From Arsenal to the Ball God

”The match has kicked off! Dear audience, you are now watching the highlight battle of the first round of Group D in the 2012 European Cup!”

”England, wearing white jerseys, is attacking from right to left on your screen, while France is attacking from left to right!”

In the broadcast, Gerrard receives the ball in the backfield, turns, and kicks it to Lescott.

France’s players slowly cross the halfway line, stopping in the midfield area without pressing further forward; they’re prepared to relinquish ball control.

The English players are clearly aware of this, but the problem is that they’re not adept at creating chances through ball retention; they’re good at defensive play and quick attacks, so they have to slow down the pace to lure the French players forward.

Thus, the teams are wearing each other’s patience down... It seems the opening pace is hard to accelerate unless something unexpectedly happens.

While they’re probing, the camera now focuses on the coaching areas at the sidelines.

Deschamps and England manager Pierce shake hands, embrace, and exchange a few smiles before turning away, their expressions gradually turning serious.

”This match is crucial for both managers, as it is their debut leading their teams in the official matches!”

”We all know that it’s challenging to sit in the managerial positions of these two teams, which often experience turbulence and media pressure!”

”While ensuring team performance, they must also possess a strong heart to remain in their position for a longer time!”

”.....”

The camera sweeps across the stands, first capturing the England and France supporters, stirring cheers within the stadium.

Next, Arsenal manager Wenger and his family, alongside Manchester United manager Ferguson and his family, appear clapping on screen.

The teams they lead have national players on both sides, so they surely attend such matches.

”Boom!!”

As the camera returns, Gerrard completes a long shot at the arc of the French penalty area, though it’s somewhat forced, easily blocked by Meks out to the baseline.

Corner kick!

Ma’el runs back to his own half, creating space for a potential counterattack and providing an outlet for a teammate securing the second ball.

”Boom!”

At the corner, Gerrard delivers a crossing ball, which Koscielny clears from the near post area out of the penalty area.

Unfortunately, Milner picks up the second ball and returns it to left defender Ashley Cole; it appears they opt to secure ball possession and reorganize an attack.

After observing the penalty area, Ashley Cole decides to further slow down the pace, pulling the ball back and passing to center-back Terry.

They’re not eager to face dense defense; for now, it’s better to draw the French team out before advancing.

”Oh.....!”

After Ashley Cole passes the ball, he’s still observing the French team’s formation when he’s startled by a shout.

Turning around, he sees Benzema intercepting the pass along its line, driving the ball towards their penalty area.

Didn’t pass!

Danger!

France is launching a counterattack!

”Boom, boom, boom!”

He hurriedly sprints back, while players from both England and France rush towards their penalty area, with dozens of strong legs stirring the ground, bursting with vigor.

In midfield, Ma’el turns and accelerates into the attack, running faster than the others.

It’s an excellent opportunity; the opponent only has three defenders in the backfield... If Benzema passes the ball over, there’s a high chance Ma’el can break through one-on-one or one-on-two for a shot!

In such a high-paced, fiercely contested game, shooting chances are extremely precious!

Even Ronaldo, in yesterday’s match, only had two shooting opportunities, neither being an ideal chance.

His club teammate Van Persie, in the Netherlands vs. Denmark match, was completely restricted, with only one turning, dipping shot, which missed the target.

Though Ma’el can confidently shoot within 45 meters, threatening the goal directly, his success rate from the arc isn’t much less than from inside the penalty area... without a shooting opportunity, all is in vain.

”Benzema! It’s wide open on both sides, Nasri and Ma’el are calling for the ball!”

”He chooses to drive forward further and play it himself... Ah! He couldn’t manage a shot, as Gerrard has recovered and blocked his shooting path!”

”He slows down, opens up to pass, but the optimal chance is lost; eight English players have returned to form a dense defensive unit!”

”.....”

”Boom!”

Benzema passes the ball to the area where Ma’el is positioned, seemingly somewhat reluctantly.

His resignation in passing makes Ma’el even more resigned; as soon as he receives the ball, four men close in, sealing off all passing options.

”Bang... Boom!!”

Ma’el can only block the opposing side-back Glen Johnson using his body, bulldozing the ball down the baseline before delivering a cross.

The match has just begun, and without fully adapting to the pace, he couldn’t immediately opt for risky fancy moves and dribbling to break through; it’s better to initially choose safer ways to pose a threat.

Otherwise, losing possession could lead to England quickly counterattacking and scoring first, which wouldn’t be good.

”Clap!” Gerrard intercepts mid-way, sliding the ball out of bounds for France’s corner kick.

Ma’el shakes his head regretfully, intending to communicate with Benzema about earlier passing next time, but refrains from disrupting team morale at the match’s onset.