From Arsenal to the Ball God

But he tried, and ultimately achieved success, scoring a goal near the small penalty area!

If life has to be so tortuous, he hopes every time can end like today!

He remembered, at the Premier League season-ending celebration, he chose Kroos’s trademark flip celebration, so today, he ended his European Cup in the same way!

”Pa!”

Upon landing, he faced a crowd of Spain fans, punched the air, and shouted the most authentic and fluent Spanish celebration, ”Vamos.....!!”

The flip was the same as last time, and the result was no different either—it was a championship!!

”Ma’el, what do you want?! Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you now!”

Giroud came up, his big hands cupping Ma’el’s face, ”I’m serious, even if you want my wife, I’ll go back and discuss it with her!”

”I can too.” Nasri also joined in, sensing that the championship was once again within reach, everyone felt moved to tears.

”Dang dang dang dang.....!”

Sagna arrived, bringing music with him, this time not singing the new Song of Ma’el, but the old version: ”I have a friend! He dances a swan dance on the defensive line, he drives a Bugatti on the sideline.....!”

More than twenty people suddenly crowded this space, it was like a stadium party, everyone went wild, singing and dancing, kissing the star of the day, Ma’el.

”One minute added time in the second half!” The added time board was lifted from the sidelines, one minute of added time, meaning after restarting, Spain might not even have the chance to attack.

Casillas lay on the ground this time, burying his head in his arms, unable to lift it any longer.

Others sat or laid down as well, they knew it was impossible, they had lost.

Many shed tears of unwillingness, knowing they had initially taken the lead, holding nearly 70% ball control, playing more advanced football.

Knowing that even while behind, they kept their spirits, and in the end, equalized the score, hoping for a chance in the penalty shootout.

But why..... why could Ma’el score such a crazy goal?!

”Walala.....!” Suddenly dark clouds appeared over the stadium, as torrential rains began to pour, the large raindrops hitting the faces of Spain players, adding more sorrow to them.

This didn’t seem to be the moment for the final celebration, nor the moment for the final sadness.

Both teams’ players quickly returned to their positions, waiting for the restart, at this point, the game time was already 120 minutes and 32 seconds.

”Beep!!”

The main referee blew the whistle to start the game, Torres sent a central circle ball, kicking directly to central defender Pique, who then kicked it straight forward, initiating a simple and direct final attack.

The football was slightly headed by Fabregas, it was clear he was trying very hard to change the game.

But at the second ball position, substitute Ben Arfa controlled the football, and with a small range ball control, tempted Iniesta to stick a foot from behind, tripping him to the ground.

”Beep!” The main referee penalized a foul, which was basically a decision affecting Spain’s fate.

”Yeahhh.....!” Cheers erupted continuously, countless substitute players and assistants stood at the field edge, ready to rush onto the field to celebrate with starting players upon hearing the whistle.

Ma’el and others had already raised their arms to the sky in advance, celebrating the approach of the final victory, knowing that once this ball was sent, the referee would blow the whistle.

”Boom!!”

Once everyone pressed to the front, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris moved to the set-piece spot and kicked this crucial ball.

Just as the football was ascending, before reaching its peak, the referee put the whistle to his lips, ”Beep! Beep! Beep——!!”

”Wow...Aaahhhh.....!” France fans completely erupted, pulling out the fireworks and smoke bombs prepared long ago, igniting them and tossing them towards the field, a champion fireworks show prepared for the team.

”Shoo shoo shoo...!!”

Countless fire bundles were launched from all directions towards the stadium, causing a bit of danger, yet quickly pulling people in to savor this grand joyous feast.

At first, the fans merely hurled single-tube fireworks onto the field at hundreds per second.

”Swish swish swish...!!”

Latterly, the speed quickened, fireworks grew denser, and the entire stadium was thrown into chaos, only the scattered firelight flying in the sky remained, seemingly igniting the entire stadium.

”Folala...!”

Most of the France team starting players lay on the ground, in the central zone, where the fireworks couldn’t reach them.

Some knelt, pointing to the sky, others covering their faces as they wept, they achieved the ultimate victory.

”Yeah.....!” Deschamps led the assistants, staff, and others from the sidelines to rush into the field, gnawing on anyone they saw, yet with a fairly clear destination, which was where Ma’el stood.

Under the attention of fans worldwide, Deschamps dashed towards Ma’el.

Ma’el seemed aware of his intentions, smiling as he stood up, lowering his center of gravity and spreading his arms.

Like a girlfriend who hadn’t met in a while from afar, Deschamps leaped up two or three meters away, onto Ma’el’s body.

Ma’el supported Deschamps with both hands, hugging this famous coach in a peculiar manner.

The two then held hands and began running within the field’s fireworks feast.

”The match is over! No penalty shootout! Through two overtime goals, through Ma’el’s decisive goal at the 119th minute, France ultimately defeated Spain three to two, winning the 12 Euro Cup champion!