From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Boateng and Hummels need to be substituted quickly, they clearly can’t hold on!”

”Who should we substitute?”

”Just replace Lai Boateng, didn’t everyone say he’s a top defender? What’s going on?!”

”Look at Podolski’s expression, there’s even a bit of admiration for his new teammate in his daze... I’m not saying you can’t have this emotion, I also quite admire Ma’el, but can’t we focus on winning first?”

”Come on, Ma’el, don’t let any more goals in!”

”.....”

”Beep! Beep——!!”

As the view returned to the pitch, the first half of the match had already ended, and the players were heading towards the player tunnel.

”Yes.....!”

Ma’el quietly clenched his fist in celebration; leading at halftime was very important, allowing them to review the game with confidence, and to buffer and rest their bodies while their minds were exceptionally relaxed.

He had just taken two steps when Koscielny and Sagna came up, putting their arms around him on either side, and they walked off the field together, laughing and joking with each other.

”You’re scoring too much, aren’t you? Have you thought about sharing one with Sagna and me?”

”Yeah, the two of us haven’t scored yet, we’re waiting! Be generous and share one!”

”How should I share? Why don’t I tell you how I score? You guys should take the ball, get past the people in front of you, and then shoot into the dead corner.”

”Oh, come on.....!” The two waved their hands in dissatisfaction at Ma’el, making him burst out laughing, ”Alright, the goals will come when they’re meant to, don’t worry.”

Seeing others seem to have already entered the locker room, the three sped up, gradually quickening their pace into a run, heading towards the locker room.

With such good spirits, they behaved akin to children, frequently changing directions to block each other, swaying and shaking their way past each other, and occasionally seeking some physical confrontation during the run.

”Ha ha.....!” Laughter often echoed here, from the three of them and from other staff as well.

Photographers from the Football Record were capturing the scenes alongside them, immortalizing these precious moments without their noticing.

Everyone could feel the atmosphere and mindset of the France team at that moment.

Not long after, in the France team’s locker room.

Deschamps waited until everyone was present and walked out from a room specifically used for tactical analysis, facing the players.

He originally intended to start with a serious tone, but when he stood before everyone, he couldn’t help but smile, ”It was played very well, I’m very satisfied; no one could have done better than you.”

”Yeah.....!” Cheers erupted here, the players clapped each other’s hands in encouragement, and the coach’s approval was indeed important to them.

Deschamps later emphasized the issues and weaknesses in defense, followed by some motivational speech.

...

”Beep!!”

As the time approached 7 o’clock, with the last wave of sunset nearly descending, the kickoff whistle for the second half of the Euro Cup semifinals second match sounded, the Germany and France showdown continued.

”Dun dun dun.....!”

Ma’el’s movement was exceptionally active; he had a very clear personal goal, which was to pursue a hat trick.

To this end, he spared no effort in running until he exhausted the last bit of energy.

In such a tournament where even top forwards don’t necessarily score 3 goals in a single event, scoring 3 goals in one match would undoubtedly leave a deep impression on all fans worldwide.

At the same time, it would also bring him immense satisfaction and fulfillment.

With 45 minutes left, as long as he stayed focused, he believed he had the chance to do it!

”In the 49th minute of the second half, the Germany team is making substitutions. Löf’s reaction is fast, he doesn’t want to sit and wait, he wants to change strategy directly.

”Klose is coming on, and young Thomas Mueller is also entering. Germany wants to play more meticulously now, is it a position-for-position substitution?

”Ah, no, Khedira and Podolski are going off, which means Germany is likely to change formation to a 4-1-3-2, using two tall forwards to break through the France team’s defense.

”An unexpected yet reasonable choice, Löf wants to strengthen the attack and increase the impact in the front field! It’s very bold!

”Despite Ma’el’s great form, Löf still intends to go all-in for an attacking showdown, showing his determination, as he hopes to find a breakthrough in the France team’s defense!”

”.....”

”Clap... clap...!”

Four players clapped hands on the sideline, and the two substitutes quickly ran to their positions, pressing against the France team’s defense.

This adjustment indeed had some effect, as when Mario Gomez was alone in the penalty area, Germany’s attack was not decisive; they didn’t know whether to place the ball into the penalty area or to find opportunities at the arc.

But now, when the header master Klose also stands in the box, there’s no hesitation, you just lob it at a 45-degree angle and go for it.

”Boom!”

”Boom.....!”

A series of high balls flew into the France team’s penalty area, making it increasingly difficult for Koscielny and Rami to cope, with Lori repeatedly abandoning the goal to relieve aerial pressure, but it only resulted in more chaos.

The loss of control in this area quickly spread to surrounding zones; Sagna was yellow-carded by the referee in the 54th minute, and defensive midfielder Mvira picked up another yellow card in the 61st minute.

”Beep!”

When at the 69th minute, Klich also tripped Toni Kroos from his position and received a yellow card, it was evident that the Germany team’s morale was steadily growing.

Deschamps was not a stubborn man; he quickly replaced Malouda and Yohan Cabaye with Matuidi and Meks to strengthen the defense.