Capítulo 8: Advance to the Final
# Chapter 118: Advance to the Final
The heat of the Battle of England and Brazil lasted only one day before it was overshadowed by the knights of the kimchi country.
On June 22, Spain, led by Camacho, and South Korea, one of the hosts, met at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium.
More than 40,000 fans flocked to the stadium for this game. The referee was Egyptian Gamal Al-Ghandour, and the assistant referees were two Ugandans.
The referee's name is specifically mentioned because he became the focus of the world after the game.
In the 50th minute, Joaquin was fouled on the right side. De Pedro took a free kick, and Jin Taiying fought for the top of the crowd, accidentally directing the ball into the far corner of his own goal. However, referee Al-Ghandour inexplicably disallowed this own goal.
Also, in the second half, Spain's midfielder Baraja's goal was invalidated on the grounds that Spanish defender Elgra fouled in the header duel. However, slow motion showed that Elgra was the one fouled, and a penalty could have been awarded.
In the 93rd minute, Morientes received a pass from Joaquin, but was judged to be offside. Slow motion replay showed this call was entirely incorrect.
In the 111th minute, after hitting the goalpost, Morientes had a one-on-one chance but was again called offside. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the assistant referee and received a yellow card, but slow motion revealed the call was wrong.
Before the match reached 120 minutes, the referee blew the final whistle, sending the match into a penalty shootout prematurely.
There were countless questionable decisions.
Spain, who had won by penalty kicks in the last match, lost to South Korea 3-5 in the shootout.
After the game, Elgra and several angry Spanish players confronted the refereeing team, nearly causing a conflict, pushing the match further into controversy.
"World Sports" headline: Spain was robbed by shameless Koreans.
Off-topic, this was the last time Al-Ghandour appeared on the stage of the World Series.
He later said in an interview: "That game was one of the best of my career. My conscience is very clear. My refereeing supervisor gave me 8.7 points."
As long as you're happy.
...
South Korea's next opponent was Germany. On June 25, the semifinals kicked off at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul.
German midfielder Ballack scored the winning goal in the second half, which was also his third goal of the tournament. However, the German tank's midfielder received another yellow card in this game, resulting in a suspension for the final.
The 1-0 score was maintained until the end of the game. Germany miraculously defeated South Korea and reached the World Cup final for the seventh time. They would compete with Brazil or Turkey in Yokohama for the championship.
As for South Korea, they would compete with the loser of the other semifinal on the 28th for third place.
Anyway, South Korea created history. The whole country was in a carnival, celebrating while Portugal, Italy, and Spain nursed their wounds.
...
On June 26, the second round of the World Cup semifinals took place at Saitama 2002 Stadium.
Brazil faced Turkey again.
Based on reputation, the two sides were not equal. However, considering their previous group stage match, Turkey was not without the possibility of creating a miracle.
Scolari made significant adjustments to the lineup.
Last match's heroes Kaka and Ronaldinho were on the bench, with Rivaldo and Oliveira getting starting opportunities.
Kaka's injury had healed, but for safety reasons, Scolari did not include him in the starting eleven. As for Ronaldinho, it was purely for the final.
Yes, the Brazilians were already preparing for the final.
Despite verbal reassurances, careful tactical arrangements, and the hard-fought win against Turkey in the group stage, subconsciously, the Brazilians saw Turkey as a small obstacle to overcome.
This obstacle created a lot of trouble for the Brazilians, and at times threatened Cheney's goal. The Brazilian team created many opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.
In the 49th minute, Gilberto picked the ball from the left and then inserted it into the rib. Ronaldo swayed past Brent and rushed into the penalty area from the left. He was pressed by Fatih and Alpai, but his right toe shot from 12 meters away.
Goalkeeper Rustu was unprepared for this unexpected shot. He dove to the left and touched the ball with his fingertips, but it still nestled into the far post and the net. Brazil led 1-0.
In the 70th minute, Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Denilson were substituted in, but they did not help Brazil expand the score.
Brazil defeated Turkey 1-0 and reached the World Cup final for the seventh time.
Ronaldo scored the winning goal and was now the top scorer with seven goals, becoming the strongest contender for the Golden Boot Award.
On June 30, Brazil and Germany would compete for the 17th World Cup in Yokohama. This would be the first time the two football powers met in the World Cup.
...
On the eve of the final, the team practiced closed training, but they were not completely isolated from the world. The players could still meet their family and friends during their free time.
Kaka's family came to Asia but did not disturb him during his preparations. Instead, Kaka's agent met him at the hotel where the Brazilian team was staying.
"Kaka, you must make a decision quickly," Silva said as soon as she sat down. "Manchester United, Juventus, Inter Milan, Valencia... all these teams want you."
"I will wait until the World Cup is over," Kaka replied calmly. "There are more important things to do."
"Isn't this the most important?"
"It is important, but now the initiative is on our side. They should be the ones pursuing us, not the other way around."
"Yes," Silva, usually a steady person, slowed her tone. "If you can win the World Cup as a key player... seriously, what do you want me to do?"
Kaka said: "Have you watched the games?"
"Of course, I haven't missed a single match."
"Have you counted how many times I hit the crossbar and the post?"
"... I haven't counted, but I should be able to make a highlight reel," Silva said. "So, you're feeling pressured? Looking for a shooting coach?"
"To be precise, a technical coach or a sparring partner," Kaka said. "Falcao recommended one to me. He has a background in indoor football and played professionally, but didn't make it big. He has retired now. I heard his technique is very good. Check him out first, bring him in for a trial. Then, I need someone who has really played professionally, preferably a youth training coach, to help me formulate a better training plan. Additionally, I need a fitness coach. It's best to find one from the NBA. There are many professionals there. I think I am doing well now, right?"
Kaka often hit the post because his long-range shots were too precise, aiming for the top corners. If they didn't go in, they either hit the post or went wide, rarely going straight to the goalkeeper. There's no other way around it.
"BOSS, let me clarify that I am not flattering," Silva shook her head and smiled bitterly. "Is this really necessary? You are already strong enough. At the age of twenty, who can match you?"
"It's not about being twenty, but being thirty."
Every few years, a new twenty-year-old prodigy emerges. But where are the thirty-year-old prodigies?
Rivaldo's decline started at thirty due to diminishing form. Kaka didn't want to lead the way at twenty only to watch others shine at thirty.
Having the best script but only starring in half the show—what's the point? Have you ever seen a novel with a halfway protagonist?
Especially a double protagonist.
"Got it, I'll handle it right away. And to reiterate, I'm not flattering," Silva stood up. "If someone like you doesn't succeed, who can?"
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