37: The art of breaking density

Lin Feng's fingers tapped lightly on the tactics board, making crisp, rhythmic sounds.

The silhouette of Millmoor Stadium was faintly visible in the morning mist, its red brick exterior looking particularly heavy under the overcast sky.

"Rotherham United is not a pushover."

Lin Feng turned to face the players filling the small meeting room, his voice calm but serious.

"Their coach, Alan Neil, believes in pragmatic football. What does that mean?"

Sigurðsson was the first to raise his hand.

"Compact defense, strangling the midfield."

"Very good, Gylfi."

Lin Feng drew a tight 4-5-1 formation on the tactics board.

"They will compress their midfield and defense into an iron barrel, with every inch of space marked."

Vardy frowned; he disliked opponents who played such a compact defense the most.

"Then how do we break through their defense?"

Lin Feng's lips curved slightly; this was exactly the question he wanted to hear.

"To break an iron barrel, you can't just smash it head-on."

He marked several penetration routes on the tactics board.

"You need to find its seams and cut precisely with the sharpest blade."

Old John quickly jotted notes in his small notebook, his pen tip barely keeping up with Lin Feng's train of thought.

The dense tactical diagrams and "Lin's Sayings" already filled more than half of his notebook.

"Our tactic is called 'Scalpel'."

Lin Feng drew several arrows on the tactics board with a red marker.

"First, quick, precise short ground passes, one-touch passing, giving the opponent no time to react."

Schmeichel nodded from the back row; the Danish goalkeeper had fully understood Lin Feng's intentions.

"Second, Gylfi's precise through balls and long-range shots are the tip of our blade."

Excitement flickered in Sigurðsson's eyes; this tactical arrangement filled him with anticipation.

"Third, Jamie and Robert's speed is the sharpness of the blade, specifically for cutting into the space behind and in the ribs of the opponent."

Vardy and Snodgrass exchanged glances, the Scottish winger revealing a sly smile.

"Use speed against slowness, use skill to overcome clumsiness."

Lin Feng's voice became even more resolute.

"Patiently seek out opportunities for a fatal blow."

The meeting room was so quiet that only the rustling of Old John's note-taking could be heard.

Every player's expression became focused and serious; they could feel the importance of this match.

【System Analysis: Opponent Tactical Characteristics】

【Rotherham United: 4-5-1 Defensive Counter-attack】

【Core Threats: John Mullins (Captain), Dean Windass (Experienced Striker)】

【Home Advantage: Extremely Strong, Fanatical Fans】

【Recommended Tactics: Ground Penetration + Long-Range Threat】

After Lin Feng left the meeting room, the tension on the faces of several young players became apparent.

Simpson silently organized his equipment; having come from Manchester United's youth academy, he knew that the strength of League One teams should not be underestimated.

Schmeichel, meanwhile, repeatedly checked his goalkeeper gloves; not a single detail could be overlooked.

"It would be a lie to say I'm not nervous."

Sigurðsson whispered to Vardy.

"The fans at Millmoor are famously loud."

Vardy patted the Icelandic teenager's shoulder.

"Gylfi, you can score at White Hart Lane, why be afraid here?"

Just then, Lin Feng pushed the door open again.

His gaze swept over several key players, keenly sensing the fluctuations in their hearts.

"Kasper, Danny, Gylfi, come with me."

Lin Feng's tone was relaxed, without any hint of blame.

The four walked to a quiet corner of the corridor.

"The fans at Millmoor are very passionate."

Lin Feng leaned against the wall, his expression as relaxed as if he were discussing the weather.

"But they can scream their lungs out and still not touch the ball."

Schmeichel's tension eased slightly.

"You just need to focus on your football."

There was a magical calming power in Lin Feng's voice.

"Treat this as the training ground at Phoenix Centre, and performing at your true level will be enough."

Sigurðsson took a deep breath; he could feel the power in Lin Feng's words.

"I understand, Boss."

Simpson also nodded; his experience at Manchester United's youth academy allowed him to quickly adjust his mindset.

Sophie Green sat in the last row of the media bus, clutching her voice recorder.

She was increasingly convinced that every cup match for Hartlepool United was full of stories.

Could this young team continue their miraculous journey away from home?

The bus slowly drove into the parking area of Millmoor Stadium.

Through the window, thousands of Rotherham United fans were already gathered outside the stadium.

They waved red and white scarves and loudly sang their team's anthem.

"Millmoor Is Our Home!"

The deafening shouts penetrated the bus, allowing everyone to feel the terrifying atmosphere of the home ground.

In the commentary box, local sports channel commentator Mark Hadley was preparing for the match.

Beside him sat a special partner—former Rotherham United striker Ian Putney.

"Welcome to Millmoor Stadium!"

Mark Hadley said into the microphone.

"John Stone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Semi-Final, Rotherham United at home against the in-form Hartlepool United!"

Ian Putney took the microphone.

"This is definitely a tough fight, Mark."

His voice conveyed absolute confidence in the home team.

"Rotherham United is never an easy opponent at Millmoor."

In the player tunnel, the two teams stood side by side.

The Rotherham United players' faces were filled with the confidence of playing at home.

Captain John Mullins occasionally conversed with his teammates; the experienced midfielder was clearly the team's spiritual leader.

Dean Windass stood at the very front of the line, the veteran's eyes glinting with a dangerous light.

In contrast, the Hartlepool United players appeared more focused.

Schmeichel closed his eyes for final mental adjustments.

Vardy, meanwhile, warmed up with small movements in place, keeping his muscles active.

The referee checked his watch, then signaled to both captains.

"Home team Rotherham United!"

Mark Hadley's voice echoed through the stadium's sound system.

"Coach Alan Neil has fielded their preferred 4-5-1 defensive counter-attack formation today."

Ian Putney detailed the home team's lineup.

"The goalkeeper is number 1, Neil Cutler. The defense from right to left is number 2, Paul Hurst; number 5, Ian Sharps; number 6, Colin Murdock; and number 3, Martin McIntosh."

"The five-man midfield is anchored by captain number 8, John Mullins, in the center, flanked by number 7, Chris Barker, and number 11, Eugene Dadi, with number 4, Lee Williamson, and number 10, Paul Thirlwell, assisting in defense and organization."

"Leading the line is the experienced number 9, Dean Windass."

It was the away team's turn.

"Hartlepool United still lines up in their vibrant 4-3-3 attacking formation."

Mark Hadley's tone carried a hint of admiration.

"The goalkeeper is number 13, Kasper Schmeichel. The defense consists of number 15, Danny Simpson; captain number 5, Michael Nelson; number 4, Ben Clark; and number 3, Matty Robson."

"The midfield 'iron triangle' has number 8, Mark Tinkler, responsible for organization; number 6, Gary Liddle, focusing on defense; and the more advanced number 18, Gylfi Sigurðsson, for creativity."

"The attacking trident remains number 9, Jamie Vardy, in the center; number 11, Adam Boyd, on the left; and number 14, Robert Snodgrass, on the right."

The Rotherham United fans in the stands began to shout wildly.

"Rotherham! Rotherham!"

In the corner of the away stands, a few hundred Hartlepool United fans seemed particularly small.

But their voices were no less loud than the home supporters'.

"Poolie! Poolie!"

The familiar chants warmed the hearts of the players on the field.

The referee raised his right hand, ready to blow the whistle to start the match.

Lin Feng slowly stood up in the executive box.

The whistle was about to blow.

The match is about to begin!