Thuram anticipated the play and ran forward, trying to intercept the pass.
But he misjudged the situation.
The ball flew past him once again.
And Cannavaro hadn't even had time to react.
The ball was already behind him.
Huang Kaiwen's pass curved elaborately, threading between the two top defenders to the edge of the penalty area on the right.
Shevchenko, vigilant as always, quickly took off.
"Damn it."
Zambrotta realized he was too slow.
He urgently grabbed with one hand, closing in on him.
Many AC Milan fans had already stood up, leaning forward and fixating on the field.
What a chance.
If they could score a goal.
They could equalize the score.
The two men entangled and rushed into the penalty area.
Zambrotta never found the chance to tackle and take the ball away.
But Shevchenko, being closely marked, couldn't get his footwork right to take a shot either.
They were nearing the end line.
Shevchenko still hadn't found an opportunity.