As soon as the final whistle blows, the broadcast camera quickly finds Leo Lin, the key figure for Spain in this match, who delivered a stunning performance by directly contributing to five goals.
"It's fair to say this rout was orchestrated almost entirely by Leo Lin."
"Eliminating Japan by such a huge margin will greatly boost Spain's confidence, and it's also a reward for their steadily improving form in recent matches."
"Hierro, Xavi, Raúl, and David Villa. The four of them have established a new tactical framework for the team, built on quick, vertical short passing and no longer tied strictly to possession-based play. That has created more attacking opportunities and allowed Spain to truly shine."
"And Zubizarreta, who is assisting the Spanish national team, has built a very solid defensive system across the midfield and back line."
The Spanish players thank the fans who came to support them, then gradually head back to the locker room.
The entire Spanish locker room is filled with joyful singing, as everyone celebrates the victory.
Leo Lin, who is named Man of the Match, receives his custom World Cup Man of the Match trophy and once again attends the post-match press conference alongside head coach Hierro.
Joining them this time is striker Diego Costa, who has also been outstanding throughout this World Cup. His nickname "Heavy Metal" has already spread widely among fans.
The venue is packed with reporters from all over the world. Spain's post-match press conference has now become a must-attend event that journalists are scrambling to get into.
Anyone who manages to secure an interview with Leo Lin is guaranteed a surge in traffic.
"Lin!"
"You directly contributed to five goals in this match and continue to lead the Golden Boot race. Your goal tally is already close to that of past Golden Boot winners. Does this mean you've already secured the Golden Boot for this World Cup?"
Leo Lin has no interest in answering this question, because no matter how he responds, he could easily fall into a trap set by the reporters.
But Diego Costa, standing beside him, speaks first.
"Who said Lin has already secured the Golden Boot?"
"I'm still here. Come on, don't ignore me."
Diego Costa laughs as he helps Leo Lin out.
"Diego, you've been in excellent form this World Cup, and Lin has provided you with several assists. Are the two of you close?"
Diego Costa puts on a look of mock disgust.
"Who said I'm close with him?"
"I didn't even share a room with him. That damn Ramos took the spot that should've been mine."
In the national team, players stay two to a room. Diego Costa originally wanted to room with Leo Lin, but captain Ramos used his authority to take that spot.
It is an extremely lively press conference. Diego Costa shows great composure, handling questions alongside Leo Lin with ease and confidence.
After such a comfortable win over Japan, the Spanish players continue preparing at full intensity as they await their next match.
Two days later.
"Take a look at the scoring chart. Six goals in total." [An earlier version incorrectly stated five. This has now been corrected.]
"Two against Portugal, two against Morocco, and against Japan, he directly contributed to five goals, two goals and three assists."
"Look at the Golden Boot standings. Lin is clearly leading!" On July 8th, Casillas is reviewing the live Golden Boot rankings.
"First: Leo Lin, six goals.
Second: Kane, four goals.
Second: Diego Costa, four goals.
Fourth: Cristiano Ronaldo, three goals.
Fourth: Mbappe, three goals.
Sixth: Messi, two goals.
Sixth: Aguero, two goals.
..."
"Based on the current situation, there is probably only one player left who can continue challenging Lin for the Golden Boot, because England and Portugal are about to face off in another massive showdown."
"And in this match, either Cristiano Ronaldo or Kane will be eliminated. There is no scenario where both advance."
"So who will remain in the World Cup to compete with Lin for the Golden Boot. Kane or Cristiano Ronaldo? Let's wait and see!"
Many fans have already begun closely following the race for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.
While Casillas is analyzing the Golden Boot race, in the Spanish team's massage room, Leo Lin sits among his teammates, listening to the chaotic mix of commentary coming through both ears.
The players are watching different Round of 16 matches on various devices. Commentary from multiple broadcasts overlaps constantly, making Leo Lin feel like his mind is about to split.
"Lukaku moves down the left and passes to Hazard. Hazard dribbles forward!"
"One on one against Samedov. He's past him!"
"Ball to the far post. De Bruyne has a chance!"
"Shot!!!"
"Goal! Beautiful!"
"Kevin De Bruyne puts Belgium ahead, 2 to 1!"
"Belgium leads the host nation!"
...
"Both sides are battling fiercely. England still looks to attack from the wings."
"They find Trippier. There's space."
"Cross to the far post. Header!"
"It's in!"
"Harry Kane beats José Fonte in the air and scores!"
"A brilliant aerial attack!"
"Under Southgate, this England side has clearly improved compared to the past."
"They've combined ground play with wing crosses very effectively and are performing well."
"The current score is 1 to 1. England and Portugal are level!"
Leo Lin listens to Belgium's match on his left and England versus Portugal on his right.
Both Round of 16 matches are incredibly intense, drawing attention from all over the world.
Finally, at 11 p.m. local time, both matches reach their closing moments.
"De Bruyne cuts inside to the left and curls it toward the far post with the outside of his foot!"
"Lukaku with the header!"
"Another goal! That seals it!"
"Belgium leads the host nation 3 to 1!"
"They've won it!"
...
"Oh, it's over, it's over!"
"Viewers, the final Round of 16 match of the 21st World Cup has come to an end. Portugal loses 1 to 2 to England and is eliminated by this young, energetic side."
"England. Kane with a goal and an assist, Lingard with a beautiful curling finish to seal it. This group of young players has an incredibly bright future!"
"Maguire, Stones, Kyle Walker, Lingard, Alli, Trippier, Sterling, Harry Kane, and Liverpool captain Henderson. They have defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal!"
"We should congratulate them. But Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving once again."
"As the champions of Euro 2016, Portugal carried high expectations. But this is how football always goes."
"New generations of talent continue to emerge, just like you were once called prodigies."
"They grew up watching your matches, studying your every move, even memorizing your habits when you dribble."
"And that is exactly why staying at the top is so difficult."
"Your every action is analyzed under a microscope, and your weaknesses are magnified."
"Everyone aims to defeat you. They respect you, but on the pitch, beating you is their greatest honor."
"New stars rise in every generation, replacing those who came before."
"And that is precisely why modern football continues to evolve and move forward."
"So, fans, please remember Cristiano Ronaldo."
"This disciplined and great goalscorer."
"Please remember William Carvalho, José Fonte, Pepe, and Patrício."
"They are saying goodbye to this World Cup."
"The young Gonçalo Guedes, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes all have bright futures ahead."
"They will play for top clubs and become the core of a new Portuguese team in the future."
In early July, all Round of 16 matches of the World Cup in Russia come to an end.
The final eight teams are confirmed. World Football News immediately releases posters for all eight teams, with Leo Lin, wearing the number 8 shirt, representing Spain.
World Football News headline:
[The quarterfinalists are confirmed. They are:]
[The Five-Star Samba: Brazil!]
[Les Bleus: France!]
[The Albiceleste: Argentina!]
[The Three Lions: England!]
[The Red Devils: Belgium!]
[The Blågult: Sweden!]
[La Celeste: Uruguay!]
[La Roja: Spain!]