Chapter 114 Counterattack

It couldn't be said that Fiorentina's lead had caught Basten by surprise. As a qualified head coach, all situations should be considered before such a final. The possibility of Fiorentina taking the lead had certainly been considered by Basten.

The countermeasure? Simple: solidify the defense and then strengthen the attack.

This seemingly simple tactic placed high demands on the players, especially the wingers. Because when Fiorentina attacked, the two wingers needed to quickly retreat and actively participate in defense. And when they themselves attacked, the wingers were required to immediately insert themselves to support.

If the tempo of attack and defense changed too quickly, the two wingers would have to move up and down like elevators. It required a very, very high level of stamina.

However, Basten fully trusted Ambrosini and Yang Pan. Especially Yang Pan, whose stamina was not a problem, and his form was not a problem. He was stable, very stable. Sometimes, Basten even thought that Yang Pan might be more suitable for Juventus. Whatever you asked him to do, he rarely made mistakes. He was always able to complete your requirements, even if that requirement was just to attract defensive attention.

Any coach, regardless of his personality, would like such a player. Because he could adapt to all your tactics, unlike players with prominent personalities like Zhang Jun, who could only attack and not defend.

Gasbarroni's attack on the left wing was ruthlessly suppressed by Yang Pan. In terms of speed, he was inferior to Yang Pan, in terms of physique, he was inferior to Yang Pan, in terms of technique, the two were evenly matched, but in terms of experience, he was far inferior to Yang Pan.

When he intended to rely on his speed to break through, Yang Pan would immediately rush over quickly from the side, then lean his entire body against him, constantly squeezing him outwards, while his feet were still busy intercepting the ball.

Gasbarroni staggered from Yang Pan's bump, and the ball was intercepted!

After intercepting the ball, Yang Pan directly passed the ball to his teammate Gattuso, and he himself turned around and inserted forward again. From his chase back to intercept the ball to his counterattack now, there was no pause in between. His stamina and dedication were impeccable.

Gattuso passed the ball to him. He smoothly controlled the ball, letting it roll forward along the sideline. In this way, it would be difficult for Fiorentina's players to intercept the ball. If they insisted on intercepting it, they could only shovel the ball out of bounds, and possession would still be AC Milan's. Yang Pan was very clever.

His ball control was excellent, and the ball never went out of bounds. He dribbled the ball with all his strength, sprinting, sprinting, and sprinting again. He quickly approached the area guarded by Xiang Tao.

Xiang Tao lowered his center of gravity, waiting in full battle array. He had been completely humiliated by Yang Pan's breakthrough before, and now he wanted to get it back. He didn't care whether the ball was rolling on the sideline or not, and he wouldn't bother with what would happen if the ball went out of bounds. He just needed to stop this attack. The opponent's throw-in? That would be even better, Gasbarroni and the other players would have time to retreat.

Xiang Tao rushed up from the side without hesitation. He wanted to use a sliding tackle to disrupt this attack.

Yang Pan watched Xiang Tao rush over, then estimated the time, and suddenly pulled the ball towards the inside of the field with his right foot, making a sudden stop, barely dodging Xiang Tao's tackle, while Xiang Tao missed and slid directly out of bounds.

After shaking off Xiang Tao, Yang Pan poked the ball forward again with his left foot, and then easily broke through!

Now there were no Fiorentina players in front of him. The sky was the limit, enough for him to do anything.

"Damn it!" Frey directed the defense, "Mascherano! Go up and fill in! Don't let him break in!"

Yang Pan didn't give Mascherano a chance to come up and defend him. He crossed the ball immediately, and the ball was accurately sent to the front of the goal. Then Gilardino contested for the header, but unfortunately, under Bonera's close interference, he headed the ball high.

Gilardino stomped his feet in frustration, then turned around and gave a thumbs up to Yang Pan, who had assisted him.

Xiang Tao slammed the turf hard and got up from the ground. He had rushed too hard just now, causing him to crash into the advertising boards outside the field before stopping. He didn't expect to be passed by Yang Pan anyway, without any room for retaliation.

※※※

That was AC Milan's last chance to attack in the first half. When Fiorentina played the ball back to the frontcourt, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half.

"Overall, the first half was not exciting. Both sides were entangled in the midfield for most of the time. The highlight of the first half was only Zhang Jun's goal, but AC Milan's counterattack at the end gave us hope. AC Milan will definitely not be willing to end the game like this, and Fiorentina's crazy coach will definitely not be satisfied with just a one-goal lead. This is a contest between the two best-playing teams in Europe right now, and there is no reason for this game to be dull. Let's wait and see."

Inside AC Milan's locker room, all the players were sitting in their seats, quietly watching the coach. Basten was also quietly watching his players. The team didn't play well in the first half, and their attention was not focused enough. But these were not the issues he wanted to talk about now. The goal had already been conceded, and the points had already been lost. Now they should think of ways to make up for it.

"I don't want to say anything more about everyone's performance in the first half," Basten waved his hand. "But in the second half, I hope you can focus your attention and not make the same mistakes as in the first half. This game is very important, and we can't afford to lose."

After saying this, Basten turned around and drew two black lines on the tactical board, both on the wings, one on the left and one on the right.

"Judging from the attack at the end of the first half, we are right to stick to the wing tactics. Both wings, Yang Pan and Ambrosini, are very active. Fiorentina's attack also relies on the wing-flying tactics, so as long as we can continue to put pressure on the wings, we can contain their wing attack. Regain the initiative in the game. In fact, we and Fiorentina are very similar in terms of attacking methods, both are wing-flying and wing-center combination. Because we and they have excellent wingers and attacking and defensive midfielders. So there is very little room for tactical maneuver in this game, and both sides know each other relatively well. The main thing is your performance on the field, which will determine the final victory or defeat of the game."

※※※

On the other side, inside Fiorentina's locker room.

Sabato patted Xiang Tao's head: "You were easily broken through by Yang Pan twice in the first half. Should I consider replacing you in the second half?"

Xiang Tao became anxious. How could he give such a game opportunity to others? "No, no! Boss, the first half was just an accident. Actually, in terms of strength, I'm about the same as Yang Pan. I can definitely defend him. Believe me, boss." He looked up at Sabato.

Sabato looked at Xiang Tao, then smiled: "Okay, you'll continue to stay on the field in the second half. But, your performance in the first half was like a sissy. No fouls, no physical collisions, not even small tricks. You let Yang Pan break through in front of you again and again. I won't allow you to continue this kind of gutless performance in the second half. You wouldn't deliberately let him go just because your opponent is your captain in the national team, would you?"

Xiang Tao shook his head like a rattle drum. "Absolutely not!"

Sabato ignored Xiang Tao and turned to everyone, "Actually, we were mainly probing in the first half. Everyone could see that. AC Milan's tactics are exactly the same as ours, because their characteristics are exactly the same as ours. In the second half, we'll face them head-on. This is not a game to test my level, but a game to test your level." Sabato pointed to himself and then pointed to the players.

"Everyone knows clearly that each other's tactical strategies are just that much. There is not much room for tactical changes. But you, your performance on the field, there are variables every minute, infinite variables, so the key lies in you. Work hard, in the second half!"

※※※

Ren Yudi and Sophie went to the café inside the stadium for a short break during the halftime break.

While chatting, Sophie was absent-minded. Ren Yudi waved his hand in front of her eyes: "Sophie?"

"Ah?" Sophie suddenly raised her head.

"What are you thinking about?"

"No, nothing." Sophie shook her head and muttered.

"Are you worried about Zhang Jun?" Ren Yudi tilted his head to look at Sophie.

Sophie nodded.

Ren Yudi knew about Sophie and Zhang Jun's relationship, and it was normal for them to worry about each other.

Seeing that Ren Yudi was also silent, Sophie realized that her emotions must have infected him, so she decided to take the initiative to change the subject. "Yudi, this summer, I plan to marry Zhang Jun, regardless of whether he can win the World Cup or not. You must come then."

Ren Yudi laughed: "Of course, I will definitely come, and I will also make a ruckus in the bridal chamber."

Sophie's face turned slightly red, "But when do you plan to find one?"

Asked such a question, Ren Yudi was silent for a while. Sophie felt that she had asked a question she shouldn't have asked, and was a little apprehensive, intending to apologize. But she didn't expect Ren Yudi to smile: "I don't have that plan yet."

"What about in the future?" Sophie reflexively asked the question, and regretted it as soon as she said it.

"In the future... I don't plan to either." Ren Yudi didn't refuse to answer, but his expression was a little lonely. A few years ago, his mind was all on business. In recent years, his mind has been all on football. Where did he seriously consider that question? But he felt that his lifestyle was not suitable for finding a woman to control him, at least not now, and in the future? Future matters have not yet been written into Ren Yudi's plan.

"But, actually, I think Sister Hua is good. You have experienced those things together. Haven't you developed any feelings?"

Ren Yudi smiled, that kind of smile was a bitter smile: "Sophie, there are some things that you don't understand, and it's not easy for me to say. In short, it's impossible between me and Hua Fang."

"...It's as if you've seen through the world..." Sophie muttered.

Ren Yudi tapped the table lightly, then got up: "Let's go. The second half is about to start."

※※※

The two who returned to the box again greeted Berlusconi and Galliani next to them, and then sat down in their seats, waiting for the game to start.

At this time, on the football field, both sides of the game were already standing in their positions, waiting for the referee to blow the whistle.

After forty-five minutes of non-stop shouting in the first half, the fans' emotions and bodies showed no signs of fatigue, because their voices were still loud and their arms were still waving vigorously.

Everyone would imagine what the second half would be like during the halftime break, and then communicate with the companions around them, and even argue with each other.

But for Milan fans, their start to the second half was too smooth.

Just four minutes into the second half, Yang Pan once again forcibly broke through on the right wing. This time, Xiang Tao grabbed him with his hand, following Yang Pan closely, not letting him pick up his speed. The fully running Yang Pan was terrifying, even Xiang Tao had to admit this.

Yang Pan accelerated, and he put his hand on him. Yang Pan accelerated, and he slowed down. In short, he just didn't let Yang Pan control the ball comfortably.

Yang Pan felt that Xiang Tao in the second half was obviously different from Xiang Tao in the first half, so he decided to do something drastic.

During the process of dribbling the ball, he used force on the arm that was between the two, pushing Xiang Tao outwards. Xiang Tao felt that Yang Pan was pushing him, and immediately fell to the ground, while opening his arms and shouting loudly, hoping to attract the referee's attention and judge AC Milan's offense as a foul, and this defense would be successful.

But he ignored the linesman who was right in front of them. The referee heard Xiang Tao's shout and looked over there, but saw the linesman gesturing for the game to continue, so he ignored Xiang Tao who fell on the ground.

Xiang Tao tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice. He fell to the ground and watched Yang Pan break through past him, feeling a chill in his heart. He suddenly jumped up from the ground and quickly pounced on Yang Pan.

Even if it was a foul, he had to stop Yang Pan outside the penalty area!

Yang Pan felt Xiang Tao's speed and determination. He didn't dare to neglect anymore and crossed the ball immediately. Just as the ball flew out, Xiang Tao's toe stretched out, but it was one step too late!

How dangerous! Yang Pan secretly cried out in his heart. But soon, he lost his balance and was directly knocked out of the field by Xiang Tao, and the two entangled and fell off the field.

The ball drew an arc, bypassed Xiang Tao's foot, and flew towards the goal!

This was a low-level ball, making it difficult for both defenders and goalkeepers to handle.

Gilardino saw Yang Pan cross the ball and rushed up. He planned to grab this point.

Bonera followed him closely, not letting him make easy moves.

Frey dived, intending to block the cross.

The three people collided at the same time!

The ball slowly rolled into the goal behind Frey from under his armpit!

The ball went in!

"Yang Pan crosses the ball... This is Milan's chance. Gilardino appears in front of the goal. They collide together... Andagoal!! Gilardino! He scored his first goal of the game, and AC Milan equalized the score!"

This time, it was Milan fans' turn to cheer.

Yang Pan lifted Xiang Tao, who was pressing on him, and jumped up from the ground, running towards Gilardino to celebrate their goal.

The Fiorentina players raised their arms high and appealed to the referee, arguing that Gilardino had charged the goalkeeper and this goal should be ruled invalid!

The referee ignored the appeals of the Fiorentina players. He blew the whistle and pointed to the center circle—the goal was valid!

AC Milan equalized the score just four minutes into the second half! Their second half started too smoothly!

Yang Pan was knocked down by Gilardino, and the teammates who came running took the opportunity to press on him.

Yang Pan has already become the player with the most assists in this cup with this assist. He is the well-deserved assist king!

Because AC Milan celebrated near where Xiang Tao fell, Xiang Tao looked at these Milan players celebrating their goal under his nose, shouting loudly, feeling very unhappy and wanting to kick them.

In the end, he didn't act impulsively, because he would definitely be sent off the field directly, so he just shook his head helplessly and walked back with an aggrieved expression, still muttering in his mouth.

"Damn it, you sons of bitches! Damn it, you sons of bitches!"

It was unclear whether he was cursing himself for being useless or cursing the Milan players.

※※※

AC Milan equalized the score, but Basten was not too excited. He just walked to the sidelines and applauded to express his congratulations and encouragement to his disciples.

Sabato didn't act as rageously as people imagined. He just rushed to the sidelines, cursed fiercely, and then sat back down.

In Florence, fans who couldn't go to the stadium to watch the game were all gathered in various bars to watch the game. When they saw Milan equalize the score, almost everyone cursed loudly.

Inside the box, Galliani and Berlusconi saw Gilardino put the ball into Fiorentina's goal, and they jumped up from their seats and cheered for the goal.

Ren Yudi, on the other hand, had a gloomy face and didn't say a word, with an expression that was frighteningly serious.

Sophie also frowned and stared at the field.

This goal allowed Milan to equalize the score. The key was that scoring so early also allowed Milan to regain their confidence. The rest of the game would be difficult for Fiorentina, because the victory of this game should be 50-50, and everyone had a chance, depending on who performed better on the spot.

Morale is an ethereal factor, but it does exist and affect many things.

Now AC Milan's morale is high and they are in the limelight. How will Fiorentina respond?

Sabato considered it slightly and decided to avoid AC Milan's limelight and defend first, waiting for their momentum to pass.

He walked to the sidelines and made a gesture to retreat and defend.

Basten noticed Sabato's gesture and understood what he meant. He realized that this was AC Milan's best chance. If he couldn't seize it, then the first person he couldn't forgive would be himself.

Strike while the iron is hot!

So he waved his hand and pushed the whole team forward. Whether they could win the game or not depended on this period of time!