If such a scoreline were to explode in the Premier League, it would inevitably hit the news, and once it hit the news, it would be seen by people all over the world.
No club wants to suffer such humiliation.
At this moment, they could only defend with all their might. The idea of leveling the score was impossible. Under the coach's instructions, the team began to adopt an even tighter defensive formation, parking the bus.
All players, including the forwards, had to retreat to defend. Anyone thinking of attacking now would no longer be part of the team and would likely be substituted within two minutes.
Parking the bus! This was the last resort, as it also meant almost completely abandoning any hope of equalizing.
It was only the eleventh minute, and they were already resorting to their last measure. The Southampton manager's brow furrowed. He had ultimately underestimated the strength of Arsenal's full squad.
Cao Baming continued to roam freely in midfield. So far, Messi and he had each scored one goal.
The new breakthrough effect was also very satisfying. The thirty percent increase in shooting power might not seem significant to outsiders, as that last shot was a grounder. However, he himself could feel the difference.
The ball speed was faster than before, and it almost ripped the net when it entered the goal, which was unprecedented.
In the seventeenth minute, Southampton made a defensive error in the back, gifting another opportunity. Messi's hurried shot lacked power and was saved by the goalkeeper. Vieira's follow-up shot also failed to find the net.
In the twenty-fifth minute, Arsenal took a throw-in from the wing. Messi, with his nimble footwork, evaded the defense and entered the "Messi Corridor." The "old flea" danced in the penalty area, threading a pass through the tight space between three defenders. Henry's shot went slightly wide.
In the twenty-seventh minute, White's long-range shot hit the post. He might have been wondering why his shots didn't hit the post when he intended to before.
Soon, Arsenal discovered that the opponent's defense was extremely dense, making it difficult to create the same kind of clear chances as before.
The stalemate in the first half dragged on until the final moments. Cao Baming's lofted pass found Henry in the penalty area. The latter suddenly accelerated, received the ball in mid-air, and unleashed a spectacular overhead kick towards the goal with a 360-degree spin!
The ball was in!
This goal was even more spectacular than Zidane's "heavenly flying fairy"!
The entire stadium erupted with applause and cheers.
Just as everyone was excitedly embracing, the linesman suddenly raised his flag.
The goal was disallowed for offside!
Their last chance had also slipped away. The first half was about to end, with only four minutes remaining. Cao Baming had a flash of inspiration. The opponent was still marking him closely.
Perhaps, if he didn't receive the ball, they would be run ragged.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Cao Baming once again orchestrated a scenario almost identical to the game's first goal. A clever shift and turn, coupled with a glance towards the goal.
Then Henry received the ball and unleashed a powerful shot into the net! Three-nil, clean and decisive!
It was all with a single glance!
So, could he invent a new tactic, the "gaze tactic," capable of attracting defenders with just a look?
Last time it was Messi, this time it was Henry. Although Cao Baming didn't provide the assist, his glance had a greater effect than an assist. Everyone present had likely witnessed it.
The match then entered halftime.
Such a scoreline was not entirely unexpected, but the fact that the three of them each scored a goal was also notable, as this was their first game starting together since the World Cup.
This result was quite satisfying, even though it was only the first half.
Meanwhile, in the distant land of Spain, significant news broke.
Zidane had been involved in a car accident during his vacation and was currently in the hospital for emergency treatment. His injuries were reported to be severe!
This news immediately shot to the top of global headlines and, during halftime, spread like wildfire among fans!
La Liga was also in full swing. In their previous match, Real Madrid had secured an impressive 4-0 away victory against Espanyol.
In that game, although Zidane did not score, he provided three brilliant assists on his own.
Fans were cheering and rejoicing, especially Zidane's personal fans, who were full of admiration and awe for his phenomenal performance in that match.
The World Cup was not just a fleeting moment. He had returned to his peak form, dominating La Liga as if an old hand had entered a novice village to wreak havoc.
Even the day after the match, Zidane had been granted a vacation by his club.
It was during this very vacation that the tragic incident occurred. Three hours ago, a truck carrying steel lost its brakes on the highway. Unexpectedly, at a traffic intersection, it collided head-on with none other than "Zizou" himself!
Another friend of his was also in the car. Rumor had it that the friend sustained only minor injuries, but Zidane was rushed to the operating room. There was no further news at the moment!
As a result, all fans were undoubtedly captivated by this news. The subsequent matches even seemed dull and uninteresting. Without a doubt, Zidane's injury would be a major story in the football world.
Nearly two hours had passed since he was taken to the emergency room, and everyone was awaiting further news, too concerned to watch the game.
In the locker rooms of both teams, the news had also spread rapidly.
Zidane was considered a master in the football world, an idol for many. If his entire football career were to be cut short by a car accident, it would be too tragic, a matter of profound regret for all football enthusiasts.
The return of the "god" Zidane to his peak had allowed him to showcase a phenomenal performance in an era that was not his own, giving fans who never had the chance to see his divine prowess on the field in person a chance to witness it.
Fans silently prayed to the heavens, hoping desperately that he would be alright!
Cao Baming soon learned of the news and felt a sense of melancholy.
However, given the time, the news should be coming out soon. They surely understood everyone's urgent anticipation. Everyone was concerned about him.
But before any new developments emerged, the second half of the match began.