Chapter 99
The Spanish national team flew to Innsbruck Airport in Austria and then traveled by bus to the southwest, ascending into the famous ski resort town of Neustift.
Nestled in the Alps and surrounded by mountains, Neustift often appears shrouded in mist, giving the town a fairy-tale atmosphere. Spain's team stayed at a secluded hotel located 2 kilometers southwest of the town. The picturesque surroundings featured a river flowing down from the snowy peaks, passing behind the hotel, which created a tranquil and serene ambiance.
The hotel, with its 60 rooms, was fully booked by the Spanish national team. Its appeal lay not only in its seclusion but also in the training field adjacent to the hotel grounds, which was exclusively prepared for the team.
Upon the team's arrival, the staff had already set up all necessary equipment, including luggage, food supplies, and training gear. Yang Hao first checked into his room and then inspected the training facilities.
The hotel boasted excellent amenities, including a swimming pool and even hot springs. Standing on the training field, one could admire the majestic Alpine peaks, a view that seemed to be taken from a painting. Yang Hao was thoroughly pleased with the arrangements.
The hotel staff and town administration had gone out of their way to accommodate the Spanish national team, strengthening security and decorating the town with Spanish flags along roads and in visible locations. The players began to feel at home in their temporary base.
Spain's first two group-stage matches were scheduled to take place in Innsbruck, making Neustift the ideal training location. With the team's arrival, preparations for their Euro 2008 opener against Italy kicked into high gear.
Italy: A Team in Transition
Yang Hao had great respect for Italy. From pre-tournament scouting reports and intelligence provided by Mendiódo, it was evident that Roberto Donadoni was not content with the traditional defensive football synonymous with Italian teams. He aimed for a transformation.
Italy's offensive focal point was undoubtedly Luca Toni. However, their lack of high-quality wingers posed a significant challenge. Moreover, the Italian team faced a familiar issue that plagued many European squads: squad renewal.
Nesta had retired from international football due to recurring injuries, focusing instead on his club duties with Inter Milan. Cannavaro, struggling with age and fitness, was losing his place at Real Madrid to Chiellini and Kompany. Adding to this, Cannavaro's injury before the tournament highlighted the importance of managing squad transitions.
Italy's backline lacked speed and agility, particularly with Materazzi and Barzagli as the central defensive pairing. While they offered aerial dominance, they were vulnerable to quick counters and through balls.
Midfield decisions also weighed heavily on Donadoni. Would he deploy De Rossi in a defensive role in front of the backline? If so, how would he balance this with Pirlo's positioning? Questions about whether to start Grosso, who was in good form, or stick with Zambrotta, fresh from a Champions League win with Barcelona, further complicated matters.
To keep opponents guessing, Donadoni frequently altered his lineup during training sessions.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, had been equally secretive about Spain's starting XI.
Relaxation Before the Storm
During Spain's final training session at Innsbruck's Tivoli Stadium, Yang Hao instructed the players to stay relaxed, avoiding tactical drills to reduce unnecessary pressure. All necessary preparations had been made during the earlier training sessions, and any last-minute adjustments were deemed futile.
The atmosphere in the Spanish camp remained lighthearted. Two sports psychologists from Atlético Madrid had been brought along to help players manage stress and provide guidance to the coaching staff.
After the training session, Yang Hao attended the pre-match press conference, his first for a major international tournament.
Spain's flawless record under Yang Hao, achieved during the European qualifiers and warm-up matches, had captivated fans and media alike.
When asked about the impressive streak, Yang Hao laughed, "I've never cared about continuing that record. It's meaningless compared to winning a championship."
He expressed satisfaction with the team's current condition but refrained from sharing specific details. "All I can say is that the 23 players here are eager to compete. They understand the significance of this European Championship for Spain.
"I cannot guarantee anything except that my staff and I will work tirelessly to ensure we're ready for every match. Trust us—we know what needs to be done."
When pressed for Spain's starting lineup, Yang Hao smiled and quipped, "Would you hand over your bank card along with the PIN?"
The room erupted into laughter.
As one of the most prominent managers in world football, Yang Hao could afford to fend off reporters with humor.
Italy's Leaked Lineup
Donadoni, however, faced relentless questioning from the Italian press. Despite his reluctance to reveal tactical details, he eventually conceded, saying, "I will finalize the lineup tomorrow morning."
But by 10 a.m. on match day, Italy's national broadcaster, Rai Uno, had already leaked the full starting XI.
This was no surprise to Yang Hao. The behavior of the Italian press mirrored the country's well-known penchant for drama and internal chaos, earning them the nickname "European China" among some football fans.
The stage was set for Spain's European Championship opener against Italy. A clash of styles, old and new, loomed on the horizon. Yang Hao knew that overcoming Italy would require tactical precision, relentless pressure, and, above all, belief in the team's ability to perform under the brightest lights.
Goalkeeper: Buffon.
Defenders: Zambrotta, Materazzi, Barzagli, and Panucci.
Midfielders: Ambrosini, Pirlo, and Gattuso.
Forwards: Di Natale, Luca Toni, and Camoranesi.
The final starting lineup wouldn't be confirmed until just before kickoff, but according to Italian national television, Donadoni had already informed the players of this arrangement.
A few minutes later, Yang Hao, still in Austria, received a call confirming the leaked lineup. Comparing it with the Spanish coaching staff's predictions, the differences were minor—namely, whether Materazzi or Chiellini would start in defense, and whether Ambrosini or De Rossi would be selected in midfield. Italy's television had provided the answers.
"If this is true, we owe Italian national television a big thank you!" Yang Hao said with a laugh.
Leaking crucial team information, including starting lineups, ahead of such a critical match? Such behavior seemed like something out of a chaotic tabloid culture. Did Italy truly believe the starting lineup wasn't critical to success?
After reviewing the leaked information, Yang Hao convened a meeting with the coaching staff and intelligence team. Their conclusion: the leaked lineup was credible.
Yang Hao wasted no time calling a team meeting to discuss tactics.
Focusing on Materazzi and Barzagli's defensive traits, he emphasized a strategy of aggressive pressing near the midfield line to force Italy to push forward.
"They want to change their approach and attack? Let's help them out!" Yang Hao declared.
"Against Materazzi and Barzagli, we must exploit space behind them with quick passes, lateral movement, and sudden switches of play. Once the opportunity arises, play the ball into space behind them and rely on our speed to break through."
For Italy's midfield setup, the instructions were clear: press aggressively, circulate the ball quickly with passing triangles, and counter-press immediately upon losing possession.
"The key is speed!"
Yang Hao then addressed the players.
"Tonight's match isn't just a friendly or a qualifier. This is the opening game of the European Championship group stage," he said.
"Italy will not want to lose, and we can't afford to let them retreat into a defensive shell. From the very beginning, we must look for an early goal, force them to attack, and then use our technical and passing advantages to exploit their defensive weaknesses."
"Remember, this is not just my debut at the Euros—it's the debut for many of you in this tournament. I want you to deliver your best performance. Don't let me down. Don't let the fans who believe in you down!"
The players were deeply inspired, ready to give it their all.
Match Day: Spain vs. Italy
"With the whistle from Austrian referee Plautz, the opening game of Group D in the 2008 European Championship—Spain vs. Italy—has officially begun!"
"Italy, in their blue kits, start with the ball."
"This match is being held at the new Tivoli Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria."
"Luca Toni plays it back to Pirlo, who spreads it to the right flank for Panucci."
"Panucci looks for Camoranesi. Di Natale has also shifted to the right to support him."
"Italy is clearly aiming to open up the game through their right flank."
"Spain's left-back tonight is Antonio López, a player known for his attacking prowess but relatively weaker in defense. This reflects Yang Hao's signature coaching style—prioritizing offensive football."
"Italy's attack doesn't get far. Antonio López intercepts the ball and quickly passes to Iniesta, who plays it back."
"A beautiful one-two down the flank. Antonio López crosses the halfway line, looking for a combination with Villa. Panucci slides in with a perfectly timed tackle!"
"Now let's see Italy's counterattack."
"Near midfield, Gattuso receives the ball and looks for a pass to the wing."
"But the intention is too obvious. Iniesta intercepts the ball!"
"Gattuso tries an immediate counter-press, but Iniesta deftly evades him and passes backward."
"Xabi Alonso, holding his position in deep midfield, raises his hand to signal for calm and control."
"But Italy must beware—Xabi Alonso is known for feints like this."
"Sure enough, a long diagonal ball flies towards the right wing!"
"Reyes fails to react in time, and the ball goes out of play."
"The Spanish winger apologetically raises his hand."
"Xabi Alonso's sudden switches of play are not just surprising for the fans but sometimes even for his own teammates. His vision and execution are breathtaking, but they demand a lot from his partners."
"That said, Italy must be vigilant against Alonso's passing range."
"On their side, Italy boasts their own maestro—Pirlo. Tonight, Spain seems intent on neutralizing him. Torres has dropped deeper to shadow Pirlo, while Villa and Reyes are staying high up the flanks."
Spain Settles In
When Italy took the ensuing throw-in, Spain quickly regained possession.
Once the ball was secured, Spain executed a series of quick passes to evade Italy's midfield press, circulating the ball back to Alonso and the defenders to reorganize.
Yang Hao watched silently from the sideline, analyzing Italy's setup.
Although nominally 4-3-3, Italy's formation was highly fluid—almost resembling a 4-5-1 at times.
A notable pattern emerged: Donadoni had also instructed his players to neutralize Xabi Alonso.
Italy's midfield and defensive lines maintained tight spacing, with Pirlo stepping up to challenge Alonso while the backline held firm. Luca Toni, however, lingered high up the pitch, strolling back into Spain's half at a leisurely pace.
Recognizing this, Yang Hao moved to the touchline and called out to Xavi. When the Barcelona midfielder glanced over, Yang Hao signaled for him to concentrate Spain's buildup in the zone between the halfway line and Italy's defensive third.
Xavi nodded and gestured to Iniesta to drop slightly deeper, while Alonso pushed further up. Full-backs Antonio López and Sergio Ramos advanced higher on the flanks to provide width.
The battle had just begun, but Spain's tactical adjustments hinted at a plan to crack Italy's formidable defense.
Spain was not fixated solely on breaking through Italy's defense with intricate central passing combinations. Instead, they often directed the ball toward the flanks, stretching Italy's defensive line and forcing them to move horizontally, a tactic designed to create openings through constant positional adjustments.
Barely two minutes into the game, Spain utilized this strategy to create their first chance.
Italy's midfielders were unwilling to allow Spain prolonged possession. Gattuso pressed forward, attempting to steal the ball from Iniesta, but the Spanish maestro used a deft La Croqueta to evade the challenge and passed the ball to Antonio López on the left flank. López carried the ball forward, but the subsequent interplay with Villa failed to produce a meaningful threat.
"Have you noticed? The Italian players seem physically unprepared, almost out of form," observed Juanma Lillo, who had clearly picked up on a critical flaw.
Yang Hao nodded. "They played too few warm-up matches."
This was a concern raised by media and fans alike before the tournament. Serie A concluded on May 17, and since then, Italy had played only one friendly match leading up to tonight's game.
This lack of competitive intensity was insufficient preparation for such a high-stakes tournament. After a long season, players' bodies are fatigued, and without proper recovery and gradual reconditioning, it's difficult to hit peak form right from the start of the Euros. Warm-up games help bridge this gap by reintroducing match sharpness.
Some might argue that a slow start isn't a big deal, but in a group as competitive as this—with Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France—no team can afford to ease into the tournament. Failure to progress past the group stage renders a slow start meaningless.
"I think we should increase the tempo and test them early," suggested Juanma Lillo.
Spain's initial approach had been cautious, reflecting Yang Hao's desire to establish stability. However, Roberto Roca soon provided Yang Hao with an important statistic.
"From the opening minutes, the top sprint speed during Italy's attacking transitions has only been 20 km/h," Roca reported.
Yang Hao laughed.
What did this data mean? Italy's attack lacked pace.
Based on Spain's European qualifying campaign and Yang Hao's tactical calculations, their attacking transitions typically reached around 30 km/h. While it was still early in the game, the discrepancy was telling.
A slow attack could pose a threat if coupled with sustained possession, but Italy was struggling to control the ball. Their lack of speed made them even less dangerous.
Yang Hao stepped to the touchline and gestured toward Xavi and the others.
"Push forward!"
When Yang Hao sounded the offensive charge, Spain's players began pressing higher and quickly created two shooting opportunities.
In one instance, Torres controlled the ball with his back to goal, setting it up for Villa, who shook off his marker near the top of the arc and took a shot. The effort lacked power, and Buffon collected it easily.
Another chance came when Reyes delivered a diagonal cross from the right. Torres' subsequent attempt was thwarted by Buffon's timely intervention.
Just as it seemed both teams' attacks were struggling to truly threaten, Spain's midfield orchestrated a breakthrough.
Iniesta and Xavi exchanged passes in midfield, trying to pull Italy out of their defensive shape. Under heavy pressure, they were forced to recycle the ball back to Xabi Alonso, allowing him to reorganize.
Xabi Alonso controlled the ball, adjusted slightly, and launched a diagonal pass toward the left side of the pitch near the 30-meter mark.
Villa retreated to receive the pass, cushioning it with his chest. Panucci immediately closed in, sticking tight to the Spanish forward.
However, Villa deftly shifted the ball to his right foot, cutting inside. Despite Panucci's close marking, Villa's quick turn and sharp movement left the 35-year-old Italian defender struggling to keep pace.
With a sudden burst, Villa took another step forward and threaded a perfectly weighted through ball.
At the same moment, Torres, positioned between Materazzi and Barzagli, appeared to be preparing to hold up the ball. Instead, he abruptly stopped, spun, and accelerated into the space behind Italy's central defenders.
The difference in agility and speed was stark. By the time Materazzi and Barzagli turned to react, Torres had already slipped behind Barzagli, latched onto Villa's pass, and surged toward goal.
Closing in on Buffon, Torres maintained his composure. With a delicate touch, he rounded the advancing goalkeeper and chased the ball toward the left side of the goal. At full sprint, he angled his shot into the empty net.
"Goal!!!"
"Torres!"
"Just 13 minutes into the match, Torres delivers a stunning breakaway goal to give Spain the lead!"
"Look at the patience in Spain's buildup. Through precise passing, they baited Italy into pressing, then used Xabi Alonso's diagonal ball to find Villa. With individual brilliance from their forwards, they carved out the chance."
"1–0! Fernando Torres scores Spain's first goal of Euro 2008!"
On the pitch, Spain's players erupted in celebration, their joy palpable. Yang Hao turned with a broad smile to greet the jubilant Juanma Lillo, Pep Guardiola, and other staff members, exchanging high-fives and embraces.
Still, Yang Hao quickly returned to the touchline, signaling for the players to stay composed. He had a hunch that Italy would retaliate aggressively.
Yang Hao's instincts proved correct.
After conceding in the 13th minute, Italy launched a series of intense attacks, creating multiple dangerous opportunities near Spain's goal.
In the 19th minute, they forced two consecutive corner kicks.
However, during the second corner, Pepe outjumped everyone to clear the ball from the penalty area.
Iniesta anticipated the clearance and headed the ball to Xavi in midfield.
Xavi controlled it with a composed touch, advancing forward to initiate a counterattack. Spotting an open left flank, he played a diagonal pass into space.
Antonio López surged forward, racing to meet the pass with long strides. Upon entering Italy's final third, he sent a diagonal cross toward the far post.
Torres, arriving at full speed, leapt and nodded the ball back into the center of the box despite a tight angle.
Villa, perfectly positioned, met the ball with a clinical tap-in…
"Goal again!!!"
"Spain scores another one!"
"2–0!!"
"David Villa finds the net in the 20th minute, securing Spain's second goal of the match!"
"Only seven minutes have passed since the first goal—just seven minutes!"
"Italy concedes two goals in rapid succession, a truly disastrous turn of events."
"It's evident that Italy's players are becoming visibly anxious and desperate."
"We can understand their urgency to equalize, but they must remember they're up against Spain, the team that went unbeaten through 12 qualifying matches and entered the Euros as the top favorite!"
Yang Hao couldn't hide his delight as he stood on the sidelines, grinning ear to ear. His pre-match instructions had been crystal clear—target the space behind Italy's defensive line, especially between their two central defenders.
With Italy pushing forward, their backline was left dangerously exposed. Both Materazzi and Barzagli lacked the recovery speed of players like Pepe or Ramos. Spain's center-backs had the ability to recover from dangerous situations, but Italy's defense was left vulnerable when playing a high line.
"Attacking with a high press and leaving your defense exposed? Against Spain? That's tactical suicide," Yang Hao remarked, laughing to himself. "If Donadoni doesn't adjust his strategy, he'll pay an even steeper price."
Having conceded twice in quick succession, Italy began to play more conservatively, reining in their aggression. Spain, seizing the opportunity, slowed the tempo and tightened their control over possession, engaging Italy in a game of attrition.
But this brief period of tranquility didn't last long.
Starting from the 35th minute, Italy launched another wave of attacks, hoping to claw back into the match.
Spain, however, delivered a punishing counterpunch.
In the 38th minute, Xabi Alonso launched a precise long pass into the attacking third. Torres, receiving the ball, drove directly toward goal. Faced with the combined pressure of Barzagli and Materazzi, Torres executed a sudden stop, pivoted, and laid the ball off to an advancing Villa. Villa unleashed a powerful shot, only for Buffon to make a heroic save.
Three minutes later, Reyes attempted a long-range strike from outside the box, but his effort was blocked by an Italian defender, deflecting out of danger.
Then, in the 43rd minute, Spain's left flank sprang to life once more. Antonio López and Villa combined on the wing but soon found themselves surrounded by multiple Italian defenders. Iniesta moved into position to support, receiving a pass from Villa. With a skillful La Croqueta, he eluded Gattuso and opened up space for a diagonal pass.
Iniesta's ball split Italy's defensive line, perfectly exploiting the space behind their central defenders.
And once again, it was Torres.
Making a trademark run between Materazzi and Barzagli, Torres surged forward, leaving the slower defenders in his wake. He chased down Iniesta's pass, cut into the penalty area, and calmly slotted the ball past Buffon with a composed finish.
Even though Buffon had correctly anticipated the shot and dived in the right direction, he was powerless to stop it.
"3–0!"
"Brace for Torres!"
"What a performance from the Spanish striker, scoring two sublime goals!"
"Italy's defense, particularly their central pairing, has no answer for Torres. Time and again, he's slicing through their formation and finding the net."
"Buffon has truly done all he can tonight, but this Spanish attack is relentless."
"Let's look at the replay. The gap in speed and reaction time between Torres and Italy's center-backs is glaring. Torres' explosiveness is on full display."
"It's worth noting how Spain has consistently attacked the space behind Italy's backline. Their forwards—Torres, Villa, and Reyes—are constantly making incisive runs."
"This strategy has put Italy's defenders under enormous pressure, and all three goals so far have come from exploiting their vulnerability in this area."
"Italy's midfield hasn't been able to impose itself or disrupt Spain's flow. Every time they lose the ball or allow a Spanish player to dribble past them, it sets up another dangerous opportunity for Spain."
"While Italy is renowned for having one of the best defenses in the world, they are utterly exposed without midfield control. Against Spain, who are as relentless as they are precise, this is proving catastrophic."
"It's clear this was a meticulously crafted game plan from Yang Hao. He has masterfully targeted Italy's weaknesses, and his players are executing it to perfection."
"At this point, with a 3–0 lead, Spain looks all but certain to secure victory in their opening group match."
"Donadoni will need to make significant adjustments at halftime."
Yang Hao could only speculate what Donadoni might say to his players during the break.
But as the second half began, it was clear that Italy had emerged with a new sense of determination and urgency.
Donadoni made two halftime substitutions, bringing on Del Piero for Di Natale and Grosso for Materazzi.
Del Piero's presence was a clear signal of intent to focus on attack.
Yang Hao immediately instructed Ramos to stay tight on Del Piero, limiting his influence.
Meanwhile, Grosso's inclusion reshaped Italy's defense. Panucci moved to center-back, Zambrotta switched to the right flank, and Grosso took over at left-back.
The Italian resurgence was immediate. They began to pour their energy into the game, injecting pace into their play.
The first 30 minutes of the second half turned into a midfield battle.
Del Piero repeatedly found shooting opportunities in his favored areas, but his attempts lacked the precision needed to beat Casillas.
Spain responded with their own chances. In the 58th minute, Xavi delivered a through ball to Reyes, whose shot from the right edge of the box was comfortably saved by Buffon.
In the 65th minute, Villa threaded a pass to Torres, but the Italian goalkeeper read the play perfectly and rushed out to smother the ball.
Even with three goals conceded, Buffon continued to demonstrate his class.
Two minutes later, Spain earned a corner. Xavi's delivery found Pepe, whose header forced Buffon into another spectacular save.
The ball fell to the edge of the penalty area, where Xabi Alonso had been lurking.
Unmarked, Alonso controlled the ball with a deft touch, took a moment to steady himself, and unleashed a thunderous strike.
The ball tore through the crowded box and rocketed into the bottom-right corner of the net, leaving Buffon rooted to the spot.
"Xabi Alonso scores!"
"An absolute screamer from the Spanish midfielder!"
"Nobody saw that coming—what a strike!"
4-0! Madness!
Spain has gone mad tonight!
And Italy, too!
Before this match, who would have dared to imagine or believe that Italy—renowned for their defensive prowess and fresh off a narrow 0-1 loss to Spain in a March friendly—would suffer such a humiliating defeat in their opening game of the European Championship?
0-4. It's simply unbelievable!
Fans couldn't have predicted this, nor could Yang Hao himself. Even he hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
And yet, it wasn't just smooth—it got even better.
In the 74th minute, Italy earned a corner in the attacking third. At that point, they had already abandoned any hope of winning and were merely aiming to score a consolation goal to save face.
But even that modest wish was denied.
Casillas punched the corner away with a strong effort. Xabi Alonso controlled the clearance with a measured touch and sent it upfield to Xavi, who quickly switched play to the left flank, finding Iniesta.
Iniesta carried the ball forward and passed it to Villa. The diminutive forward sprinted to meet the ball but was immediately surrounded by Zambrotta and Panucci.
With a sharp stop on the edge of the penalty area, Villa assessed the situation and delivered a precise horizontal pass. At that moment, not only Zambrotta and Panucci but also Barzagli had converged on him, leaving the top of the box completely unguarded.
Arriving like a bolt of lightning, Torres latched onto Villa's pass. He took one touch to control it, glanced up to see Buffon charging out, and unleashed a powerful shot.
The ball arced perfectly over Buffon's head and nestled into the back of the net.
"Hat trick!!!"
"Fernando Torres has completed a hat trick!"
"5-0!"
"A demolition! An absolute massacre!"
"Who could have imagined that the usually composed and disciplined Italy would endure such a brutal thrashing in their opening match of the European Championship?"
"This is the so-called 'Group of Death'!"
"When everyone thought Spain, drawn into this group of death, would struggle to make an impact or fall victim to the 'curse of the favorites,' they delivered a resounding statement with a dominant opening victory."
"We have to admire Yang Hao's tactical acumen, his commitment to attacking football, and the stunning offensive storm unleashed by the Spanish national team."
"Yang Hao's team has taken the European stage by storm, leaving everyone in awe!"
Even as the match drew to a close, Italy failed to breach Spain's defense. Despite creating a few opportunities, they never truly threatened the goal.
Spain, on the other hand, showcased a flawless performance, dismantling Italy 5-0 in their European Championship opener with a hat trick from Torres, and goals from Villa and Xabi Alonso.
The result sent shockwaves throughout the European footballing world.
The Group of Death—four evenly matched teams vying for survival—had delivered an unexpected blow: Spain had utterly humiliated Italy with a five-goal drubbing.
After the match, the Italian media wasted no time in pointing fingers, with most of the criticism directed squarely at Donadoni.
Gazzetta dello Sport declared, "With a 0-5 defeat in their opening match, Italy now faces an uphill battle in the European Championship."
The outlet acknowledged Spain's total dominance, stating, "In every position on the pitch, Italy appeared fragile under Spain's relentless attack."
Before the game, Donadoni had downplayed Spain's credentials, claiming their 12-match unbeaten run in the qualifiers was due to a lack of strong opponents.
"But in Innsbruck, Donadoni's team was handed a brutal wake-up call. Five goals have all but shattered Italy's European Championship hopes, leaving the team mired in disgrace."
Gazzetta dello Sport concluded that Donadoni himself was the match's weakest link.
"A disastrous lineup and poor tactical decisions are the primary culprits for Italy's humiliating defeat!"
La Repubblica echoed the criticism but focused on Donadoni's decision-making. "Why didn't he use De Rossi? Why rely on Ambrosini, who had a catastrophic performance?"
"Ambrosini and players like Gattuso can no longer provide the midfield solidity this team needs. They're not even running as much anymore. How can you expect great performances under such conditions?"
"De Rossi has been exceptional for Roma, yet Donadoni remains indifferent. In his eyes, there's only AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan, with no room for Roma!"
It was clear that La Repubblica was weaving in longstanding tensions between clubs and cities.
Unlike the Italian media's scathing postmortem, the Spanish press erupted in celebration.
Even the most optimistic fans hadn't dared to dream that Spain would open their European Championship campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Italy.
"Watching this game unfold live, I felt like I was dreaming," wrote a Spanish journalist.
"Throughout the match, Spain was in complete control—of the ball, the tempo, and the game itself."
"Italy looked like headless chickens, disorganized and clueless, unable to mount any coherent attacks."
Marca highlighted the stats: Spain dominated possession with 66.2%—nearly double Italy's—and registered 22 shots compared to Italy's 12.
"While statistics don't tell the whole story, Spain's opening match was a perfect display of their dominance. A 5-0 rout of Italy marks a spectacular start to their European Championship campaign."
Even traditionally reserved commentators were lavish in their praise. AS editor Alfredo Relaño and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff both penned glowing tributes to Yang Hao and the Spanish team in their columns.
The Man of the Match honor went to Torres, whose hat trick was the tournament's first. The Spanish striker also recorded an assist, capping off a career-defining performance.
Elsewhere in Group D, Portugal defeated France 2-0, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Meireles.
Both Iberian teams had announced their arrival in the Group of Death in emphatic fashion.
Tournament play has a unique rhythm, where each match is tightly linked to the next. With games every three days and only three matches in the group stage, there's no time to breathe or regroup.
This is why Yang Hao repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of winning the opening match. It's like buttoning a shirt—get the first button wrong, and everything else will follow suit.
Spain buttoned it perfectly. France, however, made a mess of it.
After their match in Innsbruck, the Spanish squad returned to their base, where the players went to rest while Yang Hao and his coaching staff held a meeting. They reviewed the strengths and weaknesses from the game against Italy and began preparing for their next opponent: France.
Atletico Madrid's former scouting chief, Mendiodo, was responsible for gathering intelligence on France. During France's match against Portugal, Spain sent two experienced scouts to watch live and compile a detailed report.
The results painted a familiar picture.
Just like Italy, France was struggling with generational renewal. Veterans such as Thuram, Coupet, Makelele, Vieira, Sagnol, and Gallas were all over 30. Since Zidane's retirement, France had been unable to find a player capable of replacing him in midfield.
Domenech had been preparing for this for some time. He called up numerous younger players, including Toulalan, Benzema, Ribéry, Malouda, Lass Diarra, and Nasri, injecting fresh blood into the team. This approach was sound in principle, but the key issue lay in how to adjust the team's tactical approach effectively.
Unfortunately, Domenech lacked confidence.
In the European Championship qualifiers, France's performance was merely average: 12 matches, 8 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses.
Their group wasn't even particularly challenging. Apart from Italy, their opponents included Scotland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Georgia, and the Faroe Islands. France's most notable performances came against weaker teams, where they racked up big wins with scores like 4-0 or 5-0.
Against stronger teams? They lost both home and away to Scotland (0-1 each time), drew 2-2 away to Ukraine, and even struggled against Lithuania.
Their best performance was a 3-1 home win against Italy—but that was during the qualifiers.
In a high-stakes European Championship match, the intensity would be far greater. Domenech's hesitancy and lack of tactical clarity became glaringly obvious.
Henry, now with diminished playing time at Barcelona and showing signs of aging, was far from his prime. The defensive line was also aging, while younger center-backs like Squillaci and Mexès lacked the reliability to take over.
Facing such challenges, Domenech deployed a backline of Abidal, Gallas, Thuram, and Sagnol.
And Evra? The world's best left-back, benched without even a chance to play.
This decision revealed Domenech's cautious nature. Abidal was selected over Evra for his stronger defensive capabilities.
In addition, Domenech shifted France's usual 4-4-2 formation to a 4-2-3-1.
The midfield duo consisted of Makelele and Toulalan, with Malouda, Benzema, and Ribéry positioned ahead of them, and Anelka as the lone striker.
But this setup raised immediate questions:
Why was Benzema playing as an attacking midfielder?
Why was Anelka deployed as the central forward?
In this 4-2-3-1 system, the roles of the attacking midfielder and central striker are critical. Yang Hao could easily deduce Domenech's reasoning. Benzema was too young to handle the pressure of leading the attack alone, so Domenech paired him with Anelka, hoping they could function as a double-forward setup, with Benzema providing the link play.
But what was the result?
A 0-2 loss to Portugal exposed France's flaws. Their midfield lacked creativity and ball control. Makelele and Toulalan were incapable of dictating the game, while Ribéry—France's only player capable of organizing attacks—was stranded on the right flank.
Once Portugal neutralized Ribéry, France's midfield was effectively paralyzed.
Adding to the problems, Domenech's reluctance to use Evra meant the left flank relied solely on Malouda, who struggled to break down Portugal's right-side defense.
Ultimately, the match revealed France's limitations.
Had Domenech stuck with his original plan of using Benzema and Anelka as dual strikers while Malouda and Ribéry tucked inside to allow fullbacks to overlap, it might have worked. This setup would justify having Makelele and Toulalan as holding midfielders.
But neither Abidal nor Sagnol made aggressive overlapping runs.
This boiled down to Domenech's excessive caution.
When you leave a world-class attacking left-back like Evra on the bench, how can you expect your players to commit to an aggressive attacking game?
Players can sense a coach's mindset. Domenech's hesitancy was clear, and it seeped into the team's performance.
To make matters worse, Anelka and Benzema's partnership was underwhelming.
"The root cause of France's current predicament is that they lack a core player after Zidane's retirement," Yang Hao said bluntly.
This core isn't just a player—it's also a philosophy, a vision, and a system. Zidane may have retired, but the old guard was still around.
Could Ribéry fill Zidane's shoes? Could the entire team rally around him?
Would veterans like Henry, Thuram, and Makelele even accept this?
The lack of a clear core left France plagued by indecision at crucial moments.
"France's situation is dire," Yang Hao explained. "They have to win their next two matches. If they lose, they're out of the tournament."
Tournament football is relentless. With only three group-stage matches, losing the first one means the remaining two are must-wins.
After losing to Portugal, France essentially shackled themselves. They now needed to beat both Spain and Italy to have any chance of progressing.
And time was running out. With only three days until the next match, France had no time for lengthy deliberations or adjustments.
Domenech would have to make some bold decisions that very night.
Would he return to a 4-4-2 formation? Probably not.
Although many media outlets and fans believe the 4-4-2 formation that dominated weaker teams during the qualifiers looked impressive, Domenech knew better. That system worked against underdogs but would lead to disaster in the European Championship.
His only option was to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, but it had to be an attacking version. Following this logic, many questions resolved themselves.
"With ineffective wing play, Evra will start instead of Abidal."
"The double pivot in midfield is untouchable—it's the defensive backbone, solidifying the 4-2-3-1 approach. As for the No. 10 role, there's only one viable candidate: Ribéry."
"Nasri isn't ready for such responsibility."
"The right flank is between Anelka and Govou."
"And based on the first game, Henry will likely return to lead the line."
After this analysis, the predicted French starting lineup was almost clear.
Then, a sudden thought crossed Yang Hao's mind: could Domenech do something absurd, like play Real Madrid's Lass Diarra as a No. 10? The thought amused him even as he dismissed it as absurd.
"Start Marcos Senna in the next game," Yang Hao instructed. Regardless of whether France relied on Ribéry or Nasri in the No. 10 role, Senna was the safest bet to neutralize them. Yang Hao had full confidence in Senna's defensive capabilities.
"Let's also arrange a training session focused on set-piece attacks. That's always been a weak spot for France. With Ramos, Puyol, and Pepe, we can exploit it to our advantage."
As Yang Hao issued instructions, assistant Paralés took detailed notes, preparing a summary to share with the staff.
"Right now, it's France who's under pressure. Let's see how they respond," Yang Hao concluded with confidence. After their victory over Italy, Spain held the upper hand. There was no need to panic.
June 14, Evening – Tivoli-Neu Stadium, Innsbruck
The second matchday of Group D saw Spain face off against France. With German referee Herbert Fandel blowing the whistle, the game began.
Henry quickly passed the ball to Ribéry, who played it back to Toulalan, then out to the left to Evra. From the very start, France attempted to play on the offensive.
Evra looked sharp, evading an aggressive challenge from his former teammate Villa near the halfway line. Cutting inside, he drove into Spain's half before delivering a through ball into the left channel.
The ball reached Henry, who was shielding it with his back to goal. Just as he tried to turn, Pepe lunged in, cleanly dispossessing him and winning the ball for Spain.
Yang Hao, watching from the sideline, noted how France's blue-shirted players surged forward aggressively, pressing high in Spain's half. The intent was clear—they wanted to dominate the early exchanges and create scoring opportunities.
For France, this match was do or die. A loss would almost certainly mean elimination from the tournament.
Spain, on the other hand, played with caution—steadier and more composed than their opponents. Yang Hao stood silently on the sidelines, secretly pleased that France's starting lineup aligned perfectly with his expectations.
France's Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: CoupetDefense: Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, EvraMidfield: Toulalan, MakeleleAttack: Malouda, Ribéry, AnelkaForward: Henry
In the pre-match locker room, Yang Hao had shared key points with his players:
Stop Henry. A central Henry was far less threatening than one drifting wide. Puyol and Pepe had to stay alert to prevent him from exploiting spaces behind them.Shut down Ribéry. This responsibility fell to Marcos Senna, who was instructed to neutralize France's most dangerous playmaker.Limit Evra. Villa's task was to keep Evra pinned back, reducing his opportunities to attack down the left flank.
Spain's Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: CasillasDefense: Capdevila, Puyol, Pepe, RamosMidfield: Senna (deep-lying), Iniesta, XaviAttack: Silva, Torres, Villa
Spain's first offensive move came just 17 seconds in. After Pepe intercepted Henry, the ball was passed forward, and Torres played it wide to Villa. Villa attempted to exploit the space left by Evra's advanced position, but Gallas intercepted before the ball reached its target.
Although the attack didn't materialize, Yang Hao clapped encouragingly from the sidelines. Villa gestured toward Torres, suggesting a lofted pass would have been better given Gallas's shorter stature. Torres shook his head in exasperation, seemingly thinking, Seriously? You're complaining about height?
"Yang Hao is clearly trying to bait us into attacking," France's assistant coach Pierre Mankowski muttered helplessly.
Tournaments like the European Championship leave no room for mistakes. A single misstep can cost a team its rhythm, putting it at an irreversible disadvantage.
"He's a tactician forged in La Liga and the Champions League," Domenech admitted with a sigh. "His preparation and in-game adjustments are world-class."
Many believed Yang Hao's success was solely due to his knack for aggressive, high-pressing tactics. But the reality was that his strategic planning consistently targeted the opponent's weakest points.
In this match, Spain wasn't pressing high from the start. Instead, they were allowing France to push forward, inviting them into a trap. Spain maintained possession, knowing that France lacked the midfield quality to compete.
Attempting to disrupt Spain's rhythm with aggressive pressing would only backfire. With Spain's precision passing, France's midfield could easily be bypassed, leaving their defense exposed.
Gradually, France eased off their initial high press, settling into a midfield block near the halfway line. They focused on breaking up Spain's attacks, often resorting to tactical fouls.
Domenech could only shake his head at the situation. With Spain's superior ball control, France's options were limited.
"Yang Hao's decision to start Capdevila instead of Antonio López shows he's wary of our right flank," Mankowski observed.
In tournaments like the Euros, managing rotation while maintaining team balance is critical. Yang Hao's lineup changes reflected his calculated approach to maintaining freshness without compromising competitiveness.
Capdevila's attacking contribution, especially his overlaps, was not as aggressive as Antonio López's. The latter resembled Evra in style, playing almost as a winger. In contrast, Capdevila was more of a traditional fullback who overlapped cautiously.
Soon, Domenech noticed David Silva dropping into the half-spaces to receive the ball. Iniesta also retreated to assist with the buildup.
When Iniesta dropped into Spain's half to receive a pass from Puyol, he turned, carried the ball forward, and scanned the field for options. Capdevila had already pushed up, but instead of passing to him on the left, Iniesta suddenly delivered a through ball straight ahead.
David Silva, tracking back to receive it, found Sagnol reluctant to follow him too closely. Instead, Anelka abandoned Capdevila to close Silva down. Silva deftly controlled the ball, sidestepped Anelka's first challenge, and then laid it off to the left wing before sprinting forward.
Capdevila received the ball on the left flank, forcing Sagnol to step up. Silva immediately darted into the space left behind. Capdevila anticipated this, chipping the ball over Sagnol and into the left corner of the penalty box.
Thuram rushed out of the box, meeting Silva as they both reached the ball simultaneously. Both players lunged, but neither managed to secure possession. The ball deflected into the path of Torres on the left side of the box.
Using his body to shield the ball from Gallas, Torres controlled it on his chest, turned to shield it further, and backheeled a pass. Villa, positioned at the edge of the penalty arc, took one touch to enter the box and charged toward the penalty spot.
Evra, desperately tracking back, lunged for a tackle, but he was a split second too late. Villa's low shot zipped past Coupet and into the bottom-right corner of the net.
"GOAL!!!"
"David Villa!"
"David Villa opens the scoring for Spain!"
"Just 2 minutes and 34 seconds into the match, David Villa has scored Spain's first shot on target with surgical precision!"
"Spain's attack is razor-sharp!"
"The coordination in the final third is absolutely brilliant—Capdevila's chip, Torres's positioning and assist, and Villa's perfectly-timed run were all executed with incredible precision."
"It's worth noting that all three players come from Atlético Madrid—players nurtured and developed under Yang Hao's guidance. The chemistry they've built at the club level is on full display for the national team."
"France is off to a disastrous start, trailing 0–1!"
"Domenech has his work cut out for him now."
Spain's opening goal changed the game entirely. It meant that France needed to score at least two goals in this match to keep their hopes of advancing alive. The immense pressure was not just tactical but psychological.
This tension soon manifested in their play, with emotions running high among the French players.
In the 6th minute, during a Spanish counterattack, Makelele fouled Villa with an unnecessary swipe to the face. Villa went down immediately. While the injury was minor, the theatrical fall ensured a yellow card for Makelele.
Not long after, Toulalan also picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge.
Two yellow cards in under 10 minutes reflected France's frustration and lack of composure. This erratic behavior only created more space for Spain's passing game.
France's high pressing began to falter, leaving gaps in their defense.
In the 21st minute, Torres dropped deep to collect a pass, using his body to shield the ball from Gallas. With a deft backheel, he sent the ball behind him.
Villa sprinted onto the pass, charging into the penalty area with Evra chasing him closely. Villa resisted the pressure and crossed the ball low across the box.
David Silva arrived at the far post and calmly slotted the ball past Coupet.
"GOAL!!!"
"David Silva doubles Spain's lead!"
"21 minutes in, and it's 2–0!"
"The entire stadium erupts!"
"France is giving Spain too much freedom on the ball. They need to close them down tighter; otherwise, no defense can withstand this kind of fluid passing and movement."
France's players seemed to lose confidence entirely. Their momentum was gone, and they had no answer to Spain's relentless pressure.
This collapse wasn't entirely Spain's doing—it was the fallout from their defeat to Portugal just days earlier. That loss had shaken their morale, and now they were paying the price.
As the first half drew to a close, Silva and Iniesta executed a series of intricate one-twos near the left corner of France's penalty area. Sagnol, unable to keep up, fouled Silva just outside the box.
The referee issued another yellow card and awarded Spain a free kick.
Xavi stepped up to take it. As Ramos, Puyol, and Pepe positioned themselves in the box, Senna and Capdevila stayed back to guard against a French counterattack.
Taking a deep breath, Xavi delivered a perfect curling cross to the back post. Ramos rose above Gallas and powered a header into the net.
"GOAL!!!"
"Sergio Ramos scores Spain's third!"
"3–0!"
"Spain scores yet again before halftime!"
"Unbelievable—three goals in just 45 minutes!"
"We can only speculate how this match will end, but one thing is certain: we're witnessing the birth of a truly great team."
"Spain dominated the qualifiers with 12 straight wins, and now they've brought that form to the European Championship. First, a 5–0 demolition of Italy, and now a 3–0 first-half lead against France."
"Undeniably, Yang Hao has a unique touch when it comes to team management, particularly on the attacking front."
"We've seen Spain make significant rotations in both matches, yet the team's offense remains seamless, fluid, and incredibly impressive."
"Now, the real challenge falls on France."
"After losing 0–2 to Portugal in their first match and now trailing 0–3 at halftime against Spain, how do they move forward? This is a serious question—a very serious one."
What shocked everyone was that France made no substitutions during halftime.
This decision was surprising, to say the least. Conceding three goals in one half would typically demand some adjustments to signal intent for a comeback, but France didn't make any changes.
Even on the pitch, their demeanor seemed unusually passive. Turning the game around was practically out of the question for them now.
Spain, on the other hand, was content with this scenario. They didn't press for more goals but instead played a patient passing game, essentially toying with France while conserving energy for the final group-stage match.
Yang Hao's strategy was clear: prioritize fitness and preparation for the next match, which would determine the group winner.
According to the rules, the group winner would face the runner-up from another group, potentially easing the path through the knockout stage.
Though Spain created a few chances in the second half, it was evident that France had lost their fighting spirit.
The most dangerous moment for Spain came in the 73rd minute when Torres, just before being subbed off, received a long pass from Xavi. Breaking free of France's defense, he sprinted into the box and attempted a chip over Coupet, but the ball grazed the crossbar after being deflected.
Shortly after, Yang Hao substituted Torres for Llorente, using the final 20 minutes to test a target-man approach. Torres, though goalless in this match, had been instrumental in Spain's attacking buildup.
In the end, Spain secured a 3–0 victory against France, earning their second consecutive win in the group stage.
In the other Group D match, Portugal and Italy played to a 1–1 draw.
With two matches completed, Spain led the group with two wins, followed by Portugal with a win and a draw. Italy, with one draw and one loss, held third place, while France sat at the bottom after two consecutive defeats.
When the results were confirmed, no one had anticipated the "Group of Death" would play out this way.
Particularly shocking was the demise of France, the World Cup runners-up just two years prior. Without Zidane, they seemed to have lost their soul, finishing at the bottom of the group—an unexpected development.
Spain, on the other hand, had impressed everyone with their dominant performances, particularly their relentless attacking football in the first two matches, earning widespread praise from media and fans alike.
Before the tournament, the general consensus was that Spain faced a tough road—not just because they were in the Group of Death, but also because of stylistic challenges, especially against another Latin-style team like Portugal.
This dynamic was familiar in La Liga, where Latin-style teams like Villarreal often troubled Barcelona and even Atlético Madrid.
However, to everyone's surprise, before the anticipated Iberian showdown could materialize, Italy and France had already crumbled.
In the final round of the group stage, France would face Italy, while Spain would play Portugal.
The Iberian duel would not only determine the group winner but also decide which teams advanced. If Spain defeated Portugal and Italy beat France with a large enough margin, Italy could leapfrog Portugal on goal difference to qualify.
This set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.
June 18, Salzburg, Austria.
In the final round of Group D matches, Spain faced Portugal at Red Bull Arena.
Having already secured qualification, Spain's focus was on claiming first place in the group. Yang Hao made significant rotations, resting players like Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pepe, and Ramos.
This wasn't overconfidence on Yang Hao's part but a calculated decision.
The earlier two group matches had been grueling, and the third game offered an opportunity to rest key players and conserve energy for the knockout stage.
Winning the group would be ideal, but Yang Hao wasn't overly concerned about finishing second. Group D's opponents in the knockout stage came from Group C, where the Netherlands and Russia were fighting for top spot.
Both teams posed challenges, so rather than fixating on first place, Yang Hao prioritized his squad's fitness.
Portugal, however, was desperate to secure qualification, entering the match with a clear sense of urgency. This resulted in a fiercely contested first half.
Despite Spain fielding a heavily rotated lineup, their roster was still filled with quality players, and their possession-based style remained intact.
Portugal hadn't anticipated such extensive rotations from Spain, which disrupted their game plan.
The first half was tightly contested, with the breakthrough coming just before halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo assisted Nuno Gomes for Portugal's only goal, putting them ahead 1–0 at the break.
In the second half, the match turned into a stalemate until the 76th minute.
Just moments after being subbed on, Torres received a precise through ball from Fàbregas. He controlled it expertly, broke into the box, and fired a composed shot past Ricardo, leveling the score for Spain.
Even Torres himself seemed surprised to score so quickly after coming on, with barely enough time to warm up.
As the match progressed, both teams traded attacks. Portugal's coach, Scolari, was wary of Spain's quick passing and counterattacking threat.
Ultimately, a draw was a result both sides could accept.
Spain topped Group D with 7 points from two wins and a draw, while Portugal finished second with 5 points from one win and two draws.
Even if Italy defeated France in their match, their maximum of 4 points wasn't enough to qualify.
Scolari clearly understood this, which influenced his decision to begin substituting players and conserving energy for the knockout stage.
Yang Hao made his final substitutions for similar reasons, giving his bench players some minutes.
The match ended in a 1–1 draw, with both teams advancing to the next round.
When everyone was eagerly anticipating a fiery Iberian Derby between Spain and Portugal, the two "Iberian brothers" played a harmonious match and advanced to the knockout stage together.
Yang Hao could easily imagine how much Donadoni must have been cursing.
"What's the point of all the effort against France now?"
As for Domenech? Three straight losses—what else is there to say?
By the third round of the group stage, France had already started infighting—a hallmark of their national team. Franck Ribéry openly criticized Domenech's overly conservative tactics, clearly unhappy with his first European Championship experience.
No one could have anticipated such a dramatic outcome. Spain emerged undefeated from the Group of Death, leaving a lasting impression.
While the first two matches garnered the most attention, it was evident that Spain had conserved their energy in the final group-stage game, preparing for the knockout rounds.
Fernando Torres, with four goals, led the tournament's scoring chart.
Spain's group-stage success sparked nationwide celebrations. Fans and media alike heaped praise on Yang Hao and his revitalized Spanish national team.
A 5–0 thrashing of Italy and a 3–0 demolition of France—when had Spain ever dominated two world-class teams in such a fashion?
The commanding performances in the group stage showcased Spain's newfound dominance, earning the admiration of countless fans.
Even in the final 1–1 draw against Portugal, Spain controlled the match.
After advancing from the group stage as winners, Spain's next challenge was Guus Hiddink's Russia.
The Spanish sports daily Marca published an article with a bold headline: "We Owe Yang Hao a Sincere Apology!"
The article praised Spain's dreamlike football, acknowledging how Yang Hao had completely transformed the team.
"Under Yang Hao, Spain exudes a new vitality. The players' football and mentality on the pitch feel entirely different from the Spain of the past."
The piece emphasized Yang Hao's significant reforms within the national team.
"In 2006, when Yang Hao took charge of Spain, many doubted and even rejected him. His decision to exclude Raúl from the squad sparked outrage among fans."
"For a time, Yang Hao was practically a national villain."
"But he remained steadfast in doing what he believed was right."
The article argued that Yang Hao's decision to leave Raúl out wasn't due to rivalry between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, but based purely on tactical considerations.
"Look at this Spanish squad today. If Raúl were included, whose place would he take?"
"Would he occupy Torres' position, absorbing pressure up front?"
"Could he provide the width, crosses, and breakthroughs that Villa and Reyes deliver from the flanks?"
"Or would he replace the likes of Iniesta or David Silva, who ensure Spain's precise passing and possession?"
Marca also revealed that despite personal friendship, Yang Hao and Raúl had not been in contact for two years due to national team matters.
"However, before Spain departed for Austria, Raúl sent Yang Hao a text message for the first time in two years, wishing him and the team success at the Euros."
"Raúl has moved on. He is now just like any other Spanish fan, cheering for the national team from home and celebrating their achievements."
"But what about the rest of us?"
"Have we, who condemned and insulted Yang Hao back then, ever apologized sincerely for our actions? Do those who criticized and vilified him feel any remorse now?"
The article concluded by stating that all who once doubted Yang Hao owed him an apology.
"Not only has he developed numerous national team players, but he has also led Spain to shine on the European stage."
"We have every reason to believe that Yang Hao and his Spain can go even further in this tournament—perhaps all the way!"
"This is not just our hope; it is the goal of Yang Hao and the Spanish national team."
After the group stage, Yang Hao and his squad took two days to rest and analyze their performances in Innsbruck. They also began preparing for the knockout round, especially their match against Russia.
Russia's Andrey Arshavin had been the star of the tournament, single-handedly leading his team to the knockout rounds. Dubbed "The Russian Tsar," his performances had attracted attention from Europe's top clubs.
Some even compared him to Atlético Madrid's Lionel Messi.
Yang Hao scoffed at the comparison but remained cautious about Arshavin's threat.
To defeat Russia, Yang Hao emphasized the need to neutralize Arshavin, which meant starting Marcos Senna.
While Xabi Alonso excelled in orchestrating attacks, his defensive capabilities were not on par with Senna's.
Against players like Arshavin and Ribéry, who thrive in attacking roles, Senna's defensive skills were indispensable.
This tactical pragmatism was a hallmark of Yang Hao's leadership. He tailored his lineups based on the team's needs and the opposition's strengths.
Against Italy, a team without a traditional attacking midfielder, Yang Hao opted for Alonso. Against threats like Ribéry or Arshavin, Senna was the obvious choice.
This transparent approach to squad selection earned Yang Hao the respect of his players, despite the significant presence of Atlético Madrid players in the national team.
By focusing purely on tactics and team needs, Yang Hao created a fair and harmonious environment in the dressing room.
After two days of rest in Innsbruck, the team departed for Vienna.
Upon arriving in the Austrian capital, Yang Hao granted the players a half-day break, allowing their families to visit the hotel for some quality time together.
This decision came on the advice of the team's psychologist, who believed family support could further motivate the players and strengthen their resolve.
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