294 Wood’s Revenge Part 2 (1/2)

Chapter 294: Wood’s Revenge Part 2

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Rochemback himself had not expected such a miraculous effect for his first foul. For the price of a mere yellow card, he had made the opponent's main forward leave the field with an injury. The price seemed a trifle in comparison. And even though he had received a yellow card, he did not need to worry about having to play more reservedly in defense. After Eastwood went off the field, Forest had no one who specialized as an attacking midfielder; there were not many opponents to deal with.

With needing to mark any Forest player now, Rochemback even had opportunities to dribble the ball forward and assist in the offense. With Forest adjusting, Sporting CP intended to take the chance and pull their scores closer amid the confusion.

Perhaps that tactic was not the most glamorous, but the manager of Sporting CP, José Peseiro, still had to praise Rochemback for his earlier kick. Shouldering the danger of possibly receiving a red card, he had helped the team deal with one of their most dangerous foes.

While Sporting CP was on the attack, Fábio Rochemback noticed from the backfield that almost every Forest player had returned to defend. The only player left on his side was a player as tall as a utility pole. Rochemback figured that he might as well try to participate in the attack and get a ball in or rack up assists, instead of staying in the back without much use.

Meanwhile, Albertini was directing George Wood to defend and take note of opponents possibly breaking in from the flanks. Wood was told to prepare himself to assist Ribéry at any time.

Wood nodded but his gaze was fixed on Rochemback, who was steadily moving closer.

He did not know the name of that person, but he remembered his face and number. Wood did not believe he would mistake him.

Pinto was currently in possession. He realized that the success rates of a forward pass were low. George Wood and Albertini had formed a wall in front and sealed off all possible passing routes.

At this point, he heard someone calling from behind.

”João! João!”

It was Rochemback.

George Wood looked up. His gaze shot past Pinto's shoulder to find Rochemback hiding behind Pinto's back.

On hearing Rochemback's call, Pinto passed the ball backward with his heel.

Almost at the same time, George Wood abandoned his defensive zone and rushed out; his target was the receiver, Rochemback!

As if he had not seen Wood, Rochemback kept his eyes on the ball and made a move to receive it.

The ball arrived and so did Wood.

Rochemback noticed Wood from the corner of his eye. Suddenly, a crazed idea emerged in his mind: why not take that silly lad down as well?

Rochemback moved the ball to the side in a bid to lure George Wood to commit a foul. So long as he made it look genuine, he might just force Number 13 right off the field!

Come on, boy! Come on!

I'm here, bastard!

George Wood flew out with a tackle even before he neared Rochemback. Rochemback had just finished turning when Wood's right shoe landed on his left ankle!

Firmly and solidly, he stomped down.

With its loud but muffled thud, even the spectators on the viewing stands could clearly feel the power in his strike.

After the back tackle to Rochemback, George Wood continued sliding forward from the momentum. Meanwhile, Rochemback was sent flipping into the air, somersaulting before crashing back to the ground with grass clippings flying up and dropping back on him.

The raucous stadium lapsed into a momentary silence followed by a piercing whistle.