Chapter 969: Chen Zhong! Chen Zhong! Chen Zhong! (2)

After the match, there were reports in China about this game, with some even suggesting that the report be included in textbooks, just like the previous decision to forego shooting.

ps: “China 2: 1 Argentina, Chen Zhong’s extra-time killer goal!”

Aztec Stadium, Mexico City | Reporter Li Ming

When the extra-time clock mercilessly ticked to the 109th minute, when countless Argentine fans were already preparing to cheer for the impending penalty shootout, when the defending champion’s defense exposed a fatal path in a moment of chaos— a red lightning bolt tore through the solidified air and shattered Argentina Team’s dream of defending the title.

China’s team captain, center-back Chen Zhong, with a thunderous ground-scorching strike from over 20 meters away, sent the ball like a cannonball into the net! 2-1! An earth-shaking reversal that will go down in the history of world football was born in this stadium!

“How is Chen Zhong here?!”

When Rooney, stumbling on the right wing, poked the ball and it bizarrely slid through Romero’s legs, rolling towards the open space on the right side of Argentina’s penalty arc, 108,000 pairs of eyes focused simultaneously, with Argentine fans seeing an abyss of despair while Chinese fans held their breath.

The answer revealed itself in the next second, instantly igniting a volcanic eruption of passion! That figure, darting forward like an arrow from a bow, was none other than Chen Zhong, wearing the China’s team jersey! This defensive rock who orchestrated from the back line all game, neutralizing countless threats, displayed incredible tactical brilliance and attacking instinct at the countdown of the match! He abandoned his safe defensive position, sprinted diagonally across the field, and precisely seized that fleeting fatal gap.

No one marking him! Over 20 meters! Time froze!

No adjustment, no hesitation! Chen Zhong struck the ball fiercely! His left foot as rigid as iron, his whole body burst with power instantly! “Boom—!!!” The ball transformed into a beam of white light skimming the ground, almost without spin, with a piercing whistle, racing towards the top left corner of the goal with terrifying speed!

Goalkeeper Martinez, the “big game master” who had performed miracles multiple times, fell into an abyss of despair at this moment. He had just rushed out to block Rooney’s solo attempt, his body weight leaning left, unable to retreat in time. Chen Zhong’s shot, perfect in both power and angle, completely disrupted his rhythm. His mind made the judgment, but his body, as if trapped in a quagmire, could only watch as the ball grazed his fingertips, crashing hard into the net!

In an instant, the roof of Aztec Stadium was nearly lifted by the wave of noise from Chinese fans! That roar of “GOAL” seemed to tear the sky apart! 2-1! Chen Zhong, the steel defender, transformed into the deadliest terminator, brought China back from the brink with a golden goal and personally crushed Argentina’s hope of retaining the title! After the goal, his chest heaving intensely, he lifted the team crest on his chest, unleashing a silent roar to the sea of red, all pressure and fatigue transforming into the most primal release of glory at this moment! His teammates engulfed him like a tide, joy and disbelief written on everyone’s faces.

…

In this match, China eliminated Argentina and successfully advanced to the next round, where they drew against Portugal in the round of 16.

Although the Portugal team was not ranked among the top five favorites to win, they had just won their second UEFA Nations League title last year, making them a very tough opponent.

Chen Zhong also watched that match, and he clearly remembered Roberto Martinez on the sidelines at Allianz Arena, passionately waving his arms, marking another historic moment for Portugal football.

In the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League final, his team won a penalty shootout 7-5 against their arch-rival Spain, claiming the Nations League trophy for the second time in their history.

Martinez activated Portugal’s new vitality through a combination of ball control and counter-attacks, able to make a comeback even when facing teams skilled in ball possession.

This glorious victory not only broke Portugal’s 15-year winless streak against Spain but also marked a new chapter under Martinez’s leadership, transitioning the Iberian lions from the “Santos era” to the “new tactical dynasty.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy continues to pass on, and with emerging players like Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes combining with Martinez’s tactical ideas, they are jointly shaping the future blueprint of Portugal football.

When Martinez took over Portugal in January 2023, he faced a team that had been knocked out in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and was in urgent need of transformation.

This tactical genius, who had led Belgium to the World Cup semi-finals, decisively discarded the Santos period’s conservative tactics that focused on wing breakthroughs, constructing a three-dimensional tactical system that blends possession pressing with quick counter-attacks.

In the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League final, facing the Spain team known for their passing and possession, Martinez skillfully deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Through the dual defensive midfielder combination of Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha (who flexibly transitioned to central roles during the match), he successfully turned the disadvantage in possession (39% to 61%) into an efficient counterattack. Throughout the match, the Portugal team exhibited 12 successful dribbles and 5 key passes, fully activating the attacking potential of flank players Nuno Mendes and Neto.

Martinez’s tactical essence not only manifests in the overall strategy but also in his meticulous attention to every detail.