A week had passed since Cao Baming's return to the country, and he had been participating in training for six days. By now, an increasing number of players from various leagues were starting to return to their national teams. Many teams were already finalizing their final squad lists for the upcoming World Cup! This was the moment fans had eagerly awaited!
Despite any rational analyses, fans were more inclined to believe in conspiracy theories, speculating that many national teams had kept secret strategies for this World Cup! The situation was particularly extraordinary this time! Star players were returning to the field one after another, yet there was still no news about their own favored names! How could geniuses like Beckham, Rooney, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho not succeed? They had a golden opportunity to contribute to their countries again, and they had to seize it!
Team rosters were being announced one by one. Weaker teams tended to release their lists first, which was understandable as they didn't have players competing in major leagues. This day, Messi also returned to his club. Argentina's squad was largely set, with no surprising names on the final roster, but their overall strength was not to be underestimated. Messi was undoubtedly the team's absolute core, and forwards like Lautaro Martinez and others were in hot form, maintaining a high level of performance in their leagues. They had already achieved thirty-six consecutive wins and now only needed to continue this momentum!
But this was just the beginning. Soon, another powerhouse team announced its provisional selection! This time, it was France! They were not holding back at all, practically shouting from the rooftops, urging everyone to see how strong their squad was this time! Upfront, they had Henry, Mbappé, and Dembélé; in midfield, the maestro Zidane; and in defense, Varane and Koundé! In an instant, the fans' eyes lit up! This guy really pulled it off! France's lineup looked like a sure bet for the semifinals; it was hard to imagine how they could lose! It was too damn luxurious! They hadn't expected such a bombshell to kick things off!
Cao Baming soon learned of this news. The national teams led by his club teammates Messi and Henry were formidable opponents. There was nothing to say but "see you on the battlefield!" However, he would show no mercy. Who cared about past friendships when representing their national teams?! France was undoubtedly a strong contender for the championship, the safest bet. He knew his teammate Henry's strength all too well. But he firmly believed that Tang Country could be a dark horse in this World Cup!
However, before the fans' excitement could subside, another heavy bomb dropped! This was followed by a barrage! The widely anticipated Samba Corps, after confirming the leadership of Neymar and Kaká, was far from finished. The coach unleashed a world-shattering, invincible, super ultimate move at this crucial moment! As soon as the roster was announced, fans swarmed, eagerly casting their eyes upon it, and the heat exploded instantly!
On the roster list, one name stood out prominently, even eclipsing all others, making the rest instantly pale in comparison! Ronaldo!!! Unless the Samba Corps had brought in a player who had never appeared for any club, this was the man in the fans' hearts! There were many stars, and not a few kings of football, but there was only one "Alien"! Seeing this name, no fan could refrain from screaming, and it was already a feat to not smash their screens in excitement! That man! He was finally coming!!
Indeed, conspiracy theories were not entirely unreliable sometimes. Ronaldo was returning to the field, ready to dominate once again, offering everyone else a taste of overwhelming power!
"It was true!!!"
"The Samba Corps is invincible!"
"They already looked invincible before, and now, if they don't make the final, I'll eat my hat!"
"These football newcomers finally have a chance to experience the dominance of the Alien!!!"
However, as they continued to read, the Samba Corps' coach had hidden more than one ultimate move! Although there wouldn't be a show of the two Ronaldos playing together, another name that caught all fans completely by surprise was the former "super cannon," Carlos! In the current world, besides Carlos, no one could rival Cao Baming in terms of powerful shots! But this man was truly terrifying. Like Cao Baming, his free kicks left goalkeepers helpless. It was a choice between conceding a goal or risking injury! Thus, goalkeepers had always made the smart choice: not defending at all, letting him score if he wanted to!
Now, would Carlos's return teach this newcomer, Cao Baming, who had challenged his historical status, a lesson? Their direct confrontation might turn the field into a true battlefield. Had anyone seen a tank battle! Fans couldn't help but anticipate it! Furthermore, with Kaká, Neymar, Casemiro, Vinícius Júnior, and a host of other big names all making the roster, calling the Samba Corps "five-star" was no longer sufficient. Now, it seemed at least "ten-star"!! Compared to this, France even seemed weaker!
"I never expected this..." Cao Baming sighed repeatedly, looking at the roster on the screen. The Samba Corps' move had even surprised him! Carlos might be somewhat easier to defend against, but Ronaldo's reputation as the world's most difficult striker to defend was not unfounded. Anyone who had watched his games knew how unstoppable he was! Compared to him, today's Mbappé and Haaland were not just a little bit behind; they were far behind! This ultimate move, held back for so long, was indeed incredibly powerful!
Upon seeing this, many team coaches almost shed tears! Even Li Gang was no exception. He could still cope when he saw France's lineup, but upon seeing the Samba Corps' ten-star roster, he completely collapsed! Was this a joke? Who am I, where am I?? Destroy everything...!
Cao Baming let out a helpless sigh. As expected, things were not that simple! However, immediately after, his eyes reopened, a sharp gaze flickering within them, capable of piercing the darkness. "Despite this, it only increases the difficulty of victory, but it does not affect the final outcome!"