Chapter 958: Group Stage: First Match, Hear the Dragon’s Roar

Chapter 958 -2: Group Stage: First Match, Hear the Dragon’s Roar

When the referee blew the whistle to start the game, China’s 4-2-3-1 formation immediately began pressing Belgium as planned. The two defensive midfielders of China had decent solidity. After the whistle sounded, Belgium quickly gained ball control advantage through De Bruyne’s midfield dispatch. However, China used a compact 4-2-3-1 formation. The central defender duo of Chen Zhong and Xu Lei repeatedly intercepted Lukaku from receiving the ball with his back to the goal.

The combination of the two, together with the two defensive midfielders, perfectly limited Lukaku.

Ancelotti’s tactical arrangements were immediately effective. Watching this scene from the sidelines, he couldn’t help but show a reassuring smile. In the subsequent matches, Zhao Mingzhe showcased good potential, making Ancelotti feel there was nothing wrong with his arrangements.

“China in control!”

“Passed to Zhao Mingzhe!”

“Beautiful!”

“Nutmeg dribble!”

“Directly ignited the entire stadium!”

In the stands, Chinese fans couldn’t help but stand up and loudly shout Zhao Mingzhe’s name when they saw him nutmeg an opponent. The ‘Agile Fox’ lived up to its reputation, daring to make moves even on the grand stage of the World Cup.

If it weren’t for the World Cup four years ago when he was just a substitute, maybe back then, the Chinese team could have gone further.

Zhao Mingzhe’s dribble made Belgium sound the alarm. They tried to encircle Zhao Mingzhe, but he didn’t dwell on the ball. Instead, he passed it to the advancing Rooney.

Rooney received the ball outside the penalty area without any hesitation.

This guy with a name similar to Manchester United’s legend Wayne Rooney directly attempted a heavy cannon, aiming to break through Courtois’ guarded goal. However, Courtois made a diving save, showcasing his abilities as a world-class goalkeeper.

A sound of regret emerged from Chinese fans in the stands, but they quickly used applause to express their support for the national team.

In the high temperatures, the players’ jerseys were quickly soaked with sweat. Both teams valued this corner kick opportunity. Chen Zhong did not enter the penalty area to vie for the ball because the national team had Hao Chen as a towering presence.

Hao Chen raised his right arm indicating he wanted the ball. Shi Hai, playing for Manchester City, took the corner kick and launched it into the penalty area. Inside the penalty area, Hao Chen leapt high but did not choose to shoot. Instead, he flicked the ball to Rooney, who was in the penalty area, directly striking a volley.

“Bang!”

The ball rocketed toward the goal like a cannonball.

If it weren’t for the crossbar saving Belgium, China would have taken the lead now.

“Oh no!”

“Very decisive, a beautiful shot!”

“If the aim had been a little better, it would have been perfect.”

The commentators expressed deep regret. Rooney, somewhat frustrated, held his head. He had two chances to score within a short time, but both were unsuccessful.

This impatient “trailblazer” seemingly needed a bit more patience.

“Rooney’s shot had power and its angle was tricky, but luck was still missing. China’s opening momentum was strong. This attack, despite not scoring, showed style and executed the tactics!”

“A goal is just a matter of time!”

The sound of regret from the stands was quickly replaced by even more enthusiastic shouts and songs.

The cry of “China! Go!” echoed over Aztec Stadium.

Clearly, Belgium was startled by China’s consecutive attacks.

Courtois loudly directed the defensive line, while De Bruyne tried to stabilize the rhythm.

Europe’s Red Devils began to demonstrate their composure. They were no longer in a rush to advance but patiently circulated the ball through De Bruyne and Tielemans in the midfield, searching for gaps in China’s defense.

Controlling the rhythm was particularly important in the high temperatures.

Ancelotti stood on the sideline, focused, arms crossed.

Seeing Belgium start to control the rhythm, he immediately gestured to Li Ji and Zhang Wenxuan on the pitch to tighten the formation of the two defensive midfielders, limiting De Bruyne’s passing lanes while watching for sudden sprints by Doku and Trossard on the flanks.

The match fell into a temporary stalemate.

China’s overall defensive formation was maintained quite well. Chen Zhong’s experience in the central defender position served as a stabilizing force.

He not only used his strong body to repeatedly withstand Lukaku’s charges, but more importantly, he constantly shouted loudly, directing the entire defense line and reminding teammates to pay attention to positioning and covering gaps.

Beside him, Xu Lei performed obediently, often being the one to push forward, while Chen Zhong held the back, forming a tacit barrier that made it difficult for Belgium’s central penetration to be effective.

However, Belgium’s attacking points were not limited to just Lukaku.

In the 22nd minute, De Bruyne attracted the double-team of Li Ji and Zhang Wenxuan in the center and astutely passed the ball to Meunier, who was advancing on the right-wing at high speed.

Meunier took no time to stop the ball and directly crossed! This cross was fast, bypassing Chen Zhong and Xu Lei at the near post and accurately finding the back post of the penalty area!

“Danger!” the commentator exclaimed.

On the left, Doku slipped away like a ghost from Xu Ping’s close marking and inserted at high speed to shoot!

In a flash, a red figure flew like a mountain tiger to make a sliding tackle!

It’s Shi Hai! The left-back, playing for a domestic top team, showed impressive explosive power and defensive determination! His toe barely touched the ball, deflecting Doku’s nearly certain shot to the baseline!

“Wow——!!!” The entire stadium erupted in a relieved cheer, followed by thunderous applause for the fearless Shi Hai.

“Shi Hai! Critical clearance! It was very timely! Xu Ping was a bit awkward being outpaced by Doku’s speed, but luckily Shi Hai, who was covering in the middle, was highly focused!” the commentator praised, “Xu Ping needs to be careful, Doku’s speed is a huge challenge for him!”

Faced with Doku, Xu Ping clearly struggled.

Belgium was awarded a corner kick.

De Bruyne took the corner. The ball spun strongly towards the middle of the penalty area! Both Lukaku and Faes, with distinct height advantages, jumped to head the ball!

On the small penalty area line, a not particularly tall figure jumped up with remarkable steadiness!

“Wang Xiaolei!”

China’s goalkeeper Wang Xiaolei, renowned for his quick reactions and decisive outings, accurately judged the ball’s landing point among the crowd. His fists were like hammers, pounding the ball away from the danger area!

“Good ball! Wang Xiaolei! A very decisive outing! He cleared the high threat ball!”

The ball landed at Chen Zhong’s feet after being cleared.

He did not hesitate at all, turning and sending a long pass forward! The target was straight for Sun Fei on the left front!

“Lightning, rush!” The fans in the stands erupted in excited shouts upon seeing this familiar offensive launch tactic.

Sun Fei, like a red flash, started instantly! Using his impressive speed, he managed to force his way through the gap between Meunier and Deke Yipper! Belgium’s right-side defense was left behind!

“Sun Fei! So fast! It’s one-on-one? No, Debast has come to cover!”

Belgium’s young center-back Debast showcased outstanding recovery speed and positioning awareness. Just as Sun Fei was about to break into the penalty area, Debast firmly blocked the inside track.

Sun Fei lost the best angle to face the goalie directly, but he wasn’t flustered. Amid the high-speed confrontation, he keenly noticed the figure advancing from the center.

It’s Zhao Mingzhe!

The “Agile Fox” had accelerated from the center as soon as Sun Fei initiated his run and had already arrived by then!

Under Debast’s interference, Sun Fei forcefully passed the ball back in a triangle to the top of the penalty arc!

Zhao Mingzhe met the ball! He did not trap it!

The “Agile Fox” Zhao Mingzhe! He flicked with the outside of his foot!

A graceful arc bypassed Faes, who was desperately blocking, with strong rotation, heading straight for the top right corner of the goal! The angle was extremely precise!

“Swoosh!”

The ball scraped under the crossbar and flew into the net!

“Goal——!!!!! Zhao Mingzhe!!!!! World-class goal!!!!” The commentator roared instantly, his voice almost breaking with excitement, “29th minute! Zhao Mingzhe! Divine outside-foot strike! China leads Belgium 1-0!!!”

The entire Aztec Stadium instantly erupted!