At that moment, football fans worldwide finally understood that the half-step lead from just now was the furthest distance in the world!
This gap was of immeasurable significance!
Mbappé could only stand helplessly in place, continuing to gasp for air with his hands on his knees, watching the goalkeeper hand the ball back to a Tangguo team player.
He was now beyond exhausted, his strength depleted.
That sprint had consumed 120% of his energy, whereas overtaking a defender previously had only required about eighty percent effort.
A deep sense of powerlessness welled up from his heart, threatening to consume him. Even the disdain and arrogance on his face had vanished.
He knew that watching from the stands were not only the fans of the Fran team but also the star players he admired, as well as his family. This time, he had truly disgraced himself.
Meanwhile, Cao Baiming's performance not only thrilled the fans but also left the entire senior management of the Tangguo team speechless, with hands clasped atop their heads in astonishment.
They couldn't articulate their thoughts, exclaiming that this person was simply not human.
Cao Baiming had a leg injury, and it seemed to be quite serious, yet he was able to run and sprint at such a high speed, even overtaking the world's fastest player!
They were utterly speechless.
At this moment, the team doctor even felt ashamed and regretful for his previous cautious remarks.
"A new generation's King of Speed has been crowned today! He is Cao Baiming from our Tangguo!"
"The fastest man in the world!!! Bar none!!!"
The commentator roared, himself breathless with excitement.
After a brief ten-second rest, Mbappé stood up, his lips pressed together, a hint of sadness and a trace of defiance on his face.
A teammate patted his backside in comfort, and then they had to continue the match.
He knew he was the team's ace, and in the current tactical system, his scoring importance was even higher than that of Emperor Henry. He couldn't lose his confidence now!
Gritting his teeth, he continued to fight!
Who was Cao Baiming? He just overtook him once! Let him try to do it twice!
At this point, the Tangguo team players, under Cao Baiming's direction, began to control the ball steadily.
They were ready to launch an attack at any moment.
Cao Baiming observed the situation on the field. This was precisely when the opponent's morale was at its lowest. They had practiced many attacking tactics in training, including many for proactive offense. The current situation perfectly fit a regular offensive pattern.
Logically, it was time to start. Opportunities, if not seized immediately, would be lost.
Cao Baiming's eyes flickered, and a scene before him suddenly made his eyes light up!
Wasn't this the exact situation they had practiced before? It was almost identical!
The entire pitch, from the backline to the frontline, from one flank to the other, every detail was captured by him. He predicted the next moves and thoughts of these players, and Cao Baiming quickly understood.
At this moment, the pass stopped at him, followed by a sudden forward acceleration sprint!
Instantly, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.
Then, the Tangguo team players also reacted. Although Cao Baiming was the only one in the midfield, there were many teammates on the flanks.
In an instant, they all surged forward as if receiving a signal!
With a general's command, they charged forward, followed by an army of thousands, and the Tangguo team's pressure immediately mounted.
This sudden surge caught the Fran players off guard.
After dribbling a few steps, Cao Baiming chose a flank, moving to the left flank of the Tangguo team.
The reasons were complex. The Fran team's current attacking core was the left flank, where Mbappé was, which corresponded to the Tangguo team's right flank. If a mistake occurred there, he wouldn't be able to get back in time, and the consequences would be immeasurable.
However, by directly creating an angle on the other side, even if he were given an opportunity, the distance would be sufficient for his teammates to retreat in time, and he might even be able to run back himself.
Possessing the perfect combination of God's Eye View and Mind Reading, he often understood things hidden beneath the surface in an instant.
His teammates were excellent, and after a few coordinated plays, they reached the edge of the penalty area.
However, due to the active defensive positioning of the opponents, it wasn't as good an opportunity as a counter-attack!
Cao Baiming scanned left and right. Approximately eighty percent of the defensive players had returned to their positions. Henry and Mbappé clearly had no intention of coming back.
At this moment, a teammate from the flank passed the ball back, and it landed at his feet again.
A number and a line quickly flashed before his eyes. The number indicated ninety-six.
This was an almost guaranteed goal, and he could shoot now!
But then, another line flashed before him. This line was even more peculiar; it was a passing line, and the number on it was also ninety-six, not one more, not one less!
Seeing that Wu Lei was the intended receiver, Cao Baiming made his decision in an instant.
A feigned shot almost sent two players into a panic, followed immediately by a light and elegant chip pass. The football arced through the air in a rainbow shape, etching the word "grace" onto it.
Wu Lei, who followed up, was equally decisive. After successfully receiving the ball, he swept it low into the net!
The stadium erupted in excited cheers. Wu Lei was a little taken aback; he hadn't expected that pass for himself!
He immediately found Cao Baiming and enthusiastically embraced his elder brother.
Cao Baiming smiled with satisfaction.
Today, he had done something good. While most players in the Tangguo team were indeed mediocre, Wu Lei was still a promising young player who could be nurtured!
It would be greatly beneficial for the future!
"Congratulations to the Tangguo team for scoring another goal! They've equalized the score! They really did what they said they would!"
"Cao Baiming's effortless chip pass assisted Wu Lei for this goal; what a great and selfless assist! It blinded the Fran team's defenders!"
"Look at how scared they were by Cao Baiming's feigned shot! Lloris's legs almost went weak and he collapsed to the ground, which is why Wu Lei could easily score through the middle!"
"Finally, we are witnessing such a brilliant collaboration from this Tangguo team today! They are our pride!"
The Fran team had completely broken down this time!
The match had inadvertently reached the 54th minute. Deschamps made another substitution, and simultaneously, the Tangguo team also made changes.
With the score tied, it was as if both teams were starting from scratch. No one could claim any psychological advantage or disadvantage anymore!
However, just as the substitutions were completed, something else happened on the field!
"Goal!!!"