22 The Blaze of Battle (3)

Antwerp's Smith stepped up to take a corner kick. The anticipation was palpable as players jostled for position in the penalty area, each preparing to leap and vie for the incoming ball.

Pogba, towering at 186 cm, naturally stood out as a key target for the header. He possessed not only the height advantage but also an innate ability to read the flight of the ball. He positioned himself strategically, making a calculated move to slip past the White Star defender marking him. With his eyes locked on the ball's arc, Pogba timed his jump impeccably, springing up with significant force. As he rose, his head, positioned like a crest, aimed to meet the ball at its optimal point.

Given Pogba's stature and jumping prowess, it seemed almost certain that he would win this aerial duel. His confidence was evident, and his physical attributes typically gave him an edge over the defenders he faced.

However, White Star's team had an exceptional player of their own – Zhang Xu. Despite being slightly shorter at 181 cm, Zhang Xu possessed extraordinary jumping ability, rated at an impressive 77 points, and his explosive power was at a world-class level of 81 points. These attributes made him a formidable presence in aerial challenges.

As the ball neared Pogba, who was just about to reach the apex of his jump and make contact, an unexpected development occurred. Zhang Xu, in a burst of explosive athleticism, launched himself into the air from Pogba's left front. He soared higher than Pogba, his timing and power synchronizing perfectly. In a stunning display, Zhang Xu's head reached the ball first, redirecting it with a forceful header.

Driss received the ball outside the penalty area and cleared it immediately.

Pogba landed and realized that the player who had beaten him to the ball was the Chinese player Zhang!

"It seems I underestimated you! But as you are now, you're still far from me," Pogba arrogantly said as he passed by Zhang Xu.

"Oh, really?" Zhang Xu retorted immediately.

Pogba's face darkened: "Hmph, don't be smug. Just wait and see, I'm about to get serious!"

"I'll be waiting!"

"Hmph!"

"Hmm!"

After a fierce exchange of glances, they each went their separate ways.

In the subsequent game, Pogba, as if he had found an interesting toy, frequently sought confrontations with Zhang Xu.

Zhang Xu was happy with this; after all, the main task given by the coach was to limit Pogba's offensive. As long as he entangled Pogba, he would have completed the coach's task.

Moreover, the side quests were also related to Pogba. Now that Pogba was so willing to engage, Zhang Xu warmly welcomed it.

However, although he was stronger and faster than Pogba, Pogba's other abilities were much stronger, so their confrontations were often fairly evenly matched. Pogba often came out on top tactically in the aspect that he retained possession even if he couldn't get past Zhang Xu.

In the 17th minute, their rivalry reached another peak. Zhang Xu managed to gain a slight upper hand in their latest encounter, but the outcome of their clash inadvertently set up a new opportunity for Antwerp. As the ball rolled free from their tussle, it was swiftly picked up by another Antwerp midfielder. This player, seeing an opening, threaded a direct pass through White Star's defensive line, slicing through their formation with precision.

Antwerp's forward, Schmidt, reacted instantaneously, his instincts honed for just such a break. Timing his run to perfection, he stayed onside while sprinting past the last defender, darting behind the defense. As the ball reached him, Schmidt showcased his striking prowess. With deft control, he took the ball in his stride and immediately prepared for a shot. He didn't need to break his pace; his technique allowed him to smoothly transition from receiving the ball to firing it towards the goal.

With the goal in his sights, Schmidt focused on the ball, positioning his body for a knuckleball shot – a technique known for its unpredictability. He struck the ball dead center with the laces of his boot, imparting minimal spin. This precise strike sent the ball hurtling towards the goal with an erratic, swerving motion, characteristic of a perfectly executed knuckleball.Schmidt's shot was a blend of power and accuracy. He struck the ball cleanly, sending it hurtling towards the goal with great velocity. 

Kevin, White Star's goalkeeper, despite his agility and reflexes, found himself with little time to react.The unpredictable flight of the knuckleball left little room for reaction. The ball dipped and danced in the air, evading Kevin's outstretched hands, and slipped past him into the net. Before he could fully extend in an attempt to make the save.

The stadium erupted as Schmidt's shot found its mark, a moment of sheer brilliance that highlighted the art of shooting in football. His mastery of the knuckleball shot, coupled with his acute sense of timing and space, had turned a swift counter-attack into a stunning goal for Antwerp. In the world of football, where tactics and skill intertwine, Schmidt's goal stood as a testament to the fine margins that often dramatically alter the course of a game.

Antwerp 1 - Woluwe 0!

Despite winning the confrontation with Pogba again, the team conceded a goal, which made Zhang Xu uncomfortable.

Today was a special day. If they lost the match, even if he won against Pogba, what would it mean?

Zhang Xu's gaze pierced through the bustling crowd on the field, landing directly on Antwerp's goal. Score a goal! He must score! His body suddenly surged with boundless ambition and strength!

At this moment, Zhang Xu consciously moved his position forward. Since Pogba wouldn't let him go, he might as well attract him to the midfield area. This would reduce his threat to the team and, hehe, if there was a chance, he could also insert himself to help the team attack.

Zhang Xu's slow advance didn't alert Pogba, who continued to seek confrontations as usual.

Antwerp's coach Bart saw something was amiss and shouted from the sidelines: "Pogba, don't get entangled with the opponent's defensive midfielder, strengthen the offensive!"

But Pogba ignored him. To him, a coach from a Belgian second division team had no right to lecture him. Offensive organization? As if skilling up this Chinese kid would delay the offensive? That would be underestimating his ability and level. Pfft! Get lost!

Time passed, and Zhang Xu's position was now close to the midfield!

Consequently, the White Star team's formation also stretched out!

In the thirty-first minute, Pogba attempted a breakthrough with the ball, but Zhang Xu and Driss blocked his path. Pogba tried to use his body to squeeze past Zhang Xu and carve a path through, but while there was blood, there was no path.

The two collided fiercely, tumbling over each other.

Zhang Xu's mouth was split open, with blood faintly visible. Driss intercepted the ball and pushed forward.

At this moment, Antwerp's formation was still moving forward due to Pogba, and Driss's forward surge caught them off guard, forcing them to retreat to defend.

Zhang Xu saw the opportunity and, getting up before Pogba, sprung into action alongside Driss. Their coordination was seamless, a testament to their understanding on the pitch. As they rapidly advanced, they found themselves about forty yards from the goal, with an opponent's midfielder closing in on them.

A quick exchange of glances between Zhang Xu and Driss was all it took to convey their plan. Driss skillfully feigned a pass to Henry on the left, effectively drawing the attention of the defenders. This diversion created just enough space for their actual play. With a subtle but effective movement, Driss then used his instep to send a long, direct ball towards the goal, about 35 yards away.

Zhang Xu, anticipating this move, burst forward. He timed his approach to meet the ball with a volley - a challenging technique requiring precise timing and powerful execution. As the ball descended, Zhang Xu readied himself, adjusting his body position and eyeing the ball's trajectory.

With a powerful swing of his right leg, Zhang Xu connected with the back of the ball mid-air. The impact was substantial, the sound of his strike resonating through Bosul Stadium. He hit the ball with such force and precision that it almost seemed to deform, rocketing towards the Antwerp like a cannonball just fired, a breathtaking speed.

The Antwerp goalkeeper, caught off guard by the sheer velocity of the shot, saw only a blur as the ball whizzed past. Despite his reflexes, he couldn't react in time to extend a hand. The ball, now spinning in the net, marked the culmination of a brilliantly executed play.

As Zhang Xu turned to celebrate, the stadium erupted in cheers. His volley, a display of both raw power and technical finesse, had not just breached the Antwerp goal but had also showcased the thrilling possibilities of football when skill, strategy, and opportunity converge.

The Antwerp goalkeeper turning around, saw the black and white soccer ball spinning in the net!

It had gone in!