38: The penetration of the "Icelandic Magician"

As soon as the referee's whistle blew, the Hartlepool United players immediately displayed their tactical intentions.

The area near the midfield line instantly turned into a meat grinder.

Old John Mullins, the veteran, had a cunning glint in his eyes, and every one of his tackles was exceptionally fierce.

As soon as the ball reached a Hartlepool United player's feet, two or three players in red shirts immediately swarmed around them.

"This is the intensity of League One."

Vardy attempted his first charge in the front, but Ian Sharps used his body to firmly block his position.

This experienced center-back gave Vardy no space to utilize his speed.

Whenever Vardy tried to accelerate, Sharps would always get his body in front of him half a step earlier.

Ian Putney, in the commentary box, nodded with satisfaction.

"See? This is professional football."

There was a hint of pride in his voice.

"Talent is important, but experience is more valuable. Sharps completely read this young man's running habits today."

On the right wing, Snodgrass also encountered trouble.

Paul Hurst, the stocky right-back, stuck close to him, and every physical contact was impressive.

The Scotland winger tried to cut inside several times, but his attempts were neutralized by the opponent's well-timed physical challenges.

"Damn it, this guy is really strong."

Snodgrass cursed inwardly, fine beads of sweat already appearing on his forehead.

In the twelfth minute, Rotherham United got their first real chance.

Dean Windass received a long pass in the front; the thirty-two-year-old veteran used his body to hold off Ben Clark.

Then, with a clever turn, he faced Schmeichel's goal directly.

Schmeichel showed no panic.

The Denmark goalkeeper lowered his center of gravity, his hands slightly spread.

Windass's shot had plenty of power but lacked a tricky angle.

Schmeichel calmly gathered the ball into his arms, his movements clean and decisive.

"Great save!"

Sparse applause came from the away stand.

Schmeichel's composure allowed his teammates in the defense to breathe a sigh of relief.

In the twenty-fifth minute, Hartlepool United finally found an opportunity for a counterattack.

Tinkler successfully intercepted the ball in midfield and immediately passed it to Sigurdsson.

The moment the Iceland teenager received the ball, Rotherham United's midfielder Lee Williamson had already closed in.

Sigurdsson did not choose to force a breakthrough.

He deftly passed the ball horizontally to Liddell and then started running towards the front.

This kind of patient cooperation was especially precious at Millmoor Stadium.

But Rotherham United's defense was exceptionally tight.

Five midfielders formed a wall in the middle.

Whenever Hartlepool United tried to pass the ball forward, someone would immediately step up to interfere.

In the thirty-second minute, Boyd attempted a breakthrough on the left wing.

His first step was successful, but Martin McIntosh's experience was superior.

The Scotland left-back did not rush into a tackle but instead forced Boyd towards the touchline.

Ultimately, Boyd's cross was headed clear by Sharps.

Lin Feng frowned in the VIP box.

Rotherham United's defense was even more tenacious than he had expected.

This dense defensive formation prevented Hartlepool United's speed advantage from being utilized.

【Tactical Analysis: Opponent's defensive intensity exceeds expectations】

【Suggestion: Strengthen central penetration, utilize Sigurdsson's passing ability】

In the thirty-eighth minute, the opportunity finally arrived.

Simpson, after gaining possession on the right, did not panic when faced with the opponent's pressure.

He calmly passed the ball horizontally to Sigurdsson, who had dropped back to receive it.

The moment the Iceland teenager received the ball, the air in the entire Millmoor Stadium solidified.

He did not stop the ball to adjust.

With a gentle push of his right foot's instep, the ball arced beautifully over Rotherham United's entire defensive line.

The timing of this pass was perfect.

Boyd successfully beat the offside trap, going one-on-one with goalkeeper Cutler.

The fans in the entire away stand stood up.

"Goal! Goal!"

But veteran Colin Murdock showed his worth at the crucial moment.

He chased back desperately, interfering with Boyd's shot at the moment of impact.

The ball grazed the post and flew out of bounds.

"Oh my goodness! So close!"

Mark Hadley's voice was full of regret.

"Sigurdsson's pass was simply a work of art; if Boyd could have capitalized on that chance..."

Boyd held his head in his hands, his eyes filled with remorse.

Such opportunities are rare in matches of this caliber.

Sigurdsson walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's okay, there will be other chances."

The Iceland teenager's voice was soft but conveyed a composure beyond his years.

Ian Putney swallowed in the commentary box.

"This Sigurdsson's passing vision is terrifying."

He had to admit this fact.

"If not for Murdock's experience, Rotherham United might have been trailing."

Alan Neil on the sideline made gestures to the players on the field.

Rotherham United's coach had clearly realized Sigurdsson's threat.

He instructed his midfielders to strengthen their marking of the Iceland teenager.

But Sigurdsson had already started changing his position.

He no longer stayed fixed in one area but roamed in the attacking midfield.

This flexible movement made it difficult for Rotherham United's defenders to adapt.

In the forty-third minute, Rotherham United launched a brilliant counterattack.

Windass received a long pass in the front, using his chest to cushion the ball for the onrushing Paul Thirlwell.

Thirlwell did not hesitate, taking a direct long-range shot.

The ball, with strong spin, flew straight towards the top right corner of the goal.

Schmeichel dove, and the moment his fingertips touched the ball, he slightly changed its direction.

The ball hit the crossbar and bounced out.

"Schmeichel saved the team once again!"

Loud applause erupted from the away stand.

The Denmark goalkeeper got up from the ground, patting the dirt from his hands.

His gaze remained focused; he showed no slackening due to this save.

The referee checked his watch and raised his right hand, signaling one minute of added time.

The first half was about to end.

Rotherham United launched one last attack.

Mullins, after gaining possession in midfield, chose a long pass.

The ball flew directly into Hartlepool United's penalty area.

Windass leaped high, but Nelson's header was more timely.

The team captain headed the ball out of the penalty area, defusing the crisis.

The final whistle blew.

The first half ended with both teams tied 0-0.

The players gradually walked towards the player tunnel.

Sigurdsson walked last, looking back at the Millmoor Stadium pitch.

Every inch of this land spoke of the resilience and tenacity of England football.

In the changing room tunnel, Old John's face was filled with anxiety.

He quickly walked towards the VIP box where Lin Feng was.

"Sir, this is even tougher than playing Chelsea."

Old John's voice was a bit hoarse.

"Their defense is too tenacious; they give us no space at all."

Lin Feng still stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the distant stadium.

"John, what did you think of Sigurdsson's pass just now?"

Old John paused, then his eyes brightened.

"That was a brilliant pass, if only..."

"There's no 'if only'."

Lin Feng turned around, a certain light flashing in his eyes.

"That will be our weapon in the second half."