He Is a Taller Version of Maradona!

I don't know whether Pepe had meant to or not, but his long pass flew straight behind Manchester United's defensive line.

Perhaps the broad-faced man had simply wanted to show off his kicking power.

But the ball flew a very long way—so far that many people had enough time to react.

Vidić and Ferdinand had dropped back into the deepest positions. The ball was heading closest to Vidić, so the Serbian center-back immediately turned and ran back toward its landing point.

When Ferdinand saw Vidić tracking back, he slowed down as well.

Whenever he had a chance to slack off, Ferdinand certainly didn't mind taking it easy—especially now, with the match nearing its end and stoppage time underway. He had already expended a tremendous amount of energy.

Su Dong had originally been a fair distance behind the two men and was positioned between them. When Pepe made the pass, he set off with them.

Ordinarily, he actually had little chance. As long as Vidić headed the ball back into the box for Van der Sar or played it across to Ferdinand, Su Dong would be out of the play. So usually, at a time like this, a center forward would make only a token run, as if telling everyone, I did my best, but I couldn't get to it.

But when Su Dong saw Ferdinand slow down, he realized there was an opening. He immediately accelerated and chased after Vidić.

Vidić raced toward the ball without a second thought. He didn't have eyes in the back of his head, so naturally he couldn't see Su Dong suddenly closing in from behind. Seeing that Van der Sar hadn't come out and was still standing on the goal line, he began wondering whether he should pass the ball back.

Just then, a