The conversation was in full swing when suddenly something happened on the field!
"Luís Figo's diagonal pass from the front! Like a scalpel!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo with a two-step run-up and jump! Ah, what a pity!"
The ball grazed Cristiano Ronaldo's hair but didn't change its course, continuing directly out of bounds. The referee pointed towards the goal, awarding a goal kick!
The goalkeeper, Yan Junlin, broke out in a cold sweat!
"That jump from Cristiano Ronaldo earlier, he's already half a body ahead of the defender next to him! This leaping ability is too terrifying! No wonder the goalkeeper was scared to death!"
"Luís Figo's pass was also extremely threatening. Although it was a bit too high, the timing and placement of the pass were perfect, simply world-class. We never expected such a pass!"
"Unexpected, a sudden attack, truly worthy of being the eternal midfield maestro!"
"He probably passed the ball with the same force he would have used for a younger Cristiano Ronaldo. If Cristiano Ronaldo were two years younger, it would have been perfect, and he would have headed it straight into the goal!"
At this moment, Cao Baming also breathed a sigh of relief and returned to midfield.
In the stands, an old man was quietly watching the game.
This man was Pelé, over eighty years old, a former legend of the Samba legion, and the one most people called the King of Football.
After a long struggle with cancer for years, he had finally succeeded. Now, he was able to sit and witness his national team's World Cup match. It was his dream to see the Samba legion win the championship!
This year's squad and the fiery form they had shown in previous matches undoubtedly brought him closest to his dream.
Since he was here, he naturally wouldn't miss this match. Cao Baming was someone he had been following for a long time.
A new generation's "little king" who had emerged from nowhere, and his skill was so formidable, how could he not attract the attention of the old king?
Soon, the goal kick was taken.
Twenty minutes of the match had already passed. During this time, Cao Baming, with his God's perspective and mind-reading ability, had gained a thorough understanding of almost every opponent.
Even if he couldn't claim absolute prediction, he could at least have a clear idea in his mind. Next, the Tang National team would sound the horn of attack!
At this very moment, the Portuguese players were thinking the same thing. They had created a few chances with some brilliant passes, but those were ultimately minor skirmishes. The real attack would only commence after the head coach, Santos, made a substitution.
The player slated for substitution was already warming up on the sidelines. His entry onto the field would signal a full-scale offensive for the entire Portuguese team.
Two minutes later, as Cao Baming sounded the horn of attack, the Tang National team changed their offensive rhythm. Coincidentally, Santos's substitution also happened at this precise moment!
Although the fans didn't know it yet, a thrilling offensive battle would unfold in the remaining time of the first half!
Cao Baming had already glimpsed the intentions from the eyes of Santos and many of the opposing players. In fact, this suited his intentions perfectly.
If the opponent relaxed their defense, it would be his time to shine!
Beside Cao Baming, Bruno Fernandes, Luís Figo, and Bernardo—top midfielders all—suddenly had a gleam in their eyes!
Indeed! Soon, Portugal unleashed a Gatling-gun-like bombardment in the front!
After three unsuccessful attacks, Cao Baming's eyes flickered, and he suddenly appeared in Luís Figo's passing lane!
This astonishing, incredibly imaginative, scalpel-like through pass, which resembled a cannonball piercing through a barrel, was precisely predicted by Cao Baming!
"If this pass went through, Cristiano Ronaldo would have scored it with a 100% certainty! That pass would have been legendary!"
"No one could have thought of passing like that, not even us with God's perspective!"
"Cao Baming did!"
After intercepting the ball, a faint smile appeared on Cao Baming's lips, unnoticed by anyone. In an instant, he carried the ball alone to midfield, forcefully sending it back along the route of Figo's exquisite pass!
Facing Figo, Cao Baming feinted left with a simple dribble, easily shaking him off. The entire stadium erupted in thunderous applause and screams!
"A direct clash between two midfield supermasters!!!" The commentator's voice became hoarse with excitement.
Who would have thought that Cao Baming had done it intentionally, running towards Figo? This was the effect he wanted!
As Luís Figo realized he had been beaten, he turned to try and recover the ball, only to find that Cao Baming was already several meters away!
He could only make a token chase for two steps, his eyes full of anticipation for his teammates.
The next opponent was Bernardo, but at the same time, several midfielders rushed to provide cover.
The Tang National team sent out multiple arrows simultaneously, with players on the left, center, and right, like streaks of red lightning, ready to receive the ball and shoot at any moment!
Cao Baming knew well that the duration of the offensive horn had not yet passed, and his teammates were reliable. He wanted to demonstrate how to pass himself!
By now, Luís Figo was too far away and had completely given up chasing. His gaze was fixed on Cao Baming, and though Cao Baming hadn't looked back, he was acutely aware of Figo's gaze.
So, watch this!
Bernardo stepped forward proactively. Cao Baming didn't stop but used his step to pass the ball underneath him!
With an unbelievable arc, the ball flew diagonally to a forty-five-degree angle towards the penalty area, moving almost parallel by the time it reached the goalmouth!
Wu Lei, who was making the first run, just had to lightly lift his leg, and the ball was in the net!
The fans at the sidelines erupted in cheers and screams, and the commentators were too excited to speak for a moment, only able to join in the screaming!
"This is a divine pass! Only Cao Baming could do this! He's no longer human!"
At this moment, Luís Figo dejectedly lowered his head. He was utterly disheartened.
Bernardo then fell to the ground, but he could no longer fool anyone. Everyone knew that Cao Baming had not touched him at all when he kicked the ball.
Amidst the goal celebration, Cao Baming shook him off directly and walked away without looking back. No one, not even the referee, paid him any attention.
After lying on the ground for a few more seconds, he had no choice but to reluctantly get back up himself.
"Cao Baming! Cao Baming! Cao Baming!"
His name echoed through the stadium once more, giving it the feel of a home game!
At this moment, the score of the match was no longer important. What mattered was to satisfy the fans and give them an enjoyable spectacle!
Cao Baming knew exactly what the fans wanted to see, very clearly.