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The old prince scored a crucial goal.

The number of goals did not matter. Taking the lead meant they could firmly control the tempo.

Was there any team in the world better than Italy at defensive counterattacks?

No matter what tactics their manager used, Serie A players always had a counterattacking system in place.

That was also one reason Serie A had become increasingly sleep-inducing.

As football developed, individual brilliance had been endlessly suppressed, while teams as a whole cautiously probed at each other. Naturally, that did not make for attractive football.

At its core, football was still a sport that worshipped individual heroism.

It might be a team sport, but whether it was the Ballon d'Or, the World Player of the Year, or even titles like emperor and ball king, they were only ever bestowed upon one person—not Maradona and his teammates.

That also showed what kind of football fans preferred.

The key to this Italy side reaching this point was that, alongside their collective approach, these highly individualistic players had all performed well.

The combination of teamwork and individual technique had created a brand-new Italy National Team.

"Defend, and wait for chances to counterattack!"

Huang Kaiwen shouted from the touchline, "No one pushes forward. Watch your positions. Victory is already in sight—do not give the Germans any chances!"

It had to be said that this Germany National Team was powerful.

Huang Kaiwen really did not want to return to square one and search for another chance.

And with the death sentence of a penalty shootout looming, the Germans were almost unbeatable from the spot. If it truly went to penalties, the psychological pressure on the Italian players would be enormous.

Just like goalkeepers facing Huang the Ball King over a free kick—they started feeling afraid before he had