"Scoring the go-ahead goal at such a decisive moment proves just how outstanding Lin truly is!" Casillas said, brimming with excitement.
"There isn't a single player his age who can compare to him. Not one!"
"Judging by Lin's performances throughout this U17 World Cup, if Spain go on to win the title, the Golden Boy race is effectively over."
"I don't see anyone else capable of challenging him for this year's award!"
Spanish fans erupted, hugging one another and dancing together in the stands—a classic scene in football culture.
"This style of celebration originated in Poland," the commentator explained. "Fans there were the first to embrace one another and dance together in the stands. Soon, supporters from many clubs began copying it."
"That unique celebration spread to other countries and regions, eventually reaching England and Spain, where it became a favorite way for fans to celebrate."
"When Spanish supporters dance like this, they're sending a message: even if we're not watching the match and are just dancing, we can still win—because victory is as simple and effortless as dancing!"
Spanish fans were completely swept up in the frenzy. At the same time, at the language training school partnered with Liverpool's youth academy, classes had just ended—but no one was leaving. Every classroom was showing the match.
"It's in!"
"It's in! It's in!"
"Lin!"
"Lin from our class scored!"
Instantly, the room exploded with noise. The students there were all youth academy players from around the world, attending to improve their language skills, and nearly every one of them was focused on this semifinal.
"Over on the other side, England are doing brilliantly too. Ocho has just made a block, and England are already up 3–0!"
"Could the U17 World Cup final turn into a classmate derby?"
"Ocho versus Leo Lin?"
"Hahahaha!"
"Oh, and I've got some good news for everyone."
The teacher suddenly walked in, spoke a few words, then tapped the desk. Every student snapped to attention.
"At yesterday's general meeting, the principal made it clear: if England reach the U17 World Cup final, the school will organize all youth academy players to watch the live broadcast together on match day!"
The classroom erupted the moment he finished.
"I love the principal!!!"
"Come on, England!!"
"Let's go!!!"
...
Countless fans around the world were glued to their screens, waiting for the final whistle.
When play resumed, Leo Lin did everything he could to lift his teammates' spirits. Spain formed a chain defense, three defensive lines locking into place one after another.
From the first line onward, they executed an aggressive high press, pushing deep into France's half to deny them any comfort in building from the back.
"Spain are cutting off France's build-up from deep," the commentator said. "Cruyff once said that an attack built from the back is the only truly good attack."
"Spain's pressing is ferocious. France are being forced to rely on long balls just to get forward."
By the 85th minute, France were growing increasingly anxious as the clock ticked down.
"Push up! Everyone push up!" Tchouaméni shouted, urging his teammates forward.
Just as he prepared to surge ahead himself, Leo Lin appeared like a ghost, eyes locked onto him, as if asking silently—
Where do you think you're going?
Where exactly do you want to push?
"Tchouaméni is under immense pressure and is forced to play it back. He simply can't get past Leo Lin's defensive chain."
"They go long down the flank instead—Pintor receives it and cuts inside!"
"Another touch, trying to muscle past Morey—intercepted!"
"Morey is quick, and his turn and positioning are spot on!"
"Back into midfield—Antonio controls and shields the ball. Spain are showing great patience, refusing to just hoof it clear or hand possession back to France."
"Even with only a one-goal lead, they're not dropping everyone back to defend. They're sticking to their philosophy, using attack as defense."
"Attack is always the best form of defense!"
The match soon entered stoppage time, with three minutes added.
France continued searching desperately for an equalizer, but Spain's midfield and back line were packed tightly together.
92nd minute!
Tchouaméni lifted a through ball over the top, and the striker timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap!
But Álvaro rushed out early and met it with a diving header, clearing the danger.
In the center, Leo Lin received the ball with his back to goal, bracing himself against Tchouaméni. He controlled the first bounce, used his strength to shield possession, and forcibly spun away, muscling past him.
A brutally uncompromising breakthrough!
France scrambled to close him down, forming a tight local press.
Leo Lin stayed calm—his pace wasn't particularly fast, but his rhythm was rock solid.
Each short burst of explosive dribbling created just a little more space for him to protect the ball.
France fought desperately to win it back, but couldn't. The tension kept mounting.
93rd minute of stoppage time!
The referee raised his whistle to his mouth, offering France no more chances.
"Beep."
"Beep."
"Beep!!!"
Leo Lin collapsed to the ground, laughing.
Spanish players sprinted toward him, piling on one after another, stacking themselves into a human tower.
"It's over! It's all over!!!" Derek Rae shouted.
"Fans, the match is finished! Spain complete a hard-fought 2–1 comeback against France and book their place in the U17 World Cup final, where they'll meet England!"
"The champion will come from one of these two teams!"
"Man of the Match Leo Lin scores twice to lead the comeback!"
"His increasingly composed style of play fully reflects his strength!"
In the Sky Sports commentary booth, Gerrard stood up and applauded.
"I'll say it again: at U17 level, there isn't a single player who can compare to Lin!"
"After being tempered by the Premier League and the Champions League, his overall game is still improving!"
Leo Lin had been lying on the ground, celebrating freely, but soon his teammates piled on top of him one by one.
Gradually, a suffocating feeling set in as countless hands grabbed at him from all directions.
"Hey! Who the hell is pinching my butt?!"
"Ferran, get your filthy hands off me!"
...
The broadcast cut to the stands, where several Spanish legends rose to their feet and applauded.
Soon after, social media was flooded with congratulatory posts from Spanish greats, nearly all of them tagging Leo Lin.
Casillas: "Spain's midfield is secure for the next 15 years!"
David Villa: "Who's still saying Spain's midfield has no successors?"
Raúl: "Give my ring to Lin—he deserves it!"
Iniesta: "Who says Lin is a blend of Xavi and me? Don't make me cry!"
Xavi: "Who says Lin is a blend of Iniesta and me? I think you're absolutely right!"