Chapter 53: True Grit

Chapter 53: True Grit

As the 40-minute mark approaches, Portugal still trails behind France. About ten minutes after a brief lull, France launches another fierce offensive, hoping to secure another goal before the half-time whistle to solidify their lead.

Paul Pogba continues to be the most threatening player on the field for France, dazzling in performance, which has the French fans nearly hoarse from cheering him on. Pogba thrives on the crowd's energy, which only heightens his excitement. Despite his efforts, a second goal remains elusive, with few real threats inside the box and more attempts coming from long shots over twenty meters out.

Portugal's defensive efforts are evident. Even Bruno, the team's offensive cornerstone, frequently drops back to defend due to the unreliable back line. Whether during the Toulon Cup or the current U-20 World Cup, Portugal's defense has never truly inspired confidence.

As the team's offensive nucleus, Bruno cannot devote all his energy to defense; his primary role remains in attack, not just in striking but in orchestrating the offense. Sprinting repeatedly between both ends of the pitch, even Bruno, known for his excellent stamina, is visibly exhausted.

Yet, he senses the distance to the opponent's goal narrowing. The recent yellow card given to Digne is a testament to that. France responds with an attack surge, but Bruno also notices the French defensive line pushing up, presenting Portugal with an opportunity for quick counter-attacks, his and Bruma's specialties.

Bruno thrives in situations where the opponent's defense is stretched, leaving ample space behind them. Whether driving the ball forward himself or using precise passes to tear through the defense, he excels in exploiting these moments.

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Paul Pogba attempts a backheel pass but is tripped by André Gomes, earning Gomes a yellow card and France a free kick in a promising position. Pogba steps up to take it, with Bruno joining the wall. Facing the French midfielder again, Bruno can see the fiery determination in Pogba's eyes, as if saying, "Today, only one can triumph, and it will be me." Bruno shares the same sentiment.

This match determines more than just the U-20 World Cup champion; it could also decide who wins the European Golden Boy award. Having never won it before, Bruno is eager to outshine Pogba in this decisive match.

As the referee's whistle sounds, Pogba strikes the ball with force. The ball flies from his foot, curving around the wall and plummeting towards the goal. Pogba's free-kick is of high quality, but Portuguese goalkeeper José Sa is well-prepared. Having considered all possible angles during the wall setup, Sa reacts swiftly, pushing the ball over the bar to give away a corner but not a goal.

Relief washes over the Portuguese players and fans, a sense of having narrowly escaped disaster. Meanwhile, the French supporters and players feel a profound disappointment; had that ball gone in, it would have likely secured the victory.

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Portugal quickly reorganizes their defense for the upcoming corner, keenly aware of their vulnerability to such set-pieces, evidenced by their conceded goal earlier in the game. France, too, commits heavily, including central defenders Sarr and Zouma pushing forward.

Bruno remains stationed outside the large box, ready to counter, but remains vigilant, unsure when his teammates might pass the ball in his direction. His focus is intense, prepared for any opportunity.

Veretout delivers another corner aimed at finding Pogba, but this time José Sa anticipates well, intercepting the ball in mid-air and swiftly throwing it to João Mário at the edge of the box.

João Mário instantly understands, booting the ball forward without needing to look. "Portugal launches a quick goal kick, starting a counter-attack. João Mário sends a long pass down the right."

Bruno, although a step behind Digne when Sa grabbed the ball, has a speed advantage. The two players race toward the ball's landing spot, almost neck and neck.

Accustomed to seeing Portugal's attacks relying solely on Bruno, French fans watch as three defenders, including Digne, converge on him. Three against one seems more than enough.

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Unnoticed, Bruno manages to get ahead and take an advantageous position inside, better poised to receive the long pass from behind. Digne, already on a yellow card, is cautious, tugging at Bruno's jersey but quickly letting go.

This tug is crucial; it prevents Bruno from accelerating immediately, allowing Kondogbia to catch up from behind. Now facing a two-on-one situation.

Despite being outnumbered, Bruno anticipates this. The tall Kondogbia, though skilled with the ball, lacks speed. Bruno leverages his own momentum and agility to reach the ball first.

However, he opts not to push forward using his speed against the French defense. Instead, knowing he's surrounded and lacks a clear speed advantage, he chooses a tactical approach.

Bruno flicks the ball upwards as it falls, sending it over Kondogbia's head and behind him. He then stops sharply, sidestepping to chase the ball past Kondogbia.

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Foulquier rushes back to the edge of the box, alarmed at Bruno's maneuver past Kondogbia, ready to commit a foul if necessary to stop him outside the box.

After outmaneuvering Kondogbia, Bruno knows that charging forward would likely draw a foul from Foulquier, possibly earning the French defender a card but ending the attack.

If this were in midfield, Bruno might opt for a more conservative play, but given the counter-attacking scenario and the lack of immediate support from teammates, he decides to take a risk.

Even if the attack fails, it wouldn't threaten Portugal's defensive stability. But if successful, it could lead to a crucial goal for Portugal.

In this moment, a seed of ambition sprouts within him. (End of Chapter)

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