Chapter 73: Born Winner

The Brazilian team's attack didn't get going, as Alka's timely interception prevented their wing attacks from succeeding. Kaká had to stay in midfield, along with Baptista, facing Argentina's star-studded attacking lineup.

In almost every team, there's usually one or two players skilled at dribbling, responsible for the team's sudden attacks and forward momentum during offensive plays. In critical moments, these players often rely more on their individual abilities to solve problems rather than seeking help from teammates.

Every dribbling master carries a bit of a lone wolf gene, and from another perspective, without that gene, they wouldn't become dribbling experts.

Argentina's five midfielders and two forwards were all such dribbling virtuosos. Whether driven by an attacking desire or selfish motives, as the remaining time dwindled, Argentina's team coordination began to show some sporadic minor issues.

They still had various combinations and passing moves, but there was more dribbling before passing.

Simply put, they preferred not to release the ball immediately, instead liking to keep it glued to their feet, attempting to dribble past opponents before passing.

Brazil capitalized on this opportunity.

Leo was the one who made the decisive play. He ran back to assist Baptista in defending against Poncio. Poncio didn't pass immediately but tried to dribble past Leo and Baptista, but they successfully closed him down and intercepted the ball.

Leo obtained the ball and promptly passed it towards Kaká.

Kaká played a long ball to Maicon on the right wing.

After receiving the ball, Maicon tried to accelerate but encountered interception from the towering defender. He attempted to dribble past the opponent a few times but failed, eventually passing the ball back to the middle.

Unexpectedly, the receiver wasn't Kaká but Adriano (Ade), who had dropped back at some point.

The Argentine players instinctively looked for Kaká but were surprised to see him rapidly approaching their penalty area.

Argentina's midfield was strong in attack but weak in defense, without a strict defensive strategy – whether man-marking or zonal marking, their tactics weren't clear.

Kaká and Ade's positional switch exposed their defensive frailties.

After receiving the ball, Ade immediately dribbled forward, and through a combination with Leo, he evaded Argentina's defensive players. However, he encountered Argentina's dense defense near the edge of the penalty area.

Without hesitation, he played a diagonal pass towards the wing again.

Maicon, who had been running parallel, appeared behind the ball and knocked it back just before it went out of play. He then dribbled towards the byline.

On the touchline, Costonio was pleased to see the Brazilian players were organizing their attacks according to his game plan – positional exchanges and attacking the flanks. He nodded approvingly.

To summarize his complex mental activity in an idiom, it would be "a child can be taught."

Kaká and Oliveira were stationed in the penalty area, one lurking in front of the goal while the other moved towards the byline to support Maicon.

Maicon originally intended to cross from the byline, but the towering defender had tightly marked him, leaving no angle. Reluctantly, he had to dribble back, and when Kaká came to support, he promptly passed the ball before making a run into the penalty area.

Kaká had moved outside the box, controlled the ball, turned, and was positioned diagonally facing the goal. He was about to play a curling cross to Oliveira in front of the net when Kolonic rapidly closed him down.

Burdisso was following closely behind.

Kaká tried a couple of step-overs, but Kolonic maintained his balance and didn't fall for the feints, forcing Kaká to play a square pass. He then made a run parallel to the ball's path.

Adriano received the ball, with Kaká closely following behind him. Kaká rounded Adriano, moving from his right side to his left.

Adriano shielded the ball, and before the defender could tackle, he dragged it left to Kaká.

Kolonic was left behind by Kaká's intricate movement and couldn't prevent him from receiving the ball.

Kaká looked up at Maicon, who had made a run to the goal area, and gently pushed the ball in another direction towards Oliveira.

A dummy, not passing where he was looking.

Oliveira had already pulled wide to the side of the small box and was observing Kaká's position. Despite no eye contact or verbal communication, and Kaká showing no signs of passing to him, a super striker's instinct made him react correctly.

With a short burst, he pinned the defender, took a touch, and shot.

Kaká turned and passed, Oliveira made the run and shot – the entire sequence flowed like a preset program without a hint of hesitation. Lukes could only watch helplessly as the ball rolled into the net at a steady pace.

After confirming the goal, Oliveira turned and ran towards the sideline, shaking his head excitedly while removing his jersey and throwing it forcefully into the stands.

The celebration-removal-of-shirt rule wouldn't be introduced until 2004, so his action didn't draw a caution from the referee but instead attracted a group of teammates making strange noises.

Oliveira turned to face the incoming teammates.

Baptista was the first to reach him, locking him in a headlock.

Leo was the third, followed by the others joining the celebratory pile.

"4:2! 4:2! In the 84th minute, Brazil have extended their lead again. Will this be the final score?"

"Kaká's pass was deceptive, but Oliveira's goalscoring instincts were sharp, accurately converting Kaká's assist! He's only been on the pitch for ten minutes, but he's put one foot of Brazil on the championship podium. Argentina must give their all..."

"Another assist for Kaká! He's completed an incredible hat-trick of assists, something never seen before in the World Youth Championship final, or in the entire history of the tournament! The fearsome Brazilian has set another record!"

Brazil's celebration went on for a while until the referee intervened, and the players reluctantly stopped.

Costonio used his final two substitutions, bringing on two defenders to replace Leo and Costa, clearly signaling a defensive approach.

Naturally, Argentina went all-out in attack, but Brazil remained solid, denying them any chances. Many Argentine fans watched the closing stages with their faces covered.

"After the injury time, the referee blows the final whistle. Congratulations to Brazil, who have won the 13th FIFA World Youth Championship! This is their fourth time winning this trophy, surpassing Argentina to become the most successful team in the tournament's history!"

"Kaká only started his professional career in February, but he's already experienced three finals, and his team has won all three. More importantly, he had a decisive impact in each of those matches. This kid is not only a born big-game player but also a born winner."

"Saviola scored twelve goals, becoming both the top scorer of this tournament and the all-time leading scorer in the World Youth Championship history. Unfortunately, his goals couldn't help his team win, as Kaká's performance was superior."

"Eight goals, eight assists, and he scored or assisted in every match. He single-handedly led his team to victory in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, setting a new World Cup record for assists. Kaká was undoubtedly Brazil's chief architect of their triumph and the brightest star of this youth tournament..."

The much-hyped adversaries, Kaká and Saviola, weren't the type to cause trouble, exchanging pleasantries and even a mutual admiration.

They swapped jerseys and shook hands with palms raised.

"Congratulations, you played outstandingly."

"Thank you, you did too."

"So...I'll see you in Europe?"

Kaká didn't expect Saviola's sudden remark and was taken aback.

Was that...a challenge?

Apparently, he still wasn't satisfied.

Kaká nodded, "Sure, see you in Europe."

The Argentine players left the field, and the spectators gradually departed, with only a few Brazilian fans and TV viewers yet to change channels waiting for the trophy presentation.

With the sparse crowd, the Brazilian players couldn't do a lap of honour, but their excitement and elation weren't diminished.

The stage was quickly set up, and Argentina reluctantly returned to collect their runners-up trophy before Kaká led his teammates onto the podium to receive their medals from Blatter.

Kaká had no liking for this controversial FIFA president with a checkered history, but he maintained basic courtesy, thanking Blatter for his praise and congratulations.

After that, the stage belonged to the players.

Kaká lifted the trophy high as his teammates joined in a triumphant cheer.

"We are the champions!"

(end of chapter)

The number of readers is growing, and with that, the variety of opinions. So, I'd like to address a few points:

1. Many of you are eagerly anticipating Kaká to become the top scorer. However, in reality, Brazil never advanced past the semi-finals, and Kaká only scored one goal. Securing the championship and the best player award is already a significant achievement, especially for a midfielder whose career is just starting.

2. For those concerned about the upcoming chapters lacking game action or featuring less of Kaká, I apologize. I realized I needed to adjust the plot to align with real events, so please bear with me for the next couple of chapters. Your patience is appreciated as we navigate these necessary changes.