I AM the Football Star-Chapter 589 - 156: Preparing for the Playoff, the National Team Big Shots (Part 4)
With Lu Yang, he would anticipate the opponent’s multiple passes and retreat to the penalty area in advance.
They all have the ability to prevent this goal from happening.
But fortunately.
The opponent parked the bus after scoring.
It seems Empoli also knows, being able to snatch three points from the current top team in Serie B, San Remo, is already a great achievement. They have no intention of scoring more goals.
In the 80th minute, Canyes tried a solo run to create some opportunities.
But after reaching the bottom line, he found there were no good chances, too many defenders, even passing was hard.
Canyes cut in from the baseline, attempting to enter the box, but was intercepted by the opponent.
Empoli instantly launched a counterattack.
Their offensive was quick because they realized this was their opportunity to secure a two-goal victory over San Remo.
Bam!
At the critical moment, Lam emerged out of nowhere and cleanly executed a sliding tackle to complete the interception.
Lam immediately kicked the ball out with a big clearance.
Counterattack your counterattack!
Speedster Bai Zhami played the full match this time. He has the capability to fight throughout the game, previously he was subbed off protectively.
Bai Zhami, extremely fast, collected the ball and outpaced two central defenders, finally scoring with a solo shot.
It was a splendid 1V3 solo break.
In the end, San Remo drew 1-1 with Empoli.
Ending their six-match winning streak in the league.
Bai Zhami also surpassed Sogel for the first time, becoming the team’s second top scorer!
After the match, many media outlets believed San Remo was overestimated by everyone.
Empoli isn’t a strong team, yet San Remo only leveled in the last moments.
Everyone thinks, in such a state, San Remo is likely to drop out in the second half of the season.
Some experts even came out to criticize the players San Remo used in this match.
But in fact, as the reasoning goes, if these players had one or two seasons of synergy, they would still be a strong team in Serie B.
San Remo’s poor performance in this match was purely due to lacking two core players.
Without Messi, doesn’t Barça also struggle for a win?
Four days later, on November 21st. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶
The European Cup playoffs kicked off, starting the fierce battle for the last four spots in the European Cup.
The first leg of the match was held at the Sweden Team’s home ground.
On the Italy Team’s side, Vincent laid out a classic lineup.
433, or 4123.
This ’1’ is a defensive midfielder, ’2’ are central midfielders, unlike San Remo’s double attacking midfield setup.
As expected, Lu Yang and Morici didn’t start and were seated on the bench.
But being selected in the 18-man roster was already seen by many fans as a very positive signal.
Barring any surprises, they should be able to get some opportunities.
However, this match for Italy Team also had something quite "eye-catching".
That is, they replaced the defensive midfielder Drake with substitute midfielder Candreva, who plays as an attacking midfielder at the club, putting him in the defensive midfielder position.
No one saw this tactical change coming.
Many commentators were dumbfounded.
This... Italy struggles to score, has offensive issues, so you replaced a defensive midfielder with an offensive player.
If football offense and defense were this simple, then everyone would be a master!
You’ve underestimated the term ’chemistry’ way too much!
Overestimated Candreva, haven’t you?
As the match started, Candreva made a mistake, allowing the opponent to break through directly.
If it were not for Bernuli and goalkeeper Audi being focused enough, it would have likely resulted in conceding a goal right out of the gates.
But thirty minutes later, Italy Team still couldn’t escape disaster.
Sweden Team’s midfielder struck a miracle ball from long range.
A wonder goal!
Audi was helpless.
Zero to one, Italy still couldn’t escape!
Moreover, once behind, it was truly difficult for Italy to play!
Already struggling to score, now they had to break through the opponent’s parked bus and fend off their counterattacks.
Victory seemed truly elusive!
