Godfather Of Champions

George Wood still clearly remembers what his mother said to him when he was selected for the first World Cup squad for England.

Now I think of it as if it was yesterday. In fact, four years have passed in a blink of an eye.

Four years ago, he watched other people's games in Germany, made the bench for five games, and didn't get a minute to play.

Four years later, there was a lot of voice in the media for him to make his debut. And he himself knew this very well.

With Capello taking office, Wood, who was not reusable, has gradually won the love of the Italian coach with his dedicated performance and uncomplaining attitude. In the games he played, England's midfield defense was better than before by more than one grade, and opponents would hit an iron plate if they wanted to pass through the center easily. What Capello should consider now is not whether Wood will be on the court or not, but what partner to match George Wood.

However, George Wood's popularity in the team has not improved with the clarity of his main position. His taciturn personality makes him in England like a drop of oil in a glass of water.

Except for Leighton Barnes and Alan Lennon, who are also from Nottingham Forest, he has few people in the England team to chat with.

He himself had a stern face all day long, just like Capello, and it was also inaccessible.

In the final days of South Africa preparing for the World Cup, apart from training, he couldn't think of what else to do. Others will go out shopping together, and let the following paparazzi take a frantic shot. But you can never find George Wood in these photos.

He would rather make an overseas phone call to chat with his mother.

Some teammates secretly gave him the nickname "Good Baby", which is in stark contrast to his tough personality on the court.

George Wood off the court is definitely not a news figure, nor is it noticeable. It is mentioned in the media that his name must be related to tactics and competition, and the gossip surroundings are not his share. Except for training and warm-up matches, he seemed to disappear from the public eye.

But such days will not last long. The World Cup is about to open and it will be George Wood's stage.

※※※

The opening match was launched between the host South Africa and Uruguay. There are no big-name players. South Africa has the advantage of the home court. Uruguay is slightly stronger than South Africa, so the two sides fought a match-the final 1:1 handshake.

This game is considered exciting, and there is no classic picture worth remembering. For England fans, even if it is the World Cup opener, it is not worth paying attention to.

Everyone is waiting for the match between England and Costa Rica in Group D.

In the group stage of this World Cup, England, as the second-tier team, drew a good one that could not be better: they were in a group with Costa Rica from North America, South Korea from Asia and Brazil from South America. .

Brazil is of course very strong, but there are two opponents left... The world media are unanimously optimistic that Brazil and England will join hands to qualify from this group. Costa Rica and South Korea will not pose any threat to these two teams.

Although South Korean media and South Korean fans are still dreaming of the Republic of Korea's historic semi-finals in 2002, and YY has made multiple qualifying plans. Including a draw with Brazil, a small win over England, a big win over Costa Rica; a loss to Brazil, a draw with England, a big win over Costa Rica and a goal difference over the second line of the England group; victory over Brazil, victory over England, and victory over Costa Rica, all three games went smoothly Outgoing...

However, apart from their natives, no one in the world believes that they will qualify from this group.

On the day before the game against Costa Rica, news about the starting lineup for England to be lined up the next day has been rampant. George Wood firmly occupies the midfield midfield position in the lineup that Tony Dunn ranked himself in the pre-match prediction program.

Everyone thinks that George Wood's World Cup debut will be tomorrow.

but……

At lunch, Wood was told that he would not be on the starting list tomorrow.

The iron-fisted coach Capello did not explain the detailed reasons to Wood, but told him that because of tactical needs, Lampard and Gerrard will start in the midfield of tomorrow's game.

After Capello announced the decision, he looked at Wood specifically, and he found that the kid was expressionless, but just nodded and accepted the decision. Then I left with confidence.

When Capello announced this decision to the public, he did not treat the media as he did to Wood. He made his own explanation-Costa Rica is not strong. To fight such an opponent, he needs more goals. Wood has very little offensive contribution, so there is no need to waste an offensive spot in order to strengthen the central defense, so let Wood rest.

This kind of explanation makes sense, but Wood's supporters are still somewhat unwilling to think of not seeing Wood's World Cup debut in England tomorrow...

In the game played in the afternoon of the second day, England without George Wood, apart from feeling the pressure of Costa Rica in the opening 20 minutes, always controlled the situation on the field at other times and did not give Costa Rica any better opportunities.

As Capello wished, England won the fourth-tier team in the group by 3-1 in this game.

Lampard, who replaced George Wood, scored a goal and assisted in the game and was elected the best of the game.

Dunn was a little worried about this. No coach will replace the best player in the next game. So in the next game against the weak South Korea, Capello has no reason to let Wood play.

Before the World Cup, he also wrote an article saying that George Wood will become one of the main actors of this World Cup. It now seems to be positioned as a "substitute player." Even if he is actually allowed to play against Brazil, the impression is that England let the main players rest after qualifying early, instead of fighting against Brazil.

When commenting on the game, he had some criticisms about Capello's decision. At the same time, he suddenly hoped that the Koreans could create more trouble for England and make some changes in England...

※※※

In the second game, Dunn did not expect. Lampard, who performed well in the previous game, continued to occupy the starting seat, while George Wood continued to sit on the bench.

England have high expectations for this game. They all hope to see Capello's team defeat the South Korean team and qualify in advance of the two games.

Only Dunn is singing the opposite—"The Koreans have already lost to Brazil. This game is a key battle related to whether they can qualify from the group. I don't think this game will be as easy as some people think. If England If someone in the team underestimates the enemy, even Koreans can make them suffer!"

Although he doesn't like Koreans, Dunn still has to nod his affirmation for the will and quality of Korean players. If they really go crazy, plus England's pride and underestimation of the enemy, then it is not without the possibility of "capture in the gutter".

This time Dunn guessed it again.

England encountered extremely tenacious resistance from the Koreans from the beginning of the game.

The South Korean team used the "all offense and all defense" tactics in the game. They used their excellent physical stamina to rush all over the field and intercept the football at the feet of the English players from the frontcourt, forcing them to make mistakes on the go, and the technical statistics of active errors soared.

The English players are obviously not prepared for the South Koreans' desperate style of play. They panicked when they were snatched by the Korean team, and couldn't even play half of their usual level.

Lampard, who performed well in the last game, "because of good fortune and disaster"-because his previous performance was too prominent and dazzling, this game was "key care" by the Koreans. Two-person defense is the most basic, and there are other small actions such as kicking the ankle, hitting the thigh, and pulling the jersey.

The frequent whistle of the referee can't stop the crazy Koreans. Compared with the future where you may not be able to get out of the line, what is a foul?

Lampard fell to the ground again and again, raising his hands helplessly. It looked like he was surrendering, but he was actually protesting. But protests are useless. The Korean fouls are well-measured, and fouls from behind are very easy to appear-this kind of foul is bound to be a card, and may even be a red card-and the foul is not fixed by one or two people.

During the intermission, when everyone gathered to chat, John Mortensen said angrily that the Koreans were too shameless.

Dunn laughed. He also wished that the Koreans would be more shameless...

Capello is not a fool like McLaren. In the current situation, Lampard has no chance of being seen. He disappeared from the field in the second half of the first half, and it did little to help the team's defense. Pathetic. If he were Capello, he would decisively replace Lampard with George Wood, and use Wood's fight to help England regain control of the midfield.

Wood's offensive ability is certainly not as good as Lampard. But the offense of a team often starts from the defense. Sending four offensive players does not mean that the team's offense will be ×4, nor does it mean that the offense that was not good will improve. The key to winning this game is to stabilize the midfield defense and regain control of the midfield with a tougher game attitude than the opponent.

Dunn told the others in the studio about his views, and everyone nodded in agreement.

Mortensen also joked to Dunn that after Capello's tenure is over, let the FA find you to take over as the head coach of England!

Dunn chuckled: "The FA officials would have a headache every day."

※※※

Not long after the start of the second half, the situation on the court did not change at all. The Koreans used their tireless running and foul-like defense to contain England's offense, while waiting for opportunities to sneak attacks.

They are able to accept the result of a tie, because the South Koreans are confident of winning the last game against Costa Rica. But England could not accept a draw. Their opponent in the last group match was the powerful Brazil. According to Capello's previous plan, it was to win Costa Rica and South Korea, and finally play a game with Brazil casually, snow hiding the main force to meet the opponents in the knockout stage.

Now it's good, the Koreans desperately want to drag England into the water. To tie England, to win Costa Rica, and England to fight the goal difference. In the last game, they defended with all their strength and finally controlled the two goals they lost with Brazil.

Capello knew that he couldn't spend it with the Koreans anymore, he waved his hand and decided to replace Lampard.

The person standing on the sidelines took off the warm jacket, revealing the jersey inside, it was England's 13th George Wood!

"Oh-George Wood's World Cup debut!" Mortensen smiled and glanced at Dunn.

Dunn noticed Mortensen’s gaze, and he shrugged: “I think this substitution is a bit of an impending order... England did not expect them to be stubbornly blocked by the Koreans. But I believe in George’s ability. He is in Nottingham Forest. Do things like this often."

At the same time, on the sidelines, Capello pulled Wood and told the player about his intentions through an interpreter.

"I want you to help us rebuild order in the midfield and contain the momentum of the Koreans. Do you know what to do, George?"

Wood nodded: "Defense."

Capello smiled: "Yes, that's it. We are now conceding too many **** in the midfield and let the Koreans fight back on the spot several times. It is very dangerous to go on like this. I hope you protect the midfield, if the Koreans break If you get the ball, you will immediately counter-rob...Don’t be afraid of fouls, the referee’s whistle is soft and will not play cards easily. Give the Koreans a little bit of power.

He pushed Wood onto the court.

※※※

"George Wood, a native of Southampton, from Nottingham Forest. He is the captain of the Forest team. He has won the UEFA Champions League twice, the League Cup, and the Premier League trophy. As a professional player, he has almost everything he can The honor won. But in the national team career, it is almost a blank paper. Because it is a pure defensive midfielder, it has not been reused. This game is the first appearance of a major game in his national team career. Playing at this time, Capello obviously has high hopes for him. Let us take a closer look at what changes he can bring to the current situation on the court."

Mortensen introduced George Wood in great detail. In fact, he still felt a little awkward when he said these words. As an narrator who interprets the Premier League, he no longer needs to recommend George Wood as a newcomer in the live game, but he has to do so in the national team.

※※※

Wood ran onto the field and made a gesture to make the formation press forward.

This is clearly instructed by Capello. England need to attack, need to score, as for midfield defense... leave it to him!

Manchester United star Park Ji-sung planned to make an inside cut after dribbling the ball from the wing. This time he encountered a strong block-the ball under his feet was slightly bigger and was tackled by George Wood who strode up.

Gerrard lost the ball in midfield? It doesn't matter! George Wood stabbed the football while the opponent was still adjusting the football.

The proud running ability and tenacious style of the Koreans have no advantage in George Wood. If they are hard, George Wood is harder than them! And when dealing with these opponents, Wood was merciless, shoveling should be shoveled, fouling should be fouled, without hesitation. He is like a robot that has been programmed in advance, meticulously implementing it.

Park Jixing was kicked to the ground by Wood again. This time the referee finally blew his whistle to signal Wood's foul, but he only gave a pocket warning and did not draw a card.

His actions aroused dissatisfaction among South Korean players, who surrounded the referee, hoping that the referee from Africa could give Wood a yellow card.

The actions of the Korean players caused the English fans in the stands to boo them collectively-why didn't you ask for a yellow card and a red card when you played our player? Now that George has treated you like this, what right do you have to be dissatisfied with?

George is so good!

Kick that group of Korean monkeys to death!

Suddenly, the cheers for Wood from the stands suddenly rose.

George Wood used his usual tough style and fierce expression to deter South Korean players, and England regained the initiative on the field. The effect is very obvious-when England's waist is hardened, the difference in strength between the two teams can be reflected. Only Park Ji-sung in the South Korean team can barely compete with the players of England, but he has also been on the list of George Wood's "key care". Now he must avoid Wood with the ball, otherwise he is really afraid of being kicked off the court by Wood. In the English League, he has not rarely seen Wood's style of playing. If Capello sent him up to abolish himself, then he would really be abolished...

The Koreans rushed across the court, and the advantage gained from their physical strength disappeared as their physical fitness gradually declined. Instead, England relied on George Wood's strength in midfield to regain the upper hand.

In the 77th minute of the game, Gerrard assisted Darren Bent to score the only goal of the game. Not only won the right to qualify in advance, but also kicked the once ambitious South Korean team back to their home in East Asia.

South Korean fans stood in the stands and couldn't believe what they saw. Before coming to South Africa, they planned to stay in the quarterfinals at least...

After experiencing a pathological success in the 2002 World Cup, the South Korean team failed to qualify for the group for two consecutive World Cups. For themselves, the World Cup in Germany is "a collective revenge for the Europeans", and the World Cup in South Africa is "too bad for their luck" and they are assigned to the "death group" (their own death group). But the whole world knows that this is the true level of Korean football. Having a player who plays in a club like Manchester United does not mean that their team is of Manchester United level. Park Ji-sung is not the savior, and modern football was not invented by Koreans.

Their position in the sport is to ensure that they will enter the finals of each subsequent World Cup, and they are even worse than their neighbors in Japan.

※※※

Dunn seemed very happy. On the one hand, because the Korean stick he hated was eliminated early, on the other hand, George Wood performed very well.

"If I were to score the England team in this game, I would give Wood the highest score. His appearance is the key to reversing the situation of the whole game. Capello will also be talked about by English fans for a long time because of this substitution. Yes. A decisive substitution has resulted in a victory and a brand new England midfielder core!" He commented after the game, praising George Wood's performance, and there was no intention to avoid suspicion.

"I believe Capello has also found the most suitable home combination for England through this game. In addition, I would like to remind: the next game against Brazil, maybe other players need to take a rotation, but George Wood absolutely does not need it! No matter the succession He doesn’t need to rest for as many games as he plays. He is a true nuclear power and never gets tired! Please don’t put him on the bench for the purpose of resting Wood. As long as he doesn’t get injured, he should occupy the home court of England. Start a seat! If England can reach the finals, he can play until the finals, without rotation, without changing off in advance. He is a monster, but he is the monster that England needs most!" (To be continued, if you want to know What's the matter, please visit www.qidian.com, more chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)

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