Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese National Football Team draws with Bayern Munich in a friendly match, surprising many.
• Lin Feng is interviewed after the match, expressing confidence in the team's Asian Cup prospects and hinting at a potential relationship with Liu Yifei.
• The Football Association recognizes the need for reform and improvement in youth development and coaching to advance Chinese football.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng maintains his humble and team-oriented attitude despite his individual achievements.
• Zhu Guanghu, the National Football Team's head coach, seeks advice from Klopp to improve his coaching skills and tactics.
• Klopp, the Olympic team's head coach, agrees to observe the National Football Team's training to evaluate potential Olympic Games players.

Significant Themes

• The gap between Asian and European football, and the need for Chinese football to improve in various aspects, including youth development, coaching, and infrastructure.
• The importance of the upcoming Asian Cup for the future of Chinese football and the need to secure a strong result.
• The impact of external influences, such as Klopp's presence, on the team's dynamics and individual performances.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng interacts with reporters, displaying his humility and confidence in the team's prospects.
• Zhu Guanghu and Klopp discuss coaching strategies and the potential for collaboration.
• The National Football Team players, both young and veteran, compete to impress Klopp and secure a spot in the Olympic Games.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Asian Cup opens with Thailand vs Singapore; Thailand leads 1-0 after a penalty, but Singapore equalizes with a header.
• Australia, a favorite, draws with Oman in a surprising upset.
• Japan, another favorite, draws with ten-man Qatar.
• The National Football Team faces Malaysia in their opening match. They score the fastest goal of the tournament and lead 2-0 within six minutes, showcasing their impressive attacking prowess.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng scores his first Asian Cup goal and celebrates with his signature pose, boosting his confidence and status.
• Zhu Guanghu, the coach, fields the strongest lineup and employs a clear tactic to exploit Malaysia's weaknesses.

Significant Themes

• The curse of the Asian Cup, where favored teams struggle or stumble.
• The National Football Team's renewed confidence and strength, particularly against Southeast Asian teams.
• The importance of home-field advantage and the lack of it for away teams.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and his teammates showcase their understanding and coordination on the pitch, creating beautiful attacking combinations.
• Chinese fans interact with each other, expressing their amazement and pride in the National Football Team's performance.
• Malaysian fans react with humiliation and embarrassment as their team struggles against the Chinese team.

The National Football Team overwhelmed Malaysia 11-0 in their Asian Cup opener, with Lin Feng and Gao Lin both scoring hat-tricks and the team setting a new record for the largest winning margin. Iran captain Mahdavikia watched the rout and warned his teammates to prepare for a much tougher match against China.

• Chen Tao scored after Han Peng set him up, giving China a 3-0 lead, and head coach Zhu Guanghu ordered the team to keep attacking for goal difference.
• Han Peng scored twice as China extended the lead to 6-0 before halftime, while Iran captain Mahdavikia urged his teammates to take China seriously.
• Zhao Xuri scored his first Asian Cup goal after coming on as a substitute, making it 7-0.
• Lin Feng dribbled past four defenders to score China's eighth goal, tying the Asian Cup record, completing his hat-trick, and then leaving the pitch as Zhu Guanghu substituted him to protect him from injury.
• Gao Lin scored three times after coming on, helping China win 11-0 and set a new Asian Cup record for the largest winning margin.

After the National Football Team's emphatic opening win, the team prepared for its decisive Group C match against Iran while Lin Feng established himself as the squad's best free-kick taker. Australia suffered a shocking loss to Singapore, and the chapter ended with fans across Asia chanting Lin Feng's name before China faced Iran.

• The National Football Team topped Group C after its opening victory, while Iran beat Uzbekistan 2:1 and lost its coach to a red-card suspension for the next match.
• Zhu Guanghu arranged a free-kick competition in training, and Lin Feng scored all four of his attempts with different techniques, convincing Shao Jiayi and the other players of his superiority.
• Australia lost 1:3 to Singapore in the second round and fell to the brink of elimination, while Japan beat the United Arab Emirates 3:1.
• Zhu Guanghu adjusted China's lineup and instructed the players to restrict Iran's passing and pace before the teams' pivotal Group C match.
• Nearly sixty thousand fans attended the China-Iran match, and supporters in the stadium chanted Lin Feng's name after he waved to them.

Lin Feng led China’s dominant start against Iran and scored directly from a free kick to put the team ahead. Iran responded with stronger attacks, but the match remained tense as the chapter ended with Mahdavikia’s free kick flying into the stands.

• China pressed immediately, and Han Peng, Lin Feng, and Mao Jianqing each helped create early chances that Iran narrowly survived.
• Lin Feng dribbled past Mahdavikia, who fouled him near the penalty area and received a yellow card.
• Lin Feng curled the resulting free kick into the top-left corner, giving China a 1–0 lead as players and spectators celebrated with his “SIU” routine.
• Iran increased its attacking pressure after conceding, but China’s defense limited it to an ineffective long-range shot.
• Li Weifeng conceded a free kick, and Mahdavikia took it himself but sent the ball into the stands.

Lin Feng’s passing and China’s counterattacks helped the national team build a 3–0 lead over Iran before halftime. The chapter ended with Chen Tao scoring from Lin Feng’s setup in stoppage time, leaving Iran facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit.

• Li Leilei’s goal kick started a Chinese attack, and Lin Feng’s pass to Mao Jianqing helped win a dangerous free kick and corner.
• Lin Feng sent the corner to the far post, where Mao Jianqing scored with a diving header to make it 2–0.
• Mao Jianqing continued to trouble Iran’s defense, but Iran adjusted and mounted a late first-half attack that Li Leilei and Zheng Zhi helped contain.
• In stoppage time, Zheng Zhi won the ball and passed forward to Lin Feng, who sent it into space for the attack.
• Mao Jianqing drew a defender, Chen Tao collected the loose ball in the penalty area, and he scored to give China a 3–0 lead.

Zhang Lu praised Lin Feng, Mao Jianqing, and Mahdavikia during halftime, while the National Football Team relaxed in the locker room before both sides made substitutions. Iran pulled a goal back early in the second half, but Lin Feng helped China slow the game, withstand Iran’s press, and prepare a counterattack.

• Zhang Lu named Lin Feng the first-half MVP, praised Mao Jianqing for containing Mahdavikia, and singled out Mahdavikia as Iran’s best performer.
• Mao Jianqing bragged in the locker room, Li Weifeng reminded him that Lin Feng had created his chances, and Mao Jianqing praised Lin Feng to build a closer relationship.
• Zhu Guanghu brushed off Gao Lin’s plea to play, kept China’s tactics unchanged, and replaced Mao Jianqing with Shao Jiayi, while Iran brought on Mobali and Kazemian.
• Lin Feng fooled Iran’s eight-man wall with a pass to Shao Jiayi, whose shot struck the crossbar; Kazemian then crossed for a teammate to score in the 52nd minute and make it 3:1.
• Lin Feng and his teammates slowed the game with short passes, Iran’s Rezaei and Zandi received yellow cards, and China weathered Iran’s pressing surge.
• Lin Feng drove forward with the ball after Iran’s pressing weakened, launching the National Football Team’s counterattack.

Lin Feng scored his second goal to give China a 4:1 lead over Iran, and the National Football Team went on to win their Group C showdown 4:2. The victory secured first place in the group and left the team and its fans believing the Asian Cup title was within reach.

• In the 67th minute, Lin Feng finished Sun Xiang's delivery with a driven shot, making it 4:1 and completing his second goal of the match.
• Shao Jiayi recognized that Lin Feng had outread him and set aside his resentment, then congratulated him on the goal.
• Zhu Guanghu substituted Lin Feng for Hao Junmin, who received a yellow card soon after entering, while Gao Lin was punished with laps before being sent on late in the match.
• Iran scored through Nekounam's header in the 89th minute, but China held on as several players collected yellow cards before the final whistle.
• China defeated Iran 4:2, clinched first place in Group C, and inspired fans to chant for the Asian Cup championship.

The National Football Team entered its final group match against Uzbekistan with qualification nearly secured, and Zhu Guanghu fielded a record-young lineup to test the next generation. The chapter ended with the young Chinese team preparing to face Uzbekistan at Shah Alam Stadium.

• South Korea lost to Bahrain, and Lee Dong-gook publicly challenged Verbeek's tactics before the Football Association forced him to apologize and warned Verbeek to qualify.
• Australia beat Thailand 4–0, while Singapore drew with Oman and advanced as Group A leaders.
• Japan beat Vietnam 4–1, but the United Arab Emirates defeated Qatar 2–1, sending Vietnam through to the knockout stage.
• The National Football Team traveled to Shah Alam Stadium on July 18 to face Uzbekistan, who needed a win to advance.
• Zhu Guanghu selected a starting lineup averaging 22.2 years old, including eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Wang Dalei, and used the match to test young players and pressure veteran squad members.

The National Football Team’s young lineup stunned Uzbekistan with Mao Jianqing’s goal after just eleven seconds and controlled the match until heavy rain disrupted their ground-based attack. Lin Feng adapted with a set-piece delivery that let Zhang Shuai score in the 38th minute, leaving China with a 2–0 lead and Zhu Guanghu impressed by the young right back.

• The National Football Team pressed Uzbekistan after kickoff, and Mao Jianqing scored in the 11th second after passes from Dong Fangzhuo, Lin Feng, and Gao Lin.
• Lin Feng moved freely around the pitch while China dominated possession and shut down Uzbekistan’s counterattacks.
• Rain intensified from the 21st minute, making the pitch slippery and disrupting China’s passing game as both teams struggled with the conditions.
• Lin Feng sent a free kick toward the far post in the 38th minute, and Zhang Shuai scored with a diving header.
• Zhang Shuai celebrated with Zhu Guanghu, who praised him and said he could earn a place in the national team by maintaining his form.

Lin Feng helped the Chinese team defeat Uzbekistan 3–1, sending China through to the Asian Cup quarterfinals as Group C winners. The team’s next opponent was South Korea, their longtime rival.

• Uzbekistan brought on Maksim Shatskikh and used high balls to attack, scoring in the 65th minute to make it 2–1.
• Lin Feng marked Shatskikh, cleared a dangerous cross, and helped launch a counterattack that nearly ended in a Dong Fangzhuo goal.
• Wang Dalei’s long throw started a rapid counterattack, and Mao Jianqing set up Gao Lin to score China’s third goal.
• China held on to win 3–1, while Iran beat Malaysia 2–0 and advanced alongside China; Uzbekistan was eliminated.
• The group-stage results set up China’s quarterfinal against South Korea, who reached the knockout round after beating Indonesia 1–0.

The Chinese team prepared to face South Korea in the Asian Cup quarterfinals as Zhu Guanghu and Lin Feng took on the pressure of their public declarations. The chapter ended with Japan and Vietnam advancing to the semifinals, just before the highly anticipated China-South Korea match.

• Chinese fans debated the National Football Team’s chances against South Korea, while Korean fans expected Park Ji-sung to shut down Lin Feng and secure victory.
• Zhu Guanghu held closed training sessions and warned his players about South Korea’s aggressive play as they prepared for the knockout match.
• At a press conference, Zhu Guanghu mocked South Korea’s qualification and vowed to resign if China lost; Lin Feng then bet that the South Korean reporter would publicly apologize and admit Chinese football was stronger if China won.
• Zhu Guanghu admitted to Lin Feng that he had made the declaration to draw pressure away from the players, and Lin Feng said he was willing to share responsibility as vice-captain.
• Japan defeated Australia 4–3 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, and Vietnam beat Singapore 2–0 to reach the semifinals.
• With the first two quarterfinals finished, the China-South Korea showdown was next.

China faced South Korea in the Asian Cup quarterfinal, with Park Ji-sung assigned to mark Lin Feng and South Korea pressing aggressively. Lin Feng helped launch a counterattack that ended with Han Peng scoring, giving China a 1–0 lead in the 22nd minute.

• Zhang Lu and Zhan Jun discussed Zhu Guanghu's job-saving bet and identified Lin Feng as key to China's chances against South Korea.
• Lin Feng sparked an early counterattack, but Kim Sang-sik fouled him and received a yellow card before Han Peng headed the resulting free kick wide.
• Park Ji-sung shadowed Lin Feng while South Korean players repeatedly fouled China's players; after Lee Chun-soo kicked Zheng Zhi down, Li Weifeng retaliated against Li Yunxiu and both China defenders received yellow cards.
• Lin Feng escaped Park Ji-sung's marking and passed to Chen Tao, who advanced and sent Han Peng through one-on-one.
• Han Peng beat Lee Woon-jae with a shot into the far corner, putting China ahead 1–0 in the 22nd minute.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese National Football Team scores a goal against South Korea in a surprise fast break, leading 1:0.
• Lin Feng's strategic play and counterattack help the team secure the lead.
• The South Korean team adjusts their tactics to focus on restricting Lin Feng, leading to a wave of attacks from them.
• The Chinese team counters with a well-coordinated attack, with Feng Xiaoting and Lin Feng leading the charge, resulting in another goal, making it 2:0 at halftime.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates his strategic thinking and team-oriented play, earning praise from commentators and coaches.
• Park Ji-sung struggles to contain Lin Feng and receives a verbal warning for a foul.
• Lee Chun-soo is targeted by the Chinese team after faking an injury, leading to repeated fouls on him.
• Verbeek, the South Korean coach, decides to substitute Lee Dong-gook and Lee Chun-soo at halftime.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and strategic play are highlighted as crucial factors in the Chinese team's success.
• Individual skills and determination are showcased through Lin Feng's performance.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to opponents' tactics is demonstrated through both teams' strategies.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Park Ji-sung engage in a battle of wits and skills, with Lin Feng outmaneuvering the experienced South Korean player.
• Lin Feng, Feng Xiaoting, and Chen Tao work together to create a scoring opportunity, showcasing their understanding and coordination.
• Verbeek considers substituting players to improve his team's performance, demonstrating his tactical acumen.

The Chinese team overwhelmed South Korea 4–0, with Lin Feng scoring a hat-trick after South Korea’s halftime tactical changes failed. China advanced to the semifinals, while South Korea’s coach Verbeek resolved to resign.

• South Korean players and head coach Verbeek argued in the locker room over the team’s tactics after trailing 0–2 at halftime.
• Zheng Zhi joined China’s attack in the second half, and his passing combination created a chance for Shao Jiayi, who slipped before he could shoot.
• Lin Feng scored a free kick in the 65th minute to put China ahead 3–0, while Verbeek decided to resign after the match.
• Zhu Guanghu substituted Chen Tao and Mao Jianqing for Gao Lin and Zhao Xuri in the 70th minute.
• Lin Feng scored again in the 79th minute after Gao Lin’s heel flick, completing his hat-trick and extending China’s lead to 4–0.
• Lin Feng and Park Ji-sung were substituted, and China held its 4–0 lead to the final whistle to advance to the semifinals.

After Lin Feng led China team to a 4–0 victory over South Korea team, fans across China celebrated while South Korea erupted in anger, and Zhu Guanghu warned his players that Japan team remained their biggest obstacle. With China team set to face Vietnam in the semifinals, Lin Feng accepted Liu Yifei’s invitation to a Fish Leong concert, leaving him wondering whether it counted as their first date.

• China team’s 4–0 win over South Korea team sparked celebrations in China and furious reactions in South Korea, while the Korean newspaper that had wagered against Zhu Guanghu issued its required public apology.
• Chinese and Japanese fans mocked South Korea’s defeat, and Japanese fans defended Japan team’s status as Asia’s dominant side.
• Zhu Guanghu cautioned China team not to get complacent after beating South Korea and identified Japan team as the greatest obstacle to winning the title.
• After China team advanced to the semifinals against Vietnam, Zhu Guanghu gave the players half a day off, and Liu Yifei invited Lin Feng to a Fish Leong concert.
• Lin Feng met Liu Yifei and went with her to the concert, wondering whether their outing was their first date.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese National Football Team faces Vietnam in the semifinals of the Asian Cup.
• The match receives little attention due to the perceived gap in strength between the two teams.
• The Chinese team wins 6-0, with Lin Feng scoring once and setting up several goals.
• Liu Yifei attends the Japan vs. Saudi Arabia match with Lin Feng.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows his leadership and influence on the team, scoring and assisting in the match against Vietnam. He also shows affection towards Liu Yifei.
• Liu Yifei: Shows support for Lin Feng, attending the match with him and reciprocating his affection.

Significant Themes

• Dominance and Rivalry: The Japanese and Saudi Arabian teams are portrayed as dominant rivals, while the Chinese team is seen as a potential threat.
• National Pride: The match between China and Vietnam is seen as a matter of national pride for both countries.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Liu Yifei: They show growing affection towards each other, with Lin Feng initiating a kiss and Liu Yifei reciprocating.
• Lin Feng and his teammates: They work together to score goals and maintain their lead against Vietnam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Japan and Saudi Arabia face off in the Asian Cup semi-final, with Saudi Arabia scoring first but Japan equalizing and ultimately winning 3-2.
• Japan advances to the final, setting up a rematch with the Chinese team, who defeated them in the group stage.
• Media and fans in China react with a mix of excitement and worry, hoping for revenge against Japan but aware of the challenge ahead.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng breaks the Asian Cup record for goals scored in a single tournament, with nine goals in five matches.
• Liu Yifei shows concern for Lin Feng's well-being and supports Japan in the semi-final, indicating her growing feelings for him.
• Zhu Guanghu, the Chinese team's coach, plans to maximize Lin Feng's advantage and focus on supporting him against Japan.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and redemption against Japan, following the Chinese team's loss in the 2004 Asian Cup final.
• The challenge of facing a strong rival and the mental hurdle it presents for the Chinese team.
• The importance of adapting to different climates and conditions in international football.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Liu Yifei's relationship continues to develop, with her showing clear concern for his well-being.
• Zhu Guanghu shares his strategic plans with the team, demonstrating his commitment to leading them to victory.
• Fans in China engage in online discussions, expressing their hopes and worries about the upcoming final.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Asian Cup Final between China and Japan is approaching, with intense anticipation in Jakarta.
• The National Football Players face immense pressure and media scrutiny leading up to the match.
• The stadium is packed, with over 88,000 spectators, mostly Chinese fans.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng remains calm and composed, predicting he will score multiple goals.
• Gao Lin's nervousness leads to a humorous incident in the locker room, boosting team morale.
• Liu Yifei experiences the power of Lin Feng's stardom firsthand.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations placed on the National Football Players.
• The power of fan support and its impact on the players.
• The importance of this match for Chinese football's future.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng unknowingly boosts team morale with his confident words.
• Gao Lin's humor eases the tension in the locker room.
• Lin Feng and Liu Yifei share a moment of connection through the fans' support.

China took an early lead over Japan in the 2007 Asian Cup Final through Lin Feng, then doubled its advantage with Li Weifeng’s headed goal from a corner. Japan struggled to respond as China maintained control and pressure.

• Zhu Guanghu started Gao Lin and Zhao Xuri, shaping China’s lineup to support Lin Feng and exploit its forwards’ aerial strength against Japan.
• Lin Feng beat several Japanese players, combined with Shao Jiayi and Gao Lin, and scored a powerful first-time shot to put China ahead 1–0.
• Japan struggled to create chances after the restart, and Lin Feng launched a counterattack that set up Gao Lin, whose shot went wide.
• China pressed Japan back, and Lin Feng’s corner created an opening for Li Weifeng to score a diving header and make it 2–0.