Chapter 51: Facing Pogba

Chapter 51: Facing Pogba

In football, it's often said that a team that defends too long is bound to concede, especially with Portugal's already unreliable defense. In the 88th minute, substitute Gonzalo Bueno scored for Uruguay, sparking great enthusiasm among the team. The game restarted, and Uruguay launched a relentless assault on the Portuguese goal. Despite all eleven Portuguese players defending, there was still a palpable sense of instability, as if the defense could collapse at any moment.

However, Uruguay simply ran out of time. After three minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle, and Uruguay couldn't secure their second goal. Thus, Portugal narrowly defeated Uruguay with a 2:1 score, making it to the U20 World Cup final for the second consecutive time.

Two years earlier in Colombia, Portugal had reached the finals and faced Brazil. After a 90-minute battle ending in a 2:2 draw, the game went to extra time. During extra time, Brazilian star Oscar scored, and Portugal could not respond, ending the match 2:3 and missing out on the World Cup title after 20 years.

Two years later, Portugal is back in the finals, facing France—the team they defeated in the semifinals of the last U20 World Cup in Colombia. For France, this upcoming final is not just about winning their first championship but also about avenging their elimination from two years ago.

For both teams reaching the final, their squads glitter with star players.

On the French side, their star player is the superstar Paul Pogba, now with Juventus in Serie A. Having gained experience in the Premier League and Europa League with Manchester United, Pogba moved to Juventus in the summer of 2012 and quickly became a crucial part of the team, helping Juventus defend their Serie A title and reach the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in seven years.

Before the U20 World Cup, Pogba was already regarded as the tournament's top star. Though he hasn't scored much, he has been the brain of the French midfield, playing a key role in their path to the final. Besides Pogba, France boasts talents like Zouma, Digne, Umtiti, Kondogbia, Verratti, Thauvin, and Areola, making them strong from the goalkeeper to the forwards.

Portugal, on the other hand, didn't have notable stars before the tournament—Bruno being one of the few with some recognition from Serie B. However, as Portugal progressed in the tournament, players like Bruno emerged as superstars, now considered on par with Pogba. This year's European Golden Boy award is likely a contest between them.

Additionally, forwards Bruma and Aladje are rising stars; midfielders João Mário and André Gomes, along with Bruno, form Portugal's midfield powerhouse. The defense may be weaker, but right-back Cancelo has shown significant ability.

On July 13, 2013, at 9 p.m. local time in Turkey, Pogba stood by the center circle, waiting for the match to start. This was the U20 World Cup final, a globally anticipated match between France U20 and Portugal U20.

France, only their fourth participation in the U20 World Cup, had never advanced beyond fourth place, achieved in the last edition in Colombia—where they were eliminated by Portugal. Portugal, historically one of the most successful teams in the U20 World Cup, was participating for the ninth time. They had won twice before but had not claimed the title in 22 years.

The significance of this match was immense for both teams.

Pogba was particularly focused because of his opponent, Bruno Fernandes. Despite his outstanding performance at Juventus, Pogba felt threatened by Bruno's rapid rise. The two midfielders, positioned near each other at the kickoff, had exchanged polite handshakes and brief chat in the tunnel before the game, but now their eyes sparkled with competitive fire.

Bruno, a Manchester United fan, had mixed feelings about Pogba, who had led United to a Europa League victory but later left the club on a free transfer, a move that disillusioned many fans, including Bruno.

"The match is about to start!" announced the commentator as Turkish referee Cüneyt Çakır prepared to blow the whistle. France, as the home team, kicked off in their traditional blue kit, while Portugal, in their away strip, pressed high right from the start.

"Portugal starts with aggressive tactics, a continuation of their style throughout this tournament, likely due to their shaky defense," the commentator noted as Portugal intercepted a pass and quickly countered down the left.

"Esagaio takes the shot... Ah, too eager!"

Esagaio's attempt was premature and from too far out, indicative of Portugal's urgent attacking approach but lacking patience. The game continued with Portugal maintaining pressure but France defending solidly, wary of Portugal's rapid attacks that had victimized teams like South Korea and Uruguay earlier in the tournament.

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