"Burgos’ actions have brought shame to Barcelona," Mr. Winter smiled, clearly amused by Burgos’ antics. "However, Lu Yang’s move just now did involve some physical contact, a type that could go either way in terms of punishment."
"The main referee’s whistle was quite understandable."
"So if Burgos wants to watch, he can do so openly. There’s no need to peek through his fingers like that... it makes him seem a bit sneaky."
"Italy missed a great opportunity to level the score."
About two minutes later, the same situation occurred on Italy’s side.
Domenguez passed the ball to Talista and moved forward, and Talista put on a deceptive feint, directly bypassing Lam.
Bernulin made a timely advance, successfully predicting and intercepting the ball outside the penalty area.
The ball was kicked out of bounds, and Talista fell beside Bernulin.
The main referee deemed it a legitimate defense.
But once Talista got up, he continued to complain: "Is this not a foul? Shouldn’t this be a yellow card? You can’t seek balance in such matters. I’m me, and Burgos is Burgos."
Bernulin went over and pushed Talista aside: "Little rooster, stop talking. My tackle is more reliable than your shooting. This was a good interception, understand?"
Talista laughed immediately: "Are you kidding, old man?"
Bernulin laughed too: "Don’t say that. Considering your looks, calling you ’brother’ wouldn’t be out of place."
Talista glared: "That’s the worst joke I’ve ever heard. Alright, seeing how you’re too old to run, only relying on fouls to defend me, I won’t hold it against you this time."
"But next time, your old legs better be quicker, or you might not even catch my jersey!"
"I can’t believe Italy’s central defenders have become so lacking that over-the-hill antiques like you are playing as starters."
Lam was stunned on the side.
Did Talista not know Bernulin is a player for San Remo?
Does he even want to continue next season?
Who knows, Bernulin also widened his eyes: "Oh? And who was the little softie just felled by this old antique? San Remo really bought the wrong person, I can already predict how much fewer goals the team will score next season."
"Aside from fouling and trash talk, you don’t seem to have any strengths."
The conversation heated up, with several teammates rushing over, worried it might lead to a brawl.
But ultimately, before the main referee arrived, the two exchanged a smile.
One is a top central defender accustomed to storms and waves, the other a newly rising divine forward who tries everything. Despite being opponents, they’ve achieved a mutual understanding.
In the following minutes, Italy struggled to touch the ball again.
Spain continued their ball control.
One to zero.
Compared to the challenges Italy has faced in the past, this doesn’t seem unbearable.
This year’s Italy has already been nicknamed "Devil’s Second Half."
For some reason, even when trailing by two or three goals, Italy manages to come back in the second half.
A mere single goal?
Yet, every Italian player, including Lu Yang, isn’t so optimistic at this moment.
Spain’s presence is just too oppressive.
This one-to-zero feels like a mountain, pressing Italy firmly, unable to stir up even a ripple.
Spain’s dominance isn’t evident in situations, but in statistics and ball control time.
If they don’t give Italy any chance to touch the ball, Italy’s European Cup journey ends here.
Of course, they can’t completely keep Italy from the ball.
But can they prevent Italy from crossing midfield?
Lu Yang needs a helper!
Someone who can secure more interceptions and ball possession for Italy’s defense.
Like... peak Praxedes or Bernulin!
Or someone who can assist Lu Yang in attack, boosting Italy’s offensive efficiency.
Like... peak Perrotta or Ancelotti.
Lu Yang glanced at the peak card in his mind, realizing there’s no reason to hold onto it.
Using it in this match means there won’t be one for the next game.
But if they don’t use it, Italy may not have a next match.
"Ding! You’ve used the peak card, random selection in progress... peak card effect target locked, Ancelotti!"
Peak card activated.
Peak Ancelotti.
Calling him the world’s number one forward might not convince everyone.
Not because he isn’t strong enough, but because during his era, there were just too many extraordinary forwards.
But if we narrow it down to the "shadow forward" position, peak Ancelotti was undeniably the world’s top shadow forward for a brief period.
What is a shadow forward?
They can finish, orchestrate attacks when withdrawing.
When others don’t notice you, you’re a lone wolf capable of inflicting lethal damage at any moment.
If the opposition focuses excessively on you, they may neglect defense of other attackers, losing more than they gain.
Though it’s a marginal position, defending you is both right and wrong.
For your team, however, a shadow forward is equally marginal.
In terms of impact, they don’t match speed-type forwards.
In terms of orchestration, they lag behind traditional attacking midfielders and pivot central forwards.