At 2 p.m., the match officially began. Hunan Normal University's team played a standard 4-4-2 formation, with Zhang Xu as the defensive midfielder and Li Jinshan as a forward.
He Tao, who had earlier mocked Li Jinshan, played as an attacking midfielder. Hunan University's team, showcasing a 3-4-3 offensive formation, clearly underestimated their opponents.
The three foreign aids from Hunan University didn't take this amateur match seriously. Despite all players being on the field and the match about to start, they appeared lazy, only showing interest when looking at the girls in the stands.
Upon entering the field, Zhang Xu concentrated all his energy on the game, refusing to underestimate the opponents due to their weakness or the low profile of the match. This attitude was cultivated from his father's teachings: never underestimate any opponent, and give your all as a form of respect to both them and yourself.
As the referee's whistle signaled the start, Hunan University confidently initiated the play.
Luo Feng, their Super League forward, passed the ball back to He Tao, who swiftly forwarded it to Yang Guang. Yang Guang, brimming with confidence, began his dribble down the field. As a reserve from the Super League, he felt his skills were far superior to the amateurs he faced. His dribble was a mix of speed and control, designed to outmaneuver and outpace his opponents.
Yang Guang, basking in the confidence of his Super League experience, started his showboating with an array of dazzling skills. He began with a series of step-overs, his feet moving rapidly over the ball, creating a blur of motion that mesmerized onlookers. Each step-over was executed with precision and flair, shifting his weight from one side to the other, keeping the defenders guessing his next move.
Following the step-overs, Yang Guang transitioned into a sequence of drag-backs, using the sole of his boot to pull the ball back and then push it forward again. Li Jinshan from the opposing team made an attempt to intercept, but Yang Guang, with a quick side-step and a deceptive body feint, easily bypassed him.
This technique not only showcased his control but also allowed him to change direction quickly, leaving Li Jinshan trailing behind. His movements were fluid and exaggerated, each one performed with an extra flourish that captivated the crowd, particularly drawing cheers from the female fans who were delighted by his flashy style.
His movements were fluid and confident, a display of both his technical skill and his belief in his own ability. Feeling increasingly unstoppable, Yang Guang began to show off with intricate footwork, drawing cheers and gasps from the captivated crowd.
However, his performance was abruptly cut short by Zhang Xu. With exceptional timing and a keen sense of anticipation, Zhang Xu made a swift move to intercept. He stepped in just as Yang Guang was attempting another fancy move, dispossessing him with a clean tackle. This interception was more than just a physical feat; it was a testament to Zhang Xu's understanding of timing and his opponent's psychology.
Frustrated and eager to reclaim his pride, Yang Guang charged at Zhang Xu in an attempt to win back the ball. But Zhang Xu was prepared. He used his body effectively, positioning himself between Yang Guang and the ball. As Yang Guang collided with him, it was like hitting an immovable object. Zhang Xu's strength and stance made it impossible for Yang Guang to get past.
Seeing an opening, Zhang Xu then made a deliberate move, quickly breaking towards the opposing half. Yang Guang, thrown off balance by his own momentum, stumbled and fell, leaving Zhang Xu to continue his advance. He Tao, in an attempt to stop Zhang Xu, charged at him.
As He Tao closed in, Zhang Xu used the outside of his foot to push the ball to one side, enticing He Tao to commit in that direction. Then, with a swift flick of his ankle, he snapped the ball back across his body to the other side. A perfect flip flap.
This rapid change in direction left He Tao bewildered and off-balance, as Zhang Xu left him trailing behind. Breezing past him with the ball firmly under his control.
The flip-flap was executed with such speed and finesse that it left spectators in awe. Zhang Xu's move was not just a display of technical skill but also a strategic play to break away from pressure and create an opportunity for an attack. In contrast to Yang Guang's flashy showboating, Zhang Xu's technique was purposeful and effective, leading directly to a breakthrough
The Hunan University players, now fully aware of Zhang Xu's skill, rushed to intercept him.
But with a calm smile,
he ball drew a beautiful arc, sailing over the heads of several players from Hunan University's team and landed precisely at Li Jinshan's feet.
Li Jinshan, a bit bewildered, didn't even see how the ball got to him. Then he heard Zhang Xu's shout, "Pass it back!"
Without a second thought, Li Jinshan returned the ball. At this point, Zhang Xu, having outpaced the defense, had already breached the defense line of Hunan University and positioned himself at the edge of the penalty area, right in front of the goal.
As the ball rolled towards him, Zhang Xu received the ball at the edge of the penalty area. He took a brief moment to aim, slightly lowered his center of gravity and then, with a fierce swing of his right leg, struck the back of the ball.
"Bang!"
The ball shot out like a cannonball and appeared in Hunan University's goal in the blink of an eye. Their goalkeeper only managed to turn his head to watch, having no time to react.
This was Zhang Xu's signature powerful long shot!
Goal! Within less than two minutes of the match's start, Hunan Normal University's team scored a goal through Zhang Xu's long shot!
As the ball flew into the net, the entire stadium suddenly fell silent. The only 'noise' was from Nicole, who was cheering loudly from the sidelines!
It took a full half minute for everyone to process what had just happened. The players from Hunan Normal University were naturally ecstatic, running over to celebrate the goal with Zhang Xu.
The players from Hunan University's team, however, were still stunned, watching the player who nearly single-handedly created the spectacular goal, not quite believing their eyes.
Such goals were supposed to be seen only on TV, right? How did it suddenly appear in reality? The world is too dangerous!
The three Super League players were puzzled. To score such a stunning goal, was even rare in the Super League, the opponent must be a professional player. But for the life of them, they couldn't recall any domestic player with such formidable skills.
Of course, it never crossed their minds that it might be the same Zhang Xu from Belgium.
The celebration was simple: loud cheers and mutual embraces before the game resumed.
Now aware that they were facing a very powerful professional player, Yang Guang and the others dared not take it lightly anymore.
But Zhang Xu wasn't just about individual dribbling and shooting; he was best at organizing the team's offense and defense, controlling the rhythm, and finding opportunities to deliver fatal blows to the opposition.
Moreover, after scoring with his long shot, Zhang Xu greatly boosted the morale of Hunan Normal University's team. Although individually they couldn't compete with the three Super League players, under Zhang Xu's leadership and collective strength, they gradually leveled the playing field between Hunan Normal and Hunan University.
As the skills matched, the balance of the game depended on the key players' skills and capabilities.
Clearly, Zhang Xu held an absolute advantage in this regard!
He could pass, dribble, and shoot. Whether creating opportunities for the team, assisting teammates, or breaking through by himself, none of it was within the capabilities of Hunan University's fragile defense line to contain.
Under these circumstances, Hunan Normal University's team erupted entirely!
In the 18th minute of the game, Zhang Xu, amid a crowd of three defenders, passed the ball precisely to Li Jinshan, who was unguarded, leading to another goal, making the score 2-0.
In the 31st minute, Hunan Normal took a corner kick, and Zhang Xu, with a powerful header, smashed the ball into the back of the net.
3-0!
After changing sides for the second half, Zhang Xu, increasingly fierce, led Hunan Normal University's team in a vigorous assault on Hunan University's team.
In the 52nd minute, relying on personal breakthroughs, Zhang Xu once again emerged from the midst of three defenders. Super League player Zhang Wuyong hurriedly attempted to tackle but was effortlessly dodged by Zhang Xu, who then calmly lobbed the ball into the goal.
4-0!
In the 67th minute, Zhang Xu took a free-kick, hitting the crossbar. The ball rebounded, accidentally hitting a Hunan Normal player's thigh, changing its course, and rolling into the goal.
5-0!
In the 83rd minute, Zhang Xu, with the ball, charged into the penalty area. Zhang Wuyong attempted a foul, but Zhang Xu's body, like iron, ignored the feeble attempt.
Shaking off Zhang Wuyong, Zhang Xu faced the goalkeeper and with a calm lob, once again breached Hunan University's goal.
6-0!
Before the game even ended, it had already turned into a stunning 6-0, giving Hunan University's team six resounding slaps!
"Terrifying! Is he even human? One person completely revitalized the entire team, far surpassing the three Super League substitutes!" a student in the stands exclaimed in awe at Zhang Xu's otherworldly performance.
"Yeah, he's as good as Zhang Xu!" another student agreed.
"Exactly! Wait, Zhang Xu? I remember when they announced the players' names at the start of the game, his name was also Zhang Xu, could it be..." A student, realizing something, quickly pulled out his smartphone to search for "Zhang Xu."
Soon enough, Zhang Xu's image appeared on the phone. He compared the image with the Zhang Xu on the field.
"Zhang... Xu, he... he is... Zhang Xu!" the student shouted excitedly, stuttering as he pointed at Zhang Xu.
"I know his name is Zhang Xu, so what? Don't stand there, you're blocking my view of the game!" another student behind him replied impatiently.
"He's Zhang Xu, the one who plays in Belgium!" the student explained excitedly.
"The Zhang Xu from Belgium playing football? Impossible!" The surrounding students gathered around, "Right, how could Zhang Xu be playing for us?" "Right now, he's probably still in Belgium!"
The student who searched for "Zhang Xu" was frustrated. He took out his phone and showed it to the surrounding students, "Look! If he's not Zhang Xu, then who is he?"
"Damn, it's really him! It really is Zhang Xu! My goodness, this is a big event!" The surrounding students were shocked. They couldn't believe they were witnessing Zhang Xu playing on their home field, representing their football team!
The news quickly spread throughout the stands, and everyone became aware of Zhang Xu's true identity.
The boys were thrilled, pulling out their phones, taking selfies, and recording videos, trying every possible way to capture Zhang Xu's playing moments.
The girls were even more direct. They opened their bright voices and started chanting in unison:
"Zhang Xu, we love you!"