Chapter 971: Chen and Ronaldo Meet Again

World Cup, Round of 16!

During a pre-match interview, Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned Chen Zhong. This is the first direct encounter between the two in many years. In past years, whether Ronaldo played for Juventus, Manchester United, or currently Al-Nassr, they never had the opportunity to face each other.

This has always been a topic of debate among fans of both teams.

The debate is whether Real Madrid achieved its grand Triple Crown because of Chen Zhong or Cristiano Ronaldo. After all, strictly by goal count, Ronaldo scored more in most periods.

However, in terms of the Ballon d’Or, historically, Chen Zhong has mainly taken it, with Ronaldo and Messi slowly sharing the remaining Ballon d’Or honors.

Both fans eagerly anticipate this direct confrontation between the two players.

Of course, Portugal’s overall strength is somewhat stronger.

Goalkeeper:

Diogo Costa

Currently plays for the Portuguese powerhouse Porto as captain and starting goalkeeper. Known for his stable saving abilities and excellent footwork, he is a key player on the national team’s goal line.

Defense Line

Nuno Mendes

The main left-back for Paris Saint-Germain, this young genius is renowned for his excellent wing assistance and quick defensive reactions. He has become one of the hottest left-backs in world football.

Gon?alo Inácio

Currently plays for Sporting CP as a central defender. Famous for his stable defense and good ball playing ability, he is highly trusted by the head coach.

Ruben Dias

Manchester City’s defensive core, known for his strong physique and excellent positioning ability. His consistently stable performances since joining Manchester City in 2020 have helped the team win multiple Premier League titles.

Jo?o Cancelo

Currently plays for the Saudi league’s Al Hilal. His defensive and offensive transition abilities are renowned worldwide, capable of playing both the left and right back or midfield positions.

Midfield

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United’s captain and attacking midfielder core player, has become the team’s engine in recent years with precise passing, ball control technique, and key goal scoring ability, performing steadily in the Premier League.

Vitinha

Paris Saint-Germain’s young midfield star, has rapidly established himself with his vision and ball control ability, being one of Portugal’s future hopes.

Jo?o Neves

A defensive midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, he showcases top-notch reading ability in the team’s defensive midfielder position, providing a solid defensive barrier for the team.

Forward Line

Rafael Le?o

AC Milan’s main left winger, considered one of the fastest players in football with the strongest breakthrough ability. He constantly progresses with his offensive threats and flexible style.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Currently a star player for Saudi team Al-Nassr, despite being 40 years old, he remains a scoring machine for the team, continually setting records with his strong goal-scoring capability.

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City’s cerebral player, achieved the Triple Crown of Champions League, Premier League in the 2022/23 season. With world-class passing vision and ball control ability, he is one of the team’s core players.

…

According to the latest FIFA statistics, the player ratings of the Portugal team have even surpassed France Team, becoming number one in the world…

Indeed, such an opponent is not to be underestimated. Compared to the Portugal team, China’s strength seems inadequate, with the opposing team boasting players from Manchester City’s core, Manchester United’s captain, and key players from the top five leagues.

Moreover, most players are from Europe’s nouveau riche Paris Saint-Germain, akin to Germany Team’s Bayern Munich, Spain Team’s Real Madrid and Barcelona…

Portugal team now also has a stable supplier in “Paris Saint-Germain.”

When compared in this way, it’s evidently challenging for China to compete.

What kind of players are in the China team now?

Chen Zhong (semi-retired):

Former captain of Real Madrid Team, icon, spiritual totem, now the captain of the China team, will retire after this World Cup. A nine-time Ballon d’Or winner, Asia’s greatest player in history, ranked top five world football star, a controversial “king of football,” a controversial best midfielder in history.

Hao Chen

Put nicely, a substitute talisman for AC Milan; put bluntly, a standard big center forward, standing at 196 cm tall is his biggest feature, an outstanding player in confrontations, brought on as an opener in situations against a defensive bunker or when unable to open up, completely not on par with Portugal’s Rafael Le?o.

Not to mention being discussed alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the wingers:

Sun Fei

26 years old playing for Bayer Leverkusen, considered a regular starter for the team, the fastest and most explosive player in the China team, quick off the mark, possesses exceptionally sharp breakthroughs, although his technique is not very refined, his player-ball integration at high speed is quite good, paired with his partner Rooney, slower than Sun Fei but bolder, a player with very obvious merits and flaws.