Today's Morning Post: The U17 World Cup Final is about to kick off—Spain and England collide in a battle at the very peak!
According to the latest projections, global viewership for the U17 World Cup Final is set to hit an all-time high!
Leo Lin's odds for the Golden Boy Award have risen to second place, just narrowly behind Mbappe!
If Leo Lin wins the U17 World Cup and claims the Best Player award, his chances of overtaking Mbappe for the Golden Boy will surge!
Roughly 330 media outlets worldwide have announced joint live broadcasts of the U17 World Cup Final!
Early the next morning, multiple trending topics flooded the internet, all centered around the U17 World Cup.
Every football fan's attention was locked firmly onto the final.
This was the last truly global football feast before the Russia World Cup—a match that drew the gaze of the entire footballing world.
Legends from the five major leagues appeared one after another, invited into major livestreams to analyze and discuss the final.
Spanish legends arrived in force, joining the official broadcast studios to cheer on the home side.
In the livestreams, viewers split into two camps: a large group backing Spain and Leo Lin, and a smaller group supporting England.
With Leo Lin on the pitch, Spain clearly enjoyed greater support.
"My hands are actually shaking."
In the pre-match broadcast, Casillas raised both hands—they were visibly trembling.
"I wasn't even this nervous saving a one-on-one in a Champions League final."
"Good luck, Spain!"
Across Spain, England, and many other countries, schools were already prepared—streams turned on early to watch pre-match analysis.
Leo Lin and Ocho's classroom was packed to capacity. Not only their own classmates, but students from neighboring classes crowded in as well, all for some reason drawn to Class Three.
"The real Class Three derby—Ocho versus Leo Lin!"
"The key to England winning is whether they can contain Lin."
"I can't take it anymore—just start the match already! Bring football home!"
October 20th, 8:00 PM, European time.
ESPN live broadcast.
Derek Rae waited excitedly for kickoff as every channel cut to the stadium feed.
"Football fans, the 2017 U17 World Cup Final is about to begin!"
"You're looking at Salt Lake Stadium, the second-largest stadium in the world, with a full capacity of 120,000!"
"For safety and security reasons, tonight's attendance is around 100,000—and that number alone is absolutely staggering!"
"The roar of one hundred thousand fans will truly shake these young players to their core. This final is a real test for both teams!"
"Not just physically, but mentally and psychologically as well."
"If you go a goal down and your mental defenses collapse, the match can lose all suspense right there."
"Only teams strong in both body and mind are worthy of standing atop the U17 World Cup!"
"Our cameras are now sweeping across the stands—many famous faces have arrived to watch this final."
"Casillas, Villa, Raúl, Golden Boy Torres, Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Maldini…"
"And celebrities from other fields as well—Taylor, Camille, Maria…"
"Maria is even wearing Leo Lin's number ten jersey, her face full of smiles."
As Derek Rae continued his introduction, the stadium lights suddenly dimmed. The U17 World Cup pre-match light show began, instantly pushing the atmosphere to a boiling point!
Then the entire stadium plunged into darkness. Every fan held their breath.
Three beams of light locked onto the players' tunnel entrance. Both starting lineups were already waiting inside!
Leo Lin, the standout performer of the tournament, had been named captain for this final. Wearing the armband, he stood at the very front of the team.
The three beams of light slowly advanced as the referee, Marciniak, led both teams onto the pitch.
Hand in hand with a mascot, Leo Lin stepped forward. The captain's armband on his arm gleamed brilliantly.
The number 10 on his jersey shone under the spotlight!
The thunderous roar of one hundred thousand fans crashed into his ears. From this moment on, the eyes of hundreds of millions of viewers were fixed on him alone!
Every movement on the pitch would tug at the nerves of the crowd—bringing joy or sorrow, excitement or screams.
Welcome to the U17 World Cup Final!
"This is ESPN, live from Salt Lake Stadium," Derek Rae said.
"Greetings to all fans in the stadium and in front of your screens!"
"You are now watching the 2017 U17 World Cup Final, live from Salt Lake Stadium!"
"The two sides facing off are Spain, in their red home kits, against England, wearing white!"
"Now, let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"
Livestream chat:
"Go Spain! Win the title! Reach the top of the world!"
"The captain's armband looks perfect on Lin—our best number ten, our most reliable midfield general!"
"England is destined for the summit—this is the strongest U17 team they've ever had!"
"Foden! Win the title! Take the MVP! Bring football home!!!"
Fans from both sides were already swept up in total euphoria.
"First, let's look at England. They're lining up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation."
"Goalkeeper: Anderson!"
"Defenders: Guehi, Gibson, Ocho, Panzo!"
"Midfielders: Gallagher, Kirby, Angel Gomes, Emile Smith Rowe!"
"Forwards: Foden, Hudson-Odoi, Brewster!"
"On paper, England's lineup is incredibly strong!"
At the same time, in a streamer's room, a Wang-surnamed host with an honest-looking face spotted a comment fly past.
"Why isn't Palmer starting?"
"No dribbling, no passing—why start him?"
Derek Rae immediately continued.
"Spain, meanwhile, have also fielded their strongest possible lineup."
"Goalkeeper: Alvaro."
"Defenders: Miranda, Eric Garcia, Guillamon, Morey."
"Midfielders: Beitia, Antonio, Leo Lin."
"Forwards: Sergio Gómez, Ruiz, Ferran Torres!"
Both teams took their positions in their respective halves. Moments later, the match began!
Spain kicked off!
Several players lined up along the halfway line—clearly aiming for a lightning-fast opening attack!
"Ruiz plays it back, multiple runners surge forward!"
"Leo Lin receives the ball and looks up, but England immediately presses, cutting off his forward passing options."
Gallagher closes him down at once. Leo Lin shields the ball with his back to goal, then cuts inside to create space!
A textbook long pass arcs toward the left side of the penalty area. Gómez follows up and nods it on with a header!
Miranda arrives late and sweeps it across the face of goal!
Ferran Torres dives in with a sliding finish!
"Oh!!!" Derek Rae reacts.
"It's in!!!"
"Spain score right at the start!!!"
"A dream opening!!!"
"They've got the perfect start!!!"