On the Soccer Field: Focus on Action, Not Words

Never waste time arguing with others on the field—scoring goals is the ultimate response!

Of course, after scoring, adding a little psychological pressure to your opponents is part of the game. Once they lose their composure, you can tactically use the rules to your advantage. Soccer isn't just about physical play; it's a mental battle too!

Hearing Ye Chen's words, Diarra was furious, but he kept his cool and refrained from retaliating physically. As a man, regaining pride should be done through performance on the pitch.

However, after their brief encounter, Diarra realized Ye Chen's acceleration was too fast to keep up with. If only he were two years younger...

Still, Diarra adjusted his strategy as the match continued.

With about 30 minutes left, including stoppage time, Germany had a chance to equalize. The goal had reignited the fighting spirit of the German team, who began pressing more aggressively. At the same time, France, determined not to lose momentum, aimed to extend their lead.

Key Moments in the Match:

• 63rd minute: Valbuena delivered a corner kick, and Giroud's header went over the bar.

• 65th minute: Méxes intercepted Höwedes, passed down the left, and Valbuena's slide attempt narrowly missed the far post.

• 67th minute: Amalfitano replaced Valbuena, and Menez came in for Ribery.

As the match progressed, tackles and fouls increased. Menez, fresh on the field, clashed hard with Sven Bender, sending him flying. Bender retaliated moments later, earning both players yellow cards.

74th minute: Ye Chen launched a threatening long-range shot, forcing Lloris to make a save. Before Ye Chen could stabilize, Diarra fouled him aggressively, finally receiving a yellow card.

Unfazed, Ye Chen retaliated subtly. When Diarra received the ball, Ye Chen stepped on his foot—"an eye for an eye." The referee, however, issued Ye Chen a yellow card immediately.

Ye Chen felt the punishment was unfair. "Diarra fouled me three or four times before getting booked. I get carded for one foul? Ridiculous!" But with time running out, there was no point in complaining.

The Final Push:

The clock ticked down to the last 10 minutes, and tension filled Allianz Arena. The commentators grew anxious:

"Time is running out for Germany!"

"They've salvaged some pride with Ye Chen's goal, but this is the Allianz Arena! The fans might tolerate a draw but not a loss on home turf!"

Ye Chen would've assured them to relax—he still had a trump card to play: his long-shot guaranteed goal.

82nd minute, 42 seconds:

Reus received the ball on the left and sent a lofted pass to Gomez. Acting as a target man, Gomez flicked the ball with the back of his head to Schürrle on the right. Schürrle entered the box and chipped the ball over Lloris, but just as it was about to cross the line, Rami cleared it in desperation.

The clearance was rushed, sending the ball outside the penalty area—right to Ye Chen's feet. Without hesitation, Ye Chen prepared to volley, but before he could connect, Nasri collided with him, knocking him down.

The referee blew his whistle and awarded a free kick. Nasri helped Ye Chen up, apologizing, "Sorry, mate. If I didn't foul you, we'd have conceded for sure."

Ye Chen accepted the apology with a nod. Such fouls were routine for him—after all, the best way to stop him was through physical play.

The Free Kick Debate:

Kroos stepped up to take the free kick, determined not to relinquish his responsibility. But Ye Chen had other ideas. "You've taken a few already and haven't threatened the goal. Let me try this one."

Kroos frowned. "I'm the designated free-kick taker."

"Let's settle this with rock-paper-scissors. One round decides it."

"Fine."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they played. Ye Chen threw paper, Kroos chose rock. Ye Chen clenched his fist in triumph.

"You'd better score," Kroos muttered coldly, walking away.

The commentators were amused. "Did I just see them decide a free kick with rock-paper-scissors? This is unreal!"

"But Ye Chen is a free-kick specialist. He's scored five this season, leading the top five leagues!"

The Moment of Magic:

Ye Chen positioned himself for the free kick, 23 meters from goal on the left side. The French team formed a five-man wall.

After steadying his breathing, Ye Chen ran up and struck the ball—not with his signature "curving blade" or "knuckleball" technique, but a low, powerful grass-cutter.

As the wall instinctively jumped, the ball zipped under their feet, heading straight for the net.

Lloris, anticipating a high shot, hesitated just long enough for the ball to hit the back of the net.

"Goooooooooal!!!"

The stadium erupted. Fans jumped in ecstasy, shaking Allianz Arena to its core.

Just minutes ago, they had been resigned to defeat. Ye Chen's brace not only gave them hope but completely turned the tide.

The commentators marveled, "Now we understand why Löw insisted on bringing Ye Chen into the German squad. He's a game-changer!"

Ye Chen's Determination:

Amidst the celebrations, Ye Chen retrieved the ball from the net, ignoring Lloris's protests.

"You've scored twice already! Isn't that enough? What, going for a hat trick now?" Lloris grumbled.

Ye Chen didn't respond. In his mind, "Enough" wasn't part of his vocabulary.

This was his chance to deliver Germany's first victory over France in years—a gift to his new national team.