Chapter Sixteen: The Flash

The match officially began. During this period, under the guidance of Bora Milutinović, the Chinese team’s defense was quite solid. Even though Fan Zhiyi was absent, their defensive line on the field remained remarkably steady.

“This is a counterattack initiated by Du Wei! Beautiful pass! What a gorgeous through ball! Unbelievable! Truly unexpected!”

The commentator, Chen Nu, continued his narration. He had anticipated a one-sided bombardment but, contrary to expectations, the Chinese team played with remarkable freedom under such pressure.

Yes, they truly let go! Compared to the previous match, where they seemed hesitant and restrained, now the Chinese team displayed the real spirit of their squad—free, agile, quick, and decisive! This was the China seen in the final qualification round!

“Number 9, Ma Mingyu, with a diagonal pass! Number 10, Hao Haidong, receives the ball! Hao Haidong is positioned a bit deeper! Three Brazilian players are in front of him! Excellent! Excellent!”

After receiving the ball, Hao Haidong slowed the tempo slightly. The Brazilian defender closest to his right closed in first, but Hao Haidong remained composed. With a sudden feint to his left, he burst past the defender with explosive speed. Now, three Brazilian defenders formed a small triangle, surrounding him.

By this point, he had already beaten one of the Brazilians. Another, directly ahead and to his right, lunged forward, his leg snapping out like a steel rod, but Hao Haidong’s pace and reflexes surpassed him. With a deft touch from the inside of his foot and a body feint, Hao Haidong left this defender behind as well!

“Hao Haidong! Hao Haidong! Magnificent, Haidong! Oh, Haidong!”

Chen Nu found himself nearly speechless. Less than three minutes into the match, Hao Haidong delivered a display of skill that brought pride to all Chinese fans. Unfortunately, just as he was about to break free from the triangle, the Brazilian defender to his left crashed into him, knocking him several meters aside.

“Hao Haidong hasn’t given up! Hao Haidong! Keep going, Haidong!”

Hao Haidong quickly regained his footing and pressed forward, aiming to recover the ball. Now, he was close to the sideline. Cleverly, he chose not to engage directly but instead tried to outpace the Brazilian defender. However, the second defender he had shaken off caught up as well, flanking him from both sides. Squeezed between them like the filling in a sandwich, his speed suddenly dropped, and the two Brazilian defenders overtook him, sealing off the path.

“Hao Haidong’s dazzling dribble was finally contained by the experienced Brazilian captain, number 2, Marcos Cafu. After a well-timed, legal body check, Cafu kept himself between Hao Haidong and the ball, and ultimately watched the ball roll out of play.”

Although this attempt did not result in a threatening shot, it certainly ignited the team’s spirit. At the very least, it showed the world that Chinese football would not simply turtle up in their own half. It declared that the Chinese team was willing to attack, unafraid, and hungry for victory!

The ensuing match made Mo Mo restless in his seat. The Brazilian players began to pass the ball around extensively, wearing down the Chinese team’s stamina. Chinese players often sprinted to press, only to return empty-handed, a sight that made supporters anxious. In the stands, Chinese fans erupted with chants: “China, let’s go!”

The thunder of drums reverberated around the stadium, red banners fluttered on all sides, and the sea of five-starred red flags raised by Chinese supporters seemed to ripple, capturing everyone’s attention.

“A brilliant through ball from Brazil! Beautiful! China’s defense is decisive today!”

Brazil suddenly switched play with a long pass and attempted a direct through ball to pierce the Chinese defense. In the moment of crisis, China never lacked courage. Even though Chen Nu couldn’t see clearly, two Chinese players threw themselves at the ball, blocking Brazil’s attack—this much he saw.

“Ma Mingyu! It’s Ma Mingyu! The ball is flying high! Ma Mingyu’s speed is astonishing. Can he get there? Can he? He’s got it! Ma Mingyu!”

The ball soared, and Ma Mingyu chased it down, bringing it under control and launching an attack down the flank. At this moment, Brazil’s captain, number 2, Marcos Cafu, shot toward him like a bolt of yellow lightning, but he couldn’t catch Ma Mingyu!

“Brilliant! Ma Mingyu! Damn! Foul! That’s a foul!”

Just as Chen Nu was about to cheer, he saw Brazil’s captain, number 2, Marcos Cafu, apparently shove Ma Mingyu, sending him tumbling to the ground.

“Foul! Outrageous! Hao Haidong races up to claim the ball! Three Brazilian defenders are close by! What will Hao Haidong do? Brazil’s captain, number 2, Marcos Cafu, is closing in—right in the direction Hao Haidong wants to break through!”

After Cafu pushed Ma Mingyu over, the referee allowed play to continue for advantage as Hao Haidong gained possession. Now, Hao Haidong was hemmed in from three directions by Brazilian defenders, with Cafu also bearing down on him.

“Perfect! Hao Haidong has beaten one of the three Brazilian defenders! Who was it? Who cares! Oh, unlucky! Hao Haidong has run straight into Brazil’s captain, number 2, Marcos Cafu! What now!? Damn it!!”

Chen Nu felt his heart could barely take the tension. After Hao Haidong beat the defender, Cafu stepped in to cover, and as Hao Haidong hesitated, the previously beaten Brazilian defender caught up. Under the double-team, Hao Haidong lost the ball.

Mo Mo clenched his fist in frustration as he studied Brazil’s defensive pattern. Hao Haidong had already done exceptionally well; if even he had no answer, what could Mo Mo do? In terms of short-distance explosiveness, Hao Haidong far outclassed Mo Mo, yet even he found himself stymied by Brazil’s impeccable defense.

“But the attack isn’t over! The attack isn’t over! Though two defenders shut down Hao Haidong, the ball kept rolling and wasn’t under their control! Long pass! The Chinese player doesn’t stop the ball—he goes for the long pass right away! Where’s the target? It doesn’t matter! He heads it to number 19, Qi Hong! Qi Hong shoots! Qi Hong takes the shot!”

Mo Mo leapt to his feet in excitement. Magnificent! Absolutely magnificent!

The ball didn’t rise high, flying straight along the path of the sprinting number 19, Qi Hong.

Without hesitation, Qi Hong met the ball and unleashed a furious shot!

“Bang!” The ball zipped through the gap between the defenders! No one could stop it!

Head coach Bora Milutinović stood up. Every Chinese soul in the stadium was riveted—their eyes locked on the ball. Could it go in? Would it go in? That was the thought on everyone’s mind.

In the next second, a tremendous roar erupted! The entire stadium was in an uproar! Was it a goal? Did it go in?