Chapter 1 Madrid

Madrid, Las Rozas training base.

"That unlucky Fabregas, he injured his hamstring. He can't go to France with us!"

"Fortunately, Cazorla is recovering well, and he will report tomorrow!"

"De Gea? That guy is fine, just caught up in a scandal. He and his agent have returned to London for a press conference!"

Minaño was chatting with two team doctors by the side of the field, discussing the team's injuries.

The setting sun was painting the sky.

The heat had not completely dissipated.

Del Bosque, wearing a red T-shirt and sticking out his big belly, watched the training field with a smile.

The Spanish stars were divided into two teams and were conducting a team scrimmage.

Team A's "Li Bai Bu" trio was once again crushed.

Morata's wild misses were one aspect.

The defensive line, based on Barcelona players, also had serious problems.

Team B's iron triangle of David Silva, Koke, and Saúl was tactically simple and efficient, using quick long passes to bypass the central barrier. Diego Costa received the ball and then took advantage of the gaps between Piqué and Alba to attack, repeatedly succeeding.

"Stop passing the ball back and forth, you're losing!"

"God, Piqué, why are you daydreaming again!"

Del Bosque quickly frowned, his mustache twitching with anger.

His reason for insisting on using Li Kang, Iniesta, and Busquets together was simple: cup matches are about stamina.

The peak La Furia Roja could beat anyone 1:0 or 2:0!

La Masia's passing and control system was naturally suited to a dense schedule.

Unfortunately.

This national team, the Barcelona group, exposed very serious problems:

First, Alba's height was too short. Simeone taught the world how to target him.

Second, it was impossible to find a third center-back with better footwork than Piqué, but this guy always daydreamed.

Third, Iniesta was plagued by injuries and couldn't maintain his normal level for long.

And four, five, six, seven, eight...

No.

Li Kang couldn't be allowed to return to the "kill-yourself-working" style of play he had at Leverkusen.

Del Bosque picked up a pen and paper and began to address the weaknesses exposed in the lineup.

Although the Spanish national team didn't have Messi.

They had plenty of midfield talent, and a simple combination could cover up the problems.

A moment later.

The scrimmage ended.

Morata handed Li Kang a dry towel: "Li, aren't your relatives and friends coming to watch the game?"

Li Kang shook his head and then nodded.

His foster mother, Sofia, couldn't leave and couldn't bear to leave the little players in the La Masia youth training camp.

However, Völler, the old men Topp and Dino, and teacher Berenata were very free and would come to the scene to cheer him on.

Hmm.

Others had a WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) group.

He had a grandpa group.

Diego Costa looked serious and solemnly said: "Li, you should make more friends with the opposite sex. *The Sun* says you like men."

Everyone laughed.

Players like Li Kang and Morata, who didn't "date early," were too rare.

However, for this European Cup, Del Bosque wouldn't allow the WAGs to approach the base.

History had given the answer: any coach who claimed that "sex is beneficial to match fitness" would encounter a Waterloo in France.

....

In the summer of 2016, the media's focus was not limited to the European Cup, but also the "Centennial Copa América."

It was a major event held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South American Football Confederation and the Copa América.

The "Copa América" at this time was not the "weekly cup."

The quality of the matches and the value of the lineup were very high.

It brought together a group of South American superstars such as Messi, Neymar, Suárez, Agüero, Higuaín, Di María, Mascherano, and so on.

The Argentine national team's frontline, even in the World Cup, was top-notch.

But the weak midfield and defense meant they couldn't form a crushing force in South America. The lineups of strong teams such as Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, and Colombia were more balanced.

Buenos Aires, Ezeiza training base.

The Argentine national team was conducting a team scrimmage.

Messi was desperately feeding the ball.

Higuaín was wildly missing chances.

Former Barcelona coach Martino covered his face in pain.

"We clearly have the best frontline in the world, why can't we ever win a championship?"

"Gonzalo, you're the Serie A Golden Boot winner!"

"Messi, go back to the front line."

A moment later.

Martino was confused.

Messi was confused.

When he dropped back to the midfield to organize, the frontline couldn't score.

When he returned to his familiar frontline position, the midfield couldn't deliver the ammunition.

Even the King of Football couldn't carry them.

The 2007 Copa América final was a painful memory.

The 2010 World Cup was lost to Germany...

The 2011 Copa América ended in the round of sixteen.

The 2014 World Cup final was a failure.

The 2015 Copa América final was lost on penalties.

Messi's career seemed glorious, but every major national team tournament was a hellish difficulty with demons dancing everywhere.

Yes, luck was also a big factor. The goalposts and crossbar were his eternal enemies in national team events.

How many more years would he have to wait to win a major honor at the national team level?

This year's Centennial Copa América was the best opportunity to break the curse!

....

Portugal national team training base.

Coach Santos smiled bitterly.

He watched Cristiano Ronaldo, who was overstepping his authority by directing the team's tactical training, with a slightly complicated mood.

Cristiano Ronaldo's individual ability was beyond doubt, and the entire Portuguese team would play around him in attack.

But his direction was contrary to the coaching staff's ideas.

To put it nicely: leadership.

To put it badly: ...

Santos always cheerfully explained to the media: "Directing? That's Cristiano Ronaldo's prerogative!"

But in his heart, there was a thorn.

No coach wanted to have his on-the-spot command taken away by a player who was "unable to play" in front of the world's cameras.

Cristiano Ronaldo himself, of course, had no malice and no intention of "seizing power."

He believed that his relationship with his national teammates and the coaching staff was very harmonious.

He cared about honor.

He wanted to win!

This European Cup was the best opportunity!

After training.

Cristiano Ronaldo called Éder aside.

"Don't always shoot for the far corner! Pay attention to the positioning of the opposing defenders and goalkeeper... You like to use the instep too much, you need to practice more with the inside of your foot... Watch me!"

Éder was a little dazed. He was just an unknown substitute.

Unless a主力 (zhuli - main force) member was injured, he wouldn't have a chance to play.

As a striker, he couldn't even score 10 goals a year at the club. Compared to Portugal's other stars, he was just an inconspicuous little brother.

Feeling Cristiano Ronaldo's firm gaze.

Éder was greatly moved: if he could play in the European Cup, he would definitely perform well!

.......

June 8th, western France.

Li Kang and his national teammates arrived at La Rochelle Airport. Their base was located on the Île de Ré, a quiet seaside town.

There were only a few dozen Spanish fans at the airport to greet them because the place was too remote.

Morata even wanted to take a group photo with them.

But armed French security personnel immediately stepped forward to stop him.

There was no way.

To prevent terrorist attacks, security for this European Cup was extremely strict.

The national team bus had been waiting for a long time.

The body of the bus was printed with the slogan of the La Furia Roja for this European Cup: uncolor, unapasion, somoslaroja.

Flashes of magnesium lights flickered wildly.

Media reporters stood outside the cordon, asking questions frantically, but received no response.

Del Bosque strictly forbade players from giving any interviews during the European Cup, and their social media accounts were also prohibited from being used.

If Spain couldn't achieve good results in this European Cup, it would be unknown how many years it would take to climb back up.

...

June 11th.

The raging sea breeze rattled the windows.

Li Kang and his teammates sat around the TV, watching the opening ceremony of the 2016 European Cup.

France vs. Romania!

The camera quickly swept through the nine host cities of this European Cup, finally stopping at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

The green field was arranged into a manor from a fairy tale.

Accompanied by cheerful music.

Actors wearing different costumes kept spinning around.

Absurd characters from different historical periods.

Cultural symbols from different historical periods.

Formed a huge "merry-go-round," slowly rotating with the rhythm.

Two minutes later.

The background music switched to the classic "Can-Can."

Girls in colorful costumes and different skin tones rushed onto the green field, dancing gracefully.

Tens of thousands of spectators at the scene couldn't help but clap along to the beat.

A country hosting a major sporting event not only improves economic benefits but also showcases its cultural symbols to the world.

...

Ctv5 Live Studio.

The number of viewers continued to soar.

What was the concept of the European Cup?

Even ordinary people who usually didn't pay attention to the top five leagues and the Champions League would join in the fun.

If a player could perform well in such a major event, his value and commercial value would definitely skyrocket.

For example, Balotelli in 2012.

Host Liu Jiayuan was passionately introducing French culture.

The audience didn't care about that.

-[This is very round, give the director a chicken leg!]

-[I'm optimistic about France winning the championship. The lineup on paper is strong, and they're playing at home.]

-[In terms of strength on paper, who can compare to the European Red Devils - Belgium!]

-[Isn't Germany the top favorite? They won the last World Cup!]

-[Italy will definitely usher in a revival!]

-[It's difficult! Pirlo left, Verratti and Marchisio were seriously injured and didn't make the list, Balotelli is useless, besides Buffon and the two old guards, I can't name any other players.]

-[Whenever there are key events, people always have four illusions: England is strong, Italy is weak, Argentina can win the championship, and the Chinese national team can qualify!]

....

Diego Costa sang along to the famous French song "La Vie en Rose" with the TV.

Li Kang had a document in his hand.

He only started paying attention to the specific group list today.

This European Cup was expanded again, and there were many new teams on the list.

Group A: France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania;

Group B: England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales;

Group C: Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland;

Group D: Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey;

Group E: Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Ireland;

Group F: Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Iceland.

A system prompt sounded quietly.

[Ding! National team main quest triggered: Conquer Europe!]

[Quest Introduction: Too easy! You are surrounded by a group of the world's top midfield magicians, you will be crowned king! Right? How could you possibly experience the nightmare difficulty of the zone of death? Your luck couldn't be that bad!]

[Quest Reward: ???]

Li Kang's expression was calm.

Nightmare difficulty zone of death?

He should be saying that he would become the nightmare of his opponents.

The TV suddenly erupted with cheers.

The opening match of the European Cup officially began.

His teammates were not very interested.

Cazorla and Iniesta were discussing the characteristics of their opponents.

Minaño quickly interrupted in a low voice: "Relax and prepare to welcome the first group match. Leave the tactical work to the coaching staff!"

.....

The following days were calm and monotonous.

In the scrimmages, Del Bosque kept rotating Li Kang's midfield partners, while Minaño took notes on the side.

The coaching staff didn't have much time left.

There were many factions within the Spanish national team.

The root of the conflict was not ethnic grievances, but disagreements over the rhythm of the midfield possession.

There were many roads to the goal, but a group of top students each insisted on their own ideas.

Busquets and Iniesta were one faction.

David Silva and Cazorla were one faction.

Saúl and Koke, the new generation of players, were another faction.

But this time, there was no repeat of the arguments from the Confederations Cup years ago.

Because Spain now had a new midfield core that perfectly accommodated all ideas.

...

Due to the closed training.

Li Kang hadn't turned on his phone.

He hadn't paid attention to the matches in other groups.

Only during breakfast did he see an interesting piece of news in the newspaper:

In the match between England and Russia, the fans of both sides brawled.

Groups of English hooligans were chased and beaten by five Russian tough guys...

...

June 13th.

Stadium de Toulouse.

The stadium was packed, with no empty seats.

The stands, which could accommodate more than 40,000 spectators, were divided by two colors.

Different languages from two countries converged on French soil.

Spain welcomed their first group match.

"Ctv5! Ctv5! Good evening, audience friends!"

"Welcome to the first round of Group D matches in the 2016 European Cup in France!"

"Spain against Croatia!"

"A match full of stars!"

"We can see many familiar names in the starting lineups of both sides!"

"A dialogue between a twilight dynasty and a golden generation!"

"I am the commentator for this match: Duan Xuan!"

"I am He Wei!"

....

Players' tunnel.

The players of both sides greeted each other warmly.

The camera swept across everyone's faces.

Even viewers who rarely watched matches could vaguely recognize a few stars from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus.

When Modrić learned that Li Kang wasn't in the Spanish starting lineup.

He felt a little regret.

The Croatian midfielder believed that meeting in a national team event was the fairest stage for his dialogue with Li Kang.

....

"Now, let me introduce the starting lineups of both sides!"

"Spain is lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: De Gea!"

"Defenders: Alba, Piqué, Ramos, Carvajal!"

"Double defensive midfielders: Saúl, Busquets!"

"Attacking midfielders: David Silva, Koke, Cazorla!"

"Forward: Morata!"

-[Crazy, they don't even mention the left and right fullbacks. Alba's left and Carvajal's right are two different concepts of attack and defense. The quality of the commentary is really low.]

-[This is to take care of the feelings of the general audience. The commentary for national team events should focus on being easy to understand.]

-[I haven't watched football for many years. Most of the Spanish team is made up of unfamiliar faces! Where's Saint Casillas? Where's Alonso? Where's Xavi? Where's Torres? Why is Iniesta also on the bench?]

-[A mixed midfield from Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Arsenal! Del Bosque isn't playing that Barcelona "Tiki-Taka" tactic, is he?]

-[Spain abandoned the Barcelona group, they're doomed to lose!]

-[With this lineup, they don't even need Little Li, it's definitely enough to crush Croatia!]

...

"Croatia is also lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Subašić!"

"Defenders: Srna, Ćorluka, Jedvaj, Vrsaljko."

"Double defensive midfielders: Modrić, Badelj!"

"Attacking midfielders: Brozović, Rakitić, Perišić!"

"Forward: Mandžukić!"

-[Two super hexagonal warriors from Real Madrid and Barcelona, the wings of Inter Milan, the top scorer of Juventus, the defensive core of Fiorentina... it's indeed a golden generation!]

-[Won't this lineup crush Spain? Beat up Piqué for me!]

-[Didn't they say before the match that Modrić was injured and couldn't play? It was a smokescreen!]

.....

Accompanied by the referee's whistle.

The match officially began!

Croatia with possession.

Mandžukić passed the ball back to Rakitić.

Rakitić touched the ball once and passed it diagonally in the direction of Brozović.

Perišić cut inside to the center.

The entire Croatian formation was like a bayonet, stabbing fiercely into the Spanish half.

...

By the side of the field.

Del Bosque sat on the coach's bench, dozing off.

Minaño paced anxiously back and forth.

Iniesta frowned and said in a low voice: "The situation is not good. Croatia's cooperation is much more tacit than ours! Modrić and Rakitić have too much control."

Li Kang nodded.

On the other side.

Croatian coach Čačić had his hands in his pockets, confident and calm.

When the declining Spain couldn't even play passing and control, they were just a tired bull.

....

The match time passed minute by minute.

Modrić controlled the match.

Rakitić's back-and-forth lateral movement orchestrated threating attacks one after another.

Spanish fans gradually fell silent.

Croatian fans cheered wildly.

La Furia Roja still had the same old problems as in 2014, they couldn't establish a true midfield core...

"Croatia's style of play is too agile!"

"Wow! A pass full of imagination!"

"From the looks of it, Croatia, wearing checkered jerseys, is playing more like Spain!"

"The scales of victory will tip towards the pleasing team!"

"Good opportunity! Perišić's long shot!"

"Eh? A divine save from De Gea!"

"Quickly throw the ball! Pass it to Cazorla on the return!"

"A long pass from the backfield initiates the attack!"

"Morata!"

"How is this Spain so much like England!"

Duan Xuan was a little incoherent.

On the screen.

The football was like fireworks, piercing through the night sky of the Stadium de Toulouse!

A master-class long pass from Cazorla!

Near the center circle.

Morata's judgment of the landing point was very accurate.

He got in front of Srna.

A header flicked it behind him!

Then he continued to sprint forward!

"Beautiful! The timing of this header is perfect!"

"Koke!"

Koke stopped the ball with his chest.

His body leaned back!

His right foot pushed forward fiercely!

*Thwack!*

The football was like a sharp blade.

Sticking to the grass, it pierced Croatia's high defensive line!

"No offside!"

"The football rolled to Morata again!"

"This counter-attack method is too simple and direct!"

"It's like we're watching an Atletico Madrid match!"

"Ćorluka can't catch up!"

"No offside!"

"A one-on-one!"

....

Morata was extremely fast, easily shaking off the double-team of Ćorluka and Jedvaj!

The football happened to roll to his feet.

No need to slow down and adjust.

His ball control skills were first-rate!

At the moment of contact, he took a big touch!

Accelerating again!

Spanish fans cheered!

Croatian fans erupted in boos!

Subašić rushed out of the penalty area, he opened his arms, trying to increase his blocking area!

*Thwack!*

Morata pushed with the inside of his foot!

The football slipped through the Croatian goalkeeper's legs, steadily rolling into the net!

1:0!!!

"Beautiful!"

"Too simple!"

"Just 15 minutes into the match, Morata breaks the balance!"

"Unbelievable, Spain is the one to score first!"

"Croatia has the advantage but can't score!"

Morata rushed to the corner flag area, confidently clenching his fist.

Subašić raised his hand to apologize to his teammates.

....

By the side of the field.

Iniesta was dumbfounded.

He was still thinking about how to break Croatia's high-pressure attack when his teammates broke through the opponent with a counter-attack?

Li Kang and Diego Costa couldn't help but applaud.

Del Bosque nodded in satisfaction.

Minaño jumped up excitedly.

On the other side.

Čačić was furious.

He couldn't help but roar at his teammates on the field.

"Stop wasting long-range shooting opportunities! Cherish possession!"

"Pass the ball to Modrić!"

....

The match restarted in the center circle.

Croatia continued to attack fiercely.

The football was advanced to the thirty-meter zone.

Modrić's position moved slightly forward.

The Checkered Ones seemed to have changed into a different team.

The distances between all the players began to widen, crazily penetrating the Spanish defensive line.

The speed of the football passing was getting faster and faster!

"Too gorgeous!"

"Extremely tacit cooperation!"

"In the current environment of pragmatic football, Croatia did not insist on defensive counter-attacking tactics, but like a lotus in the mud, their beautiful style of play broke the lifeless European football scene!"

"Rakitić and Modrić, the brains and metronomes from Barcelona and Real Madrid, the remnants of Yugoslavian football, the two of them jointly played a beautiful movement!"

Actually, it wasn't that beautiful.

It was mainly that these two people were hexagonal warriors.

The type with no obvious weaknesses.

Excellent vision and awareness.

Not afraid of pressing.

Stable ball delivery.

Accurate passing.

A strong sense of timing.

Too many, too many advantages.

Spain's group of midfielders with serious specializations couldn't cope for a while.

....

28th minute of the match.

Perišić cut past Alba on the left.

He swept the ball back to the edge of the penalty area.

Rakitić let it go at the near post!

Catching the eager De Gea a little off guard!

"Oh no! This ball is looking for Modrić!"

"He's going to shoot!"

Modrić shook off Saúl!

He raised his right foot!

The moment the outside of his foot made contact with the football, there was an explosive sound!

In the sky above the Spanish penalty area, a beautiful rainbow-like arc was drawn.

De Gea reacted quickly.

In a flash, his judgment of the shooting direction was very accurate!

He jumped!

Unfortunately!

The pink glove was just a little short of reaching the football.

When the Spanish net was ripped open!

Croatian fans erupted in a roar of cheers!

"Outside of the foot!"

"A transcendent outside of the foot!"

"The football went straight into the dead corner! De Gea tried his best!"

"Modrić's long-range shot with the outside of his foot helps Croatia equalize the score!"

....

By the side of the field.

Del Bosque frowned and stood up with difficulty.

"There's no problem with our defensive line."

"It's the midfielders who have entered a misunderstanding... they shouldn't try to limit Modrić."

"Li, do you understand?"

"That's right, the key to breaking the deadlock is to cut off his connection with Rakitić! Go warm up!"

Iniesta and Diego Costa were dumbfounded: Little Li didn't say anything! What are you muttering about, old man?

On the other side.

Čačić punched the air heavily.

"That's right! That's how you play!"

"Pass the damn ball to Modrić!"

....

Croatian players gathered in the corner flag area, embracing tightly.

They believed they would definitely win the first match of the group stage.

Suddenly.

The smile on Rakitić's face disappeared.

He saw a figure walking out of the Spanish bench.

Spanish number 6!

He couldn't help but recall the night at Camp Nou...

....

The match continued.

Under Modrić's organization.

Croatia pressed Spain hard in their penalty area, launching wave after wave of attacks!

The feeling for the audience was that the Checkered Ones would take the lead at any moment.

The match time passed minute by minute.

Piqué was a little distracted.

The Spanish defensive line began to crumble.

"If Fabregas was on the field, the situation might be different!"

"Saúl is still too young, easily lost in Croatia's long and short penetration."

"Spain needs to think of something!"

"Oh no! Mandžukić's shot was too casual!"

"During the dead ball phase, we see Spain making their first substitution!"

"Coming on as a substitute is 18-year-old Li Kang!"

"He is ushering in his debut in a formal match for the national team!"

"Perhaps many viewers are not familiar with him, this young player is the assist king of Europe from the Bundesliga powerhouse - Bayer Leverkusen!"

"Busquets is coming off, this is a like-for-like substitution!"

When the Spanish number 6 jersey appeared outside the center circle line.

The entire Stadium de Toulouse seemed to tremble gently.

The cameras at each position shook violently.

Thousands of Spanish fans screamed hysterically, shouting the word on the back of the jersey.

"Lee!!!"

"Lee!!!"

"Lee!!!"

....

Live studio.

The barrage was madly spammed!

-[Damn, Li Mingdeng is on.]

-[Del Bosque is still so cautious, he didn't let Little Li on until they fell behind!]

-[Who is Li Mingdeng? Why is he wearing Xavi's number?]

-[A super core, a midfield core who can improve Spain's overall strength!]

-[Don't talk nonsense, Li Kang was completely crushed by Modrić in the Champions League! He couldn't even touch the ball, it's useless to put him on!]

-[You're the one talking nonsense, what kind of teammates are these in the national team, can the Leverkusen trash compare? Just watch, Croatia is going to be crushed!]

....

Del Bosque hung on to the young man's shoulder, talking non-stop.

Li Kang's eyes were focused on the green field, nodding continuously.

Busquets ran quickly to the sidelines, the two clapped and hugged.

"Li, your shoelaces aren't tied properly!"

"Slow down, kiss the dirt..."

Li Kang ran onto the field in a puff of smoke, quickly making gestures at his teammates.

Del Bosque was still muttering behind him.

He was still hoping that his disciple's European Cup debut would be handsome...

In the distance.

Čačić frowned.

He kept reassuring himself in his heart.

It's okay.

It's okay.

Li Kang's effect will be similar to Saúl's.

During the Champions League semi-finals, he couldn't keep up with Modrić's tempo...

.....

De Gea kicked the goal kick.

Directly to Li Kang!

The latter raised his left foot and gently stopped the ball.

Perišić and Mandžukić frantically pressed forward.

"He needs to pass the ball quickly!"

"Beautiful!"

Li Kang pulled the ball back with his left foot.

Turned around!

Easily leaping over the double team!

Brozović also rushed up at this time.

The football had already left Li Kang's right foot, rolling towards the line where Alba was advancing.

The Croatian winger couldn't stop, and crashed heavily into the Spanish number 6.

*Thwack!*

Brozović only felt like he had hit a beast!

Dizzy, he staggered and fell to the ground.

Shaking his head.

He saw that Li Kang had already gone far away.

Right.

That kid was "walking!"

....

Rakitić was very smart.

He didn't think about fighting Li Kang physically!

Instead, he cooperated with Badelj, charging towards Alba!

"Wonderful!"

"Alba cuts past the Croatian defensive midfielder!"

"Advances past the center circle line!"

"A cross in the middle!"

"Looking for Li Kang!"

Li Kang stopped the ball again, not passing it with one touch.

In the God's-eye view.

Modrić's timing of the press was perfect, as if he had predicted Alba's passing tendency.

The other Croatian players also sealed off Li Kang's passing routes under his command.

....

Memories seemed to return to the night he was eliminated in the Champions League.

At that time, the midfield trio suffocated all of Li Kang's ideas.

Del Bosque's expression was grave.

Iniesta scratched his slightly balding head worriedly.

David Silva retreated wildly, preparing to meet the ball.

At this time, they couldn't lose possession.

If they did.

It would be like Leverkusen playing Real Madrid.

...

The distance between the Spanish number 6 and the Croatian number 10 was getting closer and closer.

Time seemed to be slowed down countless times.

A one-on-one battle between the central midfield cores of both sides.

The outcome determined the control of the midfield in this match.

Modrić's timing for the tackle was very precise.

His control of the timing seemed to press the Spanish youngster hard to the ground!

Li Kang's expression was very calm.

In his vision, a bald silhouette vaguely appeared.

While dribbling forward.

His left foot gently flicked the ball.

The football slid to the left.

The red jersey fluttered in the wind.

Turned around!

Modrić stepped on air, his expression astonished.

The Spanish number 6 in his pupils.

Had already completed a smooth and free-flowing right-foot ball-pulling motion.

Extremely elegant!

Golden hair intertwined with black hair in the wind.

When the trio midfield came back to their senses.

They had been left far behind by Li Kang!

"A Marseille turn!"

"Since Zidane, there has never been such a perfect Marseille turn on French soil!"

"Too gorgeous!"

"Smooth as flowing water!"

"Like a gazelle hanging its horns!"

"Leaving no trace in the snow!"

"In this one-on-one contest, Li Kang defeated Modrić!"

"A clash between two talented midfielders!"

"Elegant!"

The Stadium de Toulouse resounded with applause!

...

Del Bosque opened his mouth in surprise.

Iniesta punched Diego Costa excitedly.

Čačić's eyes were dull, the mineral water in his hand fell to the ground, unnoticed.

The match didn't stop.

Li Kang dribbled the ball to the forty-meter zone.

He gently pushed with the inside of his foot.

The football instantly cut through Croatia's half!

Steadily rolling to the feet of Carvajal.

The Real Madrid fullback was secretly shocked: even Kroos' ground balls... couldn't provide this terrifying amount of pre-run power!

"Right side!"

"Good opportunity!"

"Is he going to cross the ball?"

No cross.

How could Vrsaljko defend against Carvajal?

The latter used the most simple feint and pull, tearing open a gap for the breakthrough!

Suddenly accelerating.

He cut horizontally into the Croatian penalty area!

Just as he was preparing to sweep the ball along the ground to the goal.

After seeing Morata run out of space, he hesitated for a fraction of a second.

The shape of his foot changed sharply.

The football was chipped towards the small penalty area!

The passing route was extremely ambiguous.

Right in the area between Subašić and the defensive line!

The Croatian goalkeeper didn't dare to attack!

*Thwack!*

Morata stretched out his upper body!

He had heard of two-footed players, but never of two-headed players!

He swung his head violently!

The football howled as it blasted open the Croatian goal!

2:1!!!

"The ball went in!"

"A roller coaster of a match!"

"What a simple and direct two-wing roundabout passing attack!"

"Li Kang's high-speed advance and diagonal pass were too crucial. Just coming on the field, he caught the Checkered Ones off guard!"

"No problem, no offside!"

"Carvajal assists with a chip, Morata scores with a header, Spain takes the lead again!"

....

Live studio.

The barrage was like a waterfall.

-[Morata, never fails to deliver on any given cake!]

-[This Spanish number 6 youngster is really fierce, he will definitely be a hit online after the match.]

-[Zidane possessed? Li Mingdeng is amazing, what a perfect and elegant Marseille turn.]

-[Elegant, too elegant.]

-[Everyone can do a Marseille turn, but only two people can make it so visually stunning: Zidane and Maradona... and Li Kang!]

-[This time Spain's attacking routine has nothing to do with the La Masia passing and control system, the simple and efficient two-wing roundabout advance... whose tactical system is it? It only took a few seconds to break through the Croatian half!]

-[You guys watch closely, with a different set of teammates, Little Li is a T0-level midfielder.]

-[The first half hasn't even ended and they've already scored 3 goals, so refreshing! I can order takeout in advance.]

-[Modrić doesn't know enough about Li Kang, once he does, he will be able to limit him, I'm optimistic that Croatia can still turn the tables!]

-[Impossible, look at the configuration of the teammates on both sides, the gap is very big, according to the cup strategy, both sides will not use big moves in the first group match... they still need to save strength to play against the Czech Republic and Turkey.]

......

The Stadium de Toulouse echoed with the cheers of Spanish fans.

Carvajal closed his eyes, opening his arms to wait for Morata's embrace.

The two were best friends during their youth training days.

Hmm?

He didn't feel the familiar warmth for a long time...

Where was he?

The Real Madrid fullback opened his eyes and found that Morata had run towards Li Kang!

The little boat of childhood friendship had capsized.

"You kid, wait for me!"