Chapter 18

### Chapter 18: League Starter

Genk's emphatic 3-0 victory over Gent secured their place in the Belgian Cup quarter-finals. The match drew significant media attention, with much of the focus on Wang Feng, who made an impressive debut for Genk.

Prominent Belgian sports newspapers, including "Sport" and "Latest News," featured the game on their front pages. 

"Sport" showcased a jubilant Wang Feng celebrating his goal with the headline: "First Match, One Assist, One Goal: Wang Leads Genk to Cup Quarter-Finals."

"Latest News" highlighted a photo of the Genk team's collective celebration, captioned: "Genk's Newcomer Surprises Everyone, Secures Win, Advances to Cup's Top 8."

Despite the praise, some media outlets adopted a more cautious tone. They acknowledged Wang Feng's promising performance but urged a tempered approach, noting that one game wasn't enough to fully assess his capabilities. 

The "Standard" and other publications emphasized this point, stating: "Wang Feng is only 16 years old. Genk shouldn't place all their hopes on him."

Regardless of the mixed opinions, Wang Feng remained unaffected. He was unaware of the media frenzy following his debut, though the win bonus did put a smile on his face for days. Even Karl Bass chuckled watching Wang Feng's excitement.

After the team's daily training, Wang Feng stayed behind for extra practice, as usual.

Despite delivering several dangerous crosses in the game, Wang Feng wasn't completely satisfied. Caspar Blanche's failure to convert them into goals wasn't just due to his limitations; Wang Feng knew his crosses could be more precise, making it easier for Blanche to capitalize.

His previous focused passing drills had shown progress. Wang Feng could now control short passes to land in designated areas by adjusting his touch, strength, and body positioning.

However, he felt his long passes still lacked accuracy and needed more work. Players constantly move during matches, so predicting where to place the ball to maximize its threat required cultivating a dynamic sense of distance. After much thought, Wang Feng devised an unusual training method.

He placed two balls at his feet, kicked one to roll in varying directions and speeds, then used the other to strike it accurately. Initially, he struggled to make the balls connect but kept adjusting based on sensory feedback, gradually improving his success rate.

Wang Feng's extra practice sessions flew by as Genk faced a busy schedule with two games a week due to their cup commitments. Fortunately, both the cup and the league matches were home games, sparing them the hassle of travel.

Wang Feng was set to make his league debut as a starting striker in the upcoming match against Brussels. Head coach Aimé Antonis opted for squad rotation, mainly adjusting the defense while keeping Karl Bass and Caspar Blanche in their roles. 

Antonis stuck to a 4-3-3 formation. The synergy between Wang Feng and his teammates was improving, and Antonis wanted to foster this further.

At the Luminus Arena, Wang Feng stood in the center circle, absorbing the thunderous cheers from the home fans. Fueled with energy, he was determined to repay their support with a stellar performance.

Brussels, sitting 6th in the league, presented a tough challenge. Securing all three points was crucial for Genk's league standing.

The match started cautiously, with neither side creating significant chances in the first ten minutes. Wang Feng's newfound fame meant Brussels' defenders marked him tightly, giving him little space.

Drawing from his last match's experience, Wang Feng understood how to handle such close marking. He kept moving, aiming to tire his markers and create distractions, waiting for his chance.

The game grew more challenging. In the 21st minute, a Brussels striker unleashed a long-range shot from 25 meters, forcing Genk's goalkeeper into a sharp save.

In the 34th minute, Wang Feng dropped back into midfield to receive the ball. Despite tight marking, he shielded the ball carefully, scanning for options. Spotting left-winger Adrian Gale's run, Wang Feng executed a precise long pass, a skill honed from his recent training. Gale collected the ball in space but his subsequent cross was too close to the goal, and the Brussels goalkeeper claimed it easily.

Gale, shaking his head at Blanche in the six-yard box, signaled that it was his fault, yet he was also impressed by the quality of Wang Feng's pass.

Wang Feng was thrilled. His training was paying off. His prediction of Gale's position had been accurate, enabling him to break free and receive the ball easily.

Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Gale reciprocated with a clever cross from the left, threading it between two defenders to reach Wang Feng. But the defenders quickly closed in, forcing Wang Feng to pass back to Karl Bass and await another opportunity.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams playing cautiously. Genk, however, had a slight edge, thanks in part to Wang Feng's lively presence on the right flank.

In the locker room, Antonis emphasized the importance of maintaining a solid defense for the next 45 minutes. He praised Wang Feng's attacking efforts and encouraged him to keep wearing down the opposition's defense.

In the 67th minute, after Bass intercepted a pass in midfield, he quickly sent a through ball behind Brussels' defense. Wang Feng, alert, sprinted onto it. A defender grabbed at his shirt, but Wang Feng's speed was too much; the defender barely touched the fabric.

"Wang Feng breaks free! The defender's pull falls short! He continues his run!"

"The referee plays advantage; Brussels' left back arrives to challenge. Let's see how Wang Feng handles this."

"Brilliant! Wang Feng executes a perfect Cruyff turn and delivers a pinpoint cross!"

"Caspar Blanche meets it at the far post—goooooooooooal! In the 67th minute, Genk finally breaks the deadlock!"

"Look at the slow-motion replay. Wang Feng's skill under pressure was superb. He feigned a forward move with his right foot, tricking the defender, and then hooked the ball back with the same foot, leaving the defender off-balance—a classic Cruyff turn!"

"And Wang Feng's cross was sublime, landing perfectly for Blanche to tap in. Wang Feng was pivotal in making this goal happen!"

"Following his goal and assist against Gent, young Wang Feng has changed the game once again tonight."