All the fans clutched their heads, unable to believe everything that had unfolded in this match so far!
"The third goal of the first half is here! Diego Costa goes clean through one-on-one!"
"Heavy metal erupts. a thunderous strike slams the ball into the net. Portugal trail 1-2!"
With little time left in the first half, Spain continued to dictate the tempo and dominate possession in the closing minutes after play resumed.
The halftime whistle finally blew. the crowd was buzzing, completely swept up in this thrilling group stage clash!
As both teams headed back to the locker rooms, live viewership across major platforms surged to yet another record high.
"According to the latest official figures, thanks to how spectacular this match has been, global live viewership has already surpassed 470 million and is still climbing. more and more fans are tuning in to this group stage showdown!"
In the World Cup studio, the six-man panel was loving every second.
"This is the best match I've seen so far in this World Cup!" Gullit said, his face lit with excitement. he looked like he wanted to get out there himself.
"It really takes me back to those glorious days. back then, I was just as full of fire."
Ronaldo sat back in his chair, belly out, reminiscing.
"Heroes don't live off past glory, Ronaldo. look at you now. you're basically a sausage stuffed with extra meat."
Gerrard opened the first-half analysis report, while Casillas beside him held Spain's report.
"Spain's highest-rated player at halftime is Diego Costa, followed by the young Lin. both were crucial in the first half."
"Lin was involved in both goals. first winning the penalty, then assisting Diego Costa for his second."
Casillas was pleased with Spain's performance, but his eyes still drifted toward Cristiano Ronaldo.
"The only real uncertainty is Cristiano. he's been in outstanding form today. on the other hand, his partner Gonçalo Guedes is still too young and clearly not ready for this stage."
"In the second half, Santos might need to make changes earlier. they have an experienced forward like Quaresma on the bench. he could be a game-changer."
Gerrard clearly had a soft spot for Quaresma. his outside-of-the-foot shots were famous.
The atmosphere in both locker rooms remained steady. despite being a goal down, they all believed they could equalize or even turn it around.
Veteran coach Santos kept emphasizing the speed of the counterattack.
"We need to be faster."
"The moment we have space on the counter, play forward immediately. get the ball to Cristiano as often as possible."
"Guedes, I want more movement from you in the second half. stretch their defense and create space for Cristiano."
"Bernardo, you did well in the first half. keep controlling the ball on the flanks."
"Bruno, remember to increase your forward runs. look to combine with Bernardo through long switches of play."
In Spain's locker room, Hierro continued to stress Ball Control.
"Keep possession steady. as long as we control the ball, we'll create more chances."
"The moment they get a counterattack opportunity, everyone drops back together. everyone defends."
"Lin, you were excellent in the first half. keep driving the team in the second. we need your forward runs and explosiveness."
Leo Lin nodded. he said nothing, just kept taking deep breaths, trying to calm the excitement inside him.
It was his first World Cup. he was too excited.
But too much excitement could be a problem.
15 minutes later, the second half began.
Portugal kicked off and attacked immediately!
As many as six players pushed forward at once, forcing Spain to drop deep.
Leo Lin stayed tight to Moutinho, but Bernardo, carrying the ball on the right, switched play with a long diagonal to the left, picking out Bruno's forward run perfectly!
Bruno Fernandes met it first time, sending a cutback toward the top of the box where Gonçalo Guedes received it!
"Guedes with the first touch. a bit heavy."
"He lays it off to Ronaldo!"
"Shot!"
"Oh. it's in!"
"Goal!"
"De Gea. that's a howler!"
"He got to it but couldn't hold on. it slips through his legs and into the net!"
"Portugal have equalized again!"
"Ronaldo. that's his second!"
"The Portuguese striker is in sensational form today!"
Leo Lin immediately rushed over and embraced De Gea.
"It's okay, De Gea. come on. forget it."
De Gea patted him on the back and hurled the ball back toward midfield.
"No one would have expected it. De Gea, one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, makes that kind of mistake on the World Cup stage."
"The second half has barely begun, and Portugal have already leveled it again!"
Derek Rae was buzzing. he hadn't expected this match to be so dramatic.
Fans both in the stadium and online were completely locked in, eyes glued to every movement on the pitch.
After the restart, Spain executed a set opening move.
Clearly something they had rehearsed.
Diego Costa laid it back. Diego Costa, Thiago, David Silva, and Iniesta all surged forward together, each available to receive.
Leo Lin hung just behind them, waiting for his moment!
Busquets received the ball and launched a precise long pass toward Diego Costa!
Heavy metal rose high, outjumping José Fonte and flicking a header on!
David Silva arrived to strike, but he miskicked it, sending the ball spinning behind him!
Leo Lin steps in and swings!
A clean volley, struck with explosive force!
In that instant!
Derek Rae roared!
"Leo Lin!"
"A thunderbolt from Leo Lin! straight out of the sky!"
...
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