At the forty-first minute.
Noticing that his opportunities to hold the ball had greatly diminished, Ronaldinho began to actively drop back to midfield to ask for the ball.
He had no ill intent, as it was a common and effective practice for a forward to retreat to get the ball when they're not receiving it.
He wasn't a lone striker, anyhow, so if he wanted to drop back, he simply did.
Deng Kai also cooperated with Ronaldinho and completed the positional exchange.
Guardiola seized the moment of confusion among the defenders during the handover and made a precise pass to Ronaldinho.
Facing Guardiola, with his back to the goal, Ronaldinho directly swung his leg and knocked the football to the nearby Deng Kai, then turned and started his run forward.
He instantly got past Costinha.
As he ran, he looked towards Deng Kai, waiting for Deng Kai to give him the direct... what the heck!
Where was Deng Kai's pass?
Ah... where was the football at Deng Kai's feet?
Was it stolen?
