Beirut Sports City Stadium's news release meeting was attended by dozens of Lebanon media reporters from Lebanon, China Hong Kong, China mainland, Asian Football Confederation, FIFA, and other media organizations.
Coach Lebanon arrived first and was the first to speak. Theo Bouk, the head coach from Germany, spoke very hard and had a very serious attitude, typical Germany characteristics.
Theo Bouk: "Tomorrow night's game is very important for Lebanon. There are only eight games in total. Every time we lose a point in the early stage, the pressure will double in the later stage, so we will do our best to score points tomorrow."
He didn't say strive to win, only strive to score points.
Reporter: "Mr. Theo, what do you mean, Lebanon may play defensive counterattack tomorrow? At least strive for a draw?"
Theo·Bouk:"It can also be understood this way."
Reporter: "But Zhang Kuang is the most difficult to guard. He averages more than two goals per game. In other words, Lebanon must score at least two goals to have the possibility of pursuing a tie. Does the team have a strategy to defend Zhang Kuang? Does the team have a strategy to score Hong Kong Team's two goals?"
Theo·Bouk: "This is indeed a difficult problem, but just because it is a difficult problem, it does not mean there is no goal. Your question is very reasonable. We have also trained specifically for a week. The answer will be revealed after the game."
Reporter: "..."
After the reporters asked a dozen questions, Theo Bouk ended the press conference and left, and then Troussier took the stage.
Obviously, France is much more friendly and casual than Germany. Troussier started with a smile:
"Lebanon's scenery is beautiful, the sunshine is pure, and the Arabian style is very attractive. This is a beautiful country.
However, China Hong Kong Team is not here for travel. Although the team members are praising the scenery here, they will never be careless in tomorrow night's game.
The team has studied the characteristics of the Lebanon national team, and we have also made preparations for about a week. With a few days of adaptation here, I believe we can usher in two consecutive victories tomorrow night."
Reporter: "..."
Then the reporter asked about a dozen questions and it ended. Before Troussier left, he joked with a reporter he knew well, making the reporters laugh.
The stadium staff clearly felt that there were two head coaches with completely different mentality, one was serious and cold, the other was relaxed and casual, just like the current state of the two teams.
June 8, evening.
All attention came to Beirut Sports City Stadium again.
It's not dark yet, but the sun has already set behind the stands.
The stadium lights came on, shining a little yellow on the turf. There were many empty seats in the stands, but there were more than Zhang Kuang expected.
There were about 18,500 people, including more than 300 Hong Kong fans gathered in a corner of the south stand, holding banners supporting Hong Kong Team such as "Hong Kong must win!"
Lebanon fans occupied most of the North Stand and East Stand. The red Lebanon flag was waving and the drums were beating one after another. Their singing was very loud, but Zhang Kuang could not understand the lyrics.
Hong Kong Team In the locker room, Troussier is making final arrangements.
"Everyone, I have analyzed what needs to be analyzed these days, and I have also done what needs to be done in training. Next, it will depend on your performance on the field.
The more points we score against the weak teams in the group, the more room for error we have against the strong teams. The more points we score in the early stage, the easier we will play in the later stage. This is called 'bitter first, then sweet' at China. Therefore, winning this game will lay a good foundation for our subsequent schedule!"
"Hong Kong Team, we must win, we must win, we must win!" the players shouted in unison.
Troussier finally said, "Remember, we are not here for tourism."
--
In the studio of Lebanon National Television:
Host Nadim Salim is sitting in front of the studio. His suit is dark gray and his tie is the color of the Lebanon national flag.
There was a tablet in front of him, with the starting lineups of both sides on it.
The director counted down in the headphones: five, four, three, two, one.
"Good evening, Beirut. Welcome to the second round of Group A of the top ten qualifiers for the 2014 Brazil World Cup Asia zone, the match between Lebanon and China Hong Kong. I am Nadim Salim."
The camera switched to the stadium scene. Beirut Sports City Stadium's lawn was glowing green under the lights, and the stands were not completely filled with fans.
"Today Lebanon Team's opponent is China Hong Kong Team. Three days ago, Hong Kong Team defeated South Korea Team 4-2 at home.
Zhang Kuang staged a big four. This was the first time in the history of Hong Kong Team that they entered the top ten, and it was also the first time that they defeated South Korea Team. Lebanon Team lost to Jordan 0-1 in the first round away game."
He paused.
"In today's game, Lebanon Team needs to score points. If we lose, with zero points in two rounds, the qualifying situation will be very serious."
The director's voice sounded in the headphones, "We will switch to the commentary box in thirty seconds."
Nadim nodded and continued, "Now we hand over the screen to the on-site commentator, Karim·Jia Blin."
Karim·Jia Blin is wearing headphones and has a stack of handwritten notes in front of him. He wore a blue shirt today without a tie. Lebanon National Television's commentator's seat is on the west side of the stadium and can clearly see the entire stadium.
"Thank you Nadim. Hello everyone, I am Karim·Jia Blin. We are now at Beirut Sports City Stadium. The temperature tonight is 30 degrees, which is a little cooler than during the day. The turf is in general condition and is dry in some places."
He picked up the starting lineup.
"Okay, I just got the starting lineups of both sides. Let me first introduce the starting lineups of both sides. Lebanon Team ranked 4-4-1-1 today.
Goalkeeper Samad. Four defenders: Saadi, Mohammed, Najjarin, Ismail. Four midfielders: Faour, Dakik, Atwi, Matouk. Zreik is behind Mohammed. The single arrow is Hassan·Mohammed.
Hong Kong Team formed a 4-2-3-1 offensive formation instead of the 361 iron barrel formation when they played South Korea. Goalkeeper Fan Chun-yip. Four defenders: Lee Chi-ho, Chan Wai-ho, Shane·Lowry, Poon Yiu-cheuk. Double defensive midfielder: Leung Chun-pong, Jack·Xu. Three attacking midfielders: Li Weilian, Cris·Kang, Zheng Shaowei. The single arrow is Zhang Kuang."
He put down the list and looked at the field. Players from both sides were preparing to enter the field.
"There is one change in China Hong Kong Team's starting lineup compared to the last game against South Korea Team: Jack·Xu replaced Bai He and appeared in the defensive midfielder position of Hong Kong Team. Bai He had a cracked eyebrow bone in the last game against South Korea and needed five stitches. He is sitting on the bench today..."
TV station Lebanon is explaining, and TVB and CCTV are also introducing it slowly.
Chung Chi-kwong and Wong Hing-kwai are sitting in the commentary box.
"Good evening, dear viewers. Welcome to the second round of Group A of the top ten regional qualifiers in 2014. Brazil World Cup Asia. Lebanon vs. China Hong Kong. My name is Chung Chi-kwong."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Hello everyone, I am Wong Hing-kwai. We are now at Beirut. Hong Kong Team defeated South Korea at home 5 days ago, and today we are away to challenge Lebanon, but this is a completely different game from South Korea Team."
Chung Chi-kwong: "Sir Huang, how do you think Hong Kong Team will play today?"
Wong Hing-kwai: "In the last game against South Korea, Hong Kong Team played a 361, defensive counterattack. Today against Lebanon, Troussier played a 4-2-3-1, which is a more balanced formation.
Three attacking midfielders - Li Weilian, Cris Kang, and Zheng Shaowei, are ranked behind Zhang Kuang. This shows that Troussier doesn't just want to defend, he wants to control the game."
Chung Chi-kwong: "Lebanon Team's strength is lower than South Korea Team, but they will play more proactively at home."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Yes. Lebanon lost to Jordan in the last game. If they lose again, they will have zero points in two rounds and they will be far away from qualifying, so they will definitely press forward to fight. This may be a good thing for Hong Kong Team - what Zhang Kuang likes most is the space left after the opponent presses up."
Chung Chi-kwong: "Hong Kong Team has two changes today: Jack·Xu replaces Bai He and appears in the midfielder position. What changes will this make?"
Wong Hing-kwai: "Jack·Xu's defensive coverage is larger than Bai He's offensive ability. He is allowed to play because this game does not require as many defensive players as the last game. There are fewer defensive personnel in this game, but players who are better at defending are needed. Bai He cannot afford to be a defensive midfielder.
Jack·Xu wants to focus on Atwi, Lebanon's playmaker today. Atwi likes to get the ball at the top of the penalty area, and Jack·Xu cannot let him turn around comfortably."
Chung Chi-kwong: "On Lebanon Team's side, Matouk is on the left, Zreik is on the right, Atwi is in the center, and Mohammed is at the front. What do you think of this midfield and frontcourt configuration?"
Wong Hing-kwai: "Matouk is the most threatening player of Lebanon. His inward shooting is very threatening. Lee Chi-ho will put a lot of defensive pressure on the right..."
CCTV-5 and He Wei are sitting in the commentary box, next to them is Zhang Lu, and in the background is a panoramic picture of Beirut Sports City Stadium.
He Wei: "Friends in the audience, good evening. Welcome to 2014 Brazil World Cup Asia The second round of Group A of the top ten regional qualifiers, the match between Lebanon and China Hong Kong. I am He Wei, and the commentator with me today is Zhang Lu, Director Zhang."
Zhang Lu: "Hey, hello, viewers."
He Wei: "Director Zhang, Hong Kong Team defeated South Korea Team 4-2 in Hong Kong Stadium five days ago, and Zhang Kuang staged a big four. Today they challenged Lebanon away from home. What do you think is the key to this game?"
Zhang Lu:"..."
After the two made some simple analysis and comments on the two teams before the start of the game, they cut to the scene.
He Wei: "Okay, players from both sides have started to enter the stadium. Let's take a look at Beirut Sports City Stadium's live scene first."
The live broadcast sounded, first in Arabic and then in English: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Beirut Sports City Stadium."
2014 Brazil World Cup Asia district qualifiers, Lebanon versus China Hong Kong. Now, please all stand up and sing the national anthems of both teams."
"March of the Volunteers" was played first, and the Hong Kong fans in the South Stand started singing along. The voices of more than 300 people were not loud, but they were very neat. Zhang Kuang stood in the queue, put his hands on his chest, and sang very loudly.
Then came the Lebanon national anthem. In the stands of Lebanon fans, the red national flag was waving. The Lebanon players put their hands on their chests with solemn expressions.
The national anthem ends.
Players from both sides shook hands, chose sides, and cheered.
Then there is the coin guessing, and then the two teams stand ready to play.
Shu Clara looked at his watch and blew the whistle.
"Beep--!"
Chung Chi-kwong: "Okay, with the referee's whistle, 2014 Brazil World Cup Asia In the second round of Group A of the top ten regional qualifiers, the match between Lebanon and China Hong Kong has officially begun. Hong Kong Team wears a red jersey and attacks from left to right. Lebanon Team wears a white jersey and attacks from right to left."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Hong Kong Team's formation is 4-2-3-1. When defending, the two full midfielders, Li Weilian and Zheng Shaowei, will recover to form a four-midfielder. Only Zhang Kuang is left in front."
Chung Chi-kwong: "Lebanon pressed forward at the beginning. Atwi took the ball and moved it to the left. Matouk dribbled the ball. Lee Chi-ho was guarding him..."
In the 3rd minute, Atwi passed the ball from the middle, Zreik cut in from the right and shot low with his left foot, Fan Chun-yip fell to the ground and confiscated it.
Chung Chi-kwong: "Zreik's shot is very powerful, but the angle is too right. Fan Chun-yip holds it very steadily."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Hong Kong Team's defense retreated too deep for this ball. When Zreik cut inside, no one pressed him. Fortunately, Fan Chun-yip was focused."
In the 8th minute, the Hong Kong team regained possession of the ball. Jack Xu's midfield sweep directly intercepted Atwi's ball, and then passed it to Liang Zhenbang, who then passed it to Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang dribbled the ball straight towards Lebanon's goal. Facing Lebanon's defense at the front of the penalty area, Zhang Kuang passed Najjarin and shot a cold arrow from 25 meters away. Samad flew up and lifted the ball over the crossbar.
Chung Chi-kwong: "Zhang Kuang... passed by Najjarin, long shot! Samad saved it! Oh, it's a pity, the quality of this shot is very high, the opponent's goalkeeper is very focused!"
Wong Hing-kwai: "It's a pity, but this is football. Sometimes even the world's top scorer can't guarantee that he will score 100% of the time..."
At the game, most fans breathed a sigh of relief and gave encouraging applause to Samad. Only Hong Kong fans sighed in disappointment.
But Zhang Kuang didn't feel any pity other than shaking his head.
He Wei: "Cris Kang went to take the corner kick, Hong Kong Team's corner kick, Zhang Kuang was in the penalty area. Lebanon Two people were sent to keep an eye on him, Mohammed and Najjarin... When the corner kick came out, Zhang Kuang jumped up! Hit it! Go in, go in, go in, the ball goes in!
Zhang Kuang, scored a goal in his best way, Lebanon's goalkeeper Samad had nothing to do."
Zhang Lu: "Haha, this ball Cris Kang took a corner kick from the right into the penalty area. Zhang Kuang suddenly stepped forward from near the penalty spot and beat Mohammed to header the ball. The ball bounced off the ground and went into the lower left corner. Samad couldn't save it.
This kind of routine often happened in Zhang Kuang's past games. The routine was quite simple, but no one could prevent it.
There's nothing you can do about it, because he can jump high, hit the ball straight, have great strength, and is fast. He's also strong in physical confrontation, so it's hard for defensive players to hold him down."
Hong Kong 1:0 Lebanon.
Chung Chi-kwong: "GOOOOOOOOOOOAL, the ball is in! Zhang Kuang! Zhang Kuang! Header! Hong Kong Team is ahead! Cris·Kang's corner kick was very accurate. Zhang Kuang suddenly made a forward move from near the penalty spot. Mohammed didn't react at all! The ball bounced off the ground and went into the lower left corner! Samad couldn't make the save!"
Wong Hing-kwai: "This is Zhang Kuang's ability to grab points! He hid behind Mohammed, Najjarin's attention was attracted by Mohammed, Zhang Kuang suddenly started, and Mohammed had no time to follow. This header, power, angle, and timing are all perfect."
Karim·Jia Blin (Lebanon National Television): "Oh, this... goal was scored. The world's top scorer, Zhang Kuang. Cris·Kang's corner kick, Zhang Kuang's header. Samad had no reaction. Lebanon 0 fell behind by 1."
His voice was calm, but with a sense of helplessness.
"This is Zhang Kuang's fifth goal in the top ten. He scored four goals against South Korea in the last game. He scored in the first 12 minutes today. This player is really too threatening."
In the 19th minute, Lebanon counterattacked.
Matouk broke through Lee Chi-ho on the left and passed in. Mohammed shot from the edge of the small penalty area. Shane·Lowry rescued the goal line and blocked it with his legs. Then Faour missed the shot from outside the penalty area.
Chung Chi-kwong: "Matouk! Breakthrough from the left! Cross! Mohammed! Scoop shot! Fan Chun-yip! Shane·Lowry blocked it with his legs!"
Wong Hing-kwai: "This ball is too dangerous. Matouk's breakthrough is very sharp, and Lee Chi-ho is thrown away by him. Mohammed's shovel shot is also very threatening, but Shane·Lowry's reaction is too fast."
In the 27th minute, Leung Chun-pong intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed the ball long. Zhang Kuang started near the center circle and successfully countered offside to form a single shot.
Samad struck out to the edge of the penalty area, Zhang Kuang spiked the ball with his right foot past the goalkeeper and pushed towards the empty goal.
Najjarin flew and slid to block the ball...
The ball bounced off Zhang Kuang and rolled toward the goal. Zhang Kuang shot a shot into the net with his left foot.
Hong Kong 2:0 Lebanon.
Chung Chi-kwong: "Zhang Kuang! Single! Pass the goalkeeper! Hit the goal...Najjarin! Najjarin's tackle... The ball bounces on Zhang Kuang...Zhang Kuang's follow-up shot!"
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! The ball is in! It is in! It is in! It is in! Zhang Kuang scored twice! 2 to 0! Two goals in 27 minutes."
Wong Hing-kwai: "This ball is so exciting! Leung Chun-pong's long pass is very accurate, and Zhang Kuang's starting time is perfect. When Samad attacks, Zhang Kuang spikes the ball past him with his right foot.
Najjarin made a quick tackle and blocked Zhang Kuang's first shot, but the ball bounced off Zhang Kuang and rolled towards the goal. Zhang Kuang shot the shot into the net with his left foot. This is Zhang Kuang's sense of smell!"
He Wei: "It's in, it's in, it's in, the ball is in, Zhang Kuang, in the 27th minute, scored twice! Hong Kong Team leads 2 to 0!"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, Zhang Kuang handled this ball perfectly. He dunked over Samad and faced an empty goal, but Najjarin chased back too fast.
But Zhang Kuang reacted faster. After the ball bounced on him, he immediately shot back with his left foot without even adjusting. This is the instinct of a world-class shooter. If it were an ordinary shooter, he would definitely stop the ball and adjust. If so, it would give the opponent a chance to defend."
Karim·Jia Blin: "... The second ball, Zhang Kuang. Najjarin's tackle blocked the first shot, but Zhang Kuang made a supplementary shot into the net. Lebanon 0 trailed by 2. The game only lasted twenty-seven minutes."
His voice was a little low and a little disappointed.