Xu Zhu's Successor's Football Journey

Chapter 545 Three shots, three goals

"This is my tactical mistake!"

In the locker room, before the players said anything, McLaren said directly: "I admit that everything is my fault. I saw this in the first half, but I failed to adjust in time."

Hearing what McClaren said, the English players were very puzzled. After hearing McClaren talk about the combination of midfielder Hargreaves and Gerrard, few people can understand.

These are all problems at the coaching level, and the tactical level of the players is still poor.

The most important thing is that in the era of Eriksson, the England team has always been a double-German combination starting in the middle, so why is there a problem with the combination of Hargreaves and Gerrard now?
They are hard to understand.

But these are not important. As a player, what they need to do is to play according to the arrangement of the head coach, that's all, otherwise what is the head coach doing?
In short, they understood the general meaning of McLaren. In other words, most of the responsibility for England's lagging behind in the first half should be attributed to McLaren, and it has little to do with the performance of the players.

This made the England players feel very relaxed, because they regained their confidence.

After a speech, McLaren began to adjust the team's formation for the tactics of the second half. First of all, it was the problem of the midfield. forward.

The players understand this adjustment very well. Wang Li's performance in the midfield has always been good, and it is normal for Gerrard to play forward.

But this seems to be of little help to England's offense. After all, the lineup is still the same lineup, and the players have not changed?Is that really the case?At least Wang Li doesn't think so, because moving his position back allows him to get the ball easily, instead of relying on the support of his teammates for everything.

this point is very important.

Although Wang Li usually does not show a high profile in the team, he knows very well that the concept of holding the ball by himself is different from that of other players on the team, because his technical level is higher, and getting the ball is very important to the opponent. The threat is by no means comparable to other players.

After a simple adjustment, McLaren began to tell everyone in the team what they needed to do. He emphasized the defense line, because the opponent's striker Delgado's header ability is a great thing for England's defense line. In the first half, the opponent's midfielder Mendes' long shot also put a lot of pressure on the England team.

When McClaren assigned the task, in the Ecuador locker room, coach Suarez was also arranging the tactics for the second half, but the work he did was very simple, because there was no problem with Ecuador's tactics.

Suarez still focuses on filling the players with the idea of ​​victory. To put it bluntly, it is to improve the morale of the team and attract them with victory.

"Before the game, I never asked you to win, because that is a luxury for us. The opponent is a world-class team. We want to beat them to advance to the quarterfinals. No one will believe me if I say it. I'm sure many of you feel the same way."

Next, Suarez changed the subject and said: "But now we are ahead! Reaching the knockout round is already a historic breakthrough for us, but if you can advance to the quarterfinals, maybe your names will be recognized by the Ecuadorian people." Inscribed deeply in the pages of history!"

"It's beautiful for us, and now we have the opportunity to do it too!"

"In the second half, I hope you can try your best to fight once, don't think about what team the opponent is, how much the opponent's players are worth, they are just an ordinary team like us, we are leading now, and we What needs to be done is to maintain the advantage until the end of the game! That's all!"

Suarez's words are not too sensational, but the honor of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the World Cup is a great attraction for every Ecuadorian player, and each of them hopes that the team can break through this level!
Who doesn't have a dream?
As a football player, the biggest dream is to get the Hercules Cup, which represents the pinnacle of professional players.As a football team of a small country, it is a historic breakthrough for these low-level players to reach the World Cup finals.

So why not fight hard for a bigger win?
The 15-minute halftime break is short for the players and coaches of the two teams, but it is very long for the fans present. They all hope to see the second half of the game quickly.

For England supporters, they hope to see England lift their morale and eliminate Ecuador, a country team that dares to challenge the majesty of a world-class team, with a magnificent goal!

As for the neutral fans and Ecuador supporters, they hope that Ecuador can create a miracle and make an upset. This kind of game is what ordinary fans want to see.Of course, in the entire stadium, there are very few such fans, just because England's superstars have too much influence, and few neutral fans would want to see Ecuador win.

Finally, 15 minutes passed, and the players of the two teams reappeared on the field. After the referee whistled down, the game finally started.

In the second half, England's style of play was not much different from the first half. The difference was only the exchange of positions between Wang Li and Gerrard. But in fact, under McLaren's tactics, both of them were offensive players. , There is not much difference in exchanging positions with each other, at least it is difficult for ordinary fans to see this.

Even the on-site commentator said: "The England team doesn't seem to have made any adjustments. It seems that Mr. McLaren is still very confident in his tactics."

On the other hand, the Ecuador team, the whole team is filled with an enterprising spirit. They have become more motivated. Every player dares to fight and grab. It looks much more imposing than the England team.

England may have regained their fighting spirit, but compared with Ecuador, it appears weaker in momentum.

These are all in the eyes of the fans in the auditorium, but in fact, the stadium is still dominated by England's offense. After all, the strength of the England team is much stronger than that of Ecuador, and in the tactics of the two teams, England focuses on offense, while Ecuador still Defensive counterattack, this is an important reason for this result.

In the offense, Wang Li didn't have any special ideas, he just played normally according to the team's offensive routine.

Yes, he didn't need to think about other things.

Even when the team fell behind in the first half, he only showed a little helplessness. In fact, although he was very concerned about the outcome of the game, he never felt that the small South American team on the opposite side could win. victory.

The important thing is that from the beginning of the game, he always felt that he could win by showing his strength, and he didn't have to fight anything himself. Such an opponent was not worth fighting for him.

That's why, when the midfielder walked back to the locker room, his expression was so relaxed and natural.

But now, the team is lagging behind, and Wang Li is not in a hurry.Although Ecuador seems to have the upper hand from the momentum of the two teams, and each of their players is trying their best, but Wang Li understands the reason.

Don't England players want to win?
They don't have the heart to pursue victory?Or is it indifferent to victory or defeat?
Of course it is impossible, mainly because the England team is a traditional team. All the teammates are world-class stars. They have participated in many competitions with rich experience.

On the other hand, Ecuador is the complete opposite. Most of their players are from small clubs in the South American minor leagues, and they rarely participate in any heavyweight competitions. That's why they were so "passionate and exciting" in the World Cup. After leading the England team , will show such 'effort'.

But in fact, does this really make sense?
In a football game, you can't win with passion. Strength comes first, mentality comes second.

As long as you have a calm mind, you can perform better with a steady performance. Too much passion turns into excitement, which is reckless.

The Ecuadorian players may not understand this truth, they are still in the 'excitement', every player is playing like crazy, they try their best to defend England's offense, and when they get the chance, they immediately play A wave of quick counterattacks threatened England's goal.

After 5 minutes, Wang Li, who had been performing very calmly and had few bright spots, finally got his chance.

After an Ecuadorian player's shot was held by Thomas with both hands, and his big foot was driven near the midfield, he was the first to receive the ball among the two Ecuadorian players. After that, he used his own Reflexes, and Ling Bo Weibu's footwork easily got rid of these two players.

Although it was Ecuador's attack just now, they didn't rush too far forward. Only four players from the side and the center crossed the center line. The remaining players still defended the backcourt very tightly.

While dribbling the ball, Wang Li scanned the entire backcourt of Ecuador with his eyes, and passed the ball to Joe Cole on the wing.

In this game, Joe Cole's performance can only be said to be average, probably because his performance in the group stage was too shining. Ecuador's blockade on the left side is very tight, which makes it difficult for Joe Cole to play on the left side. Break through with the ball to find opportunities for the team.

In the absence of a chance, he voluntarily reduced the number of dribbles, but began to seek an offensive method to cooperate with the team to break through the defense.

This approach was correct, and it was precisely because of this that Wang Li chose to pass the ball to him, because he felt that Joe Cole was trustworthy.

Sure enough, after receiving and passing the ball this time, Joe Cole still did not choose to rush forward recklessly from the wing. After encountering the opponent's player who stepped forward to intercept him, he gave the ball to Hager from the diagonal side with his back heel. Reeves, who didn't stop the ball, made a diagonal push and passed the ball back to Wang Li, who had already passed two players.

Outside the restricted area!
All European clubs who have played against Wang Li know that this position about 30 meters away from the goal is already within the shooting range of this black-haired boy. When he was in Chelsea, many games relied on Wang Li's performance alone. , he often kicks and shoots from this position.

In Real Madrid, Wang Li seldom shoots near here, because the threat of such long-distance shots is not great. Even if he wants to score, he still has to rely on a little bit of luck.

But this time, he still shot!

Just because others feel that there is no threat, they are more likely to score goals!

For a moment, many thoughts flashed in Wang Li's mind. After seeing two players approaching to encircle him, he made a change of direction and made a breakthrough. Right.

Under the surprised eyes of all the fans, the football flew towards the goal like a fired shell. It was too late when the opponent's goalkeeper, Bellafold, reacted, and the football went straight into the goal from the upper right corner. in the net.

Bellafold, who made a pounce to the right, jumped from the middle to the right post like a circus monkey, but unfortunately he couldn't touch anything.

"Goooooooooal!!! The ball goes in!"

"Alan helped the England team overtake the score!!"

With the roar of the narrator, the England supporters finally erupted into a huge cheer, because they saw the performance of the black-haired kid again and saw the hope of England's victory.

2:2, the two teams were tied and stood on the same starting line again.

After Wang Li scored another goal and equalized the score for the England team, the fighting spirit of the Ecuadorian players was more or less affected, but they did not give up hope.

Now the score is only 2:2, regardless of whether Ecuador will score, as long as the score is dragged to the end of the game, then they still hope to use the penalty shootout to eliminate the England team.

Obviously, with a tie score, it is impossible for Ecuador to give up.

Therefore, after the game restarted, the Ecuadorian players cheered up again, found the motivation for the game, and continued to work hard to contribute their own ability to the team's victory.

This makes the game very exciting.

And Ecuador also found a good opportunity. At 67 minutes into the game, forward Delgado finally found a chance. Taking advantage of a corner kick, he put his head on the lower part of the football, and a file rushed to the top to complete the second half for Ecuador. Most threatening shot ever.

It's a pity that Thomas got angry!
The 22-year-old goalkeeper finally showed his ability to squeeze out Paul Robinson to become the main goalkeeper. He reacted in an instant and hit the ball out of the penalty area with both fists!

This performance won unanimous applause from the audience, and even the Ecuadorian fans had to admit that England's young goalkeeper is too strong. This kind of ball is almost a must, but Thomas still saved it. .

Surprisingly fast response!

Shocking strength!
At this moment, many coaches and football professionals have seen the highlights of this ball, and they have to re-evaluate the value of Thomas. With this kind of performance in the World Cup, Thomas' worth will definitely increase after the game .

Maybe he can consider going to Inter Milan with Mourinho
Of course, these are unimportant. The important thing is that England got a good chance to counterattack. This is the first time in the game.

In the wave of offense in Ecuador just now, their players pressed very forward, which made the defense line look a little empty. Just now Gerrard and others participated in the defense, but Wang Li did not. He almost did not return in normal games. Live your own half.

And now that this waiting has come to fruition, all England supporters feel that they seem to be about to see another one-stop goal performance.

Unexpectedly, Wang Li did not do so.

After receiving the ball just short of the halfway line, he flicked it past David Beckham on the right.

Speaking of which, in this game, Beckham may be a little out of shape. His performance is not very good, and he can only be said to be a qualified right midfielder.

And Wang Li still trusts him. The two have cooperated in Real Madrid for more than a year, and he knows Beckham very well.

Sure enough, when Wang Li walked away from the two Ecuadorian players following him, the football seemed to hang directly at his feet naturally! !
Such a wonderful pass drew applause from the audience!

"Beautiful! Beckham completed a wonderful pass!" said the on-site commentator.

In fact, both Beckham and Wang Li knew in their hearts that at least in the England team, Beckham and Wang Li had such a tacit cooperation. Because they have cooperated with Wang Li so many times, they have already developed a tacit understanding. Beckham understands Wang Li's running position and speed very well.

If it were another player, it would be difficult for Beckham to play so accurately.

And most importantly, Wang Li received the pass!At this time, he had reached the left side of the penalty area, only about 15 meters away from the goal, and there was only one Ecuadorian fan in front of him.

"This goal has been scored!" Many people who knew Wang Li silently said in their hearts at the same time.

The goal is certain, the difference is how to proceed, but Wang Li's choice was beyond their expectations, he shot directly!
This is unbelievable for Wang Li, because under such circumstances, he can even easily pass the goalkeeper and score by using his dribbling ability.

But Wang Li still chose this way.

In fact, this is the easiest way for Wang Li, just because he has 100% confidence that the goal can be scored! !
There is no doubt that the football goes straight to the dead corner of the goal. For Wang Li, the distance of 15 meters is the same as standing on the goal line and shooting. How can the opponent's goalkeeper Bellaford react in time! ?
3: 2.

The England team finally overtook the score! !

Three long-range shots and three goals, Wang Li finally laughed at this moment, and he staged another hat-trick.

He stood in the penalty area in Ecuador, silently watching the fans and all the teammates who ran over excitedly, and stretched out his fists to the sky.

At this moment, everyone in the audience is cheering for him.

This may be the last scene of Ecuador struggling in the mud.
(End of this chapter)