Chapter 1013 Attack Formation

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() Wembley Stadium

The greatest stadium in England's history hosts the longest-running FA Cup final today.

In England, the status of the FA Cup once surpassed that of the league. Later, although the status of the league surpassed that of the FA Cup, the FA Cup, as the oldest competition in England, still has an important position in the hearts of fans.

On the day of the game, the streets and alleys of London were filled with Manchester United fans and Stoke City fans.

Teams like Stoke City have limited fans. Apart from the local area, there are almost no other fans. The vast majority of Londoners are Manchester United fans.

The FA Cup championship is the least important championship that Manchester United can compete for. However, Manchester United has not won the FA Cup championship in 7 years. Moreover, this is the first championship trophy that Manchester United has won. It is very important to the team. Morale has a major impact. Therefore, Manchester United attaches great importance to it, and the number of fans who come to watch the game is no less than a double red meeting.

After lunch at the Grove Hotel, Manchester United held a tactical meeting and then took the bus to Wembley Stadium.

At this moment, Wembley Stadium is already full of fans, and there are about 500 to 600 reporters on the sidelines. There are also about 7,788 football celebrities, businessmen and celebrities in the VIP box. Everyone is waiting for the players to appear. .

The on-site commentators are already in place and have already received the starting lineup. The players have not yet arrived, but the fans have already taken their seats. They are taking this time to introduce the lineup and tactics of the game to the fans.

Stoke City, who have reached the FA Cup final for the first time in a century, put together the strongest lineup they can today.

Goalkeeper: 29-Sorensen; defenders: 12-Mark Wilson, 17-Shawcross, 4-Huth, 28-Wilkinson; midfielder: 16-Pennant, 24-Drap, 6- Whelan, 26-Etherington; Forward: 9-Kenveney Jones, 19-Watkins

Apart from Pennant and Huth, there are not many famous players in this starting lineup.

However, goalkeeper Sorensen is still the best in the Premier League. Depra's grenade throw-in is unique in football, and local player Etherington is the core and spiritual leader of Stoke City. Stoke City, known for its strength and defense, is extremely Etherington's organization and passing are needed.

Naturally, Stoke City's lineup cannot be compared with Manchester United, but Stoke City does not rely on fame. Stoke City relies on strong fighting spirit, as well as a defensive system that emphasizes team spirit and fierce and rigorous.

Manchester United did not dare to be careless in this game. They also lined up their strongest lineup. In an event like the FA Cup, no one would laugh if a wealthy team was eliminated in the quarter-finals and top 16, because the wealthy team would look down on it and give up early. But if they lose in the final, That would be so embarrassing.

Manchester United’s starting lineup is: Goalkeeper: No. 1 Edwin van der Sar

Defenders: No. 21 Rafael, No. 5 Ferdinand, No. 15 Vidic, No. 3 Evra

Midfielder: No. 17 Nani, No. 18 Scholes, No. 10 Gao Xiaodong, No. 25 Valencia

Forwards: No. 7 Rooney, No. 14 Hernandez

The lineup created by Ferguson did not follow the principle of offensive and defensive balance, but was an extremely offensive lineup.

Although this is a final, it is not risky for Ferguson to arrange such a lineup. After all, their opponents are not strong teams like Chelsea and Arsenal, but Stoke City, which ranks ninth in the Premier League.

Against the extremely conservative Stoke City, if you consider the offensive and defensive balance, then Ferguson is looking down on himself too much.

Although a very aggressive starting lineup was arranged, in the locker room, Ferguson repeatedly emphasized to the Manchester United players not to underestimate the enemy, not to look down on Stoke City, and not to think that the championship is guaranteed. There is never an easy final.

The morale and fighting spirit of Manchester United players are at their peak, but their desire to underestimate the enemy is definitely there.

For a team like Manchester United, the opponents they consider every day are giants like Chelsea and Barcelona, ​​and their players are at least international star level. Facing a team like Stoke City, even if they meet in the FA Cup final, It’s also hard to take seriously.

After Ferguson gave some brief instructions, the players came out of the locker room to warm up.

The fans had been waiting for a long time and were anxiously waiting. When they saw the players coming out, the stands were like a hurricane passing by, triggering a wave of cheers and applause.

There are so many superstars in the Manchester United team, as well as legends like Scholes and Giggs. It is normal for them to win such support.

The Manchester United players were not arrogant. They walked onto the court and waved to the fans.

The warm-up before the game was not very intense, and there was nothing exciting about it. It was just about passing the ball, shooting, shooting, catching hoops, and stretching the muscles.

However, the fans came for too long and had nothing to do except watch the highlights on the big screen and listen to the commentators or their own nonsense. They were very happy to see their idols in action in front of them. .

Soon the Stoke City players also came to warm up.

Compared with Manchester United players, there were almost no fans cheering or applauding when Stoke City players warmed up.

When the game was about to start, Stoke City boss Kurtz came to the box in the stands. Reporters were snapping at him, but the fans' reaction was muted.

In addition to the fact that the Stoke City owner runs a betting company, the main reason is that Kerts has little investment in the team and the fans are dissatisfied with them.

Later, Ephraim, the son of Manchester United owner Glazer, also came to the stands. Compared with the owner of Stoke City, Glazer's son not only did not receive applause from Manchester United fans, but even received sporadic boos.

Ephraim's face was a little confused. Fortunately, the players from both sides had already appeared on the stage at this time, and the shouts and applause at the scene covered up some of the boos.

Ferguson also came to the stadium, and he was the first to shake hands with Stoke City coach Pulis.

"You played well! No matter you win or lose in this game, you can leave proudly."

Pulis said calmly: "Thank you, Sir, for the compliment. We don't want to be just spectators today."

Ferguson laughed and said: "God bless you, see you on the field. If Stoke City wins the championship, I will treat you and red wine."

After Ferguson finished speaking, he turned and returned to his coaching bench. Pulis stared at Ferguson's back and clenched his fists. He heard the contempt in Ferguson's words.

While Ferguson and Pulis were talking, the players of Manchester United and Stoke City had already completed the pre-match ceremony of shaking hands, taking photos, and exchanging team flags and emblems. They each came to their own half and waited for the referee to blow the whistle. The whistle started.