From Arsenal to the Ball God

"If we keep playing like this, once they’re fully adjusted, it’ll be hard to play against them."

Before the assistant coach could speak, the physical ability coach chimed in: "If the France team also doesn’t score, I think we should at least hold out until the 70th minute.

"Their defense is indeed tracking well, but the cost is relentless running and frequent anaerobic sprinting. I’ve observed their physical ability decline significantly.

"The European Cup schedule is very packed. Having played this far, only our style ensures that player fatigue remains manageable; other teams can’t do the same.

"Maintaining the status quo for a protracted battle will ultimately ensure our victory."

Bosque looked at the physical ability coach, who shrugged and continued: "You see, many of their players’ turning and running postures have started to distort. Some even forcibly twist their bodies to quicken their pace. This is a sign of their last strength.

"Continuing to play like this won’t just lead to fatigue; injuries are also possible."

Bosque pinched his chin and chose to trust the professional’s words, opting to stay put for now.

...

"David Silva, straight pass to Fabregas! Xiaofa slipped past Klich, a crossing ball!

"Koscielny kept up with Alonso and cleared the ball! This ball almost allowed the Spain team to score directly!

"The fourth official raised the injury time board, with 1 minute of added time in the first half.

"From the statistics, the Spain team has 64% ball control, while the France team only has 36%; the Spain team’s passing success rate is 91%, and the France team’s is 83%, with the former having the advantage.

"The shooting ratio is 9:4, shots on target 3:1, and corners 3:2, with the Spain team also having the upper hand.

"The only thing equal is the count of great opportunities, both teams have 0, which means their defense players are doing well."

"....."

"Both teams have shown an extremely high level of tactical proficiency and discipline in the first half. The data gap partly comes from their different focus styles... of course, the strength of the Spain team is also a major reason.

"A very beautiful first half! They’ve brought us the pinnacle of modern soccer battles! We’ve feasted our eyes!

"Now let’s look at the second half of the match and see if, with a decline in physical ability and adaptation to the opponent’s rhythm, the two sides can spark some real competition! Deciding the champion’s ownership!"

"....."

"Beep! Beep—!"

Shortly after He Wei’s words, the main referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the first half of the match; the finals are tied at zero.

As the players from both teams came off the field, they were somewhat dissatisfied — the Spain team was displeased with not scoring, the France team displeased with being suppressed, and with their own inner helplessness.

As Ma’el was walking off the field, he caught a side glance with Fabregas, who was returning to the locker room; they both knew that the real battle, the true decider, awaited in the second half.

Either win in the last 45 minutes or enter into extra time. Anyway, the winner will certainly not avoid showing off a superior attitude in the post-match.

Shortly afterward, inside the France team locker room.

Ma’el knew he had to do something and walked over to the midfield players, "Our speed in getting the ball out on counterattacks is too slow; even with long passes, the ball speed is very slow.

"You’ve all seen it, the opponent’s physical ability is very ample; they can sprint back every time, settle 7-8 players for deep defense.

"And we can’t quickly bring up 5-6 people, and even if we rush up later, it often ends up in positional attack and defense, consuming physical ability and not achieving the pace we want."

This was something he had wanted to say for a while and sought change: "Given that, I suggest after intercepting the ball, don’t look up, just strike it towards where I am with a shooting technique."

With these words, many looked up slightly shocked at Ma’el in the locker room.

Seeing the confidence and courage on his face, they probably understood what he was trying to convey.

"It’s okay if the ball isn’t accurate; I’ll catch it, and if it’s a fifty-fifty ball, I’ll definitely contend against Aveloya!"

Wearing the captain’s armband, Ma’el walked back and forth in the locker room like a leader: "As long as you let me get the ball before they have time to return, start sprinting in advance, I have the confidence to break through the opponent’s defense alone!

"At that point, those who can’t keep up, don’t, save your energy for defense — a win-win!"

"....." Everyone in the locker room was silent, including Deschamps, who had long since stepped in, standing at the door, not speaking for a while as though forgetting the tactical instructions.

A little over 10 minutes later, both teams carried their arms and marched forcefully through the dim player tunnel, rushing to the brightly lit field.

The Henry Delaunay Golden Cup remained at the entrance of the tunnel; everyone could see it as they exited, many visibly coveting it, with some even swallowing.

Everybody understood that following a half of probing and adapting, the second half, which is about to commence, is the ultimate showdown!

"Beep!!"

With the referee’s whistle, the second half of this European Cup final match commenced.

...

Ps: Writing tonight, writing after waking up tomorrow, perhaps finishing the final and releasing it all at once, otherwise, releasing Chapter by Chapter feels unquestionably not good.

This Chapter is an introduction; trust me, striving to write the most exciting match since the book’s inception!