Grass roots glory

Chapter 871
The quarter-finals of the World Cup have come to an end one after another. After the quarter-finals are determined, this is the beginning of the real decisive stage.

Not to everyone's surprise, except for the Chinese team that eliminated Uruguay, all other teams that everyone thought should be the favorites to win the championship all passed.

The two South American powerhouses have both experienced arduous and fierce battles.Brazil's promotion was actually not easy. Counting overtime, they drew 120:1 with Chile in 1 minutes, and finally won 4:3 in the penalty shootout.

Their long-time rival Argentina also almost overturned.Under the Swiss iron barrel defense, Argentina was almost dragged into a penalty shootout.Playing for Wolfsburg, Swiss goalkeeper Benaglio almost became the best player in the game, but insisted until 1108 minutes, Messi stood up.A breakthrough in the middle crossed Di Maria's low shot to complete the lore.

其他的夺冠热门，上届亚军荷兰2:1击败墨西哥，法国2:0完胜尼日利亚，德国2:1击败阿尔及利亚。

In addition, Costa Rica from Central and North America probably has the same dark horse background as the Chinese team.No one would have thought that they defended the whole field passively, relying on their outstanding performance in the penalty shootout, the total score was 6:4 and they defeated Colombia, which had a strong offensive power in the midfield.

In fact, many European media really hope that the Chinese team and Costa Rica will meet to see who is the strongest dark horse.This will always be one of the most concerned topics in each World Cup, representing the power to subvert the traditional pattern.Who wants to watch a few bankers who monopolize Wang Zha get together to fight the landlord?

The dark horse roads of the two teams represent two different tactical styles.Of course, the Chinese team must be more popular.Everyone likes attacking football with blood pumping like this.Costa Rica's most outstanding performance so far is actually their goalkeeper Kailor Navas. Since the group stage, they have relied on a tortoise-like defense to the present. They have conceded the fewest goals among all teams, but Not to the taste of the media, so this dark horse is not very popular.

Of course, it may be difficult for the two teams to have the opportunity to face each other head-on. Costa Rica is in the lower half. If they want to play against each other, the only possibility is the final.

Costa Rica does not have an absolute superstar like Zhou Tiancheng in the midfield. It is probably as unrealistic as the Chinese media once dreamed of the World Cup to enter the final.

At this stage, Lippi has become more and more confident in the limited opportunities to reveal his words to the outside world. Although he has not yet looked forward to the final with a high profile, facing the host, Lippi just said: "Neymar is very outstanding. Brazilian football has always had a tradition of producing superstars, so players like this will naturally be taken care of, but I have great confidence in my players."

What this means, on the other hand... Except for Neymar, no one else deserves our special attention.

After the game, Lippi did not organize training that night, but held a preparatory meeting for the team.

Of course, we must focus on the Brazilian team. Leaving aside the strength, the meaning behind the host has to make Lippi do more preparations.

But the atmosphere was not very tense, at least before he spoke, he saw Jiang Hao and Zhou Tiancheng walking into the room talking and laughing.

"Brother Cheng, what do you think this is for? Mr. Pi has never had the habit of calling gatherings so late."

And it was in the conference room of the hotel, not the training ground.

"Then get used to it slowly and fight Brazil right away. If we take another step, this kind of occasion will be indispensable."

Jiang Hao cut it indifferently: "I'm afraid he's a bird, it's not like we haven't played before. Last year it was their home game, didn't we lose?"

Zhou Tiancheng smiled and gave him a high-five: "We are really right-tempered, why do you think the same as me?"

This atmosphere is not only passed on to other players, but Lippi also sees it.

Said it was to prepare for the next game, but Lippi's attitude was not so hysterical, he was never like this.After everyone sat down, he looked into each pair of eyes, just like those old experienced counselors in European and American movies, wearing glasses, showing a kind smile, and said: "Relax, boys, since We didn't call you to the training ground, we just had a chat, a chat about our goals and I think it's time to talk about that. And of course the next opponents."

At this moment, no one spoke, but Lippi quickly glanced over, seeing everyone's expressions at this moment.

The eyes of Jiang Hao and his European players were excited and expectant, while the eyes of other local players were surprised, bewildered and longing.Only Zhou Tiancheng, Da Fangfang kept looking at Lippi, a little turmoil flashed in his eyes, but he soon calmed down.

Most local players are used to following the baton of the head coach. They grow up in an environment where they don’t need to have their own ideas, and everything needs to obey the head coach and the team.And players like Jiang Hao who lived in Europe have seen the world and have ideas, but the platform is limited, and they have never experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed by the heights. At this time, their hearts are higher than the sky, but they dare not say it.

Only Zhou Tiancheng has experienced all kinds of big scenes, and his composure is even two points better than that of Zheng Zhi. He is completely like the core of the team's soul and can stay calm.

Lippi was not surprised by everyone's performance, so he directly showed his cards: "What I want to tell you is... Of course, you can't say this to the reporters for the time being, otherwise those annoying reporters will make trouble again—I My goal is to go to the end with everyone.”

Many people raised their heads and their eyes widened. They probably didn't expect Lippi to be so direct.

The old man glanced at Zhou Tiancheng, and then glanced at the others: "Everyone knows that I have reached the age where I can retire. I can tell you that, the cooperation with you may be the last time I stand on the World Cup field, or even stand in the World Cup. Opportunity at the bench. Now that we've come this far, we're only… three steps away from the end. Did you ever think you'd have the chance to play Brazil at this level? But we did. Many of you, It is already the age of being a father. This may be one of the few opportunities for many of you to participate in the World Cup. I, like you, pursue perfection and do not want to leave any regrets at this age. So, no matter who the next opponent is, My request to you will never change...Zhou, do you understand what I mean?"

Zhou Tiancheng smiled: "Understood, isn't it Brazil? The host is amazing! Now this Brazil team is just like that. What is the name of the main striker who seems to wear their No. 9 jersey? Fred...or if...something Just hearing this name is weak enough. Brazil seems to have no people. Anyway, I have never heard of such a No. [-] person. I guess it was before. This is something that can’t even make the big list. There is nothing to be afraid of. The defense line is quite good, but not every central defender has the passing ability of Brother Zhi, no matter how strong the defense is, we are not afraid of him, and he can't beat us."

"Da Chengzi, you're making fun of me again." Zheng Zhi was still a little embarrassed.

But after Zhou Tiancheng made a few points and pierced a layer of window paper, the pressure on some players' faces gradually faded, and their excited and positive expressions increased by two points.

Lippi was very satisfied and smiled.

He is very satisfied with the current state of the Chinese team.Compared with when he first took office, Zhou Tiancheng has already played a decisive role in the team, even similar to his assistant coach among the players.

What he didn't know was that before he took office, the Asian Cup champion had already transformed the Chinese team.

According to the standards of the Chinese media and fans, the changes of the Chinese team in the past few years cannot be described as far apart.

It's been a long time coming.

These four words also apply to our upcoming host Brazil.

(End of this chapter)