tier balance with both feet.

In close combat, his control over his own center of gravity has reached the level of perfection.

Combined with a smart mind and rich experience, in good health, unless facing a monster like Drogba, ordinary players simply cannot completely overwhelm him with their bodies.

With a smart mind and rich experience, in good health, unless encountering a monster like De luo ba... otherwise ordinary players simply cannot completely overwhelm him with their bodies.

Cazorla poked with the toe of his foot.

The ball instantly broke free from Pei Lai's control.

Yin Si Ke, who had come forward to support, touched the ball with a foot and passed it sideways to Li Kang in the left half.

Yin Si Ke, making a supporting run forward, touched the ball with one foot and passed it sideways to Li Kang in the left half.

"Spain's counterattack!"

"The ball speed is a bit slow due to the rain."

"Still, he stopped the ball."

"Wow! A through ball breaking through the rain curtain!"

Li Kang's motion from stopping the ball to delivering the through pass was done in one fluid motion.

Parolo, attempting to win the ball back, had not yet seen what happened.

The ball skimmed past the midfield line, like a blade, fiercely stabbing into Italy's half.

Diego Costa, this heavy bulldozer, kicked into gear!

"This pass was perfect!"

"Li Kang connection!"

"When did Juanfran and Carvajal get forward?"

"Both wings soaring together!"

Juventus' three center-backs quickly retreated.

They did not choose to shorten the distance and double-team forward, but instead widened the distance, formed man-to-man marking, and steadily withdrew.

This approach, contrary to traditional defensive thinking, effectively stifled Spain's width attack.

The edge of the penalty area.

The distance between the three center-backs suddenly shortened.

Buffon had ample time to position himself for a save.

The shooting angle was restricted to an extreme singleness.

The shooting angle was extremely limited and singular.

Diego Costa's explosive shot was once again firmly saved by Italy's goalkeeping god.

He angrily slapped the turf, splashing water all over his face.

The slowed Juanfran and Carvajal had no choice; if their forward passed the ball to them, they'd likewise fall into a dead loop, because Chiellini and Barzagli's positioning was so perfect that a slight mistake would waste the opportunity, and the defending of other Italian players would also be out of position.

Hu An Fu Lan and Ka Wa Ha Er, who had slowed down, were helpless; if their own centre-forward passed the ball to themselves, they would similarly fall into a deadlock, because Ji Ye Li Ni and Ba Er Zha Li's positioning was too perfect; a slight delay would miss the opportunity, and the defensive positioning of other Italian players would also fall out of position.

All we can say is... Juventus' back line won't suffer a second loss.

Unable to extend their lead.

Italy's defensive four are also at the pinnacle of Europe.

The bench.

David Silva and Yinniesita occasionally clapped and cheered.

Busquets suddenly said: "If the three of us start, the team would lose its midfield interception strength, and would likely be torn apart by Italy like Belgium..."

David Silva quickly waved his hand, retorting, "It's you two, it has nothing to do with me."

Yinniesita looked up at the night sky: "In a rain match, even if Xavi were on the field, we couldn't maintain possession play."

He was too embarrassed to say anything more.

Spain, lacking midfield interception, might be torn apart by Conte's "grassroots" Italy.

Bosque sat back on the coaching bench, took a dry towel and wiped his face.

Mininiano raised his fist, excitedly saying, "Boss, we can again maximize energy conservation and easily win the match!"

The Spanish head coach nodded: "Hmm, as long as we don't give the Italians a chance at set pieces."

On the other side.

Conte was anxious as if on fire.

He couldn't think of a way to threaten Spain's goal.

Beep! Beep-beep~

The head referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the first half.

The LED screen hanging in midair still showed the score 1:0.

"In a rain match, it's even more a test of stamina and will."

"Yet the Spanish team resisted wave after wave of Italian advances with the utmost ease."

"Dear viewers, please take a short break; we will now go into a fifteen-minute advertising break..."

The live broadcast room.

The number of viewers plummeted.

-【I'll go get takeout, be back in two minutes.】

-【Rain match is so boring, the ball spends most of the time flying in the air, not even reaching Spain's dangerous zone, neither side has a chance to shoot.】

-【Li Mingdeng has evolved again, with Saul this little engineer brother working, and Cazorla this super all-rounder, Spain's midfield interception has increased several levels! It's almost the strongest midfield barrier combination in Europe, only France's Pogba+Matuidi+Sissoko can match.】

-【If it weren't raining, Bosque and Li Mingdeng would have more options, likely able to secure victory early.】

-【Spain also can't threaten Italy's goal, Juventus' back line is very solid; I think even leading by one goal isn't safe enough.】

-【That's how cup matches are: the further you go, the more you rely on a flash of brilliance from a star.】

-【Leverkusen is a broken boat; little Li Zi's various stats are especially high; Spain is an invincible warship, his ineffective passes and runs greatly reduced.】

-【Conte is still awesome, playing a bad hand to this extent, Spain finding it hard to score again.】

-【The rain has lessened.】

Spain's locker room.

Yin Si Ke was using a dry towel to help Li Kang wipe his hair.

Bosque was moving the flags on the tactic board.

"We need to be careful of Italy's set pieces."

"Likewise, due to the harsh conditions, our open-play attack struggles to break the opponent's defense, and the chance to extend the score likely comes from set pieces."

It's a pity.

Spain's set-piece tactics, which they've been working on recently, are taken from Barcelona's Enrique and Bilbao's Bielsa.

Enrique, although called the "leash dog crown", has deep expertise in set-piece tactics.

Bielsa's study of utilizing high points in set pieces is also very thorough.

Mininiano looked at the teammates, silently counting: 1,2,3,4.... Who still dares to say our Spanish team is a bunch of midgets?

On the other side.

Italy's locker room.

Through the thick wooden door, one could also hear Conte's roar.

The rain stopped.

Both sides' players returned to the field.

Li Kang, under the urging of the coaching staff, changed into a brand-new jersey.

Saul still wore that jersey stained with mud, looking as if it had only been simply cleaned and briefly dried.

The Atletico Madrid youngster reluctantly said: "They say I'll still get dirty in the second half, so the remaining three jerseys are to prevent tearing accidents."

The coaching staff's concern is quite normal.

Not long ago, in the match between Switzerland and France, jerseys were torn five times, and the ball was even blown up by studs.

The drainage system of the Stade de France is good; thanks to the staff's efforts, most of the standing water on the pitch has disappeared without a trace.

"Good evening, viewers, welcome back!"

"We are now broadcasting the 2016 Euro Cup round of 16."

"The second half of Spain vs Italy!"

"In the first half, thanks to young Li Kang's long-range shot, Spain led by one goal!"

"Let's see what changes will happen in the second half!"

"Oh! Conte made the first substitution adjustment!"

"Insigne came on for Callejon!"

An excellent left winger from Naples, only 1.63 meters tall! He scored a total of 13 goals across all competitions last season.

Italy's formation should change to 3-4-3!

When Conte reappeared on camera, the gloom on his face swept away, and he looked radiant.

With a confident demeanor, he looked as if he had found the key to breaking through Spain.

Beep!

Accompanied by a whistle from the head referee.

The second half officially began.

Italy in possession.

Pelle kicked off and passed back to Parolo.

The midfield and forward zones of both formations immediately overlapped at the center circle.

The ball's passage on the grass was far more stable than in the first half.

Bonucci launched another long kick.

This time he didn't look for Pelle.

He looked for Insigne!

The left winger from Naples had dribbling ability a notch above all his teammates!

Before receiving the ball.

Almost all the forward teammates rushed toward his area.

"Insigne's tactical role is clearer! He is the depth point of Italy's left-wing attack."

"Take a look at Conte's new trick!"

"We must launch a bloody battle on the left flank!"

"Seize the opening of the second half!"

Li Kang was slightly shocked.

He somewhat didn't understand Conte's unconventional, crazy style of play.

But at the moment, his teammates had no time to react!

Insigne received the ball, turned, and began a fierce charge.

His defensive ability is poor, not meeting Conte's tactical needs.

But after all, he is the strongest dribbling master currently active in the Italian Peninsula.

Naples' left winger is the ideal breakthrough point for a do-or-die battle!

"Juanfran failed to intercept the ball!"

"Salvatore covering!"

"Oh no, Italy has too many players committing to the left-wing attack!"

"A beautiful one-two!"

"Gariciani!"

"The ball is back at Insigne's feet!"

"The speed is too fast!"

"Cut into the penalty area!"

"Italy caught Spain off guard!"

"Insigne, truly deserving of being Naples' deadly trio... the three little ones, truly the best partner of Higuain!"

The small figure in the blue jersey dribbled and charged into Spain's large penalty area!

Miniano was extremely tense.

Bosque's expression remained calm, because he saw Li Kang's figure.

As long as we neutralize this attack, Italy will no longer be able to threaten our penalty area in the same way!

Suddenly.

He stared wide-eyed in panic.

Inside the Spanish penalty area.

De Gea stood ready.

Ramos blocked Insigne's path forward.

San José observed that Li Kang and Cazorla had withdrawn nearby, and quickly came up to provide defensive support.

Unfortunately.

In the close-in instant.

His foot slipped, he lost balance, and as he fell to the ground... his right foot kicked the bouncing Insigne!

Naples' left winger fell to the ground.

The head referee's whistle sounded in time.

At the Stade de France, a roar like a collapsing mountain and tsunami erupted with cheers and astonishment!

"Penalty!"

"Insigne helped the team win a penalty!"

"A great chance for Italy to level the score!"

"Conte's adjustment bore miraculous effect in less than three minutes of the second half kickoff!"

"Suspense!"

"This Spain-Italy showdown remains full of suspense!"

"Ah! Substitution? Conte made another substitution adjustment at this time!"

"We saw Zaza standing on the sideline!"

"The former Apennine genius was called the combination of Dino Baggio and Christian Vieri!"

"As expected, he is Italy's secret weapon!"

"Edel, seeing the number on the LED substitution board outside the center circle, walked straight to the nearest touchline."

"Zaza quickly twirled his fingers toward his teammates."

"Conte clenched his fists, the night wind lifting the wet black suit coattails."

"Hope."

"Hope to equalize the score!"

"As long as we equalize, the balance of victory will tilt back toward Italy!"

"The other side."

"Minamino panicked, urgently saying: 'Boss, Zaza had few appearances last season at Juventus, the coaching staff lacks his key information.'"

"Bosque pressed his hands down, solemnly saying: 'Stay calm, Conte sent him on, surely to take the penalty; we must trust De Gea.'"

"Insigne and teammates celebrated with a fist bump."

"He is Italy's hero!"

"Just as he was about to pick up the ball and walk toward the penalty area, he saw Zaza's gesture."

"After a brief disappointment, he tossed the ball to the nearest teammate."

"Li Kang stroked San Jose's hair."

"Spanish teammates hurried to console this Basque defender."

"Can't blame him."

"Morata comforted: 'No time to be sad, this time the turf really is slippery.'"

"Zaza stood before the penalty spot."

"He began to step back."

"De Gea took a deep breath, making no exaggerated move."

"Indeed, Zaza is Conte's secret weapon!"

"Italy's best chance to equalize!"

"Spain placed their hope on De Gea!"

"All around the stands, Italian fans sang loudly, many elderly fans closed their eyes in prayer."

"Italian Broadcasting Television."

"Maldini focused intently."

"Baggio, with a pained expression, shifted his gaze."

"The shadows of the past still lingered in his heart."

"Accompanied by the referee's whistle."

"Zaza stepped on the edge of the penalty area, beginning his run-up."

"Taking strange little steps, a strange step rhythm."

"De Gea furrowed his brow, pupils constricting... in his career he had never seen anyone take a penalty like this!"

"A short 6-yard run-up distance."

"Like a puppet on strings, Zaza actually ran 18 steps,"

"His movements were so comical."

"Yet at this moment no one laughed."

"Stade de France, deathly silent."

"That was the penalty kick that would decide the match's outcome!"

"Bosque closed his eyes."

"Conte's face was icy."

"Thud!"

"After a long 4 seconds, Zaza's left foot lashed out fiercely!"

"The ball kicked up lingering spray, howling toward the stands!"

"De Gea stood rooted, dumbfounded."

"The stadium erupted!"

"Oh no! He missed the penalty!"

"Italy's best chance to equalize, ah!"

"Zaza knelt painfully on the turf, hoping this shadow would not invade his life!"

"De Gea made a mark!"

"Bosque let out a sigh of relief."

"Conte knelt on the ground, angrily pounding the turf."

"Secret weapon... the secret weapon he prepared to use against the Germans just fizzled out!"

"He took off Candreva and Edel."

"Italy had already lost the ability to compete with Spain in open play or even positional play..."

"Around Insigne's attacking pattern, it's impossible to let Spain be fooled again!"

"A desperate, back-to-the-wall fight... made the hope of the Blue Team's victory even slimmer!"

De He Ya took a goal kick.

He did not consider the overall tactics like Bu Feng.

Just pass the ball to Li Kang.

The next match.

For Spain, it became unusually simple.

Yin Xi Nie's defensive interception ability was far inferior to Kan De Lei Wa's.

Zha Zha, who hadn't seen action in a while, barely had any presence.

Li Kang took control of the match.

Passes of the ball on the grass grew more stable.

A combination of short and long advances easily tore apart the Italy team's weak midfield.

Sa Wu Er and the two full-backs' positions also moved further forward.

Soon.

Spain pinned the Italy team in front of the penalty area and besieged them!

Ba Er Zha Li, Bo Nu Qi, and Ji Ye Li Ni gave it their all, striving to defuse the opponent's attacks.

They were very tired.

Bu Feng was also very tired.

Only after the rain stopped did they fully feel how terrifying the invincible warship under Li Kang's command was.

It was not just a deadly pass.

But rather a change in the speed of the overall attacking rhythm.

Unless Wei La Di and Ma Er Ji Xi Ao were on the field, it was impossible to stop this Spain side.

The 70th minute of the match.

Bu Feng once again desperately blocked Die Ge Ke Si Ta's header!

The ball bounced off the baseline.

"A chance for a corner kick!"

"Li Kang... oh! It's Ka Suo La taking the kick."

"It should be a tactical corner kick."

"No, Spain has many tall players."

Ka Suo La raised his right hand.

Set-piece tactics, we've already worked out several variations.

Will not take action.

Two-step run-up.

At the moment of contact, the supporting foot suddenly slipped.

Smack!

The ball fell weakly into the penalty area!

Near post.

Bo Si Ke held down the shouting Mi Ni Ya Nuo.

Kong Di's expression eased slightly.

He will not give up easily.

As long as they win the next loose ball, Italy will get a chance to counterattack.

"Oh dear, after the rain the pitch is too wet; even a midfield maestro like Ka Suo La would slip!"

"Near post!"

"Li Kang's judgment of the ball's landing spot is too accurate."

Li Kang took a few steps to the landing point.

He slightly lifted his head, gazing at the ball plummeting down.

No spin.

The force was moderate.

From God's perspective, the positions of Yin Si Ke, Sa Wu Er, and others had long been observed.

There are many possible passing lanes...

Suddenly.

In his vision, a bald phantom appeared once again!

Yin Xi Nie reacted first, taking small steps and rushing toward Li Kang.

Although he is short, he must definitely interfere with Spain's number six's distribution!

Hey, that kid surely still needs to trap the ball and then adjust!

He hadn't taken a few steps.

Only then did he realize everything was too late.

France Stadium.

Everyone, following Li Kang's movements, involuntarily held their breath.

The red jersey fluttered in the night wind.

The blue shoes lifted slightly.

The ball landed quietly on Li Kang's heel, then sprang toward the vicinity of the penalty spot.

That was an indescribably graceful action.

Like a dragonfly skimming the water.

The severed killing intent was renewed.

Mo La Ta looked bewildered.

Ji Ye Li Ni was startled.

Unexpected!

The whole Italian defense line also didn't expect Li Kang to be able to use his heel to send such an exquisite pass in that situation!

In an instant.

The Chelsea striker lurking in the penalty area leapt up energetically.

No one could interfere with him!

The ball lightly struck Die Ge Ke Si Ta's forehead, then turned into a fierce, violent phantom, blasting toward Italy's goal!

A flawless header!

Bu Feng guessed the direction right, but was still a few tenths of a second slow.

The purple glove trembled lightly in the air.

The Blue Jersey Team's net was lifted again!

2:0!!!

Italy's last hope was completely crushed!