Kane shook his lips and didn’t speak. He was displeased, but he couldn’t express it, so he could only attribute it to his own inadequacy.
If he could also freeze Lu Yang, then the head coach would certainly not substitute him, and San Remo wouldn’t be revitalizing their midfield.
"Hey!" Lu Yang followed Kane, maintaining a certain distance, and said, "No matter the outcome of this match, I would like to exchange jerseys with you afterward, is that okay?"
Kane turned to glance at Lu Yang, somewhat surprised.
He’s not someone who likes to actively exchange jerseys, nor does he ever agree to someone else’s request for a jersey exchange, so to this day, Kane has never exchanged jerseys with anyone.
This is the true situation for many shy, ordinary players.
Kane nodded but said something: "We’ll win. Without me, the team’s attack will be smoother."
Lu Yang shook his head: "But we will too."
The camera recorded all of this.
Ness fans, although unable to see lip movements, expressed dissatisfaction with Lu Yang’s behavior.
The main referee came over to tell Lu Yang that he couldn’t use words to deliberately provoke opponents. Kane explained for Lu Yang: "He didn’t provoke me, you misunderstood. We were discussing exchanging jerseys afterwards."
The main referee was startled, well, it seems this year’s UEFA Europa League Fair Play award winner has been found.
Hence, the main referee, who was already reaching into his pocket for a card, subtly wiped his hand on his chest, covering up his almost mistaken gesture with the card.
The main referee quality varies.
How to distinguish?
Besides being able to execute certain "special tasks" arranged by higher-ups in key matches, you have to be competent in regular matches.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t even qualify as a biased referee.
Not all gold referees are biased.
But every biased referee must have been a gold referee.
A popular player like Lu Yang is someone all referees study before matches. Because if you make a critical error in judgment on him, and if things blow up, your quarterly bonus is doomed.
Further, your future prospects will also be affected.
Yet this referee’s gesture prompted a wave of boos from the crowd.
These boos were directed at the main referee, Lu Yang, and even at Kane who defended Lu Yang.
Even Ness’s head coach didn’t know what to say to Kane.
Praise him for sportsmanship?
But if Ness doesn’t deliver good results in the Europa League this year, this coach might even lose his job — what good is praising sportsmanship for?
Back to the field.
In the 65th minute, Sotu on the San Remo side also made a grand gesture and started substitutions.
And it was a triple substitution!
Just now, Morici had communicated with Sotu when Kane came off the field.
With their trump card off, they can strengthen their offense!
So, on the San Remo side, Belletti replaced Fernandez.
Versachi replaced Bai Zhami.
These two players were substituted for protective reasons, also due to their excessive stamina consumption and declining impact.
But Versachi didn’t move to Bai Zhami’s left winger position; instead, Lu Yang moved up, and Versachi played in Lu Yang’s midfield position.
Lu Yang often appears forward this season because he adapts well to different positions.
In addition, Sotu used Lam to replace Latu Yidi.
The meaning is similarly clear.
Lam’s defensive ability is certainly weaker than Latu Yidi’s, especially in some anticipatory interceptions and tackles.
But... Lam is young and can run.
Young Latu Yidi was a sweeper, a disruptor, but at San Remo, he doesn’t run much anymore. He’s more like a behind-the-lines midfielder; coverage isn’t his strength.
This is the transformation time brings to a player.
Bringing on Lam means our defensive intensity can decrease, but our defensive range must expand.
The idea is the opponent’s attack isn’t as strong — our purpose is to reduce their attack even if some attacks come through, the defensive line can handle it.
This is sheer disdain for Ness’s attacking capabilities.
At the same time, it shows San Remo is about to launch a major offense. Their midfield and front will consequently disconnect somewhat from the defense, requiring Lam to fill the gaps.
This is an open play!
Ness fans quickly noticed an issue.
How come, even after substituting out Kane who restricted their attack, Ness’s situation became even murkier?
Ness’s attack is smoother, but the number of attacking opportunities decreased significantly.
On the contrary, San Remo’s attack became even silkier, with attacking opportunities rapidly increasing.
One long shot here, a cross there.
The newly substituted players performed well, no issues anywhere.
In the 78th minute of the match, Morici fully revived.
He did a rabona on the central field, drawing in two defenders before passing to Lu Yang.
Lu Yang retreated for support, did a wall pass.
Morici did a wall pass.
Wall pass!
Wall pass!
The two of them ping-ponged through the midfield, penetrating with ease.
San Remo’s twin star’s ping-pong passes shone in European competition!
Finally, Morici 1V1 faced Ness’s central defender at the top of the penalty arc, performing an elegant Marseille turn.
Ness’s central defender adjusted sideways, Morici directly bumped into him, failing to get past.
But...
The player didn’t get past, but the ball did!
This ball, Morici anticipated it early on — he never intended to directly get past the opponent.