The goal didn't just change the scoreline.
It changed the air.
For a few seconds after the ball dropped into the net, the Allianz Arena existed in that strange space between disbelief and eruption. Then the noise came crashing back—louder than before, heavier, final.
Germany 3–1 Portugal.
And now—
time was against Portugal.
They restarted quickly.
No hesitation.
No regrouping.
The ball went straight back into midfield, Bruno Fernandes demanding it immediately, his arms already gesturing, already urging his teammates forward.
"Portugal have to go now," Matthäus said. "There's no time left to manage the game. It's all or nothing."
And they went.
Vitinha dropped deeper to collect, turning sharply under pressure before driving forward again. Bernardo Silva drifted centrally, trying to overload the middle, while Jota positioned himself between the lines, constantly moving, constantly looking for space.
Germany, on the other hand, shifted into control mode.
Not passive.
