Godfather Of Champions

After the first half of the game was over, Twain looked terrible and walked straight back into the locker room with his head lowered. He did not blame the players for their poor performance. He was upset about his bad luck.

Chelsea’s equalizing the score really rendered him speechless. Even though there were so many players in the penalty area, Lampard’s long shot went in.

He thought there was no threat to that reckless shot, but it ended up scoring a goal instead. How could his mood improve?

However, when he saw his players coming back one by one, Twain kept a smile on his face. He could not affect the players with his mood.

“You guys did a good job. We just had a little bad luck, that’s all,” he comforted. “We will still play like that in the second half. Score goals and score more goals. One goal is not enough.” He wagged his index finger.

※※※

On the other side, Mourinho also praised his men, telling them they played well and that he was grateful that they did not panic after they fell behind.

“But I don’t want to get just one point here.” Mourinho shook his index finger and stated, “we have been the league champion for two consecutive seasons. This is the only opponent that we have not won against before. I think this is a disgrace to all of us. In the second half, we’ll still attack. If Nottingham Forest wants to go head to head with us, we’ll show them the consequences!”

“Another thing, Chimbonda already had a yellow card on him. Make use of that in the second half and focus on breaking through him.” Mourinho made a cross in Nottingham Forest’s right back position.

※※※

Both team managers’ layouts during the halftime interval were very simple, as there was nothing wrong with the tactics used in the first half. Any conceding of the goal was within the plan, as was the scoring of the goal. Therefore, no adjustment was required. All the coaches needed to do was continue to boost morale and stick with the tactics and form from first half in the second half. They would only think about making adjustments when a situation arose.

At the start of the second half, the state of the game was the same as the first half. No one could completely suppress anyone, and both sides had a chance. The two teams were evenly matched.

“Two years ago, if we had said that Nottingham Forest and Chelsea were evenly matched, we would have been laughed at, but take a look at this game. What more needs to be said? A year ago, we called Nottingham Forest a dark horse. We would be wrong if we were to call them a dark horse again this season. Tony Twain has succeeded in bringing this team to this point. They should be heading for the championship next, right?”

Mark Lawrenson did not speak. It was a well-known fact; he could not refute it.

Two years ago, everyone would have felt disdainful, unfamiliar, or nostalgic at the mention of Nottingham Forest, but now? One could hate Twain and his team, but no one could ignore what he had accomplished.

※※※

“Chelsea’s offensive is concentrated on our right flank,” Kerslake said to Twain, next to him.

“I can see it.” Twain nodded.

In the first half, Chelsea’s offensive was largely concentrated in the middle, as Albertini and van der Vaart could be exploited. Albertini was older and not as nimble as he used to be. When facing the Chelsea’s ferocious players in the midfield, there was bound to be a moment of inattention. Van der Vaart was solely in offense and not very involved in the defense, so the Forest team’s middle was really a breakthrough point.

Wasn’t Lampard’s goal scored from the middle? If George Wood were around, at least someone would come and cover the position, rather than helplessly watching Lampard kick outside the penalty area and not doing anything.

In the second half, they focused their offensive on the Forest team’s right flank. Obviously, they had discovered a more favorable breakthrough point than Albertini’s — Chimbonda with a yellow card on him.

The entire Forest team was terrified of red cards. Due to the clash with the Reading team, as well as the manager’s accusations of the England’s referee community after the game, the Forest team had become the recipient of the referee’s “special care.” If they were not careful, they could be piled with yellow cards.

Therefore the football club reminded the players to pay more attention to their actions during the tournament and not to be foolish enough to set off the trigger during the crackdown period.

Chimbonda was certainly aware that he had a yellow card on him. If Chelsea took turns bombarding his area, he could not guarantee that he could stop the opponent’s offense and not foul.

He knew his opponent’s intention, and he had to play a corresponding countermeasure.

Twain called Sun Jihai back from the warm-up area and instructed him on the things to take note of after he got on the field. Sun Jihai knew it was time for him to perform.

“I know it’s a bit of a heavy task.” Twain briefed Sun Jihai in English. “Almost all of Chelsea’s offensive has been planted on our right flank. Now that Chimbonda has a yellow card, we can’t keep him on the field. You get it, Sun?”

Twain could speak Mandarin. He and Sun Jihai would have no problem communicating in Mandarin, but they only used it in private. While with the team, Twain insisted on using English when speaking with Sun Jihai. He did not want Sun Jihai to think that since he had a manager who could speak Mandarin, he could give up using English with the others.

Sun Jihai nodded and said, “I understand, boss.”

“Don’t let the referee grab a hold on you, and don’t give Chelsea any chances. Go on then.” Twain patted Sun Jihai on the shoulder and sent him to the sidelines.

※※※

“Nottingham Forest has brought off Chimbonda, who has a yellow card on him, and brought on the Chinese full-back, Sun Jihai. Sun played at Manchester City for many years and was transferred to Nottingham Forest. It is said that Manager Tony Twain can usually communicate with Sun in very fluent Mandarin. Sun had marveled at the standard of Twain’s Mandarin.” Motson provided an anecdote about Twain in passing when he announced the appearance of Sun Jihai.

Sun Jihai played right-back when he came on and was mainly in charge of defense. Chelsea’s offense was currently quick and violent, and Twain was not eager to attack.

Sun was a good utility player. After Wood was suspended, he filled in the position of the defensive midfielder. When Chimbonda needed to avoid the risk of getting a red card, he stepped up to play as the right-back. Twain believed that if a left-back was needed, Sun Jihai could do the job as well.

“So, bringing on Sun Jihai, does this mean he wants to strengthen the defense in the right flank?” Mark Lawrenson finally found an area where he could heavily criticize. “I don’t think the Chinese player is as capable as Chimbonda. Sun is a good substitute, but he’s still a substitute. Whether he’s playing as the defensive midfielder or full-back, he’s not that reassuring. I can understand that he wants to replace Chimbonda because he’s afraid that he would get a second yellow card and be sent off with a red card, but will bringing on a less capable Sun be enough to withstand Chelsea’s offense?”

“He was once Manchester City’s main full-back. If he had not been hurt… his strength isn’t as bad as you think, is it, Mark?”

“But he has suffered serious injuries.”

Motson could not find a way to counter Lawrenson. Indeed, since Sun Jihai suffered that serious injury, not only did he lose his main position at Manchester City, his strength had also been affected.

※※※

Sun Jihai was very much aware of his own capabilities and shortcomings. He did not need Mark Lawrenson to remind him of his previous serious injury.

After the China men’s soccer team failed to charge into the Germany’s World Cup, Chinese football fell to its lowest, whether it was the country’s domestic league teams or its individual national players who played abroad. After all, they were Chinese people and players. Who would not want to do better when they left home to play? On one hand, they wanted to seek out their best interests, and on the other hand, they wanted to strive on behalf of all Chinese people for validation.

Chinese football was in a slump, and as a sport, football was quickly becoming a joke. As a footballer, Sun would inevitably feel the effects. He still wanted to use his performance to give fans in his country a sense of pride and excitement. The appearance of Dunn, a Chinese assistant manager, gave a lot of people hope, but he did not gain a win during a three-game stint as the acting manager, and many cynical voices immediately appeared among the Chinese people.

The Chinese people felt inferior about their football abilities and felt that failure was inevitable.

Sun Jihai acknowledged that the performance of China’s football was underwhelming, but what could one player do?

He alone could not revive Chinese football and change the deep-seated problems in the Chinese football institution. The only thing he could do was to train well in the club and fight for chances to play on the field, so that those who were still not disappointed in Chinese football could heave a sigh of relief.

Robben dribbled the ball and charged towards Sun Jihai. Lampard and Shevchenko cruised near Robben, as well.

Chelsea really valued him, so Sun Jihai dare not neglect him. He anchored down his center of gravity and faced Robben with the ball. He did not rush to put his foot out. As an experienced veteran who had played in England for years, he knew how to deal with Robben even if Twain did not specifically instruct him.

Robben could dribble fast, but he needed to run to do it and space to break out and accelerate. As long as Sun could push his speed down and halt his control of the ball, the threat would be reduced by a third.

Sun Jihai was not foolish enough to extend his leg to intercept the ball when he saw Robben in action. It would be irrevocable once he was bypassed by him.

All he needed to do was to pull back and follow Robben. He would slowly suppress the other party’s speed. If he forced Robben into a dead end, he would cease to be a threat.

His idea was sound, but Robben did not give him such a chance. He made a feint to cut inside, but suddenly knocked the football outwards, and then turned around to break through.

Sun Jihai was caught off guard and staggered when Robben swung past him. He saw that Robben was going to break free, but Albertini suddenly slashed across and kicked the ball that Robben had knocked out of the sidelines.

In order to completely shake off the cautious Chinese full back in front of him, Robben had kicked the ball too hard. The football went a little further away from him. The more experienced Albertini seized the opportunity and successfully lifted the siege.

Robben kicked the air in disappointment at wasting his efforts. When he broke through Sun Jihai, he put all his energy on the opponent ahead of him. He did not notice that Albertini had come up to support and defend.

Sun Jihai got up and prepared to thank Albertini.

He did not expect Albertini to give him a thumbs up first and say, “Well done, Sun. That kid wasn’t going to get through you if he hadn’t kicked so hard.”

Sun Jihai smiled.

Lawrenson had another perspective in the commentator’s seat. He found evidence which could prove his point. “Take a look, John. Sun was powerless when he was up against Robben’s swift breakthrough. If it hadn’t been for Albertini’s desperate rush to help, Robben would have broken through him.”

※※※

Robben stomped on the turf under his feet. The turf in this area was overturned now because of his sudden acceleration. He still wanted to break through this area a lot so if the turf was not good, it could affect his sprint.

As he set the turf, he looked up at the serious-looking Chinese man.

You won’t be so lucky next time.

“Robben has the ball again! Shevchenko raises his hand for the ball next to him, but the Dutchman does not plan to pass the football. He faces Sun Jihai and wants to break through!”

Robben did see Shevchenko next to him, but he was confident about his breakthrough. He relied on his speed to gallop into the English Premier League and seldom came by an adversary. He was absolutely confident that he could break through Sun Jihai, and then threaten the Forest team’s goal.

He intended to break through. Sun Jihai was very cautious and would never rush to put out his feet. Robben was going to repeat his tactic again. However, when he was about to fake an inside cut, Sun Jihai suddenly kicked with his foot instead and intercepted the ball that had just left Robben’s foot.

“OH YES! Terrific defense!” Motson, who remained quiet when Lawrenson criticized Sun Jihai just now, exclaimed. “Beautifully tackled, and no foul! Nottingham Forest takes the opportunity to launch an attack! Robben is still on the ground, demanding for a free kick. The referee is ignoring him!”

This time, it was Lawrenson’s turn to be quiet.

As the game progressed, everyone could see that Twain’s replacement would not fail.

Sun Jihai’s performance was not like his former self since his injury, but his courage and professionalism had not been affected. These good qualities made up for some of the inadequacies in his ability.

Sun Jihai fought boldly without a yellow card on him. Chelsea was somewhat powerless against such a determined and cautious defender.

The situation on the field gradually turned into a situation where Nottingham Forest regained its leading edge after a period when Chelsea prevailed.

As it turned out, Sun Jihai’s play effectively eased the defensive pressure facing the Forest team.

※※※

With Nottingham Forest’s offense on the rise and its formation pressing ahead, Bale frequently stepped forward to assist with the attacks at Twain’s behest. After an attack, he did not hurriedly return. Instead, he wanted for the opportunity to attack again in the front field. He often looked more like a side midfielder rather than a full-back.

Even the center-back, Kompany put up several good shows of dribbling and plugging ahead.

With the team in a good situation, the center-back could not help but get in on the action. Still hard at work, only Sun Jihai stayed back to defend. It was not that he was less aggressive than the others or that he was not fond of being involved in the attack, but just that the manager brought him on to defend and not to let him attack.

While everyone was occupied with the offense, someone should think about defense, right?

Nottingham Forest was awarded a corner kick. Kompany and Piqué rushed up to head the ball to score. The left-back, Gareth Bale, took the free kick. The Forest team’s back field was empty. In addition to the goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, only Albertini and Sun Jihai were left behind to defend. Even so, their positions were still pressed up to the midfield line.

Bale’s ball was not headed by Kompany, Piqué, or any of the Forest players. The ball was directly plucked by Čech, who jumped to catch it. Čech, who intercepted the Forest team’s corner kick, threw the ball directly to launch another attack. He threw the football to Shevchenko in front.

The Ukrainian was just as fast as Robben. He was frustrated that he could not find his form when he changed to a new environment this season. Now he had a chance to prove himself again.

Shevchenko already scoped out the Forest team’s situation in front of him before he caught the ball. There was about sixty yards of wide space between him and the Forest team’s goal, but only two Forest players. One of whom was his former AC Milan’s teammate, the veteran Albertini. It would not be an issue to break through him with his own pace.

The other one was the Chinese player.

The two of them stood in parallel positions… Breaking through one of them would be equivalent to breaking through the two of them. This was truly a great opportunity to score a goal!

“Shevchenko dribbles the ball to break through. The Ukrainian nuclear warhead has taken aim at Nottingham Forest’s goal!”

A huge uproar immediately erupted over the City Ground stadium, with the boos of Nottingham Forest fans intermingled with the cheers of Chelsea fans.

Sun Jihai wanted to come up and be the first line of defense. He did not expect Albertini to shout at him amidst the thunderous noise, “Go back! I got this!”

The captain’s choice was the right one. The slower Albertini could only do the first line of defense. If he followed and withdrew, he would be shaken off immediately. Sun Jihai was faster. He was the most suitable person out of the two of them to take the second line of defense.

Sun Jihai gnashed his teeth to turn and run back.

With tightly pursed lips, Albertini met Shevchenko who dribbled the ball and charged towards him.

I didn’t think we’d have a day like this where we face off each other… Come on, Shev!

When Shevchenko saw who was in front of him, he slowed down a little. This gave Albertini the chance. He suddenly rushed up and swiftly narrowed the gap between him and Shevchenko. After which, he blocked him to intercept the ball.

Just as he thought he had succeeded in doing so, Shevchenko suddenly thrusted the football to the side and sped around the statue-like Albertini.

“Albertini has been bypassed! It’s too easy!”

It was too easy … That was what Albertini thought too. When Shevchenko suddenly sped up, he was too late to even foul and the other party broke away from his range of control.

I’m really getting old ….

After he saw that Albertini was cracked open, Sun Jihai, who was pulling back, had already run to a distance of just five meters away from the tip of the penalty arc. He heard the visiting team fans in the stands that he was facing. When he saw that they were standing up with their arms in the air, he hurriedly looked back, just in time to see Shevchenko broke through Albertini.

He clenched his teeth and turned around and rushed back.

In order to shake off Albertini, Shevchenko kicked the ball a little too hard. Sun Jihai thought of the scene where Albertini helped him defended against Robben just now, and he decided to repay the captain.

The two players chased the rolling football at a high speed, as if they were two meteors about to collide, with a dazzling flame lingering behind them.

Who would win this competition?

Sun Jihai knew he could not outrun Shevchenko. When he was still some distance away from the football, he took a moment before he immediately slid to the ground to tackle.

Manager Twain’s exhortation was still ringing in his ear. He did not forget. This was not a foul. He completely aimed at the football. Even if he took down Shevchenko in passing, under the circumstances where the two players did not fully control the football, the referee absolutely had no reason to blow the whistle for a foul even if he did not like the Forest team.

However, the world-class striker must have his talents. Shevchenko could perceive Sun Jihai’s intention. Even though he was not fully centered, he suddenly leaned his body forward and stretched out his right foot to stab at the football first!

Sun Jihai did not shovel the ball!

“It’s the second one! Shevchenko’s beautiful breakthrough! He’s going to prove to people that he’s by no means the most underwhelming player in English Premier League history!”

Sun Jihai slid on the ground as he looked up and saw the Ukrainian nuclear warhead glided across above his body, casting a shadow.

Oh no! What did it mean to have such a striker face the goalkeeper one-on-one? It was harder not to score a goal than to score one …

Shevchenko did not care to look back at the loser he had just broken through. Because he forcibly poked the ball, his speed and center of gravity had been affected and he had to adjust everything before Edwin van der Sar struck back in his position. He had to swing past the goalkeeper and easily send the football into the empty goal …

The speed of van der Sar’s strike was a bit unexpected. By the time he managed to adjust the football, Edwin van der Sar had already rushed to the edge of the penalty just as he happened to step in.

That meant that van der Sar could intercept the ball with his hands which was not what happened in last season’s Champions League final.

The television cameras locked in this area. Whether it was the live fans or television viewers, everyone focused their gazes firmly at the two players.

If the shot went in the goal, Chelsea would reverse the score and their morale would be boosted.

If not, Nottingham Forest would have a narrow escape.

Shevchenko could not adjust in time and directly break through. Edwin van der Sar did not fall for it. He waited for the Ukrainian’s next move. As expected, Shevchenko moved the football crosswise to go from the middle, intending to shoot directly.

The 1.97-meter tall Edwin van der Sar opened his arms wide and tried to lengthen himself, with the intention of stopping Shevchenko’s next shot.

The commentator, Motson’s voice unknowingly went up an octave. His butt cheeks almost left his seat as he held the microphone and loudly shouted, “Shevchenko deceived Edwin van der Sar! Shevchenko …. swings wide! He did not center himself! The goal is empty, the goal is empty! Swings his leg and shoots–!!”

Just behind the goal, the Chelsea fans stood up and held their arms high, ready to celebrate the goal. The Forest fans’ earth-shattering boos surged forward as if they were going to hiss the football out of the goal range.

A red figure suddenly stormed into everyone’s sight.

It was not over yet, it was not … f**king the end!

Sun Jihai sprinted with his eyes staring at the ball that Shevchenko shot -because in order to get past Edwin van der Sar, Shevchenko did not fully anchor himself before he was compelled to make a shot. The shot that he kicked was not a ball rolling close to the ground, but a half-high ball in which it fell towards the goal in a parabola curve.

Sun Jihai, who returned to defend, still had a chance.

The football was getting closer to the goal. If he did not put out his leg now, there would be no chance… Sun Jihai unwaveringly soared. With his right foot forward and eyes firmly on the football in the air, he wanted to confirm whether his leg could stop the ball.

Shevchenko, who fell to the ground, also stared at the ball he had shot out. He too wanted to confirm that the football had entered the goal.

“Bang!” The football and Sun Jihai’s foot met in the air. Once it was kicked, it then changed direction and flew sideways out of the end line!

“Sun Jihai! Sun Jihai Incredible… Unbelievable! It’s amazing! He saved the team!” Motson had already stood up from his seat with the microphone in his hand and his saliva splattering across. “A perfect comeback!”

In the stands behind the Forest team goal, all those people clad in blue who had their arms aloft, dejectedly held their heads instead.

The other three sides of the stands burst into deafening cheers.

“SUN! SUN! SUN!” They chanted Sun Jihai’s last name.

Piqué, who had been sprinting all the way but not yet caught up, did not stop. He simply slid to the ground towards Sun Jihai, who was still lying on the ground, hugged him as he pressed his forehead against his and hollered at him. That scene was exhilarating.

The second player to join in the rumble was the team captain, Albertini, and the third was Edwin van der Sar, who was saved by Sun Jihai. More and more Forest players rushed up to celebrate Sun Jihai, as if this Chinese player had scored a goal.

Twain swung a few punches off the field. Then he turned around and fiercely said to the coaches, “Who the hell will still think that we bought him for the Chinese market!”

Motson was still yelling and Mark Lawrenson was completely silenced.

“This was by no means Sun Jihai’s first such performance. He used to be the final savior at Manchester City! With a different team, he has made a rescue again! This was not a coincidence or luck … This Chinese player never gives up!