World First Church started from the 02 World Cup

Chapter 72 Ronaldo scores!

The game has restarted.

Even though Hoddle hadn't really figured out how to counter Everton's new 4-3-3 formation, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and send his players on the counter-attack.

There's no way around it, we're already behind, we can't exactly keep playing defensive counter-attacking football, can we?

Then, he walked to the sidelines with a livid face, and started yelling and waving his hands wildly at the field.

Tottenham also pushed their entire formation forward, with midfielders and defenders advancing aggressively in an attempt to disrupt Everton's rhythm and quickly equalize.

Suddenly, Tottenham's attack became fierce, with continuous crosses from the wings and penetrations through the middle relentlessly assaulting Everton's defense, instantly escalating the intensity of the match.

But this was exactly what Ye Xian wanted.

He raised his hand decisively from the sidelines, directing the team to tighten their defense, stabilize their formation, focus on solidifying their midfield interception, and patiently wait for counter-attack opportunities.

为什幺在未来，4-2-3-1或4-3-3阵型会成为绝大部分球队的选择？

It's not just the top teams; many mid-to-lower-tier Premier League teams also use it.

Firstly, it's because these two formations do cover every position on the field very well, meaning they make high use of space, which gives them a greater chance to create situations where they have more players than others in certain areas.

Furthermore, the versatility of modern wingers makes both formations capable of both attacking and defending.

两个边锋往后一撤，阵型可不就变成4-4-1-1，或4-5-1了？

This is why, even in the Chinese team, Ye Xian can still execute beautiful counter-attacks using a 4-3-3 formation.

The current Everton team has players with much stronger individual abilities than they did in the Chinese team. After a month of intensive training and integration, they are even more adept at transitioning between teams.

Tottenham launched a full-scale counterattack, which seemed aggressive, but in reality, they relied on inefficient 45-degree crosses.

Stubbs and Weir are both traditional English center-backs, good at heading the ball, and pose no real threat.

in turn.

As Tottenham pressed forward aggressively, their defensive line was forced to stretch out, leaving their flanks vulnerable and exposing large gaps.

Everton relied on Li Tie and Gravesen's efficient interceptions to firmly defend their territory, and then handed the ball over to Alonso for playmaking.

Once he intercepts the ball, Alonso can immediately deliver a precise long pass, using the speed of the attacking players to relentlessly attack the space behind Tottenham.

Within just ten minutes, Everton launched two high-quality, rapid counter-attacks, each of which penetrated Tottenham's defense and created threats.

Fortunately, U.S. goalkeeper Keller continued his outstanding performance in the World Cup, keeping the goal intact.

But this has already terrified the Tottenham fans who came to watch the game from away!

The Everton fans in the stadium were having an even better time, and their singing and shouts grew louder and louder!

The match has reached the 40th minute.

Tottenham's hasty central penetration pass went awry, and Gravesen made a strong tackle in the middle, cleanly intercepting the ball without holding onto it for long, and immediately passing it laterally to Alonso who had dropped back to receive it.

Alonso received the ball, turned, and scanned the entire field, instantly spotting a huge gap on Tottenham's flank.

Without needing any adjustments, the Spanish midfielder calmly swung his leg, and a precise long pass that spanned most of the field suddenly flew out!

The ball, with a perfect arc and extreme speed, precisely tore through Tottenham's entire right flank defense, heading straight for the gap on the left wing.

At that moment, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rushing forward at high speed, instantly started his attack!

The boy wearing the number 7 jersey sprinted like an arrow released from a bow, steadily releasing the force and perfectly catching the ball flying high in the air.

Tottenham's right-back, Kall, was terrified and hastily turned around to chase back, doing his best to block Ronaldo's breakthrough route, trying to force the young Portuguese talent to stop through physical confrontation.

But at this moment, Ronaldo has excellent control over speed and rhythm.

Facing Carl's close marking, Ronaldo deftly shifted his foot and abruptly changed direction, making a clean and crisp sway, instantly creating half a body length gap.

He then accelerated and cut inside, completely bypassing the disheveled Karl in one step. His movements were fluid, elegant, and without the slightest hesitation.

Immediately afterwards, Ronaldo charged into the penalty area!

Inside the penalty area, Keller was already on high alert.

Cristiano Ronaldo quickly adjusted his footwork, stabilized his center of gravity, spotted an opening in the far corner of the goal, and decisively unleashed a powerful shot!

The ball whistled through the air, skimming the grass as it sped away and precisely nestled into the far corner of the goal!

Keller made a diving save with all his might, his fingertips just inches from the ball, but he could only watch helplessly, powerless to stop it!

Goal!

Everton scores again!

2 is better than 0!

Goodison Park instantly erupted into a sea of ​​joy once again!

Compared to Drogba's previous goal, this one was almost a solo performance by the young prodigy.

A long run, a perfect first touch, a stylish dribble, a calm cut inside and a powerful shot – all executed flawlessly, stunning the entire stadium!

For Ronaldo, this goal was of paramount importance – it was his first goal in an official first-team match during his professional career!

The moment he scored, Ronaldo's eyes lit up, and his face instantly broke into an extremely bright and passionate smile.

He wanted to run to celebrate the goal, but couldn't think of a celebration move to use.

Then, he sprinted all the way to the coach's bench and headed straight for Ye Xian.

He wants to dedicate this precious goal to the team leader who trusts him, appreciates him, and gives him important responsibilities!

Ye Xian quickly steadied himself in a horse stance to prepare for the attack.

Fortunately.

Cristiano Ronaldo slowed down a bit just before he reached Ye Xian.

Otherwise, it might really be like a sports car crashing into him, and Ye Xian's back would definitely be strained!

"Boss, thank you!" Cristiano Ronaldo hugged Ye Xian tightly and shouted almost frantically.

Ye Xian shouted, "This is what you deserve, Cristiano! This is the reward for your hard work!"

Soon, his teammates on the field rushed over like madmen, instantly surrounding Ronaldo and Ye Xian.

Everyone cheered and celebrated for him, and the team's chemistry and camaraderie were greatly enhanced at that moment.

The 40,000 fans in the stands also stood up, and the deafening cheers filled the entire stadium.

Countless fans chanted Ronaldo's name, the cheers rising in waves and never ceasing.

"Cristiano!!!"

The unified shouts echoed throughout Goodison Park, giving the seventeen-year-old prodigy the grandest welcome.

Many of them were actually still doubting Ye Xian's signings before the match, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the seemingly thin Portuguese kid.

But in just half a game, Ye Xian had already slapped him in the face twice!

The local TV commentator exclaimed, "Fantastic! That pass, that dribble, that shot—all fantastic! Is this really the Everton we saw last season?"

Another commentator exclaimed, "This is only Ye Xian's first Premier League match as head coach! What magic does he have? Everton's attack is completely different from last season!"

"Haha, these are definitely two different teams now. Only three players in the starting lineup are still from last season..."

"That's true. The two wingers in the attacking third are both technically gifted and incredibly fast, while the center forward is tough, durable, and capable of scoring goals. The players Ye Xian has brought in are absolutely fantastic!"

"Exactly! That goal just now, which of our players could have scored like that before?"

"Don't forget Alonso, who initiated this attack. Don't let his unassuming appearance fool you; every pass he makes is incredibly intelligent. He's truly mature beyond his years..."

The television broadcast then focused on the Tottenham Hotspur coaching bench.

Hoddle's face darkened further as he watched the Everton players celebrating on the field.

Last season, he led Tottenham to 10th place in the Premier League. Many fans were not very satisfied with him, believing that he should at least have fought for a European spot.

It was precisely because of Hoddle's status as a Tottenham Hotspur legend that he had the opportunity to lead the team for another season and prove himself.

The first round presented a golden opportunity for them, as their opponent was the notoriously weak Everton. Hoddle was determined to win and hoped to use this victory to revive their former glory.

And now?

It's not even halfway through the game, and it already feels like Tottenham is about to collapse!