Soccer Genius Wants to Get Noticed - Chapter 186



Only Krnovel

Episode 186 Two Aces (2)

At the end of the first half, the score on the scoreboard was 1 to 1.

The equalizer came around the 36th minute, and it was due to the opposing midfielders’ unusual form and some bad luck.

Tick, thud!

‘ah!’

On the edge of the left-hand side of the penalty box. Julian Brandt took a shot, but the ball deflected off the shin of full-back Benno Schmitz and went wide of the left-hand side of the goal.

Goalkeeper Schwabe was in great condition, but that didn’t stop him from rolling in the opposite direction of the ball he had thrown.

As the match was fiercely contested throughout the first half, the score of 1-1 did not feel unreasonable, but it was inevitable that there was a feeling of disappointment.

“… … You were pushed a lot, right?”

“It didn’t work out as I thought.”

“It’s not bad though. If it’s 1 on 1… … Let’s turn it around in the second half.”

However, there is a slightly different feeling in the locker room and the conversations going on among the players.

Are you satisfied?

Not me.

It’s not that it’s not, the ball possession ratio is 49 to 51. The two teams appear to be at similar levels, but if you look at the detailed indicators, you can see the difference.

The number of shooting attempts was 4 and 12, respectively, and the number of effective shots was 3 and 8.

A whopping 11 free kicks were awarded, and the number of fouls committed by both teams was also quite high, showing how intense the match was.

The most serious problem is the attackers’ finishing ability.

Despite Cologne being outnumbered by Dortmund by five offside penalties and creating 21 to 16 more decisive chances, they were unable to take the lead.

“Marvin, I trust you in the second half as well.”

“I trust you?”

“That’s not bad either. The chemistry between the goalkeeper and the defender is also important.”

“haha.”

Of course, Schwabe’s insane condition is a positive sign.

Only 7 saves.

Despite being overwhelmingly inferior in total number of passes and pass success rate (212 vs. 244, 76 percent vs. 85 percent), he was solely responsible for holding the team to just one goal.

“Attention!”

And fortunately, the Cologne coaching staff seemed to be well aware of this fact.

“It was a tough first half.”

“I got five warnings, so I said everything.”

“Yes. But that’s not what I’m trying to say. You guys did a good job. The only problem is that I was tactically pushed back.”

While some of the defenders, whose excitement has not yet subsided, look on with the aforementioned expressions, Captain Bear continues speaking while turning over his magnetic words.

Swish, swish, swish.

Pushing the yellow pieces on the tactical board to the left.

“The opponent used an asymmetrical tactic. Instead of raising left wingback Guerreiro high, he raised him to the second line or lower, and winger Marlon dropped deep to the side. Also, attacking midfielder Julian Brandt joined in, creating a gap in the right half of our own half. In fact, the goal was conceded here. On the surface, it looked like an own goal due to Schmitz’s mistake, but if you look closely… … this is not a coincidence.”

“… … .”

“I made a mistake. I didn’t expect it. Even if I hadn’t expected it, I should have reacted quickly. I hesitated to make a bold tactical change, which led to the difficulties of the first half. The equalizer and the yellow card for right-back Chabot are all my fault.”

What do you think after a really tough time? I can’t know the thoughts of my defenders, but one thing is certain.

People become stronger when they are recognized by someone and when they receive words of gratitude.

“It’s not like I’m winning or losing.”

“That’s right. It’s not over yet. The goal conceded wasn’t a clear scoring opportunity either.”

“I think we can hold out well in the second half as well.”

“The Dortmund guys are probably feeling aggrieved that they couldn’t attack properly.”

Starting with Schmitz, Jonas adds his words, followed by Skiri and Shabot.

However, Whibus… … doesn’t really open his mouth.

Since he wiped out Anthony Modeste throughout the first half, he probably didn’t need to come out himself.

He is very handsome.

“You all have such great attitudes. It makes me feel more and more sorry.”

“ha ha ha.”

“But you can’t stick to the same method in the second half, Eliye.”

“Ja.”

“Your movement is important. If you let your offensive reins down, you’ll face a serious crisis. In the second half, I’ll put Hanul up top and replace Maina with Ondrej Duda. We can increase the pressure a little more. If the front pressure works properly, Dortmund’s long pass frequency will increase, and at this time, you have to control the air superiority in your own half. Even if you get through, don’t worry, compete boldly. Since Wheever has complete control of the box, if possible, push to the side… … .”

Steffen Baumgart’s instructions also fit perfectly.

The idea is to maintain the attack power as is, but to push to the flank even if the fight for air supremacy fails.

‘If you can’t block the opponent’s attack, guide it in a way that is advantageous.’

It was simple, but easy to understand.

“And Hanul, Ut.”

“Ja!”

“You… … .”

“… … ?”

“Do as you did in the first half. You’ve been very good so far. Keep the ball, go forward, and put pressure on the Dortmund defense.”

That’s obvious.

* * *

Second half.

The camera angle captures a panoramic view of the stadium, while the announcer of ‘Sky 1 Deutschland’ looks at the players who have entered the field and delivers prepared comments.

[Where the Billy Goats dwell, Will the dawn shine on the steel fence? The star has always been in the South. Bayern Munich. The star of the South, the record-breaker and the German champion. But the goats are raising their horns and raising the flag of rebellion.]

[While Bayern was being held back by Mönchengladbach, nicknamed the ‘Eleven Foals, Prussia’, and Union Berlin and Schwaben (Stuttgart’s nickname), nicknamed the ‘Iron Legions’, they quickly rose to the top of the Bundesliga, first place in the league.]

[But today, the goats must face the bee colony and prove that they deserve to be the best.]

[It’s the first day of October, with a gentle breeze blowing from the Rhine River, the second half of the 8th round of the Bundesliga – FC Köln and Borussia Dortmund.]

A match between the 1st and 2nd place teams in the 7th round of the Bundesliga.

It’s not even the 10th round yet, so there’s no need to talk about winning prematurely, but that fact alone is enough to grab viewers’ attention.

Above all, the content of the first half of the game was solid.

[Woori, the first half was a match that was hard to take your eyes off of even for a moment. It was really intense, wasn’t it?]

Commentator Uli Hebel naturally takes the floor.

[That’s right. Steffen Baumgart and Dortmund coach Edin Terzic also seem to be achieving significant results. The team’s chemistry, mentality, organization, and even tactical battles. I didn’t realize how fast time was passing. It’s already the second half.]

[Hahaha, ah… … did you overhear us? The cameraman shows key players from both teams. Bellingham and Hanul.]

[Both players proved why they are getting attention. To put it simply, the first half was a time when you could really feel the weight of Dortmund’s center and Cologne’s front line.]

[Yes. Especially, Hanul has been receiving love calls from big clubs recently. As expected, it was as expected. I should put it like that.]

Beep!

Then suddenly, the referee’s whistle blew and the second half of 45 minutes began.

Soon, a bloody battle unfolded that surpassed the first half.

* * *

In the 9th minute of the second half, it was Jude Bellingham who started.

Competition in the outer area, left corner of the box.

As if he noticed that Eliez Schiri was being overly cautious as he made his way through the middle, he used the inside of his left foot to smoothly turn his body to the side.

Whirlwind.

A central midfielder who has reached the top level of skill will basically be equipped with a turn movement.

From 180 degrees to 360 degrees. Each individual has a different way of escaping pressure from the opposing player depending on their characteristics and the given situation, but even those who don’t know anything about soccer are amazed by the flexibility.

[This is a beautiful trap. I can’t help but be amazed.]

[Okay, Jude Bellingham! Trying to break through the left sideline of the box! Trying to get a challenge from Skeery!]

In addition, there is shoulder fighting using overwhelming body balance. Although Elis Schiri’s skills are considered to be one of the best in the Bundesliga, his opponent is also considered to be a world-class talent.

Swish, bang!

In an instant, he scrapes the ball down with the sole of his left foot, then pushes in with his right shoulder to take over the space.

If you forcefully hold on or push from behind, it will be a penalty kick, so Skiri cannot help but admit defeat and slightly distances himself.

Next up is the central defender, Chabot.

But that judgment was a mistake.

The goal line is right there. There is no angle to shoot directly, so I knew that both Bellingham and Chabot would cross.

Talk.

While dribbling, his right shoulder suddenly opens wide. He also kills the speed of the ball, and his gaze turns to the back rather than the opposite side of the goal.

As if he was targeting a Dortmund player running in from the second line, the defender instinctively took a wide stride. At that very moment, he pulled the ball with his right foot and hit it once more.

If I had parked just a little further away, it would have gone over the goal line.

The left foot, swung just before going out, hits the side of the official ball, and the cross across the center of the box is caught by the foot of the right winger on the other side of the goal.

[… … Adeyemi-!!]

[Borussia Dortmund score a comeback goal early in the second half!]

[This is a game! Today’s game is really fun to watch!]

[While the away fans cheered loudly, the home crowd closed their eyes tightly and suppressed their disappointment. Adeyemi’s flying body and leg stretch were good timing, but Bellingham’s breakthrough before that was amazing. Who would consider him a central midfielder?]

Meanwhile, Dortmund players are celebrating their goal.

The casters and commentators were raving about their praise, but General Menggun. Less than ten minutes later, Cologne was firing back.

About 16 minutes.

The introduction of Ondrej Duda resulted in a stronger forward press, with right-back Meunier making a mistake.

Chorus.

“from now on!”

No matter how crazy Bellingham’s work ethic and all-around performance is, it’s all for naught if his passes are cut off mid-game.

Ondrej Duda intercepts a ground pass with a sliding tackle before straightening up and passing the ball to Florian Kainz.

[Ah, a fatal mistake! Cologne’s decisive counterattack chance!]

[Kaints looks forward.]

With left-back Geheiru stepping up to join the attack, there were only three defenders left, and the game was decided in a split second.

“now!”

Too-woong!

Seong Ha-neul ran forward with all his might as if trying to break through the box line, but the Dortmund defense responded with an offside trap.

The result is-

[First of all, the referee’s flag does not go up. It’s a 1-on-1 match between Seonghanul and the goalkeeper!]

[Goalkeeper Meyer runs out with the goal empty… … ]

A lob shot lightly swiped from the left edge of the box.

However, the result is not light.

The arc over the goalkeeper’s head was perfect, and it was sucked into the right side of the goal without even bouncing on the grass once.

[Again, another tying goal!! Today’s game was crazy! Is this the result of Billy Goat’s wish? The home crowd stands up and applauds!]

[Wow… … That’s the pinnacle of shooting skills. If he had hit it just a little harder, it would have gone over the goal, and if he had hit it just a little weaker, it would have been caught by the goalkeeper. In conclusion, it made Meyer look like an idiot.]

[Yes. If this happens, Hanul will score two goals in today’s game. The record of a hat trick will be dazzling!]

The score is 2 to 2.

Dortmund’s bench, sensing the ominous flow, prepared a substitution card, and Cologne also brought in Rempele, Tillman, and Schindler to add some energy.

In other words, it meant that the performance of both teams was further fueled.