Chapter 55: The U-20 World Cup Championship

Chapter 55: The U-20 World Cup Championship

Bruno is more aware of his own capabilities than anyone else. Although his jumping isn't on par with the aerial prowess of someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, it's generally considered above average. The reason his heading appears to be a weak point is partly because he rarely uses it, and when he does head the ball during matches, he hasn't fully demonstrated his real ability. In fact, after nearly a year of training with a sophisticated soccer training system, Bruno's heading skills have significantly improved.

Anticipating the ball's trajectory and using his jumping ability, Bruno was confident he could reach the ball first. With a running start of about ten meters, he leapt with all his might, arching his back and legs backward in a C-shape to maximize his height. When the ball reached him, he snapped his core muscles forward, channeling all his power through his core to his head, striking the ball perfectly with his forehead.

The ball smashed forcefully into the French goal! Areola, caught off-guard by the close-range header, could only instinctively reach out with his right hand in a futile attempt to stop it, but the ball brushed past the left post and into the net!

"GOLOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" "My God! Is this the Bruno we know?" "Heading the ball into the goal! Bruno has just scored a header from a corner to give Portugal the lead!" "It's hard to believe that Bruno has scored with a header against France, turning the game around for Portugal!" "Is this Bruno's response to Pogba's earlier header?"

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After landing, Bruno clenched his fists, raised them high above his head, and roared skywards, releasing his exhilaration. Moments later, he was swamped by his Portuguese teammates.

"So cool!" "Bruno, that header was amazing!" "I can't believe how high you jumped!" "With that header, anyone who dares to say you can't head the ball should be proven wrong."

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The Portuguese U-20 players were buzzing with excitement. Facing the formidable French team and having conceded a goal within the first fifteen minutes had initially dampened their spirits. However, Bruno's performance in the final minutes of the first half, scoring two stunning goals, completely changed their outlook. One was a spectacular volley after dribbling past three players, and the other was a powerful header, which had been considered his weak point, demonstrating his dominance on the world stage.

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"By the 45th minute of the first half, Bruno scored an unexpected header that helped Portugal take the lead!" "This goal was quite a surprise." "Not only for the French players but probably for the Portuguese players as well." "Bruno isn't known for his headers, but none has been as spectacular as this one." "Digne was left stunned beside him, almost as if he saw a demigod." "Bruno's header seemed to be a response to Pogba's earlier goal, and the rivalry between these two young stars is likely to become a highlight in the Serie A."

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Commentators from around the world were in disbelief. Paul Pogba was particularly shocked, as he hadn't expected Bruno to respond in such a manner. He scored a brilliant header, but then Bruno scored one even more spectacular. How could he not feel challenged? In his heart, Pogba was convinced that the Portuguese youngster was out to compete directly with him, to get the better of him.

However, Bruno didn't dwell much on Pogba's reaction. Scoring that header was not about competing; it was about seizing the opportunity to turn the score around for Portugal. Whether it was a header or any other type of goal didn't matter to him; if there was a chance to score, he would take it, regardless of the method.

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At the 45th minute of the first half, the referee Çakır added one minute of stoppage time before blowing the whistle for halftime. Neither team made substitutions during the break. Both teams had performed commendably in the first half, with no player showing significant weaknesses.

As the second half began, the trailing French team immediately launched a vigorous assault, aiming to equalize and possibly turn the game around. Their goal was the championship, and they were not about to settle for the current score.

The two championship-aspiring teams battled fiercely on the field, but until Çakır blew the final whistle of the match, no more goals were scored. Portugal, with Bruno's double, achieved a 2:1 comeback victory over France at Türk Telekom Stadium, winning the U-20 World Cup for the third time in history, 22 years after their last triumph.

Portuguese fans, who had traveled all the way to Turkey, erupted in joyous celebration, chanting Bruno's name. The venue turned into a jubilant sea of Portuguese supporters.

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The French players were visibly disheartened, with some even in tears. Two years ago, they were stopped by Portugal outside the finals; today, the championship was snatched from their hands by the same opponent. The young French team felt the bitter sting of defeat, especially since most had not been part of the team two years ago.

Surprisingly, before the tournament, many on the French U-20 team had not considered Portugal a significant threat, focusing instead on Spain. After Spain's unexpected elimination, they assumed the championship was theirs for the taking. Learning their final opponent would be Portugal, they thought they could avenge their previous loss and win the championship—killing two birds with one stone.

However, when the final whistle blew, they realized the outcome was a repeat of past grievances, compounded by new disappointments.

French fans in the stands shared in the sorrow, having come to distant Turkey to witness their young team lift the U-20 World Cup trophy for the first time in history, only to face disappointment when victory seemed within reach.

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The award ceremony proceeded swiftly, starting with individual awards like the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Silver Ball, Bronze Ball, and Golden Glove. Recipients of the Silver and Bronze Boots did not attend the ceremony.

As the French team captain, Pogba led his teammates waiting below the stage. Watching Bruno step up to receive his awards, Pogba's eyes filled with reluctance. Although already a senior international for France, he had initially no intention of participating in the U-20 World Cup; his ultimate motive for attending was the championship trophy.

Everything had gone smoothly until the final. Although they lost to Spain in the group stage, Pogba never doubted they would win the championship, and indeed, they advanced through the knockout stages—eliminating Nigeria, then Spain, and finally Iraq to reach the finals for the first time.

Just one more victory over Portugal in the finals would have secured their triumph. They were close to the championship, leading for nearly half an hour thanks to his goal, but that Portuguese youngster shattered his dream.

Having never faced such a setback since his debut, Pogba felt a profound sense of humiliation. Watching Bruno bask in glory, Pogba silently vowed: This defeat must be avenged! (End of Chapter)

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