292 Dirty Rochemback Part 2 (1/2)
Chapter 292: Dirty Rochemback Part 2
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Even the commentator could see how well Eastwood played. How could Sporting Lisbon's manager, Peseiro, not see it? He got up from the technical area, walked to the sidelines, and urgently whistled twice.
Upon hearing his whistle, the other Sporting Lisbon players had little reaction. Only the defensive midfielder, Fábio Rochemback, turned his head to the sidelines. It appeared that the whistle was specifically meant to be heard by him.
Peseiro pointed at Eastwood, who had withdrawn to support the midfield. Rochemback nodded. He knew what he had to do. It was exactly what he wanted to do.
The manager had asked him to closely mark the most active player on the Forest team.
Because the Forest team usually did not have an attacking midfielder, as a defensive midfielder, Rochemback did not need to mark any players. On the other hand, Eastwood preferred to pull back to receive the ball. His actual position was quite flexible in the opposing half, not like a striker. Consequently, having Rochemback, the best defensive midfielder in the team, to defend against Eastwood would not disrupt Sporting Lisbon's defensive formation but still ease the pressure on the defensive line.
It was a good idea and Rochemback liked it a lot.
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However, before Rochemback could carry out the plan, Sporting Lisbon lost possession of the ball again.
The Forest team took advantage of the opportunity that opened up from Sporting Lisbon's adjustment to their defense and implemented a very efficient counterattack.
Eastwood pulled out, attracting all of Rochemback's attention. Ribéry, who was originally active on the flank, suddenly switched to the middle to replace Eastwood's position. Within a short time, the Sporting Lisbon player lost his defensive target and Ribéry was unmarked! Without hesitation, Albertini passed the ball just in time. After Ribéry received the ball, he did not give the Sporting Lisbon's center back the opportunity to defend. He immediately kicked a long shot and the football flew into the Sporting Lisbon's goal for the second time.
”What a wonderful goal!” The commentator shouted, ”2:0! Nottingham Forest once again widens their lead! Sporting Lisbon is in trouble!”
Twain jumped from his seat again, but this time he was not as excited as when the first goal had been scored. He just raised his clenched fist and waved it vigorously in front of his chest.
”This is wonderful, David! 2:0 on home ground!”
Kerslake smiled and nodded. Regardless of how he had previously objected to Twain's plan, he could only concentrate on doing well since he had agreed. Now the score clearly illustrated that their efforts were not in vain.
”I think... Tony, maybe we should think about defense.”
Twain looked up at the time on the electronic scoreboard. The first half had already been going for twenty-seven minutes. He shook his head. ”It's still too early, David. We'll assess the situation in the second half before we decide.”
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Despite their two-goal disadvantage, Sporting Lisbon did not give up. After all, there was plenty of time for them to equalize the score. Although it was an away game, the experience of playing in an away game was common for professional players.
They had to be able to compete under the pressure. If they were unable to, they would not be Sporting Lisbon, one of Portugal's top three teams.