"Poland are committing heavily to the attack. Zieliński and Świderski keep helping Lewandowski create chances, while Puchacz has become their main source of crosses. Poland want to pin Spain back as quickly as possible!"
In the 60th minute, Poland made a substitution.
"Frankowski replaces Jóźwiak!"
Thiago was also sent on, replacing Olmo and giving Spain another midfielder.
"They've brought on a midfielder at the very moment they need a goal. With Thiago coming on, Spain's three attackers have been reduced to two. Is Hierro trying to protect the draw?"
After seeing Spain make such a conservative substitution, Poland's coach also assumed Hierro intended to secure the point first. If that was the case, Poland's chances of scoring would only increase.
Frankowski had been introduced to free Świderski to support Lewandowski more aggressively, and Poland's approach became even bolder.
"This is the first time we've seen Moder carry the ball into this area today."
"He gives it to Klich. Puchacz is charging forward again, and the ball goes out to the left."
"Puchacz crosses!"
Puchacz immediately sent the ball into the box, where Lewandowski and Świderski both attacked it.
Laporte was practically facing both of them alone, yet he still managed to head the ball away.
Frankowski controlled the clearance and went for the follow-up, but his technique let him down and he fired the ball straight into the section occupied by Spain's supporters.
The Spanish fans immediately turned their thumbs downward and held up their little fingers toward Frankowski, mocking Poland's attack.
"The Spanish supporters are trying to put pressure on the Polish players, but they must be feeling plenty of pressure themselves. Spain's attacking momentum is gradually fading!"
Puchacz tugged at his shirt, seemingly unable to believe Frankowski had produced such a poor shot.
At that moment, Thiago nodded toward Leo Lin, and Spain's attack began to adopt a pattern of movement familiar to every fan watching.
Morata and Oyarzabal suddenly closed around Poland's penalty area, while Thiago and Pedri pressed Klich and Glik together. The longer Gullit watched, the more familiar it looked.
After all, he and Scholes had commentated on countless Liverpool matches over the past few seasons. Gullit knew the tactic so well that he could close his eyes and identify it solely from Scholes's commentary.
"Isn't this Liverpool's trademark herding press? Why are Spain using it now?"
"Did Zubizarreta bring this in as well?"
Sharing Gullit's confusion, the camera turned toward Zubizarreta.
After Spain defeated Sweden in the opening group match, Zubizarreta had spoken with Klopp on the flight. The call had not merely been about discussing tactics. He had also asked Klopp and Krawietz to explain the fundamentals of the herding press to the entire Spain squad.
This was the tactic Spain had been secretly practicing.
Leo Lin sprinted past Moder toward Frankowski. As every Spanish attacker surrounded Poland's penalty area, Szczęsny became like countless bewildered goalkeepers before him. All he could do was clear the ball.
Once the goalkeeper lost his bearings, the entire team followed.
The 70th minute!
After Poland were forced to clear the ball yet again, Spain had no intention of giving them another chance.
Rodri anticipated the most dangerous passing route, and Thiago suddenly flicked the ball on with a header from the right.
Morata was preparing to head it toward goal at the far post, but then he spotted Leo Lin in a better position.
He headed the ball toward Leo Lin. Oyarzabal instinctively turned sideways, opening up space for Leo Lin to shoot, and Leo Lin raised his foot and struck toward goal.
"Spain have finally broken the deadlock!"
"Poland are behind after all. Not only are they going to miss out on all three points, but they could also be eliminated early!"
Poland could never have imagined that Spain would use Liverpool's herding press. That tactical change ultimately allowed Spain to send Poland home, securing qualification with six points while Poland were eliminated.
Three days later, Spain faced Slovakia in their third group-stage match.
Hierro started several players who had yet to feature in the tournament, allowing them to experience the atmosphere of the European Championship.
Those young players then led Spain to a 6-0 victory over Slovakia. They did more than simply experience the atmosphere. They settled into the tournament remarkably well.
Spain became one of only two teams to advance from the group stage with a perfect record. The other was Portugal.
Leo Lin was delighted to have completed the first objective of qualifying from the group, but the news coming from his club could not have been more different.
"For every Liverpool supporter, this will be devastating transfer news."
"We have just learned that Liverpool's starting left winger, Mané, has joined Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga for 60 million euros."
"This was supposed to be the final year of Mané's contract, and many supporters were still hoping Liverpool would extend his deal for several more seasons. Instead, Mané has left Liverpool. It happened so suddenly that I doubt any fan saw it coming!"
Less than ten minutes passed between the announcement of Mané's departure and the news spreading throughout the fanbase.
Leo Lin was stunned. Before this, Mané had never once mentioned wanting to leave Anfield.
For Liverpool's supporters, however, this was only the beginning. Reports soon emerged that Williams, a young player promoted to the first team in 2019, was also planning to leave.
Then another transfer was announced. Williams had joined Nottingham Forest for 20 million.
"Liverpool appear to be selling a large number of players. Aside from a select few stars who are not for sale, they seem prepared to seriously consider any offer for everyone else!"
Scholes stared at the two latest transfer reports, unable to understand what Liverpool were trying to do.
Then Gullit received another piece of transfer news. Once again, it concerned Liverpool.
"Liverpool's backup right winger, Shaqiri, has now officially left for 8 million euros. He has been an excellent player and contributed a great deal to the club over the past few years."
"It has also been confirmed that Wijnaldum will not renew his contract with Liverpool. We do not know whether he was never offered a new deal or simply wanted to leave."
"Either way, Wijnaldum has signed a contract with Paris Saint-Germain."
"Several other players, including Grujic, who were promoted to Liverpool's first team over the past two years have also been sold to other clubs. Those deals are expected to bring Liverpool roughly 20 million euros."
Spain's 6-0 victory over Slovakia in the final group match should have left Leo Lin overjoyed.
Instead, all his excitement had vanished.
After selling so many players, including key starters, how were Liverpool supposed to compete for the title next season?
...
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