Chapitre 103: Toulon Cup Semi-Final: Sweden U21 vs China U20 Part 1
After treating the entire team to a rich lunch, Yang Yang and the squad set off again, this time heading toward a small town on the Italian border. Unfortunately, they found that most of the shops in the town were closed that day, leaving them unable to explore as they had hoped. With their plans thwarted, they decided to head to Cannes instead.
The afternoon in Cannes was spent enjoying the sights and atmosphere of the famous city, known for its film festivals and luxurious lifestyle. Despite a full day of activities, everyone still felt they hadn't had enough time to fully enjoy the experience. By the time they returned to their hotel in Toulon, the players were pleasantly exhausted from the day's adventures.
As soon as they returned, Yang Yang immediately grabbed his ball and headed out to train. His dedication impressed both his coaches and teammates. Many had noted that before their trip that morning, Yang Yang had already completed his morning run and training routine. Now, after a long day out, while most of the team was tired and resting, Yang Yang was still out on the field, pushing himself.
He didn't return to the hotel until nightfall. After showering, changing clothes, and eating dinner, Yang Yang decided to call Van Gaal to check in on him.
Van Gaal, now in high spirits, answered the phone with a hearty laugh. He mentioned that he had been following Yang Yang's progress in the Toulon Cup through the Dutch media and praised his performances.
As they spoke, Van Gaal shared some of his plans for AZ Alkmaar, where he was now the head coach, explaining that he had a long-term vision for the club and was optimistic about the future. Yang Yang, despite feeling a bit sad about Van Gaal's departure from Ajax, wished him all the best, expressing hope that they might work together again in the future.
"Then I'd better work hard and get results quickly," Van Gaal chuckled. "As you said, if you move to one of the big leagues in the next few years, you'll likely join a top team. If I don't make my mark soon, I might never get the chance to coach you again."
Yang Yang laughed along. "Then you'd better hurry up and get results before me. Maybe you'll sign me for your team one day."
Though they were no longer part of the same club, their conversation was lighthearted and full of mutual respect.
For Yang Yang, Van Gaal was someone he admired deeply. The coach had played an instrumental role in his rise at Ajax, and Yang Yang never forgot how pivotal Van Gaal's support had been in his early days.
Looking back, Yang Yang often thought about how Van Gaal's decision to include him in the squad against Club Brugge had changed everything. If not for that moment, he wouldn't have gotten his chance to come off the bench, prove himself, and solidify his place in the first team.
Though Van Gaal may not have had any grand plans to promote Yang Yang at the time, the decision set off a chain of events that helped Yang Yang reach where he was today. He always saw Van Gaal as the first coach to recognize his potential.
After his call with Van Gaal, Yang Yang decided to reach out to his family in China. His parents, along with his cousins Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng, were all busy with their own lives, but they were thrilled to hear from him.
"Your name is everywhere these days!" his mother, Shen Lifang, said with pride. "The newspapers and TV stations can't stop talking about you. People keep praising you—it's music to our ears."
Yang Yang smiled. Although he knew the Toulon Cup wasn't a major tournament in the grand scheme of things, the fact that his success made his family and friends proud was a great source of happiness for him.
Wei Zheng, now back in China, had been busy managing the company's brand promotion efforts. He had mentioned to Yang Yang before that several domestic brands were interested in working with him. Wei Zheng also suggested registering a company in Yang Yang's name to handle these potential business opportunities, though the specifics would have to be sorted out once Yang Yang returned to China.
With the Toulon Cup and preparations for the Asian Cup ahead, Yang Yang had a packed schedule. He didn't plan to visit his hometown until after the Asian Cup, but in the meantime, he considered spending some time in Beijing to maintain his training and rest.
His parents supported this idea, understanding the importance of staying focused and maintaining his fitness while representing the national team. Wei Zhen even offered to lend Yang Yang a vacant house he owned in Beijing, making it easier for Yang Yang to stay in the capital and train.
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The following day, the Chinese U20 team began their intensive preparations for the semi-final match against Sweden U21. As a typical Nordic team, Sweden posed a significant physical challenge, with their players averaging one year older than the Chinese squad and boasting an average height of 1.85 meters. This physical edge was seen as the most immediate hurdle for the Chinese team.
Beyond their physicality, the Swedish team was also tactically disciplined and technically sound. Their defensive organization had been the standout feature of their performances in the Toulon Cup so far.
In Group B, Sweden's record was a mixed bag. They drew 1-1 with Japan, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal, and lost 2-0 to Brazil. Across three group-stage matches, Sweden had only managed to score two goals—one of which was an own goal by Portugal. This meant that the Swedish team had only truly scored one goal through their own efforts in the tournament.
While their attack had been underwhelming, Sweden's defense had earned praise for its solidity. Their defensive, counter-attacking style made them a tough team to break down.
Similarly, China U20 had also shown their strength in defensive counter-attacks throughout the tournament, which led many to believe that the upcoming match would be a battle of tactical discipline and patience.
The Chinese coaching staff, however, were keen on ramping up their attacking strategies against Sweden, with a particular emphasis on maximizing Yang Yang's influence on the game. Yet, how effectively the players would be able to execute this plan on the field remained to be seen. The key would be how well China could break through Sweden's disciplined back line, while also defending against their height advantage in set-pieces and aerial duels.
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On the evening of June 8th, in preparation for their semi-final match against Sweden U21, the Chinese U20 team arrived at the stadium two hours ahead of schedule. As Yang Yang emerged from the player tunnel, he looked around at the stands and noticed something that immediately lifted his spirits. The number of Chinese fans had increased significantly compared to the group stages, with many dressed in red shirts, waving banners, and shouting in support. Some fans even held up cards with Yang Yang's name written on them.
The moment the fans spotted Yang Yang, their excitement soared, and his name echoed loudly throughout the stadium.
Yang Yang waved and smiled in appreciation, thanking the fans for coming all the way to Toulon to support the team. He knew it wasn't easy for them to travel to this small southern town just to watch the game.
"I didn't expect so many people tonight," one of his teammates remarked.
"Yeah, it almost feels like we're playing at home," another player added.
"When the fans shout like that, it fires you up. I can't wait to get started," said one more, smiling with anticipation.
"More than that, the game is being broadcast live on national TV back home now that we've reached the semi-finals," a team staff member mentioned.
"Really? That's amazing."
"Yes, although with the time difference, it's being shown early in the morning. Let's make sure we don't let them down."
With that, the players started their warm-up routines on the pitch.
Due to the casual nature of the Toulon Cup, there wasn't an official pre-match venue draw. The rule was simple: whichever team arrived first got to pick their side of the pitch and use the bench on that side. The Chinese team, having played in this stadium before during their first match against Colombia, naturally claimed the left side by the home team's bench and began their warm-up.
But midway through their training session, the Swedish team arrived. Without greeting anyone, the Swedish players brazenly took to the same side of the pitch as the Chinese team. Their goalkeeper even headed to the same goal where the Chinese goalkeeper was training, clearly trying to crowd them out.
This sudden move stunned everyone on the Chinese side. Confusion rippled through the stadium as the Swedish players, with their physical presence, carried out large, imposing movements during their warm-up, forcing the Chinese players to step aside to avoid potential injuries.
"What's going on?" Yang Yang and a few others ran to the sidelines to find out what was happening.
"It's unbelievable. Whoever arrives first gets to pick their side. How can they just take over like that?" a teammate grumbled.
Feng Jianming, the team leader, shook his head in frustration. "They said they want us to switch sides with them," he explained, clearly irritated.
"Why? What for?"
"They claim this side is their 'lucky half.' They say they used it during their last match against Japan, where they equalized in the dying minutes. Now they're insisting on having it again."
"This is ridiculous!"
"Doesn't the organizing committee handle stuff like this?" another player asked.
"They tried," Feng Jianming replied, "but Sweden won't budge, and the committee doesn't want to escalate the situation. They're hoping we can negotiate ourselves, but honestly, it's pretty clear—they're just trying to pull a fast one."
Head coach Zhang Huarong, visibly annoyed, watched the Swedish players continue their aggressive warm-up. "This could lead to injuries," he said, shaking his head.
Yang Yang, taking in the situation, frowned but remained composed. He had seen similar tactics before. "This is just psychological warfare," he said. "They want to rattle us before the game even starts, maybe even provoke us into reacting so they can throw us off during the match."
Both Feng Jianming and Zhang Huarong exchanged looks, realizing Yang Yang had hit the nail on the head.
The Swedish players, tall and physically imposing, were trying to intimidate the Chinese team and get into their heads. But Yang Yang knew better. He had been through battles like this at Ajax, where mind games were common.
"What do you think we should do?" Feng Jianming asked, looking to both the coaching staff and the players for a solution.
Silence fell over the group. No one wanted to concede and hand the Swedes the psychological upper hand, but at the same time, they didn't want to risk injury by staying in the same area during warm-up.
Yang Yang sighed inwardly as he saw the unease on his teammates' faces. They were all under immense pressure, and this small incident seemed to be weighing on them more than it should.
Stepping forward, Yang Yang took the initiative. "Let's not worry about it," he said firmly. "I've never believed in this 'lucky side' nonsense. They can have this half if they want. It doesn't matter. As long as we focus and play our game, we'll break through their defense no matter which side we're on."
His confidence was a breath of fresh air in the tense atmosphere. Feng Jianming and Zhang Huarong exchanged approving nods.
"Alright, let's make this a team decision," Zhang Huarong said. "We'll switch sides and focus on what we need to do."
"Agreed," Yang Yang's teammates echoed.
Without further hesitation, the Chinese U20 players packed up their equipment and moved to the right half of the pitch, while the Swedish players stood smugly on the left, watching the Chinese team relocate.
Though the Chinese players knew this was a psychological tactic, it was hard not to feel anger. But with Yang Yang's words still in their minds, they suppressed their frustration and focused on their preparation. They would prove on the pitch that the Swedes' tactics wouldn't work.
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When the Swedish striker Mikael Dahlberg nodded the ball into the open goal, Yang Yang, who had already retreated to his own half, shook his head in frustration, his face reflecting a sense of helplessness. The Chinese U20 team had just conceded a corner, the result of a swift Swedish counterattack that sliced through their defense. In the 15th minute, their goalkeeper, Guan Zhen, had bravely saved a one-on-one situation, but in doing so, he knocked the ball out for a corner.
The key to Sweden's efficient counterattack was a brilliant pass from Rasmus Lindgren, Yang Yang's teammate in the Ajax second team, who played as a central defender at Ajax but was deployed in midfield for Sweden U21. The Chinese team's pressure had left openings, and Lindgren took full advantage.
Even on the corner kick, the Chinese defense appeared rattled, uncharacteristically disorganized. Guan Zhen, who had just made a heroic save, made a fatal error by leaving his goal in another attempt to intervene, but this time his miscalculation left the goal wide open for Dahlberg to score easily.
As Yang Yang watched the Swedish players celebrate their second goal of the Toulon Cup, sprinting along the sidelines in jubilation, he took a deep breath and tried to calm his mind. It was only the 21st minute of the first half; there was still plenty of time to turn things around.
However, Yang Yang could sense from the first minute that his teammates were mentally unbalanced. Their confidence, stemming from three consecutive group-stage victories—against Colombia, Turkey, and even the host France—had bred a dangerous overconfidence. The pre-game confrontation with Sweden regarding the warm-up area had only added fuel to the fire.
His teammates had entered the game with an aggressive mindset, eager to secure an early win and replicate the dominant performance they'd shown against Turkey. But this was Sweden, a far more organized and physical team. Sweden's defense was no pushover, and they had clearly studied China's approach.
Yang Yang knew Lindgren well—he'd seen him in action many times for Ajax's second team. While Lindgren played as a defender for Ajax, his role in midfield for Sweden U21 highlighted the strength of their defensive organization. This was not a team that would easily collapse under pressure.
The Chinese U20 players, on the other hand, had been too eager to show off their skills and to impress. From the start, players like Liu Yu had been trying to dazzle the crowd with a series of flashy moves, none of which resulted in a genuine threat. Even Chen Tao had attempted a highlight-reel pass near the penalty area, earning cheers from the crowd but failing to produce any real danger.
China's desire to score early and their overconfidence in their ability to break down the Swedish defense was clear. But Yang Yang, experienced and level-headed, could see the warning signs. The Chinese team had abandoned their best tactic—defensive counterattacks—and had instead opted for a more open, aggressive style of play, something that played right into Sweden's hands.
Sweden, on the other hand, remained patient and disciplined. They had a physical advantage and were technically sound, making it difficult for China to maintain possession or create meaningful chances. Worse yet, the Chinese players were trying too hard to be flashy and quick, leading to a lot of misplaced passes and sloppy decision-making. Their footwork was rushed, and they frequently found themselves out of position after attempting overly ambitious moves.
Yang Yang knew that in football, technique wasn't just about pulling off flashy dribbles or eye-catching passes. True technique was about finding space, creating opportunities, and making the simplest of movements effective. He remembered Ibrahimovic once saying that he could control the ball with his backside, emphasizing that practicality over aesthetics is what matters on the pitch.
Unfortunately, many of his Chinese teammates were not quite there yet. Their ball control lacked consistency, and they often struggled to string together a coherent series of actions. After every dribble or pass, they needed a moment to adjust, wasting precious time and space.
In matches against weaker teams like Colombia, this had been less of an issue. But against a well-organized European team like Sweden, those flaws were immediately exposed. China had neither the technical superiority nor the physical edge, and their eagerness to attack meant they abandoned their natural game of defensive counterattacks.
Sweden had exploited China's weaknesses perfectly, knowing that the Chinese players would come out aggressively. Yang Yang realized this was exactly the kind of match Sweden wanted. They had let China attack, knowing their own defense was solid, and waited for the right moment to counter. By the time Dahlberg scored that second goal, the damage had already been done.
Yang Yang could feel the weight of the situation. The Chinese team had allowed their excitement and overconfidence to cloud their judgment, playing right into Sweden's strengths. He knew they had to regroup, stay calm, and find a way to claw back control of the match.
...
Yang Yang clapped his hands together, jolting his teammates back to reality. His sharp, determined voice cut through the lingering gloom on the pitch. He knew the match was still far from over, and giving in to frustration would only seal their fate. The time for self-pity or anger had passed. Now was the time to regroup, to fight.
"Everyone, focus!" Yang Yang's voice carried authority. "We've only conceded one goal, and the game's not done yet."
His teammates, disoriented and mentally scattered, began to gather around him, their confusion and doubt etched on their faces. Yang Yang could see their spirits were fractured by the early goal, their overconfidence turned into stunned disbelief. They had let their excitement get the best of them, but now they needed to pull themselves together.
"Listen!" Yang Yang shouted, urgency in his tone. "Do you still want to win?"
That question hung in the air for a moment. Slowly, he saw clarity return to their eyes. They all turned to look at him, fully aware of the weight of the situation.
"If you want to win, you have to listen to me," Yang Yang declared firmly, his voice exuding confidence. He looked each of them in the eye, determined to reignite their belief.
"What should we do?" Feng Xiaoting asked, his voice uncertain but hopeful.
"Yeah, Yang Yang, we're a goal down. How do we come back from this?" another player echoed.
Yang Yang gripped the shoulders of his teammates, pulling them closer. "We don't need to score right now. What we need to do is defend. We stabilize first. Get back to basics. Remember what the coach taught us. Organize our defense. Everyone focuses on protecting our goal first."
He could tell his words were sinking in, but he had to drive the point home. "You've heard it before—right after a goal, the next ten minutes are crucial. We either equalize or get hit again. Right now, with the way we're playing, we'll definitely concede another if we don't settle down. We can't afford that."
His teammates nodded, now fully paying attention.
"We play smart, we play tight, and we don't let them score again. If we go into the second half with just this one goal, we can still win this. But if they score again, it's over."
Yang Yang's voice softened for a moment, but the intensity remained. "We fight. We don't concede. We hold the line until halftime, then we regroup. We have 45 minutes in the second half to turn this around. But only if we stay focused now."
He stretched out his right hand, offering it as a symbol of unity and strength. His leadership wasn't about his talent alone; it was about showing his teammates that they could still believe in themselves.
Feng Xiaoting, Hao Junmin, and Chen Tao, seasoned players in their own right, immediately understood. Blindly pushing forward to score would only spell disaster. They had to calm the storm and rebuild their confidence by doing what they knew best—defend as a unit. Slowly, they placed their hands over Yang Yang's.
One by one, the rest of the team followed, their hands stacking together in solidarity.
"Defense! Defend! Defend!" they chanted in unison, rallying their spirits, determined to protect their goal.
With that unified shout, the team returned to their positions, their focus sharpened. They would defend as one, working together to prevent any more damage.
Meanwhile, Sweden, reveling in their early lead, finished their celebration, their players standing tall with the confidence of winners. But Yang Yang and his teammates were ready. They were far from finished.
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After the kickoff, the Swedish team's morale soared like a rainbow arching over the pitch, while the Chinese players seemed to have the wind knocked out of them, barely holding their composure under the intense pressure.
Barely two minutes into the game, a crucial mistake was made by the Chinese team as they attempted to pass out from the back. Lindgren quickly intercepted and launched a precise ball forward into the path of Dahlberg. Wasting no time, Dahlberg surged ahead on the counter, sending the ball to a teammate before drifting laterally across the field. With a swift shift of balance, his left foot lashed out, sending a powerful shot towards goal.
However, Feng Xiaoting read the play brilliantly, positioning himself perfectly to block the shot, cutting off the angle with expert precision. The Swedish forward could do nothing but watch as the ball ricocheted off the defender and sailed wide.
Undeterred by this setback, Sweden ramped up their offensive efforts, piling on the pressure. Just four minutes later, their number 13, with remarkable agility, weaved his way past three Chinese defenders down the right wing. With his left foot, he unleashed a fierce strike, but his shot was too predictable, and Guan Zhen, the Chinese goalkeeper, reacted swiftly, diving to his left to make a vital save.
Moments later, Sweden threatened once again, this time with a long, lofted ball from the left flank. Yuan Weiwei, fighting fiercely against his opponent, managed to shepherd the ball out of play, conceding a corner kick. The subsequent delivery caused chaos in the Chinese penalty area, with Sweden applying intense aerial pressure, but the defense managed to scramble the ball clear, surviving yet another scare.
The relentless Swedish attacks left the Chinese team feeling the strain. The constant pressure was wearing them down, draining their energy and enthusiasm. What was once a confident, composed side now looked unsure of itself.
It wasn't that Sweden was overwhelmingly superior—China's weaknesses were being cruelly exposed. The group-stage victories had perhaps given the Chinese players a false sense of security, and with Yang Yang, fresh from his stint at Ajax, now heavily marked, their attacking threat had diminished significantly. His absence from the free-flowing offense revealed the team's vulnerabilities.
Many of the players were coming to terms with their own shortcomings, the earlier arrogance now replaced with frustration. A few had tried to show off with fancy footwork, only to be humiliated by Sweden's disciplined defense. In contrast, the Swedish players were methodical and efficient, their movements practical and smooth, each action flowing seamlessly into the next. They didn't rely on flair, but on a steady, well-drilled system, which allowed them to dribble past Chinese defenders with ease. Some Chinese players grew desperate, resorting to rough challenges and fouls, but even those attempts were in vain as Sweden's control of the game grew tighter.
The Chinese defense could only watch helplessly as the Swedes passed the ball with precision, moving fluidly around the field. It was a humbling experience, especially since the Chinese team had looked down on their opponents before the game, believing Sweden's reputation as a physically strong but technically limited side would work in their favor. That misconception was now costing them dearly.
Yang Yang, however, was acutely aware of the situation. Despite being tightly marked, he refused to let his frustration show. Instead, he channeled his energy into running tirelessly across the pitch, constantly looking for openings, tracking back to help with defensive duties, and encouraging his teammates with his actions.
"As long as we keep the scoreline close, we still have a chance. We don't give up until the final whistle."
Yang Yang's leadership wasn't vocal—he wasn't the type to inspire with grand speeches. Instead, he led by example, using his relentless work ethic to rally the team. One moment he was charging into the final third, trying to latch onto a through ball, and the next he was back near his own penalty box, helping the defenders close down space. His actions were a testament to his determination, a reflection of his belief that even when things seem bleak, the fight isn't over.
The minutes dragged on, and the tempo of the game began to dip. The Swedish team, having attacked relentlessly for a period, started to ease off, content with their 1-0 lead. This gave the Chinese team a brief respite, a chance to regain their composure, though Yang Yang remained vigilant, urging his teammates not to let their guard down.
As the clock ticked toward the 40th minute, the referee finally blew the whistle for halftime. The scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of Sweden U21, and the Chinese U20 team, trailing, knew they were in for a difficult second half.
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