Chapter 524: Twin Fang Battle (Daily Transition)

Krasnodar is located on the right bank of the Kuban River.

It is the largest economic and cultural center in southern Russia, nicknamed the Southern Capital.

In 1792, Tsar Catherine the Great granted this land to the Cossacks.

Thus the former name of Krasnodar was Yekaterinodar, meaning 'Catherine's Gift'.

This name continued until 1920.

A red ghost drifted over Europe.

Yekaterinodar was renamed Krasnodar, meaning 'Red Gift'.

During the World Cup, the city's tourist heat is on par with Moscow.

The accommodation and catering industries are welcoming spring.

Shukhov Tower, Winter Theatre Concert Hall, Sun Island Park, Krasnaya Street—crowds of people.

Once the open training day begins, the area where the Spanish national team's base is located becomes completely packed.

Li Kang couldn't ride a bike around Rey Island as he did during the French European Cup; compared to visitors from around the world, he finds it harder to feel the World Cup's cultural atmosphere during the offseason.

Inside the tactics room.

Mininyan worriedly asked, "Boss, is our deployment really this simple?"

Our main forces have suffered losses.

Next, facing a younger Portugal, another tough battle awaits.

Bosque patted his big belly, smiling warmly: "No need to overthink; just simplify the problem."

June 19.

Sochi.

Fisht Stadium, in the night, emits a soft five-colored light, like a transparent eggshell inlaid with jewels.

It is Russia's first large-scale stadium to adopt a fully transparent glass structure externally and a polycarbonate roof.

A sea of people, every seat filled.

The stadium's unique exterior design allows viewers in the upper tiers to gaze upon the Caucasus Mountains and overlook the Black Sea coast.

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"We are now broadcasting the second round match of Group B in the 2018 Russia World Cup."

"Spain versus Portugal!"

"Twin Fang Battle!"

"Iberian Derby!"

"The showdown at the peak of the Fisht Mountains!"

"In 1930, this land gave birth to the novel *How the Steel Was Tempered*!"

"At 33, Cristiano Ronaldo has endured hardships and been forged like steel. Can he achieve his wish in this World Cup?"

"Let's wait and see!"

The commentator organized his notes.

He had long prepared the lines: 'A mortal body rivaling the gods', 'Conquering half of heaven', 'Overlooking the world', 'Swallowing myriad miles like a tiger'.

Player tunnel.

The atmosphere was still harmonious.

B-section and A-section fans were relatively enthusiastic toward the Spanish team.

Pepe ignored the greetings of his former Real Madrid teammates, fiercely staring at Li Kang.

Cristiano Ronaldo gently patted Li Kang's shoulder, unable to resist wanting to check on his old rival's injury.

Human relationships are very subtle.

Even as early as two years ago, during the draw ceremony and the Champions League semi-final, the rising star from Lewokusen left a deep impression on him.

He subconsciously appreciates Li Kang's self-discipline, effort, calmness, and indomitable fighting spirit.

Unfortunately.

The European Cup massacre, the losses in two Champions League finals, and fighting side by side in the legendary match have made Cristiano Ronaldo feel both love and hatred toward Li Kang.

This strange feeling is as if he himself had been CPU'd!

Suddenly, Cristiano Ronaldo keenly noticed the camera moving.

He immediately restrained his smile, his face returned to a stern expression, and his gaze became firm as he looked into the distance.

Li Kang smiled.

A moment later.

Accompanied by cheers like a landslide and tsunami.

The referee team led the players from both sides out of the tunnel.

This match, due to the starting lineups of Cristiano Ronaldo and Li Kang, has attracted worldwide attention.

The ratings are approaching those of the 2016 France European Cup final!

"Next, let me introduce the starting lineups of both sides."

"Spain's formation is 4-2-3-1!"

"Goalkeeper: De Gea."

"Defenders: Carvajal, Piqué, Ramos, Azpilicueta."

"Double defensive midfielders: Li Kang and Koke."

"Central midfielders: Saul, Isco, Fabregas."

"Forward: Morata."

Live broadcast room.

【You guys call this lineup a "remnant squad"?】

【What the hell? Who told me to buy the lower half? Even if I haven't watched football for years, just from the name I know Spain's remnant lineup is strong!】

【Control-wise it's not as awesome as the "Midfield Five Absolutes," but its hardness and impact are stronger.】

【You brat, you better be talking about football!】

【Midfield Five Absolutes: Li Kang, Busquets, Iniesta, Cazorla, David Silva.】

【Li Mingdeng is a system player; with different teammates he can adapt to any system.】

"Portugal's formation is 4-1-3-2!"

"Goalkeeper: Patricio."

"Defenders: Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro."

"Single defensive midfielder: William Carvalho."

"Midfield: Bernardo Silva! André Silva! Bruno Fernandes!"

Forwards: Gonçalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Live broadcast room.

【Fortunately, neither team has many black eggs, unlike the French team.】

【It's been a while since I watched football, but Portugal's midfield lineup is not bad—Manchester City's B Silva, Barcelona's A Silva, Lisbon's super‑talent B Fernandes!】

【Cristiano Ronaldo has been carrying the team alone for so many years; he really needs to pull through until spring!】

【Come on, fight to get out of the group stage and break the record of zero goals and zero assists in four World Cup knockout stages!】

【In this match, the World Cup sponsors are going to go crazy!】

After the simple opening ceremony.

Li Kang took his position.

The system prompt sounded softly.

【Ding, mission triggered: that determined man.】

【Mission briefing: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, he will display unstoppable power and determination in this match, going against the tide, the Sochi night drenched in blood and tears, the Caucasus Mountains will tremble for him, the Black Sea shore will sing his praises, and he will once again shock the world!】

【Mission reward: Golden Treasure Chest.】

All those grand speeches look pale and powerless before the reward tier.

Li Kang bent down to adjust his shoelaces.

In the field of view, a white‑gold‑outlined phantom struggled out, leapt high, and before the "SIU" aerial spin move was finished, it was blown away by the sea wind.

Accompanied by the referee's whistle.

The long‑awaited Iberian Derby officially kicked off!

Spain had possession.

Morata kicked the ball back with his reverse foot, passing it to Li Kang.

The ball rolled quickly across the green pitch.

"The Spanish team is wearing white jerseys today."

"The Portuguese team put on red jerseys."

"The tempo is fast."

"Piqué launched the ball from the back, a long pass looking for Carvajal!"

The two bullfighter‑nicknamed fullbacks surged recklessly past the opponent's half.

Piqué's short‑to‑medium passes are strong and accurate, but his grasp of long‑pass arc and ball speed isn't good enough—this standard is relative to a super midfielder.

He rather likes this straightforward style of play; at least it's hard to lose focus.

Carvajal stopped the ball on the right flank.

Swinging his big hips, he cut toward the center!

Carvalho and Cedric simply couldn't keep up with his speed!

"I heard that after Lahm retired, Carvajal became the world's best full‑back!"

"Fonte's defensive positioning is excellent."

"Portugal's defensive line quickly contracted toward the center."

"Morata and Fabregas' runs were holding up play."

"Wow! Cristiano Ronaldo's defending is very proactive!"

Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted back from the front line all the way, deep‑tracking back!

After drawing most of the defensive pressure, Carvajal sent a diagonal pass!

Portugal's originally compact defensive line didn't have time to instantly widen.

In the right‑flank gap, a short‑legged, tall‑bodied figure emerged.

Isco.

"When did he swap positions with Saul?"

"Take it into the box!"

"A flashy, fluttering step!"

"That big butt! A dog‑style wiggle to get past!"

"He juked past Fonte!"

"A shooting lane opened up!"

"Wow, am I dreaming? Isco actually passed the ball!"

The Portuguese goalkeeper was very calm, closing off the near post in advance.

Unfortunately, the ball, from the space in front of him, drew an ambiguous trajectory and swept past.

This ambiguous trajectory left the goalkeeper unwilling to come forward to save and the defenders unwilling to clear backward.

The far post.

Fabregas, making a forward run, was about to face an empty goal!

Bang!

A strong bald figure stepped in first and cleared the ball.

Pepe.

His defensive play was very varied.

While successfully defusing the danger, he slammed his shoulder hard into Fabregas, sending him crashing to the ground in pain.

"What a shame!"

"Spain was just a hair's breadth from scoring."

"Pepe's defensive awareness has reached perfection; the older he gets, the more monstrous he becomes!"

"Fabregas got up and complained to the referee."

"Such physical contact in this situation is perfectly fair; the head referee wouldn't give a card!"

"Spain's corner kick!"

On the sidelines.

Minyano wore a grave expression, pacing back and forth.

Bosque sat on the bench, clapping happily.

The other side.

The 64-year-old Portugal head coach Santos stood calmly in the technical area.

His tactical style was not as cautious as it was two years ago.

Because he now has three talented midfielders—A, B, and Bruno Fernandes—who can supply ammunition to the forward line's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The livestream room.

【Isco, ever since he got a girlfriend, his explosiveness has weakened too much; if this ball were from before, Fonte wouldn't have had a chance to block it, and he'd have scored with one kick!】

【Pepe truly lives up to being a holy monk.】

【That brother who placed the multiplied bet, damn, this match could really end in a draw!】

【If it multiplied hundreds of times, would you swap wives?】

【This Portuguese team's defensive depth is much stronger than before.】

【No more goals in the first half; Li Mingdeng won't easily break through the opponent's goal, so go wash up and sleep.】

In the stands.

David Silva and Iniesta changed into casual clothes, their faces clouded with worry.

What they're worried about doesn't really affect the outcome.

"Pepe is testing the head referee's limits."

"How is he pressing up against Li now?"

Koke ran toward the right corner flag area.

Li Kang entered the penalty area to contest the point.

Isco, being relatively short, retreated to the outer second-point zone.

The two of them performed a simple rotation in this set-piece attack.

Pepe has gotten smarter.

Today he not only wants revenge, but also to win the match.

His body pressed tightly against Li Kang, he didn't resort to petty tricks but instead unleashed trash talk:

"If you dare to jump, I'll kick your pants to shreds."

"Marking you is as easy as lifting a glass of red wine."

Li Kang ignored him and made a gesture to the distant Koke.

After Koke responded with a gesture, he took the corner kick.

Smack!

The ball skimmed the grass, racing to the far right corner of the penalty area.

Isco trapped the ball.

Li Kang made a pulling-back run, dragging Pepe with him.

Morata made a crossing run, catching Fonte off guard.

Ramos, like a centre-forward, pressed down on Portugal's retreating midfield line and surged forward with force.

From God's perspective, the opponent's defensive line was thrown into chaotic disarray.

The sea breeze lifted the white hem of their clothing.

Li Kang suddenly cut back and surged forward, avoiding Pepe's charge.

"An opening has appeared!"

"Isco played a lateral pass."

"Li Kang is about to fake a pass and then shoot!"

"Elegant!"

"Wow!"

「Scalpel! 」

A Xi only felt a chill in his crotch.

Ka Wa Lue only felt a chill in his crotch.

B Fei only felt a chill in his crotch.

C Luo only felt a chill in his crotch.

The football was like a sharp blade, passing through the crotches of four players, cutting open Putoya's penalty area.

Everyone was stunned!

What the hell is this incredibly exquisite magic attack!

Dawei Xierwa and Yiniesita on the stands stared wide-eyed.

Goalkeeper Patelixiao quickly went down, his white gloves touching nothing.

The football clung to the post, lifting Putoya's net.

1:0!!!

Feishite Stadium, after a silence of a few tenths of a second, the stands all around erupted with a sound like a landslide and tsunami!

What a magic knife!

One kick pushed the ball through the crotches of four people.

"Beautiful!"

"The ball went in!"

"Elegant left foot!"

"He seemed to turn the football match into billiards, golf"

"Unbelievable trajectory!"

"Imaginative shot!"

"Putoya's talents became the backdrop for superstars!"

"Within just four minutes of kickoff, Li Kang helped the team open the scoring!"

"A splendid assist from Yi Si Ke."

Live broadcast room.

The big screen slowly replayed the goal process.

Li Kang made a classic move of a fake pass, real shot.

His left foot then pushed the ball.

Moving like clouds and water, graceful and elegant.

The football actually passed through the crotches of A Xi, Ka Wa Lue, B Fei, and C Luo without deviation, finally rolling into the net.

Putoya's dense defensive line was like a thin sheet of paper.

In an instant.

Li Kang's goal highlight was quickly edited into a compilation, going viral across the internet.

【Damn! Football can still be played like this!】

【So handsome!】

【If the World Cup had fixed matches, how many times would this attack need to be rehearsed? B Fei kept his legs tight enough.】

【This ball will be how many people's first love of football!】

【Are the brothers of the draw still okay?】

【Who said there's no ball? Come out and get beaten.】

【Putoya conceded this goal, part of the blame lies on Pepe; how could he be let out?】

【To be honest, Xibanya's tactical corner kick this time lacks technical content, far short of En Li Ke's level, but Li Kang's shot is too awesome!】

【Football is round, Putoya still has a chance; with this midfield-frontline setup, as long as Pi Ke zones out, they could equalize in minutes!】

Yi Si Ke excitedly embraced Li Kang.

Xibanya teammates swarmed forward, wildly celebrating.

Distant De He Ya, expression excited, arms flailing, not knowing whether he was celebrating or trying to warm up his body.

Someone was happy.

Someone was sad.

Pepe unwillingly pounded the turf.

C Luo stomped his feet in anger, face full of fury, really wanting to scold someone.

He pinched the captain's armband.

Endure.

Need to endure.

He rubbed his face hard.

Silently picking up the ball from the net, he turned and rushed toward the midfield line!

Absolutely must not replicate the tragedy of the European Cup final.

Don't rush, enter slowly. It was reviewed again, everyone go to sleep early.