Dream Training : The Champions

During the game break. George adjusted his tactics. Bayern had 2 goal lead, they also had a varied attack. The best option against Bayern Munich was to do a high line of defense and apply high pressing. Defending passively will only have a negative effect, as Bayern had players who were capable of tearing down Southampton's defense in an instant.

George also fielded the two wings of Southampton slightly back. Its function, was so that this winger could guard and cut the pass to the wing area. With a few adjustments, Southampton was ready for the second half. A few minutes later, the break ended, and the players returned to the pitch for the start of the second half between Southampton and Bayern Munich.

Neither team made any substitutions. Moments later, the second half officially began. Bayern started the second-half kick-off, Phillips Zico and Muller exchanged passes, then Zico kicked the ball into the Bayern Munich backline. After that, he walked forward and looked for his position.

Southampton immediately put high pressure on Bayern Munich. They only left two defenders behind as the last wall while the other players came forward to do press. What was done by Southampton clearly made it difficult for Bayern to carry out an attack build-up.

In the 47th minute, Kazuki ran to Boateng who was holding the ball. Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba was closely guarded by Rustan while Dante was marked by Joe Bennet. Bayern's two defensive midfielders were heavily guarded by the Southampton defensive midfielder, this left Boateng no choice but to provide a back-pass to Neuer.

Manuel Neuer had good dribbling skills and also good skills. People who watch Bayern's gameplay for the first time will immediately be surprised to see a goalkeeper bravely playing the ball at his feet when a striker was pressing him. The 26-year-old goalkeeper was confidently holding the ball while Kazuki quickly approached him.

As Kazuki stuck his foot out to grab the ball, Neuer kicked the ball with his right foot towards the left. Kazuki tried to grab the ball with his right foot, but this move was just a trick. As Neuer pulled the ball with his left foot, Kazuki dropped his body and pushed the ball using his left foot. The ball rolled past Neuer's body. Neuer realized his mistake and immediately turned to prevent a goal. But it was too late. The ball was a split second quicker than Neuer's safe.

The referee blew the whistle, he was stating the goal was valid. Neuer tried to convince the referee that the ball had not crossed the goal line, but the linesman clearly saw the ball had gone in, so Neuer's protests was ignored by the referee.

Kazuki's instincts wasn't as great as that of top center-back players, but at least he was capable enough in guessing the trick Neuer wanted to pull off. After scoring the goal, Kazuki walked past Neuer and patted him on the shoulder, he whispered to Neuer, "Now we draw."

Kazuki had scored two goals, while Neuer saved two golden opportunities that Kazuki had. In terms of individuals, he feels that his score with Neuer is a draw, even though Bayern still leads with a score of 3-2 for Bayern's advantage.

Kazuki's goal at the start of the match took the Bayern players by surprise. It was clear they weren't ready to concede early in the second half. This again shows that Southampton was not a team that could be underestimated. At least in this match, Southampton showed a fairly satisfactory resistance.

Just a few minutes from the kick-off of the second half, Bayern had to kick-off again. The game continued, Southampton was still applying high pressure, but this time Bayern's players dropped further back to give Bayern a numerical advantage in defense, so they could cope with the pressure from Southampton.

Direct pass forward becomes a way for Bayern to avenge Southampton. However, the Southampton players did not leave space for the Bayern players to send a long pass. Southampton really pushed forward, leaving only one center-back to keep Phillips Zico at the back.

In the 50th minute, the Bayern Munich coach entered Tony Cross to replace Martinez. One of the advantages of Tony Cross was his ability to defend the ball and long passes. Cross's ability was a natural counter to Southampton's tactics. Realizing this the Southampton players immediately adjusted, they didn't press too high but only piled players in the middle making it difficult for the Bayern players to pass forward.

In the 54th minute, Bayern got the first chance in the second half. Tony Cross passed Bennett in a complicated way. He then gave the ball to Schweinsteiger, Wright-Phillips stepped up and tried to get the ball from Schweinsteiger's feet. Bayern Munich's defensive midfielder managed to escape from the Wright-Phillips attack and gave the ball to Muller, who filled the space left by Wright-Phillips.

Muller turned around and pushed the ball forward. He then brought the ball a little sideways. One of Southampton's center-backs stepped up to mark Muller, but at that point, Ruben ran into the space the defender had left. Muller gives the ball to Ruben.

Bayern's right-winger dribbled the ball quickly. Another Southampton center-back left Phillips Zico and ran into the gap between Ruben and the goalkeeper. At that point, Ruben was supposed to pass to Phillips Zico, but instead, he chose to shoot. It was clear the Southampton center-back blocked Ruben's shot, so the ball bounced off the pitch.

The choice that Ruben made annoyed Zico. He raised his hand and showed a gesture of disbelief at what Ruben was doing. Ruben looks apologetic. Muller patted Ruben on the shoulder, he was giving a gesture to relax. Bayern was still ahead, in important matches, Ruben certainly couldn't be selfish, but this is only a pre-season game, he didn't want his teammates to fight each other over trivial things.

In the 59th minute, Southampton counterattacked. Freddy snatched the ball from Trippery's feet. Then, he immediately passed the pass forward. Rustan flicked the ball he received to the right. He did that to avoid the figure of the Bayern left-back who was standing behind him. David Alaba chased Rustan, the pace of the Bayern left-back was not inferior to Rustan's, so Rustan immediately sent the ball to his partner instead of a duel with Alaba.

Bennett who was running received the ball with his right foot. Schweinsteiger tried to snatch the ball from Bennet's right foot, the young man moved the ball to his left, then his left foot pushed the ball forward. Bennett passed Schweinsteiger, then chased the ball. After that, he kicked the ball far forward.

Kazuki did a running race with Dante and Boateng. They ran towards the ball at full speed, on the opposite side Neuer also came out of his post to pick up the ball. Kazuki and Neuer's speeds were both fast, so there was a risk of a collision. Neuer was a fraction of a second quicker to get the ball. He shifted the ball from its place and threw the ball out of the field.

Kazuki breathed heavily. He tried to calm his breath after running at full speed.. Neuer showed a smirk as he said, "You're slower than a slug, man."