Chapter 31: The Young Prodigy

"Sao Paulo had an opportunity for a free kick. The position was a bit angled, but if the technique was good enough, it could still be a threat to the goal. Kaka stood at the penalty spot. This was his first time taking a direct free kick, and it was uncertain whether he could bring a pleasant surprise."

Kaka had earned the right to take free kicks through his impressive performance in training, a role previously held by the veteran Alvaro Pereira.

The legendary figure, a captain, goalkeeper, and free-kick specialist, had scored 131 goals in 1,256 career matches, with penalties and free kicks accounting for nearly half of those goals. Although Kaka's ultimate goal tally might not reach the astounding 131, his greatness remained undiminished. Kaka's rapid improvement in free kicks was largely due to Pereira's guidance.

The free kick position was slightly to the left, about 23 meters from the goal. The defensive wall was primarily positioned on the left, while the goalkeeper stood slightly to the right.

In this situation, the best choices would be a knuckleball or a dipping shot, allowing the ball to soar over the wall and dip into the goal. Of course, if one could execute the legendary bend shot, that would also work.

Kaka was not proficient enough with the knuckleball, so he aimed for the top-right corner of the goal. This was the goalkeeper's left side, and since the Corinthians keeper favored his right hand, a well-struck shot with enough power and curve could beat him.

The wall was set, and several of Sao Paulo's players had taken up positions in Corinthians' penalty area, awaiting the referee's whistle. An eerie silence fell over the pitch, contrasting with the escalating war cries from the stands.

A flag emblazoned with an eagle flew defiantly above the Corinthians supporters, who jeered and hollered at Kaka, both protesting the foul and attempting to unsettle the prodigy whose name was already known across the state.

That was not the official Corinthians flag but the banner of a notorious ultras group known as the "Loyal Eagles," considered the most fanatical supporters in Sao Paulo, if not all of Brazil. Their influence extended to deciding managers' fates, and some had even stormed the Corinthians dressing room to assault players they disliked.

Unsurprisingly, the chants directed at Kaka were far from friendly. The Sao Paulo fans responded defiantly, and the two sides nearly came to blows, forcing the referee to delay his whistle and instruct both managers to calm their respective supporters.

Television cameras turned their lenses towards the commotion in the stands.

"Just like past heated derbies, the fans are extremely excited. Wait, who do I see there?"

The global broadcast focused on a man in his fifties sitting in the VIP section.

"That's Carlos Cesar Costodio, the head coach of the Brazilian U-20 national team! We all know why he's here – it seems our young star will need to impress."

While a national team coach's attendance could be routine at other times, Costodio's purpose was clear with the U-20 World Cup looming.

Spotting the camera trained on him, Costodio calmly waved before returning his gaze to the pitch.

With the U-20 World Cup set for June, Costodio was assembling his squad, particularly seeking midfield reinforcements. Kaka and Baptista were his prime targets, a formidable attacking and defensive pairing that could form the backbone of Brazil's U-20 midfield, according to scouting reports. However, those reports evidently omitted Kaka's set-piece prowess, which Costodio was about to witness.

As the focus returned to Kaka, the young star stood with his hands on his hips, seemingly unfazed by the raucous atmosphere.

Order restored, the referee's whistle finally sounded. Kaka surveyed the goal once more, took a few strides, and struck the ball with the outside of his right foot.

All eyes followed the ball's distinct arc towards the top-left corner of the goal. While the goalkeeper could discern the trajectory, the sheer pace – more akin to a venomous strike than a skillful curl – left him hoping for a stroke of luck.

The keeper launched himself across the goal, stretching his left hand in desperation, but could only graze the ball's surface as it nestled into the back of the net.

For a split second, the world seemed to hold its breath before erupting in riotous celebration from the Sao Paulo faithful.

"Kaka! That free kick reminds me of Roberto Carlos! Not only did it have a beautiful curve, but blistering pace too. It was nearly the perfect set-piece, and poor Walter could only get a touch, unable to alter its path. Corinthians may have dominated proceedings, but remarkably, it's Sao Paulo who lead."

As the ball crossed the line, Kaka backpedaled before spinning around, leaping high with a fist-pumping celebration.

"Kaka! Kaka! Kaka!"

The young star had barely landed when he was unceremoniously shoved from behind, then dogpiled by his ecstatic teammates in a joyous heap.

Alvares, who had been standing arms-folded on the touchline feigning composure, finally let his guard down, vigorously pumping his fist up and down, overwhelmed with pride at unearthing such a gem.

The rest of the squad joined in the incredulous celebrations, reveling in Kaka's moment of magic that proved his relentless pursuit of set-piece mastery.

Costodio applauded approvingly, a wry smile playing across his features as he contemplated Kaka's imminent impact on the world stage.

(End of chapter)