Standing in the player tunnel for the World Cup entrance was an entirely new experience for Kai.
Unlike club competitions, everything here carried an undeniable weight of responsibility.
The World Cup might not have the relentless intensity of the Champions League, but no Premier League match could match its significance.
With a packed schedule adding to the pressure, the tournament was as thrilling as it was demanding. Fighting for one's country brought an extra sense of mission.
Dressed in the red jersey of the China Team, Kai stood in the tunnel. The roar from the crowd seeped through, rattling his senses and sending his heart racing.
He closed his eyes briefly, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself.
Even at seven in the evening, the heat and humidity were oppressive. Sweat formed along his brow, and the warm-up had left his jersey clinging uncomfortably to his body. Even with sweat-wicking fabric, the combination of perspiration and tightness was noticeable.
These were challenges he knew he had to push through.
The Chilean players faced similar discomfort. Kai didn't look at them, and they didn't meet his gaze. It was a psychological standoff—whoever blinked first would feel weaker. Both sides stared straight ahead.
"Alright, time to go!"
The referee, Noumandiez Doue from Cote d'Ivoire, called out. The tension in the tunnel thickened instantly.
Wang Yi, at the front, let out a roar.
"Brothers! Let's do this!"
A chorus of voices echoed, "Let's go!"
"Players are entering! The young men of the China Team are stepping onto the Pantanal Arena, ready to face the Chilean National Team!"
"After four long years, China has finally begun its 2014 World Cup journey. Can they start strong with a win? We'll find out soon!"
Duan Xuan spoke, fists clenched, voice heavy with excitement, tension, and anticipation.
But Chinese fans barely cared about commentary—they were focused entirely on the team, mirroring Duan Xuan's nervous energy.
First up: the national anthem. Both teams sang with pride. As a Group B match, there was no massive flag backdrop—that came only in knockout rounds—but the intensity didn't fade.
Finally, the teams shook hands and moved to their halves.
The captains tossed the coin. Wang Yi won and chose possession. With no wind tonight, controlling the ball offered a tactical edge.
The Chinese crowd erupted in cheers; the Chilean fans groaned, uneasy despite the small significance of a coin toss. Names like Wang Yi, Kai, Fernando, and Chen Man were enough to make them wary.
"Nice one, Captain!"
"Luck's on your side! Haha!"
Kai, Chen Man, and Fernando laughed, teasing Wang Yi and easing some tension. Compared to domestic matches, they were more accustomed to big stages and better at keeping nerves in check.
Wang Yi, naturally reserved, rarely spoke. Kai and the others had taken on the job of lifting spirits.
China attacked from left to right, occupying the left.
Dazzling floodlights lit up the stadium, while the cheers from the Chinese fans reverberated like thunder. Cameras clicked relentlessly, mechanical arms captured every angle, and the match was broadcast across the globe. Every touch, every pass, every sprint would be seen worldwide. The World Cup had arrived.
Wang Yi stood at the center circle with the ball at his feet. In previous tournaments, he had carried the burden alone. Every match had been an agonizing test—failure meant defeat.
But now...
He glanced to the side and saw Chen Man warming up with high leg raises. Her speed was remarkable.
Behind him, Kai's solid, imposing frame provided an unmistakable sense of security. Behind Kai, Fernando stood ready.
A faint smile appeared on Wang Yi's face. He wasn't alone anymore. He had teammates capable of carrying the fight with him.
Beep!
The sharp whistle signaled kickoff. Wang Yi passed the ball to Kai, who then handed it to Fernando.
China's World Cup journey had officially begun.
"CCTV! We're live for the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group B match: China versus Chile!"
"I'm commentator Duan Xuan."
"And I'm Tao Wei."
"First, the starting lineups for both teams…"
China Team (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Tong Lei
Defenders: Zhuo Yue, Gao Leiliang, Fernando, Guan Zhe
Midfielders: Guo Liang, Kai, Yu Hao
Forwards: Chen Man, Wang Yi (C), Jia Zhenhua
Chilean Team (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Bravo (C)
Defenders: Isla, Medel, Jara, Mena
Midfielders: Vidal, Diaz, Aranguiz
Forwards: Sanchez, Valdivia, Vargas
The commentators were just warming up when, barely two minutes in, China lost possession.
Whether from nerves or excitement, Guo Liang had overhit a pass, and Jia Zhenhua couldn't reach it.
Kai immediately barked, "Relax! Don't force it! Hold your positions—no panicking!"
Guo Liang, flustered, took a deep breath and quickly returned to his spot.
Kai spread his arms, sweeping them forward, and called again, "Forwards! Step up—press harder!"
Wang Yi, Chen Man, and Jia Zhenhua exchanged surprised glances.
Pressing this early?
China usually started with a probing phase, feeling out the opponent before committing. But Kai wasn't having it—he was taking the fight to them from the first whistle.
Yet Kai was the team's core, the one everyone followed—even Wang Yi.
"Let's go!!!"
Wang Yi roared and surged forward.
"Get him!!!"
Jia Zhenhua didn't hesitate either.
"Treating people like cattle!" Chen Man muttered under his breath, though his feet were already moving.
Bang!
As soon as Vidal received the ball, Wang Yi closed in, sticking to him like glue and pressing relentlessly.
Vidal panicked slightly and passed the ball back.
But Wang Yi didn't linger—he darted straight toward Jara, the Chilean center-back ready to receive the return.
Jara remained composed for a moment, aiming to pass to full-back Mena. But Chen Man had already sprinted toward him, cutting off the lane. Aranguiz was tightly marked by Jia Zhenhua, and Wang Yi blocked the passing option to Vidal.
"Don't play with fire! Clear it long!"
Goalkeeper Bravo broke into a cold sweat, watching his defenders falter.
Jara swung his leg and sent the ball flying without even thinking about the angle.
Kai was first to read it, leaping to chest-trap the ball—but a hard collision from behind threatened his balance.
With his core strength, Kai stabilized mid-air, securing the trap flawlessly.
Valdivia, the one who collided with him, staggered back a few steps before regaining his footing.
Kai was already pushing forward, carrying the ball into Chile's half.
...
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