Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The National Football Team, after two poor performances, returns to Xianghe Base, greeted by thousands of fans and media.
• Zhu Guanghu, the coach, plans to use the returning overseas-based players as the core of the next match's lineup while continuing to develop young talent.
• He decides to test a new formation and lineup for the match against Palestine, focusing on improving the team's attack.
• An internal scrimmage confirms Zhu Guanghu's decision, and the team travels to Jordan for the away match against Palestine.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng and other overseas-based players return to boost the team's morale and performance.
• Zhu Guanghu shows his strategic thinking and commitment to long-term team development.
• Young players like Yu Hai are given opportunities to grow and integrate into the team's system.
• Lin Feng, despite being considered for a forward role, ultimately remains in midfield due to his crucial role in controlling the game.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and balance in football, as seen in the internal scrimmage's results.
• The need for patience and long-term planning in team development, as demonstrated by Zhu Guanghu's approach.
• The pressure and expectations placed on the National Football Team by fans and the media.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng, Feng Xiaoting, Gao Lin, and Chen Tao discuss their experiences in Europe and the upcoming match.
• Lin Feng, Feng Xiaoting, and Gao Lin joke about fans' recognition and the importance of platform and performance.
• Chen Tao reflects on his experiences and the risks of joining elite clubs.
• Lin Feng, Feng Xiaoting, and Gao Lin discuss the upcoming match and the importance of scoring goals to gain recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese Men's Football Team plays Palestine in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
• The Chinese team secures qualification but wants to win to avoid harsh words from Palestine's Football Association.
• The Chinese team takes an early 2:0 lead with two goals from Gao Lin in the first ten minutes.

Character Developments

• Gao Lin shows significant improvement, scoring two goals and showing good movement and finishing.
• Lin Feng, Chen Tao, and Zheng Zhi strengthen the midfield, leading to better team performance.
• Zhu Guanghu, the coach, emphasizes tactical ground combinations over aerial bombardment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of team chemistry and understanding in football.
• The impact of foreign players on domestic players' development.
• The evolution of football tactics and the need for teams to adapt.

Character Interactions

• Gao Lin and Lin Feng combine well, with Lin Feng creating chances for Gao Lin's goals.
• The midfield trio of Lin Feng, Chen Tao, and Zheng Zhi play a crucial role in controlling the game.
• Zhu Guanghu encourages his players to play more combination football along the ground.

China crushed Palestine 6–0, clinching first place in the group and early qualification for the Asian Cup Main Tournament. Zhu Guanghu remained concerned about the team's dependence on Lin Feng as the victory left fans discussing the upcoming Asian Cup draw.

• Zhu Guanghu worried that the National Football Team relied too heavily on Lin Feng and the other returning overseas players.
• Zheng Zhi scored after Palestine goalkeeper Saleh had saved his earlier free kick, putting China ahead 3–0.
• Lin Feng volleyed in China's fourth goal, securing the team's group-leading qualification regardless of the Iraq versus Singapore result.
• Gao Lin completed a hat trick with an acrobatic finish to make it 5–0.
• Chen Tao scored from a free kick, and China defeated Palestine 6–0 after Zhu Guanghu made several substitutions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese National Team wins a match, and Coach Zhu Guanghu expresses confidence in facing any opponent in the upcoming Asian Cup, even the strongest teams like Japan, South Korea, and Iran.
• Goalkeeper Cesar of Inter Milan gets injured during the Brazil National Team match, leaving Inter Milan with veteran Goalkeeper Toldo as the temporary replacement.
• Inter Milan hosts Spartak Moscow in the Champions League group stage. Despite being incomplete due to suspensions and injuries, Inter Milan takes an early lead through Cruz's goal in the 3rd minute.

Character Developments

• Coach Zhu Guanghu demonstrates bold confidence in the Chinese National Team's abilities and sets high goals for the upcoming Asian Cup.
• Cruz, an Inter Milan striker who hasn't started a match since Torres and Crespo joined, gets his chance and scores in the 3rd minute, boosting his confidence and the team's morale.
• Recoba, despite not being a regular starter, shows impressive skill and creativity in the match against Spartak Moscow, setting up Cruz's goal.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and boldness in facing challenges (Chinese National Team and Cruz's goal)
• Overcoming adversity (Inter Milan's incomplete lineup due to suspensions and injuries)
• The importance of seizing opportunities (Cruz's goal and Recoba's performance)

Character Interactions

• Zhu Guanghu interacts with reporters, expressing confidence in the Chinese National Team's abilities and setting high expectations.
• Cruz and Recoba combine to score Inter Milan's second goal, demonstrating teamwork and understanding on the pitch.

Inter Milan overwhelmed Spartak Moscow, taking a 4:0 lead as Cruz, Lin Feng, and Torres scored. Lin Feng encouraged Torres at halftime, and the chapter ended with Mancini rotating key players while Inter stayed in control.

• Recoba assisted Cruz and then set up Lin Feng for a long-range goal, giving Inter Milan a 3:0 lead before the 20th minute.
• Spartak created a few chances, but Toldo and Inter's defense kept them from scoring while Mancini urged his players to stay focused.
• Lin Feng reassured a frustrated Torres at halftime, telling him his speed and explosiveness would matter more against stronger opponents.
• Torres combined with Vieira to score Inter Milan's fourth goal in the 56th minute.
• Mancini substituted Figo, Lin Feng, and Zanetti to protect key players and manage the squad's workload.

Inter Milan beat Spartak Moscow 4–1 and stayed top of Champions League Group B, while Lin Feng reflected on player fitness and arranged to rest. His absence then contributed to Inter’s 0–0 draw with Udinese, as Roma also dropped points and AC Milan fell to Palermo.

• Spartak Moscow scored through Pavlyuchenko, but Cruz later had a goal disallowed for dangerous play before Inter held on to win 4–1.
• Bayern Munich beat Sporting Lisbon 1–0, while Chelsea defeated Barcelona and Werder Bremen beat Levski Sofia in Group A.
• Lin Feng spoke with Mancini about managing his workload, and Mancini said he planned to rest him for the next match.
• Mancini left Lin Feng out against Udinese, and Inter drew 0–0 after Stanković was sent off and failed to replace Lin Feng’s attacking influence.
• AS Roma struggled to a draw against Chievo, while AC Milan lost 2–0 at home to Palermo and faced growing pressure to improve their league form.

Arsenal and Chelsea’s managers regretted missing out on Lin Feng as they weighed their squads and transfer decisions, while Inter Milan crushed Livorno before turning to the Milan Derby. The derby began with AC Milan attacking aggressively, but early chances went begging and Vieira was booked for fouling Kaka.

• Wenger accepted Arsenal’s Champions League loss to CSKA Moscow but regretted failing to sign Lin Feng.
• Mourinho worried about Chelsea’s upcoming return match against Barcelona and regretted Abramovich’s decision to spend €50 million on Shevchenko instead of Lin Feng.
• Inter Milan beat Livorno 4-1 as Torres scored twice and Lin Feng provided a goal and two assists.
• AC Milan and Inter prepared for the derby with incomplete lineups, and Ancelotti brought back Milan’s Christmas Tree formation.
• AC Milan attacked from kickoff, but Kaladze volleyed an early chance over the bar.
• Kaka dribbled past Vieira in the third minute, and Vieira fouled him from behind and received a yellow card.

Lin Feng helped Inter withstand AC Milan's early pressure, then intercepted a pass during a Milan counterattack and launched a quick break. His long ball set up Torres to score in the 11th minute, giving Inter a 1:0 lead.

• Lin Feng blocked Pirlo's dangerous free kick with his forehead and recovered after being briefly dazed.
• Inter's attack was stopped by AC Milan's compact defense, and Vieira's header and Torres's blocked volley failed to produce a goal.
• Gattuso handled Lin Feng's pass and received a yellow card, but Kaladze cleared Lin Feng's free kick and Milan launched a counterattack.
• Lin Feng anticipated Kaka's return pass, intercepted it, and drove forward before beating Pirlo with a feint.
• Lin Feng lofted a long pass into the penalty area, where Torres beat Nesta to the ball and headed past Dida to put Inter ahead 1:0 in the 11th minute.

Inter Milan took a two-goal lead over AC Milan after Torres’s opening goal survived a dispute and a stadium disturbance briefly halted the derby. Milan pressed to respond, while controversial refereeing decisions continued to inflame both sets of supporters.

• Collina upheld Torres’s goal after Milan appealed that Dida had been charged, then booked Inzaghi for diving when he fell under Materazzi’s close marking.
• Milan supporters rioted in the stands, forcing the referee crew to leave the pitch under security escort; after troublemakers were removed, the match resumed.
• Lin Feng finished a flowing Inter Milan move in the 22nd minute, making the score 2–0.
• Seedorf and Kaka tested Toldo with long-range efforts, but the Inter Milan goalkeeper kept Milan from scoring.
• Torres nearly added a third after a pass from Crespo, but Dida blocked his shot.
• Farina later called a foul against Materazzi and only warned Seedorf for bringing down Maicon, prompting Inter Milan supporters to boo.

Inter Milan built a 3-0 lead over AC Milan in the derby, but Seedorf scored to make it 3-1 and revive the home side. With Milan roaring for a comeback, the match entered a tense new phase.

• Farina gave Seedorf a yellow card for fouling Materazzi again, prompting boos from both sets of fans and an argument between Mancini and Ancelotti.
• Cafu pushed forward for AC Milan, but Materazzi repeatedly stopped his attacks as both teams battled fiercely through the first half.
• Materazzi was carried off injured, and Milan exploited his absence to create a chance for Kaka, while Inter later threatened through a Stanković free kick before halftime.
• Ancelotti made three substitutions at halftime, but Torres scored soon after the restart to put Inter Milan 3-0 ahead.
• Seedorf scored from outside the penalty area after his shot deflected off Córdoba, reducing the deficit to 3-1 as Milan supporters began chanting for a comeback.

Key Plot Points and Events

• AC Milan scores two quick goals in the second half, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
• Inter Milan scores again through Cruz, extending their lead to 4-1.
• AC Milan's attacks become less threatening due to Inter Milan's aggressive pressing by Lin Feng, Torres, and Crespo.

Character Developments

• Kaka showcases his speed and dribbling skills, nearly scoring but is fouled by Maicon.
• Lin Feng and Torres actively press AC Milan's defenders, affecting their ability to build attacks.
• Cruz scores a crucial goal soon after coming on as a substitute, solidifying Inter Milan's lead.

Significant Themes

• Momentum shifts in football matches and the impact of quick goals.
• The importance of a team's ability to adapt and respond to changing situations.
• The role of luck and superstition in football.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng, Torres, and Crespo work together to press AC Milan's defenders, showing teamwork and initiative.
• Mancini and Ancelotti strategize and make substitutions to adapt to the game's flow.
• Maicon and Materazzi commit fouls, leading to Yellow Cards and affecting Inter Milan's defense.
• Cruz's goal brings Inter Milan's bench and players together in celebration, highlighting team spirit.

Inter Milan weathered AC Milan’s comeback after Materazzi was sent off, and Lin Feng’s counterattack won a penalty that restored a commanding lead. Kaka scored again in stoppage time, leaving the derby at 5–3 as the match neared its end.

• Materazzi received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing Inter Milan to defend with ten players as AC Milan attacked.
• Gilardino headed in Cafu’s cross to make the score 4–2, and Milan continued to threaten Toldo’s goal.
• Stanković intercepted a Milan attack and passed to Lin Feng, who dribbled forward before Pirlo fouled him inside the penalty area.
• Lin Feng converted the penalty with a shot into the top corner, making the score 5–2 in the 87th minute.
• In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Kaka volleyed in after Toldo failed to clear Cafu’s cross, making the score 5–3.

After Inter Milan defeated AC Milan in the derby, the media branded Lin Feng and Kaka the new “Peerless duo,” bringing Lin Feng unwanted attention and inspiring Chinese football fans. Lin Feng and his teammates then traveled to freezing Moscow for their next match, where Spartak’s supporters mocked them for struggling with the cold.

• Inter Milan celebrated its derby victory while Kaka and the AC Milan players mourned their defeat.
• Lin Feng and Kaka exchanged shirts and praised each other after the match.
• The media called Lin Feng and Kaka the “Peerless duo,” and Lin Feng learned that FIFA and the press viewed them as potential stars.
• Chinese media celebrated Lin Feng’s recognition, and his success inspired greater interest in football across China.
• Lin Feng and Inter Milan traveled to Moscow, where the players complained about the freezing, snowy weather.
• Spartak’s fans mocked the shivering Inter Milan players, with some supporters taking off their shirts in the cold.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan faces Spartak Moscow away, with harsh weather and artificial turf disadvantages.
• Inter Milan starts with a 4-3-1-2 formation, aiming to win despite the odds.
• Inter scores within a minute, with Figo and Torres combining for the goal.
• Spartak Moscow responds aggressively, but Inter's defense holds firm.
• Spartak Moscow adapts to the artificial turf, seeking physical confrontations with Inter's stars.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows excellent game reading, positioning, and composure, impressing the home fans and commentators.
• Figo & Torres: Figo proves his worth despite his age, while Torres plays more calmly after scoring early, improving his performance.

Significant Themes

• Adversity and Adaptation: Both teams face challenges—Inter with the environment, Spartak with Inter's strength. Their adaptations shape the match's dynamics.
• Underdog Spirit: Spartak Moscow, aware of their lower status, plays aggressively to even the odds.

Character Interactions

• Figo & Torres: Their combination leads to Inter's early goal, demonstrating their understanding and chemistry on the pitch.
• Lin Feng & Teammates: Lin Feng's intelligent movements support his teammates' attacks and disrupt the opposition's counters.

Inter Milan defeated Spartak Moscow 2:1 after Lin Feng scored a second goal on a counterattack, securing qualification for the Round of 16 with two rounds to spare. Spartak were eliminated, while CSKA Moscow remained in contention in Group G.

• Inter Milan held Spartak Moscow to few dangerous chances in the first half, leading 1:0 at the break despite the hosts taking eleven shots.
• Spartak brought on attacking left back Rodríguez at halftime, but his forward runs left space for Inter Milan to exploit.
• In the 55th minute, Lin Feng launched a counterattack with a pass to Figo, then sprinted forward to receive Figo's cutback and score Inter Milan's second goal.
• After Spartak's morale collapsed, Mancini substituted Figo and Lin Feng, and Inter Milan conceded a late goal through a basic error.
• Inter Milan won 2:1, reached 10 points, and qualified for the Round of 16, while Spartak Moscow were eliminated.

Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan secures qualification with two rounds to spare but aims to finish first to avoid an unfavorable Round of 16 draw.
• Barcelona suffers a crushing draw at home against Chelsea, with Chen Tao scoring all three goals for Sporting Lisbon.
• Werder Bremen wins 3-0 against Levski Sofia, overtaking Barcelona in their group.
• Arsenal draws with CSKA Moscow at home, struggling in the Champions League group stage.

Character Developments

• Chen Tao's impressive performances in the Champions League attract attention from other clubs.
• Mourinho's coaching helps Chelsea maintain a strong defense against Barcelona's attacks.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mental strength and resilience in football, as seen in Barcelona's struggle to recover from their draw.
• The role of momentum and confidence in a team's performance, exemplified by Werder Bremen's high morale after their win.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Chen Tao discuss Werder Bremen's chances of qualifying and Chen Tao's impressive performances.
• Mourinho's interactions with his Chelsea team, celebrating their equalizer against Barcelona in stoppage time.

Inter Milan beat Parma with a last-minute Cruz goal after Crespo was sent off, while AC Milan continued to struggle in Serie A. Lin Feng returned to China for the national team’s match against Iraq as uncertainty over the AFC’s Asian Cup seeding rules raised concerns about the draw.

• Inter Milan rested several regulars against Ascoli but won 2–0, while AS Roma also won and AC Milan lost 0–2 to Atalanta.
• AS Roma defeated AC Milan 2–1, and Ancelotti accepted criticism of his cautious second-half tactics as Milan prioritized the Champions League.
• Inter Milan came back to beat Parma 2–1 with ten men after Lin Feng’s free-kick combination set up Cruz’s stoppage-time winner.
• Fans debated whether Cruz or Crespo should start, while Lin Feng privately favored Cruz and wondered whether Crespo would lose his place.
• Lin Feng returned to China for the national team’s final group match against Iraq, despite the team already qualifying, so Zhu Guanghu could test tactics and build chemistry.
• News that the AFC might base Asian Cup seeding on FIFA rankings instead of Asian Cup points worried the Chinese team, while Lin Feng said the team should be ready to face strong opponents regardless of its pot.

China fielded its strongest lineup against Iraq in the final Asian Cup qualifier and launched a relentless attack despite having already secured first place. As Iraq struggled to keep up with China's sudden increase in tempo, Klopp watched from the stands to assess national-team players for the Olympic squad.

• Iraq entered the final group match needing a draw to qualify, while Singapore could overtake them with a win and a better goal difference.
• Zhu Guanghu sent out a full-strength Chinese lineup, and China dominated the opening minutes against Iraq's deep defensive formation.
• Klopp attended the match to study China's tactics and assess players such as Sun Jihai and Zheng Zhi for the Olympic team.
• After spotting Klopp in the stands, Zhu Guanghu ordered China to launch an all-out attack.
• China sharply increased its pace and counter-pressing, leaving Iraq stunned and struggling to adapt.

The National Football Team took a 2:0 lead over Iraq through goals from Gao Lin and Li Jinyu, but Iraq’s increasingly rough fouls and the referee’s lenient calls turned the match volatile. Sun Jihai was forced off injured, and Li Weifeng retaliated against the player who had fouled him as the referee prepared to show a card.

• Zheng Zhi, Lin Feng, and Chen Tao combined to set up Gao Lin, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored to give the National Football Team a 1:0 lead.
• Gao Lin boasted that he would score a hat trick and bet Li Weifeng that the loser would wash the other’s socks; Chen Tao and Lin Feng helped create chances for him.
• Lin Feng and Chen Tao set up Li Jinyu, who calmly scored to extend the National Football Team’s lead to 2:0.
• Iraq increased its fouls while the referee mostly issued verbal warnings, and a sliding tackle from behind injured Sun Jihai and earned his opponent only a yellow card.
• Li Weifeng tackled the same Iraqi player in retaliation after he fouled Li Jinyu, and the referee reached for a card.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Weifeng is sent off with a red card for a foul, but he leaves the field heroically.
• Li Jinyu is substituted out, and Zhang Yaokun comes on.
• Iraq scores an own goal at the end of the first half, making the score 2:1.
• In the second half, Iraq attacks relentlessly, but the National Football Team defends well and launches counterattacks.
• Lin Feng scores a goal in the 69th minute, making the score 3:1.

Character Developments

• Li Weifeng shows maturity and leadership by removing his captain's armband himself and applauding the fans as he leaves the field.
• Li Jinyu shows disappointment at being substituted but understands the tactical importance of maintaining the defense.
• Lin Feng demonstrates exceptional speed, skill, and decision-making in scoring the goal.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and maturity (Li Weifeng)
• Tactical awareness and sacrifice for the team (Li Jinyu)
• Skill, speed, and decision-making in critical moments (Lin Feng)
• The importance of defense in maintaining a lead

Character Interactions

• Li Weifeng hands the captain's armband to Zheng Zhi before leaving the field.
• Li Jinyu shows understanding when substituted, prioritizing the team's defense.
• Lin Feng and Gao Lin combine well for the final goal, showing teamwork and understanding.