When the bus drove out of Carrington Training Ground, the roadside was already full of Manchester United fans.
Red surged from both sides of the car window, like two burning rivers. Some fans held up signs that read "Zhang Kuang, Wembley are waiting for you."
There are also fans wearing the No. 33 jersey of Zhang Kuang, with the Chinese characters "Zhang Kuang" printed on the back.
Zhang Kuang was sitting in the last row by the window, looking at the fans outside the window and waving to them.
Rooney was sitting next to him, holding a copy of "442" magazine in his hand. The cover was the photo of Zhang Kuang's goal that passed five people in a row when he played against Barcelona.
"Zhang, look at this." Rooney handed the magazine over, "You've been blown away, you're so awesome."
Zhang Kuang quickly stopped. "Don't talk nonsense, how could I be blown away? Ten or eight girls can't be blown away, but they can be blown away?"
Rooney's face was full of surprise. "What the hell? Oh my God, Zhang, how could you think about that?"
"Haha..." Zhang Kuang grinned.
--
In the Wembley Stadium news release hall, Tottenham Hotspur's coach Harry·Redknapp made a rare joke.
(The two games of the Football Association Cup semi-finals and the final are held at Wembley Stadium. The first half-game is on April 14, Liverpool 2-1 Everton.)
"We studied all the recent games of Manchester United. The conclusion is: if Zhang Kuang does not play, we have a chance. But unfortunately, he will play.
However, Tottenham Hotspur is not that easy to mess with. We will not give Zhang Kuang a chance easily. Moreover, we also have sharp offensive weapons, and we also have fast horses, and they are very fast."
The reporter asked, "How do you plan to prevent Zhang Kuang?"
Old Redknapp spread his hands. "I have already told Tottenham Hotspur's defenders to go to bed early last night and recuperate because they will have a whole nightmare today."
The audience burst into laughter.
A reporter asked, "Harry, you said before that Tottenham Hotspur's goal is to qualify for UEFA Champions League. Now that Football Association Cup semi-finals are here, will you rotate?"
Old Redknapp shook his head. "No rotation, our strongest lineup. Manchester United is very strong, but we don't have a chance. Ber is in good form recently, and so is Modrić. If we can limit Zhang Kuang, we have a chance."
On the other side, Ferguson's answer was brief, "Wembley is Manchester United's second home. We are here just to win."
A reporter asked, "Jazz, Zhang Kuang has played so many games in a row, will you let him rest?"
Ferguson chewed gum and glanced at the reporter. "Zhang Kuang? Rest? You have been working hard for a season. Do you need to rest in the most critical games? No! If you want to rest, the season is over and you have more time."
Reporter: "What about Vidić? How is his injury?"
Ferguson: "Vidić still needs time. But our defense is very solid. Ferdinand and Evans work well together, and Rafael and Evra are also in good shape. We don't need to worry about defense."
After the release meeting, Ferguson met Redknapp in the corridor.
The two shook hands, and Old Redknapp said, "Jazz, your team is too strong, please save some face for me."
Ferguson smiled, "Harry, your team is not bad either. I like that kid Ber very much. If he comes to Manchester United, I will turn him into a top three winger in the world."
Old Redknapp raised his eyebrows. "That depends on whether you can afford the price. You know, Levy never hesitates when asking for a price."
Ferguson patted Old Redknapp on the shoulder and left with a wry smile.
--
On April 20, at 17:40 in the evening, in the Sky Sports studio, Martin·Tyler straightened his tie and showed his iconic smile to the camera:
"Good afternoon, welcome to the Wembley. Football Association Cup semi-finals, Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur. I am Martin·Tyler, and I am Gary·Neville."
Neville leaned on the back of the chair and crossed his hands. "Hello everyone, I am Gary·Neville."
Martin: "Gary, what do you think is the most interesting thing about today's game?"
Neville thought for a while, "What's interesting? As long as Manchester United doesn't make any big mistakes, he will basically pass the finals easily. Of course, this is not to belittle Tottenham Hotspur, but Manchester United is too strong. They have only lost one game this season, so it is too difficult for Manchester United to lose today.
Especially when Manchester United's main force is still relatively complete, the world's number one shooter is alive and kicking, and he is quite energetic. Even though "The Sun" found out that this guy was not at peace last night, he is still very energetic.
If we insist on counting points, it would be to see how many goals Zhang Kuang can score and how long Tottenham Hotspur can resist."
Martin laughed, "Okay, I shouldn't ask this question. However, you must ask when making a program, otherwise the audience will not know what the highlight of this scene is, and some viewers will be confused."
Neville: "Yes, I understand, Martin. As I said just now, let's see how long Tottenham Hotspur can resist, how many goals Zhang Kuang can score, and whether Tottenham Hotspur will counterattack."
Martin: "Haha, audience friends, did you hear that? The highlights of this game are very clear. Then can you analyze the tactics that both sides may use today?"
Neville thought for a while, "Let's talk about Tottenham Hotspur's defense first, and the central defender combination of Kaboul and Gallas. They have enough experience, but their speed is slow.
Once Zhang Kuang charged, they couldn't keep up at all. If Old Redknapp didn't arrange a defensive midfielder to specifically mark Zhang Kuang, Tottenham Hotspur would have a hard time today."
Martin: "Then what do you think Old Redknapp will do?"
Neville: "With the double midfielders of Parker and Modrić, Parker may be responsible for interception and Modrić is responsible for organization.
But the question is, can Parker defend Zhang Kuang by himself? I don't think so. Zhang Kuang's physical confrontation is too strong. Although Parker is tough, Zhang Kuang is even tougher.
Do you remember Alves? In the last game, UEFA Champions League, Alves wanted to hit Zhang Kuang, but he was injured."
Martin: "So what you are saying is that Tottenham Hotspur has no chance of making any arrangements today?"
Neville waved his hand. "I didn't say there was no chance, football is round. But to be honest, if Tottenham Hotspur wants to win, it must do two things: First, guard Zhang Kuang.
Second, Ber and Modrić must make a difference on the offensive end. If they only do one of these two things, Tottenham Hotspur cannot win."
In the CCTV studio, there is a stack of information in front of He Wei, next to Zhang Lu. The background is a panoramic picture of Wembley Stadium, and the red seat is particularly eye-catching under the light.
He Wei: "Good evening, audience friends. Welcome to the 2011-12 season England Football Association Cup semi-finals, Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur. My name is He Wei, and the person commentating with me today is Director Zhang Lu."
Zhang Lu:"Hey, hello everyone."
He Wei: "Okay, the players from both sides are ready to enter. Let's take a look at the scene..."
The live broadcast sounded, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Wembley Stadium! The visiting team is entering now, Tottenham Hotspur!"
Tottenham Hotspur players filed out, their white jerseys particularly eye-catching under the lights.
Ber walked in the middle of the team with an expressionless face and lowered eyes. Warm applause erupted from the stands. Nearly 40,000 Tottenham Hotspur fans came today. White scarves were billowing in the stands of Wembley.
"The one entering now is Team Manchester United!"
Wembley was instantly ignited. The Red Devils fans' singing started from a corner of the stands and quickly spread to the entire audience. The melody of "GloryGloryManUnited" echoed in the sky above Wembley.
The referee team walked in the middle circle, and the referee Mike·Dean lowered his head to check his watch.
He is one of the most senior referees at Premier League and is known for his decisive judgments.
Martin said in the studio, "Mike·Dean, in today's game, his penalty scale is very critical.
If Tottenham Hotspur fouls Ber too many times, will he play the card? If the card is played too early, the game may become unbalanced."
Neville: "Yes. But Dean is an experienced referee, he knows how to control the game. Moreover, this is the Football Association Cup semi-finals, Wembley, 85,000 people. He cannot let the game get out of control."
"Beep--!"
As the whistle from Mike·Dean blows, the game officially begins.
The commentators also introduced the situation on the field and the starting players of both sides.
In the 6th minute, Tottenham Hotspur took the lead in creating a threat.
Modrić passed through the middle, Van der Vaart shot low with his left foot from the top of the penalty area, De Gea fell to the ground and confiscated it.
Martin: "Van der Vaart's shot is very threatening, but De Gea is very focused. Tottenham Hotspur entered the state at the beginning, and their passing and control rhythm is very fast."
Neville: "Tottenham Hotspur played very proactively today, and Old Redknapp obviously didn't want to be conservative while Wembley. But the problem is, after they press forward, there will be more space left for Zhang Kuang behind them."
In the 11th minute, Zhang Kuang received a pass from Evra from the left, cut inside and shot a long shot with his right foot from 25 yards. Friedel flew over and lifted the ball over the crossbar.
Martin: "Although Zhang Kuang's first shot was saved, it was a signal. You can see that he had already observed Friedel's position before catching the ball. His long shot could score at any time."
Neville: "Yes, I have to say that Tottenham Hotspur was well prepared today. Zhang Kuang's shot was powerful and fast. Normally, the goal would have been scored."
Unfortunately, Zhang Kuang failed to grab the next corner kick and was blocked by Tottenham Hotspur's player.
Therefore, the corner kick was resolved by the Tottenham Hotspur team.
In the 14th minute, Ber broke through Rafael from the left and passed in. Adebayor missed the header with a header.
In the 18th minute, Carrick made a long pass from the midfield. Zhang Kuang came in at high speed from the left, beat Walker with speed and broke into the penalty area. Facing Friedel, he calmly pushed and shot into the far corner.
The ball went in!
1:0.
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area and made that iconic move.
Jump up, turn around, move your hands down, roar!
Fans of Wembley and Manchester United were instantly excited.
Martin's voice roared, "GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Zhang Kuang! It's Zhang Kuang again! Carrick's long pass is too accurate, Zhang Kuang uses speed to overpower Walker, Walker can't catch up at all!
Facing Friedel, he calmly pushed the ball into the far corner! 1-0! Manchester United takes the lead! This is Zhang Kuang! This is the strength of the world's number one shooter!"
Neville: "Two highlights of this game have emerged: how long Tottenham Hotspur can resist and when Zhang Kuang will score. In the 18th minute, that's it.
Walker is already very fast, but Zhang Kuang is even faster. You see when he catches the ball, he doesn't stop the ball at all, he just uses his speed to pass it.
Martin, I think Zhang Kuang, his speed has increased. Just now Tottenham Hotspur and other players Zhang Kuang scored before they had time to set up a new line of defense.
Previously, we could see that when Zhang Kuang broke through, some players were often able to set up a defensive line in time, but this time Tottenham Hotspur's defensive players were not far from the penalty area, and they did not have time to set up a defensive line..."
He Wei: "It's in, it's in, it's in, the ball is in, Zhang Kuang! 1-0! Manchester United leads Tottenham Hotspur! Zhang Kuang, on the stage of the Football Association Cup semi-finals, beat Walker with speed and then calmly pushed and scored!"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, this ball is so beautiful. When Zhang Kuang started, Walker couldn't keep up at all. The key is that not only Walker couldn't keep up, but the entire Tottenham Hotspur defense couldn't keep up. This is no small matter."
After Zhang Kuang scored, Tottenham Hotspur's head coach Harry·Redknapp frowned and shook his head. There was nothing he could do.
I can't prevent it, I really can't prevent it.
In the 23rd minute, Ber cut in from the left and took a long shot. De Gea dived and missed the ball. Adebayor followed up with a follow-up shot. Ferdinand cleared the ball on the goal line.
Martin: "Ferdinand! Goal-line clearance! Ber's long-range shot was very threatening. De Gea missed the ball. Adebayor's follow-up shot was almost certain to go in, but Ferdinand blocked the ball at the goal-line! This is the value of a veteran!"
Neville: "Ferdinand wore the captain's armband today, and his performance is worthy of the armband. This clearance is so critical. If Tottenham Hotspur equalizes, the trend of the game may be completely different."
In the 29th minute, Rooney made a pass from the right, Zhang Kuang pushed Ekotto from behind and headed the ball into the lower right corner of the goal.
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur.
Zhang Kuang did not celebrate this time, but ran back to the center circle expressionlessly. But when his eyes glanced at the Tottenham Hotspur back line, Walker lowered his head unconsciously.
Martin: "GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Zhang Kuang! Scored twice! Rooney's cross was so accurate, Zhang Kuang beat Ekotto with a header!
Friedel has nothing to do! 2-0! Manchester United expands the lead! Zhang Kuang scored two goals in Wembley!"
Neville: "Ekotto's height is a flaw. It's not surprising that Zhang Kuang grabbed a header over him. But the problem is, Tottenham Hotspur's None of the defensive players could follow Zhang Kuang. Who was Kaboul marking? Who was Gallas marking? Zhang Kuang was completely free in the penalty area."
He Wei: "In, in, in, the ball is in, Zhang Kuang scored twice! 2-0! Manchester United leads Tottenham Hotspur! Zhang Kuang scored two goals in Wembley! This is his 8th goal in Football Association Cup!"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, this ball is too simple. Zhang Kuang used his sharpest scoring method to score one of his best goals.
From Rooney's cross, Zhang Kuang beat Ekotto with a header. Ekotto is nearly ten centimeters shorter than Zhang Kuang. How can he defend against it? Tottenham Hotspur's defense has a big problem today."
In the 34th minute, Modrić scored the ball from the middle. Ber cut in from the left and volleyed with his left foot from 25 yards. The ball hit the upper right corner.
De Gea is beyond our reach.
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.
Martin: "GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Ber! World wave! Modrić's pass was so comfortable. Ber cut in and volleyed with his left foot. The ball hit the upper right corner!
De Gea has nothing to do! 2-1! Tottenham Hotspur makes it back! This is Ber! This is the strength of a world-class winger!"
Neville: "Ber's ball is so beautiful. Look when he cuts in, Rafael is completely shaken away. Then he volleys with his left foot. The power, angle, and arc are perfect. De Gea didn't even finish the save."
After Ber scored, he did a long sliding jump to celebrate.
Being able to score Manchester United's goal is indeed worthy of celebration.
The head coach of Tottenham Hotspur is Harry·Redknapp. He was so excited that he punched five times in a row, and the confidence he had lost one after another was suddenly brought back.
He Wei: "The ball went in, Ber's world wave! 2-1! Tottenham Hotspur pulled one back! Ber cut in from the left and volleyed with his left foot, and the ball hit the upper right corner!
De Gea is out of reach! This is Ber! This is the star of Tottenham Hotspur! I heard that many clubs want to buy Wales star this summer."
Zhang Lu: "When Ber cut in, Rafael was completely shaken away. It felt like he had learned Zhang Kuang's unique trick.
Then he volleyed with his left foot, the power, angle, and arc were perfect. At first glance, it was really similar to Zhang Kuang's signature attack method. De Gea didn't even finish the saving action."
Not to mention that Zhang Lu thinks so, even the fans think so.
Comment area of MyScore live broadcast platform:
"Ah? Isn't this Zhang Kuang second? He is almost as fast as Zhang Kuang. Breakthroughs, passing, cutting inside, and shooting are all very Zhang Kuang."
"Hey, it's very similar, but I have to correct one thing. This method is not exclusive to Zhang Kuang. Do you know a Netherlands player named Robben? He used this trick to score countless goals earlier than Zhang Kuang."
"Oh? Is there such a player? Has this Robben retired? Which giant team in the last century is he? Why don't I remember him?"
"Pfft, vomiting blood! If Robben knew you said that, he would be furious on the spot. He is the star player of Bayern Munich, and he is only 27 years old this year."
"Ah? Sorry, I'm a new fan. I really don't know."
"Yes, yes, yes, many new fans now only look at Manchester United, only look at Zhang Kuang. They only have Zhang Kuang in their eyes. They only ask about other stars when others mention them, and then they forget about them immediately."
"Ha, it's so sad to be the same generation as Zhang Kuang!"
"..."
In the 41st minute, Van der Vaart took a free kick from the top of the penalty area, and De Gea punched out with both fists.
Martin: "Van der Vaart's free kick is very threatening, but De Gea's double punch attack is very decisive. The first half is about to end, the score is 2-1."
In the 44th minute, Zhang Kuang missed a hat trick. Zhang Kuang connected with Carrick to form a single shot, but his push was blocked by Friedel with his legs.
Martin: "Zhang Kuang! Single shot... Oh, Friedel! United States The veteran blocked the ball with his legs! Zhang Kuang missed the hat trick! The angle of his shot was too right, Friedel struck very decisively."
Neville: "Zhang Kuang has already scored two goals in the first half, but he could have scored three. Friedel's save is so crucial. If Manchester United enters the second half with a score of 3-1, Tottenham Hotspur will really be out of luck."
1 minute of added time in the first half.
At halftime, Manchester United led 2-1.