Chapter 42: The Best Response to Provocation

Chapter 42: The Best Response to Provocation

Bruno didn't slow down the attack just because his team had taken the lead. He knew well that despite the Koreans' shameless arrogance, they had resilience. He wanted to avoid the scenario where "the beaten snake bites back." Therefore, he led his teammates to continue their fierce attack on the Korean goal, capitalizing on the high morale from their recent score.

Bruno's technical skills were outstanding, but more crucially, he was the type of midfielder who brought creativity to the offense.

Under his direction, Portugal launched a tidal wave of attacks on the Korean goal, creating numerous opportunities. Portugal U20's coach, Ramos, was seen regretting on the sidelines when Bruno, after a successful break through the crowd, sent a decisive through ball that almost allowed Bruma a one-on-one opportunity. Unfortunately, the young player stumbled a bit and pushed the ball too far ahead.

Watching Bruno's masterclass performance, the Korean U20 coach, Lee Kwang-Jong, was visibly shocked. How could such elite performance come from a teenager under nineteen?

"Hey, punk, want a taste of the big banana?" frustrated by Bruno's repeated successful dribbles, the Korean defensive midfielder began taunting with a mocking tone.

Bruno ignored him completely.

The Korean midfielder was surprised by Bruno's solid mental composure, as the young Portuguese didn't seem affected by the provocation.

Bruno glanced at the Korean player, not understanding what he was saying since he didn't speak Korean. From the opponent's sneering expression, he could tell it wasn't anything pleasant, but Bruno wasn't about to let such trivial taunts affect him.

Moreover, the best response to an opponent's provocation is to score against them!

Ignoring the Korean player's trash talk, Bruno faked a move to the left, then quickly pulled the ball back, shifting to the right to draw the defender's attention. He then cut inside.

"Oooh! Bruno's feet are as nimble as a violinist!" shouted the Portuguese commentator. "Foul!"

The Korean midfielder, dazzled by Bruno's moves, out of frustration, pulled Bruno down.

Whistle!

The referee blew his whistle, showed the Korean midfielder a yellow card, and awarded Portugal a free kick.

Korean coach Lee Kwang-Jong covered his face on the sideline. He had analyzed this Portuguese youth team and found them to be mentally fragile, hence he had hinted to his players to use trash talk to disrupt their focus. What he hadn't anticipated was that this tactic would backfire, leading to a foul and a card instead.

"Maybe that number ten doesn't understand Korean," the assistant coach remarked, realizing why their plan hadn't worked.

Coach Lee gave his assistant a look that said more than words could.

Keep it to yourself!

Portugal's free kick was ready, and as the team's new core player, and having earned the free kick himself, Bruno took the responsibility to execute it.

The whistle blew.

Bruno ran up, shot! His free kick traced a beautiful arc, blasting past the Korean goalkeeper.

The score was now 2-0!

"Golo! An exquisite free kick! The goal scorer is Bruno Fernandes! Portugal's new ace has finally scored his first goal in this U-20 World Cup!"

"Previously at the Toulon Cup, Bruno demonstrated his excellent shooting, assisting, and game-organizing skills, and now he is showing the world his capabilities with free kicks!" the Portuguese commentator exclaimed.

A massive cheer erupted from the Portuguese fans in the stands.

With the team securing an early two-goal lead, the Portuguese supporters were ecstatic.

Bruno was thrilled after scoring, especially considering it was in a match against the Koreans. To score following an opponent's provocation and immediately respond with a goal was an exhilarating feeling.

After just eighteen minutes of play, Portugal was leading 3-0 against South Korea, making it one of the most surprising games of the tournament.

At the Kadir Has Stadium, the section filled with Portuguese fans had become a sea of jubilation.

The game had barely begun, and they were already three goals ahead. It was an almost dreamlike start.

"Bruma!" "Bruno!" The names of the two goal heroes echoed around the stadium.

After scoring, Bruma ran over to Bruno, who had provided the assist, and was promptly hugged and tackled to the ground by him.

"Good job, Amindo!"

(End of Chapter)

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