Chapter Summaries

After Zhang Kuang’s four-goal return sparked a heated debate over his relationship with the mainland national team, he ignored the controversy and trained with the Hong Kong Team. The Hong Kong Team prepared to face Nigeria as a packed Hong Kong Stadium and crowds of mainland supporters awaited the second match.

• At the press conference, Zhang Kuang defended Troussier’s authority and said he wished the mainland national team well, while Troussier explained how Zhang’s presence encouraged his teammates to pass and make runs.
• After the Hong Kong Team beat Uzbekistan 4-2, Zhang Kuang’s remarks dominated online discussion, and an anonymous national team insider accused him of being a traitor.
• Media and fans compared the Hong Kong Team’s upcoming match against Nigeria with the mainland national team’s match against Costa Rica, while Zhang Kuang kept quiet and trained with his teammates.
• At the pre-match press conference, Troussier warned that Nigeria were stronger than Uzbekistan, and Lagerbäck said Nigeria would mark Zhang Kuang collectively and try to cut him off from his teammates.
• Before the evening match on the 27th, mainland supporters packed Hong Kong Stadium and gathered outside, while players prepared in the dressing room.

The Hong Kong Team endured Nigeria’s opening assault under Troussier’s defensive 3-6-1, then began counterattacking through Zhang Kuang. Zhang Kuang equalized with a solo run and chip, leaving the match tied 1-1.

• Troussier set the Hong Kong Team up in a 3-6-1 and told the players to defend deeply, avoid mistakes, and send the ball forward to Zhang Kuang.
• Nigeria dominated the opening minutes, and Musa scored in the thirteenth minute after Mikel split the Hong Kong Team’s lines with a through ball.
• After conceding, the Hong Kong Team settled under Troussier’s instructions and began limiting Nigeria’s shooting chances.
• Jack Xu sent Zhang Kuang a long pass in the twenty-second minute, and Zhang Kuang dribbled past Odia and Yobo before Enyeama saved his shot.
• Cris Kong threaded a through ball to Zhang Kuang in the twenty-eighth minute, and Zhang Kuang beat several defenders before chipping Enyeama to equalize at 1-1.

Hong Kong fought Nigeria to a 3-3 draw as Zhang Kuang scored a hat trick, including a last-gasp bicycle kick. After the final whistle, the players celebrated with their fans, and Troussier and Zhang Kuang assessed the match at a press conference.

• After Zhang Kuang's first goal made it 1-1, Fan Chun-yip made several saves to keep Nigeria from retaking the lead before halftime.
• Nigeria took a 2-1 lead through Obasi, but Zhang Kuang equalized with a powerful knuckleball shot after dribbling past defenders.
• Emenike restored Nigeria's lead at 3-2, and Hong Kong pressed forward as the match neared its end.
• Cris Kong crossed a corner in the 89th minute, and Zhang Kuang scored a bicycle kick to complete his hat trick and make it 3-3.
• Fan Chun-yip saved Obasi's final shot, and the match ended in a draw as Hong Kong's players and fans celebrated.
• At the press conference, Troussier praised Hong Kong's resilience and identified defensive weaknesses, while Zhang Kuang discussed improving his defending and set pieces.

After Zhang Kuang’s hat-trick earned Hong Kong a 3-3 draw with Nigeria, the result fueled a wave of public support for him and criticism of the China national team. Hong Kong then faced Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Zhang Kuang equalized before standing over a late free kick with the match level at 1-1.

• Zhang Kuang dismissed questions about his scoring and praised the China national team after its draw with Costa Rica, while Nigeria manager Lagerbäck called him a world-class superstar.
• Hong Kong media and online fans celebrated Zhang Kuang’s seven goals in two friendlies, and many criticized China’s national team players for disparaging him.
• At Troussier’s suggestion, Hong Kong flew to Bosnia and Herzegovina for an away friendly, where the hosts dominated early and Misimović scored in the thirteenth minute.
• Zhang Kuang beat two defenders and scored a powerful long-range equalizer in the seventeenth minute, then rallied his teammates as Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to attack.
• Hong Kong held Bosnia and Herzegovina to 1-1 through halftime and endured further pressure after the hosts brought on Džeko and Zlatan Muslimović.
• In the sixty-third minute, Milošević fouled Zhang Kuang, and Zhang stood over a free kick 25 meters from goal.

Zhang Kuang scored a free kick as the Hong Kong Team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1, finishing their international break unbeaten with nine goals in three matches. He returned to Manchester United ahead of a title-deciding match against West Ham, and the chapter ended just after kickoff at Upton Park.

• Zhang Kuang curled a free kick into the top-right corner to give the Hong Kong Team a 2-1 lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina attacked while a man down, but the Hong Kong Team defended their lead and won 2-1 at full time.
• Troussier praised the team's performances, and Zhang Kuang credited his teammates for helping him score nine goals in three warm-up matches.
• Zhang Kuang returned to Manchester and found Manchester United's defense depleted by injuries before their away match against West Ham.
• Manchester United needed only a draw to clinch the Premier League title, while relegation-threatened West Ham needed a win.
• Vidić lost the coin toss to Noblin, and referee Lee Mason started the match at Upton Park.

Manchester United fell 2-0 behind West Ham after Evra and Vidić conceded two penalties, but Zhang Kuang scored in the 30th minute to pull one back. His goal lifted the team’s spirits as the match continued with Manchester United trailing 2-1.

• Giggs’s corner found Zhang Kuang, whose powerful header forced Green into an outstanding save.
• Manchester United created more chances, but Rooney missed a close-range opportunity and Da Costa blocked Zhang Kuang’s rebound shot.
• Evra handled Demba Ba’s ball in the penalty area, and Noblin scored from the spot to put West Ham ahead.
• Vidić tripped Carlton Cole in the penalty area, and Noblin scored his second penalty to make it 2-0.
• Zhang Kuang evaded Da Costa and Hitzlsperger with two changes of direction and scored a low shot to reduce the deficit.
• Zhang Kuang celebrated before the away fans, and Ferguson urged Manchester United to stay composed and prevent another goal.

Zhang Kuang inspired Manchester United’s comeback against West Ham, scoring a late first-half equalizer and then a second-half free kick to complete his hat trick and put United ahead 3-2. The chapter ended with Manchester United leading as the match continued, while Rob Hawthorne had been fired for his on-air conspiracy remarks.

• Hitzlsperger fired a long-range volley over the bar, and Vidić received a yellow card for hauling down Demba Ba.
• Zhang Kuang scored from twenty-five meters just before halftime to bring Manchester United level at 2-2.
• Ferguson berated Evra and Vidić in the dressing room, while Sky Sports fired Rob Hawthorne over his commentary about a conspiracy.
• Rooney nearly scored after the restart, then Da Costa was booked for a studs-first challenge that injured Rooney’s ankle.
• Zhang Kuang scored a free kick in the 65th minute to complete his hat trick and give Manchester United a 3-2 lead.

Zhang Kuang scored four goals as Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat West Ham United 6-2 and clinch the 2010-11 Premier League title with seven matches to spare. After celebrating his first Premier League crown, Zhang Kuang set his sights on winning the UEFA Champions League, while fans across Manchester and China celebrated the victory.

• Rooney scored Manchester United's fourth goal in the 73rd minute, then celebrated by swearing into the live camera.
• Rooney converted a penalty in the 79th minute to make it 2-5 and complete his brace.
• Zhang Kuang scored his fourth goal in the 84th minute, extending Manchester United's lead to 6-2.
• The final whistle confirmed Manchester United's title, and Zhang Kuang celebrated his first Premier League crown with his teammates.
• Zhang Kuang accepted the player of the match trophy and said he would give everything to win the UEFA Champions League.
• Ferguson praised Zhang Kuang's four-goal performance as fans celebrated Manchester United's title in Manchester and China.

After Manchester United’s title win sparked a media storm and a fierce online feud between Zhang Kuang’s and Messi’s fans, Zhang Kuang stayed out of the dispute and focused on the Champions League. The chapter ended as Manchester United prepared to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Martin Tyler asking Gary Neville how it felt to commentate on his former club’s match.

• British media and fans debated the controversial penalties, Rob Hawthorne’s dismissal, and Manchester United’s title win, while Maradona and Pelé praised Zhang Kuang and said Messi and South American players could learn from him.
• Messi’s fans and Zhang Kuang’s fans escalated their online argument into insults, doctored images, rumors, and abusive songs.
• Zhang Kuang rejected his agent Jonathan’s suggestion to comment publicly and told reporters he had no opinion on the fan dispute.
• The English Football Association denied interfering with match outcomes, while pundits including Alan Shearer and Carragher questioned the circumstances surrounding the penalties and Rob’s dismissal.
• Ferguson warned Manchester United to focus on their Champions League quarterfinal against Chelsea, and both clubs’ managers and captains expressed confidence before the first leg.
• At Stamford Bridge on April 6, Zhang Kuang spotted Constanza in the stands as Martin Tyler began interviewing new commentator Gary Neville.

Neville explained that Messi fans targeted Zhang Kuang because his rise threatened Messi’s standing, then joined the broadcast of Chelsea’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Manchester United. After Chelsea’s early pressure, Zhang Kuang beat Essien and Ramires and scored a long-range goal, giving United a 1-0 lead.

• Neville said Messi fans attacked Zhang Kuang because suppressing him and Cristiano Ronaldo was the only way to protect Messi’s momentum.
• The commentators previewed Chelsea’s home quarterfinal against Manchester United, with Chelsea seeking revenge for the 2008 final and Ancelotti under pressure.
• Chelsea pressed early, with Drogba and Torres both testing Manchester United’s defense before Van der Sar stopped Torres’s shot.
• In the eleventh minute, Hernández passed to Zhang Kuang on a counterattack, and Zhang Kuang evaded Essien and Ramires with a change of direction.
• Zhang Kuang struck from about thirty meters and beat Čech, putting Manchester United ahead 1-0.

Zhang Kuang and Rooney gave Manchester United a 2-0 halftime lead over Chelsea, but Drogba pulled one back after the break. Zhang Kuang then beat five Chelsea players to score a spectacular solo goal, leaving United ahead 3-1 and Chelsea’s players and owner stunned.

• Zhang Kuang celebrated his opening goal with his teammates as Manchester United took the lead, and Drogba later forced a save from Van der Sar.
• Giggs set up Rooney to score Manchester United’s second goal, while Hernández had a goal ruled offside and Ferdinand blocked Drogba’s late first-half shot.
• Drogba scored early in the second half to make it 1-2, and Ferguson replaced Rafael with Valencia.
• Zhang Kuang battled past Essien, Ramires, Ashley Cole, Terry, and Čech before scoring to put Manchester United 3-1 ahead.
• Zhang Kuang celebrated with his teammates as the away fans erupted, while Ancelotti watched in shock and Abramovich looked angry and covetous.

Zhang Kuang helped Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1 away in the UEFA Champions League, scoring twice while Van der Sar repeatedly denied Torres. After the final whistle, Zhang Kuang and Ferguson celebrated the win, while Chelsea were left needing a major comeback in the second leg.

• Torres passed up a chance to set up Drogba and missed, then later had a header saved by Van der Sar as Chelsea struggled to recover.
• Ancelotti substituted Drogba for Anelka and later brought on Mikel, while Ferguson replaced Hernández with Berbatov to protect Manchester United's lead.
• Zhang Kuang nearly scored from a long-range free kick, but Čech tipped his S-curving shot over the bar.
• Chelsea appealed for a penalty after Evra tripped Ramires, but Mallenco waved play on; Torres then hit the post with a late shot.
• Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1, and Zhang Kuang exchanged shirts with Torres before receiving the man-of-the-match award.
• Ancelotti praised Zhang Kuang and expressed hope for Torres, while Ferguson declared that Zhang Kuang was the god of war and Torres could have the tragedy.

Zhang Kuang scored twice as Manchester United beat Fulham 4-0, secured the Premier League title, and celebrated with a parade through Manchester. Four days later, Manchester United began their Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Chelsea, whose defensive plan focused on surrounding Zhang Kuang.

• Torres scored the winner against Wigan Athletic as media coverage eased the pressure on him.
• Zhang Kuang scored twice and assisted Hernández as Manchester United beat Fulham 4-0, with Carrick adding a fourth goal.
• Vidić lifted the Premier League trophy, and Zhang Kuang received an Upgrade Card for completing the title mission.
• Zhang Kuang skipped the post-parade celebration to return to the hotel and cultivate.
• Chelsea began the second leg at Old Trafford with Mikel and Ramires leading a four-player chain intended to contain Zhang Kuang.

Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-0 to reach the Champions League semifinals, with Zhang Kuang scoring and assisting, then defeated Manchester City 3-1 in the FA Cup semifinal. United advanced to face Schalke 04 in Europe and Stoke City in the FA Cup final.

• Zhang Kuang dribbled past Chelsea’s double team and forced Čech into a save, while Van der Sar stopped Drogba’s chances at the other end.
• Zhang Kuang set up Rooney to score, giving Manchester United a 1-0 lead and a 4-1 aggregate advantage over Chelsea.
• Zhang Kuang scored with an S-shaped shot in the second half, and Manchester United eliminated Chelsea 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League semifinals.
• After Chelsea’s elimination, Abramovich ordered his scouting department to prepare a detailed report on Zhang Kuang and said Chelsea must sign him next season at any cost.
• Zhang Kuang scored and assisted Berbatov as Manchester United took a 2-1 lead over Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal.
• Zhang Kuang scored again in the second half, and Manchester United won 3-1 to advance to the FA Cup final against Stoke City.

Manchester United took a 1-0 lead over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal after Zhang Kuang scored with a header. Neuer made several impressive saves before Zhang Kuang beat him, then the two clashed verbally just before halftime.

• Manchester United rested key players in league matches against Newcastle and Everton, then traveled to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke 04 in the semifinal.
• Neuer denied Zhang Kuang twice and stopped Hernández during Manchester United’s early attacks.
• In the twenty-eighth minute, Zhang Kuang headed in Giggs’s corner to give Manchester United a 1-0 lead and set a new record with his twentieth Champions League goal that season.
• Raúl missed Schalke’s best first-half chance, while Neuer continued to stop Manchester United’s attacks, including efforts from Rooney and Giggs.
• After Neuer roared at him following another save, Zhang Kuang taunted him, and players from both teams gathered before the referee warned them.
• The first half ended with Manchester United leading 1-0, and Neville prepared to discuss Zhang Kuang’s Chinese kung fu at halftime.

Manchester United beat Schalke 04 away 2-0 in the Champions League semifinal first leg as Zhang Kuang scored twice and Neuer produced a string of saves, including a penalty stop. After the match, UEFA named Neuer player of the match, while online arguments continued over claims that Zhang Kuang used Chinese kung fu to gain an unfair advantage.

• At halftime, MyScore commenters argued over whether Zhang Kuang’s strength and speed came from Chinese kung fu, and Neville later rejected calls to ban him unless he had used an illegal advantage.
• In the 47th minute, Giggs crossed a free kick and Zhang Kuang headed toward goal, but Neuer tipped the ball over the bar.
• In the 58th minute, Rooney sent Hernández through on goal, Neuer stopped his shot between his legs, and Zhang Kuang intercepted Neuer’s attempted pass to score Manchester United’s second goal.
• In the 77th minute, Atsuto Uchida wrestled Zhang Kuang down in the box and received a red card, but Neuer saved Rooney’s ensuing penalty.
• Manchester United held on to win 2-0, and UEFA awarded Neuer player of the match for his saves despite Zhang Kuang’s brace.

After Schalke 04 lost the Champions League semifinal first leg 2-0, Zhang Kuang rejected claims that he used Chinese kung fu to pad his stats and accused his attackers and Ballon d’Or voters of bias. His remarks ignited a global controversy, while Gary Neville and former players defended him on television.

• UEFA named Neuer man of the match after he made several saves and stopped a penalty, and Neuer said Schalke 04 could still advance if they contained Zhang Kuang.
• Reporters asked Zhang Kuang whether Chinese kung fu gave him an illegal advantage, and he dismissed the claims as illogical and challenged critics to explain how martial arts violated FIFA rules.
• Zhang Kuang said the accusations came from people trying to clear the way for Messi to win the Ballon d’Or, then argued that voters would not choose him because he was Chinese and did not believe in God.
• Zhang Kuang’s comments spread worldwide, prompting polarized debate, media coverage, and polls that largely rejected the claim that he scored using kung fu.
• Gary Neville clarified that his earlier kung fu remark had been a joke, said he had apologized to Zhang Kuang, and argued that the accusations were anti-intellectual.
• Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, and Eric Cantona rejected the claims or questioned their logic during Sky Sports broadcasts, with Cantona asking why Chinese football had produced only one superstar if kung fu were so powerful.

Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and FIFA officials responded to the controversy surrounding Zhang Kuang as he helped Manchester United beat Arsenal and crush Schalke to reach the UEFA Champions League final. With Barcelona also advancing, the Zhang Kuang–Messi showdown at Wembley became the focus of worldwide attention, while Manchester United prepared to face Stoke City in the FA Cup final.

• Messi said he knew nothing about the controversy and only cared about football, while Cristiano Ronaldo praised Zhang Kuang and said he would vote for him for the Ballon d'Or if he could.
• FIFA's spokesman denied that Zhang Kuang had trained in Chinese kung fu and said there was insufficient evidence that it improved football ability, while defending the fairness of Ballon d'Or voting.
• Zhang Kuang came on as a substitute against Arsenal, scored twice to turn Manchester United's 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, and left Arsenal supporters lamenting his impact.
• Ferguson rotated nine players against Schalke 04, but Zhang Kuang scored twice and assisted Berbatov as Manchester United won 4-1 and advanced 6-1 on aggregate to the Champions League final.
• Barcelona eliminated Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate; Zhang Kuang urged Cristiano Ronaldo to come back next year, and Ronaldo replied by wishing him luck in the final.
• Manchester United and Barcelona were set to meet at Wembley on May 28, while Zhang Kuang arranged ticket giveaways ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup final against Stoke City.

Manchester United defeated Stoke City 4-0 in the Football Association Cup final, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice and setting up goals for Berbatov and Rooney. The team celebrated the trophy at Wembley, while Zhang Kuang’s spectacular solo goal and airborne celebration drew widespread attention.

• Zhang Kuang endured Stoke City’s physical defending and tested goalkeeper Sørensen with a powerful long-range shot.
• Giggs’s pass sent Zhang Kuang through to score the opening goal in the thirty-eighth minute, giving United a 1-0 halftime lead.
• Zhang Kuang switched play to Rooney, who crossed for Berbatov to make it 2-0, then assisted Rooney’s goal for 3-0.
• Zhang Kuang used two pendulum dribbles to beat Huth and Sørensen before scoring United’s fourth goal, with Huth suffering a back injury.
• Atkinson blew the final whistle as Manchester United won the 2010-11 Football Association Cup, and the team tossed Ferguson and Zhang Kuang into the air in celebration.

After winning the Football Association Cup with Manchester United, Zhang Kuang discussed his future, then gave He Wei a detailed interview about football technique and the shortcomings of Chinese football training. He Wei was left wondering whether publishing Zhang Kuang’s insights could make any difference.

• Manchester United celebrated their Football Association Cup victory, and Zhang Kuang thanked his teammates, Ferguson, and the fans while promising to stay as long as Ferguson remained in charge.
• Ferguson praised the team’s performance, while Pulis congratulated Manchester United and vowed to improve Stoke City for next season.
• Zhang Kuang met He Wei for a CCTV-5 interview and explained that he used flashy dribbling moves only when they helped create a shooting lane.
• Zhang Kuang described how match experience and intense physical pressure had shaped his technique, and argued that Chinese football training relied on outdated, ineffective drills.
• Zhang Kuang urged China to reform football education and research rather than blame racial differences for the gap in ability.
• He Wei suggested Zhang Kuang publish his observations, but Zhang Kuang’s rueful response made He Wei realize that others had raised these issues before.