Chapter 404: Opening Match Kicks Off (Daily Transition)

There are still 4 days until the opening ceremony of the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Li Kang, who had no training duties, arrived in Moscow accompanied by staff.

The Russian capital in June was cool and pleasant.

The assistant flipped through his phone, repeating the list of handicrafts he needed to buy.

"I've noted it down—I need to buy Russian nesting dolls, carp-shaped lanterns, and matryoshka dolls."

Of course, the main purpose wasn't to come buy souvenirs.

But Li Kang and Messi jointly became the advertising faces for Mengniu dairy's 2018 World Cup campaign.

From 1930 to the present, this is the first time a dairy brand has appeared in the World Cup sponsors list.

The filming base.

Messi simply waved and greeted.

He wanted to speak but held back, merely shyly rubbing his ear.

Where is there any airs of a superstar?

"Li, your injury..."

Li Kang shook his head, indicating it was nothing serious.

"Barça isn't the same as before..."

Indeed it isn't; as Klopp's most admired disciple, Valverde has built a Barcelona that is the best defensively and most balanced overall in twenty years.

Messi also truly transformed from a right-wing attacking core into a deep-lying midfield playmaker.

His position was moved back, anchoring the midfield alone doing the work of 'Xavi+Yinniesita'; although tiring, his ability to organize and link play, passing precision, match reading, vision, imagination... all saw a leap forward.

Barcelona fans were unhappy, launching criticisms, believing Valverde would ruin Messi.

Clap clap clap!

The bearded director applauded loudly, cutting off Messi's 'village, companions, bonds'.

"Everyone's here! Get to work!"

The filming content is simple.

Messi lay face-up on the turf.

Later a voice-over script will be added: "I am Leo Messi, I..."

Li Kang merely wore a cast, trying a few volleys.

Mengniu dairy's 2018 World Cup promotional theme is 'Born to Be Strong'.

From Messi, who overcame growth hormone deficiency to become a football giant, to the Arsenal core who played in the Champions League final with bandages, they both suit this theme perfectly.

At the moment of parting.

The bearded director pulled out Chelsea and Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atlético Madrid jerseys from his bag, eagerly offering a signature pen.

Li Kang laughed and shook his head.

The assistant looked disgusted: "Sign after the transfer is done; besides, the jersey has no number! Weren't you just saying you're an Arsenal fan?"

The bearded director's expression turned serious: "Whichever club Li goes to, I'll be a fan of that club."

Li Kang and Messi didn't have much time to catch up; they might even meet again next season in the Champions League.

He and the assistant rushed nonstop to the 2018 World Cup Organizing Committee office.

The person in charge, Alexey Sorokin, warmly welcomed them.

He quickly poured two cups of tea.

People in Moscow like tea; according to 2017 statistics, Russia's tea consumption ranks fifth worldwide.

After a few pleasantries, this guy furtively drew the blinds.

"When we saw Ms. Skaya's proposal... we hesitated a bit, even though she would cover the endorsement fee."

"It was Mr. Wenger's suggestion that let us finally decide: let you become the 2018 World Cup ambassador!"

"Mr. Wenger's suggestion?"

The assistant looked bewildered.

Sorokin smiled and nodded: "Soon, Mr. Wenger will take up the post of FIFA World Football Development Director."

FIFA?

The assistant excitedly couldn't help jabbing Li Kang with his elbow.

Bayer Legal plus FIFA—this backing's deep defense is too formidable.

There wasn't an overly redundant process.

Both sides quickly signed the 2018 World Cup ambassador contract.

As for the work details, the committee hopes to arrange Li Kang's duties after his injury heals.

June 17.

Along the banks of the Neva River, lights shimmered.

Saint Petersburg Stadium resembled a great ship, quietly lying on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.

Tens of thousands of fans from around the world gathered here.

The opening match of the 2017 Confederations Cup officially kicked off.

The Russian president, FIFA chief Infantino, Pelé, and others were present in person.

After a series of speeches,

On the pitch began a splendid opening performance.

The mascot, Zabivaka, bounced onto the field.

On the Spanish bench, Diego Costa jabbed Li Kang with his elbow.

Quick look, that's Luobilaiwa!

Beautiful and generous Russian supermodel!

I heard she's 34 years old this year, and still a mother of four!

Li, you don't like this energetic older sister type?

The brief and enthusiastic opening ceremony made Li Kang unconsciously clap along with the audience's cheers.

He couldn't hear clearly what the companions beside him were saying.

CCTV5! CTV5! Good evening, audience friends!

Now broadcasting to you is the opening match of the 2017 Confederations Cup!

Group A first round: Russia vs Spain!

The showdown between the host and the European Cup champion!

This Confederations Cup can be seen as a preview of the 2018 World Cup, VAR replay technology will be used for the first time in an international tournament!

Next, we'll introduce the starting lineups of both sides.

Russia's formation is 3-4-3!

Goalkeeper: Ajinfeiyefu.

Defenders: Zujia, Waxin, Kudeyashou.

Midfielders: Sameidou, Gelushako, Yeluojin, Rierkufu.

Forwards: Boloz, Smolof, Gelowan.

On the other side, Spain's formation is 4-3-3!

Goalkeeper: Deheya.

Defenders: Kawahar, Pike, Lamos, Erba.

Midfielders: Sauer, Fabulejiasi, Keke.

Forwards: Nolituo, Molata, Pedro.

Live broadcast room.

Bullet comments flying everywhere.

-【Luobilaiwa's figure is really good, I like her healthy skin tone.】

-【Can these two lineups compare? The host isn't even a gap for the European Cup champion!】

-【Don't underestimate Moscow Central Army and Shengbidebao Zenite, these two Russian superpower clubs! Almost all the players in Russia's starting lineup come from these two clubs.】

-【The strength and chemistry of the Champions League top 16 are enough to make Spain drink a pot.】

-【The biggest problem of the national team is that overall cohesion is inferior to clubs.】

-【Watch the game well, the Confederations Cup group stage, it's not a life-or-death battle, no one will go all-in, right?】

-【Li Mingdeng and Diegesita didn't play?】

After the match started.

Russia's performance amazed all the spectators.

The host didn't turtle and park the bus in the opening match!

They displayed momentum at home, engaging in fierce back-and-forth with the bullfighters' army.

Beautiful!

Sauer intercepted in the front and passed it to Fabulejiasi to handle!

Perfect lofted pass!

Molata made a run!

The ball went in!

Spain broke the deadlock!

Huh?

Goal invalid!

Molata let VAR video replay technology make its debut on the international arena!

Offside!

Hmm... was it offside because of hair?

Goal cancelled!

Molata spread his hands towards the assistant referee...

The assistant referee smiled, shook his head indicating it had nothing to do with him.