The first thing I noticed was the amount of pressure the Spanish team put into the frontcourt.
Morata clapped, gave a thumbs up to Li Kang in the backcourt, and quickly retreated.
The goal on the other side.
De Gea felt that he had to remain professional and raised his hand to pat the fluttering moths.
Almost across the entire football field, he was silently observing Buffon's serving style while instructing San Jose to keep an eye on Pellet.
Only in this way will it not be so cold.
"Buffon did not take a big kick directly and passed the ball to Chiellini who was near the baseline."
"The way the goalkeeper serves the ball also affects the entire team's subsequent tactical tendencies to a certain extent."
"You can't pass the ball long at this time. There is no numerical advantage in the two-point competition near the center circle line."
"Hey? Why did the Spanish team leave two gaps? Diego Costa is the only one pressing in the frontcourt!"
....
Diego Costa's nickname is the shit-making center, and he is a true successor to Simeone and Mourinho.
In terms of close combat alone, he can stand up to two people.
Chiellini was annoyed by such a mentally defective forward, so he quickly passed the ball to Candreva on the wing.
Under the influence of the stagnant water, the football almost slipped out of bounds, but it still did not encounter any pressure from other Spanish players.
Conti took a deep breath and rubbed his temples:
The situation of the game was a bit difficult. Spain did not invest a lot of troops to increase the frontcourt press like Belgium did in the group stage.
According to Italy’s original pre-match targeted arrangement:
Spain's midfield interception is weak.
If they start pressing up front.
Italy then let Bonucci, who was stable in delivering the ball, directly transition to the midfield to find Pellet. Pellet then completed the distribution of the ball to the two wings, and was able to penetrate the Spanish half in one fell swoop.
This is a trump card against Barcelona's passing control system.
But...
Who would have thought that Busquets, the "best midfielder in the world," would be reduced to a substitute in the Spanish national team. Even if he was a poor player in the group stage, he would not be allowed to play in the life-and-death battle in the knockout rounds!
....
Mignano hurriedly handed over the coaching staff's recommendation report.
Del Bosque took a few cursory glances, ran out of the coaching bench, and in the heavy rain, vigorously raised his fat hands towards the disciples on the field.
Li Kang understood the situation and quickly gestured towards his teammates.
Everyone understood.
This is a tactical change that the coaching staff arranged before the game.
The internationally accepted gesture contains the two simplest elements: Real Madrid's "give up two gaps" tactical idea of Muslim style, and Atletico Madrid's "split the battlefield" tactical form.
fantastic.
The two elements are not inconsistent with each other on the premise of grasping the score lead and giving up a large area.
What was reflected on the field left the Italians stunned!
....
Candreva rushed to the wing and when he reached near the center circle, he gave the ball to Pellet in the center.
Pellet stopped the ball with his chest, which was a bit unfamiliar.
No one follows you closely, no one competes with you.
The middle lane is empty.
He subconsciously wanted to give the ball to Florentine who was coming up from behind, but found that it was meaningless...
Look at the opponent's half of the field.
Li Kang led the Spanish players to set up a defensive position starting from the 40-meter area.
It's not zone defense, it's not two-line interception.
But...
Forget it, Pellet can’t understand it either.
The weakest No. 9 in Italian history still passed the ball to Florenzi.
at the same time.
Accompanied by Conte's roar.
The other Italian teammates also pushed forward desperately, pressing forward aggressively, widening the width of the attack, and increasing the depth of contact points. They were bound to penetrate the Invincible Fleet!
....
Time passed by minute by minute.
The rain eroded the physical fitness, but it did not dampen the fighting spirit of the players on both sides.
The Italian teammates were a little anxious.
Once the football enters the 40-meter area, no matter which direction the attack is in, the Spanish team can always piece together a local numerical advantage with the wide-range running of Li Kang, Saul, and Cazorla!
The battlefield seemed to be divided into countless pieces.
Italy's second-rate attackers, who were in a panic, lost contact with their teammates and could no longer play their roles well.
Fortunately, Bonucci and Barzagli responded promptly and were always able to fend off Spain's counterattacks in a thrilling manner.
"The Spanish team gave up two gaps from the center circle to the 40-meter area..."
"It's not just a zone defense, Carvajal and Juanfran are positioned more like two full-backs!"
"They cut the field with their numerical advantage."
"Diego Costa wandering in the opponent's defense makes the Italians dare not take it lightly."
"Li Kang's vision seemed not to be affected by the rain at all. He predicted the Italian team's overall attack direction too accurately."
"To everyone's surprise, Spain played very well in Madrid in the rainy match."
"Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both able to take the initiative in the game without having the ball! They stifled the changes in the Italian team's offensive rhythm."
At the Stade de France, the noise gradually subsided.
Italian fans were at a loss.
Spanish fans are also confused: their home team's playing style... has never been so unfamiliar.
The relationship between the two teams seemed to be reversed.
The shield attacks, the blade blocks.
...
Li Kang played very easily.
He gradually tried to reduce the running range, and even without directing himself, his teammates from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal could still easily hinder the opponent's advancement.
High-end ingredients...
Often high-end superstars only need to adopt the most advanced tactical system to exert power beyond the times.
The strength of Italy's midfielders and frontcourt players puts them at a complete disadvantage in head-to-head confrontations.
However, even if Spain's counterattack after seizing the ball could easily break through the Italian's high defense, it could not threaten the goal under the defense of the opponent's three central defender system.
With his God's perspective, he was also observing the changes in Conte's gestures while running to defend.
I still don’t fully understand the “Kong’s Three Central Defenders System”.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Perhaps if the Italian team is given a 12-year Balotelli and Pirlo, the situation will be different.
Ramos and San Jose felt very relaxed. They were walls, as if there was a moving wall in front of them.
'Lee is much tougher than Busquets.'
"Casemiro is not as good as Li if he is taken out alone."
The most relaxed person is of course De Gea.
In order to adjust the position, he calmed down and took out his crotch several times.
I even couldn't help but want to touch the water bottle next to the doorpost, or change into gloves of a different color.
...
The 40th minute of the game.
Pellet rushed into the 30-meter area and stopped Bonucci's long pass with his back.
He was about to give the ball to Jarikani who stepped in.
Suddenly, he realized that the little man he was leaning on could still poke his feet out from under his crotch like a loach.
Cazorla.
Arsenal's midfield master not only possesses exquisite foot skills, but also has the best balance with both feet.
In close combat, he has reached the point of perfect control over the changes in his own center of gravity.
The key is still to be short and have a solid base.
With a smart mind and rich experience, in a healthy state, unless they encounter a monster like Drogba... Ordinary players will not be able to completely crush him with their bodies.
Snapped!
Cazorla poked with his toes.
Football was instantly out of Pellet's control.
Isco, who came forward with support, touched the ball and knocked it horizontally to Li Kang in the left half.
"pretty!"
"Spain's counterattack!"
"The ball speed is a bit slow due to the rain."
"Still stopped the ball."
"Wow! A direct plug that breaks through the rain curtain!"
Li Kang's action from stopping the ball to sending a through ball was done in one go.
Parolo, who was trying to fight back, hadn't yet seen what was happening.
The football passed over the center line, like a sharp blade, piercing the Italian half.
Diego Costa's heavy bulldozer starts to move!
"That's a great pass!"
"Li Ke is connected!"
"When did Juanfran and Carvajal get involved?"
"Fly with both wings!"
Juventus' three central defenders quickly returned to defense.
They did not choose to shorten the distance and double-team forward. Instead, they widened the distance, formed a counterattack defense, and retreated steadily.
It was very contrary to the traditional defensive thinking, but it effectively stifled the Spanish team's wide attack.
The frontier of the restricted area.
The distance between the three central defenders suddenly shortened.
Buffon had plenty of time to choose his position and make the save.
The shooting angle is extremely limited.
Boom!
Diego Costa's explosive shot was firmly picked off by the Italian goalkeeper again.
He slapped the turf angrily, splashing water on his face.
Juanfran and Carvajal, who have slowed down, have nothing to do. If their center forwards give the ball to themselves, they will also fall into an endless loop, because Chiellini and Barzagli's position selection is too perfect. If they miss the opportunity a little bit, Italy
Other players' defense will also fall into place.
All we can say is... Juventus's defense will not suffer a second loss.
"Failed to expand its lead."
"The Italian team's back four is also at the top of Europe."
....
bench.
David Silva and Iniesta clapped and cheered from time to time.
Busquets suddenly said: "If the three of us play, the team loses its midfield interception power, and it is very likely that it will be defeated by Italy like Belgium..."
David Silva waved his hands quickly and retorted: "It's you two, it has nothing to do with me."
Iniesta looked up at the night sky: "In a rainy game, even if Xavi is on the court, we can't insist on passing the ball."
If anything went too far, he wouldn't be embarrassed to say it.
Spain, which has no midfield interception, may be defeated by Conte's "grassroots" Italy.
...
Del Bosque sat back on the coaching bench, took a dry towel and wiped his face.
Mignano raised his fist and said excitedly: "Boss, we can save energy to the maximum extent and win the game easily!"
The Spanish coach nodded: "Well, as long as we don't let the Italians get the chance to get set kicks."
The other side.
Conte was anxious.
He couldn't think of any way to threaten Spain's goal.
....
Beep! Beep beep~
The referee blew the whistle to end the first half.
The large LED screen hanging in mid-air still maintained the score of 1:0.
"A rain battle is, to a greater extent, a competition between physical fitness and will."
"The Spanish team used the easiest way to resist the waves of Italian advances."
"Viewers, please take a short break and let's go into fifteen minutes of commercial time..."
Studio.
The number of viewers dropped sharply.
-【I'm going to get a takeaway and I'll be back in two minutes.】
-[The rain battle is so boring. The football flies in the sky most of the time and cannot reach dangerous areas in Spain. Both sides have no chance to shoot.]
-[Li Mingdeng has evolved again. With Saul, the engineering boy, working beside him, and Cazorla, the super versatile, Spain's midfield interception power has improved by several levels! It is almost the strongest midfield barrier combination in Europe.
, only Pogba and Matuidi Sissoko of the French team can compete.】
-[If it hadn't rained, Bosque and Li Mingdeng would have had more cards, and they would have secured the victory early.]
-[Spain cannot threaten Italy's goal. Juventus's defense is very strong. I think their one-goal lead is not safe enough.]
-[The cup match is like this, the further you get to the back, the more you rely on the star’s inspiration.]
-[Leverkusen is a broken ship, and Leonardo DiCaprio's statistics are extremely high. Spain is an invincible battleship, and his invalid passes and invalid runs have been greatly reduced.]
- [Conte is still awesome. With such a bad card, it will be difficult for Spain to score again. 】
-【The rain has become lighter.】
.....
Spanish dressing room.
Isco was trying hard to wipe Li Kang's hair with a dry towel.
Bosque moved the flag on the tactical board.
"We need to be careful with the Italians' set pieces."
"Similarly, due to the harsh environment, it is difficult for our mobile offensive to break through the opponent's defense. The opportunity to expand the score is also likely to come from set kicks."
This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading! Sorry.
The set-piece tactics that the Spanish team has adapted during this period were taken from Barcelona's Enrique and Bilbao's Valverde.
Although Enrique is known as the "dog crown", he is very knowledgeable in set-piece tactics.
Valverde has also made very in-depth research on the use of the high points of set pieces.
Mignano looked at the team members and thought silently: 1, 2, 3, 4... Who dares to say that we in Spain are a group of dwarves?
the other side.
Italian dressing room.
Conti's roar could also be heard through the heavy wooden door.
....
The rain stopped.
Players from both sides returned to the field.
Li Kang changed into a brand new jersey under the supervision of the coaching staff.
Saul was still wearing the same jersey that was stained with mud, and it seemed that it had only been briefly cleaned and briefly dried.
The Atletico Madrid youngster said reluctantly: "They said I would still get dirty in the second half, and I have three jerseys left to prevent any tearing accidents."
This concern of the coaching staff is normal.
Not long ago, during the match between Switzerland and France, the jersey was torn five times and the football was kicked out by spikes.
...
The Stade de France has a good drainage system. Thanks to the efforts of the staff, most of the water on the green field has disappeared without a trace.
"Good evening, viewers, and welcome back!"
"The live broadcast for you now is the 1/8 knockout rounds of the 2016 European Cup."
“The second half of Spain vs. Italy!”
"In the first half, with the long-range shot of young player Li Kang, the Spanish team took the lead by one goal!"
"Let's see what happens in the second half!"
"Oh! Conte made the first substitution adjustment!"
"Insigne replaces Candreva!"
"An excellent left winger from Naples, only 1.63 meters tall! He scored 13 goals in all competitions last season."
"Italy's formation should be 3-4-3!"
....
When Conte reappeared in the camera, the gloom was gone from his face and he was radiant.
With a confident attitude, it looks like he has found the key to defeat Spain.
Beep!
Accompanied by the referee's whistle.
The second half of the game officially begins.
Italian ball possession.
Pellet kicked the ball back to Parolo.
The midfielders and frontcourts of both sides' formations immediately overlap at the center circle line.
The stability of football transfer on the turf is much higher than in the first half.
Bonucci once again made a long pass.
Not looking for Pellet this time.
Find Insigne!
The left winger from Naples has a dribbling ability that is one step above all his teammates!
Before catching the ball.
Almost all frontcourt teammates rushed towards his area.
"Insigne's strategic role is more obvious! He is the depth point of Italy's left attack."
"Look at Conte's tricks!"
"Let's start a shopping spree on the left!"
"Get the start of the second half!"
...
Li Kang was slightly shocked.
He didn't understand Conte's crazy way of playing.
But now the teammates have no time to react!
Insigne caught the ball and turned around and started to rush forward.
His defensive ability is poor and does not meet Conte's tactical needs.
But after all, he is the strongest dribbling master currently in service in the Apennine Peninsula.
Naples' left winger is the best breaking point in a last-ditch battle!
"Juanfran failed to intercept the ball!"
"Saul takes over!"
"Oops, there are too many attackers on the Italian left!"
"Nice one-two!"
"Jalikani!"
"Football is back at Insigne's feet!"
"Too fast!"
"Wipe into the restricted area!"
"Italy caught Spain off guard!"
"Insigne is worthy of being Naples' three shortest players of death...the third smallest player is worthy of being Higuain's best partner!"
...
The little man wearing a blue jersey dribbled into the Spanish team's penalty area!
Mignano was extremely nervous.
Bosque's expression was still calm because he saw Li Kang's figure.
As long as the opponent's offensive is resolved, Italy will no longer be able to threaten our penalty area in the same way!
suddenly.
His eyes widened in panic.
....
Inside the Spanish restricted area.
De Gea is ready.
Ramos blocked Insigne's path.
After San Jose observed Li Kang and Cazorla retreating nearby, they quickly assisted in the defense.
pity.
The moment you get close.
The sole of his foot slipped and he couldn't control his center of gravity. The moment he fell to the ground... his right foot kicked Insigne, who was jumping around!
The Napoli left winger fell to the ground.
The referee's whistle sounded promptly.
The Stade de France erupted into cheers and exclamations like a landslide and tsunami!
"Penalty kick!"
"Insigne helped the team win a penalty!"
"Great chance for Italy to equalize!"
"Conte's adjustments achieved miraculous results in less than three minutes of the second half!"
"suspense!"
"This Spanish-Italian war is still full of suspense!"
"Hey! Substitution? Conte made another substitution adjustment at this time!"
"We saw Zaza standing on the sidelines!"
"The Apennine genius of the past was called a combination of Dino Baggio and Christian Vieri!"
"No surprise, he is the secret weapon of the Italian team!"
....
When Edel saw the number on the LED substitution board outside the center circle, he walked straight to the nearest out-of-bounds line.
Zaza quickly twirled his fingers towards his teammates.
Conte clenched his hands and lowered his hands, and the night wind blew up the wet hem of his black suit.
hope.
Hope of equalizing the score!
As long as the score is equalized, the balance of victory will tilt towards Italy again!
The other side.
Mignano was in a panic and said anxiously: "Boss, Zaza had very few playing opportunities at Juventus last season, and the coaching staff lacks key information about him."
Bosque pressed his hands down and said in a deep voice: "Calm down, Conte sent him on the field, he must be here to take a penalty kick. We have to believe in De Gea."
.....
Insigne high-fived his teammates in celebration.
He is an Italian hero!
Just as he was about to pick up the ball and walk towards the twelve yards, he saw Zaza's gesture.
After feeling slightly frustrated, he threw the ball to the nearest teammate.
Li Kang touched San Jose's hair.
Spanish teammates rushed to comfort the Basque centre-back.
Can't blame him.
Morata said with relief: "There is no time to be sad. The turf is really too slippery this time."
....
Zaza stood in front of the twelve-yard penalty spot.
Start to back away.
De Gea took a deep breath and did not make any exaggerated movements.
"Sure enough, Zaza is Conte's secret weapon!"
"Italy's best chance to equalize!"
"Spain has pinned its hopes on De Gea!"
In the stands on all sides, Italian fans sang loudly, and many young fans closed their eyes and prayed.
....
Italian Radio and Television.
Maldini concentrated.
Baggio looked away with a painful expression.
The shadows of the past seem to still be lingering in my mind.
...
Accompanied by the referee's whistle.
Zaza stepped on the line of the penalty area and started to run.
Taking weird little steps and a weird rhythm.
De Gea frowned and his pupils shrank... In his career, he had never seen anyone take a penalty kick like this!
A short run-up distance of 6 yards.
Like a marionette, Zaza ran a full 18 steps.
His actions are so funny.
But no one laughed at this moment.
The Stade de France was deathly silent.
That was the penalty that decided the game!
...
Bosque closed his eyes.
Conte's face was cold.
Boom!
After 4 long seconds, Zaza's left foot was kicked hard!
The football stirred up residual water splashes and flew toward the stands with a roar!
De Gea stood still, dumbfounded.
The whole place was in an uproar!
"Oops! This free throw was missed!"
"Italy's best chance to equalize the score!"
"Zaza knelt on the turf in pain, hoping that this shadow would not erode his life!"
"De Gea has done a great job!"
....
Bosque breathed a sigh of relief.
Conte knelt on the ground and beat the turf angrily.
The secret weapon...the secret weapon he planned to use against the Germans just misfired!
Replaced Candreva and Eder.
The Italian team has lost its ability to compete with Spain in sports warfare and even positional warfare...
There is no way Spain will be fooled a second time with Insigne's offensive routine!
A desperate style of play, a last-ditch fight...makes the Azzurri's hope of victory even slimmer!
....
De Gea takes the goal kick.
He didn't think about the overall tactics like Buffon did.
Just pass the ball to Li Kang.
Next game.
For Spain, it has become extremely simple.
Insigne's defensive interception ability is far inferior to Candreva.
Zaza, who had been away from the battlefield for a long time, had almost no sense of presence.
Li Kang took control of the game.
The transmission of football on the turf is becoming more and more stable.
The combination of long and short propulsion methods easily tore apart the Italian team's weak midfield.
Saul and the two full-backs are also positioned more and more advanced.
soon.
Spain pinned the Italian team in front of the penalty area and besieged it!
....
Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini tried their best to neutralize the opponent's offensive.
They are very tired.
Buffon is also very tired.
It wasn't until the rain stopped that they fully realized how terrifying the invincible battleship commanded by Li Kang was.
Not just a fatal pass.
Rather, it is a speed-up change in the overall offensive rhythm.
Unless Verratti and Marchisio are on the court, there is no way to stop Spain.
...
The 70th minute of the game.
Buffon once again blocked Diego Costa's header with difficulty!
Football pops up the bottom line.
"A chance for a corner kick!"
"Li Kang...oh! It's Cazorla who will punish you."
"It should have been a tactical corner kick."
"No, Spain has many high points."
Cazorla raised his right hand.
Several sets of set-piece tactics have been developed.
Won't take action.
Two-step approach.
The moment he touched the ball, his supporting foot suddenly slipped.
Snapped!
The football fell weakly into the penalty area!
Point forward.
...
Bosque held down Mignano, who was yelling.
Conte's expression relaxed slightly.
He won't give up easily.
As long as they fight for the next ball, Italy will get a chance to counterattack.
...
"Oh, after the rain, the turf is too wet. Even a midfield master like Cazorla will slip!"
"Point forward!"
"Li Kang's judgment of where the football will land is too accurate."
Li Kang walked to the landing point in a few steps.
He raised his head slightly and looked at the football that was falling sharply.
No rotation.
Moderate strength.
From God's perspective, the positions of Isco, Saul and others have already been observed.
There are many passing routes...
suddenly.
In the field of vision, a bald shadow appeared again!
....
Insigne was the first to react and rushed towards Li Kang with small steps.
Although he is short, he must interfere with Spain's No. 6's ball!
Well, that kid must stop the ball and adjust it again!
Didn't take a few steps.
Only then did he realize that it was too late.
Stade de France.
Everyone followed Li Kang's movements and couldn't help but hold their breath.
The red jersey dances in the night wind.
The blue sneakers are slightly raised.
The football landed quietly on Li Kang's back heel, and then jumped to around twelve yards.
It was an indescribably graceful movement.
Like a dragonfly touching the water.
Renew the discontinued murderous intent.
...
Morata looked confused.
Chiellini was startled.
Unexpected!
The entire Italian defense did not expect that Li Kang could use his back heel to send such an exquisite pass in that situation!
At the moment of lightning.
The Chelsea striker lurking in the penalty area jumped up hard!
No one can interfere with him!
The football lightly hit Diego Costa on the forehead, and turned into a fierce and violent shadow, blasting towards the door of the Italian team!
A header that can’t be faulted at all!
Buffon guessed the right direction, but was still a few tenths of a second too late.