Toulon Cup Final: China U20 vs France U20

On the evening of June 10th, the stage is set for the Toulon Cup final, featuring the U20 teams of China and France. 

"In the second half, with seventy minutes gone, the score remains 0-0." 

"The French team has clearly learned from their earlier group-stage encounters, bolstering their defense specifically against Yang Yang. Meanwhile, the Chinese side has adapted their tactics, addressing the shortcomings they displayed in the semi-final against Sweden by adopting a more cautious approach." 

"Particularly in the second half, as the French team ramped up their offensive efforts, the Chinese opted for two defensive substitutions to shore up their backline." 

"Both sides have employed highly strategic tactics. Given that this is their second match within just one week, familiarity has bred a stalemate, with neither team managing to carve out a clear scoring opportunity." 

"Yang Yang, stationed at the striker position, has shouldered the burden of the Chinese team's offensive play. Although he appears leaner under the pressure, he has valiantly carried the flag for his team in the attacking third. On several occasions, he has crafted promising opportunities, yet, frustratingly, the goals have eluded them." 

"It's fair to say that Yang Yang has maintained his excellent form from previous matches; however, the lack of support from his teammates has hindered his ability to penetrate the French defense. The French have specifically targeted this aspect, setting up a formidable barrier against him." 

"Ciani, Colombo, Flamini, and Mavuba have effectively neutralized Yang Yang, confining him to the backline." 

"As both teams tire, the physical demands are evident, particularly for the Chinese players, who are beginning to show signs of fatigue." 

"The French side is increasingly intent on pressing forward in their attack. Given that this is a home game, they are resolute in their pursuit of the championship." 

... 

"The French team launched an attack into the frontcourt, with Pongolle expertly controlling the ball before sending it to Le Tallec." 

"However, Le Tallec struggled to control it, allowing Feng Xiao of the Chinese team to swiftly intercept and clear the ball with a powerful kick." 

"The ball soared to the left flank, where Hao Junmin gathered it, igniting a rapid counterattack for the Chinese side." 

"Hao Junmin skillfully dribbled down the left wing, while the French players hurriedly retraced their steps in defense." 

"Ciani and Colombo remained vigilant, fully aware of Yang Yang's potential threat looming just behind them..." 

... 

... 

As Hao Junmin dribbled the ball along the left flank, Yang Yang sprinted forward with all his might. 

Despite not having posed a significant threat in previous attempts and his teammates' failure to pass the ball, he remained determined. 

For an attacking player, failure is not the end; a single successful moment can prove decisive. 

While Yang Yang charged ahead, he continuously surveyed the unfolding situation through [God's Vision]. 

He noticed Hao Junmin veering towards the left, a tactical choice that displayed remarkable awareness, prompting Yang Yang to accelerate even faster. 

Ciani and Colombo, the two French defenders, reacted quickly, a hallmark of the French team's strategy in this match. They were not only aggressive in attack but also keenly aware of the need to counter the Chinese team's threats. 

In an instant, Hao Junmin advanced into the French team's 30-meter zone, and the surrounding French defenders pressed forward, refusing to retreat. 

Yang Yang had to make his move! 

As he approached the edge of the penalty area, he decisively veered to the left and raised his hand, signaling for the ball. 

Hao Junmin, having anticipated Yang Yang's positioning, released the ball immediately. 

The pass was executed perfectly, taking a favorable bounce just outside the arc, leaving Flamini helpless in its wake. 

Ciani and Colombo, who had tracked Yang Yang deep into the penalty area, quickly reacted. Colombo surged in from behind, attempting to obstruct Yang Yang and prevent him from turning. 

In any match, the center of the penalty area is always the most densely defended zone, leaving offensive players with the shortest reaction time and the strictest demands on their ball control. 

Even against the French youth team, the challenge remained formidable. 

As the ball landed, Yang Yang sprang into action, making a split-second decision. With his right foot, he expertly lifted the ball over Colombo and turned to pursue it directly. 

This maneuver mirrored a skill he had observed during training, reminiscent of a trick employed by Bergkamp. 

Colombo, focused on Yang Yang's back, lunged too aggressively, allowing Yang Yang to evade him effortlessly. The defender's momentum carried him past, leaving him momentarily off balance. 

At that moment, Ciani rushed in to cover, demonstrating the seamless coordination between the two central defenders. 

Yang Yang found himself at the left side of the penalty spot, but Ciani quickly closed in, blocking Yang Yang's path to the goal. 

Just as everyone assumed Yang Yang would fail to create a threat, Ciani noticed something extraordinary—Yang Yang seemed to anticipate his movement. With a deft cut inside using his left foot, Yang Yang deceived Ciani, creating space to unleash a shot with his right foot. 

The French defender, fixated on blocking the angle and preventing Yang Yang from advancing, overlooked the ball rolling just beneath his feet. Despite the opportunity to intercept, he was unable to react in time. Yang Yang smoothly transitioned the ball from his left foot to his right, setting up his shot. 

In an instant, the shooting angle that had once been tightly guarded was now wide open! 

... 

... 

"Yang Yang has expertly cut inside, slipping past Ciani, and he has a clear opportunity..." 

"He shoots!" 

"Goal!!!!" 

"Goooooal!!!!!!" 

"Oh my God! In the 72nd minute, the Chinese team has taken the lead!" 

"What a strike from Yang Yang!" 

"This marks his fourth goal in the Toulon Cup, propelling him to the top of the scoring charts." 

"Even more impressive, he has also tallied four assists, solidifying his status as the hero of the Chinese team in this final." 

"Yang Yang, the scorer of the decisive goal in the Champions League final, is making his mark once again. Could this goal be yet another match-winner for him?" 

... 

After sending the shot soaring off the inside of his right foot, Yang Yang instinctively knew it was a goal. 

Overcome with exhilaration, he sprinted across the pitch, arms flailing in joy as he let out a triumphant roar—a raw expression of his inner thrill and elation. 

He dashed toward the stands where the Chinese fans gathered, opening his arms wide as if to embrace every supporter who had come to witness this moment. 

Standing on the sidelines, he felt the warmth of his teammates wrapping around him in hugs. In a powerful gesture, he clutched the flag on his chest tightly and bowed his head to kiss it. 

His love for his motherland and his compatriots shone through; he was willing to fight for them! 

For Yang Yang, this moment was a profound honor, a display of his unwavering determination! 

1-0—this was undeniably a pivotal goal on the path to victory! 

... 

"From the replay, it's clear that Yang Yang's first touch was exceptionally clever." 

"Previously, many media outlets reported that his first touch was lacking; however, this moment illustrates that, even in a youth match, he has undoubtedly refined his skills." 

"While the defensive capabilities of the French team cannot compare to those of a professional squad, Yang Yang's talent stands out among his peers. His confidence, particularly after experiencing the high-stakes atmosphere of the Champions League final, radiates far more strongly than that of others." 

"1-0—Yang Yang has scored what could be the decisive goal." 

"For France U21 coach Raymond, the situation has become precarious. With limited time left on the clock and having already utilized two substitutions, he must bolster his team's offense and strive to equalize the score as quickly as possible." 

... 

... 

The French team quickly utilized their final substitution, with Coach Raymond replacing the exhausted Ciani, who had been tasked with marking Yang Yang throughout the match and was now completely drained. 

After taking the lead, the Chinese team adopted a strategy of strict defense. Even Yang Yang returned to his own half to contribute, leading the defensive efforts. 

The anxious French team launched wave after wave of attacks, but the Chinese players, inspired by their lead and buoyed by their fighting spirit, thwarted the French offensive repeatedly. 

In the final minutes of the match, the play became increasingly one-sided. The French team attacked frantically while the Chinese side showcased their tenacious defense. Both teams displayed unprecedented enthusiasm and determination. 

However, time eventually ran out. 

The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, which seemed favorable to the home team, but despite their efforts, the French side could not breach the Chinese defense. Feng Xiaoting and the backline held strong, managing to maintain their clean sheet until the final whistle. 

As the whistle blew to signal the end of the game, all the Chinese players collapsed onto the ground, utterly spent. 

Yang Yang, too, seemed to be overwhelmed by the moment. He knelt on the grass, hands on the ground, gasping for breath. 

His body was exhausted, yet an exhilarating fire burned within him, fueled by the intensity of the match. 

China's best result in the Toulon Cup had been fourth place in 1998. Reaching the final this time had already set a new historical record. Furthermore, having previously defeated France 1-0 in the group stage raised expectations high among fans and players alike. 

The French team in the final was clearly stronger than the one in the group stage, displaying superior form and technical prowess throughout the match. They controlled the game's tempo, but the Chinese team's defense proved equally resolute. 

After a lengthy battle of wits, the lessons learned from the first half against Sweden were evident. 

Everyone recognized that while the team might lag behind in technique, tactics, and physicality, they could compensate through sheer unity and determination. 

1-0—China emerged victorious! 

Yang Yang staggered to his feet, looking around at his teammates, several of whom were crying, covering their faces in disbelief. 

In the stands, over a thousand Chinese fans sang the national anthem in unison. 

Gradually, the chorus of the "March of the Volunteers" spread throughout the stadium. 

Many players couldn't help but join in, their voices rising in celebration. 

What a hard-fought championship! 

Even though it was just the Toulon Cup, a tournament of relatively little influence, it represented the culmination of their relentless efforts. Every player knew that any lapse in focus could have derailed their journey to this moment. 

Above all, they understood that their success in reaching the final and ultimately winning was largely due to Yang Yang's exceptional contributions. 

In many ways, Yang Yang had carried the team to the championship podium. 

His tally of four goals and four assists stood as irrefutable proof of his impact.