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Belgium vs Portugal.
The first knockout match of the World Cup, second half, sides switched.
Many Belgian fans still thought they could easily defeat Portugal.
Before the match, many people prematurely popped champagne, indicating that Belgium would easily crush their opponents.
In interviews outside the stadium, drunken Belgian fans were shouting that they would easily beat Portugal 3-0.
On Twitter, there was even more crazy champagne popping, with celebrations from Belgian fans everywhere.
"3-0! If we don't win against Portugal today, I'll climb the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro with my bare hands and stand on top XXXX…"
"Portugal was so bad in the group stage, playing so poorly, how can they compete with Belgium? We're definitely safe today."
"Belgium qualified with a perfect record, while Portugal almost got eliminated in the group stage. It's clear who's stronger and who's weaker, right?"
"With Lance, we'll definitely crush them by 3 goals!"
But when Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick went in and Portugal temporarily led Belgium 2-1, many Portuguese fans rushed to the comment section to mock them.
"Speak up! Still shouting?"
"Who's crushing who, exactly?"
"What do you say to 2-1? Ronaldo > Lance!"
"Ronaldo is the best in the world!"
Fortunately, the attacking power of these Portuguese fans was too weak, just repeating the same old lines.
Otherwise, with the skill level of netizens, they would have been infuriated to death with maxed-out attacking power.
Belgian fans were not giving in; they hadn't conceded defeat yet!
"The match isn't over yet! Don't celebrate too early!"
At this moment, they couldn't bother with online arguments; everyone's eyes were fixed on the TV screen, hoping Belgium would perform in the second half.
As for the fans at the stadium, they had been singing wildly since halftime.
However, the Belgian fans' singing was quite disorganized, failing to form a unified sound.
Belgium is divided into French-speaking, German-speaking, and Flemish-speaking regions, with differences in lifestyle and culture in each part.
No unified, influential national voice emerged to lead all the fans.
Instead, the Portuguese fans in the stands were singing and dancing, performing Portuguese songs, their voices drowning out the Belgian section.
Other neutral Brazilian fans were just watching the show, supporting whoever won.
A portion of the locals had even switched allegiance to Portugal, shouting Cristiano Ronaldo's name.
Both on the field and in the stands, Belgium seemed to be at a disadvantage.
The team's morale was low, and the players had become quite impatient.
Origi's recent shot could have waited; he could have calmly passed it to De Bruyne on the right or back to Lance in the rear.
But he rushed his shot, turning and forcefully kicking it into the stands, which drew laughter from the Portuguese fans.
Belgium's morale was further hit.
"Should Lukaku come on?"
"Let him warm up, prepare to come on."
"But even with Lukaku, it might not help…"
Belgian assistant coach Jean-Luc looked dejected; his confidence had long vanished, and he truly felt they might lose to Portugal.
Wilmots was also biting his fingernails, his mind a mess, unable to come up with a good tactic.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at this point, had exploded in form, almost rivaling his strongest "Golden Edge Ronaldo" state.
He constantly threatened the Belgian goal.
If not for Courtois's god-tier performance, Cristiano Ronaldo would have already scored a hat-trick.
"Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range shot!! Oh my!! Almost went in! Belgium have narrowly escaped!"
"Courtois has made a world-class save! He will return to Chelsea next season from Atlético Madrid, taking Čech's place."
"It is said that Real Madrid are also eyeing this excellent goalkeeper, hoping to bring him to the Bernabéu."
"Courtois's performance in the World Cup is evident to all; he indeed possesses world-class ability."
"However, relying solely on him is not enough; the midfield and front line must also perform and create some threats for Portugal."
"Lance's running is very active, but his teammates are too anxious and haven't formed a good understanding with him."
"Let's see if Lance can step up and save the team next…"
…
What could Lance do?
Hazard, when anxious, liked to dribble the ball himself, head down all the way.
De Bruyne was tightly marked by Portugal, who had identified his role in midfield organization.
As for Origi, don't even mention him; he performs well when things are going smoothly, but is basically a liability when at a disadvantage.
Midfielders Fellaini and Witsel were basically defensive workers, offering little help in attack.
He could only try to find a way himself.
The good news was that Portugal's aggressive defense had finally allowed him to accumulate full rage early.
Normally, the Bachira Meguru template would only reach full rage after 70 minutes at least.
Now, at 62 minutes, it was already 100%!
Just waiting for an opportunity!
As Lance waited patiently, the moment arrived!
Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo continuously pose a threat, Portugal decided to push hard and attack, aiming to kill the game in one go.
Postiga, Moutinho, Meireles, William Carvalho, including both full-backs, all pushed forward.
They launched a frantic siege on the Belgian defense.
Suddenly, Kompany, Vermaelen, and Courtois were under immense pressure!
"Kompany!! A header clears it, but it's intercepted by Portugal again!! Nani tries a cross from the wing!"
"Cristiano — Ronaldo!!!"
"His header is saved by Courtois! Portugal's 12th corner of the match!"
Nani stood at the corner flag to take the kick, while Cristiano Ronaldo lurked in the box, ready to pounce.
Before pouncing, he instinctively glanced at Lance's position.
Perhaps it was a world-class superstar's sixth sense, but he felt that Lance being quiet for too long was abnormal and very dangerous.
Fortunately, Lance was also participating in defense in his own penalty area, so Cristiano Ronaldo temporarily relaxed.
Lance was indeed entangled with Raul Meireles.
Lance, who had grown from 181 to 183 cm, was now also a tall point for aerial defense.
Just as Nani's corner kick was about to be taken, at the moment Lance made an extremely strong run to pounce on the ball, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind!
Just like that line, "The beast dormant within has awakened!"
"Attack! Charge forward!"
"Now is the time!"
Raul Meireles was originally pulling and tugging with Lance, vying for aerial control at the back post.
Who knew this kid would suddenly let go and charge towards the front field?
Nani hadn't even taken the corner kick yet; was this kid crazy?
Meireles didn't think much of it.
It was good that this guy wasn't defending against him; if he headed it in, he would be a hero!
Nani took the corner kick, and Meireles, with a pleased expression, prepared to jump for the header.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also fiercely vying for the ball at this time, not noticing Lance's position at all.
Otherwise, he would have abandoned everything and rushed to defend against Lance.
For a moment, all the Portuguese players were focused on the ball, and no one noticed the sprinting Lance.
"Nani takes the corner kick!! Cristiano Ronaldo!!!"
Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo about to head the ball, He Wei's heart twitched.
The next second, Manchester City captain Kompany stepped up!
He outjumped Cristiano Ronaldo and headed the ball clear!
Belgian fans breathed a sigh of relief.
The Portuguese players on the field looked slightly disappointed, holding their heads in dismay, completely unaware of a red blur flashing out like lightning, dashing towards the landing spot!
Like a primordial beast unleashed from the abyss!