Chapter 66: Defenders Have No Rights

One of life's greatest ironies: Youth is gone, but acne remains.

One of the most awkward situations in football: The player has moved on, but the ball lingers behind.

The one experiencing this awkwardness is Maicon.

If a striker fails to defend, everyone will be very understanding and even applaud their attitude, because defending is not their primary responsibility; failing at it is excusable.

However, if a defender fails to break through, they will undoubtedly face criticism and ridicule because attacking is not their game.

Breaking through is a surprise; failing to break through is considered overreaching.

Even more tragically, if a defender insists on attacking, their defensive area will inevitably be left exposed. If no one covers for them at that moment, the opposition can easily break through once they regain possession.

Such is the current situation for Argentina.

The player who intercepted the ball is Romagnoli. His defensive abilities are not great, but in football, a quick reaction and a bit of luck can sometimes stop even the best players.

Angelo had received special instructions from Costonho to closely monitor the situation whenever Maicon advanced, immediately providing cover if Maicon lost possession.

However, if he moved to cover, his own area would be left vacant.

Saviola had already made his way into the penalty area. This "rabbit" was well-known, and they had heard his name so often in recent days that their ears were practically growing calluses. It was uncertain whether Anderson alone could handle him.

As Angelo hesitated, Romagnoli had already advanced with the ball towards the right side of the penalty area. Maicon was actively tracking back, but before he could catch up, Romagnoli had floated the ball towards the goalmouth.

Although it was a high ball, the diminutive Saviola, who was unlikely to be much taller than 1.7 meters, could not be expected to win it with his head. Instead, the ball was intended for the space in front of Saviola, with its landing point about half a meter in front of him.

Saviola could either attempt a volley or control the ball first and then decide his next move – both were suitable options. The previously raucous stadium suddenly fell silent.

Everyone clearly saw Saviola plant his left foot beside the ball, his right foot drawn back, poised to unleash a stretched volley. Anderson threw himself in desperation, stretching his right leg in an attempt to block the shot.

But Saviola's shooting motion was merely a feint. As Anderson's leg extended, he deftly flicked the ball past him with a soft touch, instantly facing Rubinho one-on-one.

The Argentine fans, both on and off the pitch, let out cries of delight, but they soon noticed a beast-like figure had somehow closed in on Saviola from behind. Just as Saviola had rounded Anderson, this figure swiftly cut across, kicking the ball out for a corner and sending Saviola staggering.

"Wow! Baptista arrived just in time to pull Brazil back from the brink. It's hard to say whether Saviola's handling was reasonable or not, but we can understand his choice. For a technical player like him, it's more secure to beat the defenders first before shooting rather than rushing a shot..."

Rubinho, finally able to catch his breath, gratefully patted Baptista on the back of the head while shooting an unsatisfied glare at Maicon.

Maicon awkwardly rubbed his nose, silently enduring Rubinho's piercing gaze.

Defenders have no rights, do they?

When providing an assist or scoring, others celebrate just as fervently, loudly hailing them as "attacking defenders" or "all-rounders." But if they fail in their showboating, those same cheerleaders are ready to hang them out to dry.

A corner kick for Argentina.

Rodriguez, the future Atletico Madrid captain after Torres' transfer to Liverpool, took the kick. Still raw at this stage, even his corner kicks had a soft, floaty feel.

Of course, this was an illusion.

The quality of the corner was actually quite high; although not paced, the trajectory was excellent, easily met by Herrera's header. Unfortunately, the Argentine striker's header lacked power, and Rubinho comfortably collected it.

After playing together for so long, Rubinho had developed an understanding with Kaka. After catching the ball, he immediately looked towards the opposition's half.

Kaka was already making a run, but the Argentinians remained alert to him, with Alka tightly marking him.

Left with no choice, Rubinho threw the ball wide, gradually building the attack from the back.

His intended target was Maicon, indicating that the earlier glare was merely a momentary emotional outburst.

Maicon did not cower after losing possession; whether with a calm mindset or a desire to redeem himself, he once again advanced down the right flank, encountering Romagnoli.

Angelo silently moved to the right, muttering inwardly, but he soon heaved a sigh of relief, realizing his cover had become unnecessary.

This time, Maicon did not falter, successfully dribbling past Romagnoli. However, he did not continue carrying the ball but instead quickly played a long pass to switch the play to the left.

Leo lightly jumped, using the inside of his right foot to control the ball that was about to go out of play. After landing, he delicately flicked the ball over D'Alessandro's head with his right foot, sending it behind the Argentine.

As Leo prepared to chase the ball, D'Alessandro forcefully shouldered him off the ball and played it back into the Argentine half.

Alka, who had been marking Kaka, rushed over to collect the ball, leaving Kaka unmarked.

Kaka's defensive abilities, well, let's say his attitude is commendable.

So when he was dribbled past, he showed no frustration whatsoever.

"Brazil's first attack has ended in failure. Now it's Argentina's counter-attack, with Alka breaking past Kaka and passing to Rodriguez. He will face Baptista, a neat change of direction, and Baptista couldn't stop the Argentine. Brazil are in trouble."

Maicon and Angelo rushed out, one cutting off the passing lane between Rodriguez and Saviola, the other closing down Rodriguez.

Unflustered, Rodriguez dragged the ball back and turned, facing away from Brazil's goal, before playing the ball back to the supporting D'Alessandro.

Initially a substitute attacking midfielder for Argentina, D'Alessandro had impressed head coach Pekerman with his outstanding performance as a substitute in the quarterfinal against France, earning him a starting role in the semifinal and this final.

Kaka was familiar with this player, although he didn't know the details of his background or technical strengths. However, he did recall his nickname.

The Wolfsburg fans had bestowed upon him the moniker "Giant Head," while the fans affectionately referred to him as... Big Head.

Unfortunately, not very creative, but what can you do?

(End of Chapter)