At the end of the first half, the Japanese fans present had forgotten how disappointed they were before the game.
The game was more exciting than they imagined.
Millwall played extremely resolutely in every attack, especially at the end of the first half. The modern winger's lone ranger style of play can easily win applause.
Franck Ribery's scarred face may still be a bit intimidating.
But Cristiano Ronaldo, who represents the Millwall youth team, came on as a substitute in the Toyota Cup last year. He left a deep impression on Japanese fans before that. According to outside knowledge, this Portuguese boy is the new generation of Millwall.
The most watched genius, he will be 17 years old in a few months. As a genius, it is time to shine.
And Kaka, a Brazilian, has been cheered by Japanese fans. Regardless of the cultural connection between Japan and Brazil, Kaka's own image and playing style are easier for people to like.
The young player Villa scored two goals, and his reputation has gradually improved from the low point this season. At least he is now recognized as an indispensable substitute player in Millwall's team.
Aldrich also felt that time flew by so fast.
I remember when I first came to Japan to play in the Toyota Cup, young players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Alonso, and Villa were just members of the youth team and the youth team. They came to Japan to help the Japanese national junior team and the national youth team.
It was so cruel, but I didn’t expect that in the blink of an eye, they would all reach the age where they could compete in top competitions.
15 minutes into the second half, Aldridge replaced Villa with Rooney.
Bianchi looked furious on the sidelines.
Millwall is using Boca Juniors to gain experience!
But he had nowhere to vent his anger.
Boca Juniors made the game easy. They were two goals behind and had no choice but to give it a try. Millwall did not have to pursue the performance of modern wingers in the second half and just launched the most primitive counterattack, using Ronaldo and Ribery on the wing.
The speed on the road, the combination of Rooney and Kaká in the middle, the attack points are comprehensive, and the positioning is also hierarchical.
Aldrich didn't move the defense line and restricted Riquelme in a targeted manner. Boca Juniors invested a lot of offensive forces, but they couldn't pose much of a threat. After all, they were also playing in an offensive way that they were not good at.
To put it bluntly, without Riquelme's core role, his teammates don't know how to play. The offensive methods are extremely monotonous.
Villas-Boas watched the game from the coaching bench with great concentration. He now habitually takes a notebook to record information that inspires him on the field.
During the preparations for investigating opponents, Villas-Boas rated Riquelme as the highest threat. However, in his eyes, the player with the highest threat could not show his strength on the court. Riquelme was restricted last year.
. I thought that after a year, he would have made some progress as he was one year older, more experienced and more capable, but I didn’t expect that the result would be the same.
"Jenson, how do you think a player like Riquelme should change in order to conform to the development trend of European football?"
Boas asked the doubts in his heart.
Jensen thought for a moment and said: "I discussed this topic with Aldridge ten years ago. At that time, he foresaw that this type of pure organizational midfielder would gradually decrease or even disappear in Europe. I didn't believe it at the time. Now look at Europe.
With the lineups of major giants, I have to admire Aldridge's foresight. As for how this type of player should develop, my experience over the years tells me.
It should be from three aspects. First, like Pirlo, the attacking midfielder is behind. For example, in today's game, if Riquelme organizes from the midfielder to the midfield area, he will definitely be very relaxed. Because Alonso
It is impossible for Gattuso and Gattuso to rush forward and mark him closely, exposing the space behind him, but this is not Riquelme's playing habit. Second, like Ronaldi
Like Neo. You also know that Ronaldinho has a very special position and role in our team. A winger is not like a winger, and an attacking midfielder is not like an attacking midfielder. However, he is a far more organizational threat when playing wide than when playing as an attacking midfielder.
The position is stronger. The outside world says that Millwall's attacking midfielder is Nedved. In fact, I think it is wrong. Nedved is our shadow forward and Ronaldinho is
It is our attacking midfielder. We are dual-core at the front and back. Ronaldinho is close to the opponent's goal and Pirlo is far away. When instigating an attack, he can pose a threat in all directions and effectively activate every offensive point. Third
, then it depends on the players themselves to transform, such as becoming more balanced in offensive and defensive capabilities, but this transformation will be very dangerous, and may become mediocre."
Like a good student, Boas quickly wrote down what Jenson said in his notebook.
In the process of observing the game, he did notice the disadvantages of a classical attacking midfielder like Riquelme when there was a comparison.
After Riquelme lost the ball, Millwall could quickly organize a counterattack, because Riquelme's defensive awareness and ability made his ability to counterattack on the spot unable to achieve the tactical purpose of delaying the opponent's attack speed.
On the contrary, after Millwall lost the ball, Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ribery all quickly counterattacked. Whether they succeeded or not was secondary. At least the three of them had speed. Even if they committed a foul, they would not allow their opponents to get a second chance.
A counterattack with the greatest threat was formed for a while, and speed was what Riquelme lacked. In other words, Alonso ran two steps forward with the ball, and Riquelme basically stopped chasing.
As the rhythm and speed of the game become faster and faster, Riquelme's presence is getting weaker and weaker. The defense of the Premier League team is good at pressing closely and will not let you easily get the ball, turn around and observe the situation.
With the time and space to organize attacks slowly, Veron was criticized as a parallel import because of his inability to achieve his value in Manchester United. In addition to the cultural conflict and the inability to integrate into the environment, one of the reasons why his characteristics are difficult to gain a foothold in the Premier League is also one of the reasons.
In the 79th minute of the second half, Ronaldo cut into the penalty area and received a long diagonal pass from Franck Ribery with a header to score Millwall's third goal.
Aldridge turned and walked back to the coaching bench to let Lamore and De Rossi warm up and prepare to play.
In recent years, as the post-Bosman Law era has become more and more influential, South America has become Europe's talent selection base. South America cannot retain good players. Some talents have just turned 18 and directly landed in Europe, especially now that South American and European players
Against the background of huge income disparity, Boca Juniors' strength has declined compared to last year. Riquelme is limited, Tevez is not stable, and the team's skills and tactics are gradually out of touch with the times. Aldrich's victory over Bianchi is also
I feel unmotivated.
Fortunately, it allows young people to experience big scenes and accumulate experience, which is a worthwhile trip.
At the end of the game, Aldrich stood up and shook hands with Bianchi again. This time, Bianchi held him and chatted for a long time.
The governor and the young marshal calmly exchanged their thoughts on the game on the sidelines. Aldridge didn't have any airs. He had no intention of celebrating this Toyota Cup, so he chatted a lot with Bianchi without hiding anything.
Communication between coaches is a secret and will basically not be disclosed to the outside world.
Talking about Riquelme, Aldridge said bluntly: "He is a good player and there are players who can reach the master level. However, he will never meet Millwall's selection criteria and we will not need him."
Such a player, because of his value in Millwall's tactical system, may have a negative effect."
Speaking of Tevez, Aldrich was full of praise.
"Tevez has great potential. With his physical fitness and technical ability, if he can steadily improve, he will be able to shine in the European giants in the future."
Bianchi also talked a lot with Aldridge on a tactical level, but Aldridge felt it was a waste of time.
It’s not that the other side can’t listen to what you say, it’s that the football environment in South America is completely different from that in Europe. Europe pays attention to tactical discipline, while South America is open and free. If the football soil in South America becomes like that in Europe, I am afraid that most of the geniuses in South America will die in their cradle.
Bianchi lost to Aldrich for the second time, and he had no complaints. This time he was convinced of his defeat.
And he praised Aldridge and Millwall in the post-match interview.
During this Toyota Cup campaign, there was a good story of heroic sympathy between the young marshal and the governor.
Villa scored two goals and became the best player in the final. He received a Toyota car.
Millwall are preparing to return to London after the award ceremony.
The span between Europe and Asia is too long, the journey is relatively time-consuming, and there will be jet lag when we return. Millwall must race against time to recover to its best condition and return to the league to challenge Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Before leaving Japan, Aldridge received another call from FA Chairman Thompson.
"Aldrich, you can let the team return to London first. You will stay in Asia for three more days. The organizers of the AFC, FIFA, South Korea and Japan all hope that you can come and support them.
"
After the FA chairman almost fell out with Aldridge on the phone six months ago, he has finally put his position in order. How can a politician remain stubborn because of a conflict?
Aldridge is extremely popular and is the most popular head coach in England. He has helped the England team soar to the World Cup. He has been in office for more than a year and has improved the national team's brand, image, economic benefits and influence.
And the attention, this is extremely huge.
Whoever Thompson offends now will not offend Aldrich.
The World Cup group stage draw will be held in three days. The location is not far from Japan, in South Korea. If Aldridge leaves today, he will definitely not be able to fly from London to South Korea again. Thompson wants to take this opportunity to bring Aldridge to South Korea.
Staying in Asia and allowing him to attend the lottery ceremony will not only enhance the diplomatic image, but also bring glory to the England delegation.
England is not a seeded team, but it will definitely become the center of attention with Aldridge present.
"Mr. Chairman, the contract I signed with the Football Association clearly states that my work for the national team cannot, first of all, affect my work at the club. Although attending the World Cup draw ceremony is part of my job as the coach of the national team,
But considering that the club league is currently in progress, I still have to focus on club work. Sorry, I have to go back to London."
"Then, oh, okay, goodbye."
Thompson hung up the phone in frustration.
He really felt that Aldrich was a weirdo. It was obviously a good opportunity to show his face on the world stage, but he didn't want it!
Aldrich got on the plane and flew back to London, sitting alone in a corner with his eyes closed and meditating.
I couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
The World Cup, the World Cup, seems far away in my mind, but the reality is right before my eyes.