People Are Not as Good as Heaven

# Chapter 113: People Are Not as Good as Heaven

"GOAL! Ronaldo's ingenious scoring shot! England had just tied the score less than five minutes ago. Ronaldinho's move, Kaka's assist, and Ronaldo's goal showcase Brazil's triumphant collective power up front..."

"Let's look at the replay... Ronaldo's pass, Kaka's poised heel pass—this assist is truly wonderful. Kaka is like a magician, always delivering magic that is both pleasing and shocking. Of course, Ronaldo's goal is also very beautiful; the timing and footwork are both top-level."

With more than ten minutes left in the first half, the score was tied at one to one. The two sides were back to the starting line, but Brazil, having come from behind to tie, undoubtedly had a psychological advantage.

The English midfield, consisting of a group of rough players, rarely produced any beauty when playing the ball. The most appealing aspect was Beckham's long passes, which were not only good but also effective. England's next two threatening offenses were sparked by his long passes.

But this only happened twice.

As long as you do your homework, you know you must limit Beckham's long passes when playing England, and Scolari's defender for Beckham was Gilberto Silva, who pressed Beckham closely. It was difficult for Beckham to calmly receive passes, making it hard for England's offense to truly gain momentum.

In contrast, the Brazilian offense was much smoother. The dual front-core cooperation of Kaka and Ronaldinho became more and more coordinated, gradually controlling the midfield.

Of course, Kaka's position was a shadow striker, so he primarily relied on Ronaldinho. Although Ronaldinho had greater qualifications and fame than Kaka and was strictly speaking a rising star, he showed a general's style. His control was impressive, hinting at a potential transformation in this World Cup.

In the thirty-seventh minute, Ronaldinho delivered another pass from the midfield. This time it was a 30-meter-long ground pass, accurately finding Kaka, who had just shaken off Sinclair.

Ronaldo moved into the penalty area but didn't find the right time to catch the ball, so he simply pulled to the side. Kaka's pass immediately flew over.

Ronaldo faced the defense of Beckham and Ashley Cole and quickly executed a "flip-flap" dribble, passing between them.

Beckham, more professional than Ashley Cole as a defender, immediately chased back. Ronaldo used the bull tail again, but Beckham didn't fall for his fakes and directly tackled him.

Ronaldo was taken down, and the referee's whistle sounded.

Brazil was awarded a free kick.

Ronaldo stood up, ready to leave, but noticed Beckham still lying on the ground, clutching his left foot in pain.

Ronaldo was momentarily puzzled.

Brother, can you at least make it look professional? It seems like I was the one who was fouled. Why are you on the ground?

Despite his thoughts, Ronaldo still squatted down and checked on him. Ashley Cole also approached and beckoned for the team doctor.

Beckham was lifted onto a stretcher, and England fans hugged their heads or covered their mouths in disbelief.

Suddenly they feared a replay of the incident four years ago when Beckham was sent off after kicking Simeone, but now he was being carried off on a stretcher.

But their worries were unnecessary. After just two or three minutes of treatment, Beckham limped back onto the field.

I have to say, he's a man.

The fans applauded.

The players used the break to drink water and listen to their coaches while Beckham was being treated off the field. The free kick had yet to be taken.

This was a position on the right side of the penalty area, at a very biased angle. Although it could be aimed at the goal, most direct scores would rely on luck, so the two midfielders also stood in the penalty area, ready to fight for a header.

Ronaldinho took the free kick.

He first surveyed the penalty area, focusing on the positions of Gilberto and Kleberson.

Kaka and Ronaldo had good heading abilities. If there were no defenders around, it was fine. But when closely marked, relying on them to score with a header was unreliable.

But just as he was about to take the kick, Kaka suddenly ran out of the penalty area.

Sinclair, who was marking him, hastened to keep up.

Ronaldinho approached and delivered the kick, but instead of hitting the ball, he gently nudged it. The ball rolled in front of the big penalty area.

Kaka arrived in time, pulled the ball, and turned around, completing both actions simultaneously.

Sinclair didn't give him time to adjust, immediately stretching his foot to steal, but Kaka's toe slightly flicked the ball, passing it directly between Sinclair's legs, and then he ran past, following the ball and kicking hard.

It was a low ball, highly concealed in the crowded area.

Campbell, who was originally standing on the edge of the wall, quickly rushed over to block the ball but failed to make contact.

The ball was aimed for the bottom left corner of the goal and was about to go in, but Kleberson unexpectedly ran over. The ball hit his calf and deflected towards the center of the goal.

Seaman saw Kaka's shooting motion but couldn't tell where the ball was going. When he realized the ball hadn't flown, it was too late. Just as the ball suddenly bounced under his feet, he reacted almost instinctively, barely managing to save it.

But England's first goalkeeper wasn't just any keeper, and with a reflex action, he caught the ball in his arms.

This... pig teammate...

Brazilian fans looked at Kleberson's pitiful expression, wanting to hate him but unable to. It gave them kidney pain.

England escaped.

Seaman didn't have time to acknowledge the Brazilian's frustration. He was about to throw the ball to Ashley Cole when he saw Owen beckoning in the frontcourt and quickly sent the ball long.

Heskey and Owen were the only two England players who hadn't come back to defend. They stood out in the Brazilian half. Although there was no one around them, the Brazilian team wouldn't let them catch the ball so comfortably.

Junior rushed over, jumping high as Owen was about to catch the ball, and headed it away.

Junior, at 1.68 meters, against Owen, at 1.73 meters—that scene...

Owen was knocked down and lay on the ground for a long time, unable to get up.

The referee, too far away to see if there was a foul, relied on the assistant referee, who clearly saw the play.

Junior fouled, giving England a good free kick.

The situation for both sides reversed instantly.

Mexican referee Ramos Rizo ignored the Brazilian argument and insisted on his penalty.

Watching Owen being lifted off the field, Cafu and others couldn't help feeling upset. After arguing to no avail, they had to accept the situation.

Beckham stood steadily in front of the spot.

Anyone who has seen the game knows that many so-called free-kick masters are somewhat mythical. Treating a free kick like a penalty is an exaggeration. There are many who score dozens of penalties a season but only one free kick. However, when free-kick masters like Mihajlović, Juninho Pernambucano, and Beckham stand in front of the spot, no goalkeeper dares to take it lightly.

Kaka smiled bitterly on the side.

It seems this variable not only hasn't improved the Brazilian team's situation but has worsened it?

Is this the so-called fate?