Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

181 – Panenka

182

Overall, Joo Ji-tae’s body was born to play football. It’s not just that his bones are strong or that he’s powerful. He has the perfect physique for the sport, with strength, flexibility, and elasticity.

Of course, his ankle strength is also exceptional.

Although it’s not well-known due to his other abilities, Joo Ji-tae is a world-class cannon shooter. It’s no wonder he can replicate Hubert Carlos’s UFO shot.

But even Joo Ji-tae had never scored a goal from the halfway line in a professional game, not even in a previous life.

“This is going in.”

The referee, who was about to blow the whistle to end the first half, and Manchester City’s defense, which refused to give Joo Ji-tae an angle, were caught off guard when Joo Ji-tae suddenly shot the ball.

But even Joo Ji-tae was half-doubtful about his shot.

Even a cannon shooter like him needs time to send the ball flying from the halfway line to the goal. It’s not like his ankle is a machine… even if it were, it would still need time to send the ball flying.

If a machine could do it, it would be able to send the ball flying in an instant, but then the football would burst.

It was a shot that required the opponent’s carelessness to succeed, but Joo Ji-tae managed to score a halfway line goal.

As soon as the ball hit the net, the referee, the players, and even the spectators fell silent, while Joo Ji-tae began his planned celebration.

It was the stroll celebration that Park Ji-sung had once showcased at the Saitama Stadium.

“This is the perfect celebration to provoke the noisy crowd without causing controversy.”

Soon, the referee’s whistle blew, and his teammates rushed over.

The torrent of curses from the stands was just a bonus.

* * *

The 1-1 draw situation was expected to lead to a tense second half, but Barcelona’s momentum was reversed just 3 minutes into the second half.

[Wow! Oliver Negredo’s fantastic right foot is on fire again!!!]

[If Joo Ji-tae’s incredible goal shook the first half, then this player is the hero of the second half! Manchester City’s guardian! The world’s top 3-line midfielder! Oliver Negredo’s fantastic long-range shot!]

[The replay is coming out. Ah, Barcelona must be feeling bitter. Joo Ji-tae cut off the cross from the side, and in the ensuing second-ball battle, Oliver Negredo took the lead and regained possession, but then — boom! He kicked the ball without hesitation and scored! The strong wind made the ball curve, and Hector the goalkeeper couldn’t even move!]

[It’s an unbelievable, sudden wonder goal! What a day it is. From Joo Ji-tae’s halfway line goal in the first half to Oliver Negredo’s volley in the second half. It’s truly a Champions League final-worthy, star-studded battle!!]

Manchester City’s right-back, William Mofei, sent in an early cross.

Joo Ji-tae jumped high to cut off the ball, which flew high and far away, and Oliver Negredo, who was chasing from behind, connected with a volley to score. The trajectory of the ball was so curved that it resembled a banana, making it a breathtakingly beautiful goal.

Barcelona, which was trailing by one point, stepped up its game, and Manchester City, which was ahead by one point, didn’t back down, so the second half turned into a fast-paced, intense battle between the two teams.

What stood out the most was Joo Ji-tae’s performance.

It was his power that allowed Barcelona to hold its own against Manchester City, as he tirelessly ran around the entire field, from the back to the center to the sides.

[It’s Joo Jitae again!! What is this player’s deal!? He always appears like a ghost and shows off his skills at crucial moments!!]

[Does this player have two hearts? His activity level is incredible!!]

Thanks to his tireless efforts, Barcelona was able to put up a good fight against Manchester City, but they couldn’t gain the upper hand. After all, soccer is a team sport where 11 players face off against each other.

[Oh, Manchester City is preparing to make a substitution. The 25th minute of the second half is when the players are most exhausted.]

[Joo Jitae is clutching his knee, looking very tired…]

25th minute of the second half.

The players were already exhausted, and Joo Jitae, who had run more than usual, was barely holding on.

Originally a central midfielder, Joo Jitae had changed positions to center back a few years ago. Even though he wasn’t physically weak, his stamina had decreased due to the increased muscle mass required for his new position.

As a center back, power was crucial, and Joo Jitae had sacrificed his stamina to gain that power. It was a heavy burden for him to play like he used to.

“Joo, are you okay?”

“I can still hold on. Why?”

“Jose asked about you.”

Diego Almeida’s words made Joo Jitae glance at the touchline, where he met the anxious gaze of Coach Jose.

Their little finger signals, which looked silly, were actually a well-rehearsed code.

Joo Jitae nodded in response, and soon Barcelona sent out a substitution signal.

In midfield, Arnau Pradas was replaced by Hector Santiago, and Julian Poyet came in for Joel Cabre.

Barcelona’s formation changed to 3-4-3, with three center backs.

Rodrigo Silvio – Iker Rodriguez – Mark Guigu

Hector Santiago – Diego Almeida – Leomar Martinez

Joo Jitae

Alexis Olmedo – Joel Cabre – Max Moreno

The three center backs, including Alexis Olmedo, who was known for his speed, were able to cover for Joo Jitae. But if Manchester City targeted Barcelona’s weaknesses, they wouldn’t be able to hold on for long.

That’s why they had prepared a tactical plan to counter the situation, but it was a risky strategy. The best they could do was to score an equalizer as quickly as possible.

Barcelona’s offense became more intense.

* * *

43rd minute of the second half.

The game was heading towards its end.

[Rodrigo Silvio’s header!! Ah… it’s… it’s off target!!]

[What a disappointing moment!! Joo Jitae’s sharp pass, which accurately found Mark Guigu, and the precise cross, but it unfortunately hit the post.]

Barcelona, who had narrowly missed scoring, managed to avoid conceding a goal immediately after.

[Martin Gestad shoots!! Oh, Hector Port! Hector Port, the goalkeeper, made a great save!]

[The ball that came out was cleared by Alexis Olmedo from afar – wait, Hector Santiago touched it with one touch! Arnau Pradas – it’s a pass! Iker Rodriguez, what a great opportunity!! Shoot, once more – ah, it’s blocked.]

[Both teams are exchanging attacks and defenses at an incredible pace! But time is running out… ah, 4 minutes of additional time are given.]

As the rapid tempo of the game continued, the players’ movements became slower.

[Joo Jitae is taking the ball and moving forward.]

[Today, Joo Jitae has shown an incredible performance. Even if they lose, if I had to choose the best player of the game, it would be him.]

The Manchester City players, who had been frustrated several times, finally realized that pressuring Joo Jitae was useless and decided to keep their distance and defend against him.

‘Ha. I can’t break through.’

It would be better if they came in, but they’re keeping their distance and just checking me. If I break through one person, the next player will rush in, and even if I break through that one, another player will come rushing in.

That’s when the movements of my teammates are needed.

I need to use off-the-ball to lure the opponent in…

“Wrong.”

I’m tired, and my movements are slow.

There’s no particular method, so I’m just pushing the ball forward cautiously. Before I know it, I’ve already crossed the halfway line and am closer to the opponent’s penalty box.

But I’m still far away.

Getting anxious, I checked the time.

47 minutes.

Four minutes of added time have already passed halfway.

As I struggled to find an opening, the Manchester City players, who had no place to retreat, started to rush in one by one.

One, two, three.

I broke through them consecutively, but the result was worse than before.

Breaking through one person doesn’t mean it’s over. The next opponent will rush in from the front, and the one I broke through will come back at me again.

I’m surrounded by enemies, and all I can do is try to keep the ball.

“What’s the time?”

I used a drag-back to keep the ball again, and my gaze briefly swept across the scoreboard.

48 minutes.

Time is running out.

The Barcelona players, sensing the end, were using their last bit of energy to run around, while the Manchester City players were gritting their teeth and setting up their defensive block.

My foot strongly kicked the ball.

“Cross!!”

Someone’s shout followed, and the Barcelona and Manchester City players rushed towards the penalty box, their eyes fixed on the ball. The high and fast ball soon—

Banged into the opposite goalpost and went straight into the goal.

“…What?”

“U, wow!!”

It was an equalizing goal.

The ensuing extra time was truly my solo stage.

Both teams were exhausted, and I was too, so my reaction was slow, but my overwhelming keeping ability remained unchanged.

[Joo Ji-tae!! He escaped from three players again!! What is this!!]

[Wow! It was a precise pass that targeted the back space, but Iker Rodriguez couldn’t follow!! This is really an unfortunate scene!]

[The high-flying ball, Joo Ji-tae caught— wow! He kicked the ball straight up with his instep, and it accurately headed towards Mark Guigu!! Mark Guigu, solo chance! Ah— what is this! The shot went into thin air!!]

[And so, extra time came to an end. The match will be decided by a penalty shootout.]

I truly showed off my exceptional skills, creating good chances one after another, but the result was a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout, which started with Manchester City’s kick, had the first few players fail consecutively, creating tension.

[The fifth attempt finally succeeds! Goal!]

[Barcelona’s fifth attempt remains, and the score is 3:3! If Joo Ji-tae scores, it will end with Barcelona’s win!]

[Joo Ji-tae’s penalty kick success rate is well-known. He boasts an impressive 96% success rate…!]

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Navas gazed at Joo Ji-tae, desperately racking his brain.

The more tense the moment, the heavier the burden, the more Joo Ji-tae had the habit of taking a Panenka. This was certain.

“Statistically, the spot where he’s going to score is… the center! The center! He’s definitely going to take a Panenka!”

The referee’s whistle blew, and Joo Ji-tae’s gaze met the referee’s.

Joo Ji-tae smiled slyly.

“What? Are you laughing here? Are you not nervous at all? Wait, are you really going to score in the center…?”

Stephan’s mind was in chaos, overwhelmed by the sudden confusion.

“No, the data is clear… the data is only data! You can’t do that in this situation!”

Joo Ji-tae’s arm swung widely, drawing a large follow-through.

“Center, no… strongly to the corner! Which side, which side… left!!”

The ball floating in the air slowly entered Stephan’s delayed vision.

“This is crazy… again!?”

Stephan’s body, which had been hovering in the air, crashed to the ground, and he desperately got up, his pitiful struggles passing by as the ball softly landed in the net.

It was a Panenka.