Emperor of Football: Julien De Rocca Chapter 197: Chapter-197 Shock

Kondratyev frowned deeply.

This wasn't good news for him.

As a player, he was beloved by many coaches for his tough defending and strong tactical discipline.

So, continuing into his coaching career, he demanded the sa from his players—strict tactical execution, emphasis on fitness and teamwork, suppression of individualism.

He excelled at David vs Goliath victories, building team cohesion, and maximizing potential with limited resources.

Of course, every coin has two sides.

These traits also brought deficiencies—extre conservatism, ugly football, and when facing stronger opponents, only "parking the bus," aiming for draws or narrow defeats.

Regarding Julien, he had already laid wide plans, trying everything possible to lock him down.

Now Julien wasn't playing!

Kondratyev could only tell his players in the dressing room, "Everyone watch your energy distribution. Don't let them exhaust you in the first half. Make sure not to get caught up in their rhythm."

However, when the first half truly began, Kondratyev's frown deepened.

France intentionally picked up the pace.

Especially on the flanks—Cabaye and Mbiwa's right-wing combinations repeatedly attacked Belarus's defensive line.

Boom! Boom boom!!

Combined with the roar of tens of thousands of French fans at the Stade de France, Belarus players suffered both physical and psychological pressure.

Whistle!

When it rains, it pours. In the 26th minute, Ribéry drove into the penalty area, cut inside as if preparing to shoot, but instead crossed to Giroud.

This cross caused Radzkow, who had rushed up to block Ribéry's shot, to commit handball.

Radzkow's arm was extended, and the ball hit it directly, changing direction.

French players imdiately gestured to the referee.

Ribéry patted his own arm, shouting at the referee, "Main!"

It was Handball.

Whistle!

The referee didn't hesitate much—Radzkow's handball was too obvious. He pointed directly to the penalty spot.

Roar!

The ho crowd erupted in joy.

Radzkow made no protest.

Ribéry stepped up to the penalty spot.

Belarus goalkeeper Veremko stared intently at Ribéry.

Veremko currently played for Krylya Sovetov in the Russian Premier League, he was not particularly strong, but still among Belarus's finest goalkeepers.

Whistle!

As the referee's whistle sounded, Ribéry took a breath, started his run-up, and shot!

Clang!

But the next mont, the ball hit the post and bounced back!

Belarus players quickly cleared it away.

Ribéry held his head, filled with self-reproach. He had been too focused on placent and missed by just a fraction.

Gasp!

French fans let out a collective groan.

Penalty miss.

Belarus players high-fived Veremko in celebration: "Давай!!" (Let's go!)

Kondratyev breathed a slight sigh of relief.

There was still a chance.

Deschamps looked up with a sigh, then imdiately shouted for his players to intensify their attacks. At least tactically, they had succeeded.

Belarus, lifted by the penalty save, showed improved morale, defensive enthusiasm, and strong player ntality.

France continued their siege but lacked the final touch.

Gasps and sighs from Stade de France fans rose and fell with each missed French opportunity.

The broadcast caras frequently cut to Julien on the bench.

Online, many French fans lanted, "In today's France team, Julien is absolutely the strongest core. Then Ribéry, Giroud, and Valbuena are decent, but the rest look like scraps."

"No choice—after years of turmoil, the team is experiencing growing pains between generations. Get through this period, build around Julien as the core, and we'll rise again!"

But how long would that take? Nobody knew.

Gasp!

France's lengthy attacks failed to break through, and after Belarus's multiple failed counterattacks, in the 41st minute, thanks to Sivakov's long pass, they finally pierced France's defense!

Lone striker Rodionov, the star striker of Belarusian powerhouse BATE Borisov, charged forward with the ball!

Evra couldn't keep up, and Sakho barely interfered with Rodionov.

But the latter stumbled forward and still created space.

Thump!

Entering the penalty area, facing the advancing Lloris, Rodionov chipped the ball.

The ball sailed over Lloris into the net.

Rodionov was ecstatic in that mont, screaming wildly. He rushed toward the coaching area as other Belarus players ran over to embrace and celebrate together.

French fans fell relatively silent. Deschamps shook his head.

He turned toward the bench, pointing at Julien, "Julien, go warm up. There won't be ti later."

"Okay."

Julien stood up, put on his training bib, and headed toward the sideline warm-up area.

Kondratyev, his face flushed with celebration excitent, happened to look back and see Julien warming up.

His euphoria instantly dissipated. His expression darkened.

He clapped his players: "Quick, get back to defending properly! There's still a half to play—that's the real challenge! Co on!"

"Давай!"

The players responded firmly.

The first half ended with Belarus scoring on their only shot.

0-1.

In the dressing room, Deschamps didn't lose his temper. This match was essentially about experintation, as he hadn't yet found a stable starting eleven.

So even with such mistakes, he could accept them.

But he said, "Conceding isn't scary—what's scary is our inability to score!"

"Julien will co on in the second half. We'll continue the first-half tactics, attacking down both flanks, and we must suppress them!"

While Deschamps spoke, Julien ward up in the dressing room's exercise area, preparing for his second-half entrance.

On the Other Side:

Kondratyev's face showed no joy despite the lead. He said, "Why am I not happy about being ahead? Because I saw Julien warming up. I think the coaching staff has made it very clear to you—Julien is France's attacking core, our biggest challenge! We must restrict him!"

The Belarus players nodded in unison.

France's first-half assault had been quite fierce. If not for the penalty miss that gave them a boost of adrenaline, they might have conceded already.

And now, as Kondratyev said, only when Julien entered would they face the strongest France team.

The TF1 comntator said during halfti, "Only one goal down, we still have plenty of ti. Just after Belarus scored, Deschamps made a move—he imdiately went to the bench to find Julien, then Julien went to warm up."

"Julien scored the winner against Finland in his last appearance. We're expecting him to score in consecutive matches."

With French fans' anticipation, the second half began.

Julien entered the ga!

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