The next morning, World Football News released three front-page headlines in a row.
"Spain eliminate England and advance to the World Cup final!"
"The World Cup Golden Boot race turns into an all-Spanish battle!"
"Football comes home. Fifty planes form a 'Welcome Home' message over London to celebrate England's breakthrough in this World Cup."
England had not gone home yet. They still had the third-place match to play.
Spain waited for the result of the other semifinal. France versus Uruguay. The winner would meet Spain in the final.
England fans did not blame the players. Even after being eliminated by Spain, they flooded social media with applause and congratulations.
England had already exceeded expectations.
"For me, this is not elimination. It means we are one of the four strongest teams in the world."
"Every player gave everything. They showed spirit and delivered a performance to be proud of."
"As long as England keeps playing like this, no one will blame them. They did their best. There is no shame in that."
"Congratulations to Spain, and congratulations to Lin. A great opponent, a worthy opponent. Go win the World Cup with the blessings of England fans and shine at the top of the world."
"Did anyone notice Lin was the first to wait at the tunnel entrance to comfort England players? He is a truly respectable opponent. It is impossible not to like him."
Many England fans grew even more fond of Leo Lin after seeing him console their players. They had already liked the young player competing in the Premier League.
Now, Leo Lin also had a real chance to win the Ballon d'Or as a Premier League representative. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United, no Premier League player had claimed it.
Without anyone really noticing, Leo Lin was steadily becoming the face of the Premier League.
Hierro gave the players a day off. Everyone stayed at the hotel, resting and enjoying themselves.
Egged on by his teammates, Sergio Ramos tried once again to defend his "table tennis honor" against Leo Lin.
The result was a string of bright red 11 to 0 scores.
Leo Lin simply refused to let him win a single point.
By the time Barnett entered the hotel, the first thing he heard was Sergio Ramos shouting in despair.
"Lin!!!"
"Please!!!"
"I love you so much!!!"
"Let me score just one point, or I will smother you with a pillow while you are asleep tonight!!!"
Sergio Ramos had completely lost it.
The teammates around them were laughing so hard they were in tears. Everyone was cheering and teasing him. The atmosphere was full of energy.
After getting Hierro's approval, Barnett found Leo Lin. He had come with an endorsement offer from the local market.
"There is a very interesting deal."
"Red King Crab and Bashkir Honey."
"They are both well-known local food brands. They have teamed up to invite you as their spokesperson. The offer is generous. They want you to promote a new product line."
Leo Lin initially did not want to accept. Even though they had reached the final, Spain's job was not finished.
Hierro also would not want players taking on endorsements before the World Cup final.
But the brands had planned carefully. They would deliver the products directly to the team hotel. Leo Lin only needed to take a photo for promotional use.
At the same time, the six support staff members who had traveled with Spain would also benefit. They would stand behind Leo Lin in a formation on both sides, appearing together in the endorsement, and each would receive 100,000 as payment.
Hierro saw this as a reward for the support staff.
So he was happy to allow it. Leo Lin agreed as well, with one condition. The endorsement would only be announced after the World Cup final.
Soon, the products arrived at the hotel. The six support staff members could hardly contain their excitement. For them, this payment meant a great deal, since their salaries were nowhere near those of professional players.
Leo Lin held a live red king crab in his left hand and a jar of honey in his right, putting on a professional smile.
This was the fastest, easiest, and most enjoyable endorsement shoot he had ever done.
Because this time, he was using his influence to help the people who had supported him all along.
The six staff members had always taken great care of Leo Lin. Partly because his status in the team kept rising, and partly because of his personality.
His lively character and high emotional intelligence earned him genuine respect and affection from everyone.
During the shoot, his Spain teammates gathered around to watch.
"Come on, smile wider. Let me see those back teeth."
"That fake smile is not professional at all. They should have hired me. I would take half the fee and still smile more professionally than Lin."
"So how are we eating that crab later. Steamed?"
"Does not matter. It is free. It will taste good no matter what."
Listening to the teasing around him, Leo Lin struggled to keep his expression steady.
That is how it is among friends.
When your closest teammates are around, it is hard to take anything too seriously.
But at the same time, everything becomes lighter.
Hierro had one arm around Xavi and the other around Zubizarreta. Raúl and Villa stood behind them on either side. Looking at this united group, they suddenly felt full of confidence about the final.
"Will we win?" Hierro asked.
The only answer was the laughter of the players echoing not far away.
...
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