"Cavani, what are you worried about? Why do you look so anxious?"
As Suarez followed Cavani to the sidelines, he looked puzzled. This guy wasn't usually like this, but today he was acting strangely. They were about to play against Portugal, and he didn't want anything to go wrong with his partner.
"I'm worried about Portugal's Rey. I have a feeling he'll play in the next game."
"thunder???"
"Is that the substitute goalkeeper who was sitting on the sidelines the whole time? Don't be ridiculous, what level are you to be afraid of a goalkeeper?"
In Suarez's view, Cavani was very capable, even more so than himself. He didn't think any goalkeeper could withstand his impact, let alone himself!
He is also a force to be reckoned with this season, having become an indispensable key player for Barcelona. With these two attacking players on the team, Suarez doesn't think it will be too difficult for them to reach the semi-finals.
“Luis, I’m serious. Ray is strong, stronger than any goalkeeper you can imagine. He’s an absolute nightmare for strikers. I dare say, even Alien in his prime would have to watch his back.”
Everyone knows how strong the alien was at his peak; he could always easily dribble past goalkeepers and score. However, even such a figure seemed to have little effect on Cavani's claims.
"No way, if Portugal plays Rey, wouldn't they be aiming for the championship?"
Suya still didn't quite understand the guy's worries and found it quite funny; Cavani really does get more timid with age!
However, in the face of Suarez's disdainful laughter, Cavani emphasized again: "Luis, you must not be careless in tomorrow's game. He is not an ordinary goalkeeper. Ordinary shots are of no use to him. I hope my advice can help you. After all, I also hope that we can go further."
Watching Cavani walk alone into the bathroom, Suarez was completely baffled by the guy. This was truly the first time he had ever seen his friend look so serious.
Cavani knew that no matter how he explained, it would be futile, since the other party had never fought against Ray and would never understand how uncomfortable it was to be completely suppressed.
A season ago, his defensive skills were already quite mature, and now he believed that this guy must have improved again. Although he longed to meet an opponent, he did not want to meet Lei Ming so early, because Lei Ming had brought him an unforgettable dark period. At his peak, he met the fledgling Lei Ming, and even though he scored goals like crazy, he still could not win the league championship in the end.
He still vividly remembers the dominance that Lehmann displayed that season, and he believes that he was not the only one; no Ligue 1 player would dare to underestimate their opponent.
After taking a shower, he couldn't calm down and kept scrolling through his phone, searching online for news about Lei Ming. However, he couldn't find any useful information; most of the news was still about the head coach's discord with the other side.
He found these messages all very fake.
Putting myself in his shoes, what coach in the world would give up such a good goalkeeper? At least I've never seen such a fool in my life. Santos's praise of Lei Ming's performance in the Premier League is the best proof of that. He will definitely play.
...
The following day, before the match, in the Portuguese team's locker room, head coach Santos was giving a final pep talk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is only the round of 16 in the World Cup. With your current strength, I believe you are definitely more than this. You should go further, to the quarterfinals, the semifinals, or even the final."
"Don't think that just because I'm old, I'm just bragging and talking nonsense. I'm very clear-headed. Among you are Champions League winners, Europa League winners, and even Premier League winners, and so on. You represent the backbone of your respective leagues, and I have high hopes for you."
"In this match, we not only need to do a good job in defense, but also strengthen our offensive firepower and bring out the fighting spirit of our Portuguese team. I believe that many fans will cheer for you after the game starts. I just need to pass the ball to you and let everyone see our strongest lineup!"
"Ray, are you ready? This game is all up to you. I believe that even if Uruguay has two top strikers, they still won't be able to get past you."
In the locker room, everyone's eyes were on Lei Ming, who was already dressed and ready to tie his shoelaces. Ronaldo also looked at him expectantly, having long wanted to experience what it was like to work with him. He had never had the chance before, but now, he could finally work with him.
He smiled and gave everyone an OK sign, saying, "Boss, don't worry, although this is my first match in this World Cup, it will definitely not be my last. Everyone should pay attention to my announcements."
This is also Lei Ming's only requirement for his defensive teammates.
When Lei Ming first came to the training camp, many people might have been unconvinced. But things are different now. After several scrimmages within the team, almost all the defenders dare not disobey Lei Ming's orders. Even Real Madrid's tough guy, Pepe, is the same. He also greatly admires this young man.
Although he is older and has a bad temper, he never measures his status on the field by his age or seniority. He is very happy that the team has a player like Lei Ming and is very willing to listen to his orders.
"No problem..."
Most of the people in the locker room expressed their willingness to Lei Ming, and they all trusted him completely.
Santos smiled as he looked at the harmonious atmosphere among the players, feeling quite satisfied.
With a wave of his hand, he declared, "Let's go, and crush Uruguay!"
"Let's go, and crush Uruguay!"
"Let's go, and crush Uruguay!"
......
"Welcome to CCTV Sports Channel, viewers. I am your old friend Huang Xiaotian. Hello everyone, I am Chen Xin. Hello everyone, I am Ma Fanshu."
Huang Xiaotian has really made something of himself this time, as he's teamed up with two beautiful female commentators, leading many fans who came to watch to exclaim that this old guy's spring has finally arrived.
He used to be paired with two or three old men, but now it's different. They've all been replaced by young girls. I have to say, CCTV really knows how to attract viewers!
Putting aside the quality of the commentary, the setup alone is pleasing to the eye!
On the television, Ma Fanshu raised a question that everyone was concerned about: "Okay, we now have the starting lineups for both sides. Before we watch them, I want to ask Brother Huang, do you think Lei Ming will be able to play in this match?"
Whether Lei Ming can play has always been the biggest topic in the domestic and even Asian markets. Some say he is at odds with the head coach, while others say it is just a smokescreen by the head coach. He can't play, but he always appears on the bench in every game.
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