striker cool brother

Chapter 654: The first free kick in the World Cup
After the second round of the group stage, the qualifying situation of each group gradually became clear.

Brazil, France and Portugal have secured the top spot in the group ahead of schedule.

Although England currently ranks first, Iran and the United States have a chance to overtake them.

But whether it can ultimately be realized depends on the contest between England and Wales.

This is the first time the "Red Dragon" Wales has participated in the World Cup, and it is also the first and last time Gareth Bale has participated in the World Cup.

As the Netherlands defeated the host 2:0, they won the first place in the group.

In this way, England is bound to win Wales and advance to the top spot.

Both starting lineups.

Starting line-up for England:

Goalkeeper: Pickford.

Defense: Luke Shaw, Maguire, Stones, Kyle Walker.

Midfielder: Bellingham, Rice, Henderson.

Forwards: Rossi, Harry Kane, Foden.

Wales starts:
Goalkeeper: Danny Ward.

Defenders: Ben Davis, Joe Rodon, McPham, Neco Williams.

Midfielder: Ampadu, Joe Allen.

Midfielder: Daniel James, Ramsey, Gareth Bale.

Center: Moore.

Wales' main tactic is to fly together on both wings, with the full-backs frequently coming in to cooperate with the full-midfielders to raid the opponent's wing defense area.

When Bale was at his peak, Wales was thriving on the wing and reached the semi-finals of the 2016 European Cup, only to lose to Portugal.

As Bell's condition declines, Wales loses important weapons in its wing counterattack.

In addition, the national team has insufficient talent reserves and is not picking up the slack. As a result, it is now in a state of decline and ranks at the bottom of the group.

Even if they beat England, they may not qualify.

It depends on the goal difference and the matches between Iran and the United States.

Moreover, these two teams do not know how to play tacitly, so it must be a life-or-death situation.

"Luo, I didn't expect to meet you on the World Cup stage!"

While lining up, Bell took the initiative to say hello.

This season, Bell joined Los Angeles of the Major League in order to prepare for his last World Cup.

And he also publicly stated that he will officially retire after the season.

"Long time no see, Gareth!" Rossi shook hands and hugged him.

Bale is a very low-key person, and he does not fight for it. The so-called replacement of Ronaldo's position is completely a public opinion created by the media to attract people's attention.

And although Bell was plagued by injuries during his time at Real Madrid, his performance was definitely worthy of the [-] million euros he was worth when he joined the team.

"I'm afraid if we see you again in the future, it will be on the golf course."

Faced with Rossi's teasing, Bell just smiled.

Then, the arrival of the referee interrupted the conversation between the two.

As the captain, Bell quickly came to the front of the team and prepared to enter.

Rossi looked at his back and felt something.

Bell's personality is not suitable for being captain, but there is no one in Wales, so he has to bear the pressure and take over the captain's armband.

I remember that in a Real Madrid league game, captain Ramos was absent, and Varane handed the team flag to Bale during the pre-match photo.

Bell, who was a little overwhelmed, took the team flag, but had nowhere to put it, and finally handed it to Nacho next to him.

Although he was not born to be a captain, Bell was born to be strong.

The moment he stepped onto the court, his eyes were extremely determined.

With a whistle from Slovenian referee Vincic, Wales took the lead.

Judging from the starting formation before the game, Wales undoubtedly played defensively, giving full play to the advantages of the wing and implementing precise attacks.

Because they know that when it comes to possession of the ball, they will never be able to beat England.

Facing Wales, Southgate's strategy was to retract some of their formation, attracting both their wings, and waiting for opportunities to counterattack.

The two teams started a fierce battle in the midfield.Henderson's starting position ensures the stability and hardness of the England team's midfield.

Even when faced with Wales' double midfielders, there was no disadvantage at all in the confrontation.

In the 9th minute, Henderson successfully intercepted the opponent's pass in the backcourt and immediately launched a fast break.

After Kane dropped back to catch the ball, he sent a scalpel forward to Rossi on the left.

England's counterattack accurately hit the gap on the Welsh wing.

Midfielder Joe Allen quickly returned to defense, blocking Rossi's breakthrough angle, and kept stepping forward to interfere.

Unable to get rid of the entanglement, Rossi had no choice but to pull the ball back and pass it to the back point.

【Beautifully delivered! 】

[Foden is completely empty! 】

【Shoot! ! ! 】

Foden met the ball and shot furiously, but the goalkeeper who could attack quickly saved the ball.

[Miracle save, Wales escaped disaster! 】

[Although the two teams are fighting fiercely in the midfield, once they turn to attack, England's offensive efficiency is obviously much higher! 】

[But England’s strikers must improve their shooting! 】

[In that position just now, if it was Luo or Kane, he would definitely score a goal for the team! 】

After missing the goal, Wales shrank its formation again and started a positional battle with England.

Throughout the first half, England crushed Wales statistically.

The two wingers were suppressed and forced to defend.

Bell also sighed a little in this situation.

Both sides were so consumed on the offensive and defensive ends that Wales immediately adopted substitution mode to consolidate its defense when entering the second half of the game.

Facing the opponent's iron defense, England began to look for opportunities in the ribs.

In the 65th minute, Foden planned to attack forward in the ribs, but this wave of cooperation was ruined by the opponent with a foul. It was a pity!

Although the attack was disrupted, a well-positioned free kick was obtained.

In the absence of Master La, the team's free kick taker was Rossi.

Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward is nervously arranging his position on the wall.

Although Rossi is not a big player in free kicks, he still has the opportunity to score key free kicks.

Rossi placed the ball in the "U" drawn by the referee with foam and slowly backed away.

[This free kick is in a good position! 】

[Look at how Rossi took the penalty! 】

【He has a kick! 】

【approach! 】

【Shoot! ! 】

As the ball drew a beautiful arc in the air, it only ran to the top corner of the goal.

As the waves surged in the net, the England fans at the scene went completely crazy.

【Perfect arc! 】

【Right foot from Rossi! 】

[This is the first free kick scored directly in this World Cup! 】

【It’s really wonderful! 】

[Wales, which has deployed an iron wall, still cannot prevent Rossi from scoring! 】

[Next, they should launch an attack! 】

Before the commentator could finish speaking, the Welsh full-back had already moved forward and came to the frontcourt, directly putting pressure on the English wing.

Faced with the opponent's rapid adjustment, the England team also quickly adjusted, using the wingers to retreat and strengthen defense.

For a time, the rhythm of the game between the two sides became extremely intense after Rossi's goal.

(End of this chapter)