Chapter 412: I promised you, I did it
Wang Feng was overjoyed and quickly approached him, carefully examining him. He saw that his legs were steady on the ground without any signs of wrapping, so he quickly asked, "How's your foot injury?"
Dong Fangzhuo replied, "The doctor said it's basically recovered, faster than expected. In fact, I started recovery training half a month ago and immediately rushed back as soon as I got permission."
"Brother Feng, you really didn't deceive me. I really have a chance to play for the national Olympic team!"
Next, Wang Feng led him to meet with the coaching staff and team doctors at the training base. After another examination, it was confirmed that this now second Chinese star had no physical problems.
"Great!" Coach Ying Tiesheng felt more reassured. "Dong Fangzhuo, you'll start training with the team immediately. The focus is on developing good cooperation with your teammates."
"But the probability of you starting in the next match is still low. I'll put you on the bench and bring you on when needed. This is both for your physical well-being and for the team's stability."
"I understand, coach. I'll fully obey all instructions from the coaching staff," Dong Fangzhuo said.
When the players saw Dong Fangzhuo for the first time on the training ground, they were all pleasantly surprised. Zheng Zhi was the first to run up and pat his shoulder. "Kid, you're finally back with the team. A Bundesliga champion, hmm, you're also considered a world-class star now!"
Dong Fangzhuo pretended to be bitter and said, "Unfortunately, I got injured before even stepping onto the podium. It's really unlucky. I didn't even get to experience what it's like to lift the first European top league championship trophy of my career."
"That's nothing. There's still the medal and prize money, right? Besides, I see Bayern's momentum is strong. Winning another league title next season shouldn't be too difficult."
"Yeah, that's true, haha."
Other young teammates also looked at Dong Fangzhuo with envy and admiration. Wang Feng had accumulated more honors than them and was considered an overage player, but Dong Fangzhuo was different. Despite being around the same age, he had become a mainstay for a Bundesliga powerhouse and helped the team win the league title!
So, during training breaks, everyone would gather around Dong Fangzhuo to ask about his experiences of success. He didn't hold back and shared his struggle history from the lower German leagues, full of both spirited determination and bitter moments.
On August 19th, in the Olympic men's football semi-finals, China faced Nigeria, a direct confrontation between the host dark horse and the old powerhouse of the Olympics.
In the 21st minute of the match, Nigeria got a corner kick opportunity. Odimwanki sent the ball into the penalty area, and Victor Anichebe, the Everton striker, pushed aside defender Yuan Weiwei and headed the ball into the net, breaking the deadlock for the African Eagles.
Yuan Weiwei looked frustrated as he rubbed his sore shoulder. This was purely a physical dominance. He had clearly reached the ball's landing position first, but the opponent managed to exert enough force to push him aside.
Zheng Zhi walked up to him and patted his back. "Young Yuan, don't blame yourself. That goal wasn't your fault." Then he called other defensive players over. "Nigeria's physicality is strong, so we need to be fully focused and support our teammates in defense."
"We've only conceded one goal. Think about our captain's miraculous performance, think about Dong Fangzhuo sitting on the bench. We have the ability to turn this around. Come on, let's give each other a hand."
"Alright!"
While Zheng Zhi motivated the defensive players, Wang Feng encouraged the midfield and forward players. "Don't rush, we still have plenty of time. Let's reorganize our attack. Chen Tao, Gao Lin, we need you guys to lead the attack later, play decisively, and put enough defensive pressure on the opponent."
Seeing the team trailing, Dong Fangzhuo on the bench couldn't sit still. He kept looking towards the head coach, hoping to be sent on to contribute. But Ying Tiesheng just looked expressionless at the field, showing no intention of making adjustments.
After the game resumed, China played even more aggressively. Wang Feng and Gao Lin directly pressed into Nigeria's half, while midfielders also crossed the midfield line to compress the opponent's passing space.
The change in the rhythm of the game made it difficult for Nigeria to adapt. They wanted to counter quickly but couldn't find the speed, and although China pressed high up the pitch, their defensive focus was very concentrated.
Both sides were deadlocked, and time was passing by. Until the end of the first half was approaching, the high-intensity pressing was quite a burden for these young players. Gao Lin and Chen Tao were already panting.
Wang Feng knew that if they went into halftime trailing, the team's condition would only deteriorate in the second half. They needed to come up with a solution quickly.
At this moment, Nigeria's central defender Okonkwo received the ball but didn't pass it out immediately like before. Instead, he took a few steps sideways to observe his teammates' positions.
This was an opportunity. Wang Feng immediately rushed up when he saw it. The renowned Chinese superstar approached him, seemingly in the blink of an eye, and got in front of him. His speed was astonishing!
Okonkwo was startled and decided to slide tackle, even if it meant fouling and getting booked, he had to stop him, because behind him was an open field.
But the Chinese superstar didn't give him a chance. Wang Feng forcefully pushed the ball forward, and at the same time, he leaped over Okonkwo's sliding tackle effortlessly, then accelerated to chase after the ball.
"Wang Feng steals the ball! China launches a fast counterattack!" All the fans in the stands stood up excitedly, watching the sprinting player on the field intently.
"He dribbles into the penalty area. Defenders Adfeimi and Apan both close in. What will he do? A pass to the back post, Gao Lin shoots! It's in! Gao Lin scores for China! This time, he doesn't waste the opportunity!"
"1-1! China stubbornly equalizes just before halftime!"
"This goal was first initiated by Wang Feng's active pressing. After successfully stealing the ball and entering the penalty area, he attracted Nigeria's defensive attention, and then Gao Lin, who followed up, calmly scored."
"Whether it's Wang Feng or other Chinese players, they have shown their tenacious fighting spirit and desire for victory in that period of time, and it's this spirit that led to the goal!"
After scoring, Gao Lin initially wanted to celebrate along the sidelines, but he was too exhausted to run, so he stayed in place and waited for his teammates to come and hug him to celebrate.
"Well done, that pressure you applied just now was really good," Wang Feng said with a smile. Gao Lin felt a bit shaky. If he hadn't been tired, he might have scored a long shot just now, thus truly living up to his nickname "Flying High".
"Luckily, my reputation is saved this time. I'll practice my finishing more when we get back." The young Chinese player thought to himself silently.
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