Chapter 964: World Cup: Chen Zhong and Messi Reunite

Chapter 964 -5: World Cup: Chen Zhong and Messi Reunite

The strongest national team in history is not considered a top-tier team in the World Cup, and not many fans believe China can win the championship this year. However, China’s performance in the group stage has surprised many fans, especially those from Europe.

In the group stage, relying on Zhao Mingzhe’s wonder strike and solid defense (particularly the stability and commanding ability provided by Chen Zhong, who temporarily played center-back), China edged out a strong Belgium team 1-0, achieving a victorious start to their World Cup campaign! This victory greatly boosted their morale and proved the success of Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments.

Subsequently, China showcased great overall strength and resilience:

In the second match against Canada: in the intense heat and against tough resistance, China secured a 2-1 win thanks to Hao Chen’s aerial assault and Chen Zhong’s header from a corner in the penalty area.

In the third match against Ghana: to ensure advancing as the group leader, Ancelotti made some rotations. The rotation players performed actively, with Sun Fei breaking through the defense with his speed and assisting Rooney’s goal. Zhang Wenxuan also seized a set-piece opportunity, scoring with a header, ultimately achieving a 2-0 victory over Ghana.

At the end of the group stage: China went undefeated with three wins, scoring five goals and conceding just one, proudly advancing to the knockout stage as the undisputed group leader! The performance of this “strongest national team” shocked the world football community and led many Chinese fans to start saying things like, “Maybe there’s hope for the championship”.

After all, compared to China, other European powerhouses did not perform as well in the group stage.

Of course, some veteran fans might know that it’s commonplace for football powerhouses not to shine in the group stages; these stages are the breeding ground for upsets, where strong nations take the opportunity to train their teams.

This match received unprecedented attention, and a lot of media conducted analyses before the game.

From Argentina’s side: Despite Messi being a few years older, he remains the absolute soul and spiritual leader of this Pampas Eagle team. His experience, game-reading ability, and magic at crucial moments are still lethal. Surrounding him are Lautaro Martinez in his prime, the dynamic Alvarez, midfield core De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and a formidable and experienced defense line composed of Otamendi, Romero, Molina, and Acu?a (or Tagliafico). Goalkeeper Martinez is renowned for his penalty saves and big-match performances. The Argentine team boasts exquisite technique, coordinated teamwork, extensive big-game experience, and exudes the aura of reigning champions. Their goal is to win the cup once more.

From China’s side: With consecutive victories, their morale is high. Ancelotti’s 4-2-3-1 system is maturing. The biggest variable is Chen Zhong! His performance as a center-back is astonishing, but the continuous high-intensity matches have greatly drained this core player’s stamina. Against Argentina, he will face top forwards like Lautaro/Alvarez, who excel in technique, speed, and impact, along with Messi, who can sneak in at any moment, putting him under much more pressure than in the group stages. Zhao Mingzhe’s creativity is crucial, but the midfield’s strangling ability (De Paul, Enzo) will be a level of intensity he has never encountered. Sun Fei’s speed remains a weapon in counterattacks, but Argentina’s flanks (Molina/Acu?a) are experienced and robust. Hao Chen’s headers are sharp, but against top center-backs like Romero/Otamendi, how high is the success rate? Wang Xiaolei needs to maintain his heroic state. Ding Li on the bench might become a surprise factor.

Many Chinese fans also analyzed Ancelotti’s dilemmas and countermeasures:

How to limit Messi? This is almost a global challenge. Ancelotti is likely to continue the “rotation battle + zonal marking” approach:

Zhang Wenxuan as a Defensive Midfielder is tasked primarily with shadowing Messi closely, engaging in intensive dueling despite physical fatigue.

Li Ji is responsible for covering Messi’s potential activity zones (especially the half-spaces), performing interceptions and positioning.

Chen Zhong seated at the center of defense, must always be wary of Messi’s sudden runs or deadly through-balls, and command the defensive line to stay compact, limiting Messi’s space to receive passes or shoot centrally. When necessary, Chen Zhong must decisively challenge, using anticipation to cut off Messi’s routes.

Overall defensive discipline: The team is required to maintain high concentration and flexibility in their defensive formation, with particular attention to severing the connections between Messi and other attacking players (particularly Lautaro).

How to cope with Argentina’s offensive width and flanks? Argentina’s fullbacks have strong attacking abilities (Molina/Acu?a).

Ancelotti needs Shi Hai and Xu Ping to focus more in defense, reduce reckless challenges, prioritize maintaining position, and when necessary, have wingers Sun Fei and Rooney drop back deeply to assist the defense.

How to conduct their offense? Faced with Argentina’s powerful midfield control, China will struggle to maintain ball possession for long periods. The speed and efficiency of counterattacks will be the lifeline!

Sun Fei’s speed: Utilizing the space left by Argentina’s advancing fullbacks is the first point of counterattack.

Zhao Mingzhe’s creativity: He needs to find the moments to deliver threatening passes to Sun Fei or Hao Chen amid the Argentine midfield’s encirclement. His dribbling and evasion are particularly valuable under high pressure.

Hao Chen’s supporting role: He needs to hold the ball more effectively with his back to goal, creating opportunities for teammates arriving late (Zhao Mingzhe, Rooney) or overlapping teammates on the flanks. Set-pieces are his greatest weapon.