Chapter 495: World Cup
Suddenly being pointed to, Wu Lei felt very surprised and nervous. Wasn't Wang Ge just one goal away from a hat-trick? Why hand the penalty to me to kick at this moment?
"I've already scored 15 goals. It doesn't matter if I miss one or two. Don't you want to score a goal to secure victory on the final stage of the final?" Wang Feng said with a smile. He felt it was a kind of inheritance, as he would eventually grow old and young people needed to step up.
Wu Lei waved his hand repeatedly, feeling a lot of pressure. But the Chinese superstar patted his shoulder and gestured for him to look at the big screen. "We're leading 2-0, there are only 10 minutes left in the game. You don't need to feel too much pressure. Scoring will secure the victory, and missing isn't a big deal."
"Your penalty conversion rate is one of the best in the entire Chinese team. I saw you practicing secretly that day. Was it for this moment?"
"Besides, I'm standing not far behind you, ready to remedy at any time. Come on, use a goal to fiercely retaliate against those who look down on you!"
Wu Lei nodded heavily. Although his journey in this World Cup had not seen much playing time, what he had seen and learned would benefit him a lot. If he could end his journey with a goal, it would be the best result.
Taking a deep breath, he slowly retreated to face the Dutch goalkeeper, Stekelenburg.
"It really looks like Wu Lei is going to take it. This 19-year-old youngster plays for the Swiss Super League's Young People's Club, and this is his first appearance for the national team."
"Run-up, shot, beautiful!" Zhang Jun shouted excitedly. "Wu Lei deceived the Dutch goalkeeper and sent a powerful shot straight to the middle. It seems that although he's young, he's quite a leader."
"China leads 3-0 against the Netherlands! Unless a miracle happens, we will definitely win! Let's silently count down to the final moment together!"
The Dutch team refused to give up until the last moment. In the 86th minute, De Jong's long pass found Van Persie's header at the edge of the penalty area. Robben accelerated past Li Chunyu and broke into the penalty area.
Seeing the Chinese goalkeeper rushing out, "The Flying Dutchman" chipped the ball over Qiu Shengjiong's head into the net behind him, finally opening the scoring for the Orange Legion.
After that, they continued to use high-altitude bombardment to try to turn the tide. Both the fans at the scene and those watching on TV were extremely nervous, complaining about how slow time was passing.
When the four-minute injury stoppage time came to an end and referee Webb blew the final whistle, the score did not change. 3-1, China defeated the Netherlands, crowned the 8th World Cup champion!
The Football City Stadium was now boiling like water about to boil over, with thunderous cheers and applause celebrating the birth of the new king.
The coaching staff, substitute players, and staff rushed into the field, surrounding Wang Feng in the middle, embracing and thanking this greatest contributor. Many people's eyes were red, showing that they had just held back tears.
At this moment, the Chinese team reached the pinnacle! This was the supreme glory for all the players on the squad.
Dong Fangzhuo was also there in the crowd. After being sent to the hospital for a detailed examination, he was diagnosed with minor injuries. Originally, he should have stayed in the hospital for observation, but he didn't want to miss such a crucial moment for the Chinese team, so he returned to the scene.
At this moment, Dong Fangzhuo choked back tears and said, "Fortunately, fortunately, my leaving didn't affect the overall situation, otherwise I would regret it for the rest of my life."
Wang Feng comforted him by patting his back, "You've already done brilliantly. Now we've reached the top of the world, and everyone has made great contributions!"
Gradually, the players formed a circle. Regardless of how many years passed, regardless of how the future developed, this group of people was destined to leave a profound mark on the history of Chinese football.
Wang Feng's club teammates Sneijder and Robben found him to express their congratulations. "I didn't expect you to really come this far. I said it before, I'd rather face Spain than be your enemy."
The Chinese superstar smiled and patted Sneijder's shoulder, then rubbed Robben's bald head, comforting them, "When we return to the club, you guys better continue to perform magically."
A stage was quickly set up on the field, and the final highlight of the World Cup, the award ceremony, officially began!
First announced was the Golden Ball Award of the World Cup, which Wang Feng unquestionably won again. Originally, it had a certain consolation element, usually awarded to the runner-up or players from the semifinal teams who performed well.
But because of the dazzling performance of the Chinese superstar in this World Cup, according to the subsequently disclosed specific support rate, Wang Feng received 43.1% of the votes, with the second-placed Fran at only 13.4%, and Sneijder at third with 11.1%.
"We cannot overlook Wang's great achievements. This entire World Cup belongs to him entirely, and no other player can compare to him," one judge said in an interview.
Naturally, Wang Feng also won the Golden Boot Award, scoring 15 goals in a single tournament, a record that would be the most difficult to surpass in World Cup history. Spain's Villa won the Silver Boot, and the Netherlands' Sneijder won the Bronze Boot.
The Best Young Player Award went to Germany's Thomas Müller, who scored four goals. His performance amazed everyone, especially now that he's only 21 years old, with plenty of peak time ahead of him. It is believed that after the World Cup, he will be sought after by major clubs.
The Best Goalkeeper Award, the "Golden Glove," was won by Casillas. China's goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong missed out on the award by a slight disadvantage, because Spain conceded only five goals in all seven matches, the fewest among the semifinalists.
After the individual honors were announced, the Dutch players were the first to take the stage to receive their silver medals. Most of them looked very disappointed, unable to wash away the title of the uncrowned king, having reached the final three times but only able to get the runner-up each time.
Finally, it was China's turn to take the stage to receive the awards!
FIFA President Blatter personally hung the gold medal around the necks of the players. When it was Wang Feng's turn, he hugged the Chinese superstar warmly for a long time.
"I am honored to witness the birth of such a legendary superstar during my tenure. I believe that no matter how many years pass, your deeds and achievements will continue to be praised by people," said Blatter.
"Thank you, Mr. Blatter. I think there will be many challenges waiting for me next. I can do better," Wang Feng said firmly. "Of course, you're still so young."
After everyone stood on the podium, Blatter handed the World Cup trophy to the Chinese superstar. He smiled and took over the trophy, the symbol of the highest honor in the world football, and then lifted it high above his head.
For a moment, confetti and fireworks erupted, and all the Chinese fans at the scene cheered wildly, singing triumphant songs.
After the awards ceremony, the families and friends of the Chinese team were allowed to enter the field to celebrate with the players. Everyone took photos with the World Cup trophy, and Wang Feng also took pictures with Xiao Siyao and Lu Yao, capturing precious moments together.
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