The Jordan Team was stunned, the fans in the stadium were stunned, and the audience in the live broadcast room was also stunned.
The China Team was completely renewed, displaying a vitality that was completely absent in the previous match.
Zhan Jun's voice brought people back to their senses.
"Gao Nuo scored twice within a mere 12 minutes, and he is showing the captain's armband to the audience."
"It seems Jankovic isn't crazy, and the China Team isn't crazy either. The captain's armband on Gao Nuo's arm is truly well-deserved!"
"If the China Team continues to play like this, as long as they secure the victory, they will once again enter the World Cup finals!"
The netizens who had been cursing the National Football Team a few days ago were now thrilled.
"Gao Nuo is amazing, and these young players are not bad either!"
"Although I feel that the others' skills are still a bit rough, with Gao Nuo as the center forward, a slightly weaker pass is not a problem!"
"Awesome, I haven't been this thrilled in a long time!"
"Kick them to pieces, come on, China Team!"
"A 21-year-old National Football Team captain, I'm not seeing things, am I?"
"Hahaha, I'm not surprised at all that Gao Nuo is the captain. Have you seen his speech in the Champions League Final? That was truly passionate!"
"Where can I watch it? I want to see it!"
"Just search for it directly, I guarantee it will blow your mind!"
Following a fan's recommendation, countless netizens in the live broadcast room pulled out their phones, tablets, or directly searched on their computers.
A few minutes later.
"Holy cow! Gao Nuo is so bold? He dares to criticize anyone!"
"What criticize? Gao Nuo spoke very well. That line about taking back what belongs to him was so passionate!"
"What are you all talking about?"
"Gao Nuo's halftime speech in the Champions League Final, go search for it yourself!"
Gao Nuo didn't expect his old speech to be dug up again, which had already made people excited.
If people knew that he had angrily criticized the National Football Team veterans two days ago, Gao Nuo would probably become a god-like figure in China's football scene.
The match continued, and Jordan, trailing 0-2, finally stabilized their formation, and the situation returned to normal.
For the next 20-plus minutes, both teams had their turns attacking and defending.
The China Team's active defense did not make any mistakes, but their offensive momentum was also suppressed by their opponents.
In the 35th minute of the match, Gao Nuo, who was under strict marking, actively retreated, and at this point, the China Team's formation looked more like a 4-4-1-1.
Gao Nuo received the ball in the attacking midfielder position, and the opponent's defense was finally no longer so dense.
Gao Nuo comfortably controlled the ball this time, observing his teammates' positions while dribbling, and beckoned Ai Feierding over. After a one-two, the Jordan defender once again blocked Gao Nuo.
After some maneuvering, Gao Nuo passed the ball to the right side of the penalty area, and veteran Wu Lei controlled the ball and shot, all in one smooth motion.
The ball went into the net, and the China Team led 3-0!
In the 43rd minute of the match, Gao Nuo again received the ball in the attacking midfielder position. This time, Jordan's defensive midfielder and defenders immediately double-teamed him.
Gao Nuo threaded the ball to the left flank, and Ai Feierding's run was perfectly timed. He dribbled into the penalty area and calmly shot.
The ball once again entered the net, and the China Team led 4-0.
The first half ended, and the China Team, with a significant lead, returned to the locker room.
The 35-year-old veteran looked at the jubilant crowd and dared not say another word, only sitting quietly on the bench, observing with a cold eye.
After Jankovic adjusted the tactics, Gao Nuo began to fulfill his captain's duties.
"Brothers! We played great in the first half, but that's not enough. We need to be more aggressive in the second half, pass the ball to me, and then run according to the tactics. In this match, we must fully display the spirit of the China Team!"
"China Team!"
"Come on! Come on! Come on!"
In the 55th minute of the match, Gao Nuo once again received the ball in the attacking midfielder position.
The Jordan Team's midfield had set up a counter-tactic. This time, they didn't double-team Gao Nuo, but only firmly cut off Gao Nuo's passing lanes.
Gao Nuo saw the situation clearly and couldn't help but smile to himself. Since that was the case, there was no need to be polite.
Gao Nuo, with three fakes and two dribbles, bypassed the opponent who was marking him individually, and then, from 26 meters away from the goal, he took a long-range shot!
With a "bang!", the powerful ball flew towards the goal.
The Jordan goalkeeper's save was not impressive enough, and the ball flew past everything, directly into the net.
The China Team led Jordan 5-0.
Gao Nuo, who completed a hat-trick, raised his arms high. At this moment, he was like a king on the field.
In the 63rd minute of the match, Gao Nuo broke into the penalty area, and multiple defenders blocked his shooting angle. With no other option, Gao Nuo passed back.
Hu Hetao pulled back from the left to the center and shot directly at the incoming ball.
The shot was perfectly struck, and the ball curved into the upper right corner of the net, much to the surprise of the Jordan defense.
This goal ignited the entire stadium. Compared to the rationality of Gao Nuo's goals, Hu Hetao's shot could be described as a wonder strike.
The China Team was firing on all cylinders, leading Jordan 6-0. The outcome of the match was no longer in doubt.
After completing 3 goals and 3 assists, Gao Nuo was substituted by Jankovic.
After coming off, Gao Nuo didn't sit idle. He constantly shouted from the bench, reminding the young China Team to keep running.
Jankovic looked at Gao Nuo on the sidelines with admiration. With several crucial reminders, Jankovic even felt that Gao Nuo was more professional than his own assistant coach.
In the final 30 minutes, the China Team failed to score again, but the demoralized Jordan also did not launch any more counterattacks.
The full-time whistle blew, and China defeated Jordan 6-0, securing qualification in the 4th round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
In 2026, the China Team will enter the North American World Cup finals.
Without time to celebrate with his National Football Team teammates, Gao Nuo rested for only one day before boarding a plane to Manchester.
Wang Xiaochuan, who was traveling with him, sat in his first-class seat, enviously watching Gao Nuo, who was surrounded by beautiful flight attendants.
"Gao, can I take a picture with you?"
"Gao, please give me an autograph!"
"Gao, can I hug you?"
A blonde beauty with freckles, a lady with long brown hair, and a young blonde-haired, blue-eyed Western girl.
Three beauties, each with a different charm, overwhelmed Gao Nuo.
"Gao, this is my business card. You're welcome to contact me anytime."
It wasn't until the long brown-haired lady deliberately puffed out her ample chest and, with a face full of desire, handed him her business card, that Gao Nuo fled back to his seat as if escaping.
He could be enthusiastic with fans, but fans couldn't make advances on him; that was Gao Nuo's bottom line.
Wang Xiaochuan said with a chuckle, "Xiao Nuo, you're getting more and more impressive. Now you have fans everywhere."
Gao Nuo scratched his head, a little embarrassed, "It's not that exaggerated. These flight attendants see many celebrities; it wouldn't be like this in a different environment."
Wang Xiaochuan looked at Gao Nuo with amusement, "This is a good thing, what are you embarrassed about? To be honest, if it weren't for you, Chinese players going abroad wouldn't be so smooth."
Seeing that Gao Nuo didn't speak, Wang Xiaochuan continued, "Take me for example, if it weren't for you back then, I wouldn't have been able to go to England, and I wouldn't have been noticed by Sheffield United. Thank you!"
Gao Nuo still didn't speak, just punched Wang Xiaochuan on the shoulder.
Between brothers, some things don't need to be said.
Back in Manchester, Wang Xiaochuan and Gao Nuo had a meal, then rushed non-stop to Yorkshire.
After resting for half a day, Gao Nuo relaxed with Wang Qing, and after feeling refreshed, he once again threw himself into Manchester United's training.
On September 13, 2025, Manchester United defeated Leeds United 3-0 away, winning the Rose Derby once again.
On September 17, 2025, Manchester United defeated Real Madrid 5-3 at home, winning their first Champions League group stage match.
On September 20, 2025, Manchester United defeated Fulham 4-0 at home, continuing their dominance in the Premier League.
On September 23, 2025, Manchester United eliminated Nottingham Forest 7-1 at home, with a full reserve lineup, advancing to the next round without shedding a drop of blood.
On September 27, 2025, Manchester United drew 1-1 with Manchester City away. In the Manchester derby, Gao Nuo and Haaland each scored a goal, and both sides shook hands and made peace.
Throughout September, Manchester United's form could be described as soaring.
Gao Nuo scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 4 matches.
Michael Carrick completely dispelled the fans' doubts and established himself at Manchester United.
All of this was inseparable from Gao Nuo's heroic performance.
In the manager's office.
Michael Carrick personally brought a cup of coffee and handed it to Gao Nuo on the sofa.
"Gao, your recent form is excellent!"
Gao Nuo took the coffee somewhat cautiously. After all, he was only a 21-year-old young man.
"Thank you, boss. Is there something you called me for today?"
Michael Carrick brought another cup of coffee and sat opposite Gao Nuo.
"Kid, don't be nervous. Today we're just going to chat casually."
Michael Carrick continued.
"Gao, I'd like to know, where do you think our squad needs adjustment?"
"Boss, I'll be direct then. We have some issues with our center-backs."
"Indeed, but that can only be for next season. The departures of Varane and Süle will give us room to maneuver."
"Boss, in other positions, I think Manchester United is already good enough!"
As the two talked, Gao Nuo quickly relaxed.
Actually, Michael Carrick just asked casually. He already had plans for the team's lineup.
Seeing Gao Nuo relax, Michael Carrick got to the point.
"Gao, it's a bit presumptuous, but I hope to know what your plans are for the future."
Gao Nuo suddenly fell silent. If it had been three months ago, he would have answered "stay at Manchester United" without hesitation.
But now, the situation was a bit complicated.
Two days ago, the system issued a new mission to Gao Nuo, and it was the final mission.
"host, please confirm the new mission."
"Ultimate Mission: Become a legend of a city."
"Mission time: Within 15 years."
"Mission reward: All system functions."
"Please note: Once the host confirms acceptance, they will not be able to transfer again."
"Please note: The system is about to go into dormancy until the host completes the mission."
"Please note: During system dormancy, the host can only use one simulated match per day."
"Please note: The host needs to complete the mission as soon as possible."
Gao Nuo was startled by the series of reminders. It looked less like a mission and more like a huge trap!