Chapter 100
June 22nd, Morning – Vienna, Austria
Like every match day, Yang Hao started his morning routine: waking up, brushing his teeth, washing his face, changing clothes, and heading out to breakfast with the team. His daily agenda revolved around preparation, training, and matches.
Two days earlier, Blake Lively had joined the players' families for a visit to the hotel. The couple spent the afternoon exploring Vienna before returning to the hotel for the evening. Afterward, she, like the other family members, returned to the accommodations arranged by the national team, complete with transportation. She and the other families would be in the stands to cheer on Spain in their match against Russia.
After breakfast, Yang Hao reviewed the medical reports detailing the players' physical conditions. He even found time to check the news, only to discover a few text messages from Arsène Wenger.
During the Euros, Wenger had taken up a commentary role with France's TV1. He had provided commentary for Spain's match against France and was now set to do the same for Spain versus Russia.
In one message, Wenger shared a video of a YouTube interview. "I'm your fan now," Wenger wrote. "I praised you a lot—don't forget to treat me to dinner!"
Yang Hao scoffed. Clearly, Wenger's real goal was to get a free meal.
Curious, Yang Hao watched the interview, a panel discussion on France Télévisions. The topic? France's disastrous group-stage exit and the need for introspection.
Wenger's Insights
As one of the world's top coaches, Wenger offered incisive commentary. He noted that this Euros hadn't seen any major tactical innovations, even in Spain, whose approach largely built upon Atlético Madrid's style under Yang Hao.
Wenger highlighted a shift among teams previously reliant on the 4-4-2 system. Many now employed a hybrid approach, pushing wingers or attacking midfielders forward during attacks to create a dual-striker system while falling back into a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 in defense.
"Take Spain, for example," Wenger said. "Torres and Villa often function as dual strikers, with Villa frequently drifting around Torres. When Villa moves centrally, defenders struggle to handle him."
Wenger also praised Spain's central attacking play. "The midfield penetrations from Silva, Iniesta, Xavi, and Fàbregas are extremely threatening."
Wenger Predicts a Spanish Finals Appearance
When asked about Spain's chances in the knockout rounds, Wenger confidently stated, "I see Spain reaching the finals. Yang Hao's team has the depth and strategy to go the distance."
His reasoning? Spain's controlled performance against Portugal, where Yang Hao clearly conserved energy. "If Spain had gone all out, they would have won."
Wenger added that Russia and the Netherlands, known for their direct, aggressive styles, would be favorable matchups for Spain.
"Yang Hao and Spain excel against teams like these," Wenger said. "That's why I believe they'll make the finals."
Clarifying Misconceptions
Wenger dismissed claims that Yang Hao's Spain merely mimicked Barcelona's possession-based philosophy.
"Spain's control might appear similar, but it's a different beast. Barcelona's possession is a method to exhaust the opponent, whereas Spain's play under Yang Hao is dynamic, using frequent positional changes, runs, and switches to disorient opponents."
He couldn't resist a dig at Mourinho: "Of course, today's Barcelona has abandoned that tradition for more pragmatic football."
Spain's Key Player
Wenger emphasized Fernando Torres's importance.
"Against Portugal, Spain's threat level dropped significantly without Torres. Llorente is promising, but he's not yet at Torres's level."
Torres's impact goes beyond goals, Wenger explained. His movement and ability to hold the ball up were crucial to Spain's offense.
Wenger reminisced about 2000 when he and other clubs scouted a young Torres. "Everyone was drawn to his speed and physicality, but reports noted his ball control needed refinement, which could limit his ceiling."
He credited Yang Hao and Atlético for developing Torres into a complete striker. "Yang Hao tasked Kiko with honing Torres's technique. Now, his tactical adaptability and hold-up play complement his physical attributes, making him one of the world's top strikers."
Wenger concluded, "Spain's success depends on how long Torres can maintain his form. If Russia wants a chance, Hiddink must find a way to neutralize him."
Yang Hao's Response
After watching the video, Yang Hao chuckled and texted Wenger back: "Thanks, but with that big mouth of yours, don't expect a free meal!"
Wenger replied swiftly: "Hiddink surely sees this too."
Yang Hao shot back, "And if he doesn't?"
"Then it doesn't matter. If he can't see something so obvious, even if I told him, he still wouldn't beat you!"
"Fair point," Yang Hao conceded.
"So, about that dinner?"
"Fine," Yang Hao typed, adding in jest, "You're as persistent as your tactics."
He refrained from adding: No wonder you lost to Mourinho. Instead, he wrote, "Since you've been so flattering, I'll treat you when I'm back."
After all, it's only polite to indulge an old friend, especially one relegated to freelance punditry after losing the Champions League final.
Spain's clash with Russia loomed. With players rested and strategies in place, Yang Hao focused on advancing one step closer to the ultimate prize.
Evening, Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna
European Championship Quarterfinals: Spain vs. Russia
In the 6th minute, Spain attempted a central attack as Iniesta passed the ball to Torres. However, Torres found no opportunity to threaten and was forced to play it back. Iniesta redirected it to David Silva, while Russia, instead of retreating, pressed aggressively around the midfield.
David Silva, positioned near the center circle, sent a precise diagonal long pass to the right flank. Villa sprinted forward, chesting the ball down near the edge of the penalty area before controlling it at his feet. Torres, now at the top of the box, pointed to the space on the right and shouted, "Hobbit!"
Recognizing Torres's voice and gesture, Villa immediately understood. Feinting to his left, he delivered a perfectly timed through ball between two Russian defenders into the right side of the penalty area. Torres surged forward, evading the defense, and caught up with Villa's pass. With a swift right-footed cut, he wrong-footed the Russian center-back, shifting the ball to his left foot before unleashing a thunderous shot.
The ball rocketed past Akinfeev into the bottom-left corner of the net.
"GOAL!!!!"
"Torres!"
"That's his fifth goal of the tournament!"
"Once again, Spain's quick attacking strategy pays off. David Silva's long pass was perfectly placed for Villa."
"Look at the interplay here—Torres drops back while Villa surges forward, playing almost like a target man. This fluidity in attack makes Spain so difficult to defend against."
"Hiddink must be stunned by this!"
"Villa had two options here: pass to Torres or Iniesta. Both were viable threats, which created a double dilemma for Russia's defense."
"Just six minutes in, and Russia is already trailing!"
"This is the Spain Yang Hao has built—a dynamic, unpredictable force."
Despite the early goal, neither Yang Hao nor Spain let their guard down. Hiddink's Russia was known for its tenacity. Although the players' individual skills weren't exceptional, their relentless pressing and cohesive teamwork often overwhelmed opponents.
Russia's hallmark was its fast, straightforward attacks, but Spain's superior ball control and Yang Hao's emphasis on pressing in the midfield nullified most Russian attempts. Often, Russia lost possession after only a few passes.
Arshavin, Russia's star player, was heavily marked by Marcos Senna and struggled to replicate his group-stage brilliance.
In the 21st minute, Spain struck again. Silva and Iniesta executed a flawless one-two combination on the left flank, with Silva driving toward the box. Near the edge of the penalty area, Silva laid the ball off to Antonio López, who made a surging overlap from behind. López burst into the box and whipped in a low cross.
In the center, Torres used his strength to break through the Russian defense. Reacting to the low delivery, he dived forward and executed a stunning header, sending the ball past Akinfeev.
"GOAL!!!"
"Torres scores again!"
"That's a brace for Torres, and his sixth goal of the tournament!"
"What an extraordinary diving header! Despite the difficulty, Torres improvises brilliantly to capitalize on Antonio López's cross."
"Hiddink must be reconsidering his defensive strategy now. Spain is simply unstoppable tonight."
In the 36th minute, Spain's third goal came after a sequence of intricate passing. David Silva carried the ball toward the center, drawing multiple defenders. Torres moved to the left wing to create space.
Silva, under heavy pressure, used a clever backheel to lay the ball off to Iniesta, who immediately spotted Torres in an unmarked position and delivered a perfectly timed diagonal pass.
Torres, now inside the box with ample space, calmly controlled the ball with his left foot before slotting it into the far corner with his right.
"GOAL!!!"
"Torres again! That's his hat-trick!"
"Spain leads 3-0!"
"This goal exemplifies Spain's clinical teamwork—Silva's backheel, Iniesta's vision, and Torres's composed finish."
"Russia's defense has completely unraveled. Their focus on Silva left Torres free to exploit the space."
"This is Torres's seventh goal of the tournament!"
"Let's put this into perspective: in previous Euros, the top scorers like Shearer (1996), Kluivert (2000), and Baroš (2004) scored five goals each. Even Van Basten in 1988 managed only five."
"Now, Torres has surpassed them all, moving closer to Michel Platini's record of nine goals in 1984. With his current form, it's entirely possible Torres could break it!"
The first half ended with Spain firmly in control at 3-0. Russia's spirited start had been smothered by Spain's technical superiority and tactical precision. Torres, with his hat-trick, had once again proven why he was the most feared striker in the tournament.
As the players left the pitch, the Russian squad looked deflated, while Spain's bench erupted in cheers. Yang Hao's team seemed destined for greatness, with Torres leading the charge.
When Spain scored their third goal, the match was effectively decided.
Hiddink's team tried to strengthen their defense while managing a rare counterattack that created some danger. Pavlyuchenko delivered a threatening strike, but Casillas made a spectacular save. "San Iker" lived up to his reputation.
In the second half, as Russia attempted another offensive, Marcos Senna intercepted a pass from Arshavin near midfield and quickly distributed it to the right wing. Ramos charged forward along the right flank and delivered a low cross from just outside the penalty area to Xavi.
The Barcelona midfielder chipped a perfectly timed ball over the Russian defense into the right side of the penalty area. Villa arrived from deep, controlled the ball with his chest, and, faced with the onrushing Akinfeev, executed a deft volley to send the ball into the net once more.
4-0!
What defines an unstoppable force? This Spain exemplifies it perfectly in this European Championship.
When Spain was drawn into the "Group of Death" alongside Italy, Portugal, and World Cup runners-up France, many doubted their chances of advancing. But Spain delivered a masterclass in attacking football and topped the group in style.
Against Hiddink's Russia, many predicted a tough challenge for Spain. However, in just an hour, Spain dismantled their opponents with another emphatic 4-0 victory.
Hiddink, recognizing the futility of the situation, opted for substitutions to reinforce his defense and avoid an even more humiliating defeat, though a 0-4 loss was already a blow to their pride.
It's often said that in tournaments like the Champions League, Euros, or World Cup, knockout matches leave a lasting impact on the victors' next opponents. This holds true only for the teams that advance. For the eliminated, there's no "next."
After the quarterfinals on June 22, Spain faced a swift turnaround to prepare for the semifinals on June 26, where their opponent would be the Netherlands.
The Netherlands had played their quarterfinal match a day earlier, narrowly defeating Portugal 3-2. What caught Yang Hao's attention was the match dynamic: the Netherlands had scored three goals early but conceded two late in the game, including a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The coaching staff's analysis revealed a critical pattern: Dutch players exhibited signs of fatigue in the latter stages of matches. Two key players stood out: defensive midfielder Orlando Engelaar and right-back Khalid Boulahrouz.
Engelaar, a 28-year-old Surinamese-born Dutchman, had emerged as a key player for the Netherlands. Standing at an imposing 1.97 meters, he was a formidable defensive presence in midfield, capable of breaking up attacks and initiating counterplays. Dubbed the "next Black Swan" following Rijkaard, Engelaar had played every minute of the tournament so far.
Similarly, Boulahrouz, the right-back, had shown signs of wear. Their physical exhaustion was evident, especially in the match against Portugal.
Under Marco van Basten, the Dutch team adopted a direct and high-intensity style. Defensively, they emphasized rapid organization and compact lines, while in midfield, their aggressive pressing disrupted opponents. Their double-pivot of De Jong and Engelaar epitomized this approach, forming a robust defensive shield.
Offensively, the Dutch relied on swift transitions, bypassing midfield to exploit their star-studded forward line, which included Robben, Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie, Kuyt, Sneijder, and Van der Vaart.
However, this high-energy style came at a cost: substantial physical exertion.
Modern football statistics show that players often cover over 9 kilometers per match. The Dutch, however, averaged 10 to 11 kilometers, with frequent sprints and rapid transitions placing significant strain on their stamina.
By the latter stages of their quarterfinal against Portugal, the Netherlands visibly struggled to maintain their intensity, allowing Portugal to claw back two goals.
In contrast, Spain, while covering similar distances, utilized a more possession-oriented style, with an emphasis on passing and rotations. Additionally, Yang Hao's frequent squad rotations and early substitutions allowed key players to rest. This approach became a hallmark of Spain's campaign.
Aware of the Netherlands' vulnerabilities, Yang Hao adjusted Spain's strategy. For example, he benched the in-form David Silva in favor of Reyes, who was deployed on the left wing. Yang Hao's intention was clear: target Boulahrouz and exploit the Dutch right flank.
However, van Basten's tactical decisions caught Spain by surprise.
The Dutch lineup featured no major changes:
Goalkeeper: Van der SarDefense: Van Bronckhorst, Mathijsen, Ooijer, BoulahrouzMidfield: Engelaar and De Jong as defensive midfielders; Sneijder, Van der Vaart, and Kuyt further forwardForward: Van Nistelrooy
Robben remained on the bench, a strategy van Basten often used to unleash him as an impact substitute in the second half.
What was unexpected, however, was the Netherlands' aggressive start.
From the opening whistle, they pressed high, initiating attacks and engaging Spain in a midfield battle. Even after losing possession, the Dutch immediately counter-pressed near the halfway line.
This proactive approach surprised Spain.
"What's he trying to do?" Guardiola asked with a furrowed brow.
The Dutch team created several chances through their wing play early in the match. In the 6th minute, Van Bronckhorst delivered a precise cross that found Van Nistelrooy's head, forcing Casillas to make a heroic save.
The Netherlands maintained their high press in Spain's half.
"They probably can't sustain this level of intensity for the entire match, so they're pushing for an early goal," speculated Juanma Lillo.
"That's likely part of it," Yang Hao agreed. "Another reason could be that they've learned from Russia's mistakes—they don't trust their ability to defend."
Russia's style was similar to that of the Netherlands. Conventionally, the Dutch, with a philosophy rooted in possession-based play like Barcelona's, might have been expected to play a controlling game. However, under Van Basten, the Netherlands adopted a more direct style reminiscent of Hiddink's Russia.
This approach rendered them incapable of controlling possession against Spain's passing game.
"If they had opted for a compact defense and quick counterattacks," Yang Hao continued, "Van Basten might be worried that their defensive line would eventually crack under our movement and penetrative passing. Their center-backs, Mathijsen and Ooijer, aren't particularly strong or reliable."
"What's your call on this?" Lillo asked.
The Dutch approach caught Yang Hao and his coaching staff off guard—opting for such a risky strategy in a crucial semifinal was unexpected.
"They don't want to sit back and defend? Then we'll take their role!" Yang Hao decided decisively.
Spain's defense was solid under Yang Hao's guidance. While Antonio López might have struggled against Kuyt, Capdevila had been chosen specifically for this match. With a backline of Capdevila, Puyol, Pepe, and Ramos, Yang Hao was confident.
The midfield posed a slight concern. Expecting a Dutch defensive setup, Yang Hao had started Xabi Alonso for his distribution. With the unexpected Dutch press, Xavi would need to provide additional support.
"We'll play on the counterattack," Yang Hao concluded.
Using the Dutchman's tactics against them.
The first half was defined by end-to-end action as both sides traded attacks.
The Netherlands pushed high and aggressively, but they failed to dominate the match. Spain, by contrast, fell into a compact defensive shape, patiently absorbing pressure before launching rapid counterattacks—especially down the left flank.
This forced the Dutch to expend immense energy in both attacking and tracking back. Each Spanish counterattack stretched the Dutch defense, further draining their stamina.
In the final moments of the first half, a Dutch attack faltered, forcing them to recycle possession through Engelaar.
Iniesta immediately pressed him, sticking tight and harrying the Dutch midfielder, whose towering stature did him little good against Iniesta's agility.
Amid the scramble, Reyes dropped back and opportunistically poked the ball away to Capdevila.
The Dutch attempted an immediate counter-press, but Capdevila bypassed them with a quick pass to Xabi Alonso.
Van der Vaart lunged to intercept, but Alonso calmly sent the ball forward to Iniesta.
Iniesta advanced before feeding Reyes on the left wing.
Reyes, sprinting along the touchline, collected the pass and surged past the halfway line into open space. Boulahrouz, caught out of position, scrambled to recover.
By the time Reyes reached the edge of the penalty area on the left, Ooijer had stepped forward to defend.
Feigning a cut inside, Reyes instead pushed the ball down the line and accelerated past Ooijer, reclaiming it near the byline.
From there, he delivered a low cross into the six-yard box.
Torres, having slipped away from Mathijsen, darted to meet the ball and slotted it into the bottom left corner of the net with his right foot.
"Goal!!!!"
"It's Torres again!"
"That's his 8th goal of the tournament!"
"Unbelievable! This is the stuff of legends!"
"A lightning-fast counterattack from Spain! Reyes tore through the left flank and delivered a precise cross, while Torres timed his run to perfection and finished clinically."
"1-0!"
"Spain's counterattack was razor-sharp, with Reyes' burst of pace and Torres' instinctive finish. It's a testament to the tactical brilliance of this team."
The broadcast camera cut to the sidelines. Yang Hao was leaping in celebration, while Van Basten sat in the dugout, visibly troubled and unsure of how to respond.
Spain led 1-0 at halftime thanks to Torres' goal.
During the break, the Dutch made their first substitution: Robben replaced Engelaar.
Engelaar had struggled in the first half, managing only 24 touches and committing a costly turnover that led to Spain's goal. His impact was negligible, with zero key passes compared to De Jong's single contribution.
Van Basten shifted Sneijder to a central role and placed Robben on the left wing to bolster their attack.
Yang Hao, however, remained unfazed.
During the halftime team talk, he encouraged his players to maintain their focus and continue exploiting the Dutch's pressing. Spain's strategy would remain the same: sit deep, absorb pressure, and punish the Netherlands on the counterattack.
As the second half wore on, the Netherlands pushed harder, spurred by their deficit. Their increased attacking commitment played directly into Spain's hands, opening spaces for counterattacks.
Each Spanish break forced the Dutch to sprint back defensively, further depleting their energy reserves.
Spain repeatedly targeted Boulahrouz on the left flank, where Reyes' relentless pace and skill proved too much to handle.
By the 51st minute, Boulahrouz, overwhelmed by Reyes' trickery, committed a foul to stop him.
Just three minutes later, Boulahrouz committed another foul. This time, Reyes and Iniesta combined to outmaneuver him, forcing the Dutch defender into a desperate sliding tackle. The referee brandished a yellow card.
Van Basten clearly realized that Boulahrouz was physically spent, so in the 55th minute, the Netherlands made their second substitution, bringing Heitinga on to replace Boulahrouz.
The change had an immediate impact. Heitinga proved much steadier in defending against Reyes, stabilizing the Dutch right flank to some extent.
Meanwhile, Robben began to see more of the ball on the left wing. Facing his Atlético Madrid teammate, Ramos, Robben found himself up against a defender who was particularly cautious and well-prepared.
Under Yang Hao's guidance at Atlético, Ramos, Pepe, and Neuer had been dubbed the "Lucky Trio." Over the years, their individual defensive abilities had been honed significantly. Ramos, now a key player for Spain, was solid enough to start for any team in the world.
Before the match, Yang Hao had specifically instructed Ramos to focus on Robben, and Ramos had prepared extensively. As a result, he performed admirably in containing the Dutch winger.
In the 77th minute, Torres tracked back to press De Jong, forcing the Dutch midfielder to make an errant pass to Van der Vaart. Iniesta seized the opportunity, intercepting the ball just outside the 30-yard line.
Quickly transitioning into attack, Iniesta passed the ball to Xavi and sprinted forward.
Receiving the ball, Xavi immediately executed a deft chip over the defense toward the right edge of the penalty area.
Villa made a sharp run forward. With Van Bronckhorst caught upfield from his earlier involvement in the attack, the left side of the Dutch defense was wide open. Mathijsen rushed to cover, but Villa reached the ball first.
Taking the ball on the volley, Villa lobbed it over Mathijsen, directing it toward the penalty spot.
At that moment, Iniesta arrived, timing his run perfectly. With incredible finesse, he controlled Villa's lofted pass mid-air, his touch so precise that it appeared as if the ball stuck to his foot.
Iniesta's exquisite first touch left the crowd in awe, evoking comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp's legendary control.
Van der Sar, though experienced, hesitated in his advanced years. He stayed near the six-yard box, only committing when it was too late.
With a subtle feint, Iniesta shifted his weight to the left, deceiving Van der Sar into leaning the wrong way. In a split second, Iniesta struck the ball with precision, slipping it through Van der Sar's legs and into the back of the net.
The Spanish midfielder turned and sprinted toward the stands, celebrating wildly as he reached the section filled with ecstatic Spanish fans.
"Iniesta! What an incredible goal!"
"That was pure genius—a flash of brilliance that defines this match!"
"Look at that touch! Iniesta's control and composure were absolutely world-class, reminiscent of Bergkamp's magic. What a moment!"
"Spain leads 2-0 with an extraordinary team effort capped by Iniesta's brilliance."
Just six minutes later, Spain struck again.
Iniesta intercepted another ball in midfield, deftly performing a roulette spin to evade De Jong and pushing forward. As he approached the Dutch final third, Iniesta delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into the left channel.
Reyes sprinted to the byline, catching up with Iniesta's pass and sending in a low cross.
Heitinga partially blocked the cross, but the ball rebounded back toward Reyes, who collected it near the baseline, pulled back, and laid it off to the center.
Torres, holding off Ooijer with his back to goal, controlled the ball and laid it off to the onrushing Iniesta.
Iniesta, seeing space on the right, delivered a precise diagonal pass to Villa, who was lurking unmarked near the penalty spot.
With remarkable composure, Villa took a single touch to control the ball, then struck a powerful shot into the bottom-right corner of the net.
"Goal!!!"
"David Villa scores! It's 3-0 Spain!"
"The entire Ernst Happel Stadium has erupted! Spanish fans are in absolute ecstasy!"
"What a combination! Iniesta's vision, Torres' intelligent hold-up play, and Villa's clinical finish—Spain has shown once again why they're the best team in this tournament."
As the match neared its conclusion, the Netherlands looked utterly drained. Their players were visibly fatigued, and their defense was in disarray. Even Van Nistelrooy succumbed to cramps, collapsing to the pitch as the Spanish attack surged forward.
Recognizing their physical limits, Van Basten instructed his players to fall back and focus on damage control.
Spain, however, continued their relentless onslaught, thrilling the fans with wave after wave of attacking football.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3-0 in favor of Spain. The victory secured their place in the Euro 2008 final.
This dominant performance cemented Spain's status as the team to beat. While the Netherlands left the tournament as gallant competitors, it was clear that Yang Hao's Spain had outclassed them in every aspect.
When Spain finished their European Championship semi-final, the football world exploded with excitement.
With back-to-back dominant victories, Spain demonstrated unprecedented dominance on the European stage. Even more remarkable, insiders noted that Yang Hao's Spanish squad maintained a level of stability despite their aggressive style.
A clear indicator of this was Yang Hao's consistent squad rotation. This effective strategy ensured that key players got adequate rest while allowing him to tailor tactics to each opponent.
According to France Football, this tournament has become a testament to Yang Hao's managerial prowess. From rotating Marcos Senna and Xabi Alonso to adjusting his attacking lineup, Yang Hao showcased his tactical understanding, control over the squad, and ability to exploit opponents' weaknesses.
After the semi-final against the Netherlands, almost every media outlet heaped praise on Reyes.
Typically deployed on the right flank alongside Villa and Torres to form Spain's attacking trident, Reyes was moved to the left wing for this match.
This decision proved genius: Reyes' speed and explosiveness completely overwhelmed Holland's right-back Boulahrouz. Meanwhile, David Silva sat out the match on the bench.
"Was it just bench-warming?" mused France Football.
"No, it was a calculated rest. Perhaps we'll see Silva shine in the final."
Throughout the European Championship, Yang Hao's tactical decisions—be it squad rotation or in-game adjustments—consistently showcased his brilliance.
"This is precisely why Spain has remained so competitive and dominant," concluded France Football.
For Spaniards, the anticipation was overwhelming.
When was the last time Spain reached a European Championship final?
1984, in France, where they lost 2-0 to Platini's French team. That was 24 years ago.
And before that?
1964, when Spain hosted the tournament and won the European Championship. That remains Spain's only major international trophy to date.
That squad, led by legends like Luis Suárez (now an advisor at Deportivo La Coruña), also saw Suárez claim Spain's only Ballon d'Or.
A half-century has passed since that triumph, and Suárez has aged gracefully into his twilight years.
In an interview with Spanish National Television, Suárez expressed his gratitude for Yang Hao's unwavering conviction.
"We should be grateful to Yang Hao," he said.
"He's always stuck to what he believes is right, which is truly rare."
Suárez credited Yang Hao for developing over half of Spain's current national team during his tenure at Atlético Madrid and for rejuvenating Spain's footballing fortunes after taking over in 2006.
"He has crafted a Spain stronger than ours ever was. He may not be Spanish, but he has made immeasurable contributions to our country and football."
Echoing Marca's sentiment, Suárez added, "We owe him a sincere apology."
However, Suárez also urged Yang Hao and the team to remain composed as the final approached.
"Spain hasn't won any major tournaments in 44 years. The hunger for a trophy is immense, and I understand the fervor from both fans and players."
"But in moments like these, restraint is vital."
"I trust Yang Hao to keep the team grounded. He's always excelled at that with Atlético Madrid."
Spain's opponent in the final was Germany, a team very different from Spain's.
Germany's semi-final took place a day before Spain's, in Basel, Switzerland. After their victory, the German team had to fly to Vienna, Austria, where the final would be held.
Meanwhile, Spain stayed in Vienna after their semi-final, having played all their knockout matches at Ernst Happel Stadium.
In terms of preparation, both sides had their advantages. Germany had an extra day of rest, while Spain enjoyed a de facto "home" advantage.
With only two days between the semi-final and final, Yang Hao and his coaching staff had a mountain of tasks to handle. Fortunately, the team's cohesion and professionalism shone through.
Yang Hao delegated most responsibilities to his trusted aides—Juanma Lillo, Guardiola, and Pochettino—allowing him to focus on two critical matters:
Developing a strategy to counter Germany.Managing the players' mindset through one-on-one conversations.
Still, Yang Hao carved out a moment for something he had been hesitant about for days: calling Raúl.
Yang Hao and Raúl had known each other for years. When Yang Hao first arrived in Spain, Raúl was one of the earliest players he met. Despite the Atlético-Real Madrid rivalry, their off-field relationship remained amicable for years.
However, the decision to exclude Raúl from the national team had created a rift.
If not for the supportive text message Raúl sent before the tournament, Yang Hao might not have considered reaching out now.
But even as he dialed, Yang Hao felt nervous. Would Raúl answer?
After two rings, the line connected.
"Hello, Yang. I've been waiting for your call," Raúl's voice came through warmly.
Yang Hao was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Hello?" Raúl prompted.
"Sorry," Yang Hao chuckled. "I don't even know where to start."
Raúl chuckled softly on the other end. There was a brief pause before he broke the silence.
"So, what made you decide to call?"
"I wanted to ask you something," Yang Hao admitted, "but I was worried it might offend you."
Raúl chuckled on the other end of the line. "You're still as shameless as ever."
Yang Hao laughed as well, the tension melting away.
"After all these years, it's still the same with you—pretending to worry about offending me when really, you're just embarrassed to bring it up," Raúl teased, his laughter growing heartier.
That laughter lightened the mood considerably.
Yang Hao took a deep breath. "So, will you come watch us play?"
"You see? You're just rubbing salt into my wounds, aren't you?" Raúl mock-complained over the phone.
"What can I do? You already called me shameless," Yang Hao replied with a grin.
After a brief pause, Yang Hao added, "The players and I would love for you to come."
The line went silent. Raúl didn't know how to respond.
"You know, when I sent you that text, I was waiting for this call because I figured it meant you'd made the final," Raúl admitted. "But I was also afraid of the call because I wasn't sure if I should come…"
For Raúl, it was a painful situation.
But Yang Hao thought, if Raúl was willing to send that text, then making this call wasn't crossing a line.
"Honestly, it's been two years. I don't hold it against you, but…"
Raúl trailed off.
Yang Hao sighed. "I understand, I really do. Don't worry—we'll do our best."
"Hah, what I meant was, if you want me in Austria for the final, you'll have to cover my meals, my hotel, my travel, and even a few days of sightseeing for my family."
Yang Hao was taken aback before bursting into laughter. "You're willing to come?"
"If it's all covered, I'll be there."
"No problem. I'll arrange the tickets and accommodations right away."
"And make sure there are match tickets for all of us. People are scalping them for thousands of euros right now," Raúl reminded him.
"Got it, got it…"
After a moment, Yang Hao added, "Come by the hotel before the match. I think everyone would love to see you."
"If you think it's appropriate, I'll follow your lead," Raúl replied without hesitation.
"Oh, and count Guti and Morientes in. You didn't call them up, either—they said they want to settle the score with you."
"Sure, bring them along."
When the call ended, Yang Hao felt an enormous weight lift off his shoulders.
The burden that had been pressing on him for so long was finally gone.
Given Yang Hao's current status in the Spanish national team and the team's incredible form, Raúl's visit was unlikely to cause any issues. Even if Yang Hao had called Raúl back into the squad, no one would have protested.
But there was no need for that, and Raúl wouldn't have agreed anyway.
His visit was more about closure—for Yang Hao and for many in the national team.
Humans are inherently contradictory creatures.
Yang Hao had always believed that emotions and logic could never truly be separated.
Though Spain's players never openly discussed it, their words and actions betrayed lingering feelings. Yang Hao could sense their thoughts, buried deep beneath the surface.
No one expected Raúl to return to the national team. Even if Yang Hao extended an invitation, Raúl wouldn't accept it.
But no one had forgotten him, nor the sacrifices he made for the team over the years.
As Casillas had once said in an interview, "He's always been with us."
Yet there was an undeniable sting in everyone's heart—a sharp, unspoken thorn.
No one wanted to acknowledge it, much less address it.
Except for Yang Hao.
That's why he wanted Raúl to come to Vienna, to watch the final, and to visit the team at their hotel.
Yang Hao wanted to pull out that thorn himself.
The day before the final, after the team returned from a familiarization session at Ernst Happel Stadium, they were greeted with a surprise.
Accompanied by team manager Fernando Hierro, Raúl arrived at the hotel alongside other former Spain internationals, including Guti, Morientes, Valerón, Aguilera, Kiko, Toni Muñoz, Baraja, Albelda, Joaquín, and Vicente.
The sight stunned the current squad.
These were players who had worn the Spain jersey before them—veterans who had guided them when they were new to the team.
Now, whether retired or simply excluded from the current squad, they had all come to lend their support.
Among them, Raúl's presence was the most surprising.
It wasn't unusual for others, even Joaquín, to show up. But Raúl? That was something else entirely.
The emotional reunion brought many to tears.
Hierro and Raúl, along with the others, represented a period of struggle for Spanish football—a time when the national team was stuck in a dark, uncertain era.
Everyone knew that success never comes out of nowhere.
The resurgence of Spanish football wouldn't have been possible without enduring the lows of the 1970s, the rebuilding of the 1980s, and the experimentation of the 1990s. Those efforts laid the groundwork for the Spain team now basking in the glory of reaching another European Championship final.
For everyone in the current squad, Raúl represented something deeply personal and meaningful.
When Kiko embraced Torres, he patted the younger striker's cheek and said, "I'm so proud of you, Ferdi."
Atlético Madrid's two golden boys had officially passed the torch, but no one could forget how Kiko used to mentor Torres on the training ground—pushing him to work harder, correcting his mistakes, and sometimes scolding him.
That rigorous guidance had shaped the player Torres had become.
Raúl, clearly moved, found himself instinctively falling into his old role as captain. His eyes reddened as he addressed the squad.
"We're the past now. It's regrettable we couldn't fight alongside you. But seeing your success fills us with pride. Still, this isn't the time to celebrate just yet."
"Keep pushing. Carry our dreams with you."
"All of us will be in the stands, cheering as you lift the trophy!"
Yang Hao returned to the hotel later than the rest of the team, having been held up at a pre-match press conference.
When he arrived, he greeted each visiting former international with a hug and words of thanks.
Every single one had been invited by him. Even Joaquín.
"Coach, I was so stupid back then," Joaquín said, his voice filled with regret as he embraced Yang Hao. "I let it all go to my head. I'm sorry. Truly."
Raúl chimed in, "He's been kicking himself over it for a long time but didn't have the courage to tell you."
Joaquín's fallout with Yang Hao had stemmed from Raúl's exclusion from the squad.
"It's all in the past," Yang Hao replied with a forgiving smile.
He had personally groomed Joaquín as a player, and the bond between them couldn't be erased.
And now, bygones were finally bygones.
That evening, Yang Hao hosted Raúl and the other former players for dinner at the hotel alongside the current national team squad. The atmosphere was almost surreal—like the past had merged with the present, as though these legends were still part of the team.
Sometimes, old conflicts don't need to be resolved explicitly; time gradually smooths them over, leaving them as faint echoes of the past. A gust of wind, and they scatter.
The Next Morning: Tactical Meeting
During the pre-match tactical meeting, Yang Hao didn't announce the starting lineup.
This wasn't out of fear of leaks—Yang Hao trusted his players and the accompanying journalists implicitly. Unlike the Italian squad's notorious leaks, Yang Hao was confident that such an issue wouldn't arise. Instead, his intent was to keep every player ready and focused.
Announcing the lineup too early could lead to a sense of complacency among players who wouldn't start, or even some substitutes.
When discussing strategy, Yang Hao didn't dwell on countering the opposition.
"For this match," he began, "I don't think I need to tell you how to play. Nor do we need to focus on how the opposition will play. All we need to do is play our football."
This principle—playing their own game—was what Yang Hao had instilled in Atlético Madrid and now Spain.
"I'm sure our opponents are doing everything they can to figure out how to stop us. But it doesn't matter. The most important thing is that we focus on our strengths."
"Attack and score—those are the most powerful weapons on the football pitch."
"We've reached this final not through defense but through our skill—our passing, movement, and teamwork. As long as we play our game, we are unbeatable!"
A Private Talk with Torres
After the meeting, Yang Hao had a one-on-one conversation with Torres to check on his condition, including any lingering injuries.
Professional players always carry some knocks, but nothing seemed serious. Yang Hao confirmed this with the medical staff.
"You're our spearhead," Yang Hao told Torres. "I know you're hungry for goals right now, but I need you to trust me and trust your teammates."
"Our team functions best when we're in sync. The goals will come naturally when we're working together as one. Do you understand?"
Yang Hao's biggest worry was that individual ambitions might disrupt the team's tactical plan.
For example, if Torres got too focused on scoring, he might miss opportunities to create space or open up plays for others, costing the team valuable chances.
"Don't worry, boss. I've already scored eight goals. That's enough," Torres assured him.
Yang Hao gazed at him for a moment, ensuring the sincerity behind his words. Finally, he nodded and patted Torres on the head. "Trust me. Bringing home this championship is more important than anything."
"I understand."
For a striker like Torres, balancing hunger for goals and team dynamics was a delicate matter. On one hand, that drive to score was crucial for maintaining their edge and willingness to fight. On the other, strikers needed to prioritize the team's success over personal accolades.
This balance was something Van Nistelrooy had failed to achieve in the semifinals. Despite having a clear chance to pass to Robben, he opted to shoot himself, squandering a crucial opportunity.
Robben, a player under Yang Hao at Atlético, might have been frustrated, but Yang Hao didn't fault Van Nistelrooy.
"Players can't think that much in the heat of the moment," Yang Hao reflected. "There's no point in over-criticizing him."
Match Night: A Perfect Evening
The weather in Vienna was ideal for football: 27°C with 44% humidity.
Before the final, a brief closing ceremony was held at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Among the attendees were UEFA President Michel Platini, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain, the Spanish Crown Prince and Princess, and the Prime Ministers of both nations.
Security at the venue was of the highest standard.
During a pre-match interview, a journalist asked Platini about Torres potentially matching or breaking his nine-goal record from the 1984 European Championship.
With a smile, Platini said he wouldn't mind. In fact, he encouraged Torres to continue scoring in the final.
The Stage is Set
The stadium was packed with over 50,000 fans, vividly divided between Spain's red and Germany's white.
When the players, led by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti, walked onto the pitch, the atmosphere reached its zenith.
The starting lineups were revealed.
Germany (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: LehmannDefense: Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, FriedrichMidfield: Frings, Hitzlsperger (double pivots); Podolski, Ballack, SchweinsteigerForward: Klose
Spain (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: CasillasDefense: Antonio López, Puyol, Pepe, RamosMidfield: Xabi Alonso (deep-lying playmaker), Iniesta, XaviAttack: David Silva, Torres, Villa
Yang Hao's intentions were clear from his lineup: Spain would stick to their attacking philosophy.
Instead of Marcos Senna, Yang Hao opted for Xabi Alonso, highlighting his focus on exploiting Germany's lack of pace.
A closer look at the German lineup revealed a recurring issue: most of their players, except Podolski, lacked speed.
In contrast, Spain's defenders boasted excellent recovery speed. This gave Yang Hao the confidence to deploy a high defensive line, pressing Germany back into their half and keeping them far from Spain's goal.
The strategy, however, didn't mean going all out from the start. Yang Hao emphasized stability in the opening minutes.
After all, this was Spain's first major final in decades. Even the most experienced players couldn't completely shake off nerves.
The Opening Minutes
Both teams opened cautiously.
Under Joachim Löw, Germany had evolved into a team that valued possession, a departure from their traditionally direct style. Their attacks focused primarily on the left flank, where Lahm and Podolski combined effectively.
This put extra defensive pressure on Ramos and Villa.
The match promised to be a tactical chess game, with Spain's philosophy of fluid, attacking football clashing against Germany's disciplined, possession-based approach.
On defense, Löw implemented several targeted strategies.
Germany, known for its teamwork, leaned heavily on coordinated efforts to leverage their physical advantage. Whenever Spain gained possession, the Germans immediately applied close marking and used their physicality to suppress Spanish players.
Except for Torres and a few defenders, Germany's physicality gave them a clear edge. However, merely pressuring the ball carrier wasn't enough. The surrounding German players also quickly closed in on Spain's potential passing options, creating a suffocating overall suppression.
To maintain this intensity, the Germans required significant running, so Löw compressed the formation to reduce distances and keep the team compact and tight, leaving minimal gaps.
This approach proved highly effective.
Under Germany's unified and disciplined system of advance and retreat, Spain struggled to create significant threats early on. The most notable attempt came when Xabi Alonso's long pass found Torres in the box, but Torres failed to reach the ball.
That was Spain's first entry into Germany's penalty area.
Another key aspect of Germany's strategy was their selective pressing. They rarely pressured Spain's center-backs but swarmed players like Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, or advancing full-backs as soon as they received the ball.
Podolski, Klose, Ballack, and Schweinsteiger formed a wall near the midfield line, aggressively challenging any ball that came their way. Upon winning possession, Germany launched quick forward thrusts.
This tactic produced visible results.
"This reminds me of how we used to play against Real Madrid and Barcelona," Juanma Lillo said, chuckling as he watched.
During Yang Hao's tenure at Atlético Madrid, they often employed similar tactics: leave the center-backs unchallenged and dare them to avoid mistakes.
"Löw's only scratching the surface," Yang Hao muttered with a snort.
Ten minutes into the match, Spain had yet to register a single shot. Multiple attempts to exploit space behind Germany's defense were thwarted by offside traps or tight coverage.
This marked the first time in the entire tournament that a team had pushed Spain into such an uncomfortable position.
"It may just be surface-level, but it works," Lillo admitted.
Yang Hao nodded. It was a fact. Germany relied on their superior physicality to counter Spain's technical finesse. However, this approach came at the cost of higher stamina consumption. Even with the compressed formation, Germany's energy expenditure was higher than Spain's.
Parralés informed Yang Hao that Germany had slightly edged out Spain in possession during the first ten minutes, leading by four percentage points.
Yang Hao cursed under his breath and strode to the sideline, signaling to Xavi to increase long passes and shifts in play. He wanted to stretch Germany's defense, forcing their cumbersome "tanks" to keep running and draining their stamina.
Commentary from the VIP Stand
"Löw's defensive organization tonight is commendable," said UEFA President Michel Platini with a smile as he turned to football legend Franz Beckenbauer in the VIP stand. The game appeared balanced thus far.
Considering the strength of this Spanish side, managing to maintain equilibrium was an accomplishment in itself.
"Our attack is still lacking. Otherwise, we could create more threats," Beckenbauer remarked.
"We're missing a bit of speed," Platini added.
Without pace, it was challenging to produce threatening attacks.
"To be honest, I expected Löw to adopt a high-tempo strategy. I didn't think he'd opt for this approach," Beckenbauer admitted, shaking his head in mild disappointment. He felt Löw's tactics were too conservative.
"A high tempo could be effective, but Spain doesn't fear such tactics. Look at their matches against the Netherlands and Russia—every time, they've thrived against that style. Their superior technical ability allows them to create more chances."
Platini, however, didn't see any issue with Löw's approach.
"It's the final. Winning is what matters most."
"You're right, but with this slow tempo, it's hard to generate meaningful threats—especially since our early crosses from the flanks haven't worked. There's no variation in attack," Beckenbauer countered.
This was a significant issue for Germany. Their slow pace made it difficult to maintain consistent pressure or capitalize on attacking opportunities.
The flaws in Germany's offense had been evident throughout the tournament. They conceded goals in both the quarterfinals and semifinals and even lost 1-2 to Croatia in the group stage.
"Did you notice why Yang Hao dared to start Xabi Alonso tonight?" Platini asked, steering the conversation.
Beckenbauer followed his gaze to the pitch, where Xabi Alonso orchestrated Spain's plays.
"Because we lack a true No. 10. Ballack's late runs are excellent, and his stamina is admirable, but he's aged. Yang Hao knew our midfield couldn't pose a threat to Spain's lone defensive midfielder."
With a shrug, Beckenbauer added, "And he was right."
"But your team hasn't conceded any real chances yet, have they?"
"The initiative is still with Spain. They'll adjust," Platini replied confidently.
He had no doubt that Spain would make tactical changes to break free from Germany's pressure.
Deep down, however, Platini had his biases. As UEFA President, he was rooting for Germany to keep a clean sheet against Spain.
Why?
Because he didn't want Torres to score.
The record of nine goals in a single European Championship, held by Platini himself, was a prestigious milestone.
While many media outlets argued that even if Torres matched or surpassed Platini's record, it wouldn't diminish Platini's achievement—Platini played in an era with only eight teams and five matches in the tournament, whereas Spain would play six games to reach the final—the symbolic value of that record still mattered deeply to him.
"Recently, Spain and La Liga have been far too dominant," Platini mused.
In the past, only La Liga clubs were dominant. But now, under Yang Hao's leadership, even Spain's national team was asserting unprecedented control. What would this mean for the future?
The current president of the Spanish Football Federation, Ángel María Villar, was also UEFA's vice president and in charge of the referees' committee. Villar had gained his position during the fallout of the 2006 Calciopoli scandal.
Platini sighed at the thought, silently hoping for Germany to have some good fortune tonight.
Beckenbauer glanced at Platini, his smile subtle but knowing.
Retired players often feel a complex mix of emotions when they watch the current generation of athletes. There's often a sense of, "If I were playing, I'd do better." This stems from the clarity of analyzing the game with their minds and instincts, imagining perfect scenarios. But stepping onto the field in reality—dealing with stamina, field conditions, and even the quality of teammates' passes—is a different story entirely. That's why it's often said that great players rarely become great coaches.
Beckenbauer is an exception because he understands this truth.
Xavi's passes often feel magical. He consistently delivers the kind of balls that make it incredibly easy for his teammates to receive and control.
Well, except for long passes.
When David Silva saw Xavi deliver a cross-field pass from the right side of midfield to the left, he looked up at the ball's trajectory and muttered to himself, "Why so high?" It felt like the pass was mocking his height.
When the ball descended, Silva reached it just in time, but Schweinsteiger was already on him.
Standing close to the sideline, Silva controlled the ball with his chest, but the expression on Schweinsteiger's face was practically taunting, as if saying: "Nowhere to run. Just give up."
Silva played the ball backward to Antonio López, who quickly advanced into the half-space and delivered a direct pass to Iniesta.
As soon as Iniesta got the ball, the German defense closed in, surrounding him from all sides. Silva, meanwhile, read Schweinsteiger's movements and sprinted forward, calling for the ball.
Despite being boxed in by four defenders, Iniesta remained calm and delivered a perfectly weighted diagonal pass ahead of Silva.
Silva surged forward, caught up to Iniesta's ball, and, with his left foot, sent a diagonal through ball past Germany's defensive line, aiming for the left edge of the penalty area.
At nearly the same moment, Torres, who had been between Germany's two center-backs and considering dropping back to help Iniesta, suddenly turned and sprinted at full speed.
When Torres sprints, he moves like a sleek and agile predator. The German center-backs, tall and powerful but slower to turn, were left behind as Torres blazed past them. They couldn't even foul him in time.
Torres reached Silva's through ball on the left side of the penalty area, gently nudging it forward into the box while slowing down slightly to adjust.
As Torres looked up to assess Lehmann's position, the two center-backs had closed in on him from behind.
Staying remarkably composed, Torres planted his left foot firmly and unleashed a powerful shot with his right.
The ball rocketed off Torres's boot, flying at an incredible speed and drilling into the bottom-right corner of the net, brushing the side netting as it crossed the goal line.
"GOAL!!!"
"TORRES!!!"
"His NINTH goal of this European Championship!"
"Fernando Torres has just scored his ninth goal of the tournament!"
Torres, overcome with emotion, sprinted out of the box and slid on his knees towards the Spanish fans, arms outstretched as he soaked in the waves of cheers.
"This is a critical goal from Torres!"
"It doesn't just break the deadlock; it also ties him with Michel Platini's legendary record of nine goals in a single European Championship, set 24 years ago!"
"What an absolutely vital goal this is!"
"In the 18th minute, Torres has given Spain the lead!"
"Let's look at the replay. The intricate passing play down the left—Silva's through ball was exquisite, threading perfectly into Torres's path while avoiding Metzelder."
"And when Torres sprints at full speed, it's nearly impossible for defenders to catch him. The German center-backs had no chance."
"1–0!"
"Spain scores with their second shot of the match, taking the lead against Germany!"
"What incredible efficiency from Spain."
"Torres now has nine goals in this European Championship—equaling Platini's record."
On the sidelines, Yang Hao and his staff celebrated with unrestrained enthusiasm, hugging and cheering. The substitutes joined in, rushing to the edge of the pitch to share in the joy.
The timing of the goal was surprising, as it came seemingly out of nowhere.
After celebrating with his teammates, Torres ran to the touchline to high-five and hug Yang Hao.
"Great work—keep it up!" Yang Hao said, patting Torres on his sweaty back to encourage him.
With nine goals in the tournament, Torres was in sublime form.
Broadcast cameras cut to the VIP stands, where UEFA President Michel Platini wore a peculiar expression, one that seemed difficult to interpret. Sitting beside him, Franz Beckenbauer shook his head in disappointment, clearly disheartened by the goal.
As pundits had repeatedly noted, when Spain takes the lead, it becomes nearly impossible to equalize, let alone mount a comeback.
Why?
Because Spain's possession game creates a paradox for opponents.
How do you score without the ball?
To score, you need possession. To gain possession, you have to press.
Pressing opens up spaces in your defensive structure. Those spaces become vulnerabilities for Spain to exploit with their quick passing and movement.
But if you prioritize maintaining a compact defensive shape, you can't effectively press. Without pressing, you can't win the ball.
It's a maddening dilemma.
Spain's approach is truly hard to counter.
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