Godfather of national football

Chapter 88 Seven years ago

Li Guo stretched out his right index finger, twisted his middle finger and thumb, and said, "How about we gamble? Do you like American knives, Euros, Chinese yuan, or Argentine pesos."

Seeing that Li Guo didn't look like he was joking, Maradona laughed, "You know, I love environmental protection, so green knives are better."

"OK, 100 million dollars," Li Guo stretched out his right hand, as long as Maradona held his hand, then the two sides will close the deal, but the old horse hesitated, thinking: "Why did Li Guo give himself money?"

Because in his opinion, Argentina's victory over China is not 100%, but at least 99.9%. Li Guo's doing so is equivalent to giving himself money. Lao Ma likes money, but he doesn't like unclear money.

"Li Guo, can I ask you why you did this and what is your purpose?"

Li Guo didn't go around in circles, "Of course I have a purpose. If I win, you have to do one thing for me."

The old horse chuckled, "That's not okay, what if your request is for me to marry my precious daughter to you."

Li Guo's stomach tightened, and he almost vomited, "Your daughter? I'm sorry."

"Of course not. What I'm talking about is related to football," Li Guo had thought about it a long time ago. After the Olympics, he has new plans for the development of Chinese football, and he will need the help of these football bigwigs at that time.

Since he didn't fancy his daughter, it would be easy. Besides, with the $100 million in front, Maradona held his hand tightly to Li Guo, "deal!"

*****
Argentina!
When introducing this country in middle school textbooks, three things are mentioned - tango, beef, football.

Although no one has done a survey, in China, Argentine fans and Brazilian fans should be almost the same.
If Brazilian football is as passionate as samba, then Argentine football is as elegant as tango. If Brazilian football is as enthusiastic as the sun, then Argentine football is as elegant as a breeze.

For Chinese football, the most famous match against Argentina was the 2001 World Youth Championship. The Chinese team regrettably lost 1-2 in the quarter-finals.

Seven years have passed, and the Chinese team will play against Argentina again. What will happen?
Before the game, one person suddenly became a popular figure, that is, Qu Bo, who equalized the score for the Chinese team in the 2001 World Youth Championship against Argentina.

When interviewed by the reporter of "Sports Weekly", Qu Bo recalled the beautiful scene back then.

"Argentina scored in the first three minutes and they were the hosts, but we had no fear and scored a goal,"

"We know that the Chinese team lost 1-2 at the end of that game. Where do you think the Chinese team lost in the end?"

"Physical fitness!"

"Is it only physical strength?"

"I think it is. The Chinese team was not bad in terms of tactical execution, and we were not behind on the scene. The final loss was because we couldn't run in the second half."

"That means the opponent's training is better?"

"It should be more scientific,"

"So do you think there is a big gap between the current Chinese Olympic Games and the Argentine National Olympic Games?"

Qu Bo laughed, "To be honest, the gap is huge,"

"In other words, you think the Chinese team has no chance?"

"Of course not, football is round and we have the advantage of being the hosts."

"Actually, your voice was also very high before the Olympics, but in the end you didn't occupy an overage player quota. Do you regret this?"

"Of course it's a pity, because everyone wants to participate in the Olympic Games held in China, but there are only three overage places in the Olympic Games. Director Li finally chose Ji Hai, Wei Feng, and Zheng Zhi. I think they are also the best players in China, so I have nothing to say."

"Okay, then can you predict the score?"

Qu Bo smiled knowingly, and then said: "Since Argentina was 2-1 last time, I think we should play 2-1 this time."

*****
In the last press conference before the match between the Chinese team and Argentina, there were already overcrowded reporters on the scene, but there were still many people who wanted to squeeze in at the door. This was the last day of the BJ Olympics, and it was also the final of the football match. It can be said that it was highly anticipated.

After several delays, the press conference finally started, and the first to take questions was Argentina coach Batista.

"Sergio, first of all, congratulations to Argentina for reaching the final. This is the second consecutive Olympic final for the Argentine Olympic team. What is even more surprising is that the Argentine Olympic team has not lost a game in the two Olympic Games. My question is, is this the strongest time for Argentina?"

"I can't say that. There have been too many great players in Argentina's history, but there is no doubt that Argentina is really strong now, especially Messi, Aguero, Riquelme and other players."

"Argentina's goal is only the championship, right?"

"Of course," Batista replied with a smile.

Another European reporter asked: "I heard that Diego is also in BJ, have you met?"

Batista shook his head, "I didn't know Diego was here, we're not friends in private."

After Batista's question time, it was Li Guo's turn. It has to be said that his performance determines his popularity. Now Li Guo's aura is different when facing reporters.

The first question was a reporter from CCTV.

"Director Li, first of all congratulations on keeping your job," there was a burst of laughter at the scene, "but I think the goal of our Chinese team is not just a silver medal."

"I want to say that Argentina is great, Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, but I have only one goal, to beat Argentina!"

This answer is not unexpected. Li Guo dared to shout the slogan of the top three before the Olympics. It should be a normal thing to shout the championship before the final.

The next question was from the Korean reporter last time. Li Guo joked, "You still dare to come here." Now there was a burst of laughter, but the Korean reporter had a strong mentality and laughed too. Then he asked, "Coach Li, you called out the victory over Argentina. Can I ask the Chinese team why? Have you figured out a way to defend Messi?"

Li Guo replied: "Messi is very strong. He is one of the greatest players in the world, but football is a team sport. I mean not only the 11 people on the field, but also many people, such as fans, so we also have our own advantages."

At the end of the press conference, there was a fun segment where the head coaches of both sides could ask each other a question.

Batista asked first.

"Which player do you like most in Argentine history?"

"Kaniggia, son of the wind," Li Guo answered simply.

"Will you come to the Super League to coach in the future?"

Batista smiled, a little disdainful, but Li Guo knew that Batista would come to the Super League to coach Shanghai Shenhua later.

(End of this chapter)