Chapter 11. Shamelessness

On MSN, four friends were fervently discussing the latest events. Eric tapped on the keyboard and asked, "So, how much did you earn?"

Billy: "I bet 15 thousand dollars, the odds were 9. In an instant, I had 135 thousand dollars. It's like a dream, Eric, you're my god."

Bordeaux sent an angry emoji: "I need to ask my mom if she secretly gave you money. Why do I only have 10 thousand dollars? Now I have 45 thousand less than you. This is unfair."

Warren continued laughing: "Bordeaux, I think you shouldn't ask your mom. You always buy unnecessary electronic gadgets, and you're the only one among us who smokes. All your money goes to nicotine!"

Billy: "Thanks, buddy, finally someone understands. Bordeaux, we all told you to quit smoking, it's a bad habit."

Eric didn't smoke and hated it when someone smoked in the living room or office. The smell of smoke on clothes irritated him greatly.

"Bordeaux, you really should quit smoking, or better yet, go to the hospital and check your lungs. You're in for a surprise."

At this moment, a screenshot of an account balance with about 500 thousand dollars suddenly popped up.

Then came Judy's boastful laughter: "Hey, losers, bow down at my feet, I might leave you some tips."

"My God! Why do you have so much money?" Warren was astonished.

"Because while you guys play games and party, I often work out at the gym."

"Really? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Well, because my job is to attract clients by showing off my sexuality. You know, it's not exactly honorable."

"Wow, it seems you've succeeded in that job. But do they really pay that well in that field?"

"Well, it's not bad. I attract not only men but also their wives or daughters. We do stretching together, take showers. In general, I can't let myself be disadvantaged, can I?"

All four simultaneously gave her a thumbs-up.

After several bets, Eric's assets skyrocketed from 10 million to nearly 800 million dollars.

However, the group stage of the World Cup was almost over, and the playoffs were ahead, with the Italy-Korea match on June 18th.

If the match between Korea and Portugal was controversial due to a potential bribed referee, this one was a clear example of biased officiating. The referee didn't even try to hide it.

The odds for an Italian win were 1:1.5, and for a Korean win – 1:4.5.

After the group stage, all the teams fought with all their might, and although differences in strength remained, such high odds were rare.

The four friends followed Eric again, betting on Korea's win, and all kept a close eye on the television.

The Italian team, dressed in blue jerseys, was filled with stars: Buffon, Maldini, Zambrotta, Totti, Del Piero, Vieri, with Cannavaro, Inzaghi, and Gattuso on the bench – a true star team.

The Korean team needed no introduction; no one knew them anyway.

Another key figure in the match was the referee Moreno from Ecuador, known as the main referee for "black whistles" in the football world. His most famous match was precisely this one.

Watching Italy's "golden era" heading towards disaster, Eric could only feel regret. But someone had to lose for him to earn.

Just three minutes into the match, Moreno started to act. A Korean player simulated a fall in the penalty area, even though there was no contact, and Moreno awarded a penalty.

The Italians were outraged, but Moreno had already received the money and wasn't going to officiate fairly. Fortunately, Buffon saved the penalty.

"Damn it! He couldn't even score a penalty. What's in that Korean's head – sawdust?!"

"What an idiot! Why is this guy taking penalties? Are all the others lame?"

The game continued, and the Italians began attacking Korea's goal, quickly scoring a header by Vieri. Italy took the lead.

Warren: "My God! Italy scored first. These damn Koreans are so useless!"

Judy: "This Latino should learn from his ancestors. Their actions in World War II were far more respectable than his imitation."

Eric was speechless: "Calm down, guys, it's just beginning. Keep watching."

Judy: "Okay, just as long as my money doesn't disappear. Otherwise, I'll have to move in with you."

The Koreans became noticeably nervous due to being behind, and their actions grew increasingly rough.

Suddenly, in a tussle for the ball, a Korean player elbowed Coco in the head, who immediately fell, surrounded by a pool of blood.

Billy, furiously pounding the keyboard: "Fuck! The Koreans fouled! For such a serious injury, I fear they'll get a red card!"

Eric smiled: "Don't worry, we have Moreno."

And indeed, Moreno pretended he didn't see anything, infuriating the Italians.

Later, Totti was brought down again by two Koreans, but the referee ignored it once more.

The game continued, and at the beginning of the second half, a Korean player elbowed Del Piero, knocking him down.

This time, Moreno was only a few meters away, but instead of punishing the Korean, he called a foul on Del Piero, much to the delight of the Korean crowd.

A few minutes later, Korean player number 19 brutally tackled Zambrotta. This foul deserved a red card, but Moreno ignored the violation again.

Later, Totti was brought down again, and Korean player number 19 attacked Zanetti once more, with Moreno still refusing to acknowledge the foul.

Within a minute, Maldini was brought down, and Korean player number 14 kicked him in the head. This wasn't football, it was an attempted murder.

After this, Italy continued to suffer from kicks, elbows, trips, and other harsh fouls. So much so that many players played with bandages.

The Koreans knew that after this match, their country would become the laughingstock of the world, but they decided to go all the way and played roughly until the end.

Near the end of the match, the Koreans scored a goal and tied the score, pushing the game into overtime.

In overtime, the brutal play continued, and Moreno helped the Koreans by sending off Totti for simulation and disallowing a legitimate Italian goal for an alleged offside.

This blatant cheating drove Italy's coach Trapattoni into a rage; he paced and shouted on the sideline.

Finally, the Koreans scored another goal and won 2-1. This disgraceful match was finally over.

Having watched the match, Eric was upset, but he already knew the result from the past and was prepared for this outcome.

But on MSN, there was silence.

Eric: "Why are you all quiet? This isn't like you."

Judy sent a sigh emoji: "Even though we won, I have no joy from the money."

Warren: "Yes, I feel guilty. The Koreans are just awful."

Billy, enraged: "It was humiliating. Korea is a dirty country; it seems like they all have dirty blood."

Bordeaux agreed: "Watching those celebrating Koreans in the stands makes me sick."

Judy: "I don't even feel like looking for girls. I'll take a break today; my heart feels heavy."

Seeing his friends so down, Eric decided to warn them: "If you have a weak psyche, don't watch Korea's next match."

Judy: "Are we betting on Korea again?"

"Yes."

"Damn it! I hate making money with the help of these bastards. It's awful!"

"Calm down, guys, it's almost over."

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