"The man has entered the pitch! The hope of the Tangguo team has finally arrived!"
"With Cao Baming on the field, the Tangguo team's offense and defense will surely be strengthened by more than one level. The second half is precisely our time to counterattack!"
"This substitution of ours can definitely be considered a very clear signal for offense. The opposing coach is probably not stupid and can also see this."
They would naturally make an early prediction about such a situation and be fully prepared, otherwise, it would be too disrespectful to the World Cup.
Before they could discuss for too long, the referee blew the whistle for the start of the second half.
As soon as the whistle sounded, the players began to sprint madly, the red and white colors on the field interwoven and crisscrossing.
Cao Baming, wearing a bright red jersey, had an entirely different aura compared to when he was at Arsenal. Today, he was exceptionally dashing and handsome.
The kick-off for the second half belonged to the Tangguo team. Cao Baming's eyes glinted. If that's the case, then they shouldn't easily lose possession!
After quickly scanning the Costa Rican players in front of him, Cao Baming basically had a clear understanding of what each of them was planning in their minds.
Next, he would go to the backfield to engage in passing and possession with his teammates, gradually gaining control of the game's rhythm and becoming the dominant side.
With Cao Baming's arrival, possession indeed became much easier. The opponent's pressing was not weak, but they couldn't succeed. Not only did Cao Baming have no issues, but everyone else seemed to have improved as well.
The entire Tangguo team felt incredibly comfortable. It was as if they were practicing passing and possession on the training ground, with no interference from opponents around them.
The Costa Ricans, repeatedly toyed with, began to show despair on their faces. Cao Baming saw it all and felt a sense of satisfaction.
Every time the ball came to Cao Baming's feet, he would pass it out in one touch, always making the best decision in an extremely short amount of time.
At this moment, countless club scouts were salivating. Although envious, it wouldn't be easy to pry him away from Arsenal.
True attacks often come suddenly amidst calm possession, catching opponents off guard and posing the greatest threat.
In the 48th minute, after receiving the ball, Cao Baming still passed it out in one touch, but this time it was directly forward!
"He spotted Fang Hao in space! This attack! A great opportunity for the Tangguo team!"
"It has suddenly become clear!"
A dozen seconds later, all the Tangguo players quickly rushed to the penalty area. Due to Fang Hao's momentary hesitation, the opponent's defense had already fallen back into position.
What should have been a swift counterattack turned into a set-piece battle!
Helpless, Fang Hao glanced at his teammates in the penalty area. As he was about to cross, he suddenly saw Cao Baming in the distance.
A spark of inspiration struck him, and he immediately changed his target, passing the ball back to Cao Baming outside the penalty area!
Cao Baming had anticipated this pass. He took two steps forward. Before the ball even reached him, a clear number appeared before his eyes: 88.
Very auspicious!
Cao Baming decisively unleashed a volley, kicking the ball towards the goal. This shot had no curve; it was a pure, top-tier cannonball!
By the time the goalkeeper reacted, the ball was already at the goal line, leaving him no time to make a save!
But just then, a player suddenly appeared in front of the goal, and his head directly blocked the ball out for a corner!
Cao Baming frowned, sensing something was wrong!
If not for that block, the ball would have gone in!
This player clearly wasn't actively intercepting; he was just coincidentally positioning himself to participate in the defense. Otherwise, he wouldn't have used his temple to take such a powerful shot!
As the ball went out for a corner, he also collapsed to the ground!
This fall was not faked at all, as he had completely lost consciousness!
The referee immediately blew the whistle to stop the game!
Cao Baming also walked over with concern.
He knew how powerful his volley had been. For this man to take it with his head, it was fortunate his head hadn't fallen off yet!
However, a concussion was inevitable! The referee made a brief check and confirmed that the player had no reaction, only faint breathing.
The team doctor quickly came onto the field, along with a group of medical staff and team emergency personnel.
The spectators could see from afar that this was a serious, very serious situation!
Not long after, a stretcher carried the unconscious player off the field and directly to the ambulance!
According to football rules, a concussion grants an additional substitution. With his departure, another young player warmed up on the sidelines, ready to take his place.
"Didn't he know the power of Cao Baming's shot? How could he dare to block it? I'm so sad, he's so dedicated and patriotic!"
"How many is this? How many have been sent to the hospital after being hit by a shot?"
The fans' shock lingered. Cao Baming's face was also etched with helplessness.
Soon, the game resumed, and the referee still awarded a corner kick to the Tangguo team.
The Costa Rican fans at the sideline were filled with anger. Their player was sent to the hospital, and yet the opposing team got a corner kick!
Unfortunately, Cao Baming had not violated any football rules. No one is prohibited from taking powerful shots!
At this moment, football enthusiasts worldwide watching the match were involuntarily trembling. The most fearful were the professional athletes who were about to face Cao Baming. Watching the replay, it was like watching a horror movie!
The ball hit his head and sent him flying. The force was truly enough to be fatal!
Would they have to face this situation too? They chose to play football out of love, but who would have thought it would be so dangerous!
It was truly a life-or-death situation!
The Tangguo team's corner kick was taken!
They didn't win the header at the near post. As a Costa Rican player cleared the ball from the penalty area, they also coincidentally gained possession.
For a corner kick, the attacking team has a much harder time than the defending team. This is because the attacking team is the proactive one. When the corner comes in, they must head it towards the goal, and it needs to be accurate, ideally beating the goalkeeper's hands.
However, for the defending team, it is much easier. They just need to mark their opponents, preventing them from easily heading the ball. If they still manage to head it, they should not be given an easy opportunity. This is enough to prevent the opponent from scoring.
A few more minutes passed. By the 55th minute, Cao Baming won a header at the near post, helping Tangguo equalize the score!