Asian Cup Group Stage Match 1

On the evening of July 17, under the floodlights of the Beijing Workers' Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as China kicked off their Asian Cup campaign. The opener of Group A saw the host nation facing Bahrain in the first round of group matches. 

The game had reached the 40th minute, and the Chinese team was on the front foot, attacking relentlessly in search of a breakthrough. Wave after wave of offensive play surged towards Bahrain's goal, with China pressing high and pushing their full-backs forward to join the attack. 

But in their eagerness to score, they left themselves exposed at the back. As China committed men forward, a loose pass was intercepted by Bahrain deep in their own half. Without hesitation, the Bahraini defenders launched a quick, precise long ball into the vacant space behind China's defense. The ball found Bahrain's striker in a perfect one-on-one situation with the Chinese goalkeeper. 

In that moment, the stadium seemed to hold its breath. The striker controlled the ball with ease, took a composed touch, and slotted it past the onrushing Chinese keeper with clinical precision. The ball nestled in the back of the net, and just like that, Bahrain took a shock lead. 

The goal stunned the entire stadium. Chinese fans, who had been cheering moments before, fell silent, and then, a wave of disbelief spread through the crowd. A murmur of confusion quickly turned into scattered boos as the reality of the situation set in. The home team had been dominating, creating numerous chances, but it was Bahrain who struck first, capitalizing on a single defensive lapse. 

On the sidelines, the Chinese coaching staff and substitutes were equally caught off guard. The goal had come out of nowhere, a sudden and devastating counterpunch that no one had seen coming. 

The players on the pitch were visibly shaken. After controlling the game and applying sustained pressure, they now found themselves trailing. Heads dropped, and for a moment, the momentum they had built seemed to dissipate. The lead-up to halftime, which should have been a continuation of their attacking dominance, was now marred by the psychological blow of conceding against the run of play. 

The fans' frustration was palpable, and the pressure on the Chinese players was heavier than ever. 

... 

... 

Sitting on the bench, Yang Yang silently watched the game unfold. When Bahrain's striker broke through and scored, he could only shake his head in disappointment. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but conceding in that manner was a harsh blow. A sudden, sharp counterattack that caught China's defense out of position—it was a reminder of how quickly things could turn in football. 

In this match, head coach Arie Haan opted for a 4-4-2 formation, leaving Yang Yang, Sun Jihai, and Shao Jiayi—three of China's most experienced internationals playing in Europe—on the bench. It wasn't until the 32nd minute that Shao Jiayi was subbed in to replace the injured Li Xiaopeng. 

Although the formation was technically 4-4-2, Haan's tactical setup was far from conventional. Yan Song was tasked with being the main attacking threat on the left wing, while forwards Li Jinyu and Hao Haidong were given the freedom to roam and stretch the play. On the right, however, Zhao Junzhe, who typically operated in central midfield, was deployed on the wing alongside Li Xiaopeng and young Zhou Haibin, who were positioned centrally. 

At first glance, the setup appeared odd, but upon closer inspection, the reasoning became clearer. Haan was trying to replicate a system similar to the one used by Ajax—a high pressing style that demanded an immediate response when possession was lost. The idea was to win the ball back quickly or at least disrupt the opponent's attack. 

Zhao Junzhe's role on the right seemed designed to suppress Bahrain's left flank, using his superior physical fitness to cover more ground. However, it was evident from his performance that he hadn't fully grasped Haan's tactical intentions. His pressing was half-hearted, allowing Bahrain to bypass the midfield far too easily. 

The goal China conceded was a result of this breakdown. Bahrain's counterattack started from a long ball out of their left backfield, which exploited the lack of coordinated pressing. Wei Xin, China's right-back, had been solid defensively, but his inability to contribute in overlapping attacks meant the Chinese offense lacked width and threat on that side. 

The disjointed pressing in the front and midfield left Zhou Haibin, tasked with a playmaking role similar to AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo, forced to defend more than he should have. But defense wasn't Zhou Haibin's strength, and the imbalance only deepened as Bahrain found more space to operate. 

Looking at the first half overall, Yang Yang understood Haan's approach, but it clearly wasn't working. The players hadn't fully grasped their roles, much like when Zheng Zhi struggled to understand the responsibilities of a ball-playing defender during previous discussions. High pressing and quick transitions were standard practice at Ajax and across European football, but for Chinese football, these tactics were still foreign and difficult to implement effectively. 

Yang Yang had experienced this firsthand. It had taken considerable time for him to help his roommate Zheng Zhi understand the basics of playing as a ball-playing center-back. In the Toulon Cup and earlier national team training sessions, Yang Yang had observed that, from a technical standpoint, Chinese players weren't lacking. The real issue lay in their psychological resilience and tactical awareness. 

Tactical understanding, Yang Yang realized, wasn't something that could be developed overnight. It required years of youth development and a competitive domestic league to instill such knowledge in players. The national team wasn't the place to teach fundamental tactics, especially with FIFA's new international calendar leaving limited time for training camps. 

The psychological side of the game was also a concern, as demonstrated in the first half against Bahrain. Both Arie Haan and Bahrain's coach had warned that playing at home in front of expectant fans could be a double-edged sword. While home support could provide a boost, it could also create overwhelming pressure, leading to mistakes. The nervousness on the pitch was clear—the Chinese players were hesitant, afraid to make errors, and as a result, they struggled to execute Haan's tactical plan. 

Beyond the players' limitations, Yang Yang also noted that the Chinese Football Association's logistics and preparation left much to be desired. Compared to the professionalism at Ajax, the national team's level of organization was lacking. Simple tasks, such as gathering intelligence on opponents, were poorly handled. For example, Yang Yang couldn't even rely on his Dream Training System to simulate his Asian Cup opponents effectively, because the national team didn't have enough detailed information on them. 

These logistical shortcomings had been apparent during China's U20 campaign at the Toulon Cup as well. In addition to the lack of scouting and tactical preparation, the players' diets and overall professionalism were also lacking. Yang Yang had noticed his teammates indulging in unhealthy eating habits, something he chose to ignore outwardly, but internally, he maintained his strict discipline according to the standards he'd learned at Ajax. 

Yang Yang, a keen observer, often reflected on these issues. He believed that the problems he witnessed were indicative of the broader state of Chinese football, which was still in a relatively backward stage of development. There was a lack of attention to detail, both on and off the pitch. 

Despite these challenges, Yang Yang had a positive impression of Arie Haan. The coach's tactical knowledge was undeniable, and his approach was clear. He wanted to transplant Ajax's footballing philosophy into the Chinese team, but Yang Yang knew this was a daunting task, given the team's lack of familiarity with such advanced tactics. 

Even Yang Yang, who had spent a full season at Ajax, wasn't entirely confident in his understanding of the system, so it was no surprise that his national teammates were struggling. 

Moreover, the Chinese team's frontline lacked the cutting-edge quality needed to execute high-pressing football effectively. Pressing had to be a collective effort, not the work of one or two players. Without a coordinated approach, it was destined to fail. 

Yang Yang couldn't help but think of how much Ajax relied on their forwards, even with a powerful striker like Zlatan Ibrahimović, to make the system work. It wasn't just about individual brilliance; the forwards had to play a crucial role in pressing, movement, and finishing. If a player like Ibrahimović still faced challenges meeting Ajax's tactical demands, it was clear that China's current forwards were struggling as well. 

Reflecting on all this, Yang Yang realized that Arie Haan probably understood the team's shortcomings better than anyone. After two years in charge, Haan had undoubtedly identified the team's weaknesses and was searching for solutions. From the outset of training, Haan's emphasis had been on improving defensive cohesion and work rate, a sign that he knew exactly where the problems lay. 

In that moment, Yang Yang recalled something Haan had once told him back in the Netherlands. 

"Whether it's the Chinese team or me, we both need you right now." 

Yang Yang, thinking deeply, understood the weight of those words. 

... 

... 

"Yang Yang!" 

Lost in thought, Yang Yang was abruptly pulled back to reality by the sound of Arie Haan's voice. The coach, standing near the touchline, had suddenly turned and shouted in fluent Dutch, his tone urgent and decisive. 

"Go warm up, and head to the locker room right away. We'll be waiting for you there." 

Without waiting for a response, Haan shifted his focus back to the pitch, his eyes scanning the field with intensity. 

The first half had just ended, and the scoreline told a grim story: China was trailing 0-1 to Bahrain. The Chinese team had dominated possession but lacked the sharpness needed to break through, and now the pressure was on to turn things around in the second half. 

Was Arie Haan preparing to make a halftime substitution? 

Most of the players and staff on the bench couldn't understand Haan's Dutch, but from his gestures and the timing, it wasn't hard to guess what was about to happen. All eyes turned to Yang Yang, curiosity and anticipation swirling in their expressions. 

Since Yang Yang's arrival at the camp, everyone knew his background—he had come straight from Ajax, one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. He was the player Haan had personally selected to bring something new to the team. From the moment he stepped into the squad, it was clear that it was only a matter of time before Haan would put him on the pitch. 

And now, with China struggling to find an equalizer and the fans growing restless, Haan could no longer wait. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang paid no attention to the looks or thoughts of the other players as he swiftly completed his warm-up routine. He then made his way back to the locker room, focused solely on the task ahead. 

As soon as he entered, he sensed the tension in the air. The atmosphere between the players and the coaching staff was strained, a natural result of being down 0-1 at halftime. In football, locker room dynamics can shift dramatically depending on the scoreline. When a team is winning, everything feels harmonious. But concede a goal, and suddenly tensions rise, and frustrations bubble to the surface. 

It was no different here. The unspoken rule in every dressing room is clear: no matter what happens inside these walls, it stays here. Yet, the stiffness in the air was palpable, the players sitting in various states of quiet frustration. 

As Yang Yang entered, a few heads turned toward him, the expressions of some players changing noticeably. Yang Yang, after all, was the wildcard—capable of playing multiple positions. He had made his name as a right winger at Ajax but had also shone as a striker in the Toulon Cup. His versatility made him an unknown factor, and no one could predict how Arie Haan would deploy him in the second half. 

"Zhou, I'm sorry, but we need to make some tactical changes for the second half," Arie Haan said apologetically to Zhou Haibin, who nodded silently. He stood up without protest and quietly made his way toward the back, where the showers were. 

It was clear to many in the room that this wasn't about Zhou Haibin's individual performance. The first-half tactics had been too complex, and the players had struggled to implement Haan's vision. Changes were necessary. 

From what Yang Yang could gather, Haan's plan for the second half involved shifting Zhao Junzhe back into a defensive midfield role, while Shao Jiayi pushed forward to provide more attacking support. Yan Song would continue on the left wing, while Yang Yang would be introduced on the right to offer more balance. In this scenario, Zhou Haibin found himself the odd man out—his defensive abilities weren't on par with Zhao Junzhe, nor could he contribute offensively like Shao Jiayi. 

Arie Haan then turned to Yang Yang, his voice calm but firm. "Yang, we gave their left side too much freedom in the first half. I need you to suppress that in the second. Can you handle it? Can you stop them from building their attacks?" 

Yang Yang nodded confidently. "Yes, coach." 

"I'm not asking you to focus on defending," Haan clarified. "I need you to press hard and put pressure on their left. Don't let them have time to pick their passes. Especially that long ball they hit in the first half. Don't let them play like that again, understood?" 

Yang Yang nodded again. "Understood, coach." 

The first-half goal had stemmed from a long pass out of Bahrain's left backfield, one that had exposed China's defensive vulnerabilities after they had overcommitted to attack. Arie Haan wanted to ensure that this didn't happen again. 

Haan seemed at ease with Yang Yang's response, clearly trusting him to execute the plan. After all, he had seen Yang Yang perform at Ajax, a system similar to what he was trying to implement with the national team. Yang Yang knew how to press high and disrupt opponents' build-up play, and Haan had confidence in his ability to translate that into this match. 

The rest of the locker room, however, seemed somewhat perplexed. 

That's it? Some of the players exchanged glances, unsure if they had missed something. After all, it wasn't every day that a coach made such a simple adjustment during a critical game. One substitution at halftime, after an earlier injury change, with a plan that sounded straightforward. Shouldn't there be more detailed instructions? 

One of the Chinese coaching staff members voiced this concern. "Coach, do you think you should explain the tactics to Yang Yang in more detail? Just to be sure?" 

Arie Haan shook his head. "No need. He gets it." 

With that, he shifted his focus to Shao Jiayi, giving him more specific instructions for the second half. Haan wanted to move away from an attack that was overly reliant on the left and instead utilize both wings for a more balanced offensive approach. Yang Yang's speed and ability to take on defenders would be key on the right side. 

Still uneasy, one of the Chinese assistant coaches approached Yang Yang. "Are you sure you understand what you need to do? If anything isn't clear, ask now, or you'll end up confused out there." 

Yang Yang smiled, appreciating the assistant's concern but finding the situation somewhat amusing. Here he was, fresh off playing for Ajax in the Champions League, and yet there was doubt about whether he could grasp the game plan. With a quiet chuckle, he reassured them. "Don't worry, I understand completely." 

... 

... 

"The second half is about to kick off." 

"We're seeing a change from the Chinese team as they make their second substitution of the match." 

"It's clear that Arie Haan wasn't satisfied with his team's first-half performance, and now he's bringing on Yang Yang to replace Zhou Haibin." 

"This is the second substitution for China after the earlier introduction of Shao Jiayi." 

"And what a moment this is—17-year-old Yang Yang, making his debut for the national team tonight! With this appearance, he becomes the youngest player ever to represent China, breaking the previous record held by Zhou Haibin." 

... 

The moment Yang Yang stepped onto the pitch, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause. The roar of the Chinese fans was deafening, their cheers filled with hope and anticipation. They had high expectations for the young star, believing he could be the spark to turn the game around after a disappointing first half. 

As Yang Yang jogged onto the field, he worked to steady his emotions. Since his return to Beijing for training, he had been craving the intensity of a competitive match. The hunger to play, to compete, had been building within him, and now that the moment had arrived, it felt almost overwhelming—like an addiction that only the thrill of the game could satisfy. The longer he had waited, the stronger that desire had grown. 

But despite the excitement, Yang Yang knew he had to stay composed. At just 17 years old, he was still developing physically and couldn't afford to expend all his energy in one burst. The Asian Cup was only just beginning, and he needed to pace himself. He couldn't give in to the temptation to unleash everything at once; he had to manage his energy, preserve his form, and maintain the hunger that had driven him so far. 

This was just the start, and Yang Yang was determined to make it count. 

... 

... 

As the second half began, the Chinese team wasted no time, immediately displaying a strong intent to equalize. The urgency in their play was evident, and they pressed forward with renewed energy. 

Bahrain, lining up in a 3-5-2 formation, kept their three central defenders deep inside the penalty area to deal with China's two strikers. This left their flanks more vulnerable, and Yang Yang quickly noticed this weakness. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he looked to exploit the space on the wings. 

Less than two minutes into the half, Shao Jiayi drove through the center with a brilliant dribble, drawing defenders towards him. Spotting Yang Yang in space on the right, he released a perfectly timed pass. Yang Yang sprinted into the open area, receiving the ball with precision. 

The moment Yang Yang controlled the ball, the Bahrain defense tensed. The defenders scrambled out of position as Yang Yang darted down the right flank, his speed and dribbling causing immediate concern. As the pressure mounted, Bahrain's defenders rushed to close him down, but Yang Yang was quick to whip a dangerous cross into the box. 

Hao Haidong rose to meet it, powering a header from close range, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar. Although the chance didn't result in a goal, Yang Yang's sharp delivery earned him loud cheers from the crowd. Even Hao Haidong, from a distance, raised his thumb in acknowledgment, encouraging the young winger's efforts. 

The early attack had clearly unsettled Bahrain, particularly their left-sided defenders, who now paid close attention to Yang Yang. Their number 7, who had been a key figure in the first half, now spent more time tracking Yang Yang's movements, wary of his threat. 

China continued to press, and moments later, Zhao Junzhe delivered a well-placed header into the penalty area. Li Jinyu reacted quickly, lunging towards the ball in an attempt to score, but Bahrain's goalkeeper was alert, rushing off his line to smother the ball before Li could make contact. Another chance gone, but China was piling on the pressure. 

Zhou Ting then launched another attack, linking up with Yan Song down the left. The combination play between the two resulted in a fierce shot from Zhou Ting, forcing Bahrain's goalkeeper into a hurried save. The rebound caused chaos in the box, but China couldn't capitalize on the scramble. 

Yang Yang, meanwhile, continued to influence the game from the right. Dropping deeper into midfield, he combined with Shao Jiayi, exchanging quick passes before threading a clever diagonal ball behind Bahrain's defensive line. Hao Haidong, however, was a step too slow to reach the pass, and the opportunity slipped away. 

After a relentless ten minutes of pressure, China finally found their equalizer. Shao Jiayi, pressing high in midfield, intercepted a loose pass and immediately switched play to the left, where Yan Song was waiting. Yan Song quickly burst down the flank, beating Bahrain's right-back with a clever feint. As he reached the byline, the defender, in desperation, blocked the ball with his hand. 

The referee didn't hesitate, pointing to the spot for a penalty. Zheng Zhi stepped up confidently and coolly slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. 

The stadium erupted as China clawed their way back into the match. The two teams were now level, and the momentum had swung in China's favor. 

In response to the goal, Bahrain made a quick substitution, bringing on fresh legs to reinforce their midfield and tighten up their defensive structure. 

... 

... 

As the second half continued, Yang Yang had quickly adjusted to the rhythm of the game and familiarized himself with Bahrain's defensive setup. With China's left winger, Yan Song, repeatedly threatening down his flank, Bahrain's defense naturally became more focused on that side. This left Yang Yang with more space on the right, giving him opportunities to exploit. 

When another attack from the left broke down and the ball was passed back to the midfield, Zhao Junzhe received possession in the center. Sensing the moment, Yang Yang made a sharp move, throwing off Bahrain's number 7 midfielder and darting into space, raising his hand to call for the ball. 

Zhao Junzhe didn't hesitate, delivering a precise pass in Yang Yang's direction. 

Bahrain's number 7 rushed over to close him down, but Yang Yang didn't give him a chance. He controlled the ball with his chest and, in one fluid motion, flicked it over the onrushing defender's head. As the ball sailed over the number 7's head, Yang Yang was already sprinting past him, leaving the Bahrain player helpless in his wake. 

The crowd erupted in cheers, electrified by the audacity of Yang Yang's skill. 

With the ball at his feet, Yang Yang accelerated down the right flank, picking up speed with every stride. Bahrain's number 12 defender approached quickly, hoping to cut him off, but Yang Yang was too fast. Before the defender could even react, Yang Yang performed a sharp body feint, easily dribbling past him without losing any momentum. In a matter of seconds, he had burst into the penalty area, completely throwing Bahrain's defense into disarray. 

Yang Yang's run had forced Bahrain's remaining center-back to leave his mark on Hao Haidong and rush toward him. But even as the defender closed in, Yang Yang's keen awareness—his "God Vision" ability—allowed him to spot Li Jinyu's movement at the far post. Li had smartly peeled away from his defender and was making a run toward the back post. 

Without hesitation, Yang Yang delivered a perfectly timed cross, not to the near post where the defenders had expected it, but to the far post where Li Jinyu was waiting. The cross was whipped in with pace and precision, low enough to avoid interception but fast enough to catch Bahrain's defense off guard. 

Li Jinyu, who had been lurking at the back, was ready. As the ball reached him, he unleashed a powerful volley, his technique flawless. The ball flew past the Bahrain goalkeeper, who had no chance of stopping it. 

"Goal!!!!" 

"In the 63rd minute of the second half, China takes the lead, 2-1!" 

"Li Jinyu, with a clinical finish, has turned the game around after receiving a pinpoint cross from Yang Yang on the right!" 

"This was an absolutely brilliant attack! Yang Yang was nothing short of spectacular—after China's left-wing attack broke down, he switched the point of attack to the right and delivered a fatal blow to Bahrain's defense." 

"The two Bahraini defenders couldn't handle Yang Yang's pace or dribbling, and that cross was perfect—fast and low, making it nearly impossible to intercept. A slight touch from a defender could have resulted in an own goal." 

"And let's not forget Li Jinyu's fantastic volley—he lost his marker at the right moment and finished beautifully. Yang Yang's vision and execution made all the difference here!" 

"2-1! China has come from behind to lead!" 

"Arie Haan's substitutions have paid off brilliantly. Yang Yang, in particular, has completely neutralized Bahrain's left-side attacks, leaving them unable to create any meaningful offensive plays in this second half." 

Li Jinyu, elated after scoring, ran toward the corner flag, sliding to his knees before unleashing his trademark machine-gun celebration. Yang Yang, watching from close by, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He had long thought about designing his own celebration for the day he scored in a big match. 

As Li Jinyu celebrated, Hao Haidong jogged over to Yang Yang with a grin. "Good job, kid. You even had me fooled—I thought you were crossing it to me!" 

But there was no bitterness in Hao's tone—after all, a goal was a goal, no matter who scored it. 

"I saw you," Yang Yang replied with a smile, "but I thought Li Jinyu had the better chance." 

Hao Haidong chuckled at the response, but Yang Yang's words left the rest of the team stunned. In the heat of the moment, amid the chaos of a fast-moving attack, Yang Yang had not only noticed Li Jinyu's run but had instantly recognized it as the better option. 

Even Li Jinyu, still catching his breath, looked surprised. He hadn't expected the pass, thinking he was just in position to pick up a potential second ball. "Did you really see me?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief. 

Yang Yang simply smiled. He couldn't fully explain it, but his vision had been clear in that split second. He saw the play develop, recognized the movement, and made the decision. 

"That was incredible," Hao Haidong added, shaking his head in amazement. "You're something else." 

For a player of Hao's experience and reputation to express such admiration was rare, and the rest of the team couldn't help but look at Yang Yang with newfound respect. 

... 

... 

After Li Jinyu's second goal, the Chinese team's intensity noticeably dropped, as if they had completed their primary task. The offense became less aggressive, and the energy that had driven them forward began to wane. 

Head coach Arie Haan, sensing the shift, urged his players to maintain the pressure, particularly their pressing of Bahrain's defense. He knew the game wasn't over and demanded they continue their offensive efforts. 

Yang Yang, playing on the right wing, responded to the coach's call with relentless activity. Every time Bahrain had the ball, he was quick to press their left-back and the seventh midfielder, often pushing them so hard that he forced play toward the middle of the field. Despite being just one player, his efforts had an impact, especially in the 66th minute, when a Bahrain attack was cut short. After intercepting the ball in their own half, Bahrain tried to pass it out, but Yang Yang's persistent pressing caused the ball to go back to their left side. 

Yang Yang continued to harass Bahrain's number 7, pressing all the way down to the defensive line. Unable to handle the pressure, the Bahraini midfielder was forced into an awkward long ball upfield, which relieved the immediate threat but gave China possession again. Yang Yang's tireless defensive work earned him applause from head coach Arie Haan and assistant coach De Jong, with fans in the stadium joining in to show their appreciation. 

Yang Yang's intensity seemed to inspire his teammates. As they saw him pressing high and constantly harrying the opposition, more players began to realize that this was exactly what the coach had been asking for—quick, aggressive pressing after losing possession, putting the opposition under constant pressure. 

However, there was still doubt among some players. Could they sustain this kind of high-intensity play? Would it actually pay off? 

Their questions were soon answered. 

In the 70th minute, Bahrain's defense, trying to play out from the back, made a crucial mistake. A pass intended for their number 7 was underhit—just a fraction too light. It wasn't an egregious error, but in high-level football, small mistakes often lead to disaster. Yang Yang, already alert and pressing forward, pounced on the opportunity. 

Seeing the loose ball, Bahrain's number 7 attempted a quick turn to shield Yang Yang, but in his haste, he misjudged the move. Yang Yang was faster, intercepting the ball with perfect timing. In an instant, the crowd was on its feet, buzzing with excitement. 

Yang Yang surged forward, driving the ball at speed towards Bahrain's penalty area. A defender rushed to meet him, but Yang Yang executed a flawless step-over, effortlessly beating the defender and cutting into the box. His movement was smooth and precise, leaving the Bahraini backline scrambling. 

With space in front of him, Yang Yang looked up and saw Hao Haidong breaking free in the middle. Without hesitation, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass across the face of the goal. Hao Haidong, unmarked and composed, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. 

The Bahrain goalkeeper, fully focused on Yang Yang, was left flat-footed, helpless as the ball sailed past him into the goal. 

3-1! 

The entire stadium erupted in celebration as Hao Haidong rushed over to Yang Yang, grabbing his hand and pulling him along in an ecstatic sprint toward the sidelines. The roar from the stands was deafening, with fans cheering wildly and celebrating the team's third goal. 

Yang Yang's quick thinking and relentless pressing had paid off in the most spectacular way. His defensive interception, combined with his dazzling dribble and decisive cross, had set up the perfect goal. 

The Chinese team now had a commanding lead, and the crowd couldn't contain its excitement. Yang Yang, still catching his breath, looked around at the scene—his teammates celebrating, the fans cheering, and the realization that his efforts had shifted the game in China's favor. 

It was a moment of triumph, and it was Yang Yang's relentless drive that made it happen.