princely elegance

Chapter 154 You are the future leader

Although the quarter-finals appeared, the last two group matches still attracted many fans.Of course, they were all here to watch the match between the big boss Argentina and the dark horse Paraguay.As for the match between Colombia and the United States that started first, if the two games were not played in the same stadium, I am afraid that not many people really came to watch them.

In the end, the game where both teams fought for honor ended in Colombia's victory. Castelon scored the only goal of the game and saved the last face for the declining Colombia.The United States, the champion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, finished last in the group stage with a record of 3 losses.

After the game, Argentina, who had been ready for a long time, began to enter the stadium to warm up.This time in the game, Basile replaced most of the players, but he was really frightened, and he didn't want any more main players to be injured.

Of course, it is impossible for anyone to rotate the goalkeeper. Similarly, the defense needs a pincer, so Inter Milan captain Zanetti, who has always had excellent physical fitness, still appears in the starting lineup.In the midfield, Cambiasso, who had a relatively light task in the previous two games, was able to continue to start, while the core position of the midfield was given to Veron.The forwards, Milito and Carlos Tevez, finally tasted the taste of the starting lineup.

The tragic Gago and Messi had to be on the bench.

"Coach, I don't think there is any problem with my physical fitness."

Gago clasped his hands together to Basile, praying.

"Fair, am I afraid that you will get hurt? Well, don't be self-willed. Although young people are in good health, they cannot be overdrawn without limit. This will make your career short."

Basile explained with a gentle face, as if coaxing a child. Not far from Gago, Messi, who had been paying attention to this place, also collapsed when he heard it.It seems that there is no hope of starting the game.

"I hope that Paraguay will be strong and not easily defeated by the substitutes."

Little Tiaoshao thought darkly.

And Paraguay's lineup also surprised Basile, who also came off the bench. It seems that for the more important knockout game, they have begun to save their strength.

"That's good, this game can be easily won."

Basile thought this way psychologically, but the development of the game did not follow the direction he thought.Substitute vs. substitute Argentina was unable to score a goal for a long time. Paraguay's tenacious defense blocked the Argentine substitute stars very well.Probably the reason for his first start, Veron's performance was not very good, he was constantly fouled when he got the ball in midfield.Argentina's original smooth cooperation in the midfield and frontcourt could not be played without a core connection.

Until the end of the first half, Argentina still did not open the gate of Paraguay. This time, Basile was a little anxious.Although this game has the idea of ​​​​preserving strength, it is still the best to win, but Paraguay's defense exceeded his expectations.

"It seems that the dark horse does not rely on luck, but has some strength."

After observing the entire first half, Basile came to the conclusion that this Paraguay defended well, but the offense was not very good.Probably because neither Santa Cruz nor Cardoso played.Since this is the case, then add a fire to crush you to death.

"Fair, go warm up."

Basile glanced at the bench, saw the hungry eyes of Gago and Messi, and waved his hand.Gago took off his jacket and ran out of the bench full of joy after hearing this, while Messi looked at Basile with more longing eyes.But at this time, the Argentine coach had turned around and went back to the locker room, ignoring him.

After Gago finished warming up and entered the locker room, Basile immediately began to arrange the tactics for the second half.

"Fair, you are the attacking midfielder, responsible for organizing the offense in the frontcourt, play according to the usual tactics, don't have psychological pressure, even if you lose this game, it doesn't matter, the key is that you have to be familiar with this state."

Basile just said something lightly, but Gago was stunned when he heard it. What is this? This is the first time I heard that the head coach does not want to win.At this time, Redondo, who was an assistant coach, came to him and gently explained the reason to him.

"Fell, the future of Pampas belongs to you. After all, you are only 20 years old, but the achievements you have made now are for all your peers to look up to. Roman is almost 30 years old, and he will fade out of the country after the World Cup in South Africa at most Team. When you are in your twenties, you are at your peak. As long as you keep improving like this, the entire Pampas will build tactics around you. So you need to adapt to this core tactic in advance, and we will use it for three years Time allows you to gradually become a leader, you have to be patient and determined."

Although Redondo's words were relatively soft, Gago's facial features have always been sensitive, so he could hear clearly.At this time, he realized that he had surpassed Messi in the minds of the coaching staff and was being trained as a future leader.

"I know, but I still hope to win this game."

Gago did not say a word, that is, he and Messi's peak period may come sooner than they imagined.In the previous life, Messi, who won the Ballon d'Or and helped Barcelona achieve the "Six Crowns", was eagerly regarded by Argentina as the core. In order to confirm Messi's leadership, Maradona even blocked Riquelme from the country. outside the team gate.In the end, the unprepared Argentina was out of the knockout round by the German team led by Loew with four goals.

"It seems that I have to confirm my status in advance."

After Gago walked onto the court, he touched the lawn of the court and thought.

"Oh, Argentina's weak offensive situation in the first half finally led Basile to make a substitution. Gago replaced Veron. In the Cup, he only played two games, and he already had one goal and three assists. This Argentine genius is known as the "Redondo II" in football. It can be said that it is completely correct. Argentina's traditional 5 The best successor has emerged."

Gago didn't hear what the commentator said, but he acted as the leader as the coaches wanted him to.

"The second half has begun, don't hold back from me anymore!"

This sentence completely lifted Argentina's morale, and the depression that could not be scored because of the onslaught of the half court dissipated instantly.

"NND, Grandpa took a nap in the first half, and now I'm going to let you guys know how mighty the sober Uncle Beast is."

Tevez cursed and gave himself various auras, and at the same time attracted the hatred of the entire Paraguayan defense to himself.

Gago's words not only boosted the morale of his side, but also aroused the anger of the other side. Paraguay's tenacious defense was able to advance to the qualifying stage.Now, they put most of their energy on Gago, who replaced Veron, and let this kid know how great Paraguay is.

But Gago didn't fight head-on with them. While training his left foot, Gago's proud ball-handling ability dropped by more than one notch, and it was basically impossible to break through the entire defense line.However, the ball control has declined, and the passing has not regressed. As the core of the playmaker, you must have an excellent overall view and passing. These will not disappear with the use of the right foot.

Every time Paraguay is about to form a siege against Gago, the ball at his feet will be passed out. Aimar and Cambiasso have completed the role of wingmen very well.

Since Paraguay is based on defense and counterattack in this game, the entire midfield is under the control of Gago. He is based on the range of ten meters in front of the opponent's penalty area, constantly attracting Paraguay's defense and creating opportunities for the striker with passes.

From Batistuta to Crespo, center tactics are the tradition of Argentina. In the World Cup, Pekerman took Crespo and Cruz. In this Copa America, Basile chose Crespo as a substitute. Milito.And Milito has also begun to show his value in a limited time. Although he does not have the confrontation ability of a center forward, his excellent sense of smell and superb shooting skills make the entire Paraguay defense line gradually tilt towards him.

While Gago created opportunities for Milito to constantly threaten Paraguay's defense, Tevez, who had been neglected for a long time, began to show his edge.

Before the Paraguayan tackled, Gago diverted the ball to the right, and then jumped to avoid the opponent's foul.After receiving the ball, Zanetti went directly from the wing to the bottom, dodged the defensive player, and passed back to the center.The captain of Inter Milan has long since matured in his wealthy career for so many years, and this goal is very suitable.Gago exploded his speed and touched the ball before the opponent made a clearance. With a light pad on the instep, he instantly changed direction and passed into the penalty area.

Milito played the role of the fulcrum very well, with a header, it flew to the back point.Carlos Tevez stepped in in time, his short and thick body caught the opponent's black foot hard, and scored the first goal of the game with a header he was not good at.

"The goal was scored, and Argentina's magnificent cooperation in the frontcourt was reproduced. The pass between Zanetti, Gago and Milito completely tore apart Paraguay's proud defense. In the end, Tevez risked being kicked. The dangerous header is also worthy of praise. After Gago came on the field, Argentina finally recovered the appearance of sweeping South America with its gorgeous attack."

"In the No.70 minute of the first half, after a series of dazzling cooperation, Argentina broke through the gate of Paraguay, and the form of the game once again entered the familiar track of the Nerazzurri. Let's see what adjustments Paraguay coach Martino will make."

What adjustments can be made if you fall behind, of course it is to change offensive players.Martino looked at the time, waved his hand directly, asked Santa Cruz and Cardoso on the bench to warm up together, and then took the opportunity of a dead ball to replace both forwards.

Although the group has already qualified, it is still something to be proud of being able to get the first position, and the chances of encountering a strong team in the knockout round will be less.Moreover, forwards need games to maintain their form, and replacing all the two generals in their hands is also to make their shooting boots hotter.

(End of this chapter)