Deschamps and Matthaus, seasoned players who could no longer jump as high, battled for the second ball either just outside the penalty area or near the center circle, preventing the opposition from launching counterattacks.
Deng Kai raised three fingers, then took the free-kick.
Bang!
At the edge of the penalty area, players surged into the box, leaping like carp over the dragon's gate, fiercely contending for a header.
Among them, a robust figure rose high into the air.
Bang!
"Goal! Sporting Lisbon has scored in the 36th minute!"
"The goal was scored by the new team member, Andrea Barzagli!"
"Incredible! This player from Italy's lower leagues has contributed the first goal of the season for Sporting Lisbon!"
"He is nineteen years old and cost only 200,000 euros, practically the cheapest player on Sporting Lisbon's squad!"
"A year ago he was still a striker, he has the goal-scoring instinct not common among central defenders!"
