Beijing

# Chapter 117: Beijing

3:2.

Both sides made personnel adjustments.

Scolari replaced Kaka with Rivaldo, Ronaldo with Oliveira, and Eriksson substituted Sinclair with Dyer, who had a stronger attacking presence, and replaced Owen with Vassell.

It's unclear what the coaches of both sides were thinking, but of the four substitutions, three were forwards.

Dyer's appearance did bring some vitality to the England team, but Owen's absence left them lacking a threat on the front line. The Brazilian team quickly took control of the situation.

Rivaldo was very excited.

The game had entered the second half, and he just came on with a clear physical advantage. Coupled with outstanding technique and rich experience, he quickly became the most active player on the field.

Breakthroughs, passes, shots, each showed world-class skill.

Thirty years old, but still not old...

In the 80th minute, Eriksson replaced defender Ashley Cole with striker Sheringham, making a final attempt.

The appearance of the English striker did bring some changes to England's offensive attack, but they only managed one shot.

The football flew out, just grazing the post.

Brazil also made their final substitution. Scolari used his most reliable tactic—bringing on Denilson.

He replaced Ronaldinho.

"In addition to injury stoppage time, there are about eight minutes left in the game. Although Brazil has replaced all their starting forwards, Rivaldo, Denilson, and Oliveira on the field are still very threatening. Even if they aim for overtime, they have a good offensive capability... The Brazilian team is strengthening their ball control, and it's evident that the English players are becoming increasingly anxious."

In the 88th minute, Ferdinand fouled Carlos due to dissatisfaction with the referee and received a yellow card.

In stoppage time, Beckham took a corner kick from the left side. Junior's header hit Bart's head and flew over the bar.

This was England's last chance.

The whistle blew, and Brazil became the first team in the World Cup to advance to the semifinals. Their next opponent would be Turkey or Japan. This was also Brazil's fourth unbeaten match against England in the World Cup, winning the championship three times.

"This was an early final and a game with no losers. England was eliminated, but they could leave with their heads held high. Owen's lightning strike, Beckham's bending free-kick, Ronaldo's volley shot, Kaka's overhead kick, Ronaldinho's free-kick goal—each exciting moment is one for the fans to cherish in their memory..."

Brazil celebrated their victory, while the English players were despondent and silently licked their wounds.

Kaka originally wanted to find Beckham to exchange jerseys, but Carlos had already exchanged his with Beckham, who wasn't in the best of spirits.

Beckham walked towards Seaman. The 39-year-old goalkeeper embraced the captain, who was twelve years younger than himself, and wept.

Countless England fans also cried, contrasting sharply with the ecstatic Brazilian supporters.

"Michael." Since Beckham's jersey was already exchanged, Kaka sought another.

Owen looked up in surprise, seeing Kaka offering his jersey.

It was like seeing himself four years ago.

Owen forced a grin, took Kaka's jersey, and handed over his own.

The two hugged briefly, and Owen said, "Good luck."

"Thank you," Kaka replied. "You too."

Owen left, deeply saddened.

Kaka watched his retreating figure, feeling sentimental even when he should be celebrating victory.

If future fans could speak to their current stars, Kobe fans might warn Kobe not to board that fateful helicopter. Shevchenko and Totti fans might advise them not to transfer to Chelsea. As for Kaka and Owen fans, they would probably tell them to avoid Real Madrid as much as possible.

But to be fair, Kaka's decline had little to do with Real Madrid, whereas Owen's might not be the same.

Being the peak Ballon d'Or winner only to become a substitute—Real Madrid can do that...

Of course, these are just shallow words. Some things are destined to become soliloquies for the latecomers, never to be spoken aloud.

The back was gone.

This World Cup has seen the farewell of Figo, Rui Costa, Totti, Maldini, Zanetti, and Batistuta.

Now, Beckham and Owen have also completed their farewell.

To the outside world, such farewells are common—someone loses, someone wins, it's just part of the game. But for Kaka, a traveler who has witnessed the glory and end of an era, such scenes deeply affect him.

This game has become the most discussed match of this World Cup so far, and is widely recognized as the most exciting game.

The biggest winners are Kaka and Ronaldinho.

All three of Brazil's goals were related to Kaka: assisting Ronaldo to score, scoring a stunning overhead kick, and winning the free kick that sealed the victory.

Kaka's fame is unprecedented. In Brazil, his popularity is among the top five of all active players, possibly even the top three. He is an absolute national idol, and even globally, Kaka's name is being compared to some real superstars.

As for Ronaldinho, he had already made a name for himself at Paris Saint-Germain. With nicknames like "Ronaldo Jr.," he was already famous. Assisting Kaka's goal and scoring a classic free kick that eliminated England elevated his fame even further. He was now on the threshold of superstardom and, if he remained consistent, he would become a hope for the future.

Meanwhile, Beckham and Owen, who were equally outstanding, ended up with a sadder note, yet they earned enough points in the hearts of fans. From a player's perspective, it was a rewarding experience.

With Brazil defeating England to secure a semifinal spot, the other quarter-final matches began.

The second game was held at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. Germany defeated the United States 1-0 to become the second team to reach the semifinals.

The U.S. team had a slight advantage early on, but Germany surged in the final stages of the first half, with Ballack scoring a header.

Klose hit the post with a header, narrowly missing his sixth World Cup goal.

In the second half, the U.S. team dominated, but the German defense, led by captain Kahn, ensured the goal was not breached. The world's top goalkeeper lived up to his reputation.

A day later, the quarter-final between Turkey and Senegal took place.

The sides were tied during regular time. Turkey scored a golden goal shortly after overtime began, eliminating Senegal. Thus, Turkey reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time and earned a chance to avenge Brazil in the semifinals.