The Final Push

The game trudged on, with France relentlessly attacking and throwing everyone forward in a desperate bid to break the deadlock. But the Ivorians defended like mad and held their ground.

The intent of the Ivorian players was clear to everyone watching: they would allow France to dominate possession, but there was no way in hell they would let the French forwards break through the middle and threaten their box. Keeping their lines tight, they constantly discouraged the French from making meaningful forward passes.

Minutes ticked by without any significant events, and finally, it was the 90th minute, with the score still 2-2. The fourth official on the sidelines put up the board, indicating an added six minutes of injury time.

The French players, noticing the added time, seemed to muster the strength for a few last pushes, hoping to score a winning goal and prevent the game from going into extra time.