Vol 6 Chapter 39: It's been a long time ago

The World Cup quarter-finals have ended one after another. After the quarter-finals, this is the beginning of the real decisive phase.
Not surprising to everyone, except for the Chinese team who eliminated Uruguay, all the other teams that everyone thinks should be the hottest winners have all passed.
Both South American powerhouses have experienced arduous battles. The promotion of the Brazilian team is actually not easy. Counting in overtime, 120 minutes and Chile played 1:1, the penalty shootout won 4:3.
Their rival, Argentina, also nearly overturned. Under the general defense of the Swiss iron barrel array, Argentina was almost dragged into the penalty shootout. Playing for Wolfsburg Swiss goalkeeper Bernalio almost became the best in the game, but insisted to 118 minutes, Messi stood out. Midfielder made a cross and Di Maria shot low to complete the lore.
The other champions, the last runner-up Netherlands defeated Mexico 2:1, France defeated Nigeria 2:0, and Germany defeated Algeria 2:1.
In addition, the same dark horse background as the Chinese team is probably Costa Rica from Central and North America. No one would have thought that they passively survived the whole game in a passive situation. They simply relied on the excellent performance of the penalty shootout. The total score of 6:4 destroyed the powerful attacking Colombia in the midfield.
In fact, many European media really hope that the Chinese team and Costa Rica can meet, Bibi to see who is the strongest dark horse. This is always one of the most concerned topics in each World Cup and represents the power to subvert the traditional pattern. Who wants to watch a few monopoly dealers who have monopolized Wang Zu get together to fight the landlord?
The dark horse road of the two teams represents two different tactical styles. Of course, the Chinese team is definitely more popular. Everyone likes a offensive football like this. Costa Rica's most brilliant performance so far is actually their goalkeeper Kailoor Navas. Since the group stage, they have been relying on the defense of the turtle shell to the present. The ball loss is the least of all teams, but It's not about the taste of the media, so this dark horse is not much seen.
Of course, it is difficult for the two teams to have a chance to play head-to-head. Costa Rica is in the second half. If you want to play against each other, it is only possible in the final.
Costa Rica did not have an absolute superstar like Zhou Tiancheng in the middle and frontcourts. It would be as unrealistic as the Chinese media had hoped for the World Cup.
At this stage, Lippi was getting more and more confident in the limited chance of revealing his tone to the outside world. Although he had not looked forward to the finals in a high profile, Lippi just said: "Neymar is very prominent. Brazilian football has always had a tradition of producing superstars, so players like this will naturally be taken care of, but I am very confident in my players."
What this means, on the other hand... No one deserves our special attention except Neymar.
After the game, Lippi did not organize training that night, but gave the team a preparatory meeting.
Of course, it is important to mention the Brazilian team, aside from the strength, the meaning behind the host, you have to let Lippi make more preparations.
But the atmosphere was not very tense. At least when he hadn't spoken, he saw Jiang Hao and Zhou Tiancheng talking and laughing into the room.
"Brother Cheng, what do you mean this is? Grandpa Pi has never had the habit of being called so late."
And it's in the hotel's conference room, not in the training ground.
"Then slowly get used to chanting, and immediately hit Brazil, if we take another step, this occasion is indispensable."
Jiang Hao cut it with carelessness: "I'm afraid he's a bird, we haven't played yet. Wasn't it their home game last year, we didn't lose?"
Zhou Tiancheng smiled and gave him a slap in the palm of his hand: "We are really angry, how do you think I am the same?"
This atmosphere is not only passed on to other players, but Lippi also sees it.
Said to prepare for the next game, in fact Lippi's attitude is not so hysterical, he has never been like this. After everyone sat down, he looked at each pair of eyes, just like the old-age psychological consultants in European and American movies, wearing glasses, showing a kind smile, and said: "Relax, boys, since Without calling you to the training ground, we just talked about our goals. I think it’s time to say this. Of course there are opponents."
At this moment, everyone didn't speak, but Lippi swept quickly, and looked at everyone's expression at this moment.
Jiang Hao's eyes of several of their players in Europe are excited and looking forward, while the eyes of other local players are surprised, dazed and with longing. Only Zhou Tiancheng, Dafang Fang kept looking at Lippi, his eyes flashed a bit, but he quickly became calm.
Most local players are accustomed to following the coach's baton. The environment in which they grow up does not need to have their own ideas, everything needs to be subordinate to the coach and the team. And like Jiang Hao, several of their players in Europe have seen the world and have ideas, but the platform is limited, and they don’t feel the feeling of being too high to be cold. At this time, the heart is higher than the sky, but they dare not say.
Only Zhou Tiancheng has experienced all kinds of big scenes, showing a calmness that is even two points better than Zheng Zhi, completely like a team's soul-level core, which can hold the field.
Lippi was not surprised by everyone's performance, so he showed up directly: "What I want to tell you is... Of course you can't tell the reporter for the time being, otherwise the nasty reporters will have to make waves again-I The goal is to go to the end with everyone."
Many people raised their heads and stared at the boss, probably not expecting Lippi to be so direct.
The old man glanced at Zhou Tiancheng and then swept the others: "Everyone knows that I am at an age where I can retire. I can tell you this, and the cooperation with you may be the last time I stand on the World Cup, or even stand Opportunity for the coaching seat. Since this step has been reached, it's only three steps away from the end. Have you thought about the opportunity to play against Brazil at this level? But we did. Many of you, It’s already my father’s age. This may be one of the few World Cup opportunities for many of you. Like you, I pursue perfection, and I don’t want to leave any regrets at this age. So, no matter who is the next opponent, My demands on you will never change... Chou, do you understand what I mean?"
Zhou Tiancheng smiled: "Understood, isn't it Brazil? The host is amazing! Now this Brazil is like that. It seems that the main striker wearing their No. 9 jersey is called? Fred... or if... what? It’s weak enough to hear that name. Brazil doesn’t seem to have anybody. Anyway, I’ve never heard of such a number one person. It’s estimated that it’s a commodity that can’t even get into the big list before. The back line is pretty good~EbookFREE.me~ But not every center defender has the pass ability of Zhige. No matter how strong the defense is, we are not afraid of him, he can't win us."
"Dachengzi, you opened me again." Zheng Zhi was a little embarrassed.
But after Zhou Tiancheng made a few points, pierced through a layer of window paper, the pressure on some players' faces gradually faded, and the positive look of excitement was two more points.
Lippi was very satisfied and smiled.
He is very satisfied with the current state of the Chinese team. Compared to when he first took office, Zhou Tiancheng has played a decisive role in the team, even similar to his own assistant coach among the players.
What he did not 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 recent years cannot be described by the world.
It has never been the same.
These four words also apply to the host Brazil we are about to face.