Summary of the Core Content
This article expresses admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) by analyzing his performance against Uzbekistan in the World Cup. It argues that although Ronaldo may not possess the same natural talent as Lionel Messi, he compensates for his declining abilities through extreme "off-the-ball movement" – repeatedly moving into unseen areas of the field and using deceptive tactics to create opportunities. The author believes that diligence and patience are forms of superior talent and highlights that when facing opponents stronger than oneself, persisting in mundane yet rewarding actions can lead to significant achievements over time.
Detailed Interpretation
1. Ronaldo's Current Goal-Making Strategy: "Simple, Yet Effective Off-TheBall Movement"
Ronaldo’s ability to handle the ball (such as dribbling and receiving it from behind) is not what it used to be, but how does he still score goals? The key lies in his off-the-ball movement. Specifically:
- Undetected Movement: He hides in areas where defenders cannot see him and then suddenly emerges when a teammate passes the ball, catching them off guard.
- Deceptive Positioning: He pretends to move to one side but actually goes in another, tricking defenders into opening up gaps.
- Repeated Trials and Errors: Most of these attempts are unsuccessful, but even one successful run can result in a goal. For example, against Uzbekistan, he kept moving throughout the game and finally took advantage of a defensive lapse to score. This is similar to distributing flyers daily; you might only get one response out of 100, but persistence leads to orders eventually. Ronaldo has perfected this approach.
2. Messi as a "Chosen One," Ronaldo as a "Hard-Working Warrior"
The author considers Messi the most skilled player (born with exceptional dribbling skills and the ability to change the course of games), but he prefers Ronaldo because:
- Messi relies on natural talent, while Ronaldo works tirelessly. Despite lacking Messi’s innate abilities, Ronaldo has dedicated 20 years to mastering off-the-ball movement.
- Talent is rare; diligence is something everyone can cultivate. Most people are not geniuses, so by focusing on one area and excelling in it, they can surpass others. For instance, if you compete with a smarter colleague, putting in an extra hour of effort daily will help you catch up over time.
3. The "Unwritten Rules" of Football: 87 Minutes of Hidden Effort Are More Important Than 3 Minutes of Brilliance
The article cites Johan Cruyff’s saying: "In a 90-minute football match, each player only gets about 3 minutes with the ball; the rest of the time determines who wins." Ronaldo makes the most of these 87 minutes by constantly moving, deceiving defenders, and looking for opportunities. Many forwards simply stand still waiting for the ball or run around aimlessly. This is analogous to work: you might only have 1 hour to complete essential tasks in an 8-hour day; if you waste the rest, you’ll never catch up with those who prepare diligently.
4. The Lesson from Ronaldo for Ordinary People
The author draws a lesson from Ronaldo’s approach: In most situations, you’re not the most talented person (e.g., facing a superior opponent or colleague). What should you do?
- Don’t give up: Even though Ronaldo’s abilities have declined, he continues to work hard, even if it only lasts for 45 minutes.
- Focus on small, rewarding actions: Like exercising or learning daily; progress may be minimal, but consistent effort leads to significant results.
- Be patient: Success often comes after countless attempts. For example, losing weight by running 1 kilometer a day may seem insignificant, but it’ll help you achieve your goal in half a year; mastering more professional knowledge every day might lead to promotion.
Conclusion
Ronaldo’s story shows that while talent sets the upper limit, diligence and patience determine how far you can go. Success for ordinary people often lies in the small, repetitive actions we undertake with perseverance.