I AM the Football Star-Chapter 578 - 154: Worthy of the Name Divine Striker, the National Team Finally Opens Its Doors!
Calafiori’s celebration provoked Bologna’s fans and players.
At the fortieth minute, Bologna finally saw an opportunity.
They first exploited the gap created by Canyes on the wing, advancing with the ball, and then made a cross from the wing, seizing the space behind Morici, allowing Kolber to get the ball in the center.
With a few dribbles, Kolber reached the edge of the arc outside the penalty area.
Of course, San Remo had countermeasures for this.
The aggressive play of the double attacking midfielders inevitably led to a lack of defensive cover in the defensive midfield position.
Lu defended a wide area, had strong running ability, and compensated for the midfield position due to Canyes’ adjustments, making the defense not as weak as it appeared.
Although the gap behind Morici would inevitably provide the opponent opportunities, Lam as the defensive midfielder would be focused on this area.
Indeed, as Kolber held the ball, Lam arrived, blocking him.
At the same time, Palacios was also concentrating on defending Kolber.
But... Kolber’s abilities are not to be underestimated.
His high football IQ is not yet reflected on his profile card.
For instance, this time, he used Lam as a target for feint movements.
However... he was not directly facing the goal.
This was a particularly noteworthy aspect.
Usually, attacking players, especially those intending to shoot, keep themselves directly facing the goal, adjusting instinctively if they deviate slightly.
Even when facing the goal sideways, he could chip or curl a shot to threaten the goal, the same idea.
It is a killer’s nature.
But like Kolber at this moment, although he had the chance to face the goal directly, he opted to turn slightly sideways.
Anomalies are usually significant!
Of course, except for those involved, it’s not easy to spot these subtleties.
At least, neither Lu nor Morici, viewing from the side, could perceive the specific situation here.
Including Lam, who was defending Kolber, failed to notice these details.
His focus was on the ball, and spatial awareness was greatly diminished at this moment.
Only Palacios, a short distance behind Lam, felt something was off.
Because he was in a rather awkward position now.
Lam was positioned exactly between him and Kolber.
Palacios wanted to advance and assist in defense, but he had to move laterally to ensure he and Lam weren’t aligned.
If he directly went forward, Lam would block him.
However, moving sideways would delay his ability to intercept.
He attempted to move forward several times, but each time Kolber adjusted the angle beforehand.
For Kolber, Lam and Palacios had completely overlapped at this moment.
Two defenders became one defender.
That’s the effect he aimed to create.
Bam!
Kolber made a sudden powerful shot during the adjustment.
The calf exerted force, but the swing was incomplete.
However, the ball’s speed was not slow.
Lam couldn’t react at all.
Palacios, a few meters behind Lam, was the player closest to the ball path besides Lam, and could disrupt this attack with just an outstretched leg.
This type of defense is not uncommon in formal matches.
Learning to block shots with the legs is an essential lesson for central defenders.
Naji is quite talented in this aspect.
Always extending a leg to thwart the opponent’s shots, and extending a leg to cause own goals, are essentially the same idea.
The talent is the same, just the luck differs slightly.
But... due to Lam’s visual obstruction... Palacios stretches his leg!
Palacios’ stretch demonstrated his high defensive standard; to react at his age is commendable.
However... the ball was still half a foot away from Palacios’ reach.
Swoosh!
The ball found the net.
Kolber smirked.
Since Lam couldn’t block it, Palacios, in the same line direction as Lam, couldn’t have blocked it either.
Kolber condensed the defensive coverage of two individuals into one, making the shot considerably easier.
This is what a top scorer does.
Before they shoot, a lot of thought is often invested.
It seems like unnecessary effort, but it increases their scoring rate after shooting.
Conversely, those carefree footballers don’t think ahead, and the outcome of their shots is usually unsurprising.
Scoring based solely on feeling is feasible, but can’t be sustained.
To become a Divine Striker, intelligence, or rather football IQ, is critical.
One to two, Bologna clawed one back.
During halftime, San Remo hadn’t yet realized the overly easy nature of Kolber’s goal earlier. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Palacios felt it was Lam’s positioning problem but hesitated to directly point it out, since Lam hadn’t made a mistake, saying so would appear like shifting blame.
The same feeling was present in Lam’s mind.
He did everything he could; it was normal not to react to such sudden shots, but Palacios behind him should have been able to react.
Perhaps he’s aged, and his reaction isn’t as sharp as before; as younger players, it’s better not to highlight veterans’ weaknesses.
Lu and Morici, being unaware of the real problem, assumed the defense momentarily napped and didn’t want to say much.
San Remo’s defensive line was still very high-level, almost akin to Serie A Level.
This made it difficult to criticize anything.
Thus, this halftime didn’t result in any significant constructive feedback.
