novelraw Chapter 338 - 102: King of Long Shots! Saint Simon!
Chapter 338 - 102: King of Long Shots! Saint Simon!
As expected from the Little Wolf King nurtured by Rome, he indeed exudes seventy percent of Perrotta’s flair.
But a Wolf King that’s only seventy percent may not be enough to support Rome.
If it were Perrotta on the field today, perhaps San Remo would already be shattered by the Wolf King’s header.
In the second half of overtime, Rome finally showed some spark.
As a strong team, they still wish to finish the match in 120 minutes.
Boom!
Aguirre sent in a cross from the wing.
But Aguirre, who was overly excited today, had little stamina left, and this pass was significantly off-target, not posing much threat.
If Aguirre hadn’t performed well today, he wouldn’t have stayed on the field this long.
But Aguirre’s complexion wasn’t looking good, as the match time dwindled, players on Rome’s bench were warming up.
Among them was a veteran winger who frequently rotated with Aguirre.
This player was similar to Belletti; stronger than Aguirre in the first twenty minutes, but couldn’t sustain half a match due to lack of stamina. So Aguirre was often replaced around the seventieth minute.
Moreover, this player had a notable skill: good footwork.
A veteran, with good footwork, subbed in at the final moment.
Clearly preparing for a penalty shootout.
As a player who fought for 120 minutes on the field, yet cannot participate in the penalty shootout, cannot decide his fate with his own feet, that’s undoubtedly a regret.
It’s also a form of distrust.
Aguirre’s face turned red with anger.
He felt disrespected.
"Get back! Get back! Aguirre, come back!" Balera kept a close watch on Aguirre as always, without his reminder, Aguirre might have been out of position many times today.
Rome’s wingers also have defensive tasks, but Aguirre did not perform well.
Therefore, keeping an eye on Aguirre was one of the extra tasks the Head Coach gave Balera.
But Aguirre was obviously further provoked.
Calling me again?
Is it that I don’t know how to play ball?
Do you think you’re amazing just because you’re a big star?
Is there anyone else on the field who can boast besides you?
Do young players not have the right to breathe?
Then why can San Remo’s young players give orders on the field?
Lu and Morici shout at their teammates as if they were their inferiors, why?
Aguirre’s mentality was completely twisted.
Soon, the attack organized by San Remo was terminated by Rome.
There’s not much time left in the match, only three minutes remaining.
Rome gained another opportunity to attack.
Boom!
Balera and Drake coordinated and passed in midfield but showed no intention to launch the final attack.
Aguirre cut inside without the ball and shouted: "Pass the ball!"
Balera’s face twitched.
If the pass was intercepted by the opposition now, they could launch another all-out attack.
And what if Rome couldn’t hold it?
Deep down, Balera didn’t want to pass.
Most of Rome’s players, including the Head Coach, weren’t opposed to letting the match enter a penalty shootout.
Because Rome has Ameluci!
This almost gives them a win rate of over seventy percent!
No one would question Ameluci’s ability to save anymore.
Meanwhile, San Remo consists mostly of veterans and juniors, and whether their juniors can withstand the pressure to take penalties is very uncertain.
Historically, there have been painful lessons.
For the England National Team, forget Rashford, even juniors like Greenwood, who are fierce in clubs with classic goals, occasionally entrusted with important tasks, appearing in key matches.
Yet even so, their penalty success rate in crucial national team matches is below average. It’s below their own average penalty success rate and below the tournament’s average penalty rate.
This indicates that young players taking penalties are indeed unreliable!
And veterans... fatigue affects their penalty taking.
Seeking stability, they dare not aim for excessively angled shots, and as long as it’s not a Miracle Ball, the probability of being saved by Ameluci is very high.
In summary, even if Rome plays penalties, they’re not afraid of any team.
Moreover, Rome isn’t playing passively; they initiated one or two large-scale attacks previously, but didn’t score, so they didn’t forcefully pursue another goal.
Savio isn’t enough to make Rome go all-in, unless it’s Perrotta at that position.
And the most crucial requirement in the Head Coach’s arrangement is:
Stability!
Be stable in the top four race!
Italian Cup, also requires stability!
Avoid making reckless attempts!
"Pass the ball, you old guy!" Aguirre was furious enough to explode, he cursed loudly!
Boom!
Balera was irritated.
You dare curse me?
Who do you think you are?
If I can pass, can you score?
Balera delivers a low-long pass!
He has the ability to pass it out.
But worried whether Aguirre has the ability to receive it!
If Aguirre’s attack is intercepted by the opposition, resulting in San Remo making one final surge, causing real trouble for Rome, then not even seppuku would suffice for Aguirre!
Because with Aguirre’s two shouts, Naji and others had long noticed Aguirre, and he was already focused on Aguirre.
Naji ran while physically pressing Aguirre, and Aguirre couldn’t speed up at all.
On the other hand, Palacios observed the drop point of the ball, confirming Aguirre didn’t pose much threat.
"It’s mine! You guys run!" Jalard’s voice came from behind Palacios, he advanced.