Chapter 174: Chapter 174: The Iconic Shoeshine Celebration Returns

Football: The Rebirth of the Football Journey - Volume 1Words: 6356

"A text message from friend 9527 says: 'This ad was running just fine, and suddenly a football match popped up? This friend has quite the unique taste!'"

In the Gugu Sports live stream, commentator Wang Tao was passionately narrating the match.

"The second half has just begun, and there hasn't been much chemistry between Ye Chen and Wang Chu yet!"

"Compared to them, De Bruyne's command on the field is stronger, and his passing is more precise!"

"It seems Wang Chu still has a long way to go in the Bundesliga!"

Just as Wang Tao finished speaking, Dortmund launched an attack.

51:24

Wang Chu received the ball in the center, and the opposing defenders immediately closed in.

But Wang Chu stayed calm, flicking the ball with the outside of his foot to Götze on the right.

From training with Ye Chen, he had learned a new skill – quick release passing!

Quick passing after pre-scanning the field ensures possession and catches the opponent off guard.

Götze, now in possession on the right, faced off against the opposing left-back.

He sprinted towards the goal line, but just as the defender shifted his balance, Götze stopped sharply, cutting into the penalty area.

Spotting Ye Chen and Lewandowski's movement in the box, he opted not to pass to Lewandowski but instead delivered a horizontal pass to Ye Chen near the edge of the box.

Ye Chen quickly adjusted, drawing his bow and nocking his arrow.

Boom!

The ball soared like an arrow, flying straight into the bottom left corner.

Despite the crowded penalty area of Standard Liège, Ye Chen found the only path to goal!

Swish!

No surprises there.

This smooth attack, initiated by Wang Chu, assisted by Götze, and finished by Ye Chen, was flawless!

But what truly sent the fans into a frenzy was the celebration that followed!

Shinji Kagawa dropped to one knee, kneeling before Ye Chen, who placed his foot on Kagawa's leg.

Kagawa immediately mimicked a shoeshining motion...

The big screen zoomed in – Ye Chen and his loong-branded boots were now in the spotlight!

"Wow, those shoes look amazing!"

"Is this the new design Adidas made for Ye? I want a pair!"

"This celebration is so creative!"

"The iconic shoeshine celebration – their bond is incredible!"

"A beautiful goal and an even better celebration!"

The stadium erupted, though it was just a small highlight.

However, in Kagawa's home country, the celebration stirred controversy.

[Kagawa kneeling for Ye Chen – absolutely humiliating!]

[Why did Kagawa kneel to a Chinese player?]

[This is a national disgrace! Revoke Kagawa's citizenship!]

[No one from our country should ever kneel to a Chinese player!]

A simple celebration caused an uproar online.

But on the field, the players paid no mind, embracing and celebrating the goal.

Interestingly, the celebration was Kagawa's idea. Though criticized at home, the moment later became iconic in football history – much like when Moreiro knelt and shined Ronaldo's boots.

The Gugu Sports live stream was buzzing.

"This celebration feels oddly satisfying!"

"Haha, Kagawa is definitely trending at home now!"

"Protect Kagawa at all costs!"

"I officially declare Kagawa the most beloved foreign player in China!"

"Tearing up – finally, the moment we've waited for!"

The chat was filled with excitement, and Chinese fans felt a sense of pride.

This is what skill does.

Why would Kagawa celebrate like this? Because Ye Chen's performance had earned his respect.

The match resumed. Standard Liège's coach stayed composed despite trailing 3-0.

For them, appearance fees came first, friendships second, and the match itself third.

57:24

After three failed shots, Weidenfeller threw the ball to Kagawa on the left, triggering Dortmund's counterattack.

Ye Chen didn't sprint forward but dropped back to receive the ball.

Seeing Ye Chen retreat, Kagawa passed it to him.

Without adjusting, Ye Chen spun and sent a through ball forward.

This pass was inspired by De Bruyne.

Though still refining the skill, the ball landed perfectly at Wang Chu's feet.

Wang Chu adjusted his steps and attempted a finesse shot.

The angle was right, but the power wasn't enough.

The goalkeeper easily secured the ball.

Wang Chu held his head in frustration but gave Ye Chen a thumbs-up.

Their synergy was improving!

The crowd sighed in unison.

Meanwhile, Klopp was jotting down notes on the sidelines.

Perhaps because they were both Chinese, Ye Chen and Wang Chu connected well.

If Wang Chu passed and Ye Chen shot, the goal would likely have been scored.

Klopp instructed Götze to relay this to Wang Chu.

With this small adjustment, Wang Chu became more active.

63:24

Kagawa leaped for a header, sending the ball to Wang Chu.

Wang Chu trapped the ball and immediately played a through pass.

Ye Chen accelerated, using his explosive speed to control the ball.

Faced with the advancing keeper, Ye Chen chipped the ball with precision.

Unlike Wang Chu's earlier attempt, Ye Chen's shot curved perfectly into the net.

Ye Chen didn't over-celebrate but high-fived Wang Chu.

"Great pass!"

"It was your movement and finish that made it happen!" Wang Chu grinned.

After two years, Wang Chu finally had an assist!

A promising start!

In Gugu Sports, Wang Tao shouted in excitement.

"Goal... goal, goal, goal!"

"A perfect pass from Wang Chu and an excellent finish from Ye Chen!"

"Everything was just right!"

"If only this had happened in an official match..."

Though it was just a friendly, the Chinese media was ecstatic!

[Chinese Duo Shines in Dortmund!]

[Wang Chu Assists, Ye Chen Scores – Chinese Stars Link Up in Germany!]

[Looking Forward to the Second Half of the Season: Ye Chen and Wang Chu's Dream Partnership!]

Ye Chen's brace sealed a 4-0 victory.

As the match ended, Klopp departed for the Champions League draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

The 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage awaited their fate.

Group Winners: Bayern, Inter, Benfica, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, APOEL, Barcelona.

Runners-up: Napoli, CSKA Moscow, Basel, Lyon, Leverkusen, Dortmund, Zenit, AC Milan.

One of the biggest surprises was the early elimination of Manchester City and Manchester United.

City finished third with 10 points, while United's 9 points also left them third.

The two Manchester clubs became the butt of jokes among fans.

Dortmund's players tuned in to the draw, hoping to avoid facing Real Madrid or Barcelona...