Chapter Summaries

Inter Milan beat Atalanta 2–1 as Zhang Linpeng impressed Mancini and earned a path toward first-team appearances, while both Milan clubs prepared for the Champions League Final. On final day in Athens, Lin Feng’s growing influence in China drew intense attention as fans awaited his chance to lead Inter to the trophy.

• Zhang Linpeng defended strongly and created a dangerous cross in Inter Milan’s comeback win over Atalanta, earning praise from Bonilo and Mancini.
• AC Milan drew 3–3 with Udinese, leaving the team exhausted and worried ahead of the final against Inter Milan.
• Moratti agreed to renovate Inter Milan’s training base and paid for the players to stay at a five-star hotel during closed training.
• Mancini prepared high-tempo attacking tactics against AC Milan while also planning how Inter would defend against the Milan side’s dangerous players.
• Lin Feng bought extra final tickets for friends and teammates, and his achievements raised his standing in China’s sports world close to Yao Ming’s.
• The Champions League Final began in Athens amid sold-out seats and enormous attention from Chinese fans, with CCTV sending a crew to broadcast it live.

Inter Milan and AC Milan began the 2006–2007 Champions League Final after a fan riot delayed kickoff, with Inter using an aggressive high press to disrupt AC Milan’s veteran lineup. In the 15th minute, Lin Feng stole the ball from Pirlo and sparked a sudden Inter counterattack, leaving AC Milan’s goal under threat.

• A ticket-related riot outside Olympic Stadium delayed the final by fifteen minutes until riot police restored order.
• The teams entered the stadium, and commentators introduced AC Milan’s veteran starting lineup and Inter Milan’s formation led by Lin Feng.
• The referee started the match, and Inter immediately pressed AC Milan high up the pitch, forcing errors and hurried clearances.
• Inter dominated the opening ten minutes and took three shots while AC Milan struggled to keep possession and move the ball forward.
• As Inter’s pressing eased in the 15th minute, Maldini passed to Pirlo, but Lin Feng stole the ball and sent it wide to launch an Inter counterattack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan leads the tempo, aiming to tire out AC Milan's veteran players.
• AC Milan scores first through Kaka's counterattack goal in the 37th minute.
• Lin Feng creates multiple scoring chances for Inter Milan, but they fail to convert.

Character Developments

• Kaka: Scores the opening goal, celebrates emotionally, and becomes a symbol of hope for AC Milan fans.
• Lin Feng: Demonstrates exceptional dribbling skills and creativity, creating numerous scoring opportunities for Inter Milan.
• Carlo Ancelotti: Implements a tactical surprise, using a counterattack to score the first goal.
• Roberto Mancini: Struggles to adapt to AC Milan's tactics, trying to decide whether to attack early or stick to his original plan.

Significant Themes

• Tactical warfare: Both coaches employ strategic moves to outmaneuver each other.
• Youth vs. Experience: Inter Milan aims to use their youthful energy to overwhelm AC Milan's veterans.
• Redemption: AC Milan seeks to redeem themselves after their loss in the 2005 Champions League Final.

Character Interactions

• Kaka and Ancelotti: Their understanding and trust lead to a perfectly executed counterattack goal.
• Lin Feng and Inter Milan's defense: Lin Feng's dribbling skills cause chaos among the AC Milan defenders.
• Mancini and his players: Mancini struggles to communicate his intentions clearly, leading to confusion among his players.

Lin Feng scored a concealed outside-of-the-foot shot to bring Inter Milan level with AC Milan, then struck again early in the second half with a Bergkamp's Turn to put Inter ahead 2:1. Nesta tried to reassure Maldini after being beaten, but the Milan captain worried that his teammate's confidence had been shaken.

• Lin Feng scored with a concealed outside-of-the-foot shot, restoring the score to 1:1 and prompting Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi to react to his goal.
• Kaka watched Lin Feng celebrate, while Ancelotti adjusted AC Milan's defense and Lin Feng created another threat before halftime.
• Mancini urged Inter Milan to use their fitness advantage and maintain a high tempo as the second half began.
• In the 51st minute, Lin Feng's shot struck the post, but Zanetti recovered the ball and passed it back to him.
• Lin Feng beat Nesta with a Bergkamp's Turn and scored in the 52nd minute to give Inter Milan a 2:1 lead.
• Maldini comforted Nesta after the goal, but worried that Nesta's fighting spirit had been shaken.

AC Milan came back from a goal down to tie the Champions League Final, but Lin Feng converted a late penalty to put Inter Milan ahead again. He completed his hat trick and left Inter Milan close to winning the match.

• Ancelotti brought on Ronaldo for Ambrosini, and Ronaldo helped create chances for Kaka before setting up Inzaghi to equalize at 2:2.
• Both teams tightened their defenses until Mancini replaced Cruz with Stanković to strengthen Inter Milan's midfield.
• Inter Milan won the ball in midfield, and Lin Feng evaded Milan's press before passing to Grosso, who was fouled by Oddo in the penalty area.
• Mancini chose Lin Feng to take the penalty, and Lin Feng scored to complete his hat trick and restore Inter Milan's lead.

After Lin Feng put Inter Milan ahead with a hat-trick, AC Milan fought back as the exhausted teams traded chances. Ronaldo scored a late equalizer with a Pendulum Dribble, leaving the Champions League Final tied and on course for extra time.

• Lin Feng completed his hat-trick to give Inter Milan a 3–2 lead, and Mancini ordered the team to defend it while Ancelotti sent on Gilardino and Kaladze.
• AC Milan pressed through Kaka, Ronaldo, and Gilardino, but Inter Milan's defense held as players on both teams began suffering cramps.
• Mancini replaced the injured Materazzi with Barzagli and later substituted the cramping Figo, leaving both teams without further substitutions.
• Kaka played a pass to Ronaldo, who used a Pendulum Dribble to beat Samuel and score past Cesar, bringing AC Milan level.
• Ronaldo celebrated before the AC Milan supporters as the match remained tied and appeared headed for extra time.

Lin Feng scored a record-breaking free kick after Maldini was sent off for fouling him, leading Inter Milan to a 5:3 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League Final. Inter Milan lifted the Big-eared Cup for the first time in forty-two years.

• AC Milan launched a series of dangerous attacks early in extra time, but Kaka and Ronaldo failed to score.
• Lin Feng intercepted Seedorf's pass and sprinted toward goal before Maldini brought him down and received a red card.
• The team doctor treated Lin Feng's shin injury, and Lin Feng chose to continue playing.
• Lin Feng scored with an S-Curve Free Kick to put Inter Milan ahead 4:3, completing four goals in the final and breaking the season's free-kick scoring record.
• Inter Milan scored again while AC Milan struggled with fatigue and Maldini's dismissal, winning 5:3 and lifting the Big-eared Cup.

Inter Milan celebrated its Champions League victory, with Lin Feng earning the match MVP and Golden Boot after setting a new single-season scoring record. After returning to Milan and receiving an invitation to record an Olympic theme song, Lin Feng joined his teammates for the final Serie A match, where the club presented its treble trophies to the home crowd.

• Lin Feng exchanged jerseys with Kaka after Inter Milan beat AC Milan, then his teammates tossed him and Mancini into the air to celebrate the Champions League title.
• Platini presented Lin Feng with a medal and the Champions League Golden Boot for his 17 goals, before Zanetti lifted the Big-eared Cup as Inter Milan celebrated its third European title.
• Inter Milan returned to a huge crowd at Milan Airport, and Lin Feng later read newspaper coverage praising his records and the club's victory.
• Wang Pingjiu of the Olympic Games Organizing Committee called Lin Feng and invited him to record an Olympic Games theme song.
• On May 27, Inter Milan carried the Champions League, Serie A, and Italian Cup trophies onto the pitch before its final league match against Turin, as fans celebrated the club's treble.

After China’s upset loss to Thailand, Lin Feng returned from Europe to rejoin the national team’s training camp in the United States. He beat Qu Bo in a sprint and encouraged him to seek treatment for his ankle in Germany, then prepared with the squad for a friendly against the much higher-ranked United States team.

• After China lost 0-1 to Thailand, Lin Feng cut his rest short and flew to San Jose to join the national team.
• Lin Feng met Qu Bo and other teammates, then narrowly beat Qu Bo in a sprint at training.
• Lin Feng urged Qu Bo to consult German specialists about his ankle injury, and Qu Bo agreed to go after the season.
• Zhu Guanghu welcomed Lin Feng back and said the team’s tactics depended heavily on him.
• Zhu Guanghu set a two-goal loss as the limit for China’s upcoming friendly against the United States team.

The Chinese team faced the United States in a friendly ahead of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, with both sides attacking early. Lin Feng intercepted a pass and broke through the entire defense to score, leaving the United States stunned.

• The United States team invited the Chinese team to a friendly while preparing for the Gold Cup, and the Chinese team accepted after Football Association leaders made the final decision.
• Forty-six thousand spectators filled Stanford Stadium, many cheering for Lin Feng, as China and the United States fielded their teams.
• The United States attacked down the wings early, while China defended compactly and created a chance through Dong Fangzhuo's long throw that ended with Shao Jiayi shooting over.
• In the ninth minute, Lin Feng anticipated a United States pass, intercepted it, and shook off a defensive midfielder who tried to foul him.
• Lin Feng dribbled past the United States defenders and goalkeeper, then scored into the empty net.

Lin Feng scored twice as China traded goals with the United States and took a 2–1 lead, but the Americans recovered from the setback and began targeting Shao Jiayi’s side. The chapter ended with Zhu Guanghu considering a halftime substitution to strengthen China’s midfield.

• Lin Feng scored after a spectacular solo run, drawing cheers from American fans as China took the lead.
• Beasley earned and converted a penalty after Chen Dong fouled him, leveling the score for the United States.
• Lin Feng scored again when Dong Fangzhuo mishit a volley into his path, putting China ahead 2–1.
• Lin Feng’s free kick forced a spectacular save from Howard, and the United States gradually pushed the match back into China’s half.
• The United States repeatedly attacked Shao Jiayi’s flank, forcing Lin Feng and Zheng Zhi to cover and prompting Zhu Guanghu to consider bringing on Zhao Xuri or another defensive midfielder at halftime.

The Chinese team held off the United States team and won 4:2 away, with Lin Feng setting up goals and inspiring a decisive counterattack. The victory launched the team’s North American tour and drew widespread media attention in the United States.

• Shao Jiayi, Sun Xiang, Dong Fangzhuo, Lin Feng, and Gao Lin combined for a goal that gave the Chinese team a 3:1 lead before halftime.
• Zhu Guanghu criticized the Chinese players during the break, and the United States team brought on Faier, who scored in the 53rd minute to make it 3:2.
• Zhu Guanghu replaced Shao Jiayi and Sun Xiang as the United States team pressed down the Chinese left flank, while Feng Xiaoting intercepted a dangerous counterattack launched by Howard.
• Lin Feng stole possession in the 75th minute, beat a defender with a Cruyff turn, and sent a forty-five-degree cross that led to Gao Lin scoring into an empty net for 4:2.
• The Chinese team defended its lead to defeat the United States team away, and the win drew extensive attention from American media.

After Lin Feng helped the National Football Team beat the United States 4–2, American clubs and the media fixated on signing him, and Major League Soccer introduced the Designated Player rule, soon dubbed the “Lin Feng Clause.” Rumors that Lin Feng would leave Inter Milan alarmed the club and its fans, but he denied any plans to join MLS and learned Moratti would demand at least €100 million to sell him.

• Lin Feng scored twice as the National Football Team defeated the United States 4–2, prompting widespread celebration in China and reflection in the United States about its football development.
• Major League Soccer owners watched the Chinese team's 2–0 friendly win over Real Salt Lake, and the league introduced the Designated Player rule, which people nicknamed the “Lin Feng Clause.”
• Lin Feng said he had no plans to join Major League Soccer, but an American reporter misrepresented his comments as a sign he would soon move there.
• European rumors about Lin Feng joining MLS spread, and Inter Milan fans urged the club to keep the player who had helped them win the Champions League.
• Moratti called Lin Feng to confirm he was not leaving, and Lin Feng learned Moratti would reject offers below €100 million.

China defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 with a second-string lineup, and Zhu Guanghu declared that the team would win the Asian Cup. After China routed the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0, owner Philip Anschutz decided to pursue Lin Feng.

• Qu Bo and Wang Dong scored as China came from behind to beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1.
• Zhu Guanghu declared that China’s goal for the Asian Cup was to win the championship, then told the players that Zhang Jilong was likely to become AFC chairman.
• China arrived in Los Angeles and fielded Lin Feng alongside most of its regular starters against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
• Lin Feng scored with a solo run and a falling-leaf free kick as China dominated the Galaxy 4-0.
• Philip Anschutz told his assistant to sign Lin Feng at any cost.

Moratti rejected the Los Angeles Galaxy’s $50 million bid for Lin Feng, while Nike used the National Football Team’s North American camp to secure a major sponsorship deal and court Lin Feng. Lin Feng left without signing an endorsement contract, and the chapter ended with Zheng Zhi and Li Weifeng speculating about how much Nike might offer him.

• Moratti dismissed the Los Angeles Galaxy’s $50 million offer for Lin Feng as far too low and refused to sell him.
• Nike hosted the National Football Team in North America to negotiate sponsorship terms and introduce Lin Feng to Nike athletes, where Lin Feng befriended Kobe Bryant and met other stars.
• Lin Feng spoke with Marbury and suggested that he join the Chinese Basketball Association and play for the Beijing team if his NBA career ended.
• Nike failed to sign Lin Feng but secured a three-year, $90 million sponsorship deal covering national-level teams beginning in 2008.
• Nike signed endorsement deals with several Chinese players, including Li Weifeng, Zheng Zhi, Chen Tao, Gao Lin, Feng Xiaoting, and Dong Fangzhuo.
• Li Weifeng and Zheng Zhi discussed the value of Lin Feng’s potential Nike contract and estimated that it could exceed 20 million yuan per year.

After watching the San Antonio Spurs defeat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, Lin Feng returned to China and met Liu Yifei while filming an endorsement commercial. He attended a packed Chinese Super League match, where fans and reporters recognized him, and the chapter ended with reporters questioning him about the league, the Asian Cup, and transfer rumors.

• Lin Feng watched the Cavaliers lose Game 4 of the Finals to the Spurs, who won the championship.
• Lin Feng declined Ronaldinho's party invitation and returned to China, where he met Liu Yifei during a commercial shoot and discussed calligraphy with her.
• Lin Feng attended Wuhan's match against Changchun Yatai, and stadium fans recognized him and security escorted him to a separate seat.
• Liu Yifei watched Lin Feng's predicament on television, texted him, and agreed to treat him to a meal after the match.
• Wuhan defeated Changchun Yatai 3–1, and Lin Feng praised the team's performance and the league's development to reporters.
• Reporters asked Lin Feng about the Chinese Super League, the Asian Cup, claims from Japan and South Korea, and rumors of a transfer from Inter Milan.

Lin Feng escaped reporters with Liu Yifei, and the two shared dinner and a walk that ended with their first hand-hold. As the National Football Team prepared to face Bayern Munich in Hong Kong, both sides traded bold promises before China opened the match in a counter-attacking formation.

• Liu Yifei drove Lin Feng away from the reporters, took him to dinner, and joined him for a riverside walk, where he held her hand before her mother called.
• The National Football Team reunited on June 25 and trained with Zhu Guanghu’s counter-attack tactics for its July 1 tribute match against Bayern Munich.
• Lin Feng and the team received a warm welcome in Hong Kong, where he promised the National Football Team would give the match everything it had.
• Liu Yifei spotted Lin Feng at the airport, and Shu Chang noticed her reaction and resolved to find out what was between them.
• Bayern coach Hitzfeld and captain Kahn challenged the National Football Team, prompting Zhu Guanghu to promise victory with attacking football.
• The National Football Team took the field in a counter-attacking formation, leaving fans complaining that Zhu Guanghu had misled them.

Bayern Munich overwhelmed the National Football Team early, but Lin Feng dropped back to steady the midfield and help the team defend. After Bayern took the lead, Lin Feng won the ball and quickly started a counterattack, leaving Qu Bo with possession on the wing.

• Ribery and Schweinsteiger threatened Chen Dong's goal in the opening minutes, but Chen Dong saved the shot and Feng Xiaoting cleared the rebound.
• Lin Feng dropped back to support the midfield, helping the National Football Team retain possession as Bayern continued to press.
• Li Weifeng headed Klose's attempt off the goal line, and Kahn saved Dong Fangzhuo's shot at the other end.
• Schweinsteiger scored after making a late run into the penalty area, giving Bayern Munich a 1:0 lead.
• Lin Feng dropped deeper and helped his teammates press Bayern, then tackled Schweinsteiger and won a free kick.
• Lin Feng took the free kick quickly and passed to Qu Bo on the wing.

Qu Bo equalized for the Chinese national team against Bayern Munich, and Zhu Guanghu adjusted the team to counterattack while Bayern responded by marking Qu Bo closely. The first half ended 1:1, with Liu Yifei’s concern for Lin Feng drawing Shu Chang’s suspicion.

• Qu Bo raced onto Lin Feng’s pass, chipped Kahn, and tied the score at 1:1.
• Zhu Guanghu tightened the Chinese team’s formation to create counterattacking space, while Hitzfeld instructed Lahm to mark Qu Bo.
• Lahm stopped Qu Bo’s attack, but Lin Feng intercepted Ribery’s ensuing counterattack with a sliding tackle.
• Shu Chang noticed Liu Yifei’s unusual concern for Lin Feng and searched for the identity of the player she kept watching.
• Both teams fought intensely in midfield, and the first half ended level at 1:1 despite Bayern Munich dominating possession and shots.

The National Football Team took the lead against Bayern Munich through Gao Lin, who finished Lin Feng’s precise through ball, but Bayern equalized through Lúcio. The match ended 2–2, leaving the National Football Team encouraged ahead of the Asian Cup.

• Lin Feng launched a second-half attack, and Gao Lin scored from his through ball to put the National Football Team ahead.
• Shu Chang teased Liu Yifei about her feelings for Lin Feng after learning he had provided the assist and given her match tickets.
• Bayern Munich increased their pressure, but Chen Dong saved Ottl’s long-range shot and Schweinsteiger sent another effort over the goal.
• Zhu Guanghu brought on a defensive midfielder for Dong Fangzhuo, and Lúcio later assisted Bayern Munich’s attack by carrying the ball forward before heading in the equalizer.
• Lin Feng broke through Bayern Munich’s defense in the 82nd minute but struck the post, and neither side scored again before the match ended in a draw.