Striker of The Gods

On his way back to Spain, Caos took plane to his house, making some time to watch some Franceso Totti. He celebrated every goal he scored in his best match.

The match starts and they kick the ball.

July 9, 2006. Berlin’s Olympiastadion hums with anticipation. The FIFA World Cup Final. Italy versus France. Francesco Totti, Roma’s golden son, is on the pitch for Italy, playing through pain with metal plates in his ankle. The Azzurri are chasing their fourth World Cup title, and Totti, the creative heartbeat, is determined to leave his mark, even if only for 61 minutes.

Crowd roars as the whistle blows. The ball zips across the lush green pitch.

Zinedine Zidane, France’s maestro, exchanges words with Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso near the center circle.

 “You Italians think you can outmuscle us, eh? Let’s see if you can keep up.” Says Zidane

 “Talk all you want, Zizou. We’re here to win, not chat.” Says Gattuso, giving his very best on the field.

Gattuso sprints off, shadowing Zidane. Totti, positioned as an attacking midfielder behind striker Luca Toni, surveys the field, his eyes sharp, calculating.

In the 7th minute, France strikes first. A controversial penalty after a foul on Florent Malouda. Zidane steps up, cool as ever, and chips a daring Panenka past Gianluigi Buffon. The stadium erupts. Italy 0, France 1.

Totti clenches his jaw, rallying his teammates.

“Ragazzi, stay calm. We’ve got this. Keep the ball moving, find the gaps. Let’s hit back!” says Totti, looking at his team, with amore and tennereza.

 “Franco, you set the play. We’ll cover you. Dai, forza!” says Fabio Cannavaro, changing the ambiance.

Totti nods, his focus unbreakable, as he takes a pass from Andrea Pirlo.

Totti’s vision comes alive. He’s not at full fitness, but his mind is a step ahead. In the 19th minute, he drifts to the right, drawing defenders. A quick glance, and he lofts a perfect cross from a set-piece. Marco Materazzi rises, powering a header past Fabien Barthez. Goal! Italy equalizes, 1-1.

The Italian bench leaps. Totti pumps his fist, shouting to the crowd.

Totti (to Materazzi): “Grande, Marco! That’s how we answer them!”

 “Keep feeding me those balls, Franco, and we’ll bury them!” says Materazzi

Zidane, frustrated, glares across the pitch. Totti smirks, knowing he’s rattled France’s star.

The match becomes a chess game. Totti, playing just behind Toni, orchestrates Italy’s attacks. His passes are precise, threading through France’s midfield. He nearly sets up a goal in the 35th minute, slipping a through-ball to Alberto Gilardino, but Barthez saves. Totti’s influence is undeniable, even as his ankle screams.

Second half. The game tightens. Both teams trade blows, but no breakthrough. In the 61st minute, coach Marcello Lippi pulls Totti, preserving his energy. Totti limps off, replaced by Daniele De Rossi.

Lippi (patting Totti’s shoulder): “You’ve done your part, Franco. Rest now. We’ll finish this.”

 “Give ‘em hell, mister. For Italy.” Says Totti

Totti takes his seat on the bench, eyes glued to the pitch.

The match grinds into extra time. Then, the infamous moment—Zidane’s headbutt on Materazzi. Red card. France is down to ten men. Totti, on the bench, leans forward, whispering to Pirlo.

Dialogue - On the Bench leaked conversation.

 “Andrea, they’re cracking. Keep it tight, we’ve got this.” Says Totti

Pirlo: “Don’t worry, Franco. We’ll make it count.” Says Pirlo

The whistle signals penalties. Italy’s bench is tense. Totti, unable to take a shot due to his substitution, watches intently.

Italy’s shooters are clinical—Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi, Alessandro Del Piero. France falters when David Trezeguet’s shot hits the crossbar. Fabio Grosso steps up for Italy’s final penalty. He buries it. Italy wins 5-3 on penalties. The stadium explodes. Totti leaps from the bench, joining the Azzurri’s celebration.

Totti (hugging Grosso): “Fabio, you legend! You did it!”

 “We all did, Franco. This is ours!” says Grosso in awe where everyone began celebrating.

Totti lifts the World Cup trophy with his teammates, his smile lighting up Berlin.

Francesco Totti’s 61 minutes were pivotal, his creativity setting the tone for Italy’s triumph. Though he didn’t take a penalty, his four assists in the tournament tied for the highest,

To be continued..