The referee’s whistle signaled the end of the first half.
The match had been fiercely contested, with the score standing at three-two, giving the French team a slim lead.
However, as the latter part of the first half unfolded, it seemed the momentum had begun to subtly shift, gradually leaning towards the Tang Nation team.
The moment Cao Baiming entered the field, the entire dynamic of the game and the balance of power between the two sides underwent a dramatic transformation, becoming vastly different from before.
The spectators, still buzzing with excitement, cheered enthusiastically, while the commentators continued their animated discussions.
Only as the players from both sides returned to their respective locker rooms did the crowd gradually begin to calm down.
The French team's coaching staff was clearly dissatisfied with the first-half result. From head coach Deschamps down to every assistant coach, not a single face showed any hint of cheerfulness.
Mbappé began to vent his frustration, simultaneously trying to rally the team.
Yet, Zidane hadn’t even spoken yet, suggesting that Mbappé, accustomed to leadership, couldn’t shed his habits even in the national team with Zidane present.
Nonetheless, his words did have an effect, igniting the emotions of everyone in the locker room.
As the shouts and impassioned speeches began to subside, Zidane, as captain, reminded everyone of a fact they might have somewhat forgotten.
"We are still winning. Currently, it's us who are leading three-two, not Cao Baiming on the other side, not the Tang Nation team!"
"There's no need for so much complaining. Our goal has never been just to win the match, but to completely crush the opponent!"
Zidane's speech was met with approval from the other players in the locker room, and even head coach Deschamps began to clap.
On the Tang Nation team’s side, Cao Baiming took on the role of morale booster, knowing how incapable Li Gang was at such tasks.
After a passionate speech, everyone was filled with renewed fervor.
The goal he scored immediately upon entering the field in the first half seemed to have an undeniable impact, significantly lifting everyone's spirits and allowing them to be more focused and confident in the subsequent period.
This paved the way for the gradual improvement in the situation that followed.
"We are leading now!"
Cao Baiming’s declaration caused everyone's eyes to light up.
Wasn't this clearly stating the obvious?
However, he then continued to elaborate.
"Although the score indicates we are behind, I believe you can all distinctly feel that the French team has been intimidated by us. Their frequent tactical changes have yielded no results."
"We have the advantage in terms of the game's flow, and we will enter the second half with this advantage. First, I will score a goal myself, and then, through our collective unity and effort, we will reverse the score, alright?"
"Alright!!!"
After Cao Baiming’s impassioned speech concluded, Li Gang quickly stepped forward to inquire about his injury.
He had been worried for quite some time, and the team doctor was standing right behind him, ready to examine Cao Baiming’s condition at any moment.
Cao Baiming had nothing to hold back now. If the doctor wanted to examine him, there was no harm in it, as he felt perfectly fine up to this point.
At the very least, he was far from being unable to play, nor had he reached the stage of being prematurely taken out of the game.
The team doctor quickly began a simple examination. Lacking any advanced equipment, they could only rely on the most rudimentary methods. The team’s higher-ups had even contacted the leader of the expert team that had previously reviewed Cao Baiming's condition.
At this moment, an assistant walked forward and held up a tablet computer in front of the medical staff.
The face on the screen was none other than Cao Baiming's attending physician!
As Cao Baiming turned his head, he saw it, and was even somewhat surprised.
"Seriously? They're having a video call for this?"
After the expert's remote guidance and the team doctors' empirical judgments, they arrived at a startling conclusion.
"It appears his injury might have worsened!"
Everyone in the room suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
"No way, could it be that foul from the opponent in the first half?"
Upon closer reflection, Cao Baiming had actually been subjected to more than just one foul, but the others were less obvious and didn’t result in any cards.
Everyone was in a state of panic, but the doctor's next statement left them completely bewildered.
"Under normal circumstances, an injury of this severity would make it impossible to play, and even running might be affected. Yet, we can't see any such indication now?"
"Do you feel anything unusual?" the doctor asked, turning to Cao Baiming.
"I feel no problem. I don't feel any pain at all, and running or anything like that is definitely not affected!"
...
The doctors, including the expert behind the screen, fell into silence.
A few seconds later, a voice from the tablet broke the quiet.
"This situation might be because his physical condition far exceeds that of a normal person. Judging him by the standards of a normal person is inherently incorrect."
People around nodded repeatedly, feeling that this statement held some truth.
After all, witnessing Cao Baiming complete three months' worth of normal recovery in just three days wasn't something only that expert had seen; they were all well aware of it.
"Perhaps..."
Li Gang was still waiting for a definitive conclusion from the team doctors and the expert.
"So, can he still play in the second half?"
The team doctors exchanged glances and hesitantly stated,
"Our opinion remains the same as before. Regardless of how incredible his physique is, playing in an uncertain situation carries significant risk. Therefore, we advise limiting his playing time as much as possible!"
The expert on the other side nodded in agreement, but added another point: they should see what Cao Baiming himself thought.
Li Gang didn't bother asking, as he already knew the answer he would receive.
Everyone had witnessed his unwavering determination. Cao Baiming would absolutely, positively not let go of the opportunity to play in the finals easily.
In his view, since there were no obvious symptoms, he could hold on for a while longer!
Seeing the surrounding people engaged in a debate, Cao Baiming appeared rather relaxed.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. If there's any problem, I'll be the one to say so!"
The team doctor, recalling the examination results, still felt a bit uneasy. At this moment, the break was nearing its end.