Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 311: Training and Tactical Adjustments

England's throw-in, Walker threw the ball to Vardy. Bruno pressed him, forcing Vardy to pass to Rooney. João Mário went to pressure Rooney, who then passed back to Milner. Adrien Silva rushed in, and Milner returned the ball again.

"Vardy's recent run has had an effect. Portugal is immediately responding by intensifying their pressing," commented the Portuguese commentator.

Walker received the ball and feigned a back pass but suddenly accelerated, using his speed to bypass João Mário. As Danilo Pereira came to intercept, Walker passed the ball horizontally.

"Rooney has the ball. He is the brain of England's attack, but today the brain is dormant," said the commentator.

If Portugal's main focus today was marking Alli, their secondary focus was on Rooney, the mastermind of England's midfield. Rooney controlled the ball briefly and, as Alves closed in, passed it. He didn't pass to Milner, who was closest, nor to Dier, who was signaling for the ball. Instead, he launched a long pass towards the right flank.

The ball soared through the air towards Walker, who was making a fast run forward. Portugal's left flank was left exposed by England's recent quick passes.

"Brilliant, Rooney! Such precise passing!" Gary Neville exclaimed.

The stands at New Wembley erupted in cheers. Amid the cheers, Walker, in full sprint, controlled the ball deftly. He didn't cut inside but continued towards the goal line. When Carvalho came to defend, Walker feinted an inward cut, tricking João Mário, who was chasing back, and then pulled the ball back to his left foot and pushed it forward.

In the middle, Alli was there to meet the ball. Though he was facing away from the goal, seemingly posing no immediate threat, he used his strength to shield the ball from Adrien and then cleverly backheeled it.

"Brilliant! A backheel pass! Dier!" the commentator shouted.

Alli's subtle backheel tore open Portugal's defense, finding Dier at the far post. Dier flicked his ankle, lofting the ball over Alves' head towards the goal. Vardy was there but with the goalkeeper advancing and his shooting angle limited, Vardy smartly redirected the ball back into the box.

"Dier—WOW!" The commentator was thrilled.

Dier met the ball, striking it on the volley. The ball soared just over the crossbar, leaving Santos relieved but visibly shaken.

"Dier's volley nearly found the net. Just a bit lower, and it was a sure goal. Portugal's keeper Patricio had come out to block Vardy and hadn't returned to his position, leaving a nearly open goal," remarked the commentator.

"So close! So unlucky! Dier's shot just missed," lamented England's commentator Lineker, jumping in frustration. "Such a chance, and Dier didn't keep it down..."

Dier, too, was disappointed, holding his head in his hands. It was England's best chance so far.

Hodgson watched intently. Seeing the ball miss, he jumped and spun around in frustration.

Santos glanced over, realizing he had underestimated Hodgson. England's attack was well-executed and nearly successful.

England had shifted their offensive focus to Vardy and activated Walker, which made Rooney more involved. Alli's role changed; instead of trying to control the ball, he made quick, clever touches to speed up England's play, like his recent backheel.

Santos called Bruno over and gave instructions.

...

By the 65th minute, Santos was preparing to make substitutions for Portugal. At that moment, Alli received the ball in the front. Feigning a pass to Vardy, who made a dummy run, Alli suddenly accelerated forward. As he got past João Mário, the English commentator cheered, "Breakthrough, Alli continues forward..."

But Bruno stepped up to block his path.

The commentator paused, then continued, "Bruno is defending Alli."

Alli slowed down, controlling the ball. Bruno, slightly side-on, was wary of Alli's quick acceleration.

Alli faked a cross, trying to unbalance Bruno, but Bruno held his ground, eyes fixed on the ball.

Dier suddenly ran past, distracting Bruno for a split second.

Alli saw his chance and attempted a diagonal inside dribble, but Bruno reacted swiftly. Not falling for the feint, he positioned his body to block Alli's path.

Alli smiled, thinking he had outsmarted Bruno. He faked again and quickly stopped, aiming to burst past on the other side.

But Bruno smiled back, revealing he had anticipated the move.

"What?" Alli realized something was wrong.

A shadow lunged in. Alli saw a leg appear in front of him. He tried to react, but fatigue slowed him down. His brain sent the command, but his legs were too slow.

The ball was tackled away, and Alli fell to the ground.

The stands erupted in boos, with England fans calling for a foul. But the referee, who had a clear view, waved play on. Danilo Pereira's tackle was clean.

"Great defense! Bruno cleverly delayed Alli, waiting for Danilo Pereira to cover," praised the Portuguese commentator.

"From the start, Bruno didn't plan to solo defend Alli," added Gary Neville.

"Counter-attack! Portugal's chance for a counter!" the commentator shouted.

Danilo Pereira cleared the ball to Adrien, who quickly passed to Rafa Silva. Silva then moved the ball forward, and Portugal launched a swift counter-attack.

...

Santos watched, somewhat surprised by his team's aggressive forward push. This wasn't against his tactical instructions, but he didn't think it was the best moment for a counter. Still, he trusted his players' judgment.

Bruno ignored the fallen Alli and sprinted forward.

Portugal's sudden press didn't worry England, who had maintained a balanced defense.

Hodgson saw an opportunity. "Maybe, this is our chance," he thought, moving to the sideline, ready for a possible counter if England regained possession.

As Nani advanced, Bruno and João Mário sprinted alongside.

"Mark your men!" England's keeper Joe Hart shouted, organizing the defense.

But Nani didn't pass to Bruno or João Mário. Instead, he passed back to Rafa Silva, who had joined the attack.

Rafa Silva's first touch was a bit heavy due to his speed, but he quickly adjusted and sent a diagonal pass.

"Canceló!"

...

On the right, João Canceló was charging forward. Rooney moved to intercept, but Canceló sidestepped him and continued.

Rooney attempted a tactical foul, grabbing Canceló's shirt. But Canceló accelerated, breaking free from Rooney's grasp and continued his run.

The referee, ready to whistle for the foul, saw Canceló maintain possession and signaled to play on.

"Stop him!" shouted England's veteran defender Gary Cahill, with Smalling rushing to intercept.

Cahill stayed alert, prepared as the last line of defense.

Canceló, seeing Smalling approach, slowed slightly and feigned a shot.

Smalling moved to block, but Canceló pulled the ball back.

"Pass!" the commentator exclaimed.

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