Some chose to refuse outright.
Others decided to refuse next time but not the time after, or not next time but the time after.
Various answers, various combinations.
Someone tried to buy all possibilities to ensure no losses.
But upon calculation, it was found that buying all possibilities still incurs some fees.
The bookmaker always wins.
...
Just when everyone was fervently discussing the eight teams advancing, the draw ceremony for the knockout stage added fuel to the fire.
"Spain... Wales!"
Spanish fans were overjoyed; this was the softest opponent among the top eight!
"Germany... Netherlands!"
German and Dutch fans looked at each other; this was tough.
"Belgium... France!"
Belgian fans were utterly frustrated; they drew the host, France, and France’s strength ranks in the top three!
It’s too hard!
At the same time, English fans jumped up excitedly, each walking out of their homes, sharing the news with friends in the streets, celebrating passionately!
Italy!
England actually drew the second-softest opponent, Italy!
This was simply the best draw!
Don’t be fooled by the famous match between Italy and Portugal.
But to be fair, those who watched that game knew that Portugal was somewhat wronged.
If Portugal’s left flank had been a little stronger, after Praxedes was isolated in Madeira, picked up the pace, how could Portugal have let Italy catch up with so many goals?
Moreover, Praxedes’ condition was exceptionally explosive, initially dominated by Madeira, he played like the world’s top left-back in the last thirty minutes as if he were ten years younger.
But can Praxedes maintain this level in the next game?
The English don’t believe so.
Speaking of which, regardless of past grievances between England Team and Italy Team, they certainly had a dispute last year.
European Youth Championship!
The England Youth Team, which was highly favored to win, didn’t even make it past the group stage, being knocked out by the Italy National Youth Team.
Back then, the star and core of that Italy National Youth Team was none other than Lu Yang, who now holds a special status within the Italy National Team!
And on the England side, Manchester City’s Jesse Raisim finally secured his position at the club this season.
Due to his outstanding club performance and the injuries of competing players in the same position, he appeared in this European Cup.
He is England’s left midfielder.
Also, Mancini transferred to Barça last year for a record forty million euros and is now England’s starting striker.
On the Italy team side, Morici, Canyes, Lam, Cortino, Areola, Sogel, are all familiar faces.
The saying goes, "Before the troops move, provisions must be prepared."
This time, the English media truly wanted to support their national team.
Every time the England Team returned in defeat, not meeting the expectations, someone would blame the English media.
This European Chinese Team has truly disappointed people.
The England Team almost never peaks because they are always at their peak every year, every time, always able to assemble a luxury all-star lineup.
Then, when everyone thinks they will dominate, they suddenly underperform.
Thus, English fans, even global fans, set the target of a semifinals or championship finish for England every year.
Reporter: "Ancelotti, what are your thoughts on missing that penalty?"
See, the English reporters are making their moves.
This is why many teams isolate themselves from external information before games.
These off-field tactics are truly despicable.
Especially if there are already some internal tensions, these bad guys can ignite the flames in no time, causing the whole team to fall apart.
Teams like France and Belgium are known as conflict teams.
They indeed have internal conflicts that are hard to reconcile, but it’s also related to external conflicts targeting them.
Who made their strength intimidating to others?
Ancelotti looked at the reporter, somewhat dissatisfied: "Which paper are you from?"
The reporter said: "Sun Newspaper."
Ancelotti sneered: "Haha! Impossible! I read every issue of Sun Newspaper, and they never ask about football. They only focus on gender topics."
The reporter, unbothered after being exposed, said: "We’re from The Times. Are you ready to answer my question now? Regarding that penalty? Of course, you can refuse to answer."
Ancelotti, a seasoned veteran, wouldn’t be fazed by such small matters, would he?
Moreover.
He indeed had something prepared to say to the media.
Ancelotti said: "I feel very guilty for missing that penalty. Lately, my penalty-taking has not been great."
Reporter: "Yes, missed twice in a row... So will the Head Coach strip you of your penalty-taking role? I think Lu Yang is very steady on penalties; he hasn’t missed one yet!"
The dagger joins the fray.
The reporter plays his card.
However, Ancelotti said: "I don’t know, but I support Lu Yang taking the penalties. I already talked to Head Coach Maniero after the match about my wish to step down from the penalty role."
The reporter was stunned.
What does that mean?
Ancelotti... won’t fight?
The reporter couldn’t believe it; was this still the vengeful Ancelotti?
"You..."
"For the Italy Team’s victory, I’m willing to give up everything within the team!" Ancelotti declared loudly, then left.