Not as Good as Garbage

Chapter 14: Not as Good as Garbage

This was the trademark outside-foot cross by Quaresma!

But no one would have imagined that Quaresma would use this same technique to shoot.

Petit was caught off guard and failed to mount an effective defense. Even as the ball left Quaresma's foot, he hadn't registered that Quaresma was attempting a shot.

The ball arced strangely, its trajectory seemingly headed far wide of the goal, yet its pronounced curve left everyone baffled.

The fans were the first to erupt in disbelief, their exclamations growing louder as the ball soared through the air.

Even players from both teams showed incredulous expressions as they watched the flight of the ball.

Benfica's goalkeeper Moreira was obstructed from view and only realized Quaresma's intent to shoot when the ball spun past him and into the net.

But by then, it was too late. Moreira wasn't known for his prowess in goal-line technology, and even if he were, he could only watch in resignation.

With the ball spinning wildly, it defied everyone's expectations, grazing the left goalpost and nestling into Benfica's net.

It's in!

The Estádio Municipal de Aveiro erupted like a tsunami, the roar of the crowd echoing like thunder.

Quaresma seemed momentarily stunned by his own goal. Even though he had taken the shot, he hadn't anticipated it would go in like that!

In an instant reaction, Quaresma bellowed, sprinting across the pitch towards the Porto fans. He leaped into the air, waving a single hand triumphantly before landing and roaring once more.

Release!

Pure release!

As he approached, he couldn't fathom the pressure he'd been under. Even someone as unyielding as him seemed on the brink of collapse.

The scorn from Spanish media, the ridicule from Portuguese media, the countless doubters about his future—all had stripped away his once-glowing aura, leaving him like a phoenix without feathers.

But remember, even a featherless phoenix is still a phoenix. It will lick its wounds in solitude, then rise from the ashes.

Now, this is my moment of rebirth!

Did you all see it?

I!

The mighty Quaresma!

is back!

As Quaresma turned away, his strong back against a backdrop of fans chanting like a mountain about to erupt, the powerful visual effect would have brought tears of excitement to countless eyes, especially with the right background music.

Before Quaresma could finish his celebratory gesture, his teammates had already swarmed in, lifting him high. This goal didn't just win over the fans; it won over his teammates.

This goal is a true masterpiece!

Even if we disregard Quaresma's breathtaking display leading up to the shot, this sudden strike with his right foot, outside of his foot, curling it into the far corner—is truly an unprecedented miracle in world football.

Is calling it a miracle an exaggeration?

From the seamless transition from the dribble to the final inside-of-the-foot shot, Quaresma's goal might well be the best of the year worldwide, though that remained unofficial.

During preseason training, Quaresma hadn't shown much sparkle, seeming to have lost his edge after leaving Barcelona. His teammates couldn't help but privately regret it.

Unexpectedly, in today's match, Quaresma suddenly erupted, leaving everyone speechless with astonishment. This goal truly announced the return of the king.

Del Neri, on the sidelines, was still gaping wide-eyed, unable to comprehend it all. Quaresma's goal seemed to shatter his entire worldview.

Quaresma is this strong?

Previously, Del Neri had mostly coached at smaller clubs, where even the most talented players couldn't produce the kind of incredible goals Quaresma just did. Now, Quaresma was shining brightly in front of Del Neri's eyes.

In previous warm-up matches, Quaresma had suppressed his attacking instincts, delivering rather lackluster performances. Del Neri, like everyone else, had begun to think that Quaresma had lost his spark, even contemplating benching him.

Quaresma's miraculous goal completely dispelled all of Del Neri's doubts. Now, there was only one thought left in the new Porto coach's mind: I've struck gold!

Of course, such a spectacular goal against Benfica was no ordinary feat, sparking some to entertain a wild thought—were they even playing the same sport?

Undoubtedly, the most humiliated was Benfica's left-back, Rocha. The echoes of his pre-game taunts aimed at Quaresma still rang in his ears. Yet within moments of the match starting, Quaresma had humbled him with a juggle and, to add insult to injury, scored a goal.

Had Rocha been just a bit more cautious, a bit more effective in delaying Quaresma, Benfica's defense might have responded differently.

But now?

Quaresma had unleashed an unrivaled world-class strike, not just humiliating Rocha but casting Benfica as mere extras in the resurgence of Quaresma, a bitter pill to swallow!

Rocha's face flushed crimson. If not for the last vestiges of dignity, he might have been tempted to bury himself in the turf.

As Quaresma and his teammates concluded their celebrations and returned to the field, they passed by Rocha.

"You thought I was just a washed-up castaway from Barcelona. But against me, you couldn't even put up a fight. So I'll ask you this: What are you?"

Quaresma's voice, devoid of excitement, dripped with scorn as he addressed Rocha.

This was a real slap in the face!

If I'm garbage, then you're worse than garbage!

But don't despair; the game isn't over yet. Hurry back and keep trying to stop me!

Then you'll see sadly, you still can't handle me. You'll keep getting played like a puppet—pigs are more nimble than you!

If you dare insult my honor, then be prepared to be put in your place!

I'm telling you this seriously!

It's not over yet!