Godfather Of Champions

The football spun into the goal and rubbed against the net, making a slight rustling sound. But the sound was completely drowned out by the singing of more than 10,000 England fans in the stadium.

Nearly 60,000 Spanish fans in Nou Mestalla stadium, which could hold 70,000 spectators, were now silent collectively. This place had been instantly transformed from Spain’s home ground into England’s home ground.

“This is a glorious moment in English football! We are now leading the host team, Spain by a score of 2:0 with 15 minutes to go before the end of the game! Which also means that we are only 15 minutes away from England reaching the finals in the international tournament for the first time in 50 years!” John Motson roared excitedly into the microphone, his voice spreading across the whole of England via satellite.

All England fans cheered his words, as if 15 minutes were just a blink of an eye, and they had entered the Bernabéu stadium, the venue for the final first.

The score of 2:0 also disheartened the Spaniards in the stadium. With 15 minutes left in the game and two goals behind, they had to score at least two goals within 15 minutes and also not let England score if they wanted to make it to the finals…It felt extremely difficulty just thinking about it. Not to mention that they had to actually make it happen.

Not only the fans, there were also people among the Spanish players on the pitch, who had felt despair when the goal went in…

They were certain that they were outstanding, but they had a feeling of their power being muzzled… as if something went wrong somewhere.

Hierro sat in his seat and bit his lower lip hard till his lips were white. His mind turned quickly, and he wondered what to do if he did not want to give up in such a situation.

After thinking about it for a long time, he determined that they must find a breakthrough point from George Wood’s position. Wood was England’s captain, core and linchpin. As long as he had a problem, England was likely to collapse at the last minute.

The world of football was definitely not short of that kind of dramatic reversal. His Spanish team also wanted to dedicate it to the fans just this once today!

※※※

Twain’s excitement lasted only a short time. Then he began to consider if he was going to bring Wood off at this point. Wood had a yellow card on him. Generally speaking, he should bring him off after taking a two-goal lead just to be safe. But Twain knew that Spain would launch frenzied counterattacks after the game resumed. It would be the most dangerous time at that period. If they were not careful and accidentally allow the other team to score a goal, the situation could be reversed in an instant. Then it would not be England which had the upper hand, but Spain.

Keeping Wood on the field could solidify the defense…

Twain decided to leave Wood on the field for another five minutes after weighing the options. After managing to hold on for five minutes of Spain’s most intense offensive, he would not delay for another second and bring Wood off to let him rest. With ten minutes left, they would defend the penalty area to the last so as to hold on to the two-goal advantage. When the time came, as long as God above did not surprise them, they should be able to get through.

As the England players finished celebrating the goal and began to run towards their own half of the field, Twain made a gesture to them on the sidelines to withdraw the defense. At this time, stability triumphed over everything. Basically, there would not be any opportunities for counterattacks…

※※※

After the game resumed, not every Spaniard had given up the fight despite feeling the pain from the score as Twain had expected. As professional athletes, the accumulated experience of meeting with unfavorable situations long-term also helped them at critical times… Most importantly, in front of a crowd of 60,000 in their home ground, they did not want to miss the UEFA European Championship final hosted by their home country.

Hierro stood on the sidelines and stared at the field with a solemn expression, as if he was sending out a message that he would never give up until the final whistle was blown!

In honor of such an opponent, the Royal Navy also raised the flag of Saint George. Wood remained on the field until Twain thought he could bring him off.

On the other hand, Gareth Barry was already warming up on the sidelines. He would replace Wood later – if nothing unexpected happened…

※※※

“We’re not really going to make him get a yellow card…” Fàbregas got hold of several of his teammates during a dead ball and urged them in particular, “If he does get a yellow card, the situation will not be good for us. I’m sure he’ll be determined to deal with us since he will be out of the next game anyway… So, we’re just going to put pressure on them. You don’t really have to cause him to get a yellow card… Break through from him and don’t fall to the ground with the slightest physical contact. Absolutely do not be like that! Our aim is not to try to position the ball in front of the penalty area, but to penetrate in there!”

Iniesta had already been brought off by Hierro, who brought on Cazorla and changed Lago to play in the middle. Fàbregas was now the only core and commander on the pitch. He must keep a clear head.

“Only ten minutes left, don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!”

※※※

George Wood found himself the target of a multitude of players once again. He was not afraid of such a challenge, even if it came at the cost of not being able to play in the final game. Because it was his principle – he would not hesitate when things came to a head. As long as the boss kept him on the field, it meant he was important and there was a task that was not complete yet. He would never back down until he had done his job.

Unfortunately, his teammates would definitely not agree with his thinking.

Fàbregas had already warned his teammates not to focus on revenge against Wood and to find ways to create goals. But Lago had his own ideas – what could be better than letting the opposing captain miss the next game in addition to getting his team into the finals?

Lago’s thinking was based on the fact that he had a superb free kick technique and that the Spanish team’s place kicks were now handed over to him to execute. Deliberately making Wood foul and causing him to get a yellow card while giving the Spanish team a free kick in front of the goal, was entirely in line with Lago’s interests.

But it was not possible to create fouls at random. It had to be done as close as possible to the penalty area. It had to be close to the danger zone, so that the other team’s foul would be serious enough for the referee to pull out a card, and such a free kick was more threatening.

When Lago received the ball, he did not pass the football to Fàbregas, who had already pulled out, saw the gap in the England team’s defense and put his hand up for the ball. Instead, he chose to dribble on his own to seek a breakthrough. He was rather confident of his own dribbling skills …

“Idiot!” Fàbregas could not help but scold after he saw his teammate’s decision. Looking back, England’s rear defensive line had automatically made adjustments and the gap, which was exposed just now, instantly disappeared. He did not know when it would appear the next time.

In this way, he wasted a chance to score, and Fàbregas was certainly furious. But he could not get angry right now. He still had to work with his teammates.

Lago did not know Fàbregas was unhappy with what he had just done. Right now, he only had George Wood in his sights ahead of him. He was going to take that guy down and he was going to save Spain with a free kick!

Wood did not let him do what he wanted. Perhaps because he had too many distracting thoughts in his mind. As he approached Wood, Lago’s own pace was in disarray and he did not control the ball. In the face of such dribbling, Wood easily intercepted the ball. Lago stumbled and ran for a few steps before he thought about falling. But he did not achieve what he wanted… No, at least he caught the derision of the England fans.

“The referee should give him a yellow card for such a poor dive!” Motson did not hold back his comments with the Spanish players.

The England team took the opportunity to organize a quick attack that threatened the Spanish goal again. Fortunately, Asenjo was focused this time, played well and caught the shot of Vaughn who was in excellent form.

But it had already upset Fàbregas, who was wearing the captain’s armband. He waved at Lago roared in complain that he shouldn’t have acted alone just now.

Lago refused to comply and retorted with a remark.

Twain watched the scene happily off the pitch. It looked as if the Spaniards’ patience was running out. When a team’s players no longer believed that teamwork could open up the situation, but rather hoped to use individual skills to act as a hero, this team was not far from death…

Despite being slightly critical of Lago’s performance just now, Fàbregas still passed the ball unselfishly the next time to Lago when he appeared at the right position. Then he ran to position himself, hoping to receive the ball from Lago.

This time Lago let Fàbregas down again and he continued to dribble the ball away toward Wood. His emotional state was not normal. But with two goals behind and time ticking away second by second in the game, it was understandable how abnormal the emotional state could be – everyone would have a moment of hotheadedness and irrationality. It was just that Lago was a little earlier than Fàbregas.

Wood went up to meet it this time. He wanted to make the other side completely give up and let him know that he was an insurmountable mountain, and that the other party was just an ant-like mortal.

Lago had waited for this. This time he must let Wood pay a heavy price!

But the two men did not meet. Within five meters of distance between, Mitchell, who was actively involved in the defense, knocked Lago down from the other side. The referee’s whistle unsurprisingly sounded.

Mitchell fell to the ground with Lago, while Wood turned to the referee running over. His eyes were focused on the other man’s left arm, which was reaching into the pocket in front of his chest.

If he remembered correctly, Mitchell had already been shown a yellow card in the game against Sweden…

Mitchell apparently did not expect one of his fouls would bring him a yellow card. He had wanted to show off to Wood that he had helped him stop another plot by the enemy, only to see that there was something wrong with Wood’s expression. So, he followed Wood’s gaze and turned to see the referee holding a yellow card in his hand!

It was not just Wood, and Mitchell had realized the severity of the problem, but Twain was also exactly aware of what the yellow card meant for Mitchell: if England could successfully beat Spain, he would miss the most important game – the final!

“How can this be…” muttered Mitchell. Following which, he suddenly rushed to the referee, angrily trying to protest, but was held back by the quick-eyed George Wood, who dragged him back.

“Do you want to be shown a red card right away?” He shouted to Mitchell, who was struggling so hard.

Instead of quieting down, the man in his grip struggled more violently. “It’s not fair!” He roared.

Wood could not continue to comfort Mitchell because if it had been him that fouled just now, then he should have been given the yellow card instead. Because this location was too tricky… it was a little before the penalty arc at the edge of the penalty area. If Lago had broken through him, he would face directly the center backs’ defense led by Terry.

Not only Mitchell, but the rest of the England players were unhappy with the referee’s decision. They surrounded the referee in the hope that he would withdraw the yellow card decision. But how was that possible? A penalty decision made was like water being splashed out…

Twain did not lash out off the field because he knew the area was tricky for fouls and the referee can give out cards based on his mood. Obviously, at this time the black-clad referee was not in a good mood …

He just turned around and asked Des Walker how Barry’s warmup was. Look at the situation, he could not continue to keep Wood on the field. Mitchell was a good example.

Barry took off his training vest as he ran to Twain’s side. He knew he had finally waited for the chance to play.

“You will go on to replace George…” Twain said to him.

※※※

Meanwhile on the pitch, the England players’ protest to the referee was already over because it was of no use at all. Only Mitchell looked frustrated. The best chance was right in front of him, but he was going to be a spectator… He was unable to accept the fact, but what could he do?

George Wood saw the fourth official raise the sign for substitution on the sidelines and the man standing next to the fourth official was Gareth Barry. He knew he was about to be replaced. He patted Mitchell in the human wall and opened his mouth to say, “Thank you.”

Then he took off the captain’s armband and turned around to walk toward Terry, completing the transition of the team captain. Then he walked slowly to the sidelines, enjoying the standing ovation of the England fans.

“Twain has brought off Wood, apparently for the purpose of safeguarding Wood. Unfortunately, Mitchell will be absent from the next game, and that will very likely to be the final…” Motson was glad for Wood while he also lamented for Mitchell. He was also a little worried about England’s fate in the final as well. Even though Mitchel did not score many goals, he was definitely a very useful center forward. With his passes, headers and skills, he could even play as the center back on occasions in times of crisis. Such a comprehensive center forward would be able to increase the team’s fighting power.

Wood walked to the sidelines and hugged Barry. Then he patted him on the shoulder to send him on the field and shook hands with Twain.

As he shook hands, he asked, “Why didn’t you bring Mitchell off?”

Twain shook his head and said, “He has already been given a yellow card. What is the use of replacing him?”

Wood said nothing and turned to walk to the substitutes’ bench. Accordingly, the assistant manager, Walker handed over a towel. He flipped it over his head and sat in the chair without a word. He was still feeling sorry for Mitchell’s fate…

The Spanish side had begun to prepare to carry out a free kick, which would be personally handled by Lago handled himself. The football drew an arc to bypass the human wall, and even evaded Joe Hart’s ten fingers to drill into the goal!

In that moment, nothing could be heard in the Nou Mestalla stadium except the cheers of the Spanish fans. Even Twain himself could not hear the swear words he had uttered.

“We have recovered with one goal! We’ve recovered with one goal!” The Spanish commentator seemed to see hope.

Fàbregas, who had just been unhappy with Lago, also rushed up to give the other man a powerful hug at this time.

Lago finally enjoyed a hero’s treatment…

While the Spaniards were busy celebrating, Mitchell alone picked up the ball in the net and ran all the way to the center circle. Then he smashed the ball hard at the kickoff point. By the time he looked up again, his expression of frustration and anger could no longer be seen.

He rediscovered the value of being a striker.

※※※

“Don’t waste your time celebrating!” Hierro was on the sidelines, loudly reminding his players that they were already out of time to do something like this. “Get back to the game quickly! One more goal! With seven minutes left!” He pointed to the watch at his wrist to the Spanish players on the pitch.

Even so, the Spanish players who had returned to their positions could not hide the smiles on their faces. They had already seen hope, and it was only seven minutes from the end of the 90-minute game. But there was still the injury stoppage time…

After the game resumed, Mitchell suddenly stopped actively pull back to defend. Instead, he stayed in front and kept raising his hand for the ball. Apart from Piqué paying more attention to him, the Spanish players paid no mind to him. At this time, their minds were filled with thoughts of scoring a goal to equalize the score and to complete the big reversal …

In the final period, the Spanish team fully pressed on, and the Spanish fans in the stands kept making their voices heard to support the team like they were hit with injections of adrenaline. The singing of the England fans was completely overpowered.

But when Barry send a long pass over Mitchell’s head, the sound came to an abrupt end.

Piqué was too concerned about locking in his position but was bypassed by Mitchell with a turn of his body. He lost his center of gravity and nearly fell to the ground, but he also lost his target.

Mitchell looked back at the Spanish players, who were desperately trying to come back to defend, and then looked up at the football from the corners of his eyes. He was already outside the top of the penalty arc.

“How can you forget the defense?” The Spanish commentator asked angrily. But was it not too late to think about this question now?

Asenjo must also be eager to ask his teammates this question, but now it was better to block the other side’s one-on-one face-off first…

“Asenjo abandons the goal to strike. This is a one-on-one face-off with the goalkeeper! It’s a great opportunity for Mitchell. If he can score the goal, we’ll definitely go to the final!”

Seeing this scene, George Wood pulled off the white towel over his head and stood up from the substitutes’ bench, staring nervously at the Spanish team’s penalty area.

Not every one-on-one face-off with the goalkeeper would result in a goal. While the goalkeeper was under pressure, the lone striker also had to shoulder great pressure, which could very well be more than the goalkeeper …

“Put it in, Aaron!” Twain, on the sidelines, gritted his teeth and roared. His fists were clenched tightly till the knuckles turned white. “This is your final! Put it in!”

Facing Asenjo, who had already struck at the spot near the penalty spot, Mitchell suddenly stopped and raised his right leg. The football just landed at the same time, as if everything had been calculated with precision. He did not shoot hard. He just lifted the top of his right foot… And the football leaped again and flew over Asenjo’s head, drawing a parabolic line and crashing straight into the goal.

Since I can’t go to the final, I’ll just put the ball into the goal that is set aside for the final ahead of time!

Using my right foot to send the team to the final! There’s nothing more to regret! That’s right, there’s nothing more…

The football brushed against the crossbar to fly over the goal line and ended up inside the goal.

Son of a bitch! Why is it me…

Mitchell was on his knees and fell to the ground.

The Nou Mestalla stadium was silent.

“It’s one of the most beautiful arcs I’ve ever seen…” In such a quiet environment, John Motson sighed gently.