Chapter 15 A Confident Man Never Looks Back At A Goal!
"Is... is he really Asian? Could he be South American?"
In the stands, Bud, a diehard Union Berlin fan, was utterly astonished.
Su Luo, the 16-year-old who just played, resembled a Brazilian superstar,
utilizing incredible footwork to bypass three opponents, then ruthlessly slamming the ball into the near corner!
Could this really be the same "bad boy" who frequented nightclubs?
Uncle Hans was jubilant, shooting Bud a knowing wink.
"Bud, do you believe me now? Su's a real gem we've unearthed!"
Bud, still defiant, begrudgingly replied:
"So what if he scores? There's hardly any time left, and we're still behind. And knowing him, he'll fade soon."
"I still have faith in him. Maybe this game will end in a draw."
Hans persisted, rallying the fans to cheer on the players.
Meanwhile, on the field, the Sandhausen players quickly regained their composure after the setback.
A conceded goal was no big deal; they were still in the lead.
As seasoned professionals, they knew what needed to be done.
With the game restarted, the entire Sandhausen team refocused their attention on Su Luo.
They were wary of this Asian youngster who had just made a sensational impact!
The defensive midfielder and team captain, Simon Tutin, sternly cautioned his teammate Kist:
"Don't underestimate him. You've seen the kid's skill; take him seriously and stay tight on him!"
Kist, still reeling from being outmaneuvered by Su Luo moments ago, nodded solemnly. He knew he was to blame for the conceded goal.
"Got it. He won't get past me again."
The Sandhausen formation tightened, with increased focus on the flanks and midfield protection.
Su Luo noticed the shift in strategy.
Previously marked by the central defender, he was now the target of the opponent's midfielder.
Even the tall central defender, who had mocked him earlier, was now closely monitoring his movements.
When Su Luo received the ball again, he was immediately double-teamed!
Any hesitation could result in being swarmed by three defenders!
Quickly, he passed the ball back to his teammates to initiate another attack.
"Their defensive intensity has gone up a notch..."
Su Luo was somewhat thrilled by the challenge.
This was the Bundesliga; if he couldn't handle this level of pressure, he might as well not play.
Su Luo grinned at Tutin, his marker:
"Can you give me your all? I want to see your best defense."
"What???"
Tutin thought he misheard. Was this kid taunting him?
No, it seemed like he was serious!
Damn, did he just look down on us?
It was 83 minutes when Su Luo scored, and now it was 85 minutes.
Tutin was determined not to let Su Luo slip through again!
As Su Luo received the ball once more, Tutin aggressively tackled him to the ground!
Beep
The referee promptly issued a yellow card to Tutin, who offered Su Luo a disdainful look before walking away.
"Su, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"That guy's despicable! I'll get back at him for you!"
"Forget it. Let's focus on the game, and I'll handle it myself."
Helped up by his teammates, Su Luo shook off the tackle. His ankle felt fine.
The game resumed. Union Berlin took a free kick, which was cleared by Sandhausen. An attempted counterattack was intercepted by Union Berlin.
The clock read 87 minutes, with little time left.
Su Luo kept moving, using his physical advantage to pressure the opponent.
Then, at 88 minutes, an opportunity arose!
A teammate possessed the ball in midfield. Su Luo dropped back to receive, finding space at the 30-meter mark.
He received the ball and turned!
But as he did, Tutin, who had just tackled him, glared fiercely, blocking his path.
Su Luo didn't pass; instead, he charged forward boldly!
"He dares!" Coach Schwartz of Sandhausen exclaimed.
Coach Neuhaus of Union Berlin shook his head with a smile.
"Is this too reckless?"
The plan was to exploit the wings, but Su Luo had other ideas.
Su Luo bypassed Tutin and accelerated past him!
Tutin gritted his teeth and signaled his teammates to close in!
Kist, the central defender, quickly moved to block Su Luo's path, cautious not to commit too early.
Su Luo dribbled towards the left side of the penalty area, slowing down to make a break!
With Kist blocking his way, Su Luo had to be cautious.
But just as the defense closed in, Su Luo shifted the ball to his left and exploded forward!
"So fast!"
Tutin scrambled to catch up, urging his teammates to intercept!
Kist and the full-back moved to block Su Luo's path, hoping to force him out of the box.
But Su Luo was undeterred, dribbling past them with remarkable agility!
At the last moment, Tutin lunged to stop Su Luo outside the penalty area!
The full-back grabbed Su Luo's jersey from behind!
"Oops!"
To the home fans' eyes, Su Luo seemed trapped and likely to lose the ball.
But in a flash, Su Luo flicked the ball to the left and broke through the defenders' blockade!
Even as Tutin crashed to the ground, Su Luo was already ahead, tearing into the penalty area!
Facing the goalkeeper once more, Su Luo skillfully slotted the ball into the net with his right foot!
As the ball hit the back of the net, Su Luo didn't even look back. He sprinted to the corner flag, sliding to his knees in front of the ecstatic fans!
While he celebrated, the ball nestled comfortably in the goal!
The Old Forest Management Stadium erupted into a frenzy!
2-2!
Su Luo, coming off the bench, had scored twice, equalizing for the team!
On the sidelines, both coaches stared in disbelief.
After a moment, Neuhaus smiled and shook his head.
"This kid sure knows how to make an entrance."
The game's outcome no longer mattered.
Su Luo had shown incredible potential!
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