Chapter 965: World Cup: Chen Zhong and Messi Meet Again_2

Chapter 965 -5: World Cup: Chen Zhong and Messi Meet Again_2

Chen Zhong’s precise long passes from the backfield can directly connect with Hao Chen or the wings, providing a means to break through midfield pressing and quickly move through the midfield, but it requires a very high success rate.

Among them, there is also the issue of stamina. Many analysts speculate that Ancelotti might adopt a relatively stable strategy in the first half, prioritizing not conceding goals, exhausting the opponent, and leaving the decisive moves for the second half, especially the last 30 minutes.

…

This match is held at the Aztec Stadium, the arena where China defeated Belgium, filling people with hope and anticipation.

A large number of Chinese fans came to the stadium, many hoping that this time they could win the World Cup, help Chen Zhong claim the trophy, and make him a deservedly flawless “king of football.”

At the Aztec Stadium, Chinese fans in the stands cheered loudly for the team, and there was even a display of the Five-Star Red Flag and the national anthem, while the Chinese players on the field were full of fighting spirit.

Even against the Argentina Team, what of being the defending champions!

We are not afraid!

As predicted before the game, Argentina showed the depth and craftiness of a defending champion right from the start.

They kept firm control of the midfield, making it difficult for Zhao Mingzhe to turn comfortably under De Paul and Enzo’s pressure, and Zhang Wenxuan closely marked Messi, consuming a huge amount of energy with each touch.

The experienced Argentines were not in a rush to attack sharply, but patiently circulated the ball, looking for a momentary lapse in China’s defense.

Chen Zhong’s role on the defensive line was particularly crucial. When this veteran was on the defensive line, the Chinese players seemed to have a pillar to rely on, responding to Chen Zhong’s commands with active running and attitude.

China’s defense was organized fiercely, providing little gain for Argentina.

Chen Zhong was like a stabilizing force, standing in the center of the defense, constantly shouting, commanding, and covering positions.

Facing the successive impacts of Lautaro and Alvarez, and Messi’s elusive sudden forward runs, he and his partner Shi Hai defused them time and again.

During this period, Argentina only managed one low shot from outside the penalty area that truly threatened China’s goal, but Wang Xiaolei would not let Argentina score easily.

As time passed, it seemed Argentina had studied China Team too.

At the front, China’s intensity was evident, but in the late stages of the first and second halves, China’s stamina started to show some problems.

At the 32nd minute, Argentina opened up space on the left side with continuous passing. Acu?a accelerated to attract Xu Ping’s defense before suddenly passing the ball back to the drifting Messi in the flank.

In an instant, Zhang Wenxuan was moved away by Enzo’s running, and Li Ji’s defensive cover was slightly late.

Just one step of space was a huge opening for Messi.

With his left foot deftly controlling the ball, he dodged Zhang Wenxuan’s staggering attempt to reclaim the ball, then at the penalty arc, without any adjustment, used his trademark left foot to curl a perfect arc!

The football sliced through the air, spinning dangerously, bypassing Chen Zhong’s desperately blocking body, and headed straight into the top right corner of the goal! Wang Xiaolei leaped for a save, his fingertips seemed to touch the ball, but the speed was too fast, the angle too sharp, ultimately scraping under the crossbar’s edge and into the net!

0-1! The Aztec Stadium was instantly engulfed by a wave of Argentine fans.

Messi’s brilliance helped Argentina take the lead directly, with this rapid and decisive attack, his shot just outside the penalty area caught Wang Xiaolei off guard.

This goal was the ultimate expression of personal ability, a perfect mix of experience and talent, virtually unstoppable!

China, having conceded, did not panic.

Before the match, it had been contemplated that they might concede, and facing a team like Argentina, conceding was quite normal. They need to learn from the experience.

Ancelotti shouted loudly from the sidelines, signaling the players to stabilize their positions. Chen Zhong clapped his hands strongly to encourage his teammates.

Argentina tried to capitalize on their momentum, launching another attack near the end of the first half, wanting to extend their lead to two goals, but China’s defense was quite resilient.

They withstood Argentina’s subsequent aggressive efforts to increase the lead, entering halftime with a one-goal deficit.

The atmosphere was tense in the locker room, but not dejected.

Ancelotti praised the defensive efforts, particularly encouraging Zhang Wenxuan’s tireless running and Li Ji’s coverage. “Conceding is unavoidable, but the match isn’t over! We need to counterattack more decisively!”

He quickly made adjustments:

Free Chen Zhong: Given Chen Zhong’s significant energy consumption and Argentina increasing their frontline pressing, Ancelotti indicated for Chen Zhong to reduce direct involvement in midfield battles, focusing on commanding the backfield and key interceptions. The duty of launching attacks with long passes was more on the slightly more withdrawn Li Ji.

Speed up! Increase speed! Requested Sun Fei and Rooney to be bolder in attacking Argentina’s full-backs during counterattacks, especially on the side with the very aggressive Molina.

Hao Chen’s confrontation: Directed Hao Chen not only to contest headers against Otamendi and Romero but also to create opportunities for second plays, using his body to shield opponents, setting up for Zhao Mingzhe or wing teammates. Set-pieces would be the most crucial weapon in the second half.

As the second half began, Argentina still controlled the rhythm, but China significantly intensified their pressing in the midfield-forward area, especially creating localized numerical superiority around Zhao Mingzhe to cut off his connection with Messi.

Sun Fei frequently attacked behind Molina, successfully causing chaos with several breakthrough crosses, yet Hao Chen, under Romero’s strong interference, didn’t manage to hit the right spot.

Argentina’s offensive remained sharp.

In the 58th minute, Lautaro received a brilliant through pass from Messi, forming a one-on-one chance, but Wang Xiaolei delivered another fabulous save, calmly rushing out to block Lautaro’s poke shot with his leg, sending it out for a corner!

As the match entered the last 30 minutes, Argentina’s players also showed signs of reduced stamina, slightly easing their pace.

The equalizer happened in the 72nd minute!

Argentina’s front-field attack failed, Li Ji swiftly intercepted De Paul’s pass near the midfield, quickly passing to the retreating Zhao Mingzhe. Facing Enzo’s challenge, Zhao Mingzhe showcased his astonishing flair in this cup—he deftly bypassed Enzo with a very slick “oil drip” move!

Just as Enzo’s balance was thrown off, Zhao Mingzhe raised his head, keenly capturing the fleeting massive gap in depth down Argentina’s right flank! Molina, having just assisted up front, hadn’t returned in time! Zhao Mingzhe without any hesitation, delivered a long over-the-top pass with the exterior of his right foot, perfectly timed!

The football shot across Argentina’s entire defensive line and landed near the corner of the penalty area!

And there, a flash of red was accelerating at full speed—it was Sun Fei, China’s fastest player! He judged the landing impeccably, using his speed to outrun the chasing Otamendi and catch up to the ball!

Facing the goalkeeper Martinez, who had abandoned his post to rush out, extending his arms in an attempt to block the angle, Sun Fei showed calmness beyond his years amidst the high-speed run. He didn’t opt for a powerful blast but used an exceedingly light right-footed flick to score!

The football carved an elegant arc, over the desperate Martinez’s head, softly sinking into the open net under the morose gaze of Argentine fans!

1-1!

The stand where Chinese fans sat exploded instantly! Sun Fei spread his arms, sprinting wildly towards the corner flag area to celebrate with a knee slide! All Chinese players and coaches from the substitutes bench rushed out! Zhao Mingzhe pointed excitedly at Sun Fei; Ancelotti clenched both fists, and the always composed Chen Zhong roared as he charged across half the field!