From Arsenal to the Ball God

Boateng’s body trembles slightly, and he slowly straightens his back. Yes, he is also a top defender.

”In short, analyzing the core of the France team, let’s focus on Ma’el. Everyone, gather your ideas and prepare well for the upcoming days.”

Löf claps his hands and glances toward the Warsaw National Stadium. ”We must know that the finals await us in that direction, and the glory of the German Tank depends on us!”

...

Below the field, the stoppage time board is raised, with 2 minutes of stoppage time in the second half.

”Quick, quick, quick!!”

Prandelli urgently gestures on the sidelines, signaling the players to press forward aggressively.

Understanding the importance of the European Cup, Italy does not give up this last hope. They continually launch balls into the France team’s penalty area, commencing a bombardment.

All 10 France players have retreated to their penalty box, executing dense defense.

”Boom!”

Ma’el leaps up for a header, smashing Pirlo’s long pass out of the penalty area. His expression is filled with excitement; he can feel the semifinals getting closer.

”Everyone get in!”

”Everyone! All of you!”

Pirlo anxiously shouts outside the penalty area, waving for everyone to charge into the box. He prepares to attempt a few more crossings.

”Boom!”

”Boom!”

After several waves of attack, the match reaches its final moments. Every Italy player knows it’s unlikely to recover two goals in such a short time.

Many have tears welling in their expressions, while others bear faces of despair.

Yet a power still sustains them, conducting a final charge..... They must give their all; only then can they do themselves justice.

”Boom!”

In the 92nd minute of the match, Pirlo’s long pass swings toward the far post, as Cassano dashes past Sagna to chase the ball heading toward the baseline.

Realizing the football is about to go out of control, he uses all his strength to sprint two steps, then bursts with power to slide the ball, hoping to shovel it into the penalty area.

But he fails; the ball still rolls out past the baseline, giving France a goal kick.

”Beep! Beep! Beep——!”

Immediately afterward, just as Cassano is flipping over to get up, the main referee blows three long whistles, announcing the end of the match!

”Yeahhh.....!” Amid the waving hands of France team fans throughout the venue, all France players leap from their spots, then spread their hands to rush towards the center circle to celebrate.

From Cassano’s perspective at this moment, he can see countless Italy players standing unwillingly with hands on hips, some even kneeling to pound the pitch.

A surging sourness rushes to his eyes, compelling him to kneel forward, like a lifeless creature.

”The match is over! France, with goals from Ma’el and Nasri, has defeated Italy! They have seized the last spot among the final four!”

He Wei’s poetic voice echoes in the commentary booth, watching the polarized scenes on the pitch with mixed emotions, ”Congratulations to France! They can celebrate with sliding knees all over the field; Gdansk is their carnival now!

”Ma’el led this team out of the group stage as captain, and after storms led them to sweep away the decline and enter the final four!

”They are only two steps from the ultimate championship seat!! I believe they are already prepared for the title clash!

”Meanwhile, it’s time to bid farewell to Italy. They emerged from the most deadly group, and even tied against the Bullfighter Army, the Double Crown of European Cup and World Cup!

”In the past three matches, their exquisite coordination and iron-clad defense repeatedly seemed invincible!

”Yet Ma’el, shining alone, tearing through their ranks time and again with brilliance, eliminated them!

”I imagine Italy’s players are resigned, among them players who gleam with superstar radiance.

”But when they gathered their brilliance, thinking they could illuminate everything..... only to find a prodigy from Aix who alone bursts forth more splendid light!

”Ma’el is too dazzling! He is terrifying and truly invincible; he is also excellent, accustomed to being the victor!!”

”Blue Army, farewell! Bonucci and Chiellini, farewell! Young Balotelli, farewell! Master Pirlo, farewell!”

”.....”

On the field, among cheers and applause, the France players gradually gather around Ma’el, seemingly wanting to celebrate this moment of victory with their captain.

Ma’el didn’t initially rush toward the center circle with the group. As a forward, he is still accustomed to celebrating at the corner flag zone.

”Oh...! Oh.....!!”

He raises his arms in high chant several times, then spreads his arms, glides passionately into the sunny breeze of Gdansk Arena.

”Aaahhh.....!!”

Upon sliding to the corner flag zone, he roars with arms vibrating one last time, then twists his body to glide facing the pitch, plummeting to the grass, lowering his head as well.

He fully enjoys this moment, wanting to immerse himself entirely in it and savor it amidst the invigorated gaze of the fans!

”Wow.....! Ma’el is like a mech completing its mission and exhausting all its fuel!!

”He dedicates everything to the green field! To the fans who deeply love him!!

”What is he thinking? Anyway, I’ll remember a song lyric..... a wildflower dreaming a rosy dream!!

”But how could he be a wildflower?! He is the elegant and tranquil lavender, the laurel representing honor, and the edelweiss symbolizing pride and resilience!