Chapter 346: You’re Damn a Genius!

"Their midfield is already half-collapsed. We must keep up the pressure in the second half."

"The main problem in front of us right now is Beckham. He's the only English player capable of breaking the deadlock. But even if Beckham comes on after halftime, we have to apply tight marking constantly to disrupt their rhythm and throw their midfield into chaos!"

"From the 45th to the 70th minute, maintain the high press and try to score another goal. Meanwhile, keep pressing down the left wing to draw their attention, then use Mandžukić as a pivot to switch the play to the right side, creating opportunities for Rakitić!"

In the locker room, Van Stoyak held a notebook and kept explaining detailed tactical plans.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward! Compared to Bilic, Van Stoyak looked more like the head coach.

But at this moment, the Croatian players had no time to care about that; they needed to focus.

After Van Stoyak finished, he turned to Dujmović.

"Your task for the second half is twofold."

"First, if Beckham comes on, you need to mark him tightly. Forget everything else—just keep putting pressure on Beckham and don't let him have a comfortable pass."

"Second, if Beckham doesn't come on, play more through balls forward, letting Mandžukić split the defense!"

Van Stoyak's voice deepened: "If you can win the ball in the frontcourt, don't hesitate to shoot from distance. The English goalkeeper is paying most attention to Mandžukić, Suker, and Rakitić, so he won't be as alert to you."

Dujmović immediately nodded, full of fighting spirit.

After Van Stoyak finished, he looked at Bilic.

"Coach, it's your turn."

Bilic nodded and stepped forward, speaking loudly, "We played well in the first half. The specific tactics for the second half are set. We must not slack off. Let's win this game!"

"Win the game!"

Everyone shouted in unison.

Bilic felt a bit helpless.

He was indeed the head coach, but it felt like Van Stoyak was doing all the work.

He was more like a figurehead coach.

Soon, the second half began.

When the players returned to the field, Suk and the others saw Beckham wearing number 17.

Beckham was now in the twilight of his career.

He was no longer the leader of the national team.

His iconic number 7 jersey had been taken off and given to Barry.

Still, Beckham kept loudly encouraging his teammates.

"McClaren is putting Beckham on in the second half—is he hoping Beckham can break the deadlock?"

Kraušić said with heavy sarcasm.

McClaren had just announced the 'Beckham-free' policy and even stripped Beckham of the number 7 shirt to give to Barry.

Now, in trouble, England had to lick their wounds and call Beckham back.

The second half started again.

England was trailing by one and eager to equalize.

But Croatia resumed their high pressing immediately.

"Man, they really run hard!"

Beckham's eyes were filled with envy. He used to run like that too.

But now, with age catching up, he could barely keep up.

"Pass to me!"

Beckham shifted to receive the ball.

Gerrard turned to pass but was pulled and ended up passing to the other side instead.

Beckham looked around.

Dujmović was sticking to him like glue, ready to pounce.

Wherever Beckham went, Dujmović was right there.

This irritated Beckham terribly.

"Pass to me!"

When England teammates forcibly passed to Beckham, Dujmović closed in, aggressively pressing and preventing Beckham from turning to face the attack.

Helpless, Beckham could only give up turning and passed back instead.

Beckham turned and glared angrily at Dujmović.

Dujmović didn't even look.

"Beckham is totally locked down. It seems Dujmović was well-prepared. Not just him—when Beckham holds the ball, Croatia's defenders immediately close in on England's forwards to prevent anything!"

Kraušić commented, "Bilic must have prepared this at halftime. He probably expected Beckham to come on!"

Watching Beckham being restricted, Suker couldn't help but marvel.

He never thought Van Stoyak was anything special, but now it was clear—this guy had tactical genius.

But that wasn't all!

Suker grinned mischievously.

At that moment, Croatia launched a counterattack.

Their attacks frequently shifted toward the left wing, with Suker passing to Mandžukić.

Mandžukić fought hard with England's defenders.

Modrić also directly fed Mandžukić.

From the 45th minute onward, England's defense was busier than ever.

It was like watching Mandžukić wrestling with two English center-backs.

By the 55th minute, England couldn't take it anymore.

They substituted Phillips off for Defoe, increasing attacking strength.

"Gotcha!" Bilic clenched his fist fiercely.

"Stoyak, you damn genius!"

Bilic immediately signaled a substitution.

At 57 minutes, during a dead ball, Croatia made their first substitution.

Olić and Niko Kovač stood on the sidelines.

"Two midfielders?" Kraušić wondered. "Are they taking off Rakitić? His performance was pretty good!"

When the fourth official raised the substitution board, Kraušić was stunned.

Mandžukić and Dujmović were off.

"Wait, why take off Mandžukić? We have no striker!"

Before he could finish, he saw Suker move to the center forward position.

"Ohhhh~~~!"

Suker shouted excitedly.

Beside him, Bešić shook his head and clapped.

England's coach McClaren was outplayed!

"This substitution is beautiful. Let Kovač replace Dujmović, using his stamina advantage to further limit Beckham."

"At the same time, Olić moves to left midfielder, and Suker moves up front. Everyone forgets Suker played center forward at Milan!"

"Five matches, four goals—in other words, Suker is Croatia's strongest attacking point at striker!"

"The 57-minute wrestling match, the last ten minutes, Mandžukić fiercely battled England's defense, wearing down their stamina to create scoring space for Suker, who immediately moved forward after England used their second substitution."

Suker sighed, "This tactical duel is a complete victory for Bilic!"

Bilic?

Bešić shook his head.

This substitution didn't look like Bilic's style.

Bilic was conservative.

If he led the substitution, he'd put the slot in defense to stabilize.

But Croatia's substitution aimed for goals.

This was Van Stoyak's plan!

From the stands behind Croatia's coaching bench, Van Stoyak smiled slyly.

England had fallen into the trap.

From the moment they took the lead, Van Stoyak had prepared this.

England cooperated well; if they wanted to equalize, they had no choice but to make this substitution.

But it gave Croatia the perfect scenario.

Van Stoyak's sharp eyes watched Suker.

Suker stood at center forward!

Two years ago, he moved Suker to the wing, now bringing him back to center.

But he never doubted.

Suker's style was his ideal striker choice.

Before, limited by height and other factors, Suker had to play wing.

Now, the big cannon was finally aimed right in front of the opponent's goal!

"Suker!!!—"

Van der Stoyak waved his arms fiercely toward the pitch.

"Show them something fierce!"

The roaring cheers drowned out his voice.

But on the pitch, Suker's eyes gleamed with fierce aggression.

Croatia!

Number 9!

Suker!

Center forward!

They had no reason to lose!

With the cool evening breeze, Suker stepped forward.

Suddenly, Suker cut back and charged into the box.

Campbell tried to turn to mark him, but Suker suddenly stepped on the gas and darted past.

At the same time, a diagonal through ball came into the empty space beside Campbell.

Suker entered the box and raised his right foot.

Bang!

The ball flew close to the ground.

It slipped under the English keeper's arms into the net.

58 minutes—just after the substitution.

Suker scored again with a forward run.

Croatia led England 2-0!