I AM the Football Star

When it comes to psychological tactics, whoever is leading has the advantage.

Laveran is eagerly anticipating seeing Lu Yang receive a yellow card.

”What’s wrong? Was that ball just scored by you?” Lu Yang looked at Laveran.

”I’m a center-back. If I’m scoring, you guys might as well give up early and go home!” Laveran’s mouth is really sharp.

”Not being able to is simply not being able. There are plenty of scoring center-backs; you’re just not one of them. Your team scored because Madeira is skilled; what’s that got to do with you?” Lu Yang said. ”Besides, I’ve already scored over your head. Is that satisfying?”

”Originally, I aimed that kick at your head, but it ended up off target, alas!”

”What the hell are you saying?” Laveran was provoked by Lu Yang again.

Lu Yang distinguished between Laveran’s success and Portugal’s success, striking at Laveran’s weak spot.

If the credit for winning goes entirely to the forwards, then the presence and satisfaction of the defenders will be significantly weakened.

If this continues, there will eventually be problems within the team atmosphere.

It’s not that the defenders want to claim credit; it’s exactly as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests, everyone has higher needs for gradual improvement that need to be satisfied.

Since the team is about to win, Laveran’s next pursuit naturally is how much impact he has had in this victory.

”You two, settle down!” The main referee appeared in time.

Lu Yang sighed.

This match’s main referee was watching him and Laveran too closely.

This is sometimes the situation that a player causing trouble must face; along with provoking the opponent, one must also minimize the referee’s interference.

”Pellegrini, Morici, Drizzi, give Praxedes more chances. Madeira and Canisell are charging fiercely; behind them lie opportunities for us as well,” Lu Yang said to his midfield teammates.

The others nodded in agreement.

On one hand, Lu Yang made a valid point; on the other hand, Lu Yang’s words now carried some weight.

However, similarly, that previous goal evidently gave Madeira a rhythm.

Even though Portugal’s other players were already retracting, including Canisell behind Madeira, Madeira persisted in taking the ball forward against Praxedes whenever he got the chance.

Yet in the following few minutes, Madeira wasn’t as successful.

”Tackle and keep the ball! Praxedes defended beautifully!”

”Direct interception! Madeira hasn’t gained anything from the recent exchanges.”

”Interception! Madeira’s pass was intercepted by Praxedes!”

”Oh! Another interception!”

”Tackle and keep the ball; Praxedes accomplished this high-difficulty action twice in quick succession, claiming possession each time!”

”Dominant! Praxedes’ recent defensive work has been very aggressive.”

”Tackle! Madeira’s down on the pitch! He signals to the main referee, claiming it should be a free kick! Praxedes should get booked! But the main referee shakes his finger, indicating he saw it clearly; it was good defense!”

”Replay...indeed, Praxedes’ defense was very clean, directly tackling without excessive contact with Madeira.”

”Portugal’s players rushed forward, all expressing that Praxedes’ aggressive defense should be penalized.”

”Italy’s players also approached; the teams were in a dispute!”

”Actually, Italy’s players shouldn’t be arguing with Portugal’s; they need to seize the limited time.”

”It’s already close to eighty minutes, time is running out for Italy.”

”Oh! Laveran has rushed over! He’s evidently trying to waste time.”

”Are you scared? Coward?” Lu Yang watched as the situation, initially about to be controlled by the main referee, was disrupted again by Laveran’s arrival, seemingly about to extend the dispute for tens of seconds.

The key is the mentality of Italy Team players.

Italy Team was already about to find their rhythm.

With this disruption, their mindset immediately became anxious and explosive.

At that point, direct passes, long shots, and long passes will inevitably increase, and their organization will become impatient.

Coupled with frequent fouls by both teams’ players, the favorable situation might be ruined.

In that scenario, Lu Yang must timely indicate this.

He needs to control the field!

”What am I scared of? I’m afraid you won’t be able to catch up to our score!” Laveran came over just to argue; he’s happy to keep chatting with Lu Yang.

”Do you know why Real Madrid has been knocked out early in the Champions League for two consecutive years? Many say it’s because they have too many superstars, but I believe it’s the exact opposite,” Lu Yang said. ”Real Madrid’s defense lacks superstars. Look at you, a bunch of riffraff squeezed into playing as a starter at Real!”

”If it weren’t for trash like you on the defense, Real Madrid would have long won the title!”

”Real will definitely replace you this summer, right? Which famous Serie A center-back isn’t better than you? Zidane told me that Real is also extending invitations to several France Team center-backs.”

”You’re just a temporary substitute; you’ll soon be kicked out of Real! What’s your next destination? Bordeaux or the Turkish Super League? I can recommend you to the Chinese Super League, where there’s good money to be made and no skill required!”

”In any case, I wouldn’t suggest coming to Serie A, since your 1.87-meter frame in front of those 1.9-meter plus Serie A center-backs looks pitiful like a baby! You can’t make it in Serie A; handling center-backs like you feels like dealing with children.”

”Remember the free kick I just scored in front of you? So easy! Trust me, as long as I can shoot in front of you, the ball will definitely go in, because you simply can’t cause me any disturbance...”