World Cup of Great Powers

Although the national football team failed to win the first shot of the New Year, it played loudly.

Before the game, the media thought it was just a boring game of 3-0, 4-0, or one-sided, but it suddenly turned into a goal battle between two teams that played a lot of offense.

Especially when trailing 1-4, everyone thought the game had entered garbage time.

The national football team also took advantage of the opponent's relaxed mentality to attack frantically, almost tying the score.

After reports from local media, many scouts have focused their attention on this Chinese team.

General Fan, Zhang Xiaorui and Sun Jihai have also received offers from many clubs.

The winter window transfer period has not yet passed, and many European teams want to "get a share" of the Chinese team.

Three days later, Zeng Zheng led the team to play a friendly match with Li Jinyu's new club Torino.

In this game, Li Jinyu returned to play for his old club Turin.

Facing the national team teammates, Li Tie, Zheng Zhi and others had no intention of letting go.

In particular, General Fan and Zhang Minghua, who knew Li Jinyu's kicking style, worked together to block Li Jinyu's sneak attack route.

After a 90-minute fierce battle between the two sides, the Chinese team finally defeated Turin 3-2 with the help of goals from Sun Jihai, Yang Chen and Xie Hui, winning its first victory of the new year.

After defeating Turin, the teammates rushed to Genoa without stopping.

In this historic port, the Chinese team was welcomed by many local sailors.

In the early 1990s, Sampdoria was at its peak. The team visited China many times and had friendly business competition interactions with Guoan and other teams.

Even at that time, the myth of "the undefeated workers' body" spread.

Looking back now, Zeng Zheng somewhat understood what the Sampdoria players were thinking.

It's not polite to come back and not go back.

The Chinese team, which was supposed to play the role of the Sampdoria players back then, showed no mercy in this game.

Less than 20 minutes into the game, they already took a 2-0 lead.

It's not that the Chinese team didn't hold back, but that Sampdoria today is no longer the high-spirited team it was back then.

The old sailors were mending repairs on this dilapidated ship and barely surviving.

Facing a Chinese team composed of almost all players from Europe, there was no way to fight back.

What's more, they still have to prepare for the weekend league game.

The combat effectiveness is even worse.

In desperation, Zeng Zheng once again chose to replace most of them with substitutes.

Even if he is a substitute, he is still the main player of this club.

In the end, despite the Chinese team's deliberate effort, they defeated their opponents 3-1 and won two consecutive victories during the trip to Italy.

Faced with the team's results, fans expressed their opinions online.

Netizen azzurri: Yang Chen is worthy of being the best forward in the Asian Cup, scoring goals in all three games. He handles the ball very well every time it comes to his feet. With such a state, the World Cup is not a dream at all!

Netizen Silent Will: Sun Jihai is very good on the wing. His performance is too stable and relaxed. As long as he is not injured, our right wing will have no problem!

Hello netizens: Lazio, Turin, and Sampdoria all have leagues to play. These three games don’t show the true level at all. The next game with Yinlang will show the real skills. I don’t know if coach Zeng has played in this game.

How will it be arranged?

Netizen: Me and Plum Blossoms: I have always trusted Lao Zeng to lead the team. I watched the video replay of the Lazio game. I felt that if the defense hadn't let the defense go, we could have won that game. But after all, it was a centenary celebration.

, it makes sense to lose to the opponent. But when did Lao Zeng learn to be humane? This is different from before!

Netizen siusiusiu: I watched all three games. Our international students in Europe are very excited. There are players like Zhang Xiaorui, Sun Jihai, Yang Chen, and Li Jinyu. I believe it won’t be long before students studying in any European country can play in the local area.

The league has seen the presence of Chinese players.

...

After leaving Italy, Zeng Zheng left all the overseas players behind and flew to Tehran with a few players who were playing for League A.

At the same time, the team members who received the call-up notice in China were also ready to board the flight to Yinlang.

Bamboo Shoes also announced the list of players participating in the Yinlang Civilization Ancient Nations Cup on TV and newspapers.

Goalkeepers: Ou Chuliang (Jianglong Team), Fu Bing (Chongqing Lifan), Gao Jianbin (Sichuan Quanxing);

Defenders: Shu Chang (Luneng Taishan), Wu Chengying, Du Wei (Modu Shenhua), Li Weifeng (Jianglong), Yang Pu, Xu Yunlong (Beijing Guoan), Wei Xin (Chongqing Lifan)

Midfielder: Zhao Junzhe, Xu Liang (Liaoning), Li Xiaopeng (Luneng Taishan), Qi Hong, Shen Si (Modu Shenhua), Yu Genwei (Tianjin TEDA), Sun Xiang (Modu Shenhua)

Forward: Qu Shengqing (Modu Shenhua), Zhang Yuheng (Liaozu), Su Maozhen (Luneng Taishan), Wang Tao (Beijing Guoan)

After seeing the roster of the second batch of national teams, many netizens were filled with emotion.

These players are also among the best in the league.

Among them, he performed well in the Olympic Games and the Asian Youth Championships.

Don't say anything else.

With this group of people, they also believe that Zeng Zheng can lead the Chinese team to the World Cup.

But look at it now.

They were just "substitutes" for the group's trip to Italy.

Before I knew it, the national team also had a first and second team!

As soon as I arrived in Tehran, I heard that the famous Croatian coach Blazevic was in final negotiations with the Yinlang Football Association. He will officially take over the Yinlang national team after this Civilization Cup.

Of course, Zeng Zheng had heard the news early, and as soon as Ladd arrived in Tehran, he had a phone call with Blazevich to congratulate him.

Even on the afternoon of the next day after arriving in Tehran, the two got together for a meal.

Blazevic has silver hair, small eyes, and a pair of glasses, but he is personable and has a flexible mind.

Ladd and he were old friends.

As soon as the two sides took their seats, Blazevic asked Ladd about the details of Italy's three games.

This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Ladd glanced at Zeng Zheng, who was smiling at the side, and then gave a detailed report to his old friend on each game.

"They scored 11 goals in 3 games. The Chinese team's offensive power is really strong!"

After spending many years in China, Ladd has also learned Chinese modesty.

"Hey, what's that? It's just that their team is preparing for the league, and we didn't play well."

"That's not bad! I heard that you kicked Samp so hard that he couldn't fight back!"

"This Sampdoria team is no longer the same team it was back then. Judging from their appearance, they may have to be relegated this season."

After Ladd finished sighing, he changed the topic.

"Old Bu, why don't you do it in Croatia?"

"Well, you know. My good friend President Du Chien passed away, and other people started gossiping and no longer supported me as they used to. I couldn't stand this anger, so I quit, haha!

"

"Then why don't you come to China? I heard that the Shandong team had contact with you."

Faced with Ladd's question, Blazevic pointed at Ladd and then Zeng Zheng.

"If I go to Shandong, the most I can do is be the coach of a club. In the end, I won't have to work as an errand under this young man?" I won't be willing to do that.

"By then, I won't be as big as your 'official'!"

"What I want to do is to be the best!"

"And the Yinlang team is a team with speed and strength. Of course I would rather coach the national team."

"Alas! It's just that good friends are about to become rivals. I hope that both Yin Lang and China can qualify for this year's World Cup."

Ladd nodded after hearing this.

For both of them, this is indeed a better choice.

"By the way, I heard that the Yinlang team players don't like to return to China to play football. Is this true?"

"Hmph! I don't care whether they are big names or not! As long as they don't abide by discipline, I won't want them!"

"Look at the Chinese team. Now they can gather a whole team of overseas students!"

"Didn't they still play these three friendlies in Italy obediently?"

"In comparison, I prefer players like this."

After speaking, Blazevic lowered his voice, glanced at Zeng Zheng and asked secretly:

"What is the situation of the Chinese team now? I heard that you like to play the 442 rectangular position?"

Hearing such a hidden topic, Ladd subconsciously smiled awkwardly and looked at Zeng Zheng aside.

Blazevic obviously didn't understand what Ladd meant.

I thought the other party didn't hear clearly, so I quickly asked again.

This time, before Ladd could answer, Zeng Zheng, who had been silent at the side, smiled and spoke.

"We like to play 442, but we are not limited to rectangular positions, spiritual positions, and parallel positions. We are all good at it. As for how to arrange it, it depends on the opponent's situation and the real-time performance on the field."

Blazevic was confused after hearing this.

Ladd quickly explained: "Our coach Zeng graduated from the Foreign Languages ​​Institute and has passed multiple languages..."

After hearing this, Blazevich suddenly understood and smiled awkwardly.

We won’t discuss this in detail.

...

On January 20, after FIFA President Blatter’s speech, the Four Nations Tournament of this Ancient Civilizations Cup officially started.

The Chinese team’s semi-final opponent is the Desert Fox Egypt team.

Because of the Olympic Games and Asian Cup, the Chinese team's ranking has moved up three places again.

According to official statistics at the end of 2000, the Chinese team's points were 716, ranking first in Asia and 16th in the world, second only to Cameroon.

The Egyptian team, which just won the African Cup of Nations, has 708 points, ranking 18th.

There is only Sweden between them.

Judging from the statistics of this world ranking, the two should be about the same.

Moreover, the two teams have almost no experience of playing against each other before, and no one knows the other.

In this game, Zeng Zheng still arranged a 442 formation.

The goalkeeper is Fu Bin, and the defenders are Wu Chengying, Li Weifeng, Shu Chang and Yang Pu.

Midfielders Zhao Junzhe, Li Xiaopeng, Qi Hong and Shen Si.

The forwards are Zhang Yuheng and Qu Shengqing, two old partners of Liaoning Football Team.

The Egyptian team is led by veteran Hassan, who has set a world record for appearances.

In the first two minutes, the Chinese team made a breakthrough pass from the left, and the Egyptian goalkeeper missed the ball. Unfortunately, Zhang Yuheng's follow-up shot hit the goalkeeper's arms directly.

The Egyptian team was not to be outdone. In the fifth minute, Hassan received a long pass from his teammate and then volleyed from outside the penalty area. The ball bounced over the center post above Fu Bin's head.

In the 13th minute, Shu Chang made a mistake in cooperating with Fu Bin when protecting the ball, and was almost succeeded by a sneak attack by Egypt's No. 11 Mohamed.

Facing a strong opponent, Zeng Zheng first directed the team to stabilize the midfield.

The midfield defense led by Zhao Junzhe and Li Xiaopeng was also relatively stable, while Qi Hong and Shen Si also frequently opened up the opponent's defense with direct passes.

After several confrontations, the situation on the field became even. The national football team, according to Zeng Zheng's tactical plan, began to focus on attacking the opponent's left wing.

In the 15th minute, Zhang Yuheng used his skillful skills to pass two Egyptian defenders on the left and passed a threatening low ball.

It's a pity that old partner Qu Shengqing didn't know whether it was because of a lack of tacit understanding after the transfer or because the hemorrhoid surgery at the end of last year was not smooth. After all, it was a mistake to grab the advantage this time.

The two subsequent corner kicks taken by Shen Si were both well placed, but were successfully cleared by the Egyptian team.

In the 20th minute, Qi Hong accurately passed a through ball in the middle. Qu Shengqing accidentally missed the ball during a one-on-one pass. The Egyptian goalkeeper struck out in time and confiscated the ball.

In the 31st minute, the Chinese team's defense made another fatal mistake when trying to prevent offside - the Egyptian team's forward shot from close range near the small penalty area. Fu Bin, who fell to the ground in time, used a "Fu Bin Sitting Lotus", which was very reluctant.

The ground caught the ball between his legs!

In the 33rd minute, Shen Si took a corner kick from the left. Li Weifeng and Zhang Yuning responded in the middle and both jumped up. Unfortunately, neither one could hit the ball.

In the rest of the first half, neither team made any achievements, and the two sides tied at 0-0.

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! After the start of the second half, the Chinese team played more proactively.

Under the command of Zeng Zheng, he began to compete with the opponent in the midfield.

In the first half, the two full-backs who were huddled in the backcourt also began to provide assists frequently.

In the 46th minute, Su Maozhen, who replaced Qu Shengqing, got the ball in the penalty area, turned around and volleyed hard. The ball went straight to the lower left corner of the Egyptian team's goal, but unfortunately it was miraculously saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.

In the 55th minute, Qi Hong made a mistake in passing the ball in the midfield. The Egyptian team quickly launched a counterattack with a long pass, creating a good opportunity for four-on-three in the frontcourt.

After Hassan got the ball, he passed the ball directly to the Chinese team's gap. Midfielder Barakat went to the meeting alone. Fortunately, Fu Bin showed bravery and struck near the penalty area in time to block it successfully!

Facing the sudden change of formation of the Chinese team, the Egyptian team seemed a bit at a loss.

The defenders on both sides took turns to intervene, making the Egyptian team hard to defend.

Li Weifeng and Shu Chang's defensive partnership also convinced Hassan.

In desperation, the Egyptian team also replaced two players to strengthen the defense in the midfield, and the field became deadlocked.

In the 73rd minute, Zeng Zhengyu replaced Qi Hong, who was a little weak.

In the 75th minute, the Chinese team got a chance to take a free kick in the frontcourt. The Egyptian defenders were not far away from the defense. Shen Si followed up with a long shot from the top of the penalty area, but it was blocked by the Egyptian team wall.

In the 80th minute, Yang Pu got the ball in the backcourt and made a precise long pass to the gap on the right. Jintou Laomao stepped in in time and passed with his back foot. Zhang Yuheng, who was connecting in the middle, interfered with the opponent's defender.

Next, a very difficult upside down golden hook, but unfortunately the ball was shot high.

One minute before the end, the Egyptian team replaced the No. 1 goalkeeper Sayed.

Zeng Zheng did not replace Ou Chuliang, but gave Fu Bin full trust.

Within ninety minutes, both sides returned without success.

According to the rules of the competition system, the two sides directly entered the penalty shootout.

"Coach Zeng, what do you mean by penalty kick?"

Chi Shangbin asked quietly.

"I don't really want to win."

Zeng Zheng touched his chin and said a conclusion that surprised Chi Shangbin and others, but felt that it was reasonable.

"If you don't win, you won't win." Lao Chi actually voted in favor.

Jin Zhiyang and Shen Xiangfu looked at each other and nodded.

Xu Tao, as the goalkeeper coach, spoke: "Coach Zeng, shall I go and talk to Fu Bin?"

"No need for Fu Bin, let other team members practice their footwork."

After saying that, Zeng Zheng called the top five team members who had been arranged long ago to his side.

"Listen up, you guys, upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right, you must follow these four blind spots. Do you understand?"

The five team members looked at each other and nodded silently.

In fact, they also roughly understand the coaching staff's thoughts.

After Zeng Zheng finished explaining, Chi Shangbin patted several people on the shoulders.

"Do as Coach Zeng says."

"It's rare to have such a good opportunity to practice your footwork."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just play well!"

Several other coaches also stepped forward to give "instructions", and then the players walked onto the court.

After the penalty kick started, Shen Si took the lead to represent the Chinese team.

Facing Egyptian goalkeeper Sayed, he kicked the ball directly into the upper right corner. As a result, the ball hit the crossbar and flew out of the baseline.

He missed the first penalty, but Fu Bin showed bravery and saved the opponent's first penalty kick with one punch.

In the second round of the Chinese team, Su Mao took a penalty kick. Perhaps due to the influence of Shen Si's footwork, Jin Tou Lao Mao's free throw also hit the goal frame.

Although Zhang Yuheng and Zhao Junzhe later fulfilled their mission and hit the ball into the dead corner, the next three players of the Egyptian team all made perfect shots.

In the crucial fifth round of penalty kicks, Li Weifeng aimed at the lower left corner of the goal, but was bravely saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.

In this way, the Chinese team lost to Egypt 2-3 in a penalty shootout and missed the championship final and the US$100,000 bonus.

At the post-match press conference, Zeng Zheng spread his hands when faced with reporters' questions.

"I don't want to lose either, but who made the Yinlang team fail to win a penalty kick?!"

"Think about it."

"Instead of playing against the three Italian teams, don't you think it would be more valuable to meet the Yinlang team in the third-place match?"

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