When the players from both teams emerged from the tunnel, the entire stadium erupted in excitement!
Over 200 military drums were beaten furiously, almost to the point of breaking!
The students and parents in the stands were wildly cheering for the Buckhorns Steelhorns team, showcasing the passion of a home game!
Gu Ran stood on the green field, his desire to win was never stronger than today.
Hot blood surged through his chest, adrenaline roared in his skull!
He instinctively glanced toward the main stand, where the high-ranking officials were also gazing at him.
In an instant, every muscle in Gu Ran's body tensed up, like the ropes of a ship's sail in a storm!
Destiny was right before his eyes!
...The handshake ceremony began.
When Gu Ran shook hands with Tyas, he applied a bit more pressure, holding onto Tyas's hand a little longer, and gave him a slight nod.
Tyas was utterly confused...
After the handshakes, the two captains approached the referee for the coin toss.
Ross Barkley, the captain of Angel Wings, guessed correctly and chose the side, while Bread won the kickoff for the Buckhorns Steelhorns.
The players took their positions.
Angel Wings lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation—two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one striker.
This formation relied heavily on the performance of the central attacking midfielder for counterattacks.
Ross Barkley was positioned as the central attacking midfielder, but he was more than just that; he could instantly switch to a false nine when needed.
He was the true attacking core of Angel Wings.
The Buckhorns Steelhorns, on the other hand, lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation.
Captain Bread played slightly deeper as a defensive midfielder, while Watergate pushed forward, pretending to be a false nine.
Gu Ran, the left-back, was supposed to stay on the left side of his own half, but...
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Gu Ran walked straight to the left midfield line!
This position was even further forward than the left midfielder, Ximei!
It was practically the position of a left winger!
The Buckhorns Steelhorns' formation immediately shifted from a classic 4-4-2 to a seemingly incomplete and bizarre setup!
...What? Is this a joke?
The parents in the stands were baffled:
"What's going on?"
"Can someone explain this formation to me?"
"Isn't Gu Ran the left-back? Why is he standing at the midfield line?"
"Did he get too nervous and stand in the wrong position?"
"Oh no! I told you, good looks are useless. He can't even get the starting position right."
"Watergate's mom must have scared him..."
The parents shook their heads, and some even started shouting in frustration.
The students from Southampton were equally puzzled:
"Why is Gu standing in front of Ximei?"
"Last time I watched them play at home, Gu was pretty good as a left-back. Why is he changing positions now?"
"The key is that Ximei didn't switch positions with Gu. Ximei is still in the left midfielder's spot."
"Ugh, I hope Gu doesn't choke at a critical moment. This is the semi-final elimination match!"
"Hey, Gu, don't mess around!"
"Gu, if you want to play, play with me!"
"Don't you dare badmouth our husband!"
"Our male god is always right!"
"Go, husband!"
"Male god, charge!"
—The stands were in chaos.
On the main stand, the scouts from smaller clubs were also laughing:
"Is this left-back number 3 here to joke around?"
"A full-back standing at the midfield line? What's he trying to do? Fly to the sky?"
"Haha, high school matches are always full of weirdness. How can they make such a basic mistake?"
"I think the Buckhorns Steelhorns' coach is an idiot too. His left-back is out of position, and he's not even yelling at him to get back!"
"Just watch, the left-back position will be their biggest weakness. Ross from Angel Wings just needs to bring the ball to the center, then pass it to the left, and they'll crush Buckhorns Steelhorns' left flank."
"These high school matches are just semi-pro teams crushing amateur teams. Even if the score reaches double digits, I wouldn't be surprised."
"From a professional perspective, Angel Wings will dominate Buckhorns Steelhorns."
"Hmph, I always said that amateurs can't play football."
"...Let's just stay away from you."
Sitting in the front row, Emenalo also shook his head with a cold smile, too lazy to open his scouting notebook.
He agreed with the scouts from the smaller clubs: high school matches were just too unprofessional, and Gu Ran was even more so.
Trying to find a player who met the standards of a top-tier league in a high school match was like searching for gold in a pile of dung...
The seven executives from Southampton FC sitting at the very front also frowned slightly.
Especially the bespectacled head coach, Adkins, whose brows were almost twisted into a knot.
What the hell is this?
If Gu Ran were his player, he would have already started yelling!
—On the entire main stand, only Anne was trembling with excitement, "Ahhh~ it's coming, it's coming!!!"
She had witnessed Gu Ran scoring in just 17 seconds!
She knew Gu Ran's speed better than anyone!
Anne suppressed her racing heart, ready to embrace the exhilarating sensation!
Yes, she still didn't understand football, but she understood excitement!
On the field, the players from Angel Wings also sneered when they saw Gu Ran's positioning.
It was the expression of "professional players" looking down on "unprofessional players."
The Buckhorns Steelhorns players, on the other hand, responded with looks that said, "You idiots are about to get wrecked."
Gu Ran's eyes were filled with killing intent, his fighting spirit burning at its peak. The studs of his Messi-branded boots dug firmly into the wet grass.
Gu Ran focused his mind and immediately allocated 2 of his 7 accumulated talent points to his explosive power!
His explosive power instantly rose from 68 to 70!
70 points was already at the level of a professional player! More than enough to dominate Angel Wings' right flank!
He hadn't planned to use his points so early, but with the Southampton FC executives watching... no more pretending! He was a football genius, and it was time to show it!
Today was not a day for modesty!
Go all out!
Gu Ran took a deep breath, fully preparing himself for the sprint.
The referee raised his watch to check the time.
A drop of rain fell from the overcast sky, landing on the referee's watch.
The referee wiped it off—it was exactly 3:00 PM.
Toot—
The referee blew the starting whistle!
Amidst the light drizzle, the national high school championship semi-final match between Southampton Buckhorns Steelhorns and Rosall High Angel Wings officially began!
The effeminate player at the center circle immediately kicked off!
His kick was powerful, sending the ball straight to the left front field!
At the same time, Gu Ran shot forward like a cannonball!
Explosive sprint!
Gu Ran's movements were like a hunting leopard, his instantaneous running posture exuding a violent, aesthetic power!
The natural grass under his feet was torn up as he sprinted!
The girls in the stands screamed wildly!
It was like a massive celebrity fan meeting!
One girl even fainted from overexcitement!
—Just one second into the match, the medical team had to rush in to carry her out.
The girls in the stands continued to scream!
Anne on the main stand was the loudest! She had completely let go!
Meanwhile, the scouts from the smaller clubs were sneering.
In their eyes, Buckhorns Steelhorns' kickoff was extremely amateurish, even laughably so.
The ball was at least 10 meters away from Gu Ran, while Angel Wings' number 8 right midfielder was only 2-3 meters away.
Unless it was Gareth Bale himself, no one could catch up to that ball.
And even if someone could, they would still have to face the number 8 right midfielder, who was ready to intercept.
So, this pass was practically a gift to the opponent, a complete mistake.
The number 8 right midfielder was full of confidence.
He signaled to his teammates to push forward, not to worry about the ball.
Angel Wings indeed pushed forward as a team.
As they advanced, their formation remained solid, with all three lines well-organized.
Their captain, Ross, rushed to the 30-meter zone of Buckhorns Steelhorns' half—once their number 8 right midfielder got the ball, he could pass it to Ross, who would then cut into Buckhorns Steelhorns' left flank, creating a deadly threat.
—Playing against a weak team is so easy.
Most of Angel Wings' players thought this way.
But what puzzled them was that Buckhorns Steelhorns' players didn't retreat as Angel Wings pushed forward. Instead, they charged towards Angel Wings' half like they were on steroids, even their center-back, Rust, joined the attack.
In those few seconds of mutual charging, both teams were mentally cursing each other.
Just as the number 8 right midfielder leisurely ran up to stop the ball, Gu Ran sprinted towards him like a leopard!
The number 8 right midfielder was startled!
A second ago, he was observing his teammates' positions, mentally mocking Buckhorns Steelhorns, and now Gu Ran was right in front of him!
How... how could he be so fast?
How did he do it?
The number 8 right midfielder didn't have time to think. He quickly raised his elbow to block Gu Ran and turned to shield the ball.
This move was very skilled, very experienced.
Although turning to shield the ball meant he couldn't pass forward, he had to secure possession first.
The number 8 right midfielder was confident in his ability to shield the ball.
He wasn't tall, only 178 cm, but he was strong, an impact-type winger who relied on speed and physicality to break through the opponent's flank.
Moreover, he was trained in Everton's youth academy, with plenty of match experience.
So, despite Gu Ran's speed, the number 8 right midfielder was prepared for the collision.
He positioned himself perfectly, his elbow raised to chest height—
Gu Ran didn't hold back, decisively charging forward and physically pushing the right midfielder aside!
The number 8 right midfielder was easily shoved half a meter away!
He was completely stunned:
What... so I'm the idiot?!
Seeing this exhilarating scene, the students in the stands erupted in cheers!
At their home ground, they had witnessed Gu Ran's tough tackles before, but this time, Gu Ran made it look even easier, like he was toying with his opponent!
So satisfying! So thrilling!
No fancy技巧, just pure physical dominance!
Gu Ran's body might look slim, but his muscles were as hard as steel!
Under Gu Ran's charge, the number 8 right midfielder was like a paper tiger!
Even the parents who initially doubted Gu Ran were now clenching their fists and cheering wildly.
Less than five seconds into the match, the atmosphere was already electric!
After pushing aside the number 8 right midfielder, Gu Ran didn't stop. He accelerated and dribbled forward!
The other Buckhorns Steelhorns players rushed to support, and the entire team pushed forward!
Angel Wings instantly realized who the real idiots were...
The scouts on the main stand were also dumbfounded.
They now understood that the effeminate player's kickoff wasn't a mistake—it was intentional!
This was Buckhorns Steelhorns' opening tactic!
This tactic... was truly bold!
It required absolute trust in Gu Ran!
After all, if Gu Ran's sprint wasn't fast enough or his tackle wasn't strong enough, Angel Wings could have easily launched a deadly counterattack with a long pass!
This level of trust in a single player was rare even in professional leagues, let alone amateur matches!
And this was just the start. Were Buckhorns Steelhorns going all out?
Weren't they supposed to be a defensive, weaker team?
Why were they so aggressive from the beginning?
Emenalo, who had been lost in thought just a second ago, looked up at the roaring crowd and was shocked!
The Angel Wings players were struggling to retreat.
The number 8 right midfielder, who had been pushed aside, didn't give up. He steadied himself and sprinted after Gu Ran.
As an impact-type winger, he was confident in his speed.
But...
Even giving it his all, he couldn't catch up to Gu Ran!
Gu Ran was dribbling the ball!
And it was drizzling, which would normally slow down the ball's movement!
Yet, the number 8 right midfielder was left in the dust!
Seeing that he couldn't catch up, the number 8 right midfielder lunged forward, grabbing at Gu Ran's jersey!
It was a blatant foul, similar to a rugby tackle!
At this point, the number 8 right midfielder would rather commit a foul at the start than let Gu Ran break through!
Gu Ran ignored him and kept accelerating—
With 70 points in explosive power, 70 points in stamina, and +2 in dribbling speed, Gu Ran's abilities were on full display!
In an instant, Gu Ran was three body lengths ahead!
The number 8 right midfielder missed! He awkwardly fell onto the grass, rolling out of bounds and crashing into the barrier.
Gu Ran had physically dominated and outrun the number 8 right midfielder!
The entire process took just six seconds!
Ding~
Gu Ran didn't have time to celebrate. He continued sprinting through the drizzle!
His speed was like a red-and-white dagger, cutting through the rain, leaving a clear, powerful trail on the grass!
His legs moved so fast they seemed to blur!
It was a scene reminiscent of Gareth Bale's famous runs! Gu Ran passed the ball to his future self!
The entire stands were boiling with excitement!
This was too intense!
To put it simply—since the founding of Southampton High, there had never been such a fierce and spectacular breakthrough!
At this moment, the Angel Wings players were, the more excited the students and parents in the stands became!
The screams and cheers in the stands didn't stop for a single millisecond!
The scouts on the main stand were all gaping, speechless!
Emenalo tremblingly reopened his scouting notebook and hastily scribbled:
[Gu's dribbling speed is decent.]
Scratch that.
[...Not bad.]
Scratch that.
[...Good.]
Scratch that.
[...Very good.]
In just two seconds, Emenalo changed his adjective four times!
It wasn't that Emenalo was indecisive, but Gu Ran's speed was increasing!
At this moment, Buckhorns Steelhorns' players were pressing forward.
In Angel Wings' 30-meter zone, Buckhorns Steelhorns had an 8:6 numerical advantage.
Keep in mind, this was in Angel Wings' half, and the match had just started less than 10 seconds ago!
Buckhorns Steelhorns had the numerical advantage, and Angel Wings couldn't keep up.
Watergate and others were making runs in Angel Wings' penalty area, drawing defenders—this was something Buckhorns Steelhorns had mastered.
Angel Wings' defensive formation was in shambles.
Half of their players were from Everton's youth academy, so they were experienced, but they had never faced a situation where their flank was broken through so quickly at the start.
Their defensive rhythm was completely disrupted from the beginning!
Angel Wings' coach, Moritz, stood on the sidelines, shouting instructions for his players to retreat quickly.
Under Moritz's guidance, Angel Wings managed to stabilize slightly.
Their number 4 right-back moved up to intercept Gu Ran.
Two defensive midfielders also rushed over from the center to assist.
A triangular formation was forming around Gu Ran!
Moreover, the situation on the field was changing rapidly, and most of Angel Wings' players had retreated to their own half.
In just a few seconds, Buckhorns Steelhorns' numerical advantage was gone.
—From this alone, it was clear that the players from a Premier League club's youth academy were indeed skilled.
While Buckhorns Steelhorns were moving dynamically, so were Angel Wings, and their overall efficiency was higher.
This was the obvious, visible difference between a weak team and a strong team.
Gu Ran didn't slow down, continuing to dribble towards the left flank of the penalty area.
This was his most familiar route!
While sprinting, Gu Ran quickly assessed the situation—
Ximei was slightly behind him on the left, the effeminate player and Glider were in the penalty area, Watergate was outside the arc, and Bread was near the 30-meter line.
Theoretically, passing to Bread in the center was the safest option, as there was no danger in that passing lane. Once Bread got the ball, he could pass it to Watergate at the arc, who could then penetrate the penalty area for a chance.
But...
That wouldn't work.
Gu Ran also noticed that although Angel Wings' two defensive midfielders were closing in on him, making the center seem empty, Angel Wings' defensive line wasn't in complete disarray. Instead, they had quickly stabilized amidst the chaos.
Moreover, Bread was being closely marked by Angel Wings'王牌 captain, Ross Barkley.
Others might not know, but Gu Ran was well aware that Ross Barkley was an all-around midfielder who could both defend and attack!
If he passed the ball to Bread now, Ross would likely intercept it.
In terms of individual skill, Bread was no match for Ross. If Bread lost the ball, Ross could easily break through for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper!
So, passing to Bread wasn't an option.
This ball had to be his!
In that split second, Gu Ran made a decision based on his high football IQ.
Gu Ran continued to cut inside at high speed, looking for an opportunity.
The triangular formation around him was also forming quickly. The two defensive midfielders were only 3-4 meters away, and the number 4 right-back was charging at him, ready to collide!
Gu Ran executed a Ronaldo chop, avoiding the number 4 right-back's charge while shifting the ball from his right foot to his left—
The number 4 right-back missed the tackle and stretched out his foot to intercept—
Gu Ran anticipated this with his high football IQ!
Five-star weak foot +1! Activated!
Gu Ran dribbled past with his left foot!
The entire move was seamless!
The number 4 right-back was completely fooled! He was stunned!
The students and parents in the stands erupted in cheers!
Even the head coach, Carter, on the sidelines, rubbed his eyes in disbelief!
—The left foot was Gu Ran's weak foot!
But at this moment, Gu Ran had used his left foot to dribble past the opponent's defender!
And his left foot dribbling was just as good as his right!
How... how did he do that?
During this morning's training, Gu Ran's left foot passing and receiving were still shaky!
But now, at a critical moment in the match, Gu Ran's left foot was performing almost as well as his right!
How did Gu Ran manage this?
This was a big-game football!
Born for the grand stage!
Incredible! Absolutely incredible!!!
Coach Carter was so excited he almost knelt on the grass to watch Gu Ran play!
At this moment, after dribbling past the right-back, Gu Ran continued to cut into the penalty area!
Angel Wings' center-back, Tyas, moved up to intercept, and the two defensive midfielders closed in. The number 4 right-back, who had just been beaten, was also chasing from behind.
Gu Ran had only 1-2 seconds to make a decision!
Although the effeminate player and Glider were making runs in the penalty area, Gu Ran didn't have a good passing lane in that brief moment.
A cutback pass was a viable option, but it would slow down the play.
Gu Ran had always preferred a fast-paced game.
This was a surprise counterattack, and if it turned into a positional battle, Buckhorns Steelhorns' coordination wasn't good enough to break through Angel Wings' defense.
There was another, more direct option—
Shoot!
Unlimited shooting rights meant he could shoot whenever, wherever, and however he wanted!
In a flash, Gu Ran's eyes gleamed with killing intent!
He was on the left flank, at least 30 meters from the goal at an angle!
A cross or a cutback weren't the best options, but the shooting lane was still open!
It was just a bit far!
His long-range shooting skill, Piercing Arrow, was only at +1. Although the B-grade rating slightly improved the accuracy of star skills, a 30-meter angled shot was still risky!
He needed to upgrade!
He had plenty of talent points to spare!
His fate was in his own hands!
In an instant, Gu Ran focused his mind and allocated 2 of his remaining 5 talent points to Piercing Arrow!
Piercing Arrow's level immediately rose from +1 to +3!
As soon as Gu Ran upgraded his skill, Tyas charged at him—
Without waiting for Tyas to get close, Gu Ran gathered all his strength in his right leg and unleashed a powerful shot!
Here it comes!
Piercing Arrow +3!
The ball took off from the wet grass, slicing through the thin rain with immense speed and force!
The ball had a slight spin, curving slightly in its trajectory!
This shot was practically fired right over Tyas!
The ball initially flew at knee height, and Tyas instinctively stretched out his leg to block—
The ball flew just over Tyas' leg, rapidly climbing with tremendous force! Like an arrow piercing through the clouds!
Tyas felt a sharp gust of wind brush past his knee!
The ball was too fast!
Tyas turned around in horror—
Angel Wings' goalkeeper reacted a split second too late!
By the time the goalkeeper dove to save it, the ball had already slammed into the top right corner of the net!
Goal... goal!!!
Everyone in the stadium was stunned by Gu Ran's sudden, almost magical long-range shot!
For a moment, the entire stadium was so quiet you could hear the sound of the drizzle!
Until Anne on the main stand jumped up and cheered, "Ahhh! Gu! You're the fastest!"
Only then did the crowd snap out of it and erupt in wild cheers!
It was a goal just 15 seconds into the match!
Gu Ran had sprinted down the flank, tackled, dribbled, and shot past the goalkeeper—all in one go!
And it was a technically brilliant Piercing Arrow long-range shot!
The entire stands were on fire!
If Gu Ran's earlier sprint and tackle had ignited the stands, this was like setting off a blaze built on an oil field!
Every student and parent from Southampton High was screaming Gu Ran's name at the top of their lungs!
The military drums in the stands were beaten furiously, creating a thunderous roar!
The Buckhorns Steelhorns players all rushed towards Gu Ran to celebrate!
Meanwhile, on the main stand, the scouts from the smaller clubs who had been mocking Gu Ran just half a minute ago were now almost kneeling in shock:
Dear God...
What just happened?
How did the score become 1-0 in just 15 seconds?
Is this really an amateur high school match?
That black-haired Chinese kid is Gu Ran, right?
How is he so strong???
15 seconds!
He scored in just 15 seconds!
That's way too fast!
And it was a 30-meter Piercing Arrow long-range shot!
Who the hell told me he was a defender?
This isn't just a defender with attacking prowess!
This is a defender with a cannon!
No! No! No! Amateurs don't deserve such a talent!
...
(End of Chapter)
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