October 17, 2007Maximir Stadium, Zagreb, Croatia
The crowd roared like a raging storm, with Croatian fans leaping from their seats, cheering wildly.
The scoreboard read 3-1, with 87 minutes on the clock.
It was the 10th round of the European Championship qualifiers.
At home, Croatia was playing against Israel, and thanks to Suker's outstanding performance, victory was within reach.
Suker had contributed both a goal and an assist, leading Croatia to almost certainly qualify for the European Championship finals as group leaders.
"There's no chance left! Israel is done!"
"We will qualify for the European Championship as group winners!"
Croatian commentator Klaušić shouted excitedly.
After more than a year and ten rounds of matches, Croatia's record stood at 8 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, ranking first in the group.
With a total of 12 rounds, Croatia only needed to win this match—even losing the last two matches, they would still top the group.
Because yesterday, Russia defeated England at home.
Cheers erupted!!!
When Suker ran toward the stands, Croatian fans exploded with wild applause and shouts.
They wholeheartedly celebrated their pride and star player.
"This is the dominance of the Ballon d'Or winner—Israel couldn't stop Suker's assaults; their defense was utterly broken!"
"Croatia's attacks relentlessly ravaged Israel's half, making it impossible for them to organize effective offense. Even though they scored a penalty, after that they couldn't mount a real counterattack!"
"Croatia's coaching staff wisely substituted Suker; at this stage, all that's needed is to defend!"
"Also, it's a gift to Suker—to let him receive the full applause of the stadium alone."
Klaušić shouted excitedly, "Congratulations, Suker! Our Ballon d'Or winner!"
Applause thundered!
All Croatian fans stood, applauding him with admiration.
They cheered not only for his goal and assist in this match but also to celebrate his 2007 Ballon d'Or victory.
Before Suker, no Croatian player had ever dreamed of this honor.
Even the great Davor Suker was not the pinnacle of his era.
But Suker made it!
In only two years since entering the top leagues, he exploded with unrivaled performance and form.
His Ballon d'Or was undisputed worldwide.
Everyone knew AC Milan's situation last season, making Suker's win even more impressive.
Clap!"Well played!"
Coach Bilic gave Suker a high-five and hug, feeling elated.
Having a Ballon d'Or winner on the team felt amazing.
Van Stoyak also extended his hand:
"Congratulations again!"
Suker smiled and shook it, then returned to the bench.
The game continued, but Israel had basically lost their fighting spirit.
They still had a chance to qualify, but now had to compete with Russia and England for second place.
The final whistle blew at 90 minutes.
Croatia won 3-1 against Israel, achieving their ninth win in the qualifiers.
This meant Croatia qualified for the European Championship finals two rounds early, as group winners.
European Championship Qualifiers Group E Standings:1st: Croatia — 9 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 28 points2nd: England — 6 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, 20 points3rd: Russia — 5 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 18 points4th: Israel — 5 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses, 17 points
Croatia had qualified early.
England, Russia, and Israel were fighting for the second qualifying spot.
Other teams were already eliminated.
The situation in Group E shocked everyone.
Who would have thought that the Three Lions would be so thoroughly dominated by Croatia?
They trailed by 8 points, completely out of reach.
Before the qualifiers, everyone expected England to have a guaranteed spot.
But now, England had to compete fiercely with Russia and Israel just to qualify.
Most critically, England's final qualifier was against Croatia—a very strong opponent.
If England failed to beat Croatia, and Russia won their last two matches, England would be eliminated.
After ten rounds, England went from comfortable leaders to hanging by a thread, facing possible elimination.
They had played themselves into a dire situation.
English media fiercely criticized the national team.
Especially after the tenth round loss away to Russia, which kept Russia's qualification hopes alive and put England in serious danger.
Headlines blared:
"What's wrong with England?"
"England faces elimination?"
"Dangerous times! England struck hard by Russia!"
All major newspapers described England's poor form.
No one expected one of Europe's traditional powerhouses to perform so poorly.
"What's with the rotation? Do they think their players are interchangeable?" Suker commented bitterly.
England was being ruined by over-commercialization.
It was obvious the system didn't work, but they insisted on using it.
They didn't reflect after losing to Croatia, and after losing to Russia, they put themselves in danger—only their own fault.
And Beckham—so useful, but they insisted on a generational change.
Why not wait until after the European Championship or at least the qualifiers ended?
England's current predicament was self-inflicted, undeserving of sympathy.
Back at Suker's estate, Mandžukić and others gathered by the trophy cabinet, curious.
Suker had many trophies, but the Ballon d'Or sat in the middle, the most dazzling.
It stood on a base with a golden football on top.
"Is this the Ballon d'Or?"
Mandžukić looked envious.
Suker turned: "It's 31 cm tall, the 'golden ball' has a diameter of 23 cm, weighs 7 kg, the base is made of pyrite, the ball itself is two brass plates welded together and plated with gold. At the bottom is my name engraved. Mario, hand it over!"
Mandžukić reluctantly pulled his hand away from the trophy and smirked: "So stingy!"
Suker wiped the Ballon d'Or with a towel until it shone and nodded in satisfaction.
"I'm coming to steal your Ballon d'Or tonight!" Mandžukić joked.
Suker glared: "If you steal it, I'll burn your house down tonight, heretic!"
Srna watched them bicker and said exasperatedly:
"Mario, you'll get one in the future too!"
Mandžukić clenched his fist: "Just wait and see."
Suker scowled: "Impossible! The Ballon d'Or is mine!"
Modrić laughed: "Aren't you guys going?"
"My flight is tonight."
"Mine too."
After the match, the national players had to return to their clubs to continue league matches.
They were all busy.
Srna looked at Suker: "You coming back with me?"
Suker replied: "If Milan fans see us together, they'll think we're super close!"
Srna threw a slipper at him.
"Serves you right for talking smack!"
Suker dodged skillfully and smiled: "I'll leave tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Why not tonight?"
Srna asked.
Suker sighed: "The boss asked me to go to the club once more."
Boss?
Everyone froze.
Only one person did Suker call "boss"—Besic, coach of Dinamo Zagreb.
"To Dinamo Zagreb?"
Suker nodded: "Yes, a charity speech. They're expanding their youth training to other areas and need funding support. Taking advantage of my current popularity, they want me to endorse their youth program."
If it were anyone else, Suker wouldn't care.
But Besic was the coach who brought him from Bosnia to Croatia and discovered him.
So Suker had to save face.
Even if there was no pay this time, he was willing to support his old club!