Chapter 6

Benzema patted Tang Jue's shoulder and said, "Tang, is our bet still valid?"

Before the match, the two had placed another bet. In the first half, Benzema scored two goals, and his confidence swelled to the extreme. He felt that his condition today was excellent, and this was his last chance to defeat Tang Jue. However, Tang Jue was unwell, and the bet should still respect Tang Jue's wishes.

Tang Jue smiled and said, "Of course it's valid. I said you are not my match. Even if my body is not in good condition, you are still not my match."

Benzema was not angry; Tang Jue's words deeply stimulated his soul, igniting his fighting spirit. This was definitely a slap in the face, and as proud as he was, how could he let Tang Jue humiliate him?

Although Tang Jue was unwell, Benzema did not mock him. He knew that Tang Jue used to be strong. Mocking had no meaning; he needed to conquer him with actual actions and respond with goals.

Benzema said, "Alright! Tang, let's have a real competition in the second half. Let's see who will laugh last!"

...

During the halftime break, Coach Pintori did not give any instructions, leaving the decision to the players. Both teams were engaged in heated debates, all aiming to defeat their opponents.

The white team believed they should create more offensive opportunities for Tang Jue. Considering his physical condition, they thought the other players in the front should take more possession, make more breakthroughs, and run more to create space for Tang Jue.

The blue team believed that the white team's striker was unwell, making it easier to defeat them.

Gassama said, "I'll take care of Tang Jue. His body is not in good condition."

Ali Cissoto was not as optimistic. He said, "You can't freeze him alone. I'll protect you from behind, but Isaac, you need to make necessary interceptions and disrupt his receiving."

Isaac, the defensive midfielder, was furious. In the first half, Tang Jue broke through three players, including him, to score the first goal. This made him even more angry; a sick body could still humiliate him, which was unforgivable. Isaac said, "No problem, I won't let him get the ball." If Tang Jue were healthy, he wouldn't have said that.

Benzema smiled and said, "We will definitely win!"

Both teams were highly motivated and eager to win. As athletes, being competitive and combative was their nature. Without this trait, they wouldn't be able to laugh last in the fierce competition.

The second half began with the sound of Pintori's whistle.

Both teams, with the determination to win, freely sweated on the lush green field. The sweat shimmered in the sunlight, creating a captivating glow. This was a vibrant and lively field.

In the clear blue sky, a few white clouds leisurely overlooked the earth. They were like mischievous children, making funny faces to attract attention, transforming into a puppy, a tall horse, and so on.

The youth team had minimal physical contact, and French football belonged to the European Latin style. They emphasized individual skills and smooth cooperation. The youth team was at a critical stage for skill development, and the coach focused on refining their techniques.

Tactical cooperation was the responsibility of the club's second team or even the first team. Technique was the foundation of a player's development, and tactics could improve with experience.

Therefore, it was rare to see brilliant teamwork in the youth team.

However, 15 minutes into the second half, the white team executed a beautiful play. The attacking midfielder and the right winger performed a brilliant one-two pass along the sideline. The right winger, Harry Rovello, carried the ball down the sideline at high speed.

Just five meters from the baseline, Harry Rovello, without looking up, directly passed the ball to the center. It was an aerial pass, but it didn't meet his expectations. He intended to pass the ball into the penalty area for his teammates to contest.

Based on the feel of the pass, he over-hit the ball with his right foot. The ball's landing point was around the penalty arc. He blamed himself after the pass.

Harry Rovello looked up to find the ball. Instantly, his eyes lit up with excitement and joy. His light yellow eyebrows slightly raised, and he saw the hope of a goal!

As Harry Rovello carried the ball, Tang Jue walked towards the opponent's penalty area. Due to his inability to engage in intense activity, his movement was slow. When the ball was passed to the center, he had not yet reached the penalty arc.

While Harry Rovello was quickly carrying the ball down the sideline, Isaac saw Tang Jue walking, not running. At that moment, he almost believed that Tang Jue could no longer make an impact on the field. Despite this, he did not relax his defense and stood tightly between Tang Jue and the goal, maintaining a two-meter distance.

Everyone judged the ball's landing point, which was empty. Gassama, the blue team's center-back, was one of the closest to the ball and took action, moving quickly towards it.

Based on the landing point, Isaac, the defensive midfielder, was the closest to the ball. Isaac observed the ball while keeping his attention on Tang Jue. In his peripheral vision, Tang Jue suddenly started moving!

Instantly, he took action, running quickly towards the ball!

A white lightning bolt flashed, and Isaac's hair on his right ear began to flutter, stirring the air. At this moment, Tang Jue unleashed his body's energy, surpassing Isaac and chasing the ball like lightning!

The muscles in his calves released a large amount of energy, ensuring his rapid movement. Tang Jue held his breath, fearing that disordered breathing would disrupt his running rhythm.

His heart could not withstand prolonged intense activity. The purpose of the heart's beating was to transport the nutrients and energy the body needed to the required areas.

The energy stored in the muscles could only support seven seconds of intense activity. Seven seconds, which was now enough for Tang Jue. As a true aristocrat from the 31st century, he knew this fact.

Thus, when Isaac moved, he took action, maximizing his speed. At this moment, no one would believe that Tang Jue had serious health issues; he ran even faster than the healthy Isaac!

His heart almost leaped out of his chest. Holding his breath did not stop his heart from beating. Tang Jue did not complain about his body; he focused on the ball. His concentrated expression was touching.

After three steps, Tang Jue was already at the penalty arc. His eyes were fixed on the ball, which was getting closer. His body's center of gravity shifted to the left, and his left foot, like a nail, firmly anchored into the grass, giving the impression that no force could move him.

His right leg extended backward and then quickly whipped forward, while his center of gravity continued to shift left!

He was going for a direct shot!

A volley!

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