Chapter 131

"The Chinese fans in the stadium, along with those who traveled to support the team, erupted in cheers." 

"We can see the Chinese team preparing to make a substitution." 

"The young star, Yang Yang, has come off the bench and is warming up on the sidelines. He looks ready to enter the game." 

"The fans here are filled with hope. He's the player most likely to turn things around for the national team at this stage." 

"However, we must also express some concern. Based on the information we've received, Yang Yang has had a grueling schedule. He was playing in the Asian Youth Championship for China U20 just days ago. After returning to Beijing on the afternoon of the 10th, he flew to Amsterdam early on the 12th, and then from Amsterdam to Kuwait, arriving here only on the morning of the 13th." 

"According to reports from our on-site correspondent, Yang Yang went straight to the hotel to rest as soon as he arrived, trying to prepare for tonight's match." 

"After over twenty hours of travel, this would be an exhausting ordeal for anyone. So, regardless of how Yang Yang performs once he's on the pitch, we should commend him—especially for his unwavering commitment to the national team and his fighting spirit." 

... 

In a high-end residential area south of the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Su family sat on their living room sofa, anxiously watching the match. 

As the national TV commentator analyzed Yang Yang's situation, the camera showed the teenager warming up on the sidelines. The scene stirred a mix of emotions in the Su family, particularly concern for how Yang Yang would perform given his long journey. 

"Over twenty hours of flying, and now he's expected to play right after landing. It's almost impossible," Su Ye said, her voice filled with frustration. 

Su Wenhong nodded in agreement. He knew how tough the situation was. "But it seems that Arie Haan believes Yang Yang—despite all the travel—is still more effective than the others. He's the team's best hope right now." 

"Can you really place such a heavy burden on a 17-year-old boy?" Ye Qingqing asked, her voice full of concern. 

She had always had a soft spot for Yang Yang, admiring his determination but feeling sympathy for the immense pressure he faced. 

"If he wants to be a hero, he has to prove he can handle it," Su Wenhong replied. "Yang Yang was born to be a hero. From the Toulon Cup to the Asian Cup and now the Asian Youth Championship, he has always delivered." 

"It has to be tonight," Su Ye said confidently, her voice firm with belief. 

Su Wenhong turned to his daughter and smiled, nodding in agreement. 

... 

... 

Quanzhou, Fujian, at Yongqiang Shoes. 

Yang Yang's parents, accompanied by Shen Yuzhu, sat nervously watching the game unfold on television. Their eyes were glued to the screen as they saw their son warming up on the sidelines, filled with concern about whether he would be able to perform at his best after such a grueling journey. 

Shen Lifang, Yang Yang's mother, was especially anxious. Her hands gripped the fabric of her shirt tightly, silently praying for her son's safety and well-being. 

"Aunt, don't worry, he'll be fine," Shen Yuzhu reassured her, showing more confidence in Yang Yang's abilities. 

"Yes, even after such a long journey, whether he can play at his best or not, I believe everyone will understand," Yang Yongqiang added, trying to comfort his wife. 

Shen Lifang nodded, but her worry didn't ease. She understood what they were saying, but that didn't stop the anxiety gnawing at her. 

"I just worry that he's too stubborn. Even if his body can't handle it, he'll try to push through. What if something happens to him?" she said, her voice trembling with concern. 

For her, it wasn't about how well Yang Yang played in the game. What mattered most was his health and safety. She couldn't bear the thought of her son pushing himself too hard and getting hurt. 

"Don't worry, he knows how to balance things. He won't push himself beyond what he can handle," Yang Yongqiang said, trying to reassure her. 

"Yes, aunt, trust him. He can do it," Shen Yuzhu added, echoing his confidence. 

Despite their comforting words, both Yang Yongqiang and Shen Yuzhu felt a twinge of sympathy. After all, Yang Yang was only 17. The pressure he was under was enormous. 

... 

As Yang Yang appeared on the sidelines to warm up, he captured the attention of countless Chinese fans gathered in front of their televisions, anxiously watching the game. While everyone was eager for his debut, there was also a collective sense of worry. 

Could a 17-year-old boy, after flying for more than 20 hours, really step onto the field in Kuwait and perform at his usual level? The thought lingered in everyone's mind. 

No one doubted Yang Yang's talent or strength. The question was simply how much he could give tonight, given the circumstances. 

And, most importantly, could he be the one to rescue the Chinese national team from this difficult situation? 

... 

... 

"Yang, we're in trouble," Arie Haan said as Yang Yang returned to the bench from the warm-up area. 

The head coach immediately pulled him aside to explain the next steps. 

"Our situation is bad right now. We're not creating any threat in the attack, and the defense has been making too many mistakes. The goal we conceded earlier was completely avoidable, but what's done is done. We need to fix it." 

Yang Yang nodded. There was no point dwelling on the mistake. The game had to move forward. Sun Xiang's misjudged tackle had been a costly error, but it was time to focus on how to recover. 

"We're not without chances," Haan continued. "We've managed to get into the opponent's final third over a dozen times, but we haven't created any real threats. That's where we need to improve—turning those entries into dangerous opportunities." 

Yang Yang nodded again, fully understanding the task. "I get it." 

"The left side has seen more openings, but the right hasn't been able to break through. Once you're on the pitch, I want you to play freely and create wherever you see an opportunity. The others will support you," Haan said firmly, making it clear he was trusting Yang Yang to shake things up. 

"Understood," Yang Yang responded. 

Haan added, "Also, if you don't see many clear chances in the box, feel free to take long shots. We've had too few attempts from distance in this game. Make sure to remind the other players as well." 

"Got it." 

De Jong, standing nearby, chimed in, "And remind them about the long passes." 

"Yes, too many long balls," Haan agreed. "While they help us bypass the midfield and avoid getting tangled with their defense, we're losing efficiency. Our forwards aren't suited to these constant long passes. Make sure the team is aware of that." 

"Understood," Yang Yang said, nodding once more. 

The lack of a true center forward had been a long-standing issue for the Chinese team. Some had suggested calling up Zhang Yuning for that role, but Haan wasn't convinced that Zhang fit the mold of the center forward he envisioned for this system. 

... 

... 

Soon, Yang Yang completed the substitution at the sideline, stepping in to replace the injured Xu Yunlong, who had been playing on the right. 

Typically a right-back, Xu Yunlong had been deployed as a forward in this match, a clear indication of Arie Haan's plan to defend and counterattack. However, Xu's performance had been average, and the injury forced a change. 

As Xu Yunlong made his way off the pitch, he walked over to Yang Yang, embracing him briefly. 

"Go for it! All the best!" Xu encouraged. 

"Will do!" Yang Yang replied with determination. 

With that, Yang Yang sprinted onto the field, eager to make his mark. 

The stadium echoed with the cheers of hundreds of Chinese fans who had come to support their team. Their excitement grew as Yang Yang entered the match. 

"Yang Yang is immensely popular with the fans," the commentator observed. "It seems he's been brought on with specific instructions from Arie Haan. As soon as he stepped onto the pitch, he's been actively communicating with his teammates, relaying the coach's tactical adjustments." 

"Coach Haan has often said that Yang Yang is one of the few players in the squad who fully understands his tactical approach, largely because Haan's system is inspired by Ajax's philosophy of total football—something Yang Yang has been immersed in while playing at Ajax. This connection makes it easier for Yang to grasp the coach's intentions." 

The Kuwaiti players were clearly wary of Yang Yang's presence. As the standout player of the Asian Cup, his reputation was well known across the continent. No team, especially one with Kuwait's relative lack of depth, would take him lightly. 

Upon entering the match, Yang Yang wasted no time. In a few brief exchanges, he conveyed Arie Haan's tactical instructions, ensuring his teammates understood the necessary adjustments. The Chinese side quickly responded, making the required shifts in positioning. 

Yang Yang got his first touch shortly after entering the game, receiving the ball on the right flank near the opponent's 30-meter line. However, he quickly noticed that his right-back, Wei Xin, hadn't advanced to support him. Without hesitation, Yang Yang passed the ball back and signaled for Wei Xin to push forward. 

Wei Xin, known for his conservative but stable style of play, rarely made risky moves. Still, after Yang Yang's encouragement, he moved up to receive the pass. Once in possession, Wei Xin shifted the ball inside to Zhao Junzhe, who was stationed centrally. Zhao then sent it wide back to the right. 

By this point, Yang Yang had cleverly positioned himself in the space just outside the right edge of the penalty area, raising his hand to call for the ball. 

Without delay, Wei Xin played a quick pass to Yang Yang's feet. 

Yang Yang controlled the ball smoothly, already facing the goal. Kuwait's left center-back immediately stepped out to challenge him, closing the gap between them inside the penalty area. 

It was now a one-on-one duel. 

Yang Yang held the ball, facing his defender directly. He could sense the left-back closing in behind him, ready to support the center-back in front of him. The left central defender anticipated that Yang would cut inside, but Yang Yang had no intention of giving him time to organize the defense. 

Just as the defensive pressure mounted, Yang Yang sprang into action. He executed a swift step-over, feinting as if he were cutting toward the center. In an instant, he smashed the ball toward the byline instead, leaving the left central defender scrambling as Yang burst past him with his explosive speed. He had created just enough space to whip in a cross. 

The ball flew into the six-yard box at pace. Hao Dong, positioned at the near post, made a desperate attempt to connect, but Kuwait's goalkeeper managed to tip the ball away. It landed in the path of Li Jinyu, who had moved into a perfect position at the far post. Unfortunately, as he went to strike, he was tightly marked by a defender, preventing a clean shot. The ball trickled harmlessly into the goalkeeper's arms. 

Both Hao Dong and Li Jinyu exchanged frustrated glances before looking over at Yang Yang. Their expressions seemed to say, Your cross was perfect—it's on us for not finishing it. 

"That was a dangerous attack from the Chinese team," the commentator noted. "Yang Yang has been a livewire on the right since coming on, and his cross just now certainly made the Kuwaitis sweat." 

"Ever since Yang Yang entered the field, the right side of China's attack has seen more life. He's giving the team a much-needed spark." 

"There's still plenty of time left. What's important now is for the team to stay solid defensively while continuing to push forward. One goal could change everything in China's favor." 

Yang Yang was fully aware of the situation. After the unsuccessful attack, he refrained from pushing forward recklessly. Instead, he focused on communicating with his teammates, urging them to stay disciplined and maintain a solid defensive shape while waiting for the right moment to strike. 

Meanwhile, Arie Haan made a second substitution, taking off Hao Dong and bringing on Yan Song. The coach also adjusted the formation, pushing Yang Yang to the front line and placing Yan Song as the right winger. 

It was clear that Haan wanted to maximize Yang Yang's impact in the attacking third. 

Yan Song, a left-footed player, was more comfortable on the left wing, but Haan, inspired by the versatile wingers like Robben and Van der Meyde, expected his wide players to be adaptable. Yang Yang himself had frequently roamed across both flanks. 

After a brief exchange with Yan Song, Yang Yang moved into his new position up front. However, Kuwait quickly responded, making a substitution to strengthen their defense against him. Yang Yang, ever patient, waited for the right moment to strike. 

Yan Song, visibly uncomfortable on the right wing, struggled to create chances and was often forced to retreat into the center. Sensing an opportunity, Yang Yang switched things up, moving from the right to the left flank. 

Shao Jiayi, seeing Yang Yang's movement, advanced with the ball before threading a pass into the left channel. With Shao Jiayi drawing the attention of Kuwait's defenders, no one noticed Yang Yang slipping into an open space near the left edge of the penalty area. 

By the time the Kuwaiti defenders realized what had happened, it was too late—Yang Yang was already in position, receiving the ball on the left side of the penalty box. 

The Kuwaitis were stunned. 

Isn't he supposed to be on the right? they must have thought. But Yang Yang paid no mind to the confusion he had caused. Shao Jiayi's pass arrived perfectly in stride, and Yang Yang wasted no time, driving forward into the box to confront the approaching defender. 

With Li Jinyu marked and no clear passing option, Yang Yang decided to take matters into his own hands. 

The defender closed in quickly, but Yang Yang remained calm. With a sudden feint, he faked as though he was going to drive to the byline, only to stop abruptly, cutting the ball back toward the middle of the pitch. The move left the defender off-balance and collided with a midfielder who had rushed back to help. 

Seizing the opening, Yang Yang accelerated past both players, spotting a clear path to goal. He unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. 

The ball rocketed toward the goal like a cannonball, flying past the goalkeeper's outstretched hands and crashing into the back of the net. 

Yang Yang spun around, arms raised, as the referee blew his whistle, confirming the goal. 

The stadium erupted. Chinese players rushed toward Yang Yang, celebrating wildly. 

"Goal!" shouted the commentator. "Gooooal!!!" 

"Yang Yang has done it again! The magnificent Yang Yang!" 

"This is a brilliant display of individual skill and composure!" 

"The Kuwaitis never expected Yang Yang, who had been operating on the right, to suddenly switch to the left and deliver such a decisive strike. He kept his cool, used a feint to deceive two defenders, and fired a stunning shot to bring China level." 

"1-1! The Chinese team has equalized, and the momentum is back with them." 

"And with this goal, China regains the upper hand in the group standings!" 

"Yang Yang! There are no words to describe his impact right now." 

"After traveling more than 20 hours, arriving just this morning, Yang Yang came off the bench and scored a crucial equalizer. He's playing like an indomitable force!" 

"I think it's fair to say that tonight, Yang Yang is the savior of Chinese football and the hero of all Chinese fans!" 

... 

Yang Yang sprinted toward the sidelines, overflowing with emotion. As he reached the edge of the pitch, he dropped to his knees beneath the stands where the Chinese fans were gathered, arms outstretched in triumph. 

Through the din of the cheering crowd, he could see the painted faces of the fans, their red and yellow face paint now smudged with sweat and tears of joy. The sight filled Yang Yang with pride. These fans, who had traveled far and endured so much to support the team, were the heart of Chinese football. 

To Yang Yang, Chinese fans were the most devoted, the most passionate. He would always give everything on the field for them. He played for them, fought for them, and now, he had rewarded their loyalty with a goal that had reignited hope. 

Behind him, his teammates rushed over, joining in the celebration. Even those on the bench, including Hao Dong and the substitutes, sprang up and raced across the pitch to join the huddle. The Chinese players, united in the moment, formed a tight circle around Yang Yang, cheering and celebrating the equalizing goal. 

The scoreline now read 1-1, which meant that China had regained the upper hand in the group standings. Unless Kuwait could find another goal, the Chinese team had restored their qualifying advantage. 

"At this moment," the commentator said, his voice filled with emotion, "he has rekindled hope for China." 

"Because we have Yang Yang." 

"I've always believed that as long as Yang Yang is on the field, we have hope. He never lets us down." 

"Tonight, he has proved it once again—and I believe he will continue to do so in the future." 

... 

... 

When the replay of Yang Yang's goal flashed across the television screen, Su Wenhong sprang up from the sofa, his face radiant with excitement. 

"He did it! I knew it!" he exclaimed. "I told you, as long as he's on the field, there's always hope!" 

Although Ye Qing didn't fully grasp the intricacies of football, she could sense the significance of Yang Yang's goal. She nodded, sharing in the joyous moment. 

Su Ye felt her eyes welling up slightly. "He truly is a great hero," she said softly. 

"Absolutely," Su Wenhong agreed, laughing heartily. "He's a hero—our Chinese hero." 

... 

Back on the pitch, Yang Yang gathered his teammates around. 

"Everyone, now's not the time for a big celebration," he said firmly. "It's 1-1, and we've got 20 minutes left. We need to stay patient and keep our positions tight. Let's focus on our defense and not give them any more chances." 

"Kuwait will definitely push forward," he continued. "They have to go for the win. We need to be ready to exploit the spaces they'll leave behind when we counterattack." 

As Yang Yang finished speaking, his teammates applauded, their spirits lifted by his words. In this moment, he was the backbone of the team—their leader and inspiration. 

On the sidelines, Coach Arie Haan watched with a mix of relief and admiration. He hadn't expected Yang Yang to perform so exceptionally after such a long journey. He didn't look like a player who had just spent over 20 hours traveling. 

But none of that mattered now. 

What was important was that Yang Yang had once again assumed the role of savior. 

This goal was absolutely crucial. 

Not only had Yang Yang's strike leveled the score and put China back in a favorable position for group qualification, but it had also steadied the team's morale. 

Anyone familiar with the Chinese team knew that they often became fragile under pressure. But after equalizing, everything changed. The players were reinvigorated, their confidence restored, and team spirit rekindled—especially when they felt the momentum shift in their favor. 

"Alright, everyone," Yang Yang called out. "Let's get back out there and be ready for whatever comes next." 

"Stay focused on our defense," he reminded them. "We can't afford to give them any opportunities." 

"Keep your heads up—let's go!" 

... 

... 

As soon as the Chinese team equalized the score, the balance of the game shifted noticeably in their favor. 

Kuwait, having lost their advantage, was forced to make more substitutions to bolster their attacking options, desperate to regain control of the match. 

"There's not much time left for Kuwait," the commentator observed. "China's priority now is to defend smartly and patiently look for counterattack opportunities." 

On the field, Yang Yang continued to take a leadership role, constantly shouting instructions and reminding his teammates to stay focused and organized. 

"This is exactly what our fans want to see," the commentator added. "Yang Yang's presence is energizing the team." 

But just as China seemed to be regaining control, another defensive error almost cost them dearly. Li Weifeng and Zhang Yaokun, both struggling with their form and coordination, were unable to fully handle the pressure. With Zheng Zhi absent, the defense lacked a steady organizer, leading to a miscommunication between the two center-backs. 

Kuwaiti forward Bashar Abdulaziz took advantage, timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and find himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Liu Yunfei. Bashar unleashed a powerful shot, but Liu Yunfei was up to the task, making a brilliant save to keep China in the game. 

Frustrated by the defensive lapses, Arie Haan immediately made another substitution. Sun Xiang was replaced by Sun Jihai to strengthen the left side of the defense. 

Meanwhile, on the field, Yang Yang realized that Yan Song was struggling to make an impact on the right wing. After a quick conversation with the coaching staff, and with Arie Haan's approval, Yang Yang switched positions with Yan Song, allowing him to return to his more natural position on the left. Yang Yang moved back to the right, where he had been most effective. 

With Yang Pu partnering Shao Jiayi and Zhao Junzhe in midfield, and Li Jinyu up front as the lone striker, China solidified their 4-5-1 formation, committing fully to a defensive counterattacking strategy. 

Kuwait, now trailing, made their third and final substitution, pushing forward with even more attacking intent. But time was running out. 

In the 83rd minute, the moment China had been waiting for arrived. Kuwait committed too many players forward in their search for a winner, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Zhao Junzhe intercepted a pass in midfield, immediately playing the ball forward to Shao Jiayi. Sensing an opportunity, Shao quickly found Yang Yang on the right. 

With a sharp turn, Yang Yang evaded his marker, surging forward with the ball at his feet. The Kuwaiti defense scrambled to contain him, but Yang Yang drew their attention, creating space elsewhere on the pitch. At the perfect moment, he delivered a pinpoint pass to the far side. 

Yan Song, making a late run into the box, timed his movement perfectly. He controlled the ball smoothly and, with no defenders left to challenge him, calmly slotted the ball past the Kuwaiti goalkeeper. 

2-1! 

China had completed the comeback. 

"This is an incredible reversal!" the commentator shouted. "The Chinese team has pulled off a stunning turnaround!" 

"Yan Song's goal has given China the lead, 2-1! Kuwait must be devastated!" 

"For Kuwait to regain their advantage now, they'd need to score at least two more goals against China, and with time running out, that seems impossible." 

"How many years have we seen key moments slip through our fingers? How many times have we watched as crucial matches ended in heartbreak for Chinese football?" 

"But tonight, in Kuwait City, under immense pressure and facing adversity, the Chinese team has shown resilience. They've withstood the challenge and turned the game on its head. This is one of the rarest comebacks for Chinese football in recent years." 

"Yang Yang, despite only being on the field for a short time, is the key figure in this reversal. He orchestrated the comeback with his vision, passing, and leadership." 

"It's hard to believe he's only seventeen years old." 

"But there's no denying it now—Yang Yang will be the leader of Chinese football for the next decade or more. He is the hope of Chinese football, and the pride of all Chinese fans." 

... 

After scoring the goal, Yan Song rushed straight to Yang Yang, lifting his younger teammate off the ground in celebration. He was bursting with excitement, unable to contain his joy. 

Other Chinese players quickly joined the celebration, rushing to embrace Yan Song and Yang Yang. 

While Yan Song's goal might have been the finishing touch, it effectively sealed the victory for the Chinese national team, crushing Kuwait's hopes. With so little time remaining, the Kuwaitis would have to go all-out in attack to stand any chance of a comeback. But the bigger question remained—could they stop the Chinese counterattack, led by the unstoppable Yang Yang? 

Yang Yang's performance had been exceptional from the moment he stepped onto the field. His individual talent stood head and shoulders above the rest of the team, allowing him to consistently capitalize on opportunities. 

What made Yang Yang truly remarkable wasn't just his ability to create scoring chances for himself; even when he didn't directly threaten the goal, he had the vision and awareness to help his teammates make dangerous plays. 

Take that last attack, for example. Even Shao Jiayi, orchestrating from the middle of the pitch, might not have spotted Yan Song's run into space. And even if he had, in such a short window of time, could Shao have judged Yan Song's intention so quickly and delivered such a precise, perfectly timed pass? 

It was Yang Yang's brilliance—his almost instinctive ability to read the game, see opportunities that others might miss, and deliver perfectly weighted passes—that made the difference. He was like a genius on the pitch, always capable of producing something magical and unexpected. 

... 

... 

After Yan Song's goal hit the back of the net, Arie Haan and his assistant, De Jong, embraced on the sideline, overcome with relief and joy. 

Though it was Yang Yang's exceptional performance that saved the Chinese team, Arie Haan couldn't help but reflect on why the team had needed saving in the first place. He was well aware of the flaws in the Chinese squad, and it was becoming clearer that this team couldn't function without Yang Yang. 

Yang Yang wasn't just the best player on the field—he was the crucial link between the head coach and the rest of the team, a communication bridge between the locker room and the tactical plans. More than that, Yang Yang was evolving into the spiritual leader of the national team, its core, and the player they could build around. 

Looking forward, Haan knew that the coaching staff would need to lean even more heavily on Yang Yang as they developed the team. The future of Chinese football was starting to revolve around him. But there was a pressing issue: the lack of a true center forward. Without a strong striker up front, it would be difficult to fully unlock Yang Yang's potential and maximize his influence on the game. 

This problem needed to be addressed quickly if they were to realize the full potential of their attacking play. A capable striker would allow Yang Yang to shine even more, and the team could truly begin to function as a cohesive, dangerous unit. 

Haan hadn't forgotten his vision of implementing a 4-3-3 formation. With Yan Song on the left and Yang Yang on the right, they had the wings covered, but the missing piece was a true center forward. Once they found a reliable striker, the attacking strategy he had envisioned for the Chinese national team could finally take shape. 

And with Yang Yang at the heart of it, the future looked promising.