章 222: An Impeccable Execution of the Game Plan I

The match restarted with the sound of the referee's whistle. Strømsgodset's kicked off proceedings following Rosenborg's goal celebrations.

Kristin grew more confused as she watched the Rosenborg players gradually settle back into their half and concentrate all their efforts on defense. They were obviously the stronger team and had the initiative since they were one goal ahead. But to her dismay, they let the Strømsgodset players continue attacking them like they were the weaker team for the next twenty minutes. They were clearly following Mourinho's infamous tactic of 'parking the bus' — which the 'special one' had employed against Ronaldinho's Barcelona. It was the sort of football Kristin did not enjoy.

"It seems Coach Johansen has directed his players to focus on defense while remaining compact as a team," she heard Anne Rimmen, the commentator, say. "The Troll Kids are now playing with nine men in front of the goal whenever they're without possession."