From Arsenal to the Ball God

Reviewing this attack, he realized one thing: this wasn’t at Arsenal, nor in the Premier League, and certainly not during the recent friendly matches.

His teammates are all main players coming back from prestigious teams, each with a desire to prove themselves and increase their value on this field, sometimes playing a bit independently.

He couldn’t receive passes from teammates every time he was in a better position, especially when they fought for opportunities themselves, especially when... that teammate was Real Madrid star Benzema.

At least, not possible now!

Ma’el walked to the center of the penalty area, waiting for the corner kick from Nasri, while also slowly adjusting his mindset.

No problem, this is just the first key match in a new environment.

As long as he can demonstrate his strength on this field and truly show hope for leading the France team forward, he believes everything will slowly change!

If club stats and friendly match performances can’t fully convince these superstar teammates, then let the European Cup fully convince them!

”Bang!!”

After raising his hand, Nasri sent out a corner kick, directed towards the middle area.

Ma’el judged the trajectory, guessing that Welbeck in front of him might likely complete the clearance. However, he still jumped, ready to capitalize on any mistakes.

After leaping, he saw Welbeck, due to a lack of core power, feared he couldn’t stay in the air to head the ball, stretched his head forward to reach a more forward point, but instead overreached and missed.

Opportunity!

”Bang!!”

Ma’el moved his face, bent his body into a bow shape, then burst with all his strength to head the ball towards the goal.

”Oh oh.....!” In the astonished cries of fans from both sides, the soccer ball flew towards the upper right corner of the net, not cunningly angled but with excellent power.

”Clap!!” In a critical moment, Joe Hart performed an amazing save, palming the ball away, sending it towards the baseline.

Upon landing, Ma’el didn’t have time to lament. He saw Benzema rushing towards the second drop point and hurried to an empty spot to prepare for a second shot.

”Bang!” Benzema headed the ball back into the penalty area, but Lescott had already predicted the ball’s trajectory, intercepting and kicking it out of the area, neutralizing the threat.

Ma’el glanced at Benzema, together with several other teammates, holding their heads as they stepped back in pursuit.

The opportunity came truly suddenly and left just as abruptly. Until the attack was completely over, many slowly realized how close they were to taking the lead.

”The France team is slightly unlucky! Ma’el did everything he could in this attack!

”First, he controlled the ball while being surrounded by several players, sending out a crossing to create a corner kick, then initially threatened again by taking the initiative himself!

”Judging from the opening minutes, his form is good. It’s just a matter of whether he can take the lead with this momentum!

”Because there are so many stars in excellent form during the European Cup, and soccer is a game where fortunes transform. If you can’t take the lead when you should, it can lead to endless setbacks later!”

”.....”

On the sidelines, Deschamps shook his head helplessly, his face blushed from fluctuating emotions, visible through the sweat on his temples. He appears extremely tense.

This well-groomed Basque, rare on this day, is at an extreme level of desire for scoring and winning.

In a daze, he glanced at the VIP stands, although seeing nothing, he knew there must be an old man watching his side, advising him to stay calm, to trust Ma’el.

Deschamps found some peace, mentally hinting that it’s just a game, in comparison to his life, coaching career, it’s nothing.

...

In the commentary booth packed with equipment, over a hundred commentators from various countries and stations are there, wearing headsets and speaking.

In the commentary by Britain’s ”Sky Sports,” Henry and Lineker serve as guest commentators for the match.

Today, they’re not only commentators but have their respective stances.

As the highest goal scorer in France team history, Henry naturally represents France, with commentary leaning towards France; similarly, Lineker does too. Despite his everyday carefree appearance, he is actually England’s second-highest goal scorer.

”Alright, Henry, during this period England has firmly held ball control. Does it feel like the France team is in danger?”

Lineker smiled happily, teasing Henry beside him, ”I feel you’re close to conceding a goal. The France team can’t always rely on defense to find attacking opportunities.

”You should know under Blanco’s period, you were still a team adept at ball control.

”When Deschamps assumed the position, he radically changed tactics. It seemed to enhance attacking efficiency, but it worked against weak teams... Once facing a real battlefield, it becomes frail.”

”Haha.....” Henry laughed heartily a few times, shaking his head, ”Only around 30 minutes have passed, and saying this is quite hasty. Let’s see what happens next.

”I think England’s ineffective ball control has been too much. The more threatening attacks are from France.”

Lineker shook his head, his smile unchanged, he is very confident in his team.

”...”

”Bang!!”

On the field, Gerrard helped the England team send a set-piece from the right side, the football rapidly flying towards the France team’s petite area.

This ball is highly penetrating, placed just where Lori dares not sortie, and in a difficult position for France’s defenders to head.

Threatening pass!

Manchester City’s iron defender Lescott jumped forward, anticipating the football’s path, waiting for it to arrive, with many England fans looking at his determined posture, already standing up in advance.