With a sigh, the veteran Modric returned to the field to run.
Cao Baiming was filled with admiration. Although he had committed a foul against him just now, he wasn't angry at all. Any player would understand the necessity of a foul in that position.
It was just a shame that Modric's sacrifice would cost him his participation in the next match.
If anyone was to blame, it was others who had lost their minds. It was Modric, the furthest away from Cao Baiming, who was the first to catch up. These people's reaction times were truly too slow!
If they had been a little quicker, then it wouldn't have been their team's elder brother who committed the foul!
Cao Baiming let out a helpless sigh.
The good news was that they wouldn't even have a next match to play! He could only help them this much, saving them the trouble of worrying about what came next!
Cao Baiming thought to himself.
Only five minutes remained in the first half. What could happen in five minutes?
Cao Baiming's sudden pass reached Fang Hao, who then passed to Wu Lei, and just like that, they broke through the Croatian team's goal!
What was bound to happen would eventually happen!
Modric was completely helpless this time. He was in midfield, and the ball flew several meters over his head. Even with superhuman jumping ability, he couldn't reach it.
With the boost from the long-range shot aura, Wu Lei unleashed a volley, a grounder that bounced once before sneaking under the goalkeeper's arm and into the net. Even he couldn't believe it!
After an ecstatic celebration, the Croatian team immediately pressed forward after the restart.
They were desperate! And rightfully so!
The Chinese team successfully intercepted the ball again.
Launching a rapid counter-attack, Cao Baiming delivered an assist from the wing. This time, a teammate scored another goal with a header!
Li Gang finally understood how correct Cao Baiming's decision had been just now. It felt incredibly satisfying!
"Three to one!! The Chinese team scores again!"
"The first half is drawing to a close, and the Croatian team has little chance left!"
"It's as simple as that, as easy as that! The Chinese team has scored consecutive goals within five minutes, and this time it wasn't Cao Baiming!"
The fans were also a bit surprised. Wasn't the Chinese team known for its strong finishes?
It was only halftime, the first half was already at this scoreline, what chance did the opponents have?
Modric's face was filled with despair at this moment!
He had intended to sacrifice himself to save the team's slim chances, but now, their situation was even worse!
With a three-to-one scoreline, their hopes were slim!
If they were truly eliminated from this match, then the suspension for the next game would be moot. However, that was hardly something to be happy about!
The commentator praised excitedly. Before the replay was even over, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half!
The game was all but decided!!
The Croatian team retreated from the field in disarray, heads hanging low. They had likely envisioned countless scenarios before, but never imagined trailing by so much at halftime!
However, Cao Baiming didn't feel overly triumphant. He had used quite a few skills and potions during this first half. If he hadn't achieved this scoreline, it would have been a huge loss.
Fortunately, he still had a supreme treasure saved, so winning the second half shouldn't be a problem.
Li Gang also stood at the sideline, welcoming his players. He could clearly see how poor the opposing players' morale was.
If things continued like this, the second half would be even easier to play than the first. At this point, he was even having bolder ideas, like letting Cao Baiming rest early and prepare for the next match.
After all, with the current situation, an upset seemed highly unlikely. However, the opponent in the next match was truly too formidable; he couldn't even dare to imagine it, lacking any confidence whatsoever.
After the halftime break, the players returned to the field.
Li Gang eventually dismissed the idea, primarily out of fear of any unforeseen accidents.
Without Cao Baiming on the field, the team would be like lambs to the slaughter, and anything could happen.
At this moment, the fans gradually shifted their attention back to the field, and the commentators began their broadcast of the second half.
Passionate voices echoed in the live stream.
"Alright, welcome back! In the first half, our Chinese team is leading by a score of three to one. The second half will begin shortly!"
"The players from both sides are taking the field. The team in red jerseys is our red-hot Chinese team, while the team in red and white checkered jerseys is the Croatian team, who were also the runners-up in last season's World Cup!"
At this moment, the comment section began to flood with messages.
"Hahaha, they keep mentioning the runner-up, clearly trying to rub salt in the wound!"
"The Croatian team has had a terrible year!"
"They are strong, but we are stronger!"
"As everyone knows, the team that defeats the runner-up is the champion!"
...
On the field, the referee quickly blew the whistle.
"The match begins! The Chinese team kicks off!"
...
The Croatian team made three substitutions to strengthen their attack, hoping to quickly turn the tide. If they couldn't get back into the game, it would be over!
In the 56th minute, Kovačić intercepted the ball and initiated a counter-attack. Perišić's shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
In the 58th minute, Brozović's long-range shot narrowly missed the target!
The Croatian team began to increase the frequency of their attacks, trying repeatedly for over ten minutes and creating several chances.
However, the Chinese team was not idle either, pushing their offensive sharpness to the maximum!
When the opponent attacked, their defense would inevitably leave gaps. This was an eternal truth!
Cao Baiming started running back and forth, and in the 65th minute, an opportunity finally arrived!
His teammates had provided plenty of chances in this game; it was time for him to score.
Casually passing the ball back to the teammate behind him, Cao Baiming began to run forward.
This type of coordination had been practiced countless times on the training ground. With just a look, his teammates understood his intention and passed the ball back to him.
Everything ahead was clear in Cao Baiming's mind. He had calculated every situation, even pre-determining the spot for his shot!
He was just waiting for the teammate's pass!
Cao Baiming ran and waited. Why wasn't the ball coming yet!?
Before he could even turn back, the commotion from the fans on the sidelines reached him, sounding like an earthquake!
He turned to look and realized the ball hadn't come to his feet; it had been intercepted!!
Intercepted!!
Suddenly, a feeling of powerlessness washed over him!
Cao Baiming stood frozen, throwing his hands up in helplessness. The smile on his face immediately vanished.
*Bang!* Brozović's shot!
The goalkeeper couldn't save it!!
"I'm really fed up, sigh!"
Helplessly, Cao Baiming had no choice but to walk back.
Could he really not leave for even a second?
Wang Gang, who had made the mistake, looked apologetically at Cao Baiming, conveying his remorse.