Chapter 542: The Rhythm of Miracles (Daily Transition)

Li Kang and his teammates arrived early at Shengbidebao.

The coaching staff rented the hotel's conference room, and everyone watched France's qualifying match together.

Didn't think too much.

If we can't get past Croatia, all our research on France will come to nothing.

Nor did we have the heart to empathize with France and Brazil's post-match joys and sorrows.

Because tomorrow, we could also become one of the parties.

Miniano said: "Everyone, go back and rest early!"

With the big match imminent, the coaching staff had no high-intensity training these two days.

Everyone stood up and went to their own rooms.

Isco looked at Morata and suddenly asked: "Do you think playing Belgium is tough, or is Croatia harder to deal with?"

Morata without hesitation: "We've already beaten Belgium in one-on-one matchups, so of course it's Belgium, but wanting to beat Croatia is much harder."

De Gea is an anime fan; after thinking, he said: "It's strange, I feel Croatia is a bit like the protagonist of a hot-blooded anime."

Li Kang sat on the chair.

The Tactical Palace of God's perspective glowed with a faint white light.

One after another, classic World Cup fragments floated into mind.

The century showdown between Cruyff and Beckenbauer.

Maradona's coronation journey.

Baggio's lone legend.

Zidane's strategic planning.

Finally, all the legendary phantoms faded away one by one.

They could no longer give Li Kang any substantive improvement, not even in concept.

On the other side.

Croatia's hotel where they stayed.

Modric organized all the draft papers and stuffed them into his suitcase.

With the big match imminent, head coach Dalic surprisingly allowed players to use their phones.

Rakitic called his father.

Lovren called his football enlightenment coach from his time in Germany.

The coaching staff didn't utter any inspiring words.

Most people have experienced the deep bone-marrow pain brought by war.

Football is the calling card that a newborn small nation presents to the world.

July 12.

The Saint Petersburg Stadium on the shores of the Gulf of Finland shone with brilliant colors.

It is the final work of Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.

It embodies the ultimate essence of the "Metabolism" school, but it's too expensive, costing 1.4 billion euros, which is four times the amount of the Emirates Stadium.

Sixty-eight thousand fans from around the world filled the four-sided stands.

Their fervent eyes were full of anticipation.

They anticipated witnessing a splendid showdown tonight.

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"We are now broadcasting live the 2018 Russia World Cup semifinal!"

"Spain versus Croatia!"

"Li Kang and Modric, two generations of genius midfielders, are about to stage a head-to-head showdown on the World Cup stage!"

"Will the Invincible Fleet sing triumphantly, or will the Checkered Army create a miracle? Let's wait and see!"

Pre-match press conference.

Bosque still wore a gentle smile, making it impossible for media reporters to gauge his pre-match mood.

"Croatia is a great team."

"A month ago, few believed they could reach the World Cup semifinals!"

"I have seen the tenacious and resolute spirit in many players."

"We will give our all and respect the opponent."

The old coach felt bitter inside.

He only regretted that the Three Lions were useless.

Even if Spain beats Croatia, they will be stripped of a layer; by then, what will they have left to play France in the final?

He shook his head.

Bosque shook off the messy emotions; the upcoming match is more important, and beating Croatia is no simple task.

As long as Li Kang stays uninjured, he remains quite confident.

On the other side.

Dalic appeared "more" calm.

He was accommodating, patiently answering reporters' questions.

He didn't use any clichéd motivational phrases.

He seemingly did not feel proud of his team's performance.

If it were Enrique instead, that guy would definitely turn the pre-match press conference into a "success studies" lecture.

Tonight's match will be tough, but we have made thorough preparations.

Player tunnel.

Both sides warmly shook hands and simply embraced.

Many play for the same club: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid.

Koke and Vrsaljko encouraged each other.

Ramos, Carvajal, and Modrić chatted amicably.

Rakitić and the Barcelona contingent exchanged pleasantries.

Enthusiasm could not hide the inner nervousness and excitement.

After a moment, both sides ceased communication.

The spacious tunnel discharged two lines.

One side hopes to return to the pinnacle of the world, while the other hopes to break the World Cup semifinal history from twenty years ago.

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

Under the night breeze, the Russian World Cup flag on the green pitch swayed like a graceful dancer twisting her waist, echoing the cheers of a mountain-collapse, sea‑roar.

"Next, I will introduce the starting lineups for both sides."

"Spain's formation is 4-1-4-1."

"Goalkeeper: De Gea."

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

"Single defensive midfielder: Busquets."

"Attacking midfielders: Cazorla, Li Kang, Iniesta, David Silva."

"Forward: Morata."

Live broadcast room.

{Veteran's return. }

{If in a game, this group of technical midfielders would be awesome together; unfortunately, in reality their ages differ too much. }

{What is the strongest midfield configuration within these 60 minutes? }

{It depends on the match intensity; facing the fearless Croatia, this Spanish midfield combo can at most hold for 45 minutes. }

{Bosque wants to fix the defensive shortcomings, first stabilize the first half! }

{Carvajal has never suffered against 'Roberson', but he will be restrained by Mandžukić, which can be said to be his nemesis. }

{Don't panic, you should trust the odds and spreads; I think this match will be a one‑sided rout! }

"Croatia's formation is 4-2-3-1."

"Goalkeeper: Subašić."

"Defenders: Strinić, Vida, Lovren, Vrsaljko."

"Double defensive midfielders: Brozović, Rakitić."

"Attacking midfielders: Perišić, Modrić, Rebić."

"Forward: Mandžukić."

Live broadcast room.

{How amazing! }

{However you look at it, this lineup isn't weak either; why call Croatia a dark horse? }

{Don't be a Monday‑morning strategist; you need to see what teams they've beaten to reach the semifinals — for Croatia, that's a miracle. }

{Croatia have played two consecutive extra‑time matches; these veterans now look spirited and formidable, truly frightening. }

{A group of war refugees, they grew up amid conflict, their childhood shadowed by gunfire and life‑and‑death partings, naturally forging an indomitable fighting spirit of pressing forward despite death. }

{Li Kang vs. Modrić, destroyer‑type midfielder vs. creator‑type midfielder. }

The guessing segment ends.

Li Kang takes his position.

The system prompt sounded softly.

{Ding! Mission triggered: Rhythm of the Miracle. }

{Mission brief: When sunlight kisses his fertile land, when the wild wind sweeps his oak, when heaven calls away his beloved. }

{Mission reward: World Cup·Mysterious Treasure Box. }

(End of chapter)