Without Cao Baming, the players on the field were instantly thrown into disarray, their thoughts muddled.
When Cao Baming was on the field, they didn't need to consider so much; they could just pass him the ball. But now, there was no such person on the field.
Cao Baming's eyes held a hint of worry as he watched the situation unfold, realizing they might concede a goal next!
Without him on the field, the talent boost was also gone.
The players on the field were also very confused. They were fine just moments ago, and then suddenly, they felt that passing and controlling the ball had become difficult, leading to frequent errors!
Should they replenish their sea cucumbers? The players were perplexed.
As a result, the German team quickly seized an opportunity. With a low cross from Havertz into the goalmouth, Wang Gang, while backtracking, kicked the ball into his own net while clearing!
*Bang!* Li Gang's palm slapped hard against his forehead!
"What the hell is this!"
The German fans rejoiced, their faint hope reignited. Though minuscule, it was enough to illuminate their path forward.
"It seems there's still a chance. I'll cancel the rooftop reservation for now!"
"Come on! Only ten minutes left!"
Three to one. A crisis had befallen Tangguo. Cao Baming, who had already been substituted, was also helpless; there was no way to get back on the field.
Li Gang had undoubtedly made the same mistake as Flick, underestimating their opponents!
In previous matches, the opposing team hadn't been this ferocious. Yet, in an instant, it was as if they had switched teams! The "war chariot" had been idling all along and had only just started its engine now!
Facing Germany's fierce attacks, sharp bayonets lunged towards the penalty area from all directions. Despite all ten players retreating to defend, major crises kept emerging!
Li Gang regretted substituting Cao Baming so early. He finally understood the helplessness on Cao Baming's face earlier.
It was too late to realize now! He wished Cao Baming had slapped him then to wake him up!
At this moment, he could only pray for time to pass quickly, for minimal added time, and for no more unexpected incidents.
But just then, Germany made another substitution. Flick also saw the rare opportunity on the field and immediately brought on another player, increasing their attacking firepower!
The four defenders were even switched to three center-backs, signaling a desperate, all-out assault!
The players of Tangguo, though still holding on with sheer momentum, were starting to show the widening gap.
Just as the fans were questioning, Wu Tao's clearance unexpectedly found Wu Lei. The newly substituted German defense had momentarily relaxed their guard!
Wu Lei advanced alone, with Rüdiger tightly marking him. He was the last defender!
While running at high speed, Wu Lei suddenly changed direction. Rüdiger lost his balance, almost falling, but was now completely outmaneuvered!
"Wu Lei is through on goal! Is the fourth goal coming?"
The commentator's excitement surged to a new climax!
"He feints past the goalkeeper! Shoots!"
"Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Simply astonishing! Wu Lei!!!"
"The person who steps up in crucial moments isn't just Cao Baming!"
"Beautiful! A marvelous pass, a feint, and he tricked the goalkeeper!"
"The training in La Liga is paying off! A direct confrontation between a La Liga striker and a La Liga goalkeeper!"
"Hero!!"
Cao Baming also stood up excitedly, shouting loudly towards the field!
"Wu Lei, you're awesome!"
This goal was too unexpected!
Even Cao Baming, who could foresee the future, hadn't anticipated a goal scored in this manner!
At this moment, Germany found themselves in a dilemma, even a desperate situation!
They had just intensified their attack and withdrawn a center-back, only to have this result. What now?
Flick couldn't have calculated that Tangguo could still pose such a threat without Cao Baming. One Cao Baming was gone, and another Wu Lei emerged! They were impossible to defend against!
The players on the field celebrated wildly, the fans cheered, and some even sang in Chinese!
The stadium echoed with the fans' songs, and amid this fervent atmosphere, the match continued!
In the final minutes, Germany continued their full-force attack. In the last minute of regulation time, Müller's surgical through ball found Havertz again.
A decisive header sent the ball into the net.
However, the goal was ruled offside!
They were desperate!
Because there was no time left!
Seeing this, Cao Baming was certain that the final outcome of the match would not change.
The three minutes of added time quickly passed. With a loud blast of the referee's whistle, the match ended!
This whistle sound inflicted tons of magical damage on countless fans and spectators, piercing their hearts like icy swords!
"Four to one! Tangguo wins the match!!"
"Cao Baming's hat-trick and Wu Lei's late surge helped Tangguo secure their first victory in the group stage, completely overturning the war chariot!"
At this moment, the rooftops were crowded with wailing figures!
Today was the doomsday for gamblers!
A massive upset! Tangguo, with a four-to-one dominance over Germany! It was almost unbelievable!
The Tangguo players on the field hugged each other excitedly. The substitute players also rushed out from the bench!
Today, they not only made history but also conquered their inner demons!
Especially the goal scored after Cao Baming's substitution solidified their belief in their own strength; even without their star player, they were formidable!
At this moment, a system voice sounded in Cao Baming's mind.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for accumulating a total of 72,400 points..."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a top-tier talent card..."
Tangguo fans cheered and celebrated everywhere, beating gongs and drums.
The battered German "war chariot" had to leave in disarray, filled with anger and helplessness!
Flick lowered his head and sighed heavily.
After the match, major news outlets began a fierce discussion about this earth-shattering upset!
"Germany is out of this World Cup!"
"Their performance and state today can only be described as abysmal! So disappointing!"
"Give me my money back!"
Fans passionately voiced their opinions.
Most complained about Germany playing a fixed match, but a few voices acknowledged the strength of Tangguo.
Cao Baming didn't care about any of this.