At the post-match press conference, Troussier sat behind the long table with a glowing face.
"The score of five to one fully demonstrated our team's tactical execution and personal ability. Iraq is a strong team, but we played better than them tonight and deserved this victory."
Troussier paused, "Leading the group with three consecutive wins and nine points, this is a wonderful start. But the journey has just begun. We will continue to stay focused and fight one game at a time."
A reporter asked him how he evaluated Zhang Kuang's three goals.
Troussier smiled and said, "How else can I evaluate him? He is a world-class player, and tonight he just proved it again on the Asia field."
The release of Zico will make the atmosphere much more depressing.
Brazil Coach's face didn't look good. He was silent for several seconds before speaking.
"We lost this game and the mistakes on the defensive end were catastrophic, especially the complete failure on Zhang Kuang.
He is not one person, he is a collection of three people. You will never be able to guard against his speed, power and shooting at the same time.
Although we lost, we had already made plans because we had already been psychologically prepared to lose. No one could guard Zhang Kuang, so our goal was to take second place in the group.
We have to win at least two of the next three games. At the same time, we hope that in the last game of the group stage, China Hong Kong Team can practice training after qualifying without having to use so many main players."
A reporter asked Younis's goal if it brought any comfort to the team.
Zico shook his head slightly. "There is no point in consoling. We conceded five goals. This is a shameful score. We will review the game seriously after we go back and we cannot make the same mistake again in the next game."
After the game, the headlines from major media outlets were overwhelming.
The headline on the front page of Hong Kong's "Ming Pao" is "A five-to-one bloodbath of Iraq, Hong Kong Team leads the team with three consecutive victories." The accompanying picture shows the moment when Zhang Kuang scored with a header. He jumped high in the air, and Iraq two defenders looked up at him. The picture was extremely impactful.
The title of "Ta Kung Pao" is "Zhang Kuang's big four hits World Cup qualifiers record, Hong Kong Hong Kong Football Team ball makes historic summit in Group A".
The title of "Southern Metropolis Daily" in the Mainland is "Hong Kong rises, China another possibility for football".
The news title of CCTV Sports Channel is "World Cup qualifiers A Group: China Hong Kong beat Iraq 5-1 at home, Zhang Kuang scored another hat trick".
Hupu Football's hot post title is "Zhang Kuang crushed Iraq with four goals, Hong Kong Team is about to win three games in a row, where is China national football team?"
In the comment area, the discussion among China fans was divided into three camps.
One group is the "China national football team supporters" who are calculating the theoretical possibility of qualifying, and the other group is the "Hong Kong fans" who are celebrating the victory.
There is another group that is reflecting on Zhang Kuang's point out that China National Team lacks top strikers, and even pulled out Zhang Lu's comments and analyzed them countless times.
"Today I finally know why the national team can't score World Cup, why it has been so difficult to score. It turns out that we lack top strikers, even Muriqui is not good enough, and we need something more powerful.
No wonder Hong Kong Team is instantly transformed as long as there is one Zhang Kuang. That's the difference? We lost Zhang Kuang. What a huge loss it is."
"Haha, I think this idea is wrong. Does United Kingdom Team lack top strikers? But look at their results, aren't they still terrible?"
"You said England was bad? World Cup was in the top eight in 2002 and 2006, and World Cup was in the top 16 in 2010. This is not bad, okay? England is not inferior to top strikers, but inferior to top midfielders, players who deliver shells to the forwards."
"That is, the top eight or top 16 teams in the world are actually not very different in terms of strength. Sometimes it just depends on whose strength is more balanced and whose outstanding points are better.
For example, whoever is worse among the eight teams at the back will be more likely to concede more goals. Whoever is stronger at the midfield line will have stronger field control ability. Also, whoever has a stronger offensive ability at the frontcourt will score more goals.
And if among these eight teams, in three lines, England's frontcourt and backcourt are similar to other teams, but the midfield is not good, so it will never reach the top."
"No, we're talking about China National Team. Why are we talking about England? No matter how bad England is, they are still in the top eight, at least the top 16 teams. What about China National Team? You can't even make it to the top ten, how dare you try to rub England?"
"These people are changing the topic. Zhang Kuang and Zhang Lu have clearly stated the problem clearly, but they are accustomed to refute. They will refute anyone who says something bad about China national football team, even if it is someone who is well-intentioned and objective.
And they believe those criticisms that are not objective and have more bad intentions than anyone else. I really don't understand what kind of values are formed in some people's psychology."
"I only saw the objective reality that China national football team did not score a goal in three games. I also saw that China national football team's central and defensive lines did not concede many goals. This is also a fact.
So here comes the question, is it because China national football team lacks top strikers who can finish? Another fact is, is it Japan, South Korea, Australia and Iran that have monopolized Asia World Cup's qualifications all year round? Do they all have top-notch forwards who play in the five major leagues in their teams?
If these facts are true, is the basic conclusion that China National Team lacks top strikers correct?
If this conclusion is correct, does it mean that our league does not cultivate top domestic forwards? Our clubs do not allow potential forwards to study abroad?
So, in the face of the facts, what else is there to discuss? Shouldn't we collectively think about solving this problem?"
"Upstairs, you have worked hard for typing so many words, but if this world is really as simple as discovering problems and then solving them, then there will not be many problems left in the world."
"If you can't find the problem and solve it, what should you do? Just waste it like this?"
"Otherwise? Just waste it and wait for an opportunity."
"What opportunity?"
"It is an opportunity that benefits the club, players, and national team. If one of these three parties does not benefit, then this problem cannot be solved."
"Fuck, fuck you, go to hell. I can't stand you anymore. I'd better watch Hong Kong Team. I love China national football team to death."
"I know you are angry, but the reality is this, there is nothing you can do about it."
"..."
Late that night, Zhang Kuang returned to the hotel room, took a shower, changed clothes, and lay on the bed scrolling through his phone.
The message list is filled with various congratulatory messages, including Manchester United's teammates, coaches, and friends, as well as several sponsor messages from China's domestic and Hong Kong.
He swiped through them one by one, replied to a few with a smile, and then put his phone on the bedside table.
Of course, he also saw those discussions, including Zhang Lu's words.
After reading it, he typed a long article on Weibo, but after thinking about it, he deleted it.
Alas!
Maybe that person is right, this requires an opportunity, and sometimes forced changes may not necessarily succeed.
Besides, does this matter have anything to do with him Zhang Kuang now? It's just that when reporters asked him, he just pointed out the problems he saw.
Isn't that just the fact? Even a rookie coach can see the problem. The team hasn't scored a single goal in three consecutive games. Isn't this an offensive problem?
If there is a problem in the offense, is it an organizational problem or an inability to complete the last shot?
In the second game, China National Team played against Iraq Team, with a total of 17 shots, 5 of which were on target, and 0 goals. In the third game, against Jordan Team, there were 16 shots, 3 of which were on target, and 0 goals.
Let's not talk about the first game against China Hong Kong Team. Isn't the data from these two games against the West Asia team not enough to explain the problem?
The team had 17 and 16 shots respectively, and also had 5 and 3 shots on target, but they all scored 0 goals.
It shows that there is no problem with the offensive organization. With 17 and 16 shots, the offensive organization is quite good. Some teams do not have so many shots in the whole game.
But there are fewer shots on goal. Other teams have a one-third conversion rate of shots on goal, and a one-third goal conversion rate of the number of shots on goal.
However, both data of China National Team have dropped off a cliff, which is extremely ugly.
The problem is obvious enough, that is, the forward is not good.
What else is there to analyze and discuss?
But why can't China National Team's coaching staff see the problem? Football Association can't see the problem either?
This is a very strange thing. Don't they have data analysts?
This does not require professional data analysis. You only need to do a little statistics, and then you will know which of the three lines has the problem. Then, if you do a little in-depth analysis of this line, you will know where the problem further appears in this line.
For example, if there is a problem with the back line, is it a loss of position? Or is it a lack of air defense? A lack of physical confrontation? A lack of speed? A lack of turning around?
Another example is the midfield. Is it that the midfield interception is not good? The organization is not good? The ball control is not good? The rhythm of the offense and defense transition is not good? Or the vision is not good?
These are the easiest things for a head coach to find problems with. Camacho is a well-known coach. It's impossible that he can't even figure out these most basic things, right?
Zhang Kuang was a little surprised. He was not a professional player in his previous life, let alone a professional fan. He could see it. Why couldn't Camacho and Football Association see it?
This is a mystery!
After pulling up all the information, it will be clear at a glance how the three lines perform, what are the advantages and where are the shortcomings?
Then regarding the shortcomings, the coaching staff worked with the Football Association to solve the problems.
The coaching staff is to identify forwards who are better at finishing, and then recruit them into the national team to strengthen their shooting training. This is what the coaching staff should do.
Football Association is more about solving long-term problems. For example, the national team lacks top forwards, so how to cultivate top forwards through youth training, leagues, overseas study, foreign cooperation, etc. Isn't this what Football Association should do?
Why are they always unaware of this?
The coaching staff can't solve the problem, and Football Association can't solve the problem either?
Forget it, forget it, Zhang Kuang can't figure it out and doesn't want to think about it.
--
He flew back to Manchester early the next morning. He had to go back quickly because the next three games were very important.
A North West Derby, a UEFA Champions League group key match, and a Premier League city derby, are all games that cannot be missed.
After returning to Manchester, he took a short rest and then joined the team's training.
October 15th, Anfield Stadium, Premier League, the 8th round North West Derby.
Before the game, Martin·Tyler of Sky Sports and Gary·Neville had a lively chat in the studio.
Neville shook his head at the camera. "Liverpool's right back Glen·Johnson may have trouble sleeping tonight. Zhang Kuang World Cup qualifiers just completed a hat trick in the last game, and his condition is so hot that it can light up the turf."
Martin smiled and answered, "Then do you think Manchester United can win?"
Neville spread his hands. "As long as Ferguson doesn't put Zhang Kuang on the bench, the chance of winning is at least 60%."
The competition program really did not disappoint Neville.
In the 22nd minute, Zhang Kuang took the ball from the left and cut inside. He made two consecutive changes of direction to get past Glen·Johnson, and then shot a long shot from outside the penalty area to break the net.
In the 37th minute, Gerrard equalized the score with a world wave. However, in the stoppage time of the first half, Zhang Kuang responded by Rooney and volleyed directly from the top of the penalty area without waiting for the ball to hit the ground. The ball rushed into the upper right corner like a shell.
In the second half, Manchester United controlled the rhythm. In the 70th minute, Valencia made a pass from the right. Zhang Kuang hit the ball in front and missed it. Rooney hit the ball in the back and succeeded in an empty goal.
Manchester United defeated North West Derby 3-1 in the away game. Zhang Kuang scored two shots and passed the ball. After the game, the score was the highest in the game.
After the game, the media and fans were extremely excited. Manchester United continued to defeat his mortal enemy, and Zhang Kuang was in great form.
Three days later, in the third round of the UEFA Champions League C group, Manchester United challenged Oțelul Galați away from home.
The Romania team defended in a steel barrel formation for thirty-five minutes, but Zhang Kuang received a pass from Evra in the thirty-seventh minute and jumped high to break the deadlock with a header.
In the 44th minute, Rooney extended the score with a long shot. In the second half, Zhang Kuang scored another goal. Hernández added the icing on the cake. Manchester United easily won 4-0.
In the group stage, they won all three rounds and accumulated nine points, and the qualifying situation is smooth.
Two consecutive victories have peaked the optimism of the media and fans.
Zhang Kuang scored four goals and sent two assists in these two games, and is in hot form.
Everyone thinks that Manchester United will continue to be invincible until the city derby on October 23rd.
Before this game started, everyone thought it would be a game that Manchester United would continue to win. At most, it would be a close derby.
But the result of this game shocked the media and fans for nearly a week. It was really unexpected.
This is not alarmist, it is true.
On October 23, the sky at Manchester was gray and the clouds were extremely low, covering the city like a thick cotton cloth soaked in water.
Occasionally, the falling raindrops are as thin as needle tips, hitting the exterior wall of Old Trafford Stadium and winding down along the gaps in the red bricks.
But such weather did not affect the enthusiasm of the fans at all.
At first everyone thought it was just an ordinary drizzle, an ordinary city derby.
Since ten o'clock in the morning, crowds of people have gathered around the stadium.
The red Manchester United jersey and the blue Manchester City jersey intertwined into a flowing color block in the streets and alleys. Some people had oil paint on their faces, some were carrying flags on their shoulders, and some were queuing up in front of the roadside hot dog stand.
The air is filled with the fatty aroma of fried fish and chips, the burnt aroma of charcoal barbecue, and the unique crisp chill of late autumn.
Vendors were hawking scarves and souvenirs at the top of their lungs. Double-decker buses full of fans were crawling slowly on the congested road. The sound of horns and songs were mixed together, making it noisy like a carnival that started in advance.
Sky Sports's broadcast truck was parked at the north entrance of the stadium, and Martin·Tyler and Gary·Neville were already sitting in front of the camera in the studio.
Martin had a dense information sheet spread out in front of him. When he spoke to the camera, his tone was steady and powerful:
"Good afternoon, dear viewers, welcome to the focus battle of the ninth round of the 2011/12 season England Football Premier League. Manchester United takes charge of Old Trafford to face the city's mortal enemy Manchester City.
This game was called the "battle for the throne" by the United Kingdom media. Manchester City's gold-dollar policy this season has begun to bear fruit, and the attack line composed of Agüero, Silva, Balotelli, and Džeko is firing on all cylinders.
Currently, Manchester United is closely tied with Manchester United in the standings, only two points away. As the defending champion, Manchester United has 8 consecutive wins and 24 points, while Manchester City has 7 wins, 1 draw and 22 points.
Manchester United is so strong, winning 8 games in a row. In other leagues, it is terrifying to be far ahead. It is not just a little bit ahead, it is a cliff-like lead.
But Manchester United still bites so hard, and Manchester City this season is also terrifyingly strong. Manchester United plays at home today with the aim of blocking its rivals in the same city and stabilizing its top position."
Neville answered the call next to him, with his hands crossed on the table, his expression showing the concern unique to an old Manchester United person:
"Ferguson Jazz still used the 4-3-3 formation today, which is the formation Manchester United has been using this season.
In the frontcourt trident, Zhang Kuang is on the left, Rooney is on the right, Hernández is in the front, and Berbatov has been missing from the starting lineup many times this season. This is something worth pondering.
The trident combination joined by Hernández is fast and flexible, and it is clear that it is going to compete with Manchester City.
Look at Manchester City's defensive line. Kompany and Lescott have no problem with frontal defense, but slow turning is their Achilles' heel. After the two full-backs Clichy and Richards press forward, there is a large gap behind them. As long as Manchester United's midfielder can send the ball out, the frontcourt trident can tear them apart with one sprint."
Martin nodded. "Gary is right, but in turn Manchester United's defense is also very young. Evans and Smalling combined are only in their early forties, and De Gea is only twenty years old. This is his first experience with Manchester Derby.
Manchester City Those players in the frontcourt: Silva, Agüero, Balotelli, are all players who can decide the game in an instant. In today's game, I have a feeling that there will be many goals."
"..."
In CCTV's live broadcast room, He Wei is checking the starting list.
Zhang Lu was sitting next to her, her gray hair neatly combed.
After He Wei read out the rosters of the two teams, he turned to Zhang Lu: "Director Zhang, both sides have very aggressive lineups in this game. Manchester United's 433 versus Manchester City's 442, who do you think is the winner?"
Zhang Lu chuckled, "The winner is in the midfield. Look at Manchester United. Fletcher and Anderson have to both defend and intercept and pass the ball forward. They have a very heavy task."
Manchester City's Yaya Toure can play two roles by himself. His ability to dribble the ball forward is too strong. If Manchester United's midfielder cannot press him as soon as he gets the ball and let him pass the ball to Silva comfortably, then Manchester United's defense will be directly exposed to Manchester City's firepower.
On the other hand, Manchester City's central defender turns slowly, and Manchester United only needs to counterattack quickly, and the speed advantage of Zhang Kuang and Rooney will be reflected."
He Wei continued, "In other words, whose midfielder can deliver the ball to the opponent's penalty area first in this game will take the initiative?"
Zhang Lu nodded. "That's pretty much what it means, but there's one more thing: Derby is not just about tactics, but also psychology.
Whoever cannot withstand the pressure first will lose. There are many young people here at Manchester United. Zhang Kuang, De Gea, and Jones are all experiencing Manchester Derby for the first time. Whether they can withstand the pressure of more than 70,000 people staring at the audience is a big unknown."
He Wei: "Well, how is it really? We have to see the content of the game later..."