Chapter 35: Toulon Tournament

Chapter 35: Toulon Tournament

On May 21st, Bruno hurried to Toulon, France, to meet as planned with the Portugal U20 team. The team then began a week of intensive training in preparation for their first match in the Toulon Tournament against Belgium U20 on May 31st.

This edition of the Toulon Tournament included ten teams, including the host nation, France. The teams were divided into two groups, with Portugal in Group B alongside Brazil U20, Belgium U20, Mexico U20, and Nigeria U20. According to the schedule, each team would play against the other four teams in their group. The group winners would advance to the finals to compete for the title, and the second-placed teams from each group would play for third place.

The Portuguese Football Federation rented a training facility in Toulon for the U20 national team, serving as their base camp for the duration of the tournament. Including the initial week of training and the subsequent Toulon Tournament, the Portugal U20 team would be in Toulon for three weeks.

Upon joining the team, Bruno recognized many familiar faces, as most of these players would later play in top European leagues, including several in the English Premier League. For instance, goalkeeper José Sá played for Wolves, João Cancelo for Manchester City, Ricardo Pereira for Leicester, and João Mário had played for West Ham, while André Gomes was at Everton, and Tiago Ilori had been with Liverpool.

Initially, Bruno's arrival was met with lukewarm reactions from his peers. Despite his excellent performance at Novara, they did not see Bruno as particularly impressive, considering themselves among the elite of their age group, with many already playing in Portugal's top three leagues.

They regarded Bruno as just a player from Serie B, whose impressive stats were less convincing due to the league's lower status. However, Bruno wasn't bothered. Time would reveal everyone's true capabilities.

Indeed, once training began, those who had underestimated Bruno were quickly won over. Born in September 1994, Bruno was one of the youngest in the team, with only forwards Bruma and goalkeeper Bruno Varela being slightly younger. But Bruno's foundational skills displayed during training astonished his high-achieving teammates, and his exceptional technique during practice matches showcased what top-tier player capabilities looked like.

These young players, all around twenty years old and relatively naive, quickly accepted him once he demonstrated his abilities. Bruno also showed great adaptability; by the end of the week, he was already well-integrated with his new teammates.

On May 28th, the 2013 Toulon Tournament kicked off with a match between the strong South American side, Colombia U20, and South Korea U20.

Portugal U20 ended their week-long closed training the same day. The following day saw the first matches of Group B, with Mexico claiming a 2:0 victory over Nigeria.

Portugal's first match would be on the afternoon of May 31st, having a bye in the first round.

The Toulon Tournament, a long-standing youth football competition, began in 1967 and was established as an annual event in June 1974. It has always been highly regarded by FIFA and UEFA. Historically, players who participate in the "Toulon Tournament" are often seen as potential national team players, making it a cradle for international stars. During the tournament, numerous well-known scouts attend to identify and recruit potential new stars for European clubs.

As the Portuguese national anthem played before the game, Bruno felt an odd sense of unease. Coach Ramos had decided not to start Bruno, meaning he would watch the game from the bench at least until halftime.

Coach Ramos's strategy for the Portugal U20 team involved a 532 formation, which was slightly different from the 442 or 433 formations Bruno was accustomed to at Novara.

As the saying goes, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread," and Bruno noticed that his new teammates were fearless on the field, using their speed to try to break through the opposition.

Belgium was not to be outdone, and both teams played aggressively, with fast-paced offensive and defensive transitions. Given that these were youth teams, the overall level of technical and tactical play was somewhat less than that of senior teams.

Belgium played a more integrated game with better defense, while Portugal focused on offense, mainly through the center, lacking effective attacks from the wings and appearing somewhat one-dimensional.

After withstanding Portugal's initial offensive, Belgium quickly stabilized their defense, thwarting several attempts by Portugal to play through balls behind their line.

As the match progressed, Portugal U20 gradually took control, unsettling the Belgians with their intense movement and pressure in the midfield, leading to frequent mistakes. One of the most critical occurred in the 29th minute when Portugal's number eleven, Bruma, intercepted the ball and dribbled past three defenders for a shot that the opposing goalkeeper brilliantly saved.

Five minutes later, Portugal's defense made a crucial error by not clearing a long pass properly, giving Belgium's number ten a chance. Unfortunately, he miscontrolled the ball, wasting an opportunity to score.

The first half ended goalless, and Bruno felt as if he were watching a group of kids fighting—energetic but lacking sophistication.

However, during halftime, Coach Ramos praised the team's performance and encouraged them to seize the game in the second half and secure a victory. But as the second half began, Belgium adjusted their tactics, intensifying their midfield pressing and capitalizing on Portugal's passing errors, which led to several dangerous counterattacks.

Especially in the 53rd minute, after intercepting a pass, Belgium launched a long ball to their forwards, leading to a series of passes that penetrated Portugal's defensive line. However, Portugal's starting goalkeeper José Sá made a crucial save to keep the score level.

Seeing the match's direction, Coach Ramos decided it was time for a change and signaled Bruno and forward Cavaleiro to warm up. In the 60th minute, Bruno came on for defender Ricardo Pereira, and Cavaleiro replaced forward Aradji.

With Bruno on the field as an attacking midfielder, Portugal U20's passing improved immediately, revitalizing their midfield and offensive play. In the 63rd minute, Bruno suddenly made a run to the right flank to receive a pass from João Mário, which he controlled superbly, turning to face the goal.

This move caught the Belgian defenders off guard, drawing three of them towards him and leaving João Mário unmarked on the right. Bruno then delivered a precise pass to João Mário, who, surprised by the pass, quickly chased down the ball.

Reaching the ball, João Mário realized he was unexpectedly unmarked and saw his teammates well-positioned in the box. He passed the ball across the face of the goal, and forward Esagio, rushing up, shot the ball past the Belgian goalkeeper.

1:0! The goal was a crucial breakthrough for Portugal U20, as games that remain scoreless into the 70th minute can lead to heightened anxiety and physical strain on the team pushing for a goal. Conversely, for the defending team, continuous successful defense can boost confidence, potentially leading to a counterattack that could change the game's outcome.

The goal also demonstrated the impact of fresh tactics and substitutions, underscoring the dynamic nature of football where a single moment can shift the momentum of a match.

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.