Chapter Fifteen: Learning About The World Cup

Ethan woke up the next morning feeling energized and driven. Selling the car had been a crucial first step, and now he needed to focus on the next part of his plan.

He knew that the upcoming World Cup presented a massive opportunity to turn his modest savings into a substantial fortune. But first, he needed to gather all the necessary information and make calculated moves.

Ethan made his way downstairs for breakfast. His mother was preparing toast and eggs, and the smell filled the kitchen.

"Good morning, Mom," Ethan greeted as he poured himself a glass of orange juice.

"Morning, sweetheart," she replied. "You look chipper today. What's on the agenda?"

Ethan smiled. "I've got some research to do. Big plans in the making."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Just remember to take breaks and not overwork yourself."

"I will, thanks," Ethan said, grabbing a piece of toast.

After breakfast, Ethan headed to the local library. The internet was a treasure trove of information, but the library provided a quiet place to think and plan without distractions. He found a table in a corner, pulled out his notebook, and began his research on the upcoming World Cup.

He started by looking up the tournament schedule, noting the dates and locations of the matches. He then delved into statistics, reading about the teams, their past performances, key players, and any injuries or controversies that could impact their performance.

While scanning through an article, an idea struck him. "I need to find someone knowledgeable about soccer betting," he muttered to himself. With that thought in mind, he decided to visit a local sports bar that was known for its avid soccer fans.

That evening, Ethan walked into the sports bar, the buzz of excited conversations and the glow of multiple TV screens playing various sports creating an electric atmosphere. He approached the bar and ordered a soda, then scanned the room for someone who looked approachable and knowledgeable.

He spotted a middle-aged man with a graying beard and a friendly demeanor, engrossed in a soccer game on the screen. Ethan decided to take a chance.

"Excuse me," Ethan began, taking a seat next to him. "Mind if I ask you a few questions about soccer?"

The man looked over, a bit surprised but then smiled. "Sure, kid. What do you want to know?"

"I'm trying to learn more about betting on soccer, especially the World Cup. Do you have any tips or advice?"

The man's eyes twinkled with interest. "Ah, the World Cup. Big event, lots of excitement. I've been following soccer and betting on it for years. Name's Jack, by the way."

"Ethan. Nice to meet you, Jack."

"Alright, Ethan," Jack said, taking a sip of his beer. "First thing you need to know is that betting on soccer isn't just about luck. It's about understanding the teams, the players, and the dynamics of the game. You need to look at stats, recent performances, injuries, and even the weather."

Ethan nodded, jotting down notes. "I've been researching team stats and player conditions. What else should I focus on?"

"Look at the match history between teams," Jack suggested. "Some teams have psychological advantages over others. Also, pay attention to the odds given by different bookies. They can tell you a lot about public perception and where the smart money is going."

"Got it. Thanks, Jack. Any particular resources or websites you recommend?"

Jack scribbled a few names on a napkin. "These are some of the best. They provide in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and up-to-date information. But remember, no bet is a sure thing. Always bet responsibly."

Ethan thanked Jack and left the bar feeling more confident. With new resources in hand, he returned home and dove back into his research. He compared odds from different betting sites, analyzed expert predictions, and even joined a few online forums to see what seasoned bettors were saying.

One evening, his father walked into his room and found him surrounded by papers and notes.

"You've been working hard, son. What's all this?" his father asked, picking up a sheet of paper with team statistics.

Ethan looked up, a bit startled. "Oh, hey, Dad. Just doing some research on the World Cup. Trying to make an informed bet."

His father sat down on the edge of the bed. "Betting, huh? That can be risky. Are you sure about this?"

"I know it's risky, but I've been doing my homework. I'm not just betting blindly. I think this could really pay off if I play it smart," Ethan explained.

His father looked thoughtful. "Well, just be careful. Don't bet more than you can afford to lose."

"I will, Dad. Thanks for understanding," Ethan said, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

As the days passed, Ethan's research grew more detailed. He created spreadsheets to track team performances, player conditions, and betting odds. He even started waking up early to watch international sports news and press conferences.

One afternoon, he decided to consult an old friend from his past life who was a soccer fanatic and had some experience with betting. He found Jake, now just another high school student like himself, at a nearby park playing soccer with friends.

"Jake!" Ethan called out, jogging over.

"Ethan! Long time no see, buddy. What's up?" Jake responded, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Need your expertise on something. Got a few minutes?"

"Sure, man. Let's grab a seat."

They found a bench under a tree. Ethan explained his interest in betting on the World Cup and the research he'd been doing.

Jake whistled, impressed. "You've really thought this through. Most people just bet on their favorite teams or go with their gut."

"I want to be smart about this," Ethan said. "Any advice?"

Jake thought for a moment. "You've covered most bases. Just remember, sometimes it's not about betting on who's most likely to win, but finding value in the odds. A team with slightly lower odds might give you a better return if they win. And don't forget to consider factors like team morale and coaching strategies."

"Thanks, Jake. That's really helpful."

"No problem, Ethan. Just remember to enjoy the games too. It's not all about money."

Ethan nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the support he was receiving. He spent the next few weeks fine-tuning his strategy, making sure he had considered every possible angle.

Finally, the World Cup was just around the corner. Ethan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Then he started having doubts. What if this doesn't work as expected?