Ground football: Ronaldo thought I was going to assist him

Huang Jianxiang pointed out a key issue during the pre-match warm-up: "Ronaldo can't afford any problems. He has always been Sporting Lisbon's strongest attacking force! If he doesn't score, Sporting Lisbon will have a really tough time."

"The camera panned to Duncan, and cheers erupted from the fans. It's easy to see just how popular Duncan is at Old Trafford."

"Even though he hasn't played a single game for Manchester United so far, fans say Duncan should be inducted into the Manchester United official club hall of fame."

"Because the most eye-catching match ball in Manchester United's official club collection, the one signed by the entire team for their 1999 Champions League victory, belongs to Duncan! He left it with Manchester United for fans to admire for free."

"Alright, both teams' players have returned to the locker room and are ready. The match is about to begin."

At the scene, Manchester United even prepared a pre-match performance, making a grand display of their strength.

The cameras focused on the stands, where many English stars were present.

Sporting Lisbon's entire management team also came out to cheer on the team.

However, Mansour was also present alongside the presidents of Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon, even wearing a Duncan jersey, confirming rumors that he was a Duncan fan.

"Alright, players, please enter the field..."

"With the referee's whistle, the first half is officially over!" Han Qiaosheng had misspoken at the start of the match, but his performance was incredibly consistent.

This commentator is known for his slurred speech, or rather... for his slurred words.

Huang Jianxiang snapped to attention and quickly continued, "Now I'll introduce the starting lineups for both sides."

"Manchester United used a 4-4-1-1 formation, which is the result of Ferguson's experiment with continental tactics. So far, the effect is not particularly good, but it is Ferguson's early response to the team's impending aging problem."

"This is a forward-thinking tactical reform!"

"Many fans don't understand, but Ferguson doesn't need anyone's understanding. When he took over this team, it wasn't as great as it is now, so he has the right to stick to what he wants to stick to."

"Drew Van Nistelrooy will play center."

"Scholes was lurking behind him, kicking the second striker."

"Giggs, Veron, Keane, and Beckham formed a golden midfield."

"Phil Neville, Blanco, Sylvester, and John O'Shea form the backcourt of this team."

"Goalkeeper Barthez."

"Among them, Veron's performance at Manchester United fell far short of Ferguson's expectations, and this transfer is considered one of the worst in the Premier League this year."

"Young O'Shea was originally a backup right-back, but Manchester United's first-choice right-back Gary Neville caught a cold before the match and was not included in the squad."

"But don't underestimate John O'Shea because of this. Manchester United fans even composed a song about him: John flies down the wing, O'Shea! O'Shea!"

Huang Jianxiang's singing almost made the director faint.

Han Qiaosheng also said, "We're all on the same side, so don't say anything."

Sporting Lisbon is fielding their usual lineup.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba as a strike duo."

"Kaka, Duncan, and Ronaldinho form a formidable attacking midfield trio. It's worth noting that their positions are frequently interchanged. This very change was what completely dismantled Leverkusen's midfield and defense during the match against them."

"Matthäus and Guardiola played as the two holding midfielders. The two veterans played a crucial role in stabilizing Sporting Lisbon. The former's defensive ability remains formidable, while the latter ensured Sporting Lisbon's ability to move the ball around in their own half."

"There are rumors that the German national team is in contact with Matthäus, hoping he will participate in this summer's Korea-Japan World Cup."

"If Matthäus, who has already retired from the national team, rejoins the German team, this will be his sixth World Cup appearance."

"Similarly, Guardiola's performance this season has been top-notch, and he will undoubtedly be selected for the Spanish national team."

"The three center-backs from left to right are Pepe, Vidic, and Barzagli."

"This is Sporting Lisbon's golden three-man defense; all three are excellent and have distinct characteristics."

"Barzagli's one-on-one defending ability is the best among Sporting Lisbon's players. If you can get past him, you can get past anyone on this team."

"Vidic is terrifyingly well-rounded. He excels in defense, anticipation, physical duels, and aerial balls. Aside from being a little slow in turning speed, this player has no weaknesses!"

"Pepe is incredibly fast, covers a wide area, and has a fierce tackling instinct! He also possesses an exceptionally rare, precise passing ability for a center-back. However, he's prone to losing his temper and getting booked easily. Triguera has always wanted to mold him into a Matthäus-style midfielder, but this requires Pepe to be more composed."

"Reina is Sporting Lisbon's starting goalkeeper."

"Schmeichel has recovered, but on the one hand, he himself doesn't want to be at odds with Manchester United. On the other hand, Reina has performed very well since Schmeichel's injury, so Schmeichel is happy to rest."

Huang Jianxiang has just finished speaking.

On the pitch, Sporting Lisbon launched their first attack.

Deng Kai's pass tore apart Manchester United's midfield, finding Ronaldinho on the right flank.

Ronaldinho took on Phil Neville one-on-one, finishing with a crossover dribble inside.

But Phil's heel touched the ball, disrupting Ronaldinho's rhythm.

boom!

Ronaldinho made the cross, but it was a little too late.

Drogba has gone too far.

"Get out of the way!"

Deng Kai shouted to Drogba.

Drogba immediately abandoned his attempt to receive the ball and let it pass.

boom!

On the left edge of the penalty area, Kaká, making a forward run, unleashed a powerful shot at the ball.

Manchester United center-back Silvestre blocked the shot with his hands behind his back, deflecting the ball out of bounds.

Sylvester then went on to investigate.

Fortunately, he only felt pain and was not injured.

Old Trafford then gave Silvestre a warm round of applause.

Silvestre performed exceptionally well this season after Stam's departure, capable of playing in multiple positions including left-back and center-back.

Although his "extra striker" attribute makes him prone to being out of position when attacking, his strengths outweigh his weaknesses, and everyone can see his hard work.

His passing is very effective; if the team hadn't been short of center-backs, Phil Neville's starting position would have been in jeopardy.

In the ensuing corner kick attack, Deng Kai took the corner kick.

Vidic, with his immense strength, successfully headed the football.

Unfortunately, the football was slightly higher than the crossbar.

Manchester United fans gasped in shock.

This center-back... is awesome!

Many Manchester United fans believe that Ferguson could bring this "second team" center-back to Old Trafford.

Of course, everyone only thought about it briefly.

I like playing football on the ground: Ronaldo thought I was going to assist him.