Chapter 72: Decisive Match (3)

What means a victory in a match? For coaches, victory is about the impact. Winning in the Champions League final is certainly different from winning in the league. For players, winning is all about records, whether it's goals, assists, or good defensive performances. In modern football, where matches can be analyzed in detail, even defenders can be seen from how good their match data was.

However, for the fans, winning was about happiness. For Southampton fans, who were always far from the championship, winning every game was something to be happy about. Although Southampton's current opponent was Manchester United, even though winning this match did not have any impact, they still wanted their favorite team to win.

Kazuki exhaled, after deep thought. He really wanted to win this match. His desire had nothing to do with the league championship. He just wanted to win for the fans. However, he knew George and the other players didn't really care about this match. Therefore, he decided to speak about his opinion.

Kazuki raised his hand. George, who was talking about tactics in the dressing room noticed Kazuki. He stopped talking and asked Kazuki, "Is there something you want to say?"

Kazuki gave his opinion, "Coach, can we go all out in the second half? I mean, winning or losing doesn't really matter to Southampton, that's why we have to play attacking. At least to entertain the fans."

George was silent for a moment before saying, "At the start of the second half, Manchester United might have loosened up their defense, however, they were already 3 goals ahead. You can use that moment properly to score a goal. Sir Alex Henderson was an experienced coach, he won't let that moment too long. He will make a change after you tried to score a goal.

If you guys can use that moment well, we would have a chance to at least level things up."

The rest of Southampton players doubted that this team can turn things around, however, their current opponent was Manchester United.

However, as Kazuki said, it was better to fight until the last minute than to let Manchester United dominate the game too much. Despite the result, at least Southampton had tried.

After a while, the second half of the 38th round match between Southampton and Manchester United started. Manchester United started the second-half kick-off with confidence.

Some Manchester United players like Luis Nani even looked like they wanted to score and start the goal feast in the second half. However, Southampton gave a different play style from the first half.

In the first half, Southampton followed Manchester United's low tempo of play, this time Southampton forced the game to run with high intensity with tight pressing against the Manchester United players.

They didn't hesitate to commit fouls to stop and disrupt the Manchester United attacks. Simone and Rudolf were running continuously to break the attacks of Manchester United players and also build Southampton attacks. Ryan stepped back and helped the two Southampton midfielders. He had a duel with Park Ji Sung.

In the 49th minute, Park Ji Sung pushed Ryan with his body so that Ryan lost his balance. After that, he snatched the ball from Ryan's feet. Shortly after, Park Ji Sung won the ball, Ryan immediately ran and grabbed the back of the South Korean player's shirt.

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After that, he used the tip of his foot to kick the ball which was guarded by Park Ji Sung. Rudolf rushed towards the ball, then he kicked the ball hard forward.

Rustan, who is on the left side of the Manchester United defense, immediately responded to the pass from Rudolf. He received the pass with his chest and then controlled the ball. After that, he turned around while preventing Evra from stealing the ball from him.

Then he kicked the ball into the space in front of Ryan. Ryan with all his power dueled Park Jisung to pick up the ball. After he managed to get the ball, Ryan gave a lob pass into the empty area between the goalkeeper and the Manchester United defender.

Kazuki, who was already prepared earlier, immediately escaped from the offside trap. He ran fast for the ball. Kazuki got the ball, but at the same time, Rio Fernand had stuck his foot out to block Kazuki's kick.

Suddenly, Kazuki pushed the ball with his right foot towards the left. Fadick tried to take the ball, but Kazuki changed the direction of the ball slightly forward, after which he gave a directed kick with his left foot.

The ball hit the top post and bounced into the Manchester United net. As soon as the ball went in, Kazuki and the other Southampton players celebrated the goal. Southampton fans in the stadium cheered, celebrating Kazuki's goal.

Jim Kaglin said with enthusiasm, "game on! Southampton managed to score their first goal of the match. An appreciation should be given to Ryan, who has worked hard to give Kazuki an opportunity. Fortunately, the Japanese player managed to execute the opportunity very well."

Andy Cole showed an expression of regret, he said, "Manchester United didn't seem focused at the start of the second half. I saw some mistakes in Manchester United's defense. Especially, Edwin, he should have come forward and caught the ball, but he was too late so Kazuki can get the ball first."

Carragher gave his opinion, "There is still a long time to go, with this goal Southampton still has a chance to at least equalize the score."

Andy Cole laughed softly and said: "Sir Alex Henderson is an experienced coach, he won't let that happen. I'm sure Manchester United will adjust the strategy soon. This goal will bring Manchester United back into focus."

Just as Andy Cole said, as soon as Southampton scored, Sir Alex, stood up from the bench he walked to the sidelines. No need to speak, Sir Alex's action immediately became a sign for Manchester United players to play more seriously. Victory in this match is very important, Manchester United could not lose against Southampton.

After the Red Devils took the kick-off, they controlled the ball quietly. The formation between the lines is very tight so that Southampton's pressing can be eliminated with a one-two pass. Accuracy of good passing was the key for Manchester United to withstand the pressure exerted by Southampton.

After a while, Manchester United decided to start the attack in the 55th minute. Scholes, who managed to get rid of Rudolf's guard, gave the ball forward. Ron ran backward to receive the ball, he was followed by Okhalo behind him. Ron returned the ball to Carrick.

Carrick launched a through ball forward. The gap left by Okhalo was quickly exploited by Welbeck. The Manchester United player was chasing the ball fast. However, Hilton came along and made a clean tackle. Welbeck fell in the penalty box, but it was not a foul.. Vicente immediately took the ball and launched a counterattack.

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