Chapter 59: Media review and comeback
Chapter 59: Media review and comeback
The focus of other European media is on Wang Feng's malicious fouls and his performance of scoring while injured. Spain's "Marca" pointed out that Wang Feng made history, as no other player could persist in playing and score a goal while injured.
Britain's "Sky Sports" interviewed Manchester United's manager, Ferguson, who said, "Yes, I saw this miraculous scene. I don't know how to describe it. Wang Feng's skill is unquestionable, but his physical strength exceeded my expectations. Come to the Premier League, kid, the tough style here suits you perfectly."
Italy's "Milan Sports News" was full of envy, saying, "If Ronaldo had half of Wang Feng's physical qualities, Inter Milan wouldn't have fallen into the swamp of defeat. The former alien has become fragile. Massimo Moratti can only swallow this bitter fruit."
Even rigorous German media invited professional doctors to analyze the foul and Wang Feng's injury. "Sport Bild" pointed out that after repeatedly comparing the footage, doctors believed Wang Feng's injury should be at least a sprained ligament because at the moment he fell, Wang Feng's foot had already twisted.
"If it weren't for Genk club's false report of the injury, we can assume that Wang Feng's physical fitness is terrifying. A young, technically excellent, and physically fit player— which club wouldn't want to have him?"
Major European clubs are now closely watching how Genk will arrange their lineup next. If as reported, Wang Feng should be able to return to the field soon.
Although this match was not broadcast live domestically, it was still recorded. When the commentators saw Wang Feng maliciously fouled, they were also very angry.
"This is a crime. The ball wasn't even going towards the goal; it was aimed at Wang Feng's foot." Zhang Jun shouted angrily. At this moment, countless Chinese fans in front of their TVs echoed his outrage.
Seeing Wang Feng persistently taking the free kick while injured and scoring, Zhang Jun choked up, "We can see our excellent Chinese player, Wang Feng, when facing malicious fouls, he doesn't remain silent or engage in fierce disputes. Instead, he responds with a powerful goal, completely shattering the opponent's hope and dragging them into the abyss of failure."
"We Chinese need players like him, we need this kind of spirit."
After the full match was played, domestic fans were still not satisfied. They flooded into online forums to discuss the game. Most people felt that Wang Feng's performance was outstanding. "What's more satisfying than retaliating against malicious fouls with goals?"
Many also expressed concerns about Wang Feng's injury. Even though many media outlets reprinted Genk's official statement, "This malicious foul is too serious. Such players should be banned for life!" Some fans left indignant comments.
After Wang Feng's mother saw the relevant reports, she immediately contacted him: "Ah Feng, I didn't expect football to be so dangerous. Why don't you quit and come home? We've earned enough money now. You can start a small business at home and be a boss."
Wang Feng could only explain to his mother with a wry smile that he hadn't been seriously injured and that encountering such situations in football was rare. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm still young, and bumps and bruises heal quickly. Besides, I'm still a boy; a little injury doesn't mean much." After much persuasion, his mother was finally convinced.
Liu Yao had been leaving messages on QQ, hoping to know how Wang Feng was doing. Using the same explanation, Wang Feng reassured her. Although it was troublesome, he still felt very happy knowing that someone cared about him.
As for Genk's head coach, Aimee Antonis, blasting the referee, UEFA obviously wouldn't easily let it go. He was fined a two-match suspension, which meant he couldn't command the team in the next round of the Europa League knockout stage.
The red cards for Aaron Abigail and Carl Bess were naturally not rescinded. UEFA wouldn't embarrass itself, so they would miss the next knockout match. The defending player who tackled Wang Feng was additionally suspended for three games, but Prague Slavia had already been eliminated, so he would only have the opportunity to serve the ban next season.
In the 24th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Royal Excel Mouscron, and Wang Feng did not appear in the squad. Both sides played a dull game, ending in a 0-0 draw. After this round, Anderlecht continued to win, narrowing the gap on the points table to 5 points.
The draw for the Europa League round of 16 has been made. Genk, the only remaining Belgian team, will face German Bundesliga powerhouse Schalke 04. This result made Belgian media collectively lament, lamenting the bad luck of the Belgian Pro League clubs.
In fact, the teams that made it to the round of 16 no longer have obvious minnows; most of them are powerhouses from the top five leagues, making it tough for anyone they face.
In the 25th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Club Brugge. Wang Feng appeared on the bench. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Club Brugge opened the scoring with a quick counterattack.
As time passed, the 0-1 score made head coach Antonis feel uneasy, and Genk fans in the stands began to chant Wang Feng's name. Every time the team faced adversity, he never disappointed.
In the 79th minute of the second half, Wang Feng was finally substituted on. In fact, he was already almost fully recovered, but he was still undergoing rehabilitation training, so the coach didn't plan to let him play.
Five minutes after Wang Feng came on, Genk created a brilliant opportunity. Wang Feng received Gareth Barry's ball on the right, quickly started his run down the wing, suddenly stopped and feinted near the goal line, evading the defending player, and cut horizontally into the penalty area.
Then Wang Feng passed the ball with his left foot to the back post of the penalty area. Barry followed up with a direct shot, which was saved by the Club Brugge goalkeeper. However, the shot was too powerful, and the goalkeeper couldn't hold onto it, allowing it to slip from his grasp.
Naturally, Wang Feng wouldn't miss this opportunity. In fact, every time he attacked, he would find the best position after passing the ball, just to seize the opportunity for a follow-up shot. So he took advantage of it and helped the team equalize.
After scoring, Wang Feng continued to organize attacks with the remaining time, but unfortunately, there wasn't enough time left. In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. After this round, Anderlecht continued to win, narrowing the gap to 3 points on the league table, reigniting the competition for the league title.
Wang Feng scored a goal in just 11 minutes of play, showing his usual heroic form, which also proved that the club's report on his injury was accurate. Major European clubs are now even more urgently chasing after him.
He's the core for building a team for the next ten or even twenty years! Very few clubs would refuse such temptation.