The Spanish players exchanged simple high-fives and hugs.

De Gea in the backfield was exceptionally excited, raising his arms and cheering with passion.

A sense of security.

Just like being in love, the continuity and stability of the midfield passing gave the defensive players a great sense of security.

Busquets suddenly said, "Li, which plan are we executing next? Double chain..."

The Barcelona midfielder increasingly felt that partnering with Li meant he didn't need to use his brain as much.

Deciding the direction of attack, predicting the opponent's offensive direction, controlling the rhythm, and transitioning between offense and defense were much easier than at the club.

He felt like he was playing with the peak Xavi... Too bad there wasn't a peak Iniesta.

Of course.

He also kept reminding himself: with the popularization of VAR technology, he had to restrain himself and not become the main character in football blooper compilations again.

Li Kang made several gestures to his teammates.

Everyone understood and was immediately full of confidence, especially the young players Saúl and Koke.

These past two days haven't just been mindless training; with Iniesta, David Silva, Cazorla, and others absent, the coaching team has discussed several "second-best" tactical adjustment plans.

The Mexican players were not discouraged.

Coach Osorio called a few key players to his side and quickly explained the upcoming tactical adjustments.

As the game resumed, back in Madrid, Simeone and Burgos were sitting in front of the TV, enjoying the performance of the Atlético players.

"I regret it."

"Li in midfield can interpret the classical romanticism of football."

"Precise mechanical conduction, full of imaginative passing and transfers!"

"He can see everything, sense everything, and control everything in midfield."

"Not the kind of passing control that makes people sleepy... damn, why is it getting slower and slower?"

Kazan Arena.

The Mexican team hadn't even launched a fluid, quick attack.

The ball was intercepted by Koke in the forty-meter zone.

Instead of passing forward.

He passed it back to Li Kang behind him.

The style changed abruptly.

The ball was passed back and forth in the Spanish backfield, the trajectory either backward or parallel.

The Mexican frontcourt players pressed hard, constantly running back and forth, but they couldn't win the ball at all.

"The control is too strong."

"The distance between the two lines of Spain is not short, but the defenders and midfielders can always maintain a perfect distance."

"When you are in the lead, passing and control is the best solution for defense."

"Li Kang can always get to the most suitable position to receive the ball. As a true midfield core, his vision, game reading, and the rationality of his passing are the most critical links in the passing chain."

"Saúl and Koke run very fast on both sides, giving the team an advantage in forming multiple passing points in the local area."

"Understandably, with offensive midfielders like Iniesta absent, Spain wants to win in the easiest way possible."

"Playing like this is very physically demanding for the Mexican players."

Time passed minute by minute.

The cheers from the stands were getting smaller and smaller.

Not only were the fans sleepy, but Bosque, sitting on the coach's bench, was also squinting.

Minyano, standing in the command area, was very excited.

The Mexican coach was very anxious: if he increased the number of players pressing in the frontcourt, what could he do if he was broken through by that La Masia number 4 in minutes? With Cthulhu-esque philosophy in the lead, it's like flowing water.

38th minute of the match.

Piqué made a mistake and passed the ball out of bounds.

Tens of thousands of spectators at the scene shuddered: Mexico finally had another rare offensive opportunity!

"Piqué has been very busy recently. He has founded several companies, developed mobile games, acquired e-sports teams, and is also preparing to sign a $3 billion contract with the International Tennis Federation to reform the Davis Cup into a tennis version of the World Cup."

"Hopefully, he won't be distracted in the knockout stage."

"Back to the game, Mexico's throw-in wasn't thrown forward, but to reorganize the attack from the defense. This choice is very reasonable, and they can't easily lose possession!"

The ball was passed quickly.

The Mexican players rotated and ran, their footwork exceptionally exquisite.

A team of green-clad Arsenal players came to life.

The Spanish midfielders and forwards did not actively press, but formed a defensive chain of four players standing in parallel in front of the defensive line.

Saúl, Busquets, Li Kang, Koke.

Madrid.

Simeone frowned: why does it feel so familiar?

Immediately afterwards.

He really saw the scene he was most familiar with.

Hernández was dribbling the ball on the right, about to break into the thirty-meter zone.

The Spanish midfield barrier changed.

Li Kang, Koke, and Alba, who moved forward, quickly formed a circle of encirclement.

Forcing without tackling.

Forcing the opponent to the side with a narrow field of vision.

And also killing his short-range passing point forward.

Deliberately leaking a passing line on one side.

Pa!

Chicharito struggled to pass the ball horizontally to Guardado.

Fàbregas and Busquets quickly converged and completed the steal!

"Beautiful!"

"The Spanish team's precise deep encirclement."

"Li Kang's tactical adaptability is too strong, he can allow the team to change into different forms."

"They didn't control the rhythm after regaining possession!"

"Next up is the Chelsea connection!"

Busquets took advantage of the situation to block Guardado, who was trying to counter-press.

Fàbregas has already sent an impeccable long-distance pass!

The originally calm Mexican backfield was instantly blown apart!

Diego Costa started directly.

This guy seemed to have special powers, with a "maximum sprint speed" of 25k three years ago.