After being rejected, I became Shi Yijiao

Chapter 462: Win Ireland, Draw Italy, Lose Belgium?

On the afternoon of June 6th, the 11 European Cup in France finally opened!

Amid the cheering sound of "Marseillaise" loudly in the audience, the host French team sat at the Stade de France and ushered in the challenge of Romania.

The French team is also doing its best in this game. Giroud advances forward, Payet and Griezmann fly on both wings, Pogba, Kanter and Matuidi form a three-man midfield, and Rami and Koscielny guard. Defensive line, Evra and Sagna one left and one right, Lori guards the gate.

It can be said that in terms of lineup, France is definitely superior to its opponents.

But in this game, the French team was still stubbornly resisted by the Romanian team.

Playing until the 58th minute of the second half, Payet made a cross from the right with his left foot. Giroud shook his head and broke the net in front of the attacking Tatarusanu, 1-0!

This is the first goal of this European Cup, and it is also Giroud's 50th goal in his 18th appearance for the French team.

But in the 65th minute, Evra fouled Stanxiu with his left foot in the penalty area. The referee decisively called a penalty kick.

This is the first penalty kick in this European Cup, and Stancu has scored 10 goals for the Romanian national team.

In the 89th minute, Kanter passed the ball, and Payet made a beautiful world wave with his left foot in front of the penalty area. The ball flew into the upper left corner of the gate like a shell, 2-1!

France completes the lore!This is Payet's 20th goal in his 4th appearance for the French team.

In the 91st minute, Payet was replaced by Sissoko amid the cheers of tens of thousands of fans. Payet was moved to tears, and the audience also chanted Payet's name.

In the end, relying on Payet's world wave lore, France got off to a good start!

At the same time, this difficult game also tells everyone that there are no underdogs who can enter the European Cup!

Even a team like Romania with no well-known stars can cause huge troubles for the star-studded French team!
This was followed by a match between the other two teams in the group in Lens, Albania vs Switzerland.

The dominant Switzerland only defeated Albania 1-0. Central defender Fabian scored a goal in the opening 5 minutes to help the team score three points.

The next day, Sweden's warm-up opponent, Wales in Group B ushered in the first match of the European Cup. They defeated Slovakia 2:1 and won their first main match victory in the history of the European Cup!

Bell opened the scoring for Wales. After being equalized in the second half, Kanu came off the bench to score!

Wales' victory, by the way, also reduced the pressure on the Swedish national team.

Looking at it this way, Wales doesn't seem to be a big army...

So being able to draw against Wales also shows that the Swedish team has made some progress under the leadership of Pan Yi.

Next, England's 1:1 draw with Russia in Group B once again demonstrated the saying that there are no underdogs in the European Cup.

Even with Pan Yi's two major disciples Vardy and Harry Kane leading the way, the English still have no good way to take the Russian team. In the end, they can only shake hands and make peace.

Compared with this relatively dull game, an incident that happened off the field has attracted the attention of the world's media.

That is, the fans of the two countries clashed outside the stadium. After the two sides exchanged views fiercely, the final result was that 200 Russian fans beat 2000 England fans.

This incident even surprised Russia's biggest boss, Pu Dadi, who expressed that he did not understand this matter...

In the next few games, there were no upsets.

Croatia beat Türkiye 1-0.

Germany 2:0 Ukraine.

Spain 1:0 Czech Republic.

Next, it's the turn of Group E, and the Sweden VS Ireland match is about to begin!
-
"I know that Pan Yi is a champion coach and I respect him a lot. But I also won the Champions League twice, so I'm not afraid of him."

In the pre-match press conference, Ireland's national team coach Martin O'Neill said so.

If you talk about the surname "O'Neill", most people may think of the big shark in the NBA, but in fact Martin O'Neill has also made a lot of fame in football, but it's a little bit older, and many People don't remember it.

From 1971 to 1981, Martin O'Neill played for... Nottingham Forest!

Yes, he was a key player under the legendary coach Clough, and won consecutive Champions League titles with the team in 1978 and 1979, and also won the English top league title in 1978.

In 2013, Martin O'Neill became the coach of the Irish national team.

He was deeply influenced by the traditional British style of play in the 80s and [-]s, so today's Irish team still maintains a tough style of playing high and high.

"It's no secret that I'm not denying that I'm going to hit Sweden with solid defense and sharp counter-attacks."

At the end of his press conference, Martin O'Neill said: "Pan Yi certainly has magic, but isn't there an old saying in the Dragon Kingdom that a clever woman can't cook without rice. With the ability of the current personnel of the Swedish team, it is impossible to play players like Chelsea. Such smooth football! So, I have enough confidence to beat the Swedish team!"

And when it was Pan Yi's turn, it was obvious that the reporter's questions were about to become more extensive.

After all, Pan Yi's popularity can be said to be number one in the world, so his news value will naturally be higher, and more people will follow him.

"What do you think of the recent rumors about your leading the team? Do you worry about the team being affected by the outside world? For example, the morale of the players, or the effect of preparing for the game?"

The "Times" reporter from the UK asked the first question, which is also a question that most fans on the Internet care about.

Pan Yi smiled lightly and looked at the camera: "I think those comments are very normal. Anyone and any organization has the right to express their opinions. I can only say that everyone, including me and the coaching staff I am very satisfied with the preparation effect. We believe that we can have a good state in the European Cup, and I am very confident about it!"

The "Times" reporter immediately asked the second question, "Speaking of the European Cup, the opponent in the first game is Ireland. Their coach Martin O'Neill is very confident in beating you, so what do you think?" ? Have you already decided how to fight?"

This is also a question that many fans care about.

Because everyone can see that, no matter for the Swedish team or the Irish team, the first game is almost a battle of life and death.

If you lose this game, it will be very dangerous to play against the next two strong teams.

Martin O'Neill has been coaching the Irish national team for three years. Although the tactics are relatively simple, it also has the advantage that the players are easy to understand and implement.

In addition, Irish players have always been used to this style of play, so there is no need to doubt their tactical familiarity and execution.

Relatively speaking, Pan Yi only temporarily took over the team a week or two ago, and then adjusted the lineup and style of play. At present, it seems that a stable offensive and defensive system has not been established. The team's biggest worry.

Ireland is good at lobbing and fast breaks. If the Swedish team's defense is not solved well, it is likely to encounter a black opener in the first game.

Then the next two group matches will be very dangerous, because Belgium and Italy are much stronger than Ireland!
"What the opponent thinks has nothing to do with me. But it is a good thing to have confidence. If you don't have confidence before the game, you won't be able to perform in the game."

Pan Yi easily replied:
"I will decide the final lineup before the game. For now, we are still adjusting and rehearsing. It is inconvenient for me to disclose the specific style of play."

"Ireland's strength is actually very good. Both O'Shea and Robbie Keane are famous stars. They are players who can play an important role on the court."

"But I have also done a detailed study on them, and then there will be corresponding measures to deal with them, and to bring out our own characteristics."

"Many people say that I am not familiar with leading the national team. I don't deny this. But I also know very well that the European Cup is different from the club's competition. My coaching staff and I have also re-adapted and adjusted to this. Adjust, I believe there will be no major problems!"

At this time, a reporter from the Swedish Daily asked:
"Before our national team was drawn into the death group by lottery. When we met favorites like Belgium and Italy to win the championship, everyone thought it was a bit difficult to qualify."

"But there are also optimistic fans who believe that they can fight hard to beat Ireland, then draw with Italy, and finally allow a small loss to Belgium. With four points, they can qualify as second in the group or third in the group with better results."

"What do you think of this plan? Or, do you have the confidence to lead the team out of such a group of death?"

Hearing these words, Pan Yi almost laughed out loud.

Isn't this the same qualifying routine as the Dragon Country national team in the 02 World Cup?
I didn't expect people all over the world to love math.

Pan Yi held back his laughter, and answered the question solemnly:
"Since the group we are in is called the group of death, it is naturally very difficult to qualify. This requires our best efforts. But such calculations are meaningless. Football has never been based on calculations." won."

"I have always told my players that they must perform at their best level in the three group matches, instead of saying that they will lose by default when they see a strong team like Belgium. There is no fear before fighting in my dictionary. !"

"Of course, the three opponents in our group are all teams with different styles. I also drew up three different tactical plans specifically for them, and made targeted arrangements and arrangements for them."

"As for the specifics, you will know when you come to the field and watch it."

The "Swedish Daily" reporter asked a new question: "Many people are asking, you have always advocated offensive football, and you have always regarded offense as your football creed. Now, the Swedish team is obviously not as strong as it is. Chelsea, there are also many problems in the defense, will you continue to stick to your football beliefs in the game?"

After hearing this, Pan Yi couldn't help laughing:

"I have to clarify that I don't have a specific style of play, the tactics I develop for the team are all about winning."

"Why did I play attacking football when I was at Chelsea? It was because our quality didn't allow us to give up the ball."

"In fact, when I met a team with strong control ability like Barcelona, ​​I would actively shrink and play defensive counterattacks."

"So, when it comes to the Swedish team I'm leading today, I can't promise you what kind of football I'm going to play."

"But one thing is guaranteed, no matter what the tactics, it's a winning football!"
-
On the evening of June 6, the Stade de France.

This large stadium specially built for the 1998 World Cup has been used as the home of the French national football team since its completion, hosting events including World Cup qualifiers and European Nations Cup qualifiers. venue for the finals.

Today, [-] fans gathered here to watch the Group E opener between Sweden and Ireland.

Before the game even started, the atmosphere at the scene became very intense.

Because everyone can feel that this is a life-and-death battle that started in advance, and most people think that those who lose the game will be expelled from the European Cup in advance!
Statistics show that the two teams have played against each other 10 times in history, Sweden has 5 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, scoring 16 goals and conceding 13 goals, a slight advantage.

The two teams have played against each other in World Cup qualifiers and European Cup qualifiers, but have never met in the finals of a major competition.

两队上次交手发生在2014年世界杯预选赛，瑞典客场2-1取胜，主场0-0战平。

It can be said that the strengths of these two teams are quite equal in both history and status quo.

今天马丁·奥尼尔排出的爱尔兰首发阵容是一个4-3-1-2，也就是一个三后腰+1前腰的4-4-2变种。

Goalkeeper: 23-Randolph;
Defenders: 2-Coleman, 4-O'Shea, 3-Clark, 19-Brady;
Midfield: 6-Whelan, 8-McCarthy, 13-Hendrick; 20-Hulahan;
Forwards: 14-Walters, 9-Sean Long.

And Pan Yi used a 4-3-3 formation similar to that of Wales in the second half of the game:
Goalkeeper: 1-Isaacson;

Defenders: 5-Olsson, 14-Lindelof, 4-Granqvist, 3-Johansson;
Midfield: 6-Forsberg, 8-Ekdal, 9-Karlstrom;
Forwards: 19-Isaac, 10-Ibrahimovic, 20-Guidetti.

Pan Yi's strategy for the Swedish team is to attack, and attack after the opening!
In just 3 minutes of the game, Forsberg sent a stunning diagonal through ball, which accurately found Guidetti.

But Guidetti didn't stop when he took the ball, which led to missing a great scoring opportunity.

After he adjusted, he had already started to be interfered by the Irish defender, and he hastily shot a low shot but was saved by the goalkeeper, missing a good opportunity in vain.

After that, Karlström passed the ball in a straight line. This time it was Isaac who found it, but the Swedish teenager seemed a little nervous and didn't hold it firmly. The ball was destroyed by the opponent's defender.

In the 6th minute, the Swedish team played a small-scale cooperation in the frontcourt. Ekdal passed the ball and found Ibrahimovic.

After that, the Swedish team used the momentum after the opening to attack all the way, obviously wanting to win the game in one go.

The camera of the live game frequently found Pan Yi sitting in the front row of the Swedish coach, and Arteta and Scaloni were sitting on the left and right sides of him.

"After Pan Yi took office in the Swedish national team, he also brought all his former Chelsea players to the coaching staff. Today, the Swedish team is attacking very aggressively, and there is also a posture of Chelsea attacking at the beginning."

"And one big difference with Sweden under Eric Hamlen is that they don't rely entirely on Ibrahimovic in attack, but often use two wingers to push forward."

"It's just that doing so is obviously a double-edged sword. While liberating Ibrahimovic and preventing him from being deliberately marked by opponents, other players must also take on more responsibilities."

"Whether it is Guidetti or Isaac, it is obvious that their personal abilities still have a big gap compared with Ibrahimovic. In the opening 10 minutes, although the two of them also got a chance, they also have obvious differences. Mistake."

"Is this choice correct? The game has just begun, let us wait and see!"

In fact, Pan Yi, who was on the sidelines, was not quite calm at this time.

Most of the Swedish players' technical level is far behind the Chelsea players. Pan Yi is clear about this. The game against Wales has proved this point.

It's just that, in a competition like the European Cup, I feel that such a technical gap has been magnified.

If it weren't for the fact that Ireland on the opposite side is also half a catty, and Martin O'Neill is obviously a little afraid of Pan Yi and defends first, maybe Sweden can't take advantage of the field at the beginning.

Therefore, Pan Yi quickly stood up and walked to the command area.

"Karlstrom! You have to run more, open up more gaps, and make room for Olsson's forward penetration!"

"Ekdal, you need to come back a little bit, give me some peace! Your responsibility is to protect the two brothers in front!"

"Forsberg, you need to take more balls, make more breakthroughs, and move forward boldly! What are you afraid of? You are the most skilled player on the field except Ibrahimovic!"

"Did Guidetti not eat today? Why do you keep making mistakes in stopping the ball? If you do this again, I will replace you!"

"Isaac, pay attention to your position! After Olsson advances, you have to cooperate with him in time. If he can't go back, you also need to pay attention to helping him fill the position!"

"Lindelof, you pass very well, pay attention to keep..."

It can be said that among the 11 Swedish starting players on the field, only Ibrahimovic does not need Pan Yi to worry about.

As an experienced world-class star and an old partner who has worked with Pan Yi, Pan Yi often does not need to explain too clearly to Ibrahimovic, and Ibrahimovic naturally knows what to do.

As for the others, Pan Yi is going to let the Swedish players know what they should do on the field!
Pan Yi rarely did this, but he knew he had to do it now.

In such a moment of actual combat, in such a suffocating atmosphere of the competition, timely correcting the mistakes of the players on the field and guiding them to their correct tactical system can achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Under Pan Yi's constant yelling, the Swedish players followed suit one by one, and the scene became more and more smooth, and the tension in their hearts was also eliminated a lot.

In the 14th minute, the Swedish team got another chance at the front of the penalty area.

Isaac and Olsson formed a cooperation on the left. After the two hit the wall, Isaac got the ball and crossed it to Forsberg.

As the defense at the front of the penalty area was attracted by Ibrahimovic who was pulled behind, Forsberg dribbled the ball into the penalty area to form a single-handedly.

But this guy's right-footed shot was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper Randolph, and once again missed a good scoring opportunity.

"He still looks a little nervous!" Arteta poked his head from the back row, shaking his head and sighing.

"Yeah." Pan Yi nodded, "But this time their goalkeeper reacted quickly, and we were a bit unlucky."

The main goalkeeper of the Irish national team has been occupied by Shay Given for a long time, but this old acquaintance in the Premier League who played for Manchester City, Newcastle and other teams is already 40 years old this year, so he can only retreat to the second line as a substitute.

Now Ireland's starting goalkeeper is Darren Randolph from Birmingham. Although he is not top-notch, he is still very fast on the goal line.

"This opportunity is good, but Ireland seems to be more relaxed than us now, and they are playing more calmly than us!" Scaloni also frowned and analyzed, "Now they play defensive counterattacks, and the three midfielders The ability to protect the line of defense and limit the space is too strong, and it is difficult for our short-pass penetration to create a threat!"

This is one of the biggest characteristics of Martin O'Neill's 4-3-1-2 formation today.

Different from the ordinary four-parallel midfielder, his formation is arranged with three midfielders.

Whelan, McCarthy, and Hendrick, these three are all midfielders who can't run to death.

Maybe they are not as good as the Swedish team in terms of ball control and passing ability, but in terms of running, interception and stealing, and stalking, the Swedish team is really not Ireland's opponent.

Sweden's three midfielders today, except for Ekdal, like Forsberg and Karlstrom are actually more organized and offensive.

"It's time to slow down and let the boys adjust." Pan Yi nodded and said.

It has been almost 20 minutes since the opening, but the Swedish team has not made any achievements.

Especially after Ireland adapted to the rhythm of the Swedish team and became more confident as they defended, Sweden's offense also began to hit a wall.

At this time, the rhythm of Sweden must also be slowed down. After all, their physical strength cannot always maintain a fast-paced attack.

However, as soon as the Swedish team closed, Ireland took the opportunity to play a very threatening counterattack.

Forward Sean Long feinted Lindelof with the ball and then made a cross. Walters' header was thrown over the crossbar by Isaacsson.

After all, Isaacson was also a goalkeeper who played for Manchester City, and he still showed his general style at critical moments. His height of nearly two meters also made him able to deal with such high-altitude bombing with ease.

But this time Ireland's attack also showed Sweden's inexperience.

When the order to slow down the pace and shrink the front line came down, Pan Yi clearly asked everyone to slow down, to proceed step by step, and not to rush to withdraw.

But the players still let go of the tight rubber bands, and they immediately let go, becoming limp and soft, no matter how hard it is.

That's why Ireland seized the opportunity and made a threatening shot.

But now it can only be adjusted slowly during the game, not in a hurry.

In Pan Yi's prediction, if the opening attack fails to score, then the first half should focus on stability, let the players fully adapt to the intensity of the game and the atmosphere of the scene, and fully stretch their bodies, including psychologically. is also like this.

It is of course good to have a chance to score goals. If there is no chance, first stabilize the emotions of the players, and then try to make adjustments in the second half and slowly play the state.

In the current European Cup, 24 teams are divided into six groups. After the group stage, 16 teams will enter the knockout round. Therefore, the top two teams in each group and the four best-performing group third place are all available. promotion.

In other words, as long as you don't lose, there is actually no problem.

After all, qualifying with 4 points is quite stable, and theoretically you can qualify with 3 points, as long as you don't lose too many goals and the goal difference is not too low.

In fact, in this European Cup in Pan Yi's previous life, the Portuguese team played a three-game tie in the group stage, accumulating 3 points, and finally qualified as the third place in the group.

As a result, after qualifying, Portugal immediately turned into a superman, defeated Croatia and Poland through overtime and penalty kicks, and then defeated Wales and the host France, and finally won the championship!
Therefore, Pan Yi must consider the overall situation.

It is impossible to run out of bullets just because Sweden and Ireland are the most direct competitors.

In case of a disastrous victory, but the team ran out of ammunition and food, and lost to strong teams Belgium and Italy in the last two games, and finally scored a negative goal difference with 3 points, it would still be difficult to qualify.

In the 2016 European Cup in the previous life, the four No.3 teams that qualified had two teams with 4 points and two teams with 3 points.

And the 3-point teams are Portugal and Northern Ireland. Their goal difference...

It's all zero!
　The article was reviewed today, so it is late.Anyway, if you find out that I haven't posted a post some day or I'm late, it's all for this reason.Ant never delays or owes more, and never even asks for leave! ^_^ You can trust ants like you trust Pan Yi!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)