Chapter 475: Big win
In the first half, the match ended with the Chinese team leading by two goals, and as they resumed play, the Ghanaian team still hadn't given up hope of equalizing.
In the 56th minute, Ghana's midfielder, Gyan, made a solo run, accelerating past H?konsen and Wang Qiang, then entering the penalty area. Despite interference from Sun Jihai, his shot missed the post.
This play showcased Gyan's powerful physical attributes and abundant stamina, serving as a warning to the Chinese defense. As time passed, their energy consumption would certainly be greater than that of the African players.
Under the coach's command, the Chinese team further tightened their defense, compressing the space and denying Ghana any chance to advance, thereby reducing the threat posed by Ghana's shots.
This high-level ironclad defense caused headaches for Rajevac. He had to substitute Adiyiah, a forward who currently plays for AC Milan but is mainly a substitute.
In the 64th minute, P-Boateng dribbled down the sideline and made a precise cross. Gyan, drawing the attention of the Chinese defense, deliberately let the ball pass to Adiyiah at the far post.
Adiyiah, lurking there, pushed past Feng Xiaoting and scored with his left foot, the ball slipping under goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong's arms into the net. 2-1, Ghana pulled one back!
Ar?kan immediately made substitutions, replacing Feng Xiaoting with Sun Xiang and H?konsen with Li Chunyu. He used all three substitutions to bring fresh energy to the Chinese defense.
From then on, they managed to hold their ground, consuming time and occasionally organizing counterattacks. In the 71st minute, Wang Feng intercepted the ball from Ayew and swiftly dribbled into the opponent's half.
As Ghana's defenders rushed back, four of them formed a defensive line when Wang Feng reached the edge of the penalty area.
Dong Fangzhuo arrived on the other side, and Wang Feng deftly passed the ball between H?nefoss and Salpingidis to Dong Fangzhuo, who was unmarked. Without hesitation, he shot towards the far corner, the ball's spin and his power creating a tricky arc.
At that moment, Kingston, the Ghanaian goalkeeper, must have been despairing, for the shots were indeed cunning! 3-1! China scored again!
This goal proved to be the last straw that broke the opponent's back. African teams indeed lacked the resilience of European teams and were more prone to collapse after consecutive setbacks.
As Ghana's attacking momentum waned, China had opportunities to counterattack. In the 82nd minute, Gao Lin broke down the flank and crossed the ball into the box, but Kingston punched it out.
Wang Feng rushed to the ball and, with a sudden idea, attempted a lob shot. With Kingston positioned near the penalty spot, the ball sailed over his outstretched hand and into the net.
"The ball's in! I can't believe my eyes! Wang Feng scores China's fourth goal with an audacious long-range lob!"
"Absolutely magnificent! This is one of the most spectacular goals of this World Cup. Coach Zhang, I remember Wang Feng scoring a similar wonder goal before, didn't he?"
"Yes, it was when he was playing for Inter Milan a few years ago. He always manages to reproduce miracles that others can only dream of, like the bicycle kick in the recent Champions League final, showcasing his extraordinary skills when he played for Genk."
"Let's admire this superb goal again in slow motion. The perfect arc of the lob shot is usually difficult to achieve because it generates both forward and downward force, especially with the ball spinning upwards."
"Ghana's goalkeeper Kingston bears primary responsibility for conceding the goal. Why was he positioned so far forward? But today, he's had too much to handle, with China's four goals being more cunning than the last."
"The game has lost all suspense. China secures a big victory, and Wang Feng gets a hat-trick!"
The slow-motion footage then focuses on Kingston, lying on the ground in despair, pounding his fists against the turf to vent his frustration.
With a 4-1 victory over Ghana, Wang Feng was once again named the best player of the match. China topped Group D with 1 win and 1 draw, accumulating 4 points. Serbia, with 1 win and 1 loss, had 3 points, placing second on goal difference.
Ghana, also with 1 win and 1 loss, had 3 points, ranking third. The favorites, Germany, with 1 draw and 1 loss, had 1 point and were at the bottom.
The situation became interesting. In the final round, Germany must defeat Ghana and win to have a chance of advancing, but their fate partly depends on China.
Assuming Germany wins, if China also wins, both teams will advance together. If China draws, they will still advance, and Germany will need to compare goal difference and goals scored with Serbia, even fair play points.
If China loses, Serbia will top the group, and Germany will compare goal difference with China to advance.
Overall, China has the biggest advantage, and the most secure option is to lock in first place in the group.
"You must give it your all! Absolutely no intentionally losing to Serbia, or else we'll deal with you when you return to the club." After the second round of matches, Schweinsteiger joked with Dong Fangzhuo over the phone.
This also indirectly indicates the uncertainty within the German team. They lack confidence in defeating Ghana convincingly. If China intentionally aims for second place, they might lose narrowly and rely on goal difference to eliminate Germany.
"You should focus on yourselves. Can you handle Ghana? They're better than Serbia, and yet you lost." Dong Fangzhuo teased, showing a lack of confidence. Coach L?w's change in tactics was made in a short time, and everyone believed it was the right path, but it still required adjustment.
If Germany fails to advance from the group stage, L?w's position will undoubtedly be unstable. Can they still make the transition?
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢