Football Card System

The tunnel confrontation didn't last long, as the referee had already led both teams onto the field.

Robinho wasn't upset by Vardy's provocation; instead, he remained confident with a smile. To him, Vardy wasn't on his level.

As the players stepped onto the pitch, the 10,000-capacity stadium erupted. Luton fans generated an atmosphere as intense as that of any major club's home ground.

A massive flag waved in the stands across from the tunnel, carried by the wind sweeping in from outside the stadium.

However, Luton's team crest didn't look intimidating at all—featuring a hat, wheat, bread, and two floral patterns commonly seen around Luton. Gao Bo didn't even know the names of the flowers.

Still, when the flag was big enough, it carried a strong presence.

English fans were always experts at creating a passionate atmosphere.

—

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen! The FA Cup match is about to begin!" The commentator Letkinson announced excitedly.

Manchester City kicked off, wasting no time in probing the opposition and immediately sending the ball forward to Robinho—the most expensive player in English football history.

Opposing him was Luton's defensive midfielder, N'Golo Kanté.

"This is an FA Cup fifth-round clash between Manchester City and a League Two team that has already created a miracle in this competition! But Luton is no ordinary League Two side," Letkinson continued. "Despite a 30-point deduction this season, they've climbed to sixth place and are fighting for a playoff spot!"

"I don't think so, Wright," interjected Redknapp Jr. "Luton had a great performance in the fourth round, eliminating Chelsea, but that was a Chelsea side in poor form, underestimating their opponent. Gao Bo's tactics worked because Adam White was a surprise element, but now, Manchester City won't make the same mistake. Adam White is no longer an unknown quantity."

"When a team like Manchester City takes things seriously, Luton has no chance," Redknapp stated firmly.

"Speaking of which, Adam White isn't starting today. But are you that confident?" Letkinson asked with a smile.

"Absolutely. At most, Luton might cause some trouble, but Manchester City have won three straight games in all competitions. They've found their form," Redknapp insisted.

Meanwhile, in China, Guangdong Sports, the only broadcaster with FA Cup rights, was also airing the match live.

"Although we hope Luton plays well and Coach Gao Bo leads his team further, objectively speaking, the gap in strength is huge," commentator He Hongfa said. "Just one Robinho alone is worth over 40 million!"

"But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen! Let's cheer for Gao Bo's team and hope they perform another miracle today," He Hongfa added.

As he was about to read out the starting lineups, a sudden gasp echoed through the stadium, followed by enthusiastic applause.

On the TV screen, a replay showed what had just happened.

Robinho, ever confident, attempted one of his signature stepovers against Kanté.

The Brazilian executed multiple stepovers in quick succession, preparing to break past Kanté on the left.

But Kanté wasn't fooled at all. Just as Robinho attempted his move, Kanté stretched out his foot and cleanly poked the ball away.

Robinho had assumed this seemingly harmless, smiling opponent would be an easy challenge. Yet, Kanté had completely ignored the flashy footwork and effortlessly stole possession.

The Brazilian instinctively tried to regain control, but Kanté had a low center of gravity and a solid stance. As Robinho collided into Kanté, he fell to the ground, landing on his backside.

He immediately raised his arms, appealing for a foul.

The referee, however, paid him no attention.

Frustrated, Robinho had no choice but to pat himself down and get up.

Kanté passed the ball forward but stayed back, following Gao Bo's instructions to mark Robinho closely instead of joining the attack.

"Beautiful! A fantastic interception!" He Hongfa exclaimed. "Robinho's trickery had no effect on Kanté!"

"A clean, precise tackle! Kanté made no contact with Robinho, so there's no way he could win a foul," Letkinson praised.

"Yes, that was excellent defensive awareness!" Redknapp admitted.

Robinho glanced at Kanté for the first time, realizing he couldn't take him lightly.

Kanté, still smiling, wanted to respond with friendliness—but he suddenly remembered Gao Bo's words.

"Be fierce…"

So, Kanté bared his teeth and attempted to look aggressive.

To Robinho, however, Kanté resembled a friendly sheepdog trying to act tough.

But despite that, Robinho's earlier confidence wavered.

He took Kanté's expression as a provocation.

"Don't get cocky, kid!" Robinho muttered as he walked past.

Kanté wasn't the best with words. He admired Vardy, who always had a sharp response in any situation.

Kanté tried to think of a witty comeback—but before he could, Robinho had already moved to an open space to receive the ball.

Luton's attack ended quickly, as Drinkwater's long pass was cleared by Kompany, allowing Manchester City to regain possession.

There was no time for trash talk—Kanté had to stay focused.

He continued shadowing Robinho closely.