As Michael dribbled the ball into the penalty area, the training team reacted swiftly, retreating into a defensive formation.
Julian had just made a long pass from the side, which Michael had squandered.
Nonetheless, opportunities remained.
Within the penalty area, Michael deftly reversed his foot and found a chance to pass to the glider positioned in the back row.
Dragged down by two opposing defenders, the glider fell to the ground and shot——
The ball soared high, flying over the goal's crossbar.
Glider's shot hit the post.
The main team players watching this scene buried their heads in their hands, frustrated.
Glider himself was ashamed, lying on the turf for over ten seconds, pretending to be dead.
Head Coach Carter on the sidelines reactivated his taunting mode, "You're all trash! What a perfect breakthrough Julian just set up for you! What the hell were you thinking, Michael? You charge straight ahead when you have the ball, one-on-one with a defender, and you still can't get a shot? And you, glider! If you don't want to play, I'll give you a shovel and you can take my grandma's place! Can you do better than that? Julian, he's new here, and hasn't practiced with you before, but look at him—he made such a brilliant long pass on his first touch! Look at you old timers! You're a waste of space! Can't you lift it? Mud that won't hold the line!"
The main team players hung their heads in shame.
White bubbles began to emerge under their feet one by one.
Julian made a quick decision and approached Captain Bread, touching the white bubbles beneath his feet.
"The system announced: You've completed physical training +10 hours. Today's pickup progress is 10/10."
Julian gagged at the taste of victory.
Today's pickup progress is complete!
Julian took a deep breath, feeling a slight boost in his physical strength.
Bread eyed Julian suspiciously, "...what's going on?"
Julian replied calmly, "Oh, I didn't hear you, Captain. I was too busy fighting for the ball."
Bread said, "...I yelled, 'Good kick.'"
Julian smiled and thanked Bread.
"Thank you," Julian said, before coolly turning around and getting back into position.
Captain Bread couldn't help but think to himself: Asians are so polite...
The match resumed, with time running short for the main team.
The sparring team's goalkeeper took a goal kick. After a few passes among the sparring team players, the ball arrived at the feet of their right back.
This right back of the training team was facing the left side of the main team.
The sparring team's strategy remained focused on attacking the main team's left flank.
They assumed Julian's earlier brilliant performance was merely a fluke since he was unfamiliar with the main team's tactics and lacked the necessary chemistry.
They were confident that if they continued to press on, the left flank, manned by the Asian newcomer, would eventually crumble.
The main team's situation grew increasingly dire.
Faced with the intentions of the sparring team, the main team also reacted swiftly.
Octo moved up to the left forward position to intercept, with the water goalkeeper and Bread in midfield also responding.
The right back of the training team spotted the right opportunity and distributed the ball to the center players.
The central player passed the ball forward to their striker.
The striker of the sparring team received the ball and immediately dribbled to the left, with the right back of the sparring team also jumping into action!
The sparring team's offense is back on track!
All the sparring team players pressed towards the main team's half.
Michael of the main team retreated to the left side, eager to atone for his previous mistake.
Bread, the captain of the main team, fell back into his own penalty area alongside Rusty Stripe and Painter.
It must be said that the defensive capabilities of the entire main team are still strong, and their formation has remained relatively stable.
However, the greatest pressure was on Julian.
If Julian is bypassed by the striker of the training team, or if the striker passes by Julian and the full-back of the training team, the left side will be completely exposed, allowing the training team's striker to either go down the line or cut inside.
The training team's striker looked smug; last time, Julian had sent him off without warning, but this time, he was ready to take Julian down with brute force!
Julian accelerated decisively and positioned himself in the path of the onrushing sparring team's striker.
The striker of the training team immediately opted to dribble along the touchline.
This tactic is quite clever since Julian is naturally disadvantaged when defending against a right-footed player along the sideline.
But Julian didn't attempt to steal the ball; instead, he used his body to charge aggressively!
British full-backs are renowned for their simplicity and roughness—as long as they're fit, strong, and fast, they're typically up to the task!
Julian didn't slow down and, halfway through his turn, used his shoulder with significant force!
The high aggression of English football is exemplified by Julian at this instant!
The sparring team's striker was prepared for a physical clash, but as soon as the two bodies made contact, the striker was pushed out!
The sparring team's striker was sent flying!
Rusty Stripe, stationed on the defensive line, excitedly dashed over and exclaimed, "Ho Ho! Let me just say it! Julian is so strong!"
The other players were all profoundly astonished.
This Asian kid... is truly powerful!
After fending off the training team's striker, Julian quickly turned and shielded the ball with his body.
The right back of the sparring team rushed forward simultaneously, blocking Julian with his body to prevent a long pass.
It's worth noting that the tactical acumen of this group of high school amateurs is much higher than that of many domestic semi-professional wild teams!
As the striker of the training team rushed back to challenge Julian again, Julian grew secretly anxious.
At that moment, Michael shouted from behind Julian, "Give it to me!"
Michael had retreated deeply and was approaching to receive the ball!
It seems that despite intentionally isolating Julian earlier, in the heat of the game, competition is the top priority!
Julian activated his regular dribbling skills, forcing the right back of the training team to back off for a counterattack, "Pass back and diagonal for a two-and-one"!
"Beautiful!" Michael caught Julian's pass with ease!
The right back of the training team was stunned!
While the skill of passing back and then diagonally is not complex, it requires exceptional coordination!
The synergy between Julian and Michael is impeccable!
Aren't these two supposed to dislike each other? Are they just pretending?
The sparring team's formation hastily closed in on Michael, determined not to let him dribble inward.
In an instant, Michael was surrounded by at least three defenders.
Julian did not stand still but switched positions with Michael, cutting inside without the ball.
As he ran, Julian called out to Michael, "Give it to me!"
Michael frowned before the sparring team's encirclement formed and passed the ball directly to Julian in the center.
This is the "two-over-one" followed by "two-over-three" tactic!
These two simple collaborations fully exposed the defensive weaknesses of the training team!
Even Michael was surprised at how seamlessly they worked together—it's as if they've been practicing together in their dreams!
Julian made some quick adjustments and delivered a long pass directly into the training team's penalty area!
Everyone on and off the field held their breath!
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