Chapter 7: Born Killers
We are the weaker team, and winning against a stronger opponent has always relied on defense. I believe our opponents think the same way, and they may have even set traps, waiting for us ahead.
Standing at the edge of the field, listening to the deafening roar of the fans all around, the head coach of Sporting Gijón's second team, Abelardo, felt as if he had been ignited
The quarter-final knockout match between China City and Sporting Gijón B is scheduled to be held at the home ground of Getafe B as arranged by the organizing committee
Moreover, the situation is not as pessimistic as others have imagined
Therefore, from the very beginning of this match, we must be determined to adopt an aggressive strategy, firmly controlling the situation and pace of the game in our hands until we secure victory.
Indeed, boss, we all listen to you
Abelardo did not dare to be careless against this renowned scorer on the leaderboard, promptly adjusting the defense to contain him
"David." Abelardo looked at the number 9 forward
A single sentence from Gao Han left everyone in silence
How on earth does this resemble an obscure amateur team?
But this is our only chance to win
Isn't this akin to putting one's head in the waistband and risking one's life against the opponent
Hmm, in comparison, he would prefer to see the C.D. Tondela II team ruthlessly defeat the Chinatown team
With this thought in mind, Gao Han felt a surge of confidence
... ...
The players of the China City team all wore serious expressions on their faces
In a short period of time, Abelardo found himself completely at a loss.
When he saw Gao Han leading the Chinese City team out, a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes
Unfortunately, Sihon Athletic is located in the northern part of Spain and has always favored a style of play that emphasizes physical confrontation. Players like Villa, who are relatively short and slender, have never been favored by the first team.
In this match, we will turn the tables and take the initiative to attack from the very beginning, resolutely pushing forward in an effort to score the first goal!
Oh, by the way, go prepare a bit. Zambriano just called me and said he wants to come watch the game
The target of the Samsung offensive card was immediately shifted from the center, Shaomu, to the right side player number 17.
This is definitely lighting a lamp in the toilet, seeking death
Although he said nothing, his expression conveyed to everyone that as long as the ball is passed to him, he can create a threat and even score a goal
Boss, whatever you say we will do it that way
Zambrano can also be considered a renowned coach in the Madrid area, with over a decade of experience coaching in the second division. Even if he were to scout opponents, it would certainly not be amateur teams like China Town, let alone the second team of Sporting Gijón
... ...
This team excels at counterattacking, primarily focusing on defense at the beginning. By establishing a solid defense, they draw their opponents into attacking, and then capitalize on sharp counterattacks to create opportunities. This is their secret to repeatedly overcoming strong adversaries
Abelardo, you must not be soft-hearted at all
That damned Chinese coach actually went all out on the offense from the very beginning of the match
In this situation, it is likely very difficult to maintain one's position
Oh?
David Villa, the sharp striker of the Sporting Gijón B team
Angel Torres nodded repeatedly. Although historical data may not represent much, it clearly illustrates how difficult it would be for the China Town team to advance to the semifinals
Fortunately, Getafe is indeed a professional team, with better facilities. The stadium is surrounded by open space and is enclosed by a three-meter-high wire fence, which alleviates concerns about the number of fans affecting the match.
The overall strength of the Sporting Gijón B team is not strong, after all, Sporting Gijón is currently only competing in the second division league
On the stands, Getafe president Ángel Torres smiled
This confidence was quickly conveyed from the head coach to the players, and they all felt it
... ...
After the match began, Abela discovered with dismay that all the meticulous preparations he had made before the competition were completely useless during the match
Because he knows that being able to reach the top eight as an amateur team, having successively eliminated Getafe B and Fuenlabrada, who would believe that the Chinese Town team lacks skill
Clement did not find it strange
David Villa nodded emphatically
Since the opponent is bound to launch an attack, should one still push forward to strike?
This adjustment immediately opened up the right flank for the Chinatown team, creating continuous threats.
However, Clement does not see it this way
Yes, that's right! Abellardo said with a smile, "Because we have a sharp forward that neither Getafe II nor Fuenlabrada has, along with a group of outstanding Gourd Babies!"
From the very beginning, the professional teams in the Second Division were overwhelmed by this amateur team. Who has ever seen such an impressive performance from an amateur team
The Gijón Sporting B team is a club in the third-tier Segunda División B league, featuring a top scorer from the scoring charts. Overall, their strength is at least equal to that of Fuenlabrada, if not stronger.
Hmm, it is still uncertain who will win and who will lose
In this manner, the Shijon Athletic team found themselves under relentless attack from their opponents, facing numerous perilous situations. Even David Villa, who was originally tasked solely with offensive duties on the front line, had to actively retreat to participate in midfield defense
The issue is that the offensive tactics of the Chinatown team are adjusted more quickly
Is that so? But their good fortune came to an end right there
He now even has the urge to rush over, grab that young Chinese coach, and sternly ask, "Why aren't you following the established rules?"
Gao Han's words left all the surrounding players in astonishment
Amateur teams engage in an offensive match against professional teams
He has long been eager to get started
"Boss, what if the second team of Xihong Athletic also plays aggressively?" asked the concerned captain of the number three center-back, Tufiyuan.
The Madrid Community Invitation Tournament has been held for over thirty years, and no amateur team has ever reached the semifinals. Previously, only one team had made it to the quarterfinals, and the Chinatown team is the second.
Everyone immediately looked at the head coach with serious expressions, as if asking, "Indeed, wouldn't that just turn into a direct confrontation?"
However, it must be noted that the second team of C.D. Sihon is also a professional team at the level of the Segunda División B.
It was just a little bit, a single goal, that completely changed the course of the entire match
At the outset, the number 9 forward of the China Town team, Xiao Mu, had a very thrilling opportunity to take a shot on goal, which sent a chill down the spines of Abelardo and everyone from the Sporting Gijón B team.
These fans must be here for the Chinatown team, right? This dark horse is truly attracting attention now
In that case, what do they have to worry about?
Hope will be an exciting match! Angel Torres, a true football fan, eagerly expressed his anticipation
Football, especially professional football, is just so unreasonable
Hearing the players express their unanimous stance, Gao Han nodded in satisfaction
As Abélard was making the final pre-match arrangements, Gao Han was also in the coaching area, surrounded by the players, outlining the tactical plan for this match
Winning with the weak against the strong, for the most part, can only rely on defensive counterattacks, which aligns with the principles of football
In this match, your task is singular: to do your utmost to score a goal in the shortest possible time
In the past three matches, we have been playing a counter-attacking style.
Huluwa, this is a term used in the Xihong region to refer to young people
If the situation is indeed not right, it is still timely to quickly use the two-star defense card
Boss, I will listen to you, we will fight for it!
Upon hearing this, the players immediately began to laugh heartily one by one
The players immediately smiled slightly and, as if on cue, turned their gazes towards the short player wearing the number 9 jersey
Well, he should be here to assess the opponent of Atlético Madrid's second team in the semifinals said Ángel Torres, nodding
Just when Abela was feeling a bit overwhelmed, he saw Gao Han, standing on the sidelines, calling the number 9 forward, Xiao Mu, to the side of the field
Ah! A chorus of exclamations arose from the crowd
At such times, confidence is of utmost importance, regardless of the circumstances
At this point, Abelardo smiled confidently and said, "Do you know why I am so confident in our offense?"
It is essential to unify the players' thoughts
... ...
However, Gao Han's attitude is very clear; rather than sitting idly by and waiting for death, it is better to take the initiative and strike first
What happened to the plan of first defending and then counterattacking
"Zambrano?" Clement was taken aback
However, now they have advanced to the top eight, far exceeding everyone's expectations
Moreover, have you been giving your players drugs? How come both of them are so fierce?
Abelardo was taken aback and quickly reinforced the defense on the right flank
The opponent has David Villa, but we have Shao Mu. It's truly a battle of offense, and it's still uncertain who will prevail!
Moreover, Gao Han has two achievement points, and if absolutely necessary, he can further upgrade the defense card to three stars and reset the cooldown time
However, this tactic was already blocked by Cabanillas when playing against Funen Lafada, and they almost broke through the goal of the Chinese City team.
Yes, let's do it!
If the first team is not strong, how strong can the second team be?
Clement also understood something. "Recently, Atletico Madrid has appointed former Portuguese superstar and legend Paulo Futre as technical director, raising the possibility of Zambrotta being appointed as head coach of the first team."
This is the confidence of a born killer!
Getafe has been established for over thirty years and has consistently moved between lower-tier leagues, with its highest league ranking being tenth in the Segunda División
This is the head coach of Atletico Madrid B team, a well-known figure in Madrid and even in the Spanish football circle. Two years ago, he led Atletico Madrid B team to the runner-up in the second division league, gaining great fame.
High Cold is confident. From the beginning of the match, they used the Samsung offensive card to enhance the team's offensive ability. Even in a head-to-head battle, the China City team will definitely catch the second team of Xi Hong Athletic off guard.
They are an amateur team, and reaching this point today can already be considered a miracle
Using weakness to defeat strength, launching a surprise attack at the beginning to seize the initiative. It's not impossible, and although Abelardo has long been involved in lower-level leagues, he has rich coaching experience and immediately made adjustments.
Ángel Torres nodded again and said with a smile, "Yes, that's why he wants to win another championship trophy before joining the first team, to give himself a good start. Otherwise, do you think he would value such a game and opponent?"
The defense on the right side is stable, there is no negligence in the middle, but the left side has been exposed.
Because the Chinese team simply has no defense at all
The matches between Getafe II and Fuenlabrada teach us that when facing the Chinese Town team, one must not show mercy. It is essential to act swiftly and, right from the start of the game, to use an overwhelming offensive strategy to dismantle the opponent's defensive resolve and establish a leading advantage
Press out to launch an attack
They are an amateur team, and before the cup competition began, no one recognized them, nor did anyone know about them. Even they themselves did not expect to break through in the first round of the knockout stage
Members of the Xihong Athletic Team 2 couldn't help but nod repeatedly when they heard this.
Based on the experiences of the past few matches, any player who has received guidance from Gao Han typically performs exceptionally well in the subsequent games. Will this hold true once again this time
However, Gao Han just chuckled and said, "No need to worry. I can guarantee that the Xihong Athletic Second Team will definitely go on the offensive."
However, no one expected that, with only one hour left until the match, the grandstand, which accommodates three hundred people, was already filled to capacity, except for the reserved seats. Moreover, even the surrounding areas of the stadium were packed with fans.
Suddenly, a sense of ominous premonition arose in Abellado's heart.
Clement maliciously shifted his gaze away from Gao Han and directed it towards the distant coaching area of the second team of Sporting Gijón
... ...
Isn't it the high coldness before us that leads them to create miracles
In the past week, I have been studying the Chinese city team, gathering a lot of information and intelligence about them
Take a bold step; there may be a chance after all
In terms of level, only the first team of Sporting Gijón is a worthy opponent in his eyes
This stadium is located in Getafe Sports City, right next to the Alfonso Pérez Stadium, featuring only one stand that can accommodate a maximum of three hundred people
Is there any professional ethics left?
However, the players quickly noticed the confident smile of the young coach before them
Technical Director Clement stood nearby, just as both teams' players began to enter the field, preparing for warm-up
However, Abelardo was not as careless as the previous Emir and Cabanelas; on the contrary, he did thorough preparation for this match and was very cautious in his approach.
... ...
Therefore, almost everyone, including Abélard himself, felt that drawing the Chinatown team was almost a guaranteed pass.
But such a fiery scene is not often seen in the Madrid Community Invitational.
If it is merely a matter of seizing the opportunity, then so be it
Is it wonderful
But as soon as he made an adjustment, Gao Han immediately followed suit and made an adjustment on the sidelines.
Counterattacking defense, this is their only reliance that has brought them to this point today. If even this is restrained by their opponents, how can the match be played?
The reason he decided to use the three-star attack card at the beginning is to be able to use it again after seventy minutes
Abelardo stands in front of his own players, looking very confident and in control.
After the players listened, they looked at the coach in front of them with a determined expression, and they all made up their minds.
He is confident of winning this match!
Should be around three or four thousand?
Scenes as lively as today's are rare, not to mention at the usually deserted Getafe Sports City, but even at the neighboring home ground, such scenes are also rare.
This is the result of his thorough preparation before the competition