Lazy Genius Striker [EN]: Chapter 161

< The Blunder >

West Ham’s solution was simple: bypass the build-up entirely.

In the second goal kick situation, Huerrichel again seemed to attempt a short build-up, passing to Bellamy.

Manchester United, predictably, pressed high immediately.

Bellamy, seeing the pressure, quickly passed back to Huerrichel.

Huerrichel then launched a long ball forward.

The ball found Johann’s head.

However, the defense was prepared.

While the ball was in the air, Manchester United’s defenders had already positioned themselves, securing their zones instead of directly challenging Johann.

Then, Johann unleashed an unbelievable solo effort.

Four defenders were positioned at the edge of the penalty box.

Two defensive midfielders protected the backline.

Six Manchester United players were converging on Johann.

Of course, West Ham players were also making runs, so it wasn’t a true 6-on-1 situation.

However, the Manchester United players were prioritizing Johann above all else.

They were ready to abandon their marks and swarm Johann if he broke past their teammates.

So, in reality, it was essentially a 6-on-1 battle.

And it felt like it.

Johann first faced Manchester United’s two defensive midfielders, Darren McKenney and Mikel Rodriguez.

Both were over 190 centimeters tall, with physiques like center-backs, forming an imposing barrier.

But against Johann, they were merely slow-reacting scarecrows.

With a single, deceptive feint, Johann made them both lean, then burst in the opposite direction, leaving them behind.

Next, he faced the center-back pairing.

Jude Harrison and Thiago Morales, who partnered with Bellamy on the England national team.

These two had steadily improved under Hauer’s guidance and were having league-best performances this season.

Against any other striker attempting a solo run, the full-backs would have moved forward, anticipating a counter-attack, rather than providing cover.

Because they were confident that Harrison and Morales would win the ball.

But this was Johann.

The full-backs narrowed the gap, closing in towards the center.

Johann had bypassed the defensive midfielders and entered the penalty arc.

But it was like stepping into a trap.

Dribbling further or passing seemed impossible in such a confined space.

Johann seemed to hesitate for a moment.

Interestingly, when Johann stopped, the defenders also froze.

No one dared to commit.

They could have tackled or made a physical challenge; it seemed the obvious move.

But the defenders surrounding Johann simply tensed, focusing on his every move.

The tension was palpable, even with four players, a successful challenge wasn’t guaranteed.

Whether it was a physical battle or a tackle.

They lacked the confidence to win the ball, even with a four-man swarm.

Perhaps they were content just to stall Johann.

In any case, it was a mistake.

Giving Johann time and space.

Of course, it was a brief moment and a small space, but that was enough for Johann.

Tap-

Bang-!

A two-touch shot.

Still, Harrison and Morales maintained their defensive shape.

Minimizing the shooting angle.

So, Johann nudged the ball slightly with the outside of his left foot to create an opening.

Then, he unleashed a curling shot with the same foot.

The first and second touches were lightning-fast.

Giving the defense no time to react.

Whoosh-

It wasn’t a powerful shot.

He had to shoot before the defense closed him down, so there was no run-up, and his leg swing was short.

Instead, the shot’s trajectory and the curve were artistic.

At first, it looked like it was going wide.

Far wide.

But the spinning ball curved through the air, drawing a wide arc, and nestled into the goal as if guided by a magnet.

A shot the goalkeeper couldn’t even think about reaching.

The most important match of the entire season.

The crucial moment in that match.

Johann’s wonder goal, a display of individual brilliance.

*

Players are perceptive.

If it had been a clumsy, lucky goal,

The Manchester United players could have easily shrugged it off and refocused.

Or even if it was an unbelievable wonder goal, if it was a fluke.

They might have grumbled about bad luck and moved on.

But this was different.

It wasn’t a poor goal, but a dazzling wonder goal, and it wasn’t a lucky one.

Because Johann scored it.

Most wonder goals are difficult to replicate.

A wonder goal usually happens when everything aligns perfectly, combined with luck.

But this goal?

Johann could score it again and again.

Honestly, it’s fifty-fifty whether he could score the exact same goal with another shot, but if he took 10 shots, he could score a similar goal 7 times.

It was a goal created purely with skill.

So, Manchester United’s momentum faltered.

That was more significant than it seemed.

Considering Manchester United’s style, tactics, and the squad’s age.

This team relies heavily on momentum.

When they have it, they can overwhelm anyone, but when it’s broken, they can lose to anyone.

Breaking that momentum had been difficult for other teams this season.

After Johann’s goal, West Ham began to control the game more comfortably.

Hard to imagine just a few years ago.

That West Ham players were managing the game much more skillfully against Manchester United players.

But now it was possible.

West Ham has more experience.

Manchester United didn’t make the Champions League this season, but West Ham is in the quarter-finals.

The difference between experiencing a big stage and not is significant.

Like those who have eaten meat know how to eat it, those who have won championships often win again in football.

It’s no coincidence that many players peak after the World Cup or the Champions League.

In such an important match, where they inevitably feel pressure, West Ham’s Champions League experience gave them a significant advantage.

Manchester United was rushed; West Ham was more relaxed.

Before halftime, West Ham added another goal.

From a corner kick, Guimarães scored a header, making it 2-0.

It worked because Manchester United’s defense was focused on Johann, allowing Guimarães to find space.

Guimarães received enthusiastic congratulations, and the game continued into the second half.

*

Even in the second half, the anger of Manchester United’s legend, and Real Madrid and Portugal’s legendary striker, did not subside.

Manchester United’s performance had improved from the first half.

During halftime, the Manchester United players had pulled themselves together after receiving Hauer’s hairdryer treatment [a scolding] MAX,

In the 9th minute, they scored a consolation goal, reviving hope.

But the momentum didn’t last.

Just three minutes later.