Midfielder Ruler

"Ouch, ouch, ouch—"

As Sun Jingbo scored with a late shot, the Chinese fans at the Luzhniki Stadium were as excited as children, dancing.

Central 5 commentator He Wei was full of passion and shouted almost crazily: "The ball is in! The ball is in! The Chinese team finally equalized the score despite the offensive! Tang Zheng's precise transfer in the middle of the attack was the key to scoring. Jiang Zhipeng and Lu Liang both did their best, and Ye Erfan's feint shot was also crucial. This goal is not the credit of any one player, but the contribution of the entire team!"

"It is said that the Chinese team is Tang Zheng's Chinese team. It is undeniable that Tang Zheng's passing is crucial, but as He Wei said, Jiang Zhipeng and Lu Liang both did their best and passed the ball at the right time. Young player Ye Er Fan's smart feint was the finishing touch, setting the tone for Sun Jingbo's late shot from behind the goal."

Commentator Xu Yang said excitedly.

British Sky commentator Andy Gray shook his head and said: "It's so inappropriate. Everyone's attention is on the Chinese player with the ball at his feet, so that Sun, who is ambushing in the back point, is unmarked."

This time, guest commentator Martin Taylor did not speak from the perspective of the Chinese team, but sighed: "Passive defense is never the answer, but there is still time before the end of the game, and England was only equalized by the Chinese team. Falling behind, there is still time, and England, which is stronger overall, still has enough time to exceed the score again and win the game!"

Sun Jingbo, who scored the goal, seemed particularly excited in the fanatical atmosphere. He opened his arms and ran all the way, but was soon dragged to the ground by Ye Erfan.

Other Chinese players slapped Sun Jingbo on the shoulders, back or head to release the huge pressure caused by the goal.

Lippi, the head coach of the Chinese team in the stands, was also very excited, driven by the excited Chinese fans around him, and raised his arms and shouted.

Twelve years ago, he led the Italian team to win the World Cup. Twelve years later, he may even lead the Chinese team to advance to the World Cup finals.

If that time really comes, what a great coaching career it will be?

In the fan square outside the Luzhniki Stadium, those Chinese fans who did not have tickets were affected by the fanatical atmosphere at the scene and created waves of shouts, echoing the shouts erupting in the stadium. It made people sitting on the TV The fans in front felt a more three-dimensional atmosphere.

The on-site director showed several close-ups of England fans when the Chinese players were celebrating their goals. Harry Kane shook his head helplessly, Sterling put his hands on his hips, and Dier, Maguire, and Stones lowered their heads. I don’t know what I’m thinking.

Rashford, who was standing on the sidelines waiting for substitutions, looked at head coach Southgate who was venting his dissatisfaction with conceding a goal. What he wanted to express was obvious.

Should he continue playing or make substitutions?

Although Rashford really wants to prove himself in the World Cup, international glory is more important!

After venting his negative emotions, head coach Southgate walked towards Rashford, then raised his right arm and patted his shoulder: "Marcus, keep playing and use your speed and dribbling to disrupt the Chinese team's defensive rhythm. , if there is a chance... try to score a goal! You know?"

"Understood, sir."

Rashford nodded slightly to express his understanding.

Before the game restarted, England made the second adjustment of the game. Rashford replaced Alli, who had been playing somewhat abnormally until the game.

England's formation then changed to a more aggressive three-four-three, and the intention to strengthen the attack was very obvious.

Lippi, the head coach of the Chinese team, immediately noticed England's substitution adjustments and raised his eyebrows subconsciously, feeling a little worried.

England's revitalized 352 has already posed a great threat to the Chinese team's defense. If it becomes 343 again, it will be really difficult for the Chinese team's defense to withstand England's attack.

Add to that the time it takes to adjust in real time, and his concerns became increasingly apparent.

At this time, it is time to test the true level of Madaloni as the interim head coach.

Lippi turned to look at the Chinese team's coaching bench. Madaloni stood in front of the coaching bench with his arms folded across his chest. Apparently, he did not realize that the changes in England would pose a great threat to the Chinese team's goal.

※※※

When the game restarted, England's formation changed. Tang Zheng was the first to notice it, and his thinking mind felt some worries.

Although England is not a traditional strong team, its overall strength is stronger than that of the Chinese team. Strengthening the offense will be a test for the Chinese team's defense. Therefore, Tang Zheng slowly moved his position back to close the distance between Li Kui and He Chao to ensure that The stability of the defensive system.

Madaloni didn't realize the problem, but Tang Zheng did. Lippi's eyes lit up when he was standing in the stands, and his anxious heart relaxed again.

Tang Zheng's backward position played an obvious role in the Chinese team's subsequent defense. His position selection and assisting defense were just right, and he did not give England any opportunities in the middle or ribs.

It is undeniable that Rashford and Sterling have strong breakthrough ability, but their passing ability is slightly insufficient and the accuracy is not enough. In addition, Harry Kane is jointly attacked by Ko Zhunyi and Zhang Linpeng and it is difficult to gain advantage. , even England with the advantage on the wing failed to pose a direct threat to Zeng Cheng's goal.

In the 69th minute, Henderson suddenly moved forward and found a good opportunity at the top of the penalty area. He received Sterling's cross pass and swung his right foot for a long shot.

After completing the long-range shot, Henderson's pupils shrank suddenly and his heart trembled. He remembered his previous observation that Tang Zheng was still a few meters away, why did he appear in front of him?

The next moment, Tang Zheng fell to the ground and put down his shovel. The football hit his outstretched right foot and bounced back.

Henderson failed to react in time, and the football hit his right hand. The referee Cakir immediately blew his whistle to signal Henderson for a handball foul.

"Oh oh oh~"

The Chinese fans in the stands subconsciously let out a wave of frightened exclamations.

Henderson was unmarked just now, and the shooting location was close enough to the goal. If Tang Zheng hadn't blocked it in time, it was hard to say whether Zeng Cheng could have saved Henderson's long-range shot.

The Chinese team received a free kick in the backcourt. Goalkeeper Zeng Cheng did not take the kick immediately, but stared for a while.

At this time, acting head coach Madaloni finally informed the players on the field about Lippi's tactical adjustments.

Jiang Zhipeng and Deng Hanwen no longer participated in the attack and fully defended.

In addition, Lu Liang and Sun Jingbo need to help Jiang Zhipeng and Deng Hanwen defend, especially when Sterling or Rashford tries to break through on the wing.

Because whether it is Sterling or Rashford, their one-on-one abilities are quite strong.

With Lu Liang and Sun Jingbo actively participating in defense, Sterling and Rashford could not find good opportunities on the wing.

Southgate had to adjust the team's offensive tactics again, using the ball-holding abilities of Sterling and Rashford to create crossing opportunities for the two wing-backs Ashley Young and Trippier.

After all, Ashley Young and Trippier are more accurate than Sterling and Rashford when it comes to passing the ball.

However, England does not have much advantage in the battle for the top in the penalty area.

Although captain Harry Kane has a height advantage, Gao Zhunyi and Zhang Linpeng cooperated very well and did not give Harry Kane any chance to easily jump for the top. In addition, Tang Zheng would often return to the penalty area to participate in clearances and battles. So even if England can create opportunities on the wing, there is no way to break through the Chinese team's goal and exceed the score again.

In the blink of an eye, the game came to seventy-five minutes.

A physical breaking point.

For the Chinese team, physical fitness is an issue that cannot be ignored.

Four days ago, the Chinese team played against Portugal for 120 minutes at the Fisht Olympic Stadium. The physical and energy consumption was very severe, so during this time period, except for Tang Zheng's usual large-scale running, other Chinese players Players' run coverage gradually declines.

Central 5 commentator He Wei, whose mood returned to normal, has some new worries: "The Chinese team players who played a 120-minute game are at a clear disadvantage in terms of physical fitness. The players who won the game in 90 minutes in the quarter-finals England obviously has a physical advantage over the Chinese team, and I am more worried that the players will not be able to concentrate enough when their physical fitness declines..."

As soon as he finished speaking, guest commentator Xu Yang said: "A decline in physical fitness is inevitable, and the same is true for English players. The impact of physical fitness is the same at this point in the game. The Chinese team, which has experienced a 120-minute battle, may be better. In terms of fighting spirit, we are even better than England. Don't forget... we were on the verge of death once, and with the legendary performance of captain Tang Zheng, we turned the tide and led the Chinese team to a record-breaking advancement to the semi-finals of the World Cup. I believe... this game will be the same."

The on-site director happened to give Tang Zheng a scene about Tang Zheng. To be precise, Tang Zheng passively entered the scene.

Rashford used his excellent foot skills to get past Deng Hanwen and Sun Jingbo who was defending, and then made continuous passes to Ashley Young and Harry Kane, and then everyone witnessed Rush entering the left rib of the penalty area. Ford shot in a relatively loose environment, and suddenly Tang Zheng's long legs appeared in Rashford's shooting path.

The football hit the front of the instep of Tang Zheng's stretched right foot, and its trajectory changed, crossing the baseline.

Central 5 commentator He Wei said with lingering fear: "Fortunately, captain Tang Zheng made timely defense and blocked Rashford's shot from the left rib of the penalty area, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."

"Yes." Commentator Xu Yang also said: "Tang Zheng blocked it very timely, otherwise Rashford's shot would probably have brought England a goal."

A goal during this period is equivalent to a quasi-win.

The overall strength of the Chinese team is inferior to that of England. It is difficult to equalize the score before the end of the game due to lack of physical fitness and the absence of head coach Lippi on the sidelines.

After all, Tang Zheng is a human being, not a god.

England's continuous attacks posed a huge threat to the Chinese team's defense, forcing Tang Zheng to take full account of defense. Having tasted the sweetness, England head coach Southgate was wondering whether to continue to strengthen the offense and try to exceed the score before the end of the game.

However, this idea only occupied his mind for two seconds, because the World Cup is a tournament system and nothing is allowed to appear.

The Chinese team's defense seems to be in danger, but in fact?

No one can guarantee that the Chinese team will not launch a quick counterattack that can threaten Pickford's goal.

Don’t be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of the unexpected!

In the 79th minute, the Chinese team made its second adjustment.

Li Xuepeng replaced Jiang Zhipeng. Jiang Zhipeng, who played 120 minutes in the last game, was tested by Sterling, Rashford and Trippier one after another in this game. His physical fitness has dropped significantly, and it is not easy to persist until now.

This alignment adjustment is obviously to make up for the left defensive gap and ensure that there are no problems with the left defense.

Two minutes later, England made its third substitution adjustment of the game. Vardy replaced Sterling. England's formation returned to the usual 3-5-2 formation of this World Cup, with Harry Kane taking over as Vardy.

Southgate's substitution adjustment was very effective. Vardy, who has played in low-level leagues for a long time in his career, simply did not play according to common sense, making Gao Zhunyi and Zhang Linpeng difficult to defend.

Even if Tang Zheng and Li Kui returned to the penalty area, they were still a little overwhelmed.

But fortunately, Vardy failed to find his aim well despite the interference of the Chinese players in the penalty area, and his shot missed the goal post.

"Oh oh oh——"

The Chinese fans at the Luzhniki Stadium let out a burst of exclamations, and the referee Cakir blew his whistle and pointed his finger to the sidelines.

"The Chinese team is going to make the third substitution adjustment of this game!" British Sky commentator Andy Gray said.

Central defender Liu Yiming replaced defensive midfielder He Chao.

Central 5 commentator He Wei expressed his personal opinion on the Chinese team’s third adjustment: “Vardy’s appearance disrupted the Chinese team’s penalty area. It is very necessary to reduce one defensive midfielder and add one central defender to protect the penalty area. , after all, captain Tang Zheng can retreat and partner Li Kui."

Liu Yiming's appearance also brought the latest instructions conveyed by head coach Lippi in the stands - to ensure defensive safety as much as possible, and then seek counterattack opportunities.

The formation of the Chinese team, which strengthened its defense, subsequently changed to a 5-4-1 formation. However, the Chinese team, which gradually focused on defense, lacked offensive performance, allowing England to take over the game at the end of the game.

Harry Kane and Vardy are the top forwards in the Premier League and have strong dominance inside and outside the penalty area. Fortunately, Liu Yiming's appearance increased the number of defenders in the Chinese team's backcourt and reduced the offensive space needed by the English players.

So even if England had the advantage, there was no way to knock on the goal guarded by Zeng Cheng.

In addition, all three substitutions and adjustments of the England and China teams have been made. The remaining things have little bearing on the coaches of both sides. The key to determining the outcome of the game will be reflected in the 22 players on the field.

But when the game came to the end of regular time, even England, which had an absolute advantage, did not dare to invest too much in the attack.

After all...Croatia in the 1/8 finals was suddenly defeated by the Chinese team when they had a complete advantage.

England's conservatism gave the Chinese team breathing room, and the score did not change until referee Cakir sounded the end of the game.

1:1

The two sides were tied and had to go into overtime.