Chapter 546: Depleted Squad Advances to the Final (Everyday Transition)
The match ended.
Congratulations to the Bullfighters Legion for advancing to the World Cup final!
Li Kang contributed one assist and one goal, shining in Shengbidebao.
Is this his era?
It's a privilege to have witnessed his legendary rise all the way.
In a few days, Moscow will host the ultimate showdown at the pinnacle of the world, with France facing Spain.
At this moment, we can see most players on the pitch exhausted, lying on the grass.
The close-up shot went to Subašić, tears streaming down his face.
It's a pity that Croatia failed to break the World Cup record from twenty years ago, but they showed the world their tenacity and resilience.
The Checkered team can leave the World Cup stage with heads held high.
Modrić, a frail boy who walked out of the flames.
Dalić did not walk alone toward the player tunnel.
In the close-up: his face showed not a hint of dejection.
The commentator was momentarily lost for words: 'How can this guy's emotional stability be even more Li Kang than Li Kang?'
Victorious without excess joy, defeated without panic, possessing thunder in the chest yet a face like a calm lake.
This coach gathered all the players together; the spectators couldn't hear what he said, but from the gaze of the Croatians one could feel a strength: at the Qatar World Cup four years later, the Checkered team will surely create another miracle!
Rakitić and Li Kang exchanged jerseys.
The two, shirtless, embraced.
Perhaps it was their last encounter in their careers.
Li, is your ankle okay?
In the dying stages of the second half, the midfield battle was too fierce; Rakitić's defensive move went awry, and he accidentally kicked Li Kang's foot.
Li Kang shook his head.
The other players, meanwhile, were in bad shape.
David Silva's old injury flared up, and Busquets and Carvajal were helped off the pitch by the team doctor.
Even Ramos, who had contributed crucial defenses multiple times, got injured in his duel with Mandžukić.
Croatia's situation was no better.
Amid the Spanish coaching staff's celebrations, anxiety also arose: the Bullfighters Legion would have to enter the World Cup final with a depleted lineup.
Interview area.
Morata was spirited, using the camera's reflection to tidy his hair.
Media reporters were all curious.
Álvaro, why is your condition so good?
Other players had exhausted themselves, yet this guy showed no signs of injury or physical decline.
Morata thought for a moment and said, 'I usually pay attention to maintenance; this might be a talent.'
Flashbulbs flickered wildly.
The reporters couldn't help but remark: setting aside shooting skills, this guy Morata is simply perfect.
Post-match press conference.
Bosque repeated that old line:
"Today's match was tough; Croatia is a worthy opponent."
"Li was the key to victory; he alone changed the match."
"His presence put Spain's midfield in an invincible position; our opponents are Rakitić and Modrić."
"The final?"
"We certainly have confidence to defeat France and lift the World Cup trophy!"
"Regret is not a necessity for legendary players."
Moments later.
Dalić appeared in the hall.
"We have confidence to win the third-place match."
"Injuries and fitness are not obstacles for Croatia."
"The same goes for Spain; I fancy them to win the World Cup final, even if Li is stuck in a depleted lineup, his style resembles that of a Yugoslav player from the last century."
Online, publicity spread like wildfire about the news 'Spain advances to the World Cup final'.
Li Kang's highlight reel went viral worldwide again.
《The First East Asian in World Cup Final History》
《A One-Man World Cup》
《A Legendary Midfielder Etched into Football History》
《The Path to Godhood: A Comprehensive Analysis of Why Li Kang Is the World's No. 1 Midfielder》
《Depleted Bullfighters vs. Fully-Fit Gallic Roosters: Situation Not Optimistic》
《Cruyff: Li Doesn't Need the World Cup Trophy to Prove Himself》
《Beckenbauer: The World Cup Trophy Needs Li》
Comment counts, likes, and shares surged wildly.
【I watched Li Kang rise from the Lewokusen youth team all the way to the stage of the World Cup final.】
【At that time his body hadn't fully developed, there were many flaws, but his game reading, awareness, and passing rationality already showed talent of historic caliber.】
Step by step, he entered the realm of the Ball King.
The Ball King, trapped in a weakened formation, encountering a top‑notch Gaul rooster—who knows how it'll turn out? Football is a game of eleven.
Why has the French team been the big villain ever since the 1998 World Cup?
Cruyff lost to Beckenbauer in the 1974 World Cup final, and he naturally felt that Li Kang was just like him—no need to prove anything by winning the World Cup.
I hope Li Kang's life is as perfect as Beckenbauer's—winning all honors as player and coach, retiring to become a FIFA bigwig, with five or six wives and lovers, and fathering a bunch of children.
The red bus slowly headed toward their hotel.
Fans and tourists lined the roadside in endless numbers.
Security stood ready.
Li Kang's posters and jerseys were held aloft.
The mall's LED screen also happened to be playing Li Kang's ad.
It seemed as if all of Saint Petersburg were welcoming the football emperor's triumph.
Lee!!!
Lee!!!
Lee!!!
Minyanuo gazed at the surging crowd outside the window and couldn't help but remark, 'This scene is just like when people hoped Platini, Maradona, Baggio, Zidane, and Ronaldo would lift the World Cup.'
Bosque smiled: 'This is the charm of the World Cup.'
Li Kang had already fallen asleep on the bus; he'd eaten a green tangerine fizzy candy before the match, and afterward his spirit was drained.
Iniesta, Cazorla, David Silva, Busquets, and the others felt uneasy—because of their injuries, they couldn't accompany Li Kang for the final stretch of the World Cup.
Ramos repeatedly asked the team doctor when his injury would heal, even if he had to play sealed.
Pique quickly reassured him: 'What sealed play? I'm still on the back line.'
The Bullfighters would ultimately have to face the unstoppable French stars while shorthanded.
Li Kang returned to his room, half‑asleep.
A system notification chimed softly.
【Ding! Mission completed: The Beat of Miracles.】
【Mission feedback: Let the French warriors raise their blood‑stained flags—look, that terrifying tyrant is staring at us; on Moscow's soil a holy revenge awaits!】
【Congratulations on obtaining: World Cup·Mysterious Treasure Box.】
What a messed‑up feedback.
A treasure box coiled with black mist floated in mid‑air.
Li Kang still hasn't figured out the Mysterious Treasure Box's true rank—the odds of getting it are astronomically low.
In the dazzling prize pool, each legendary module was wrapped in black smoke.
【The treasure box is opening】
【Congratulations on obtaining: Supreme Will.】
【Effect: No stat boost—it simply lets you stand on the World Cup stage in peak condition.】
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
