Capítulo 46: Chapter 46: A Sudden Shift in the Game
Chapter 46: A Sudden Shift in the Game
Portugal's second goal was a wake-up call for Ghana's coach, Teda. Once the game restarted, he played his last card: he brought on Sassuolo forward Richmond Boakye.
Boakye, a towering forward at 1.9 meters, joined Italy's Genoa in the summer of 2009 at just 16 but struggled to secure a stable position. In the summer of 2011, he signed with Sassuolo in Serie B, where he showcased his capabilities, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists in his debut season, attracting attention from several top European clubs, including Premier League giants Manchester United. However, because Sir Alex Ferguson successfully signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal, the deal with Boakye fell through, and he remained at Sassuolo.
Last season, Boakye played 31 times for Sassuolo, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists, playing a key role in Sassuolo's lead in the Serie B standings.
Boakye is not only strong in the air due to his height but also possesses good technical skills, making him highly effective in positional play.
With the score against them, continuing to defend deeply was no longer an option for Ghana; attacking became their only choice.
After making the substitution, Ghana launched a counter-attack. Portuguese players, having attacked for about 70 minutes, were reaching a physical limit and temporarily couldn't withstand the pressure, conceding a goal in the 79th minute.
Boakye played a critical role in this goal. He delivered a header to Ghana's midfielder Michael Anaba in the penalty area, who then sneakily scored from the far corner. The three Ghanaian substitutes combined to create this goal: Alfred Duncan initiated the play, Boakye assisted with a header, and Anaba finished the chance.
After equalizing, the game took a sudden turn, becoming exceptionally intense towards the closing stages, as both teams went on the offensive.
Portugal was still pressuring the Ghanaian goal when Ghana's goalkeeper grabbed the ball and attempted to launch a quick counter-attack. However, Portugal intercepted the move at midfield and immediately went on the offensive again.
Portuguese striker Aladje received the ball in midfield with his back to the goal. He opted not to control it but flicked it on with his head. Suddenly, Bruno was seen sprinting past, chasing down the ball.
"Stop him!" shouted the Ghanaian coach from the sidelines.
Ghanaian defender Lawrence Lartey hurried to intercept. Bruno, with quick footwork, feinted left and right, then suddenly accelerated, using his speed to outmaneuver the defender.
A roar erupted from the section of the stadium filled with Portuguese fans.
"Go, Bruno!" "You can do it, Bruno!"
As Ghana's central defenders tried to cover him, the left center-back rushed to intercept Bruno, who cleverly tapped the ball inside at high speed, leaving the defender watching helplessly as Bruno breezed past him and burst into the penalty area.
What came next was straightforward. Facing the onrushing goalkeeper Eric Antwi, Bruno easily dribbled past the last defender and slotted the ball into the open net.
Goal! 3:2!
Portugal regained the lead just three minutes after being equalized.
"Great job, guys!" Portugal's U20 coach Ramos stood up from the coaching bench to the sideline, applauding.
Meanwhile, on the field, Bruno took a deep breath after celebrating the goal with his teammates. With the lead restored, control of the game was back in their hands. In a knockout match, being behind is particularly painful for the trailing team—they have to push forward.
At the same time, Ghana's U20 coach Teda, visibly angry, waved his hands frantically, signaling his team to press forward.
Attack! Crush those dreadful Portuguese with an offensive!
Teda had no other choice but to continue attacking given the score. With just over ten minutes left, including stoppage time, Ghana had to keep pressing if they didn't want to be eliminated.
The Ghanaian players loyally followed their coach's directives, trying to apply pressure on the Portuguese goal.
Everyone had underestimated the vulnerability of Portugal's defense; under Ghana's desperate attacks, Portugal's backline was swiftly breached, and the Ghanaian substitute forward headed in from close range, leveling the score again at 3:3.
The match had turned into a frantic battle of scoring, with the intensity on the field skyrocketing.
At this point, Bruno realized that relying on defense to win was no longer viable—they had to keep attacking.
Isn't this just a bayonet fight? Who's afraid!
Portugal launched another attack, with João Mário passing the ball to Bruno, who had pulled to the right flank. Seeing Bruno with the ball, the Ghanaian players immediately tensed up; Seydou Salifu rushed to defend.
"Beautiful!" Bruno deftly turned and sped up along the sideline, cleverly maneuvering the ball past his opponent. Then facing the desperately chasing Salifu, Bruno cleverly passed the ball back to the approaching Bruma, who smartly returned the pass.
A one-two pass! Another Ghanaian midfielder, Alfred Duncan, who knew Bruno well from their days at Livorno, was wary of being dribbled past. He hesitated to close down, which Bruno exploited by flicking the ball between Duncan's legs and swiftly turning around him.
"Wow, Bruno is agile like a rabbit! He's speeding up!" exclaimed the Portuguese commentator excitedly.
Bruno chased down the ball at high speed. At this moment, Ghana's defense was in disarray. Rahman Baba, trying to cover, rushed in panic.
Bruno adjusted briefly, then feigned a shot. Known for his long-range shooting, Rahman Baba, despite suspecting a feint, couldn't risk not attempting a block.
Bruno took advantage of his stretched leg to pull the ball back, then tapped it with his left foot, slipping past the defender.
"Second one! He's past! He's through on goal!"
Coach Ramos had risen from his seat, leaning forward, fists clenched, eyes fixed on the Ghanaian penalty area.
Ghana's goalkeeper Eric Antwi came off his line. Bruno feigned a chip but suddenly passed instead.
The ball was pushed to the left, and then everyone saw Escaio accelerate, shaking off the clutches of defender Atama, bursting forward.
Facing a wide-open goal, all Escaio had to do was tap it in.
"Bruno's through on goal! Passes… Escaio! Ricardo Escaio! Goal!!!!!! A simple tap-in! Bruno assists, Escaio scores! 4:3! What a mad game!! Crazy score!!!" shouted the Portuguese commentator, standing up from his seat.
(End of Chapter)
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