Manchester United failed to stop AC Milan's latest attack mainly because Milan's frequent overlapping runs in the front court distracted United's defenders too much. By the time they tried to contain Suker, it was already too late.
At this level of match, scoring is a matter of split seconds.
Top-level strikers don't need extra adjustments; they make quick observations, judgments, and shoot within a second.
If you're even a step slow, you'll never catch up.
Vidić lay on the ground, frustratedly pounding his fist on the turf.
Even though he lunged hard, he still failed to block Suker's shot.
But no one knew that after passing the ball, Suker had no intention of moving forward—instead, he waited in place.
Vidić made a basic mistake: assuming the attack always moves forward, he instinctively ran ahead to block.
In fact, Vidić's positioning wasn't wrong.
He just blocked the lateral pass toward Kaká perfectly.
But Suker was just too sly.
He left an inverted triangle passing lane open, causing United's defense to collapse.
The Milan players started celebrating wildly.
That equalizing goal was critical, restoring lost momentum and the overall situation.
Suker played too many roles in this goal, making vital contributions all around.
"This guy still like this,"
Modrić shook his head slightly.
He'd been teammates with Suker for three years—from the Bosnian league to the Croatian league, and then into the Champions League.
During those years, Suker's growth was obvious.
But Modrić was certain that Suker's progress in Milan these last two years surpassed all that growth before.
Big clubs are truly the places to develop players.
After consistently impressive performances in the Champions League, Suker had become a striker feared across all of football.
Modrić's feelings were complicated.
He was happy to see his national teammate so excellent, which would benefit them at the European Championship.
But pressure came from facing AC Milan, especially as Manchester United was playing at home—they couldn't afford to lose!
"Cheer up!" Giggs shouted encouragement to teammates.
He looked at Modrić and said, "Luka, you're playing great. Don't doubt yourself. Keep playing your way."
He then called out to Carrick, "Give a signal before passing."
Carrick blushed.
Obviously, Giggs was referring to Carrick's earlier poor pass.
The celebration ended, and Manchester United players were ready to restart.
Though the score was tied, morale wasn't seriously affected.
This was still Ferguson's United—resilient, not like the flashy team of the "Seven-hag" era.
More importantly, United's attack was still effective.
Rooney, Ronaldo, and Modrić all had strong tactical and individual skills.
"Thanks to Suker's goal, AC Milan has leveled the match, making the situation more complicated,"
Aldo Serena spoke worriedly.
"Can Manchester United extend their lead at home and win? And how will Milan resist United's next attacks?"
Honestly, today's Milan wasn't the old Milan dynasty.
Since last season, Milan had been declining.
Suker and Kaká were the ones holding Milan up as a top team.
If swapped for others, Milan might have already fallen.
The match resumed.
Manchester United kicked off but didn't rush.
Modrić controlled possession, moving the ball side to side, probing with Giggs and Ronaldo on the wings.
Rooney, playing centrally, exerted heavy pressure on Milan.
But Milan's midfield dropped back quickly, greatly strengthening defense.
"Dropping back so fast!" Modrić sighed.
Serie A's chain defense isn't easy to break through.
"Pass it back!"
Modrić moved forward to receive; Ronaldo immediately passed back.
Suddenly, Ronaldo shouted, "Watch out!"
Modrić didn't stop the ball but pivoted on one foot, turning half a circle to evade Suker's press from behind and smoothly shifted play.
"Damn! This guy's got eyes in the back of his head!"
Suker lunged and missed, complaining.
Modrić glanced at Suker and winked.
Earlier, Suker had used his burst of speed to charge through between Modrić and Carrick.
Now it was Modrić's turn to repay the favor.
Modrić wasn't afraid of contact.
Though slight in build, wearing the No. 8 jersey at Manchester United in the Premier League proved his ability.
With Modrić's continuous penetrating passes, United's rhythm gradually stabilized.
Ferguson on the sidelines nodded slightly.
He was glad he bought Modrić from Dinamo Zagreb—solving United's midfield problem for the next decade.
Modrić had the talent of a midfield master, which was why Ferguson gave him chances and tactical status.
Most importantly, Modrić was obedient.
That was Ferguson's favorite trait.
Unlike others with flashy personalities or personal showmanship desires,
Modrić was always steady, putting the team first.
His passing was the greatest guarantee for United's victories.
At 31 minutes, Modrić moved up to midfield, received a pass, dribbled from left to right, dodging Seedorf's press with a simple turn.
He pushed forward one step and his right foot whipped the ball like a whip.
Bang!
The ball flew straight forward, squeezing between Maldini and Jankulovski.
A razor-sharp through ball.
At the same moment, Ronaldo sprinted down the wing.
Jankulovski lost track and fell behind.
Ronaldo received the ball, feinted to shake off his marker, and drove into the penalty area.
Jankulovski stretched out his arm to pull him down.
Beep!
The whistle blew.
Almost simultaneously as Ronaldo reached the end, the referee called foul.
The free kick was awarded near the right side of the penalty area, less than three meters from the box line.
Jankulovski received a yellow card.
Ronaldo and Modrić huddled, discussing who would take the free kick.
Milan players retreated and set up a wall.
"Someone lie down!"
"Don't lie down, stand at the right post!"
"Lie down!"
"Don't come over!"
The wall positioning was chaotic, everyone shouting different instructions.
"Enough!" Suker yelled in frustration, "Listen to Dida!"
Everyone quieted down.
Dida gestured not to lie down.
He slightly adjusted the wall and positioned near the side without the wall.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo stood over the ball.
He placed the ball carefully on the spot, stood tall, took a deep breath, then stepped back a few paces and moved slightly sideways.
This was his signature approach.
Ronaldo kept breathing deeply.
Though still young, he was already showing his clutch qualities.
Seeing Ronaldo's steady breathing and determined eyes, Suker was stunned.
"Damn! I've seen that look before!"
Beep!
The whistle blew.
Ronaldo sprinted up and struck the ball sharply.
His supporting foot planted firmly, toes pointed up slightly, causing his body to lift briefly.
His right foot struck the ball hard.
The ball barely spun, flew over Pirlo's head, and dropped sharply near the goal.
A Knuckle ball!
Swish!
The ball headed straight for the corner.
Goalkeeper Dida dived but couldn't touch it.
33 minutes—Manchester United extended their lead with Ronaldo's goal.
"Roar!!!!!!!"
Ronaldo screamed fiercely and sprinted toward the corner flag.
Near the corner, he jumped high, spun in midair, and landed gracefully with arms swinging naturally.
Siu!
Suker quietly mimicked the shout.
Kaká turned, "What did you say?"
"Nothing!" Suker shook his head.