Field Commander - Chapter 42

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 42.

Chapter 42.

Chapter 42.

The battle for last place.

Freiburg SC VS Bochum with this disgraceful modifier attached.

Round 6.

Bochum had 1 draw and 4 losses.

Freiburg had 5 losses.

Bochum’s poor performance after being promoted from the Second Division League this time was expected.

However, no expert had predicted that Freiburg would suffer 5 consecutive defeats.

“Huff huff huff…”

Gunter, with sweat pouring down like rain, bent over with an exhausted expression.

‘This is really fucking terrible.’

Gunter, whose morale had risen to the max during his winning streak, was feeling despair in his first team debut.

‘Damn it. Why is that mafia bastard popping into my head!’

The thought suddenly occurred to him that if Kim Sang-hyuk were just in the back field, they could do something.

‘No, I really wish he was here…’

There was no connection between offense and defense, and the manager’s tactics weren’t being executed at all.

Even the forward at the front seemed to have less presence than Antonio in the second team.

His confidence that could devour even the Bundesliga was completely devastated in just one game.

The team’s morale had fallen to rock bottom, and fans were throwing jeers instead of cheers.

‘It’s still 0-0.’

At the 40th minute of the second half…

If they couldn’t win against a strong relegation candidate, the team’s future fate seemed too bleak.

“You bastards, let’s play better! You sons of bitches soaked in defeatism!”

Gunter shouted at his teammates in frustration.

“You play better yourself.”

“What are you saying? A punk who just came up from the second team.”

The team’s reaction was naturally cold.

Eventually, even passes stopped coming his way.

And just before the end of the match, a pass miss by Freiburg’s defense decided their fate.

Instead of passing to Gunter who had no defenders, they passed to another player and lost the ball, and the goal was opened by a single long-range shot before the goalkeeper could even get into position.

While the away team Bochum players were doing their goal celebration, trash began flying into the stadium along with jeers from the home team fans.

It was concentrated especially where Streich was standing.

And Streich got hit in the head by a plastic water bottle.

“Stop throwing!”

Coaches and players shouted at the fans, and Streich picked up the bottle that hit him.

This year’s goal was to stay in the league, but it seemed difficult.

“We’ll need to rebuild the team.”

He muttered so no one could hear.

Although he was the worst manager with 6 consecutive losses, he was confident he wouldn’t be fired since Freiburg didn’t have the financial resources to bring in an interim manager this year.

“For the future of Freiburg.”

He was someone who loved the team so much that he was born in Freiburg, ended his playing career in Freiburg, and immediately became a coach.

* * *

St. James’ Park.

London Olympics soccer event.

Group B

Korea vs Switzerland (2R)

The good thing about this London Olympics was that there was no need to travel far.

Each group was assigned a soccer field, and games were only played there.

At most, it was a 30-minute drive from the dormitory.

That’s why they could physically endure games held every 3-4 days.

Contrary to concerns about physical problems, Korea pressured Switzerland very strongly from the beginning.

“Wow, it really won’t open. If it were me, I would have scored there.”

Jang Jin-woo muttered beside me.

For some reason, the manager had placed me in the seat next to Jang Jin-woo.

“That’s ridiculous. You would have just flailed your feet in the air being pushed around by those big guys.”

I, sitting next to him, answered.

“Hey, defenders like that are common in the Bundesliga. You’d know if you had actually played there.”

Ah, damn.

What’s so great about playing in the Bundesliga…

Well.

It is something to be proud of…

Damn it.

I shut my mouth tight in annoyance and watched the game, while Jang Jin-woo excitedly muttered.

“Why aren’t those Swiss guys attacking? Don’t they need to score to advance to the main tournament?”

“They must be scared of Joo-young hyung.”

This time Jang Jin-woo looked at me and shut his mouth tight.

There are listening ears nearby, so it’ll be hard to run your mouth carelessly, right?

“Don’t use your head for weird things.”

“When did I use my head? I’m just telling the truth.”

“If I had gone out, those guys would have to stay only inside the penalty area.”

“Want to bet?”

Jang Jin-woo shook his head.

“No.”

“I thought you were stupid. Just talking nonsense.”

“What? You 4th Division bastard.”

I turned my head and glared at Jang Jin-woo.

“Don’t fight with words, let’s have a 1-on-1.”

“Are you crazy? Why would I have a 1-on-1 with you?”

“Why, think you can’t win?”

“Hey, bring it up when you make it to the Bundesliga. That’s something you do when you’re in equal positions.”

He’s not stupid after all.

But if I faced off against this bastard once, I think I could gauge the level of Bundesliga forwards…

The manager always pairs this guy and me in tactical games.

That’s when it happened.

Just when it seemed the first half would end without any goals, Ki Sung-yueng’s long-range shot split the Swiss goal.

“Woahhh!!!”

“Yeah!!!”

As soon as the goal was scored, we both stood up and cheered simultaneously.

The starting players ran toward us and we hugged and celebrated together.

“As expected of Sung-wook. Today Sung-wook probably won’t be substituted. Looking at his form.”

Ah…

This bastard…

At that moment, Coach Lee Ho-nam approached us.

“Hey, you two. The manager said to keep it down. He can hear everything.”

“Yes.”

“Yes!”

Unlike Ki Sung-yueng who was flying high today, Jung Joo-young clearly looked exhausted.

Even if he wouldn’t be substituted right before the second half, it seemed like he’d be replaced with Jang Jin-woo around the middle of the half.

“But if I pass to you, will you actually score?”

At my question, Jang Jin-woo looked at me with wide eyes.

“Isn’t that obvious? I’m a player on the Olympic National Team. I’m a striker who has to score goals no matter what trash passes me the ball.”

I felt a surge of anger for a moment.

Damn…

I got provoked.

But there was no need to show it on my face.

I thought I had kept it hidden.

“Why are you clenching your fists?”

Jang Jin-woo said while subtly backing away.

“I suddenly remembered the afterglow of Sung-wook’s goal earlier.”

“Ah, this crazy bastard.”

* * *

It was around 20 minutes into the second half.

As Jang Jin-woo said, the starters were playing so well that there was no sign of substitution even in the second half.

‘Will I not get to play at all?’

At least I had played in the Mexico match, but Jang Jin-woo sitting next to me was shaking his crossed leg violently.

“Do you have epilepsy?”

“What?”

“Why do you keep shaking your smelly foot?”

“Hey, these are new soccer boots, okay? Unlike you, I get sponsorship deals, so I get new boots every game, okay? What would a 4th Division guy know?”

“…”

I quietly looked at his boot brand.

Artidas.

‘You won’t get anything from now on.’

That’s when it happened.

“Jin-woo, Sang-hyuk, warm up.”

At the manager’s words, we both stood up simultaneously.

As if competing, we took off our coats that had been keeping us warm.

But we headed to opposite sides and started warming up there.

About 5 minutes passed like that.

A long pass flew from Switzerland’s back field.

But Ki Sung-yueng misjudged the landing point and failed while trying to force a header to handle the ball.

The Swiss left wing forward took the loose ball and headed toward the goal post.

Their organized link-up pass completely caught us off guard, missing one forward perfectly, and they were allowed a shot in front of the goal post.

– Thud.

The Swiss side erupted in cheers with everyone jumping up and down, while our side became like a funeral home atmosphere.

‘Ah damn, the mood is screwed.’

Soccer is a team sport, but it’s also called a sport of momentum.

With this equalizer, our team would definitely shrink back more, while Switzerland could go wild.

If we didn’t quickly turn that momentum around, it would definitely work against us.

“Ah, of all times…”

Jang Jin-woo also hardened his expression and stood frozen, unable to take his eyes off the field.

“Jin-woo, Sang-hyuk!”

Soon the manager called us, and it was certain we’d be substituted before we even finished warming up.

“Sang-hyuk, you take Sung-wook’s position like in the Mexico match.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t need to explain separately, right?”

“Yes.”

“Jin-woo, you…”

I also leaned in and listened carefully.

Jang Jin-woo looked at me with an uncomfortable expression, but I didn’t care.

I needed to hear what kind of movement this guy would make so I could decide whether to go with quick attacks or slow build-up.

Lee Sang-cheol gave tactical instructions to Jang Jin-woo regardless of whether I was listening or not.

“In set piece situations, you become the decoy.”

“What? Me?”

Jang Jin-woo looked at me with a face full of dissatisfaction.

“You’ve been thoroughly analyzed. It’s obvious that heavy marking will come in set piece situations. In that state, your probability of scoring drops. So become a decoy and clear the space in front of the goal post.”

I nodded vigorously.

‘That’s right.’

The manager has good insight.

“So you’re telling me to yield to this guy?”

“If we were to count our team’s header ability, you two are the best. Then we should choose the option with higher probability.”

As expected.

As expected!

This is the person who wrote the 2002 World Cup legend.

“If we don’t quickly turn the mood around now, we might lose this game. You know what I mean? Putting you two in quickly means to change the atmosphere. Now! Go!”

Before Jang Jin-woo could voice his complaints, the manager lightly pushed both of us.

“Ah damn.”

Jang Jin-woo muttered as he walked.

“Follow the manager’s orders properly.”

“Ah damn…”

Why do I keep wanting to laugh when our team is losing?

The player who scored was running from our team’s goal post to the center with the ball.

‘From Switzerland’s perspective, if they overturn this game, advancing to the quarterfinals becomes likely.’

They had been defensive until now, but riding this momentum, they could definitely come out attacking for a few minutes.

“Hey.”

While standing on the center sideline waiting for the main referee’s signal, I called Jang Jin-woo.

“What?”

A voice full of irritation.

Ey, young punk.

“Don’t you want military exemption?”

“Why are you asking something so obvious?”

“Then do you want to sync up with me once?”

“…”

The guy who had been answering immediately couldn’t open his mouth and just stared at me intensely.

‘Yeah. That’s enough. I just need respect for my ability.’

I looked at the ground.

“Switzerland’s Number 5. That guy with the shamelessly dyed hair.”

At my words, Jang Jin-woo turned his head.

“Compared to other center backs, he’s slow and has sluggish reactions.”

“…”

“With your speed and physicality, you should be able to shake him off by running around.”

“….”

“When we win the ball in our half, whether you’re switching or whatever, make Number 5 mark you. Then penetrate at the right timing. I’ll put the ball into space for you.”

“What, dude?”

“We need to win, right? Don’t we? We need to solve military service so we can get higher salaries and buy better cars instead of shitty Ferraris.”

“Who are you to give me orders?”

“If you don’t want to do it, then don’t? There are plenty of other players on the team who can score goals for me.”

That’s actually true.

Yang Tae-hee running on the right has the best ball skills on the team and decent speed too.

Gu Ja-yoon playing as attacking midfielder also has considerable penetration ability.

I didn’t really need to hear this guy’s answer.

If he wants it, he’ll move according to what I said.

Whatever.

That’s when it happened.

The main referee’s whistle blew, and the assistant referee standing nearby raised the substitution board.

Jung Joo-young and Ki Sung-wook were coming off, and Jang Jin-woo and I were going in.

For some reason, Jung Joo-young was limping as he came over.

But he didn’t even touch hands with Jang Jin-woo and looked at me saying.

“Watch out for Number 5. He plays soccer like shit.”

It definitely seemed like he was talking to Jang Jin-woo though.

Jung Joo-young quickly went in, and Jang Jin-woo didn’t seem to care much about it.

Ki Sung-wook’s expression wasn’t good, probably because we conceded a goal due to his mistake.

“Sorry. Switzerland suddenly raised the tempo in the second half.”

“I know. Get some rest.”

After touching palms with him, I also followed Jang Jin-woo onto the ground.

The cheering from the Red Devils who flew all the way to this foreign country grew louder, shouting Jang Jin-woo’s name.

– Boom boom boom!!! Jang Jin-woo!

I knelt down as if checking my soccer cleats’ laces and examined the grass.

Since I played here once in the Mexico match, it’s familiar, but today it seems a bit less moist.

That’s when it happened.

– Boom boom boom!!! Kim Sang-hyuk!

Unlike the Mexico match, the fans were passionately chanting my name.

‘Ah…’

I usually don’t play soccer with my heart burning like this…

My soccer is about moving while coldly assessing situations.

But today, even my heart was burning hot.

– Boom boom boom… Boom boom boom… Kim Sang-hyuk.

And I can’t hear Jang Jin-woo’s name in my ears at all, only my own name comes through.

‘This feels good.’

Alright.

Let’s destroy them today too!

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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