This match is a duel between Cao Baiming and the entire Samba Legion.
A direct confrontation between a single-core team and a multi-core team, both sides boast absolutely top-tier stars, top-tier in the world today, even surpassing the first tier.
This match is a "match of the century," attracting many prominent figures to the stadium, including even Pelé and Beckham.
After the celebratory demonstrations, the referee arrives at the center circle, ready to kick off.
"Welcome to the first leg of the 1/4 finals of the World Cup knockout stage, the Tang Country team versus the Samba Legion!"
"The current situation in the World Cup is that only the last four teams remain in fierce contention, and the tension is escalating!"
"No one wants to be eliminated at this stage; to have all previous victories go to waste would be too regrettable!"
"The Samba Legion has made a surprising tactical change, benching both Kaká and Militão!"
"Why is Ederson starting in goal instead of the goalkeeping titan Alisson? What does this mean? Are they afraid Cao Baiming will injure him so badly he can't play in the subsequent finals?"
"He's thinking too far ahead! Let's win this match first!"
The fans are not particularly surprised by Kaká and Militão being on the bench, given the Samba Legion's incredibly deep and dazzling squad. However, Alisson sitting on the bench is truly inexplicable.
Equally perplexed is Ederson, now standing before the goal.
He only remembers the head coach personally approaching him two days ago, saying, "You'll be our starting goalkeeper in the next match!"
For a moment, seeing the smile on Head Coach Diter's face, he thought his time had finally come. But why did he still feel there was something more to it?
This was also something Cao Baiming immediately recognized.
"It seems they respect me quite a bit, sending out a suicide squad first."
The Tang Country team, however, appears to have a complete lineup with all their main players present, and few tactical variations. Their sole core is the midfielder Cao Baiming!
As the referee's clear whistle sounds, the match begins!
"The match has started!!!"
The entire stadium erupts in cheers and other noises, fans waving their belongings and clothing.
One must experience the immersive feeling of being at a stadium at least once in their lifetime; the passion and fervor are unforgettable.
And this match amplifies that experience to an unprecedented level.
Over a hundred thousand fans are cheering for the game!
Just after the kickoff, Tang Country team makes a mistake, and Casemiro intercepts the ball. The Samba Legion immediately presses forward, seemingly unconcerned.
Their eyes are solely on Cao Baiming; as long as he is in their own half, they act as if there is no opponent behind them.
Soon, the ball reaches Neymar's feet. His dribbling skills are on par with the footballing wizard Ronaldinho from back in the day.
At this very moment, Ronaldinho is watching from the VIP section in the mid-tier of the stands, dressed in loose clothing.
He sees in Neymar his successor, the continuation of the footballing wizard's legacy. Neymar, too, regards Ronaldinho as his idol.
Their playing styles are so similar, even their pre-dribble body movements are coincidentally identical, leading one to wonder if it's deliberate.
The Samba Legion gains the early advantage, frequently creating threats in the Tang Country team's half.
And they attack from all three fronts; one person cannot defend against this; this is where teamwork is crucial!
In the 9th minute, after sustained pressure, the Samba Legion makes a mistake. Cao Baiming seizes the opportunity, carries the ball to the wing, and then sends a through pass.
If the subtlety of Cao Baiming's pass were to be described, it would be no less brilliant than Messi's. Unfortunately, Cao Baiming's teammates lack such powerful abilities, and once again, the opportunity is wasted.
As the match continues, the Samba Legion launches another counter-attack, their entire force pushing forward.
Ronaldo stands menacingly near the offside line. The two defenders next to him are incredibly nervous; they are not defending against an ordinary person but against "The Alien."
Their passing masters are abundant, whether it's Neymar and Vinícius Júnior on the left wing, Casemiro in the midfield, or Antony on the right.
Indeed, this attack originates from the right. After receiving a pass from a teammate, Antony performs a 720-degree spin, evading Wang Gang's defense, and then sends a through ball.
Tang Country's defensive line is dizzy and disoriented by Antony's spin, almost feeling carsick for a moment. Their minds go completely blank.
The ball easily gets through, heading towards "The Alien" Ronaldo. Fortunately, Cao Baiming timely tracks back to cover and dispossesses him.
A sliding tackle, and the ball is kicked out of bounds by Cao Baiming.
Fifteen minutes have passed, and the score is still 0-0. At this point, the Samba Legion is starting to feel fatigued, primarily mentally.
At this stage in their previous match, they had already scored two goals. They never expected this Tang Country team to be so defensively strong compared to Morocco in the last match.
Cao Baiming, after sending the ball out of bounds, regains his composure and sighs softly, looking straight ahead.
It is at this moment that he suddenly realizes that the Samba Legion, hailed as the strongest team in the universe this year, stands on this field, and they are his enemies.
There's no need to blame his teammates; the current situation is not entirely unexpected. However, a morale boost is urgently needed.
Looking around, it is evident that his teammates' confidence has been eroded over these past fifteen minutes. They need a goal.
As he watches the sideline, where someone is preparing to take a throw-in, Cao Baiming has already made a decision.
Supreme Treasure! Use it in advance!
Immediately, Cao Baiming feels a magical power surging within his body. His next touch will be a guaranteed goal, and simultaneously, his keen sense for the ball becomes even sharper.
Antony takes the throw-in. His teammate then shields the ball with his back and passes it back to Antony. They execute a small area combination, and a teammate makes a run to receive the ball forward.
At this moment, Fang Hao steps up! He retreats from the front line to defend, catching them by surprise, and once again regains possession from the side and rear!
Cao Baiming raises his hands high.