“Good evening, viewers!”
“You’re watching coverage of the 2014–15 Bundesliga, Round 2: Wolfsburg at home versus Eintracht Frankfurt!”
“Frankfurt is a familiar name—they were one of the sixteen founding clubs of the newly established Bundesliga in 1963.
For the next two decades, they maintained a strong presence in the top flight, even finishing third in the league five times.
In 1992, they came within just two points of winning the title, which went to Stuttgart.”
“China’s very own Yang Chen is a legend of Frankfurt.
During his years with the club, he posted solid performances and numbers.”
“Interestingly, when Yang Chen first joined Frankfurt, his situation was quite similar to Qin Ming’s now.”
“At the time, Yang wasn’t even a guaranteed starter for Beijing Guoan—there were too many forwards, including foreign players, plus local stars like Gao Feng and Cao Xiandong.”
“But this player, who couldn’t break into the starting XI in China’s top league, lit up the Bundesliga after his move.”
“23 appearances and 8 goals.
He became a key scorer and played a crucial role in helping Frankfurt avoid relegation.”
“The stories from the banks of the Rhine still get me pumped.
Yang Chen’s Bundesliga journey wasn’t just about his hard work and glory—it represented the hopes of Chinese football fans.”
“Let’s hope Qin Ming can follow in his predecessor’s footsteps and begin a remarkable new chapter.”
Liu Jiayuan’s voice carried genuine emotion.
As a football commentator, he dreamed of seeing and covering his fellow countrymen in a top league.
Because that sense of pride was something no foreign player could bring.
BEEP!!!
With the referee’s whistle, the match officially began.
Wolfsburg started with their most-used formation from last season: 4-2-3-1.
From back to front: Sebastian, Naldo, Knoche, and Rodríguez formed the back line.
Luiz Gustavo and Guilavogui held the midfield.
De Bruyne played in the central attacking role he wanted, flanked by Vieirinha on the right and Arnold on the left.
Up front was 36-year-old veteran Ivica Olić.
After kickoff, Wolfsburg passed back to their defenders.
They waited for Frankfurt to push up before switching play wide to Rodríguez.
The Swiss left-back was a key attacking piece for Wolfsburg, known for his speed and strength.
But without Perišić, his play felt restricted.
He tried to use rhythm to create breakthroughs.
Thud!
A dull collision echoed as Frankfurt’s full-back stepped up.
Makoto Hasebe seized the chance and stuck out a foot.
“Excellent two-man press!”
“Wolfsburg tried to break through Frankfurt’s flank—but it’s clearly not working!”
“Arnold is no Perišić—he can’t combine with Rodríguez for high-speed overlaps and direct wing pressure!”
“Let’s watch Frankfurt’s counter!”
Hasebe, after winning the ball, pushed forward without hesitation.
Frankfurt’s players surged up with him.
“Play it!” Hasebe gestured—and sent a long ground pass forward.
With Rodríguez overcommitted, a huge gap had opened on the left side.
Nelson easily received the ball and sprinted full-speed toward the baseline.
“Frankfurt!”
“Frankfurt!”
Cheers erupted from the visiting section.
A second later, Nelson whipped in a high cross.
Inside the box, Seferović muscled past Naldo and thumped a header.
“So close!
That was dangerous!”
“If Naldo hadn’t gotten in the way, the score might have changed right there!”
“Wolfsburg needs to tighten up their wing defense.
They can’t let Rodríguez push up unchecked—he needs to take more defensive responsibility.”
Liu Jiayuan’s words echoed Dieter Hecking’s thoughts.
Hecking signaled toward Rodríguez, palm down, telling him to hold back a bit.
With the early scare out of the way, the match settled into a deadlock.
Frankfurt lacked the firepower to break Wolfsburg’s defense head-on.
Wolfsburg, after regaining composure, began building through De Bruyne.
26th minute.
Gustavo collided with Piazon during an aerial challenge, but headed the ball forward.
De Bruyne controlled it with his chest—just as a surge of pressure hit him from behind.
Makoto Hasebe!
Years in the Bundesliga had honed his defensive instincts, and Frankfurt’s coach had specifically warned about De Bruyne’s threat.
So Hasebe stayed glued to him.
It was like two bulls locking horns—but De Bruyne held firm.
Talent.
Every coach who worked with De Bruyne said the same: he had a body built by the gods.
Hasebe grunted but didn’t let up, sticking close like a piece of chewing gum.
“Look at that—De Bruyne doesn’t bother wrestling, he goes straight for the long pass!”
“Perfect technique!
It finds Olić making a run—what will the Croatian veteran do?”
“He strikes hard!”
“Great save!
Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp with an impressive stop!”
“Now for the corner!”
At Volkswagen Arena, De Bruyne pointed down, then swung his right leg.
Crack!
A clean strike sent the ball curving toward the penalty spot.
Knoche fought off his marker, opening a space.
Qin Ming instinctively stood up from the bench—watching as Naldo charged in and smashed the ball into the net.
Trapp didn’t even react.
1–0!!!
“Naldo scores with a header!”
“Wolfsburg’s corner routine pays off—they take the lead!”
“Looks like this team that lost only 1–2 to Bayern still has some serious strength!”
Naldo, bald head shining, raised his arms in joy.
As a Brazilian, he loved to attack.
He was dominant in the air and had the signature long-pass ability typical of Brazilian defenders.
Also—he took a mean free kick.
Wolfsburg fans roared in celebration, but just 8 minutes later…
Frankfurt shifted gears.
Hasebe delivered a diagonal long pass.
Piazon received it and played a quick one-two with Seferović.
Reaching the left side of the box, he fired an unexpected shot.
BANG!
Sebastian reflexively stuck out a foot—it made solid contact.
But it deflected the ball.
Originally headed for the near post, the ball now veered toward the far post.
Goalkeeper Grün could only watch helplessly as his clean-sheet bonus disappeared.
“Own goal!”
“That was a sloppy mistake!”
“Sebastian, making his debut for Wolfsburg, gifts Frankfurt an equalizer!”
“Congratulations to Frankfurt—score tied at 1–1 in the 35th minute!”
(END CHAPTER)