The whistle for the end of the first half sounded, and the scoreboard displayed a 0-0 score. Although Villarreal was unable to break through Espanyol's goal, their defense performed quite well, especially Lin Feng's defense, which left their opponents helpless.
Espanyol's players looked quite dejected. They had several excellent counterattacking opportunities in the first half, but each time, Lin Feng accurately anticipated and thwarted them. Lin Feng's excellent defense prevented them from easily breaking through Villarreal's defensive line, which also made them feel quite helpless.
On the field, Lin Feng's figure was like a solid barrier, making opponents wary. His ability to anticipate and his tackling skills prevented Espanyol's forwards from utilizing their advantages, and every attack was accurately neutralized by him. This made Villarreal's defense very stable, making it difficult for the opponents to find scoring opportunities.
The halftime whistle echoed over the stadium in Spain, and at the same time, on the distant other side of the ocean, night had already fallen deep in China.
In the Chinese Football Association office building, almost swallowed by darkness, a solitary light was still on. This was the office of Gao Hongbo, the current Head Coach of the China National Team.
Gao Hongbo sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on the computer screen, which was broadcasting the match between Espanyol and Villarreal.
His gaze was particularly focused on one person—Lin Feng. Lin Feng's performance in the first half, every movement, every tackle, was carefully observed and recorded by Gao Hongbo.
Gao Hongbo's face occasionally showed an expression of appreciation, and at times his brows were tightly furrowed, as if he was contemplating something. He knew that a defensive player like Lin Feng was of undeniable importance to the team. His anticipation, reactions, and physical fitness were all rare qualities in Chinese Football.
The halftime whistle, like a timpani drum, marked the end of the first half.
Gao Hongbo gently rubbed his eyes, which were slightly red from staring at the computer screen for a long time. He subconsciously picked up the teacup beside him, only to find it already empty, with only a hint of coolness remaining.
He smiled helplessly. This habit had been with him for many years; whenever he thought about important issues, he would habitually pick up his teacup.
Putting down the teacup, Gao Hongbo's gaze returned to the computer screen, which was showing a replay of Lin Feng's performance in the first half.
His eyes were filled with appreciation and recognition. He knew that such a player was exactly what the China National Team needed. So, he picked up the phone on his desk and dialed the number of the Director of the Chinese Football Association's National Management Department.
"Hello, Director Chen," Gao Hongbo's voice conveyed a sense of determination and decisiveness.
"Hello, Coach Gao. Do you have any instructions?" Director Chen's voice came from the other end of the phone, carrying a hint of inquiry and expectation.
"I have decided," Gao Hongbo's tone was unequivocal, "for this National Team squad, let Lin Feng return and report."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, and then Director Chen's voice sounded again: "Okay, Coach Gao. I will immediately arrange the relevant procedures and notifications."
Although Gao Hongbo had hastily taken over as a caretaker coach after the departure of French Head Coach Alain Perrin, leading the China National Team to a thrilling promotion from the last round of the top 40 qualifiers, he was now, as the Head Coach of the National Team, under immense, unprecedented pressure.
The team had previously suffered consecutive defeats against Korea and Iran, and these two losses weighed like heavy stones on the hearts of every player and coach.
In his office, Gao Hongbo's eyes were firm and profound. His gaze passed through the window, looking into the distance. He knew that the upcoming matches were crucial for the China Team.
If they failed to defeat the weakest teams in their group, Syria and Uzbekistan, then the China Team would prematurely bid farewell to the 2018 Russia World Cup qualifiers, which would undoubtedly be a huge blow.
"Alright, football fans, after a short break, let's turn our attention back to the second half of the match." As the commentator's voice sounded on the TV screen, Gao Hongbo's attention also returned to the game.
The whistle for the second half sounded. Although Villarreal failed to break through Espanyol's goal in the first half, the team's form and performance left a deep impression on the fans.
Especially the new trio—Lin Feng, Rodri, and Pau Torres—who made their first simultaneous start in this match, displayed astonishing strength in the first half.
The tacit agreement between these three made Villarreal's defensive line as solid as a rock. They accurately anticipated the opponent's attacking routes, made timely tackles and interceptions, and successfully restricted Espanyol's counterattacks.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, the atmosphere on the field grew increasingly tense. Espanyol gained an excellent counterattacking opportunity; the ball was accurately passed to the edge of the penalty area, and a dangerous aura permeated the entire stadium. The fans' breathing seemed to stop, and everyone's eyes were focused on the rapidly rolling football.
Just then, Lin Feng displayed his keen insight and excellent reaction speed. He kept his eyes on the ball and the opponent's movements, quickly judging the opponent's intention. When the ball was passed to the edge of the penalty area, he pounced without hesitation, making a precise and decisive tackle, successfully intercepting the ball.
"Lin Feng, here, pass the ball!" Rodri, seeing Lin Feng win the ball, quickly pushed forward while shouting for the ball.
Seeing Rodri charging forward, Lin Feng didn't hesitate. He nudged the ball forward, then raised his arm, lightly brushed the bottom of the ball, and passed it with a very standard long-pass posture.
However, this time, Lin Feng's performance in passing was not as outstanding as his performance in defense. The ball did not fly in front of Rodri as expected, but rather crossed paths with Rodri's figure.
Seeing the lost opportunity, Rodri stopped his forward run. The ball had already flown past him, and there was no point in running further.
Seeing the ball go out of bounds, Lin Feng also felt some regret. If that pass had been a bit more accurate, it might have created a dangerous scoring opportunity. It seemed his skills still needed work!
"Lin Feng, pass it earlier, that ball was there!" Rodri waved to Lin Feng. He had been very confident about that opportunity but hadn't received the ball.
However, Lin Feng had no time for remorse now. The match was still ongoing, and time was ticking by. To win, he had to stay focused for every second of the remaining game time.
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