Chapter 56: Portugal's Crucial Piece

Chapter 56: Portugal's Crucial Piece

The person Pogba was staring at was naturally Bruno. For Pogba, losing today's final meant losing more than just the U-20 World Cup; it likely cost him the chance at this year's European Golden Boy award. Having turned 20, this year was his last opportunity to win, as he would be over the age limit next year.

Before Bruno ascended the podium to receive the Golden Boot, the referees had already collected their commemorative medals. Before the final, Bruno, with 5 goals, was second in the scoring charts behind his teammate Bruma. However, his two goals in the final propelled him to the top with 7 goals, making him this edition's top scorer.

While 7 goals might not stand out in the history of the U-20 World Cup, where there have been instances of players scoring 11 or 10 goals in a tournament, it's still an impressive feat. For instance, in the 2001 tournament in Argentina, local prodigy Saviola scored 11 goals, beating the previous record set by Adailton of Brazil who scored 10 in 1997.

Though 7 goals isn't the record for the fewest by a Golden Boot winner—there have been winners with just 3 or 4 goals—scoring 7 times as a midfielder in just 6 matches is quite rare, making Bruno one of the few midfielders to ever win the Golden Boot.

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After the Golden Boot, Bruno also received the Golden Ball. His performance of 7 goals and 8 assists in 6 matches, averaging 2.5 goal involvements per game, undeniably made him the main contributor to Portugal's championship run and a clear choice for the Golden Ball.

Portugal swept the individual awards: besides Bruno's double win, winger Bruma took home the Silver Boot and Bronze Ball. The 18-year-old Sporting Lisbon prodigy, dubbed the new Cristiano Ronaldo, has caught the attention of many clubs, including Galatasaray, who are reportedly negotiating with Sporting for his transfer.

The Silver Ball went to France's captain and midfield core Pogba, and the Golden Glove was awarded to Uruguay's goalkeeper Amorebieta, who only conceded 3 goals in 7 matches, anchoring his team's defense effectively. Colombian goalkeeper Bonilla, who conceded only 2 goals but was eliminated early with his team, missed out on competing for the Golden Glove.

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During the group photo, Bruno naturally stood in the center, his dual trophies drawing all eyes to him, effectively "killing many films" with his striking presence.

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Then came the presentation of the runner-up awards. Pogba led his team to the podium with a stoic expression, his dark complexion hiding any flush of embarrassment. The French players didn't linger on the podium; they left as quickly as they could, as if escaping.

In contrast, under the cheers of thousands of Portuguese fans and the watchful eyes of tens of thousands of Turkish fans, the Portuguese team climbed the podium led by captain João Mário to receive their championship medals.

As the team's star, Bruno was the last to walk up, still the focus of everyone's attention. Indeed, many would say this U-20 World Cup trophy was largely won through his efforts alone. After this tournament, many in Portugal felt that without Bruno Fernandes, this U-20 team wouldn't have had much competitive edge—let alone winning it all.

Bruno's performance was truly dominant, not just in terms of his 7 goals and 8 assists, but also in his orchestration of Portugal's offense and his control of the game's pace.

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While it's not to say the rest of the Portuguese U-20 squad was lacking, as others like winger Bruma and right-back Cancelo also performed brilliantly, suggesting potential for future inclusion in the national team.

Portugal is eyeing the next World Cup in Brazil, and Bruno could well complete the missing piece in their midfield setup, potentially joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe to form a formidable central axis for the national team.

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As the FIFA President Sepp Blatter awarded Bruno, he engaged in a longer conversation than usual, perhaps considering promoting Bruno as the next big star in football, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approach their thirties.

Bruno, unaware of Blatter's thoughts and likely indifferent to them, knows that by the time he fully matures, this "old man" might no longer be in charge.

The confetti fell and João Mário lifted the U-20 World Cup trophy amid the roaring cheers of the Portuguese fans, marking a triumphant moment for Portugal.

(End of Chapter)

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