The free-kick position was too far to the side, and the angle for a direct shot was poor. Even Yang Yang had little confidence in scoring from there.
But because it was relatively close to the edge of the penalty area, it was an excellent opportunity for an indirect free kick.
When Di Maria was tripped, Yang Yang quickly ran to the spot and checked the angle. When Modrić came over, Yang Yang shook his head. "This position isn't good. The angle is too narrow."
"Then should I take it?" Modrić asked.
Yang Yang saw Atletico Madrid setting up their wall and shook his head. "Let Di Maria take it."
Di Maria?
Modrić was somewhat stunned. Di Maria, who had just gotten up from the ground, was equally puzzled.
But soon, when they saw Atletico Madrid form a three-man wall, they immediately understood what Yang Yang meant.
Judging from the wall's positioning, if the ball went directly over it, it would definitely have to curl. The shot could not be too fast, giving Oblak time to react. Moreover, to clear the wall, the ball could not be driven down sharply, so it would surely drop near the six-yard box. The final result would definitely be Oblak rushing out to claim it.
If the ball did not go over the wall, it could only go around either side. The advantage was that the trajectory could be kept low and the ball could travel quickly. But if it went around the wall's right side, it could easily go out of play. Even if someone barely reached it, the angle would be too tight for a direct shot. It would only be possible to flick it on with a header and send it back into the box or toward the far post.
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