novelraw Chapter 702 179: Everyone Praises Candreva in the Cup, Undefeated Champion in the League
Chapter 702 179: Everyone Praises Candreva in the Cup, Undefeated Champion in the League
I wonder if AC Milan has realized this.
If AC Milan is counting on Sogel to become the next Serie A top scorer, then I'm afraid... they will be greatly disappointed.
The first half of the match was spectacular, but neither side managed to score any further goals afterward.
Until the first minute of injury time in the first half.
Udinese's midfield players organized an attack outside San Remo's penalty area.
Kaint pressed the opponent, who passed the ball to Candreva.
Lam rushed up to apply pressure immediately.
However, the experienced Candreva deliberately turned while dribbling and collided with Lam.
Although he didn't completely control the ball, Lam's collision resulted in a foul.
This is the experience and skill of an old pro.
Beep!
The main referee indicated that it was a free kick.
The position was extremely dangerous.
Lu Yang participated in the construction of the wall.
But...
Bam!
Candreva took the shot, and the ball went straight to the top corner.
A direct free kick goal!
Two to one!
Udinese took the lead again!
"Ah!"
After scoring, Candreva dashed to the corner flag area, his fist clenched tightly, delivering an uppercut from below upwards.
He was extremely excited!
Because he was defeating San Remo!
If San Remo were weak, Candreva wouldn't react this way.
It's precisely because San Remo has been regarded as a strong team by many that defeating them is exhilarating.
Although San Remo is still in Serie B now, they are undoubtedly a Serie A team next season.
Moreover, they've reached the semifinals in the UEFA Europa League, a feat many top teams can only aspire to.
To defeat such a team, the entire Udinese felt very honored.
But for San Remo, who were overtaken at the last moment of the first half, there was a sense of helplessness.
This Candreva, it feels like he can't be stopped.
Whether it was the first goal of threading through three defenders or the second free-kick goal, they were miracle balls, impossible to defend against.
...
During halftime, the commentators argued fiercely.
"Candreva's strength is extraordinary, his performance this season certainly qualifies him for a starting position on the Italy Team!"
"I admit Candreva is strong, but who can he possibly oust in the national team? Not on the forward line, nor in the defensive midfield, where Finger's performance this year has been even more sensational than Candreva's."
"Pellegrini, Pellegrini has been rather average this season in Naples. Candreva can easily take Pellegrini's place."
"But what about Lu Yang? Can Candreva put Lu Yang on the bench?"
"Lu Yang shouldn't even be in the midfield, he should damn well be playing as a forward! Let Maniero worry about Ancelotti, Perrotta, and Lu Yang, see how he manages that."
"And what about Morici? Don't forget, besides Lu Yang, it was Morici who led Italy into the European Cup! Morici has been very dominant this season, likely the assist king in both the UEFA Europa League and Serie B!"
"I think the performance in this match speaks for itself, isn't Morici inferior to Candreva?"
"You can't compare like that, Morici's contribution to the team isn't just in the stats. Besides... Maniero has always been adept at using Lu Yang and Morici, considering the chemistry, it's best to play Morici if you're playing Lu Yang."
"I don't think so, I believe Candreva is more suitable for the starting position than Morici at this stage!"
Many people were debating this issue.
In terms of age, reputation, and achievements, Morici was at a comprehensive disadvantage.
If starting lineups were determined by public opinion, he would only play as a substitute in the European Cup this summer.
The second half of the match began.
San Remo intensified their pressing, they didn't want to lose.
Pressing is a very stamina-consuming strategy and requires defensive synergy.
But with Lu Yang and Kaint, two super defenders, their pressing tactics were very effective.
Udinese's attacks were extremely difficult to organize.
Moreover, being in the lead, they chose to relinquish ball control and focused on defending.
Focusing on defense rather than being counter-attacked, the former is evidently more stable.
Not conceding a goal in 45 minutes isn't that difficult.
San Remo was unable to break through for a long time and was even countered twice by Udinese in the meantime. If it weren't for Naji making a block, Udinese would have scored again.
The sixty-ninth minute.
San Remo organized an attack outside the penalty area.
Morici linked several plays together but still found no opportunity, so he passed the ball to Lu Yang to cross from the flank to finish the attack.
What else could he do?
They couldn't simply pass the ball horizontally outside the penalty area forever, Udinese wouldn't give them much space.
Losing the ball in such a position meant another counterattack.
However, after receiving the ball, Lu Yang didn't go to the bottom line, instead, he cut inside immediately.
Lu Yang nudged the ball forward and accelerated, overtaking the opposing right-back, moving from left to middle outside the penalty area.
The Udinese defensive midfielder was on the edge of the penalty area and immediately closed in on Lu Yang.
Lu Yang accelerated a second time, bypassing the opponent again, but a diagonal tackle from Udinese's midfielder in front kicked the ball and then Lu Yang as well.
Lu Yang stumbled.
The ball bounced up, flew two meters forward, and landed perfectly at the feet of Morici, who had pushed forward after passing.
Morici controlled the ball in the middle of the penalty area line, but it was quickly poked away by the Udinese center-back nearby, only to fall to Sogel next to Morici. Upon receiving the ball, Sogel deftly chipped it, sending it towards the right side of the penalty area line.