Mexico's situation in the World Cup is very similar to Arsenal's Champions League record over the years.

World Cup Round of 16 and Champions League Round of 16.

From 1994 to 2014, Mexico never missed a World Cup, but always fell in the Round of 16 knockout stage.

The fighting power of this champion in the North, Central America, and the Caribbean region fluctuates greatly.

They can beat South American powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

They can also lose to the Central American minnows of Jamaica's level.

The biggest star in the lineup is "Little Pea" Hernandez.

But in terms of popularity, Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa became a god in the 2014 World Cup, becoming popular all over the Internet. Fans affectionately call him: the Mexican Francis Ng.

June 21st.

Kazan Arena, on the banks of the Kazanka River.

This stadium and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium are from the same design company: Populous.

Populous is best at integrating architectural appearance with local culture.

The highlands on the banks of the Volga River are full of Islamic atmosphere, adding a touch of green to the top of the Kazan Arena's exterior.

Fans from all over the world quickly filled the 40,000+ seats.

Different languages converged into a passionate torrent.

Command area.

Miniano was worried: "Boss, Li's injury..."

Bosque looked calm and smiled: "The team doctor said there is no problem, and Li himself said there is no problem, then there is no problem."

"Ctv5! Ctv5! Good evening, viewers."

"Now broadcasting live is the second round of the 2017 Confederations Cup group stage."

"Mexico vs. Spain."

"The Aztec Eagles meet the Matador Army!"

"What kind of sparks will the two collide?"

"Let's wait and see!"

"The following is the starting lineup for both sides."

"Mexico's formation is 4-3-3."

"Goalkeeper: Ochoa."

"Defenders: Layún, Moreno, Reyes, Salcedo."

"Midfielders: Guardado, Hector, Jonathan."

"Forwards: Hernandez, Jiménez, Vela."

Livestream room.

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[Pea shooter!]

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[This lineup is more difficult to deal with than Russia. A tough nut to crack.]

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[Mexico's style of play is too alternative and too attractive. In the first leg, they defeated New Zealand. The players can run and grab, like seven or eight loaches!]

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[The American Arsenal is not a false name.]

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[The shortcoming is: short.]

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[Ochoa is so awesome in the national team, why can't he play in the top five European leagues?]

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[He played in La Liga for a season, was blown up, his value plummeted, and he will play in the Belgian league next season.]

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[Some players perform averagely at the club, but can perform exceptionally in the national team.]

"Spain's formation is 4-5-1!"

"Goalkeeper: De Gea."

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

"Midfielders: Busquets, Saúl, Li Kang, Koke, Fàbregas."

"Forward: Diego Costa."

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[Why do I suddenly feel that the Spanish lineup has become luxurious?]

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[A shining thing has mixed in.]

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[Li Mingdeng is back.]

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[When Li Mingdeng comes on the field, I feel that this lineup can win the Champions League if it is well coordinated.]

Beep!

The game officially begins.

Diego Costa kicks off and passes back to Li Kang.

Mexico's frontcourt players quickly cross the center circle and start a pressing network.

Li Kang touches the ball once.

The football skims the grass and swiftly rushes to Busquets' feet.

The latter also touches the ball once.

The football is slowly and diagonally passed to Fàbregas.

"The high pressing of the Mexican players is very active! Running all over the field!"

"The passing rhythm of the Spanish midfield is not fast, very slow, but it can always resolve the opponent's pressure."

"Huh?"

"This running position is very exquisite."

Sideline.

Mexican coach Osorio felt that his team was like punching cotton.

He quickly reminded his disciples to pay attention to the positions of Saúl and Koke.

On the other side.

Miniano was very happy. He wanted to raise his hand to command something, but found that his brain seemed to be half a beat slower than the players on the field.

Bosque sat on the bench with a smiling expression.

"Use whatever tactics you need for whatever style of team you meet."

The style of the game became very strange.

The Mexican frontcourt players ran hard with the movement of the football, but they couldn't grab the ball.

The rhythm of the Spanish midfield and backcourt was very slow, but in each pass, the overall formation steadily advanced.

"Little Pea guessed Piqué's passing route this time!"

"About to intercept the ball!"

"Huh? See how Busquets handles it?"

"Beautiful!"

"His right foot touched the ball first, pulled it back slightly, made a fake turn, deceived Little Pea, and then pulled the ball back with his heel!"

"Immediately passed the ball to Li Kang."

Unconsciously.

The middle of the overall Spanish formation has been pushed to the thirty-meter area of the Mexican half.

The moment Li Kang received the ball with his back to the goal, Jiménez and Hector double-teamed him at the same time.

Pull the ball.

Turn around.

Distribute the ball.

Pa!

In the blink of an eye, the football rolled to Fàbregas' feet.

"Triangle!"

"The constantly changing La Masia triangle passing points."

"The cooperation between La Masia midfielders is too tacit."

"Telepathy."

"The stability of passing and controlling is extremely strong, even if the opponent presses with a large number of people, it is difficult to complete the steal!"

"The problem is coming!"

"Without Iniesta, David Silva, and Cazorla, how should this Spanish team solve the problem of speeding up the advance and breakthrough?"

"Li Kang is rushing up!"

"Sent a lob pass the moment he received the ball!"

"Passed to Saúl who pulled to the wing!"

In a one-on-one battle, Saúl easily beat Porto's famous player, Layún.

Carvajal quickly went to the side.

Just as Mexico was preparing to welcome Spain's passing and penetration attack.

Pa!

The football rose from the baseline.

Straight into the penalty area.

"When did Ramos rush up?"

"Oops!"

"Back point!"

"Diego Costa!"

Diego Costa was like a bulldozer.

He used his body to squeeze away Salcedo and Jonathan, and swung his leg in the air!

Bang!

After the football came into contact with the back of his foot, it shot out!

Turned into a dark shadow.

Attacked the upper right corner of the Mexican goal.

Ochoa tried his best to save, but it was useless.

0:1!!!

The audience boiled.

Warm applause instantly drowned the entire Kazan Arena.

"Too simple."

"Boiling frogs in warm water."

"The overall advancement rhythm of Spain tends to be flat, the distinct passing and controlling imprint is a fatal blow, but the ball is crossed from the baseline."

"No problem!"

"Carvajal assists, Diego Costa volleyed!"

"Spain takes the lead!"

Livestream room.

Barrage flying.

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[Three-dimensional offense!]

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[Will Li Mingdeng sweat if he keeps playing like this?]

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[Saúl, Koke, and Carvajal will sweat.]

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[What about the short pass penetration that was agreed upon? Why did Spain's style change after Li Mingdeng passed the ball to Saúl?]

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[Midfield core - Li Mingdeng.]

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[It's like a combination of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the countryside. The overall rhythm is on a straight line. It advances to the forty-meter area, and then decides on the offensive method based on the changes in the opponent's defense.]

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[Layún shouldn't have been so impulsive and lost his position to steal.]

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[Is passing and controlling alive again?]

(End of this chapter)