Chapter 1 The Beginning

Toulouse Stadium, cannons fired in salute.

The Croatian players lay exhausted on the grass, gasping for breath.

Their hair and jerseys were as if soaked in water.

The high-intensity pace of the match had not completely defeated the warriors of the Checkered Legion.

Modrić was the first to stand up. He took off his headband and walked towards Li Kang.

Media reporters from all over the world raised their cameras, and flashes of light flickered.

"31-year-old Modrić and 18-year-old Li Kang exchanged their jerseys."

"The handshake between two generations of midfield masters, when we look back on it in a few years, may be another classic moment recorded in football history."

"In a short period of time, they have experienced three encounters at the club and national team levels, each with their own victories and defeats!"

"We look forward to the Champions League next season, where the two can have an evenly matched dialogue on the premise that their overall strength is close!"

"Congratulations to Spain, congratulations to Li Kang, a romantic debut, he is a gift from God to the Iberian Peninsula, the rose city of France and the Garonne River jointly witnessed the legend..."

He Wei was about to get emotional.

Duan Xuan quickly raised his elbow and poked him, hinting with his eyes: It's just a group stage match, quickly restrain yourself!

....

Toulouse is known as the "Rose City."

It does not produce roses, but because the ancient buildings in the city are all red brick structures, it is praised by many poets as "roses in the sun."

The temperature in this red city, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is a bit low at the moment.

De Gea couldn't help but shiver. The staff quickly put a coat on him, complaining in a low voice about the stadium's heating equipment.

Saúl and Koke, two young players from Atletico Madrid, were so tired that they cramped up.

The veterans strolled leisurely, applauding and thanking the Spanish fans who had traveled from afar.

The night wind lifted the red flags.

Morata leaned on Li Kang's shoulder and said seriously, "Li, I prefer your passes."

A system prompt sounded quietly.

[Ding, achievement unlocked: European Cup Debut.]

[Mission Feedback: The whole world is starting to notice you.]

[Mission Reward: Torero's Ribbon.]

[Effect: Affinity item upgrade tool.]

A red ribbon slowly fell in front of Li Kang.

"What the heck is this?"

Morata reached out and grabbed it, and a jolt went through his body.

[Sharp Blade Affinity Upgrade: Morata's shooting accuracy increased by 2%, your explosive speed increased by 8.]

Li Kang was stunned.

He didn't think this affinity improved his teammate much.

The increase in explosive speed far exceeded the red string affinity that had been disconnected with Son Heung-min.

As for Morata's shooting accuracy?

It would probably have to be increased by another 10% to reach the level of a top European striker.

Iniesta walked over and hesitated, "Li, take some time to go back to La Masia during the off-season..."

There was no opportunity to continue building a relationship.

Because the Spanish cheering squad had entered the field.

The children excitedly surrounded Li Kang, imitating his "Marseille turn" in the match...

...

Post-match press conference.

Media from all over the world eagerly asked questions.

Del Bosque smiled and readily accepted the questions.

The old man's personality was very gentle, and even the most provocative questions could not anger him.

"Li is the midfield core of our Spanish national team. His appearance reversed the team's passive situation."

"Youth is an advantage, not a flaw, which means we will usher in a long peak period. He is undertaking a great responsibility in the process of the changing of the guard in the Matador Legion."

"I think he is the best midfielder in the younger generation in Europe."

"There are many roads leading to victory, and Spain will not be bound by tiki-taka."

At this time, Spain had already fallen from grace in the eyes of the outside world.

In 2013, they were惨敗 (cǎnbài - miserably defeated) by Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, missing the Grand Slam achievement.

The 2014 World Cup experienced the slaughter by the Netherlands and the ravaging by Chile, and were eliminated in the group stage after two rounds.

Before the start of this European Cup, almost no one was optimistic about the sunset of the Matadors.

The paper lineup of the roster seemed luxurious, but the old were old, the injured were injured, and the young were young...

No one expected that Li Kang, who was born out of nowhere, would revitalize the entire team.

On the other side.

Čačić briefly answered a few questions with very official rhetoric and then fell silent.

The media reporters quickly shifted their focus to the player representative - Rakitić.

This guy was a hot topic.

No matter what the occasion or context, the Barcelona midfielder would start touting Messi after chatting with reporters for a few sentences.

"We will quickly adjust our state. The loss in the first round will not affect Croatia's performance in the next game."

"Messi? He will definitely win the championship in the Copa América Centenario."

Rakitić suddenly straightened his back, solemnly and solemnly: "You ask me if Messi is the best? It's like asking if you need a football to play football!"

Suddenly, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

The angle was tricky and the artistic conception was profound.

A Spanish reporter quickly followed up: "Hello, I am a reporter from *Marca*. Barcelona coach Enrique once said that Li would be your best substitute at Barcelona..."

Rakitić frowned. How was *Marca*, this kind of toilet paper, everywhere?

He immediately interrupted: "Substitute? That's not the case. Li is not the most talented midfielder today... he is the most talented midfielder in history!"

Pfft!

Čačić, who was holding a thermos cup, sprayed his assistant coach in the face.

....

Catalan Television was also broadcasting this scene.

Special guest commentator - Enrique, had a livid face.

*Marca* was too bastardly.

The host didn't even have time to help him find an excuse to cover up.

The Barcelona coach couldn't hold back:

"Barcelona players have made a great contribution to the Spanish national team, easily winning the first victory."

"International competitions don't need individual ability, they need experience."

"Li is still too young, not experienced enough, and needs a certain number of matches to train."

"If Iniesta had been brought on earlier, the effect would have been better, and the victory would have been easier."

"Li only scored a free kick, and the difficulty of scoring in that position is very low."

"Turkey's overall strength is more balanced. Li is likely to be restricted like in the Champions League. Young people participating in major competitions should still focus on training. If the Spanish team wants to achieve good results, they still have to rely on veterans like Busquets and Iniesta."

The mouth is always the hardest organ in the human body.

....

National team bus.

Iniesta happened to be sitting next to Li Kang.

He was about to offer some kind words.

Busquets suddenly handed over his phone.

The screen showed a Catalan news story: "Enrique: Li Kang is still far from Iniesta, Spain's victory depends on Barcelona players."

What a pig teammate?

I'm trying so hard to build a relationship with Li, why can't you, Enrique, be a mute?

Li Kang smiled. He didn't care about these messy things.

He held up a small handicraft, took a photo, and sent it to Claudia.

The two rarely send each other messages.

They just agreed to meet again after the European Cup.

After all, the national team's lineup is so strong that there is no need to specifically recharge.

....

That night.

News about the European Cup topped the online trending searches.

Yes.

It was the trending search ranking.

When the internet was not highly developed in 2012, Balotelli became famous all over the world.

Let alone the heat in 2016.

"European Red Devils Lose to Blue Shirts, Belgium 0:2 Italy!"

"Lukaku Misses a One-on-One, CSL New Aid Kills the Game!"

"Conte Overexcited, Nosebleeds Flowing Non-Stop."

-[CSL new aid? Confirmed! Is Pellè really coming to the CSL?]

-[Young Buffon's fourth European Cup...]

-[The least star-studded generation of Italy, four years ago there were Pirlo and Balotelli...]

-[Belgium is too bad, I use this lineup in the game to slaughter the opposite side every game!]

-[Conte is awesome, the three-center-back system perfectly fits Chiellini, Barzagli, and Bonucci.]

Not long after.

The trending search list quietly changed...

"Zidane is stunned! European Supernova Performs God-Level Marseille Turn."

"Supernatural Free Kick Appears in Toulouse!"

"Modrić's Headband Falls, a Fated Showdown with Wins and Losses."

"Turning the Tide? Strategizing! On Li Kang's Core Significance in the Spanish Squad!"

"Rakitić: I Would Love to Be Li's Substitute."

Li Kang became completely popular.

Ordinary people who don't usually watch football were attracted by his god-like performance on the green field.

Even the wonderful scenes in the club matches were dug out.

-[Too elegant... the Green Field Gentleman!]

-[Although I'm not interested in football, he is really too strong.]

-[There are always heroes who grow old, and there are always youths who rush forward.]

-[One turn, and it's high summer.]

-[Invincible Little Mute!]

-[Why don't Messi and Neymar participate in the European Cup?]

...

The next morning.

Île de Ré, France, Spanish residence.

Miñano held a tactical board, and asked in confusion: "Boss, are we going to make significant rotations in the second round against Turkey? Send on the substitutes?"

Del Bosque nodded, then shook his head: "Huh? How could Diego Costa be Morata's substitute!"

Cheers came from the training ground one after another.

Diego Costa scored two goals with headers and kicks.

De Gea complained with a spread of his hands:

"Piqué, you're distracted again!"

"I'm not distracted, it's just that Ramos and I didn't think the same way about our defensive ideas!"

...

Li Kang sat in the tactical room, watching the morning news.

He wasn't tired at all, but the coaching staff was afraid that he would be tired.

On the screen, reports of fan riots occupied a large portion of the coverage.

At the bottom of the screen, a quick scroll showed the results of Portugal and Iceland: 1:1.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the biggest superstar in this European Cup.

But he was robbed of the spotlight in this match. The "Viking War Cry" from the Iceland team's stand was extremely shocking!

...

Cazorla and Iniesta were chatting together, discussing the upcoming match.

"What are the characteristics of Turkish players?"

"Does having bad character count?"

"..."

"They are not good at low-block dense defense and are likely to try to get a fast start and attack in a big way."

"As long as we restrict Çalhanoğlu and Turan, it will be very simple."

"No, we have to cooperate with Li..."

....

In the following days.

Li Kang practiced with his teammates every day.

His little assistant lived in a small town outside the residence and would occasionally run to the training ground to offer his concern.

"Li, Juventus has only offered a signing fee of 3 million euros, but their image rights share is relatively low, and their Champions League competitiveness next season is very strong."

"Manchester City is willing to offer a signing fee of 12 million euros. It is temporarily impossible to determine your position in the new tactical system, but they can guarantee your starting time... What is Guardiola thinking?"

"And Chelsea! Ms. Skaia said that she will rebuild the team around you. She also revealed a few candidates for the new head coach... Unfortunately, they don't have Champions League qualification next season."

"I suggest we wait until after the European Cup to talk about it!"

During the break.

The little assistant reported the progress of communications with various clubs across the fence.

During this time, he had figured out which dogs were on the small town outside the residence, but he couldn't give any practical advice on transfers.

Perhaps the world's top agents can't give Li Kang any advice: go wherever there's more money.

Li Kang wiped his sweat with a dry towel. After resting for a while, he didn't continue to think about the transfer issue. He turned around, waved goodbye to his little assistant, and returned to the training ground.

.....

June 18th.

Li Kang and his teammates arrived in Nice, the largest city in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France.

This is a European holiday paradise.

The azure Mediterranean Sea.

The long coastline.

The majestic Alps.

The relics of the sacred ancient Roman history and culture.

The romantic fragrance of the lavender fields of Provence.

All the beauty was shattered the moment the national team bus drove into the city streets.

The crowded, dense honking of horns, the chaotic traffic, and the narrow streets were all wearing down the patience of the coaching staff and players.

...

Allianz Riviera.

The organizers adopted a method of staggered entry.

Security personnel were on high alert.

The fans of both sides slowly entered the stadium along the cordon.

Two hours ago, they had a fight in the Nice city center.

The feud between Spain and Turkey is too complicated.

After a moment.

Many fans took their seats.

The cheers of both sides gradually sounded from the four stands.

"Ctv5! Ctv5! Good evening, viewers!"

"Welcome to the second round of the Group D group stage of the 2016 European Cup!"

"Spain vs. Turkey!"

"This is a key battle for qualification!"

"If the Matador Legion can win, they will gain the initiative to qualify!"

"I am the commentator for this match, Duan Xuan!"

"I am He Wei!"

....

Players' tunnel.

Turan scanned the Spanish lineup, frowning.

He didn't see the shadow of his Barcelona teammate!

What's going on?

Was Del Bosque's "de-Barcelona-ization" concept implemented so thoroughly in the second round?

However, the Spanish team without the "Barcelona gang" was not to be feared.

Saúl and Koke were expressionless. Turan was a good teammate of theirs during his time at Atletico Madrid.

It's just that after this guy transferred to Barcelona, he publicly criticized "Mentor" Simeone in front of the media, and everyone's relationship underwent subtle changes.

Çalhanoğlu held it in for a long time. After feeling that the camera was not pointed at him, he squeezed out a smile at Li Kang.

....

"Next, I will introduce the starting lineups of both sides!"

"The formation deployed by the Spanish team is 4-2-3-1! There have been many changes in the player list."

"Goalkeeper: De Gea!"

"Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, San José, Juanfran!"

"Double defensive midfielders: Li Kang, Saúl!"

"Attacking midfielders: David Silva, Koke, Cazorla!"

"Forward: Diego Costa!"

Live broadcast room.

The number of viewers is increasing.

-[What is Del Bosque doing? Letting the main players and substitutes rotate and rest? Not using any Barcelona players.]

-[No, it's a targeted lineup. Turkey's midfield and frontcourt players have strong individual impact, especially Turan, that explosive point. Spain's midfield and backcourt defense must be tougher!]

-[Don't mention any tactics, Spain is guaranteed to win by three goals!]

....

"Turkey has deployed a 4-3-3 formation."

"Goalkeeper: Babacan!"

"Defenders: Topal, Erkin, Gönül, Balta!"

"Midfielders: Tufan, Oğuz, İnan!"

"Forwards: Turan, Yılmaz, Çalhanoğlu!"

-[What's the situation? Turan and Çalhanoğlu have been moved to the front line?]

-[It's normal. Both of them can play as wingers. In actual matches, they will still be active in the midfield most of the time.]

-[A group of main players from wealthy families, mixed with a strange CSL foreign aid...]

....

Del Bosque sat calmly and composed on the coach's seat.

Turkey's coach, Terim, paced back and forth in the command area.

The referee team led the players of both sides out of the tunnel.

Deafening cheers immediately erupted from the stands.

The momentum of the Turkish fans quickly overwhelmed their opponents.

The name of Barcelona midfielder Turan resounded throughout the Allianz Riviera.

...

Catalan Television.

Enrique once again became a special guest commentator.

He crossed his arms across his chest and said in a heavy tone:

"The national team coaching staff may be resting the Barcelona stars for strategic purposes, wanting them to get enough rest!"

"Turan's attacking ability is terrible, he is an important member of Barcelona."

"Çalhanoğlu has been moved to the front line. This change is very wise, covering up his flaws in receiving the ball with his back to the goal. I think İnan is the real midfield core of Turkey."

"This match is much more difficult than the one against Croatia. Turkey's overall strength is very balanced."

"Spain's situation is very dangerous. If the opponent restricts Li, then we may lose the initiative to qualify."

"We only look strong on the surface. We must not be carried away by the victory in the first round."

It must be said that the Barcelona coach's analysis is still a bit skillful.

The fans in front of the TV couldn't help but worry.

If they lose this match, then the old man Del Bosque will have to experience another round of online abuse on the Iberian Peninsula.

....

Only two minutes into the match.

Li Kang received a diagonal pass from Saúl in the thirty-meter area.

He kicked a long pass under the interference of two Turkish players.

A beautiful arc cut through the night sky.

Diego Costa broke through the siege and volleyed.

Bang!

The football blasted through the Turkish goal!

1:0!!!