Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

At 11:30 a.m. on June 11th, the Galgenwaard Stadion in Utrecht buzzed with energy as Turkey prepared to face China in the first round of Group B in the World Youth Championship. Around 15,000 fans filled the stands, the majority being Turkish immigrants and their descendants, a reflection of Utrecht's diverse population. Sprinkled among them were Dutch fans and a contingent of Chinese supporters, their banners waving proudly. 

Among the Dutch fans, several had brought signs specifically to support Yang Yang. Their banners bore messages like "Yang Yang, Ajax's Pride!" and "Yang Yang, the Dragon Rises!" The chants of his name echoed through the stadium, a testament to the star power he'd built in just a few years. For many of his teammates, this level of adoration from European fans was astonishing. 

"Wow," Chen Tao muttered, looking at the crowd. "They're here just for you?" 

Yang Yang, adjusting his armband during warm-ups, gave a modest smile. "I guess they are. Some of them, anyway." 

The warm-up continued smoothly until Yang Yang heard a familiar voice calling his name from the stands. "Hey, Yang, are you surprised?" 

He looked up, scanning the faces above the player tunnel, and broke into a wide grin. Standing by the railing, partially disguised in sunglasses and golf caps, were none other than Louis Van Gaal and his partner Truus Opmeer, waving enthusiastically. 

"Louis! Truus! What are you doing here?" Yang Yang called out, raising a hand in greeting. 

Van Gaal, ever serious, responded with mock gravity. "I'm here to scout players." 

"Don't listen to him," Truus interjected with a laugh. "It's your first game in this tournament. Of course, we came to support you." 

Yang Yang laughed, his face lighting up. "Thank you. That means a lot." 

"Show us something special," Truus added with a playful wink. "We're expecting a goal." 

"I'll do my best!" Yang Yang called back before turning toward the tunnel. 

As he walked in, Chen Tao caught up to him, still curious. "Who were those two?" 

Yang Yang smiled. "Louis Van Gaal and his partner, Truus." 

"What?" Chen Tao's jaw dropped. "The Louis Van Gaal?" 

Their exchange caught the attention of nearby teammates, and soon whispers spread through the group. Even head coach Krautzun raised an eyebrow upon hearing the name. Van Gaal was a respected figure across European football—a legendary coach who had shaped countless players and achieved remarkable success. 

"Did he really come just to watch you?" Chen Tao pressed. 

Yang Yang chuckled. "He says he's scouting players. But knowing Louis, he's probably doing both." 

As they approached the locker room, Yang Yang turned to Gao Lin, who had been quietly following the conversation. "Oh, Gao Lin," he said suddenly, catching the forward by surprise. 

"Huh? Me?" Gao Lin asked, wide-eyed. 

"Van Gaal's team, Alkmaar, is short on strikers. You fit the profile of the kind of player he likes. Show him what you can do out there," Yang Yang said, his tone half-joking, half-encouraging. 

The room fell silent as the players turned to Gao Lin. The weight of Yang Yang's words settled in. A chance to impress Van Gaal? It was the kind of opportunity that could change a player's life overnight. 

"Does he need a center-back?" Feng Xiaoting quipped, trying to lighten the mood. 

Yang Yang thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Not really. He doesn't like relying on young defenders." 

Feng Xiaoting looked momentarily dejected, but Yang Yang quickly added, "But I'll tell you this: Feyenoord's scout Michel Beukers, Utrecht's Henk Vonk, PSV Eindhoven's Piet de Visser, Ajax's youth assistant Patrick Ladru, and scout Fred Arroyo are all here." 

The room erupted into murmurs. Yang Yang had listed names that carried weight in Dutch and European football. Scouts weren't just a curiosity—they were the gateway to every young player's dream of breaking into European leagues. 

"And those are just the ones I recognized," Yang Yang continued, his voice rising with encouragement. "There are probably more from other Dutch clubs and even teams from other countries. This is your chance." 

The effect of his words was electric. Players who moments ago had been quietly lacing up their boots now stood energized, their eyes gleaming with determination. 

Feng Xiaoting, always vocal, punched the air. "So what are we waiting for? Let's show them what we've got!" 

"That's right!" Chen Tao added. "We keep saying we need chances. Well, here's one staring us in the face!" 

"We'll show them we're not just here to make up the numbers!" another teammate chimed in. 

"Turkey's supposed to be one of the favorites, right? Let's give them a surprise," said Zhou Haibin, his voice steady with conviction. "Didn't we beat them last year at the Toulon Cup? Let's do it again." 

A wave of confidence swept through the room. Krautzun, who had been standing quietly in the corner, shook his head with a bemused smile. He had been preparing a speech to fire up the players, but it was no longer necessary. Yang Yang had done it for him. 

"Alright, alright," Krautzun finally interjected, his voice cutting through the excitement. "If you're all that ready, let's take it to the pitch. Show me this fire out there!" 

The players filed out, their heads high and their minds focused. As Yang Yang led the group out of the tunnel, the chants of the crowd grew louder. He glanced up at Van Gaal and Truus one last time and nodded. This was more than just a game—it was a chance for all of them to prove they belonged. 

... 

... 

As the passionate strains of the national anthem echoed through the Galgenwaard Stadion, Yang Yang and his teammates stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the pitch, their eyes fixed on the national flag. Each player was immersed in the moment, their faces a mixture of pride and determination. 

On the sideline, Krautzun and his coaching staff mirrored their stance, standing solemnly with their hands behind their backs. For them, this was more than just a football match—it was a chance to prove something far greater. With over a billion Chinese citizens watching, this game carried the weight of national pride. 

When the anthem concluded, Yang Yang stepped forward, applauding vigorously. The sound of his clapping rang out alongside the cheers of the fans who had come to support them. His gaze swept across the Galgenwaard Stadion, quickly analyzing the layout. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the pitch, and Yang Yang's sharp eyes caught a potential advantage. 

He jogged over to captain Feng Xiaoting, his voice low but urgent. "Make sure we choose to attack toward the east goal in the second half," Yang Yang said firmly. 

Feng Xiaoting looked at him, puzzled. "Why the east goal?" 

Yang Yang gestured toward the pitch. "It's late afternoon. The sun is setting behind the west goal. If we choose the east goal for the second half, their goalkeeper will have the sun in his eyes, and it'll be harder for their defenders to see properly. We'll have the advantage." 

Feng Xiaoting squinted, realizing Yang Yang was right. The sun's positioning could become a factor, particularly when it came to visibility for defenders and the goalkeeper. 

At that moment, Krautzun, standing by the dugout, also noticed the sun's angle. He motioned for the assistant coach to ensure Feng Xiaoting pushed for that advantage during the coin toss. 

Turkey's captain seemed to have the same idea, but fortune favored the Chinese team. Feng Xiaoting won the toss, securing the better side of the pitch for the second half. As he returned to the huddle, Yang Yang greeted him with a wide grin and a high-five. 

"Good job!" Yang Yang said, the energy infectious. 

Feng Xiaoting, the captain's armband firm on his bicep, chuckled. "So, we go for the kill right from the start?" 

"Absolutely," Yang Yang replied, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Let's set the tempo. Hit them hard before they can settle." 

Nearby, Gao Lin and Lu Lin, both newcomers to the team, exchanged skeptical glances. Turkey was no pushover—they were a formidable European side with a strong footballing tradition. The idea of simply "hitting them hard" seemed overly optimistic, if not outright unrealistic. 

But as soon as the whistle blew, the newcomers realized exactly what Yang Yang meant. 

... 

... 

"National Television, National Television!" the commentator's voice boomed energetically through the broadcast. "You are now watching the live coverage of our China U-20 national team in the first round of Group B at the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Our opponents today are the Turkish U-20 national team from Europe." 

The cameras panned across the pitch, capturing the players lined up and ready for kickoff. Turkey had won the coin toss and would start with possession. 

At home in Beijing, Su Ye, fresh from completing her college entrance exams, sat with her father, Su Wenhong, in the living room. The soft glow of the television lit up their faces as they watched intently. 

Her gaze fixated on Yang Yang as the camera lingered on him during the pre-match lineup. Her attention was drawn, as always, to the colorful hand rope wrapped around his left wrist. A warmth spread through her chest, and she felt her cheeks flush slightly. 

He's still wearing it. 

That realization brought an unspoken sense of pride and joy. The hand rope, something so small yet meaningful, had stayed with him through all the matches, the goals, the celebrations. 

"Turkey kicks off!" the commentator continued. "And we're underway at the Galgenwaard Stadion." 

As the Turkish players took their first touches, passing cautiously among themselves, the Chinese team pressed aggressively. The commentators were quick to notice. 

"The Chinese team is showing a very active approach straight from the whistle! Look at that—tight pressing from the midfielders and forwards. They're putting Turkey under immediate pressure!" 

Turkey's defenders scrambled to adjust, passing the ball back to their goalkeeper, who opted to clear it with a long kick toward the midfield. 

"The Turkish goalkeeper launches a long ball forward, but—good positioning by the Chinese backline! Feng Xiaoting reads it perfectly and regains possession for the Chinese team." 

Feng Xiaoting calmly controlled the ball, scanning the field as the Turkish forwards hesitated to press. The Chinese defenders spread wide, and the midfield began to transition into attack. 

"The Chinese team is starting to probe for opportunities," the commentator narrated. "Here comes their first attack—look at this! Yang Yang is making a run to the left. He's signaling for the ball!" 

On the screen, Yang Yang sprinted down the left flank, his hand raised confidently to call for a pass. His movement was sharp, purposeful, and drew attention from the Turkish defenders. Su Ye, watching from her spot on the couch, clasped her hands together and silently willed him forward. 

Come on, Yang Yang! 

The ball was played out wide, and the action began to build. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang received a precise pass from Lu Lin at the edge of a defensive gap on the left. With a smooth touch, he immediately used his body to shield the ball from an advancing defender, expertly blocking his opponent's attempt to close him down. As another Turkish defender rushed forward, Yang Yang reacted in a flash—his acceleration and sharp lateral movement allowed him to escape the pressure, leaving both defenders scrambling in his wake. 

The sudden burst of skill and pace drew a wave of applause and cheers from the stands, as Yang Yang effortlessly carved open the Turkish defense. 

Carrying the ball at speed, Yang Yang drove forward toward the left corner of the penalty area. Turkey's left central defender stepped out aggressively to meet him. Using his God Vision, Yang Yang quickly assessed the situation. He noticed Gao Lin making a clever off-the-ball run, pulling another Turkish defender out of position and creating a pocket of space. 

What a smart move! Yang Yang thought. 

Without hesitation, Yang Yang performed a sharp step-over, fluidly shifting his weight to the left before cutting sharply to the right. The Turkish central defender barely had time to react; his momentum carried him in the wrong direction, leaving him off balance and out of the play. 

Yang Yang capitalized instantly. With the defender beaten, he surged into the space at the edge of the penalty area. Planting his left foot firmly, he swung his right leg cleanly through the ball, unleashing a powerful, curling strike. 

The sound of the impact reverberated through the stadium—a sharp, resounding crack like an airburst. 

The ball sliced through the air, bending past the outstretched hands of the Turkish goalkeeper and slamming into the back of the net on the right side. The entire stadium erupted. 

"Goal!!!" the commentator roared. "What a strike!" 

"An incredible goal! It's only been two minutes—two minutes into the game—and Yang Yang has already broken the deadlock!" 

"The genius winger from China, just 18 years old, proves once again why he's one of the most talked-about young players in the world." 

"With a brilliant left-footed cut and a stunning right-footed finish, Yang Yang scores the first goal of this World Youth Championship for the Chinese team!" 

Yang Yang dashed toward the Chinese fans in the stands, his face alight with emotion. Sliding onto his knees, he celebrated passionately, pounding his chest and pointing skyward. His teammates quickly swarmed him, their shouts of joy echoing across the pitch. 

Even among the Turkish fans, scattered applause broke out. The sheer quality of the goal transcended allegiances, leaving spectators in awe of the Chinese winger's skill and composure. 

No one had expected such an explosive start. Just two minutes in, the Chinese team had seized the initiative, delivering an emphatic statement. Despite Turkey's reputation as a solid European side, it was clear that China had no intention of being overshadowed. From the way they started, it was evident—they were here to compete, to prove themselves, and to defy expectations. 

... 

... 

It was hard to say whether it was the hunger to prove themselves on the world stage, the desire to shine at the World Youth Championship, or the infectious energy of Yang Yang's opening goal. Perhaps it was a combination of all these factors, but the China U-20 team played with relentless intensity after taking the early lead. 

The players' mental state was excellent, their movements sharp and purposeful. The midfield quartet of Lu Lin, Cui Peng, Zhou Haibin, and Chen Tao firmly controlled the center of the pitch, dictating the game's rhythm. Their consistent pressing and fluid passing frustrated the Turkish team, forcing them to play reactively. 

On the other hand, Turkey seemed rattled. Perhaps it was the lingering sting of their loss to China in the Toulon Cup, or maybe the shock of conceding so early had thrown them off balance. Despite employing a 4-3-3 formation—a popular setup across Europe—Turkey struggled to execute their game plan cohesively. 

Yang Yang, familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of a 4-3-3 from his time at Ajax, quickly recognized Turkey's tactical flaws. Their midfield couldn't cope with China's pressing and often lost possession before making meaningful progress. Meanwhile, Turkey's forward line remained static and disconnected, offering little movement to link up with their midfield. This lack of cohesion left gaps that the Chinese players exploited. 

With Turkey's disjointed approach, China found opportunities to push forward repeatedly. Yang Yang, heavily marked after his early goal, began adapting his role. Using his technical skill and tactical awareness, he drew defenders toward him, creating space for his teammates. 

Just one minute after the opening goal, China launched another incisive attack. Zhou Haibin, spotting an opening, unleashed a powerful long shot from outside the penalty area. Though it didn't result in a goal, it forced a save and sent a warning to Turkey. 

Turkey attempted a counterattack, but their play lacked precision. A speculative long-range effort from 30 meters was their only shot of note, and it posed no real threat. In contrast, China continued to string together fluid passing sequences, carving out dangerous opportunities. 

Chen Tao came close to doubling the lead with a low-driven shot from just outside the box, but it lacked power and was easily gathered by the Turkish goalkeeper. The Chinese team's relentless attacks put Turkey on the back foot, allowing them little respite. 

In the tenth minute, another chance emerged. Chen Tao delivered a perfectly weighted pass from the right flank. Yang Yang, positioned just outside the penalty area, took the ball and deftly sent a diagonal pass into the box. Lu Lin made a surging run from the left and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The crowd held its breath as he controlled the ball, but his hesitation to shoot allowed the Turkish defenders to recover, and the chance slipped away. 

Despite the missed opportunities, the Chinese team remained in control. Gao Lin, showcasing his physical presence, drove through the middle of the Turkish defense with the ball at his feet, creating chaos in the penalty area. Though his effort didn't result in a goal, it demonstrated China's intent to dominate. 

Turkey, realizing the urgency of their situation, began mounting a counterattack. Their persistence nearly paid off when a low cross into the box led to a clear chance on goal, but their striker failed to capitalize on the opportunity, missing a near-open net. It was a let-off for the Chinese team, and Yang Yang knew they had to reassert their dominance quickly. 

Three minutes later, China struck again. 

After recovering possession deep in their half, the Chinese team executed a series of quick passes that moved the ball upfield. Zhou Haibin and Chen Tao combined brilliantly on the right, threading a pass to Yang Yang just outside the penalty area. 

Yang Yang controlled the ball effortlessly and turned sharply, leaving a Turkish defender flat-footed. Using his strength and speed, he drove into the penalty area, holding off another defender's challenge. With a burst of acceleration and perfect balance, he created enough space to fire a low shot with his right foot. 

The ball zipped past the Turkish goalkeeper and nestled into the bottom corner of the net. 

"Goal!!!" the commentator shouted, his voice electric with excitement. "Yang Yang again! It's his second goal of the match!" 

"What a stunning performance! He's unstoppable today!" 

"This is another display of extraordinary individual skill. The Turkish defense simply couldn't contain him as he drove into the box and finished with clinical precision." 

"2-0! China doubles their lead, and once again, it's Yang Yang leading the charge!" 

Yang Yang sprinted toward the corner flag, his arms outstretched in celebration before sliding onto his knees. His teammates rushed to join him, the euphoria palpable as they mobbed the young star. The Chinese fans in the stands erupted into cheers, while even some Turkish supporters couldn't help but applaud the sheer quality of the goal. 

... 

... 

"He's controlling the tempo out there," Van Gaal said, his eyes narrowing as he observed the match. 

"Who?" Truus Opmeer asked, slightly puzzled. 

Van Gaal didn't answer immediately. Instead, Patrick Ladru, the young academy assistant seated nearby, spoke up. "Yang Yang." 

"Is he performing at his best?" Truus inquired further. 

Winston Bogarde, Yang Yang's personal fitness coach, nodded. "Considering the circumstances, yes. He's just come off a full season of high-intensity matches in both the Eredivisie and the UEFA Cup. The club managed his minutes carefully, often substituting him after 60 or 70 minutes, but the demands were still immense. Right now, his body isn't in peak condition—he's adjusting." 

"Turkey's strength isn't overwhelming," Van Gaal remarked bluntly. "Against a side like this, there's no need to overexert himself." 

Ladru nodded in agreement, clearly valuing Van Gaal's assessment. 

On the pitch, Yang Yang could be seen gesturing to his teammates, urging them to maintain control and pace themselves. He wasn't pushing for an all-out attack but instead focused on keeping possession and creating opportunities without unnecessary risk. His decision-making reflected maturity beyond his years. 

"See that?" Bogarde pointed out. "He's stopped making frequent vertical sprints and is instead pacing himself with controlled movements. He's positioning himself as a transition point, linking up play and using his awareness to support his teammates. It's efficient, reduces fatigue, and keeps him sharp." 

Yang Yang's adjustment was contagious. The Chinese team, following his lead, began moderating their offensive intensity. They maintained control, circulating the ball with precision, and ensured Turkey had little room to counter. Turkey, unable to find a rhythm, struggled to break through the compact midfield and backline. 

On the right flank, Chen Tao dazzled with a brilliant dribble, cutting through three defenders before delivering a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Gao Lin met it with a header, but the effort sailed wide, drawing groans from the crowd. Despite the miss, Gao Lin's pressing in the front line continued to unsettle the Turkish defense. 

In one chaotic moment, the Turkish goalkeeper misjudged a pass and handed the ball straight to Gao Lin. Acting quickly, Gao Lin combined with Yang Yang in an attempt to capitalize, but their connection fell short. Although the ball didn't find its target, the intent and coordination were evident. 

Shortly after, Feng Xiaoting showcased his confidence by surging forward with the ball. The defender executed a smooth one-two with Yang Yang at the edge of the penalty area, creating a clear opening. With the crowd roaring in anticipation, Feng Xiaoting unleashed a shot—only to sky it well over the crossbar. 

Yang Yang threw up his hands in mock frustration, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Buddy, what are you doing?" his expression seemed to say. 

Feng Xiaoting, red-faced, jogged back, clutching his head in embarrassment. 

Minutes later, another Turkish mistake handed Gao Lin a second opportunity in the box. This time, the defender managed to scramble back and block the attempt, sparing Turkey further embarrassment. The tension in their backline was palpable. 

"Turkey should count themselves lucky that Yang Yang's playing conservatively," Patrick Ladru said with a smirk. "Otherwise, this could easily be a blowout already." 

Van Gaal, still watching intently, pointed at the tall center forward. "That number 18—Gao Lin. He's got potential." 

Ladru nodded. "He's raw, but his physical presence and tactical impact are undeniable. He just needs to work on his finishing." 

Van Gaal added thoughtfully, "His strength, positioning, and awareness are strong foundations. With proper training, he could become a valuable striker." 

"What about that central defender? Number 5?" Ladru asked, referring to Feng Xiaoting. "And number 8 in midfield?" 

Van Gaal studied them briefly. "Feng Xiaoting has composure and technical ability. With more experience, he could develop into a reliable defender. Number 8—Zhou Haibin—has good vision and work rate. There's something there to build on." 

"And Chen Tao?" Ladru inquired. 

"He's already shown promise. Training with Ajax's youth setup improved his skills significantly. Anderlecht is a good place for him. If he continues developing, he has a real chance of making it to one of Europe's top leagues within a few years." 

... 

... 

With a comfortable 2-0 lead going into halftime, Krautzun was visibly pleased with the team's performance. The Chinese midfield's ability to control the tempo after gaining the early advantage was a highlight of the first half, earning Zhou Haibin's growing admiration for Yang Yang's leadership and tactical awareness. 

When the teams switched sides and the second half began, Turkey emerged with renewed focus and determination. The chaotic disarray that marked their first-half performance had subsided, and they began to assert themselves, gradually taking the initiative on the field. 

The most noticeable adjustment came in their ability to connect the midfield with the forward line. With better link-up play, Turkey's attacking potential began to surface. Their movement became more coordinated, and their passing sequences carried greater intent. The Chinese defense found themselves under increasing pressure. 

Despite Turkey's resurgence, the Chinese team remained disciplined. Having managed their energy well in the first half, their physical condition held up admirably in the second. Adopting a defensive counter-attacking strategy, they absorbed Turkey's pressure while looking for opportunities to strike back. 

In the 65th minute, Krautzun made a planned substitution, replacing Yang Yang with Zhao Xuri to bolster midfield control and maintain fresh legs. This decision had been discussed with Yang Yang before the match, as Krautzun intended to conserve his star player for the demanding schedule ahead. With the game already leaning heavily in China's favor, there was no need to overextend Yang Yang. 

Shortly after, Hao Junmin replaced Lu Lin, who had delivered a strong performance in the first seventy minutes but showed signs of fatigue. The young player, though impressive with his energy and work rate, was visibly struggling toward the latter stages, even cramping at one point. His nerves, combined with the physical demands of the match, seemed to have taken a toll. 

Turkey continued to push forward, but the Chinese defense, led by Feng Xiaoting and the tireless midfield duo of Zhou Haibin and Chen Tao, held firm. As the game edged into stoppage time, China's defensive resilience turned into an opportunity for a spectacular finish. 

In the dying moments, Hao Junmin burst into the penalty area with a darting run. His low, driven shot from a tight angle forced a difficult save from the Turkish goalkeeper, earning China a corner kick. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the ball was delivered into the box. 

Turkey managed to clear the initial threat, but the clearance fell directly to Zhao Xuri, who was stationed just outside the penalty area. Without hesitation, he struck a thunderous volley, the ball tracing a perfect arc through the air before slamming into the top corner of the net, leaving the Turkish goalkeeper rooted to the spot. 

"Goal!!!" the commentator roared. "An unbelievable strike from Zhao Xuri! Three to zero!" 

The crowd erupted, with Chinese fans cheering wildly at the sight of the long-range rocket. It was a goal that capped off an impressive performance, showcasing not only the team's tactical discipline but also their ability to deliver moments of individual brilliance. 

As the final whistle blew, China celebrated a commanding 3-0 victory. It was a performance that sent a clear message—they were here not just to compete but to make their mark on the world stage.