Lazy Genius Striker [EN]: Chapter 199

< The War on the Ground >

England’s goal kick soars deep into Argentina’s territory, aimed directly at Johan’s head!

Is the key to this game whether England can effectively neutralize Argentina’s early offensive?

No.

It’s the opposite.

Argentina, knowing the early game is their best chance, must worry about preventing Johan from scoring in that crucial phase.

That’s the crux of today’s match.

Thwack-!

Johan heads the goal kick, his back to the goal.

And,

Whoosh-!

Johan pivots, turning his body before the ball bounces.

Then, with his back foot, he flicks the falling ball back up.

Swoosh-

A masterful touch that lofts the ball perfectly over the defender trailing Johan.

Tap tap tap-!

Again, before the ball can drop.

Johan anticipates, stepping ahead of the defender and gently bringing the ball under control.

Suddenly, the goal is in sight.

He’s transformed the goalkeeper’s goal kick into a scoring opportunity with just two touches.

This is a technique that even the most skilled Argentine players, famed for their flair, can only pull off in training.

But,

It’s Johan, so no one is truly surprised.

This boy possesses otherworldly skills, not just South American ones.

Thump-!

With the angle clear, there’s no hesitation.

Johan unleashes a shot from that spot,

Whoosh-

The shot rockets into the back of the net.

*

Perhaps the pre-match hype wasn’t just hot air this time.

The talk of reaching the final being a certainty after defeating the Netherlands.

The predictions that a fatigued Argentina would be no match for Johan and England.

After conceding the early goal, Argentina’s performance becomes sluggish.

They look rushed, their movements are wasteful, and they’re making sloppy passes and taking ill-advised shots.

It’s as if they’re down by three goals with only a minute left to play.

Even though the game has barely begun.

The South American mentality can be a double-edged sword.

When you consider aspects like the unwavering belief in their ability to beat anyone, their confidence, and their composure under pressure, South American players are among the best in the world.

Because no players possess as much self-assurance and pride.

However, they sometimes lack the resilience needed to overcome adversity.

In that respect, the South American mentality isn’t always a positive.

And that weakness seems to be surfacing now.

When facing adversity, the most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude.

If even one person becomes negative, even a winnable game can slip away.

Because negativity is contagious.

“…”

“…”

The game is still in its early stages.

The score is only separated by a single goal.

But,

The early setback has weighed heavily on the Argentine players.

Their already burdened bodies feel even heavier.

<14 minutes into the first half! England extends their lead to 2-0!>

By the 15th minute, the Argentine players appear to be losing hope.

When Johan gets the ball, their defensive formation crumbles chaotically, and the second goal goes in with ease.

“…”

“…”

Looking at the dejected faces of the Argentine fans.

The game seems to have already swung decisively in England’s favor.

*

Perhaps no one outside of England fans expected such a one-sided game in a World Cup semi-final.

The Argentine fans who traveled to Camp Nou to watch the game are experiencing a similar tragedy to the one their neighbors, Brazil, suffered 16 years ago.

The Mineirão disaster, where Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

Today is the Camp Nou tragedy.

English commentators cheering for Argentina.

In a normal game, this would draw complaints from England fans.

But today, no one objects.

Even the England fans watching the game want Argentina to put up more of a fight.

Argentina’s consolation goal in the 80th minute offers little comfort.

The score difference is too vast, and both England and Argentina fans alike.

Everyone seems to want the game to end quickly.

A tragedy for Argentina, but a celebration for England.

England, led by Johan, avenges their past defeats to Maradona’s Argentina.

And,

England heads to the World Cup final.

…

-72 minutes active Johan van, 2 goals, 1 assist, leading to the final… 14 goals in this tournament, virtually certain to be the top scorer of all time

-Brazil beats Italy to advance to the final… Score 3-1

-South America vs. Europe… Brazil, the country with the most World Cup wins, England aiming for their first win in 64 years

-What is the key point of the final? Brazil’s Fabrício Júnior, Johan van. Who will inflict more damage on the opponent?

-Brazil’s Fabrício Jr vows revenge for the Champions League final last season… “Bernabéu is my second home… I will bring the championship trophy to my country here.”

England beat Argentina,

Brazil beat Italy.

In the end, this World Cup final is a showdown between Europe and South America.

Coincidentally, both teams are the reigning champions of their respective continental tournaments.

England won Euro 2028, and Brazil won the 2028 Copa America.

It’s a battle for pride between Europe and South America, two continents steeped in football history.

“They certainly seem to be the strongest opponent.”

Lohan stroked his chin while watching highlights of Brazil’s games.

Of all the teams he’s faced in the finals so far, the Netherlands were the most challenging.

However, analyzing Brazil’s performances gives him a different feeling.

That Brazil is an even more dangerous opponent than the Netherlands.

The keyword to describe this Brazilian national team is ‘firepower’.

From the group stage to the semi-finals.

Brazil has scored three or more goals in every game.

Even Italy, who reached the semi-finals with their renowned defensive strength, conceded three goals to Brazil, so further explanation is unnecessary.

From a balanced perspective, the Netherlands might be considered a more complete team.

But instinctively, Brazil feels scarier.

It’s like a spark, perhaps?

A spark that can ignite uncontrollably once it catches, a spark that can burn down an entire mountain.

“They spread the goals around.”

Lohan chuckled softly as he reviewed Brazil’s scoring statistics.

Brazil’s primary formation is 4-3-3.

The attacking threat of their front three is immense, and what makes them even more difficult to defend is the surprisingly even distribution of goals.

Left winger, Kleberson of Paris Saint-Germain, 5 goals and 2 assists.

Right winger, Fabrício Júnior of Real Madrid, 4 goals and 2 assists.

And Andre Lima, the center-forward, 2 goals and 4 assists.

Together, they’ve scored 11 goals.

So you can’t afford to focus on just one player.

You have to be wary of all three.

Of course, England’s defense is solid.

But as I said before, even Italy was comprehensively beaten by Brazil.

“Still, 11 goals aren’t enough anyway.”

Lohan smiles.

Brazil’s front three are dangerous, but are they as good as Johan?

They’ve scored 11 goals between them, but Johan has scored 14 goals alone.

Ultimately, dealing with Brazil’s attack isn’t just down to England’s defense, but to Johan himself.

In that respect, Brazil is definitely a threat, but I don’t think we’ll lose.

“It’s tomorrow.”

Tomorrow is finally here.

The day Johan could lift the World Cup trophy.

Lohan is so excited he can’t sleep.

…

It’s Santiago Bernabéu [Real Madrid’s home stadium]. This stadium, which hosted the quarter-final, will now host the final game of this World Cup. We’re bringing you the long-awaited final.

Back to Santiago Bernabéu.

White shirts on one side [representing Real Madrid, and by extension, Europe].

Yellow shirts on the other [representing Brazil].

The World Cup, a tournament that crowns the best footballing nation on Earth.

The final is about to begin.

England is aiming for their first win in 64 years. Many are eager to see if Johan can lead England to victory and cement his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

I’m sure many are wondering about Johan’s condition. I spoke with coach Lannister before the game, and he said Johan has never been better. He says his physical condition is the best it’s been throughout the tournament.

That’s reassuring to hear. Come to think of it, it’s always been like that. Johan always seems to be at his best for the most important games. What’s the secret? What did coach Lannister say?

He sleeps well. He sleeps very well. Other players struggled to fall asleep, but Johan was asleep by early evening.

How can that be? I’d be too nervous to sleep. It’s the World Cup final.

It seems the World Cup final doesn’t hold any special significance for Johan. Everyone knows Johan doesn’t particularly enjoy football. He’s indifferent. But perhaps that’s why. To Johan, the World Cup final is just another football game, no different from a league match.

The players are entering the pitch.

This stage is a dream for every football player around the world.

A stage that few can reach, and even fewer can conquer.

The final game that concludes the greatest festival on earth, the World Cup.

To witness this one game, some have traveled thousands of kilometers, and others have stayed up all night.

However, there’s one exception.

This game doesn’t mean much to him either.

The only meaning this game holds for him today is this.

It’s enough if his family can enjoy watching the game.

The players are lined up on the field. Now, we’ll have the national anthems from both teams. Well, finally. The 2030 World Cup. A game to decide the champion of this tournament. The final is…>

“Beep-!”

It has begun!>

While the world’s attention is fixed on the Bernabéu.

The game between Johan and Brazil has begun.