In the Spanish team's massage room, Leo Lin and the others were watching the Group G match between Iceland and Argentina.
The commentator's voice grew more and more animated, because the match was unfolding in a way no one had expected.
"Chance for Iceland. Breaking down the right!"
"Cutback. Shot from the edge of the box!"
"Brilliant!"
"Iceland have scored!"
"One nil. Iceland lead Argentina!"
Diego Costa let out a disbelieving laugh, while Ramos rubbed his head and turned to Leo Lin.
"Lin, did you see that? Iceland scored first!"
Leo Lin smiled and nodded.
"That's the World Cup, Ramos. Anything can happen here."
Everyone was drawn into the match, and more and more people gathered to watch.
Iceland's defensive performance left everyone impressed. They held their shape and refused to break.
It was not until the second half that Manchester City striker Agüero received the ball, turned, and unleashed a thunderous shot that smashed into the net. The power of it was so great it went straight through the goalkeeper's hands.
"Great goal!"
"Agüero. Turns and smashes it in!"
"That is the power of a top striker!"
"One one. Argentina level it with difficulty!"
At that point, the Spanish players were convinced Argentina would go on to win, especially when they were awarded a penalty.
"I will bet tomorrow's breakfast. This is going in. Iceland are finished," Iniesta said with absolute confidence.
But then, Iceland's goalkeeper, whose main job seemed to be a film director, saved Messi's penalty.
When the final whistle blew and the match ended 1 to 1, everyone could see the shock in each other's eyes.
"Well, that's the World Cup," Ramos said with a smile.
Leo Lin lay on the massage table, gently moving his arm. Every day, he checked to make sure he had fully recovered.
His gaze drifted as he watched the Iceland players celebrating with their fans, performing the Viking war chant. Slowly, he closed his eyes.
"Soon."
"My turn is coming soon."
...
After their hard fought 1 to 0 win over Iran in the opening match, some fans once again began to question Spain.
Although the legendary quartet had secured the win through tactical adjustments, could this transitional Spanish side still take all three points against stronger opponents?
To safely qualify from the group, winning two out of three matches was the most reliable path.
Portugal, the other major team in the group, had also won 1 to 0 against Morocco and collected three points.
In the second round, whoever won between Spain and Portugal would secure qualification early.
The blockbuster clash was approaching, and the biggest boost for Spain was the return of the human monster, Leo Lin.
Even Dici still found it hard to believe, but Leo Lin had recovered in exactly half the expected time.
June 28. The second round of Group B. A decisive showdown was about to begin.
This match would be officiated by world class Italian referee Rocchi and held at Fisht Olympic Stadium.
For this key group stage clash, official projections estimated that global viewership would exceed 500 million.
Both teams were making their final preparations.
June 28, 7:30 PM local time.
The starting lineups were submitted.
Portugal's veteran head coach Fernando Santos was stunned when he saw Spain's lineup.
"How is this possible!"
"Lin is starting?!"
"Wasn't his arm fractured? Who said he would need at least three weeks to recover?!"
Santos immediately gathered his coaching staff to reassess the situation and come up with an emergency plan.
With Leo Lin in the starting lineup, he would inevitably become the focus of targeted defensive tactics, but Portugal had clearly not prepared for this.
Commentators and fans around the world were equally shocked when they saw Spain's lineup.
The earlier reports had suggested Leo Lin would only be close to returning after at least two group matches, yet now he was starting.
"Did he take injections? Otherwise how could Lin start?"
"No way they would risk that. He is still so young. That could ruin his career. Spain would not be that reckless."
"Is it possible that Lin has the same terrifying recovery speed as those legendary injury monsters in football history?"
Santos and his staff immediately began analyzing the situation. They even started drafting new defensive tactics on the team bus on the way to the stadium.
Meanwhile, on ESPN, it was Derek Rae.
"Viewers around the world!"
"This is ESPN!"
"You are about to watch the headline clash of Group B's second round!"
"Spain, La Furia Roja, against Portugal!"
"Leo Lin starts!"
...
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