Chương 45: Chapter 45: The Turn of Fortune?

Chapter 45: The Turn of Fortune?

Trouble! Bruno frowned deeply.

Fifteen minutes into the second half of the game, the score was still 0:1. In this match, Portugal was designated as the home team. Facing Ghana, the third favorites for the championship, who demonstrated their formidable attack from the first minute, it was clear they were determined to defend and snatch a win.

Facing Ghana's ironclad defense, Portugal initially found no solution, especially since Ghana's coach had arranged for two players to closely mark Bruno.

While Ghana defended staunchly, their counter-attacks were sharp and effective. In the 19th minute, Ghana launched a swift counter-attack. Their midfield maestro, number 10 Clifford Aboagye, played a beautiful one-two pass with forward Kennedy Ashia, who eventually breached the Portuguese defense to score the only goal of the first half.

After taking the lead, Ghana fell back to defend deeply, seemingly intent on guarding the 1:0 scoreline till the end.

Portugal made a double substitution at the start of the second half to bolster their attack, switching from a 442 to a 433 formation, but Ghana quickly adjusted their setup. They brought on the very fast midfielder Michael Anaba to replace Moses Odjer, and the defensively strong Alfred Duncan took over from the key playmaker Aboagye.

Ghana's intent to defend deep was now clearer than ever. Their strategy was simple: defend deeply and counter when possible. If the counter didn't succeed, so be it, but if it did, it was a bonus.

"The Portuguese are in trouble, facing a Ghana entirely focused on defense," noted the Portuguese commentator. "Not only that, but Portugal's luck today also seems particularly bad."

Indeed, Portugal was unfortunate. In the 33rd minute of the first half, a shot by Bruno hit the post. Early in the second half, after drawing Ghanaian players with his skillful dribbling, Bruno lofted a pass over the top to Bruma, who broke the offside trap and faced the goalkeeper alone, only to hit the post again.

In the 65th minute, Bruno's corner kick found Aladje, whose header struck the crossbar hard.

"That's the third time! Portugal's attempts are denied by the woodwork again, it seems fortune is not on their side today," lamented the commentator.

"Our luck is too bad today," João Mário said frustratedly, then seeing Bruno's anxious expression, he reassured, "Even a draw is acceptable. The coach has prepared us for a penalty shootout; we are ready."

Bruno shook his head, visibly upset. Extra time and penalties were not what he wanted.

Although Bruno was known for his penalty-taking ability, having successfully converted 21 consecutive penalties, he definitely did not want the match to come down to a shootout.

Determined, Bruno thought, if it's a matter of bad luck, then we'll just have to keep creating opportunities until we score!

Portugal intensified their attacks on the Ghanaian goal, and soon after the 70-minute mark, Bruno made a lateral pass, leading to a shot by Escaio that was blocked by a Ghanaian defender.

Portuguese defender Tiago Ferreira, having moved up, received the ball near the halfway line. As two Ghanaian players closed him down, he panicked slightly. Before they could tackle him, he kicked the ball hard forward.

The ball, kicked from Ferreira's boot, traced a bizarre, lofty arc toward the goal. Ghana's goalkeeper, Eric Antwi, initially didn't pay much attention, but as he realized the ball was headed for the top left corner of the net, he dove in a full stretch—a textbook save attempt—but he grasped only air. The ball, like a guided missile, flew just over his outstretched right hand and nestled into the top left corner of the net.

The Portuguese commentator was stunned, rising to shout, "Goal!!!!!!!!"

"Portugal's central defender Tiago Ferreira scores a stunning long-range shot from forty meters out! The ball, like a meteor from outer space, sailed past Ghana's entire defense into the net!"

"An incredible worldie! An amazing Ferreira! 1:1! After being denied three times by the woodwork, Portugal finally levels the score!"

"Unbelievable!" João Mário leapt up, hugging Bruno and shouting in his ear, "We've scored! It's unbelievable! Can you imagine Ferreira pulling off such a feat?"

Bruno, swayed by his teammate's enthusiasm, looked as astonished as if a strong wind had swept through him, his eyes wide and mouth agape: How did such a desperate attempt find the net?

"Could this be a turn of fortune?" pondered Bruno as Ferreira and the others piled onto the celebrant.

The stands at Kadir Has Stadium, where the Portuguese fans were seated, erupted into cheers and jubilation.

Bruno finally broke free from João Mário's shaking, joining the celebratory huddle.

"A miraculous goal!" praised the Portuguese commentator. "After being thrice denied by the goal frame, Portugal scores, and what a spectacular worldie it was! Unlike the conservative Ghanaian team, Portugal deserved such a magnificent goal for their initiative!"

The Ghanaian coach was dumbstruck. Previously rejoicing at Portugal's misfortune with the woodwork, he now gaped in disbelief.

"This goal has a huge impact on Ghana's morale," noted the commentator. "Though Portugal has only drawn level, the tide has clearly turned. Given their offensive prowess displayed in the group stages, Ghana will struggle to contain them now."

True to form, as the match resumed, Ghana looked disorganized. Some players pushed for an attack to regain the lead, while others wanted to secure their defense. Amidst this confusion, Bruno seized the moment: two minutes later, he assisted Edgar Ié in scoring, flipping the score to 2:1 for Portugal!

(End of Chapter)

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