After just one round of group-stage matches at the World Cup in Germany, a consensus was already beginning to form among pundits, fans, and media outlets alike: this tournament would be defined by attacking football — and more specifically, by the resurgence of the winger.
It may have only been the opening round, but across the board, wide players had taken center stage with eye-catching performances that shifted tactical expectations and electrified spectators.
In the Netherlands' opener, Arjen Robben was a constant threat down the flank and found the back of the net with composure. For Spain, David Villa — operating from a wide-left role in Luis Aragonés' fluid 4-3-3 — struck twice to give La Roja a commanding win. And for China, the story was even more remarkable. Yang Yang, just 19 years old and already the nation's shining hope, scored the first World Cup goal in Chinese history — a moment that sent shockwaves through Asian football and drew admiration from observers across the globe.
But it wasn't just the scorers grabbing attention. The list of outstanding wingers grew with every match. Robin van Persie's movement and link-up play for the Netherlands added finesse to their front line. Germany's David Odonkor offered pace and directness, while England's Aaron Lennon brought youthful unpredictability. Argentina's Maxi Rodríguez delivered aggression and goalscoring intent from the right, and even in a flat French performance, Franck Ribéry was the lone spark — his dribbling and urgency a rare bright spot in Les Bleus' opening stalemate.
Portugal also had a winger making headlines, albeit in a different light. The experienced Luís Figo, now in the twilight of his career but still a key figure under Luiz Felipe Scolari, delivered an early moment of brilliance in their 1–0 win over Angola. Within the opening minutes, Figo carved through Angola's left side with a vintage surge, producing a pinpoint assist for Pauleta to convert from close range.
However, that was as good as it got for Portugal.
Despite boasting an enviable roster of attacking talents — including Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, and Simão — the Seleção das Quinas failed to capitalize on their explosive start. For nearly 86 minutes after their opener, they looked stagnant, disjointed, and tactically unconvincing. The press was quick to react.
Scolari's conservative adjustments and lack of in-game fluidity were questioned, but the harshest spotlight fell on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United winger, was expected to stamp his authority on the global stage. Instead, he delivered a performance that drew frustration from both Portuguese fans and the international media.
Record, Portugal's largest sports daily, didn't hold back. In its post-match analysis, it accused Ronaldo of being "visibly the most active player on the pitch," but lacking maturity in decision-making. His overdribbling, inefficient final balls, and missed opportunities stood in contrast to the veteran poise of Figo and the intelligent movement of Deco.
"Despite all his skill and pace," the column noted, "his contribution to Portugal's attacking threat was far less effective than his teammates'."
In a surprising twist, Record even drew a direct comparison between Ronaldo and a rising star from the same group: Yang Yang.
"As a young player, Yang Yang has shown exactly what it means to rise to the occasion. His goal for China — not just any goal, but a brave header, the technique he's least known for — was a moment of history for his nation. In a high-pressure setting, he delivered. That's what stars do."
The piece concluded with a pointed message: "Cristiano Ronaldo's talent is undeniable, but he must learn to channel it into meaningful impact. It's not about flair — it's about effectiveness. Yang Yang is the model he should be following."
...
When Cristiano Ronaldo read the front page of Record, his hands trembled with frustration. He didn't just fold the newspaper — he tore it apart, page by page, right there in the team hotel.
He knew he hadn't played well. He didn't need a newspaper to tell him that. But to be compared — publicly and unfavorably — with Yang Yang?
That lit a fire inside him.
In truth, part of the reason behind Ronaldo's erratic performance in the opening match stemmed from exactly this obsession. He had been trying to outshine Yang Yang since arriving in Germany. They were both young stars, both wide players, both their countries' attacking focal points. Yet it was Yang Yang who had seized the moment — with fewer touches, fewer chances, and, to Ronaldo's dismay, far greater composure.
Ronaldo wanted to prove he was better.
But in football, the more desperate you are to show something, the more likely it is you'll lose control.
Veteran Luís Figo had warned him on multiple occasions. "Don't rush. Don't let the pressure get to you. The more anxious you are, the less efficient you'll be." It was advice born of experience — Figo had played in more than one World Cup. But Cristiano, headstrong and burning with ambition, found it impossible to listen once the whistle blew.
And so, when Portugal prepared to face China in the second round, Ronaldo didn't see it as a group match. For him, it was a duel — a personal contest between himself and Yang Yang.
On paper, Portugal's superiority was obvious. Technically, tactically, physically — they had the edge. But China came into the game with the grit and fire of underdogs who had tasted history and wanted more.
Scolari's tactical blueprint was clear: break down China's compact defensive block using the flanks. That meant Figo and Ronaldo had to deliver.
But just 14 minutes into the match, the plan was flipped on its head.
Out of seemingly nowhere, China found their rhythm in transition. Yang Yang, ever the opportunist, drifted between Portugal's defensive lines during a rare forward venture. Receiving a clever pass on the edge of the area, he feinted outside, cut inside, and ghosted beyond Miguel with a sudden burst. Then, as Ricardo advanced and defenders scrambled, he flicked the ball with the back of his heel — a cheeky, audacious finish that kissed the inside of the post and went in.
A heel flick. In the World Cup. Against Portugal.
China 1, Portugal 0.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo, stunned as he was, couldn't help but acknowledge the sheer audacity and execution. Efficiency, the press had said. This was it — and delivered with Yang Yang's supposed weakest skill.
Now trailing, Portugal were forced to respond.
Figo and Ronaldo took on more attacking responsibilities, and while Figo operated with his usual poise — gliding past markers, picking out smart passes — Cristiano remained erratic. He was everywhere and nowhere at once.
He had five shots in the first half alone. One was a strong header from a corner, but it lacked direction and sailed harmlessly over. Another came when he beat Du Wei down the right with a blistering step-over, but the shot hit the side netting. His frustration grew with each missed attempt, each ball that didn't obey.
When the second half resumed, Ronaldo was immediately involved again, launching himself into a dazzling solo run. He beat two men and rifled a volley from outside the box — a shot with pace, but narrowly wide. The talent was undeniable, the intent clear, but the outcome still missing.
Then, in the 63rd minute, it was Figo who made the difference.
Cutting in from the left wing with defenders in retreat, he drew both of China's holding midfielders — Zhao Junzhe and Li Tie — out of shape. That opened a pocket for Deco. Figo spotted it instantly and slipped the ball through. Deco didn't hesitate. One touch, one thunderous strike from 25 yards. It dipped and swerved, too fast for goalkeeper Liu Yunfei.
1–1. Game on.
Portugal pressed. China dropped deeper. Ronaldo continued his relentless pursuit of a breakthrough — dragging defenders, taking ambitious shots, but failing to convert. Then, in the 79th minute, came the moment that would define the night.
Portugal launched a swift counter. Figo surged down the left once again, rolling back the years with elegant footwork. As he entered the box, he shaped to shoot — drawing in Li Weifeng. The Chinese captain lunged, misjudged the timing, and caught Figo's trailing leg.
The whistle blew. The referee pointed straight to the spot.
Penalty.
Cristiano stood still for a beat, heart pounding.
Then, almost on instinct, he jogged over and extended his hand to Figo, helping the veteran up from the grass.
"Can I take it?" he asked, voice low, controlled, but edged with urgency.
He didn't draw the foul. He hadn't created the chance. But this was the moment he had been chasing since the tournament began — a goal that would tilt the match, tilt the group, and perhaps tilt the perception of who truly stood tallest among the young stars.
Figo didn't hesitate. He looked at the younger man and smiled — a knowing, seasoned smile.
"Go ahead. Make it yours."
Ronaldo stepped back, placed the ball on the spot, and stared down the goalkeeper.
The stadium held its breath.
...
...
Yang Yang stood near the center circle, already drenched in sweat.
He watched Cristiano Ronaldo step up to the penalty spot wearing Portugal's number 17 shirt, and felt a mixture of tension and silent frustration build in his chest. There was nothing he could do now but hope — hope that Ronaldo, who had struggled so often to channel his talent in this tournament, would falter once more.
A miss. Just a miss. That's all we need.
It wasn't like him to rely on others, especially not on opponents. But this was reality — a harsh reminder of where China still stood in world football. They had given everything, they had fought tenaciously, but now their fate rested in the hands of a rival's execution.
Just one mistake, Yang Yang prayed. Send it wide. Or high. Or straight at Li Leilei.
But deep down, he knew how rare that was. Cristiano Ronaldo had fire in his eyes. Before placing the ball down, he glanced briefly back across the pitch — not at the goal, not at the referee — but at Yang Yang. There was a flicker of something sharp in his stare: not anger, but vindication. It was a challenge, veiled in the smile of a man eager to settle scores.
Yang Yang didn't flinch, but the gesture sank heavily.
He wants this to be personal.
The referee's whistle cut through the silence.
Cristiano took a smooth run-up and struck it cleanly with his right foot — low, hard, and unsaveable. Li Leilei dived the wrong way, and the ball slammed into the corner of the net.
2–1. Portugal had turned it around.
As Ronaldo wheeled away toward the corner flag, roaring in celebration, Yang Yang stood still. Hands on hips, head tilted toward the sky, eyes closed for just a moment. He let the Portuguese cheers echo past him.
The bitterness wasn't because he'd been shown up — it was the helplessness.
We can't afford to lose this game.
He exhaled hard, then looked at the scoreboard. Ten minutes plus stoppage time.
He turned and shouted toward the bench, clapping hard, voice raised above the hum of the stadium.
"Come on! We're not finished! 1–2 — there's still time!"
He jogged briskly toward the midfield and turned to rally the players behind him.
"Keep pushing! Don't give up now. Don't you dare give up!"
It was a bitter pill to swallow — conceding from a penalty they couldn't argue against. But the game wasn't over. Not yet.
Yang Yang clapped his hands again, making sure every teammate could see him, hear him, feel his fire.
"We've come this far! Ten more minutes, that's all I ask. Ten minutes of everything you've got. Defend tight, believe in me — pass it forward, and I'll find a way!"
His voice cut through the fatigue. Even those on the verge of cramping, even those with hands on their knees — they lifted their heads.
Li Weifeng, ever the anchor in the back line, barked out orders to reset the shape. Zhao Junzhe clenched his fists and roared encouragement from midfield. Zheng Zhi, normally stoic, clapped his palms together with a nod toward Yang Yang.
They had no illusions about the uphill battle they faced. Portugal was stronger. More experienced. Fitter. But football had never been solely about the superior side winning.
Sometimes belief is enough to bend fate.
Yang Yang drew a long breath. The heat, the sweat, the pressure — it all faded into the background.
The ball was back in play.
...
...
As play resumed, the Chinese team quickly lost possession again.
Their defensive line instinctively dropped deeper, compacting the formation as they prepared for another wave of Portuguese pressure. With the lead now secured, Portugal noticeably slowed the tempo, drawing out their possessions, forcing China to chase shadows — a classic tactic to kill the rhythm and the clock.
But in doing so, they also gave the Chinese side a brief window to recover and reset.
The match remained a battle of attrition. Every duel was hard-fought. Every loose ball contested.
Then came a setback: Li Weifeng, China's captain and defensive anchor, went down after a rugged 50-50 clash in midfield. He stayed down, clutching his ankle. The medical staff rushed over, and moments later, he was stretchered off, his face etched with pain. It was clear he couldn't continue.
Shao Jiayi came on as a replacement, and Zheng Zhi dropped into the backline to stabilize the defense.
Through it all, Yang Yang never stopped looking for a crack — a seam, a hesitation, a flicker of space to exploit.
By the eighty-ninth minute, the fourth official raised the board. Four minutes of additional time.
And just then, a rare gap appeared in Portugal's defensive structure.
During a fast Chinese counterattack, the ball was shifted centrally before being sprayed out wide. Yang Yang ghosted into the right-side channel, taking up position between the fullback and the retreating midfield. Receiving the ball on the run, he found himself once more facing Nuno Valente.
Yang Yang shaped to shoot with his right, sending Valente lunging, then quickly cut inside diagonally toward the arc. With one glance at the penalty area, he slid a vertical pass into the box — a perfectly weighted ball for Gao Lin, who latched onto it.
But Gao Lin couldn't turn to shoot. He was closed down quickly and had no angle to face goal, so he opted to lay it off behind him.
Luís Figo had tracked back with discipline and got there first, clearing the danger. But the ball took a deflection — corner kick for China.
And this... this might be the final opportunity.
Shao Jiayi jogged over to take the corner. Yang Yang peeled away from the pack and positioned himself just outside the box on the left. He adjusted his socks, glanced toward the chaos in the six-yard area — and noticed Cristiano Ronaldo approaching.
The Manchester United star locked eyes with him, stepping into his space.
"I'm not giving you any chances," Ronaldo muttered through clenched teeth.
Yang Yang didn't even look at him. "Then stop talking… and try."
Cristiano's jaw tightened. He knew better than anyone how quickly Yang Yang could punish a lapse. He'd seen it firsthand — most notably in that unforgettable moment at the San Siro when Yang Yang buried AC Milan at the death.
The ball was whipped in deep by Shao Jiayi, curling toward the far post.
Chaos erupted.
Feng Xiaoting rose highest, leveraging his height to challenge Ricardo Carvalho. But Carvalho, vastly more experienced, positioned himself expertly — absorbing the contact and cutting off the shooting angle. Feng got a touch, but not a shot.
The ball ricocheted downward into the packed penalty area.
Gao Lin was first to react. He used his frame to shield the ball, controlling it near the penalty spot. There were bodies everywhere, defenders scrambling, and goalkeepers shouting — but Gao Lin kept his composure.
Yang Yang had originally hovered on the left, but Ronaldo stuck to him tightly. Seeing that Shao Jiayi had delivered it to the back post instead, Yang adjusted his run, drifting across the top of the box.
As the ball dropped toward Gao Lin, Yang Yang suddenly stopped, then backpedaled to create separation.
Cristiano hesitated — just for a second — but it was enough.
Gao Lin played the ball sideways to Zheng Zhi, who was swarmed immediately. The path to goal was completely blocked. So Zheng Zhi turned and threaded a short pass out left — where space had opened.
Where Yang Yang had moved.
Cristiano saw it too late. He sprang into action, trying to cut it off. Costinha, stationed outside the box, also raced back. They both knew what was coming.
Yang Yang had already read it. He had trained for this exact sequence.
As Zheng Zhi's pass arrived, Yang Yang exploded forward, his acceleration immediate, surgical. He slipped just beyond Ronaldo's reach — the Portuguese winger lunged with an outstretched leg, but the ball rolled inches past his studs. Yang Yang cut across the middle, Cristiano's movement inadvertently blocking Costinha's recovery path.
Now inside the box, Yang Yang took the ball with a gentle touch to his right.
One more stride.
His left foot planted. His body leaned.
And his right foot curled through the ball.
"The Chinese team is shifting left!"
"Yang Yang controls it — two Portuguese players down!"
"He strikes with his right foot—!"
"Curler—"
"Goal!!!!!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!"
"Ninetieth minute! It's the 90th minute!"
"Yang Yang has done it again! China equalizes!"
"The Chinese team scores their second goal of the night — 2–2! They're back on level terms!"
...
After the ball struck the net, Yang Yang sprang up from the turf with fire in his veins.
He didn't celebrate immediately. For a brief second, he just stood there — frozen in the chaos — before instinct took over. He turned sharply and burst into a sprint down the sideline, pumping his fists in the air as his teammates began chasing after him.
And on the way, he passed Cristiano Ronaldo.
He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. A short, breathless laugh escaped him as he raced past, the kind of involuntary joy that came from proving yourself under impossible pressure. Earlier, it had been Ronaldo celebrating in his face. Now the roles were reversed — and Yang Yang didn't slow down to enjoy it.
He reached the touchline, dropped to his knees, and slid in front of the nearest television camera. He kissed the red string tied to his left wrist — the same gesture he made after every goal — and raised both arms to the sky.
The stands erupted behind him.
Cameramen struggled to follow the scene as teammates rushed in from all sides. Chinese fans waved flags in the corner, some already crying. Even the neutrals in the crowd could feel it — this was a story unfolding, and everyone watching knew they were witnessing something rare.
From the commentary booth, voices rose with disbelief.
"That's Yang Yang's third goal of the tournament — and it brings China level at 2–2 in stoppage time!"
"This is the kind of moment people will remember. The Chinese team, on the brink of defeat, have found a way back. Again, it's Yang Yang. Again, he's delivered when it matters most."
Back in the studio, analysts began reviewing the collapse.
"Portugal have only themselves to blame here. Their set-piece defending was poor — slow to adjust, reactive instead of proactive. This wasn't the first time it's been exposed."
"Even going back to their match against Angola, it was clear they had problems maintaining attacking rhythm. They scored early but failed to break down Angola again for the remaining eighty minutes. It wasn't convincing."
"Scolari changed his midfield completely for this game. Petit and Tiago, who played the opener, were both dropped. Instead, he started Costinha and Maniche — a throwback to Porto's Champions League setup from two years ago."
"But that didn't work today. Costinha, in particular, struggled throughout. The first goal came when Yang Yang drifted past him near the box and finished with a heel flick. And the second goal, just now, saw him hesitate again — caught in the wrong position while trying to recover alongside Cristiano Ronaldo."
"And that's part of the problem. Costinha hasn't played consistent football in two years at Dynamo Moscow. He's barely featured at all in the past twelve months."
"Maniche hasn't exactly been reliable either. His loan spell at Chelsea was poor, and he came into this tournament without much rhythm."
"This selection will raise serious questions for Scolari. It looks like he believed Portugal would control the match regardless of who he started. But that confidence — maybe even overconfidence — left them vulnerable when the game turned chaotic."
"And in that chaos, Yang Yang thrived. Neither of his goals came from open spaces or flowing moves. One was a tight-angled flick at the top of the box. The other came from a broken play in a crowded penalty area, where he read the ball faster than anyone else."
"These weren't tap-ins. They were difficult finishes, created through anticipation, movement, and execution."
"He's now scored all three of China's goals at this World Cup — more than the entire team managed in their last appearance."
"And if the result holds, this would be the first World Cup point China has ever earned. No wins, no draws, no goals in 2002. Now they've come back against Portugal."
"History has already been made. And Yang Yang is at the heart of it."
...
...
The final whistle blew: 2–2.
It had been an intense, emotionally charged contest, filled with physical battles, tactical shifts, and flashes of individual brilliance. And yet, once it was over, the tension between the two teams quickly dissolved.
Despite the on-field rivalry and occasional sharp exchanges during the match, Yang Yang was the first to step forward after the final whistle. He made his way across the pitch, extending a hand to several Portuguese players — especially Luís Figo.
After Figo's move to Inter Milan, his resurgence had been nothing short of impressive. At 33, he was no longer the explosive winger of his youth, but in this World Cup, he had arguably been Portugal's most consistent performer. Yang Yang respected that. Greatly.
Throughout the match, Yang Yang had kept a close eye on Figo's movement. The veteran no longer relied on speed but instead on subtle shifts in rhythm, precise timing, and spatial awareness to create openings. He wasn't fast anymore, but he was clever. As they say — age slows the legs, but sharpens the mind.
Then there was Deco — another familiar face.
Yang Yang had faced Deco back in the Porto days, and later again when Deco wore the colors of Barcelona. Even in defeat, Deco's quality always stood out. His control in tight spaces, his vision between the lines, and his influence in midfield made him a constant threat. It reminded Yang Yang of someone else.
Van der Vaart.
He hadn't thought about him for a while, but seeing Deco brought back the memory. After Ajax's miracle Champions League win, Van der Vaart had become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Barcelona wanted him. So did Real Madrid. In the end, Madrid won the race. Barcelona moved on — and signed Deco as a fallback.
And now, looking at their careers… it was clear who had chosen better.
Sometimes, the right decision matters more than talent itself.
Yang Yang couldn't help but reflect on that. He, too, was approaching a major crossroads. Just like Van der Vaart had years earlier. And he knew the consequences of choosing wrong.
He smiled as he turned toward the journalists, microphones gathering around him.
"In the last match, we'll need to fight with everything and beat Angola. That's our only shot now."
In the day's other Group D fixture, Mexico had been held to a surprise 0–0 draw by Angola — a result that left the group wide open.
Now, with two rounds played, both Portugal and Mexico had one win and one draw. China and Angola had one draw and one defeat.
Everything would come down to the final round.
If Portugal and Mexico didn't draw, and China managed to beat Angola, then mathematically, China could still qualify. Of course, it wouldn't be simple. Goal difference would come into play first, and China's was still negative.
Beating Angola by multiple goals was now essential. But the African debutants had already proven to be a difficult opponent — well organized, physical, and tactically disciplined. And with Li Weifeng now ruled out through injury, China would be missing its defensive leader.
Figo, walking nearby, caught the comment and chuckled.
"Of course. And we're up against Mexico… so you'll be hoping we don't relax too much, right?" he said with a raised brow.
Yang Yang smiled. "Exactly. If you let them walk all over you, you might be heading home before we do."
They both laughed, but the calculation was clear.
Should Mexico defeat Portugal and China beat Angola, then it would come down to goal difference. Despite losing to Mexico earlier, China had now drawn with Portugal — a stronger result on paper. And if Portugal lost again, the standings could flip.
Cristiano Ronaldo stood a short distance away, shoulders slumped.
He had come into the match determined to outshine Yang Yang and perhaps eliminate him from the World Cup in the process. But instead, it was his own penalty that nearly helped China stay alive in the tournament.
He looked across the pitch at Yang Yang, still smiling, still receiving applause from teammates and fans alike.
How did it come to this? he thought bitterly.
Portugal couldn't afford to coast. If they lost to Mexico, they'd risk elimination too. The only safe outcome was a draw — a quiet handshake between both sides and passage to the Round of 16 together.
But Yang Yang wasn't betting on that.
He had watched Scolari's decisions closely across both matches — especially the inconsistent midfield changes — and he didn't see a stable team. He saw confusion. Disruption. Portugal, despite their reputation, looked beatable.
Mexico would know that too.
After finishing his media duties, Yang Yang approached the Portuguese players one by one, exchanging handshakes.
He thanked Figo, nodded at Deco, and finally stopped in front of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger met his eyes. No words were exchanged at first. But Yang Yang smiled broadly.
And Cristiano — still processing the result — could only watch as the man he had tried to surpass walked away smiling.