The evening of July 3, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The World Cup Round of 16 knockout stage: China versus Switzerland.
In the seventh minute, Feng Xiaoting intercepted a Swiss through ball in China's defensive half. After a quick adjustment, he immediately sent a long pass forward, delivering it precisely into the attacking half.
China launched a swift counterattack.
Center forward Gao Lin won the first ball, using his body to hold off the defender before heading it to his midfield teammate.
Hao Junmin quickly surged forward from behind. Meeting Gao Lin's header, he immediately passed it on to Yang Yang ahead.
With his body turned sideways to the direction of attack, Yang Yang met the incoming ball and chipped it behind him with one touch, sending it precisely over the heads of the Swiss center-backs.
Wu Lei surged forward at tremendous speed, cutting straight into the right side of the penalty area to create a one-on-one. Meeting Yang Yang's exquisite pass, he calmly slotted the ball into the Swiss goal!
One-nil!
The entire Saint Petersburg Stadium erupted!
The many Chinese fans who had traveled from afar cheered wildly.
Wu Lei was just as excited. He ran straight toward Yang Yang and celebrated the goal with this senior teammate.
In La Liga, Wu Lei had also performed impressively. He had firmly established himself as an undisputed starter at Espanyol, a sharp blade on the front line. Against Switzerland, that blade had finally revealed its edge.
"Yang Yang's shot was beautifully delivered as well. It looked effortless, but the placement was actually extremely clever."
"Wu Lei's finish after his late run was outstanding too. The combination between the two created China's goal."
After China scored just eight minutes into the match, Switzerland launched wave after wave of attacks.
This team from neighboring