"You're now watching the Iberian Peninsula Derby!
The Matadors take on Portugal!
Both teams are clear favorites to advance from this group. The match is about to kick off!
Portugal are the reigning European champions. In the final of the last European Championship, they beat France 1-0 thanks to a miraculous substitute goal from Ronaldo to lift the trophy!
Spain, on the other hand, haven't been in great form in major tournaments in recent years. Before this tournament, they even had to change managers at the last minute due to special circumstances. Their narrow 1-0 win over Iran in the opening group match has only raised more doubts among fans about this Spanish side."
Derek Rae took the starting lineup from his assistant.
"Both teams have submitted their lineups. Let's start with Portugal."
"In goal is Patrício, highly experienced with refined shot-stopping."
"At left back, Guerreiro, a well-rounded player."
"At right back, Cédric Soares. Better going forward than defending, though without any standout strengths."
"At center back, José Fonte partners Pepe. One word to describe them. refined and gentlemanly."
Derek Rae chuckled. Everyone knew Pepe was anything but gentle on the pitch.
He was the kind of player who'd feel like he'd lost out if he didn't pick something up on the way out. On the field, he never takes a loss, and he'll do everything he can to make sure you do instead.
"At left midfield, Bruno Fernandes, commonly known as B-F, an outstanding player."
"At right midfield, Bernardo Silva, known as B-Sil, with exquisite Ball Control and superb dribbling."
"In midfield, Moutinho partners William Carvalho. One focuses on interceptions, the other on distribution. Clear roles."
"Up front, the twin strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Guedes. You know what Ronaldo means to Portugal."
"An outstanding lineup that fully reflects Portugal's strength!"
In various live streams:
"This B-F and B-Sil combo. if I may, can we give them a new nickname, maybe something like…"
"Ronaldo looks sharp. Santos is still going with defensive counterattacks."
"First time watching football. why does this Portuguese guy Pepe look so friendly when he smiles?"
Derek Rae continued with Spain's lineup.
"For Spain, Hierro sets up in a 4-2-3-1."
"In goal, De Gea. The king of Manchester. just ask around who runs the place!"
"At left back, Alba, the Barcelona prodigy."
"At right back, Carvajal from Real Madrid, widely regarded as the best in the world in his position."
"At center back, another Real Madrid and Barcelona pairing. Sergio Ramos alongside Gerard Piqué."
"In the double pivot, Busquets partners Thiago. The world's best Defensive Midfielder now has support. Thiago, the excellent playmaker from Bayern Munich."
"On the left, Iniesta, brilliant in tight spaces."
"On the right, David Silva, the Spanish magician and the cornerstone of Manchester City!"
"At attacking midfield, Leo Lin. Liverpool's new star! The model of the modern all-around Midfielder! The youngest core member of a quadruple-winning team! With a great physique and a handsome face, known as the heartthrob of world football!"
"Up front, Diego Costa, the archetype of a physical striker."
In various live streams:
"Derek Rae's commentary is really neutral. not biased toward Leo Lin at all."
"Well, if Iniesta's generation were four years younger, they'd at least make the final."
"With Lin back, this Spain team is definitely going to have more energy!"
"By the way, is Lin really fully recovered? I'm a bit worried. hope he's not forcing himself to start."
Some fans were still concerned about Leo Lin's arm. After all, his recovery had been astonishingly fast.
Meanwhile, in the locker rooms.
The moment to walk out was approaching. Leo Lin kept taking deep breaths, trying to steady himself.
He had played in a Champions League final before, but this was the World Cup. The atmosphere was on an entirely different level.
Captain Sergio Ramos adjusted his armband and stepped forward.
"One thing only. don't be afraid."
"The moment you step onto that pitch, remember this is the World Cup. hundreds of millions are watching us."
"There's pressure, but remember this is your opportunity!"
"Whether you make your name with a single goal or get left behind by the times depends entirely on you."
There was no fiery speech. After those simple words, Sergio Ramos led the team out into the tunnel.
Referee Rocchi and his officiating team were already waiting at the exit.
Leo Lin, wearing the number 8 shirt, walked at the very back of the line. To his right, Pepe was looking at him with a warm, almost doting smile.
As he stepped into the bright lights of Fisht Olympic Stadium, Leo Lin felt the roar of tens of thousands of fans crash over him instantly.
Streams across the world were already live. Commentators and fans alike were waiting for this blockbuster clash. the Iberian Peninsula Derby!
Moments later, the entire stadium began counting down.
"10!"
"9!"
...
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
"Beep!!!"
Rocchi blew the whistle. The match was underway!
Spain kicked off, with Diego Costa laying it back.
Leo Lin took control in midfield, acting as the hub, linking quick short passes with his teammates to steady the tempo and break Portugal's press.
Portugal's tactics were clear. sit back and counter.
They lined up in a 4-4-2, with both fullbacks pushing forward in attack and dropping back in defense.
2nd minute!
"Iniesta threads a pass toward the left. William Carvalho reads it and intercepts!"
"A long ball to the left flank. Cristiano Ronaldo controls, turns, and faces Carvajal!"
"A step-over feint. explosive acceleration!"
"He goes down in the box!"
"Carvajal sticks out his right leg to block, but clips Ronaldo's knee. the referee points to the spot!"
"Penalty!!!" Derek Rae shouts!
"It's barely the start, and Portugal already have a penalty!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo holds the ball. no doubt he'll take it."
"Run-up!"
"Shot!!!"
"Beautiful! It's in!"
"Portugal have a dream start!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo wins the penalty and converts it himself, putting his side 1-0 up."
Leo Lin immediately grabbed the ball and ran back to the center circle.
Ronaldo sprinted to the touchline, roaring in celebration. Portugal surged forward. no one expected such a perfect start from them!
Play quickly resumed. Spain still dominated possession, but Portugal's counters were razor-sharp.
10th minute!
"Spain attack down the left. cross comes in!"
"Chance here!"
"David Silva!"
"Over the bar!"
"Diego Costa flicks it back with his heel to David Silva behind him. brilliant touch, but Silva wasn't ready."
"Trailing now, Spain are increasing the intensity in attack."
16th minute!
"Carvajal on the right pushes forward."
"Leo Lin switches it wide. chance here."
"Cross. blocked by Ronaldo!"
"Interception. Moutinho picks it up. excellent!"
"Through ball to Guedes. Portugal are on the break!"
"Guedes drives forward. Ronaldo is making a run down the left!"
Sergio Ramos and Piqué show great understanding. they split instantly. Piqué moves wide to support Thiago in covering Ronaldo, while Ramos steps up to confront Guedes.
Ramos doesn't dive in. one-on-one, he retreats while engaging, forcing Guedes to the right and cutting off his link to Ronaldo.
Leo Lin sprints back into position. then suddenly steps in from behind, shouldering Guedes aside and winning the ball!
A touch to turn!
He surges forward in long strides!
Spain push up again!
The momentum flips!
"He's won it back!"
"From that challenge, it looks like Leo Lin's arm is basically fine!"
"Spain counter. Leo Lin driving forward!"
As he carried the ball, Leo Lin glanced up. he could hear rapid footsteps behind him. Ronaldo was chasing back.
With the outside of his foot, he plays it wide left!
Iniesta receives and, without stopping, sweeps a one-touch pass across. David Silva cuts inside from the flank, takes possession, creates space, then flicks it back with his heel to Leo Lin!
Leo Lin strides forward again. the three combine brilliantly in a three-on-two move!
William Carvalho is beaten. Portugal's midfield line is torn open!
As Leo Lin takes the ball, he twists into the box. shoulders past Moutinho on the right while controlling with the sole of his left foot. Facing Pepe, he nudges it right with a deft touch, turns his body, and prepares to shoot!
Moutinho reaches out and tugs at him, throwing off his balance.
Leo Lin stumbles and goes down!
"Beep!!!"
"Penalty! Another penalty!"
"This match is incredibly intense. we haven't even hit 20 minutes, and there are already two penalties!"
His teammates rush over, pulling Leo Lin to his feet and patting his chest in celebration.
Diego Costa steps up to take it.
In Spain's analysis room before the broadcast, Dici watches Leo Lin power past two defenders into the box to win the penalty, smiling as he speaks.
"People still don't understand what Leo Lin really is."
"One season has passed. he's already shown incredible ability, but what I mean is. his potential hasn't even begun to fully awaken."
"At this World Cup, the entire world will witness a true monster!"
"A human monster!!"