World Cup of Great Powers

April 4, 5:19, Enugu Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

National Youth Team VS Portugal U20.

The National Youth Team, wearing white jerseys, focused on defense from the very beginning of the game, while Portugal, wearing red-purple jerseys, launched a fierce attack on the National Youth Team's defense from the first minute.

To the fans' surprise, Shen Han, the main striker of last year's Asian Youth Championship, was placed on the bench by Zeng Zheng.

The arrangement of the striker arrow turned out to be a little-known Guoan teenager.

Shao Jiayi's first start made the Portuguese dare not be careless.

Among the information and intelligence they collected, there was no name of Shao Jiayi at all.

Looking at Shao Jiayi's starting figure, some people said it was Zeng Zheng's sudden whim and sudden coup; others said it was Zeng Zheng's mistake in employing people and improper arrangements.

Of course, the happiest thing is the scouts who came to the scene to "digging for gold".

They just waited for the China Youth Team to take out the bottom cards of the bottom of the box one by one and show them in front of them.

Shao Jiayi's start is undoubtedly a good signal, which means that Zeng Zheng does not intend to hide it and go all out from the first game.

Both Zeng Zheng and the Portuguese head coach stood on the sidelines from the first minute, watching the game with serious eyes.

The Chinese youth team thinks Portugal is the enemy, so why don't Portugal think so?
Zeng Zheng has shown his skills in front of young players from all over the world in the Toulon Cup last year.

Although this team is not the one in the Toulon Cup last year.

But the name of a man is the shadow of a tree.

Nobody wanted to lose their group stage opener after Mali made a big splash.

When the game progressed to the 7th minute, the China Youth Team used a counterattack to play a threatening attack.

After Li Yan and Xu Yunlong formed a cooperation on the right, Zheng Zhi quickly came up from the side, and after receiving the ball, he went to the bottom line and sent a very high-quality cross.

In the penalty area, Li Yi quickly grabbed the first spot and hit the ball with a dive.

But unfortunately, the ball hit the post and bounced back to the penalty area, and was cleared by the Portuguese defender.

As the ball flew out of the penalty area, Portugal began to press heavily, waiting for an opportunity to launch a counterattack.

On the sidelines of the court, Zeng Zheng clapped his hands and affirmed their performance in this attack, and at the same time loudly instructed the players to calm down and not to worry.

"Everyone look back!"

"Don't retreat too deep, just keep a good distance!"

"Zhao Junzhe, you are retreating too deep! You have to drive the whole team to push the defense out."

"Midfielder, don't let them pass the midfielder so easily!"

"Li Yi, Shao Jiayi, the two of you are pressing on the frontcourt!"

"Keep the distance between the three lines well, control the rhythm, pay attention to the defense and the protection on both sides."

"Cheer up, run, run! Hurry up if you haven't run in place!!!"

Following Zeng Zheng's yelling, the players on the field also received instructions one by one.While forming a defense, it also happened to resolve Portugal's offense.

When the voice was closed, Zeng Zheng glanced at the Portuguese coach Stick on the other side.

The other party was obviously a little anxious.

The first threatening attack in the opening game was played by the opponent and kicked on the post, almost losing points.

That in itself is a red flag.

In addition, Zeng Zheng was very familiar with Portuguese, so Zeng Zheng could clearly hear all of Stick's yelling.

"Xiao Zeng, do you think we can win this game?" Zhu Guanghu asked worriedly.

"I don't know, football is round, and no one can tell until the last moment." Zeng Zheng smiled lightly, "But the head coach on the opposite side has a bad mentality. At least they are more nervous than us in this regard."

Speaking of which, Portugal has attached great importance to youth training in recent years.

The two-time champion of the World Youth Championship in 89 and 91 made countless people think that the golden generation of Portugal is coming.

But sometimes, dealing with players' mentality is more important than skills and tactics.

Portuguese coaches are a little impatient, let alone players.

Don't look at the third place in the group and have a chance to qualify.

But first of all, we must be able to compete for the third place in the group!
Since the start of this World Youth Championship, African teams have performed very well.

Not to mention Nigeria and Ghana, Cameroon beat Little Days 2-1 and Zambia beat Honduras 4-3.

Coupled with the fact that the Mali team even won against Uruguay, who would dare to underestimate the African teams?
From the current point of view, if the four teams in Group D want to qualify, they must start grabbing points from the first game.

Facing Zeng Zheng, Stick had no reason to underestimate his opponent.

This is also the reason why they were anxious after seeing that they could not gain an advantage after the game started.

"They wanted to eat us from the very beginning." Zeng Zheng wrote lightly, pointing to a few players on the court who frequently received Sticker's command, "but tigers also nap sometimes."

"We just need to take advantage of the new strength of those players and counterattack when the old strength is not born. Sooner or later, we will gain something."

As Zeng Zheng said, he arranged the counterattack time for the National Youth League carefully.

When to feint and when to stab the opponent with a real shot are all planned long ago.

In the 21st minute, taking advantage of Paulo Costa's frontcourt pass error, the China Youth team pressed heavily in an instant, forming a 4-on-3 situation in the frontcourt.

If Shao Jia hadn't been desperately intercepted by the opponent's defender when he hit the goal, the goal might have been scored at this moment.

In the 24th minute, Li Yi formed a single goal in the frontcourt. Unfortunately, as soon as his speed broke out, he was pulled down by the opponent's defender from behind.

In the 27th minute, Xu Yunlong was violated by the opponent in the frontcourt. Li Yan took a free kick at about 30 meters in the penalty area and flew out of the baseline against the crossbar!
Before the match, Zeng Zheng threatened to fight "fast" with his opponent.

Judging from the opening 30 minutes, the speed of the China Youth Team is indeed impressive.

Not only the players run fast, but the counterattack rhythm is also fast.

Usually before the opponent reacts, a situation of playing more and playing less in the frontcourt has already formed.

Because of the sharp counterattack of the China Youth Team, the camera kept switching on the faces of Xu Yunlong, Li Yi, Li Yan, Zhao Junzhe, Shao Jiayi, Zheng Zhi and other players.

European scouts are more optimistic about Simao, Sabrosa, Lille and others seem to be invisible, being submerged in the crowd.

One minute before the end of the first half, Zhao Junzhe once again won a free kick in an excellent position for the National Youth League.

The free kick he personally took was seen through by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the end, the two teams could only end the first half with a score of 0-0.

Although most of the scene is on the side of the National Youth Team, the fans inevitably have some opinions of their own.

"This group of youngsters played well, but I always felt that they were a bit short of finishing!"

"Yeah, why don't you use that Shen Han from Hangxing? I haven't seen this Guoan kid before! It's him who wasted several opportunities."

"Maybe Coach Zeng wants to promote newcomers!"

"You can't promote newcomers here! What occasion is this? The World Cup for the youth team! Coach Zeng didn't expect it to be so unreliable! Use the World Youth Championship to train!"

The fans talked a lot, but Zeng Zheng didn't think much of it.

During the intermission, Zeng Zheng took a towel and handed it to Shao Jiayi.

"How do you feel? Are you still getting used to it?"

Shao Jiayi lowered his head after taking the towel, blushing.

He was also dissatisfied with his performance in the first half of today.

He and Zeng Zheng were not close or related, and the World Youth Championship made an exception for him to be promoted to the team. It was a lie for Shao Jia to say that he dared not move.

Moved is moved, he has always wanted to show his achievements in return for Zeng Zheng.

But 45 minutes later, except for the first shot that was blocked by the opponent, he had no achievements in the frontcourt.

"Boss Zeng, I, I will definitely continue to work hard in the second half."

"It's useless to talk about hard work! You have to have skills." Zeng Zheng said, pulled a tactical board, and sat in front of Shao Jiayi to explain it to him.

Seeing Zeng Zheng give this newcomer "a little trouble", the discussion couldn't help curling its lips.

"Boss Zeng is really eccentric! He didn't call me over alone for guidance!"

On the other side, the Portuguese assistants are also reporting the situation to the head coach.

"There are too many mistakes on our side."

"If it weren't for the youth players not being skilled enough in grasping opportunities and passing and receiving, we might have lost the ball at this moment."

The face of the Portuguese head coach was extremely ugly.

Of course he knew that the situation was not good for him, and he even regretted that he should not try to control the rhythm of the field when facing the China Youth Team.

He knows that the Chinese youth team is good at active defense.

However, this kind of tactic of anti-counterfeiting has always been shamed as the last in Europe, because it always gives people a sign that the team is not strong enough.

However, the active defense of the Chinese youth team gave Stick a brand new experience.

Although most of the possession of the ball is at the feet of their own players, most of the time they are passed ineffectively.

Not only can't a decent offense be played, but it is also necessary to prevent the Chinese youth team's quick counterattack at all times.

And once the Chinese youth team plays a fast break, it will form a situation of playing more and playing less in the frontcourt.

The several speed-type assaulters of the China Youth Team made Stik's team feel inexperienced on the court.

"Damn it!" Stick cursed angrily.

Facing Zeng Zheng, he felt helpless.

Where did this kid come from?
Going to Brazil to study for a few years from the first third world country has this level?
I've heard that Brazil is rich in players, but I haven't heard that Brazil is also rich in famous coaches!
"The mentality of the Chinese team members is very good. They are the champions of the Asian Youth Championship, broke into the World Cup last year, and won the championship of the Asian Games."

"With such honorary support and the guidance of a world-class coach, these players have an inexplicable confidence on the court!" The Portuguese assistant coach concluded, "So even if it is a defensive formation, they are fully implemented."

"And most of our players became famous when they were young, and they got the attention of many giants at a young age."

"So sometimes they value the feathers more."

"At this point, we are far behind the Chinese team."

The Portuguese assistant coach talked about the key.

In general, barefoot is not afraid of wearing shoes.

For the Chinese youth team, the World Youth Championship is a peak they have never touched.

Portugal has already won two championships.

So even the "backward style of play" such as defensive counterattack, at the feet of the Chinese youth team members, also played with gusto.

15 minutes passed quickly, and in the second half, the two sides changed sides and fought again.

The Chinese youth team is still defensive and counterattack, but as the Portuguese players began to focus on defense, the Chinese youth team also began to seek rules for their counterattack.

"Oh? The ball was handed over to the left, and now No. 21 of the China Youth Team has the ball."

Seeing the Chinese youth team attack again, the commentator on the scene was also a little excited.

He is eager to see the goal, especially the goal of China, a third world country from the third world, the favorite Portugal.

Facing the opponent's defender, Shao Jiayi moved the ball forward without hesitation, seeking a breakthrough.

Naturally, the Portuguese defender would not be careless, turned around to chase the ball at the first time, and got stuck in the position at the same time.

However, in the next second, Simao's shoulder seemed to be hit by a train, and he staggered back two or three meters.

"How dare he?"

For a long time, the Chinese youth team members have been focusing on speed, and rarely have physical confrontations with the Portuguese.

Now, Shao Jia's unexpected and proactive collision made Xi Mang a little confused.

After the "sneak attack" was successful, Shao Jia, who successfully knocked the opponent away, rushed to the bottom line with the ball.

A smooth bottom pass kicked the ball into the Portuguese penalty area.

Because it was spinning in the opposite direction, the Portuguese goalkeeper could only stand on the goal line, hoping that his teammates would clear the ball.

Although Li Yi and others are fast, they don't have much advantage in high-altitude balls.

Seeing Shao Jiayi's low pass was cleared by the opponent's defender, the Chinese fans who came to watch the game couldn't help sighing.

"Anyway, this kid's footwork is not bad, and his pass is quite decisive."

"It seems that the coach Zeng gave him new instructions during the intermission!"

"Let me just say, Coach Zeng can't misjudge someone, give this kid some time, it should be able to play a role."

Shao Jiayi's cross made the fans' eyes shine.

The most important thing is that the bottom cross he just made was kicked out with his left foot.

Having such good left-footed skills at this age is something to be proud of in itself!

Sure enough, Shao Jiayi's low pass was just the beginning.

In all subsequent attacks, Guoqing handed the ball to the left, and Shao Jiayi launched the attack.

Although Portugal's right back could keep up with Shao Jiayi's speed, after several consecutive defenses, he became timid.

the reason is simple.

Don't look at how brave Shao Jiayi was when he made a breakthrough, and he took the initiative to hit the opponent;
But once it is hit by an opponent, it may fall to the ground directly, or roll a few times if it is severe.

After making three consecutive frontcourt set kicks in similar positions, the Portuguese restrained a lot.

Because they found that letting Shao Jiayi kick a free kick into the penalty area after he was ready was far more threatening than his bottom pass.

Every time he saw the arc of Shao Jiayi's left foot hovering over his penalty area, the Portuguese goalkeeper was terrified every time.

Shao Jiayi always kicked the ball in the opposite direction of the goal, but he didn't dare to attack rashly.

After going back and forth, seeing that the China Youth Team was about to open a channel on the left, Stick could only replace a defensive player with plenty of energy to double-team Shao Jiayi on the left.

Gradually, watching the opponent's defensive center of gravity begin to pile up on the left, Zeng Zheng on the sidelines showed a smile.

Just when the Portuguese thought that the Chinese youth team's offense was still launched from the left, Shao Jia, who pretended to break through, scored kickbacks one by one, and passed the ball back to Zhao Junzhe in the middle.

After the latter stopped the ball, there was no defender within three meters.

Seeing Zhao Jun take a step forward and make a shot, the Portuguese central defender rushed out from the penalty area and knocked him down desperately.

The referee's whistle sounded, and while showing the Portuguese defender a yellow card, he also awarded the China Youth Team a free kick in a good position.

"In the middle, one more player stands in the middle!" Stick yelled from the sidelines.

"Don't let the top earners of the Chinese team run up and squeeze them out!"

"Protect the goalkeeper's position and don't let them interfere with the goalkeeper!"

"Clear, the ball must be cleared as soon as possible!!!"

Swish!
During Stick's command, the ball suddenly slid out of an arc in the air and hit the dead corner of Portugal's goal.

The goalkeeper on the goal line was stunned and didn't react at all.

"This"

Stick wiped his eyes, the ball really flew into his own net.

Looking at Shao Jiayi who raised his arms high and rushed towards Zeng Zheng to celebrate, Stick opened his mouth wide in surprise.

"Why did he shoot himself?"