Football singularity

Please vote to show me your support for the story. The higher we climb in the rankings, the more motivated I will feel. Mass releases will be rewarded for each 10 rankings we manage to climb.

#More than 10 chapters ahead on my Patreon: patreon.com/TrikoRex

{!!!Please leave a review, it helps me a lot and lets me know how many people are invested in the future of this novel!!!}

~~~

[13/11/2019, Location: Motor Lublin Arena, 19:28]

The stadium's roar grew to a deafening pitch as the referee blew his whistle, the match officially underway. The floodlights beamed down like thousands of tiny suns, illuminating every blade of grass and every bead of sweat on the players' brows.

Paul Gartner's voice spilled out from the speakers with the practised eloquence of a seasoned commentator. "Hello, ladies and Gentlemen to the semifinal clash between Germany and South Korea, and what a spectacle it promises to be! Germany in their traditional white and black, while South Korea sports their red and blue, their fans thundering with chants that could rival an earthquake."

"This promises to be an electrifying clash here at the Under-20 World Cup semifinals as both teams have given us some of the most spectacular moments during this tournament. Let's have a look at the line-ups of both teams first the German side lining up in a familiar 4-3-3 formation, a set-up designed for high-pressure attacking football with a solid midfield core." He continued as the players took their positions on their respective sides under the cheer of their fans.

Gartner's voice was crisp and clear, his words painting the scene for viewers and listeners at home as the cameras panned over the German team taking their positions. "Starting between the sticks for Germany is Jan Olschowsky, making his tournament debut as Luca Unbehaun is rested due to fatigue reasons after the 120-minute clash with USA, where he came in clutch in the penalty shootout."

His partner for today's game, Mark Stewart, continued the analysis as he remembered to do his job. "In defence, on the left flank, we have Noah Katterbach, who has been solid all tournament, guarding that flank, giving Rakim the freedom to create chances. On the opposite side, Antonis Aidonis, a versatile fullback who is just as comfortable pressing high as he is holding his line, replaces Simon Asta as today's starting right back."

"Armel Bella-Kotchap reprises his role as the defensive leader as the team's starting centre-back and is joined by Malik Talabidi who is also making his tournament debut." The camera shifted to the midfield trio; their faces locked in concentration. "Anchoring the midfield is the ever-reliable Angelo Stiller, who has been his team's engine throughout the tournament. He is joined by the creative dynamo Florian Wirtz and alongside Kevin Shade, a box-to-box midfielder."

Paul's voice lifted slightly with excitement as the camera closed in on the German frontline. "Now, we turn to the firepower up front. On the right, we have the speedster, Jamie Leweling. Leading the line is the ever-dangerous Youssoufa Moukoko. And finally, on the left wing, the sensation himself, Rakim Rex. His skill, creativity, and sheer audacity have left defenders in knots. Expect him to play a pivotal role tonight."

The camera transitioned to the South Korean players taking their positions, their faces equally intense under the blazing stadium lights. "And now to South Korea, who have shown remarkable resilience and tactical discipline throughout this tournament. They're lining up in a 4–2–3–1 formation, a setup designed to absorb pressure and strike with lethal counterattacks."

Paul Gartner's voice carried on, brimming with energy and precision. "In goal for South Korea, it's Lee Gwang-yeon of Gangwon FC. The defensive line starts with Choi Jun at right-back, a tireless worker capable of bombing down the flank to support attacks when needed. On the opposite side, Hwang Tae-hyeon from Daejeon Hana Citizen, a full-back who's just as comfortable breaking forward as he is defending. The centre-back pairing is Lee Jae-ik, of SC Freiburg, alongside Im Hyun-woo from Dinamo Zagreb, a no-nonsense defender with an excellent sense of positioning."

Mark Stewart chimed in, his tone steady and analytical. "Moving on to the midfield double pivot, it's Kim Jung-min from FC Liefering and Hong Hyun-seok from FC Juniors OÖ. The duo has formed a sturdy partnership, Kim's defensive discipline allowing Hong to push forward and initiate quick counters."

The cameras panned to the South Korean attacking trio, capturing their fierce expressions. "Now, here's where things get particularly interesting. On the right, Eom Won-sang of Gwangju FC is a blistering winger with the pace to burn past any defender. On the left, Jeong Woo-yeong from SC Freiburg, a dynamic forward capable of cutting inside and delivering dangerous balls into the box."

"And pulling the strings in the centre," Mark Stewart added, "is the one everyone's been talking about, Lee Kang-in of Valencia CF. His vision and creativity are the heartbeat of this South Korean attack. He has been producing attacking chances for this team, leading them all the way to the semifinals against teams like Argentina and Japan."

"Finally, leading the line is the powerful Oh Se-hun from Ulsan Hyundai," Paul Gartner concluded. "A striker who excels at holding the ball up and bringing his teammates into play. He'll be looking to use his physicality to unsettle that German backline."

The match was seconds away from kick-off, the tension building like the final calm before a violent storm. The stadium's intensity seeped into the VIP lounge, the echoing chants of fans below vibrating through the glass walls. However, to those seated in the area in front of the box, they were already enamoured in the atmosphere, only awaiting the whistle to be blown.

Anna-Marie leaned forward in her seat; eyes locked on the field like a hawk eyeing its prey. Her fingers drummed rhythmically against the leather armrest, her excitement a living thing that danced along her limbs.

"Daddy, this is it! Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm actually watching him play live!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling over one another in her enthusiasm. She didn't have to wait long as the Referee completed his final checks as he took his position around the middle of the field.

Paul Gartner's voice continued to flow through the speakers like a storyteller guiding his audience through the opening act. "And the referee checks his watch... and we're off! Germany versus South Korea in this Under-20 World Cup semifinal! The stakes could not be higher, folks. Both teams are hungry for glory, both are determined to prove their strength on the grandest stage of youth football."

The ball was immediately taken by South Korea, Lee Kang-in receiving it from Oh Se-hun, who had knocked it back to him with a delicate touch. Kang-in's control was immaculate, his body already moving to shield the ball from Angelo Stiller's press. Korea decided to attack early, and they did just that from the opening whistle as Oh Se-hun used a shimmy of the shoulder to escape Stillers' mark.

Without hesitation, he slotted the ball to his left into the run of his team's right-mid Eom Won-sang, who sped past Rakim. Latching onto the ball before Noah Katterbach could interfere, he used a feint inward to snake past on the flank. Noah turned on his heels, giving chase, doing his best to catch up with him as they barrelled down the final third.

Reacting instinctively, Noah slid forward his foot stretched to that max, but it was too late as Eom Won-sang had already fired a cross inward. The cross came in fast and low, the ball slicing through the air like a heat-seeking missile aimed directly at the crowded penalty area. The German defence scrambled, boots clattering against the grass as they tried to get into position.

Armel Bella-Kotchap barked orders, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Mark your man! Watch the runners!" But his warnings came just a fraction of a second too late. Oh Se-hun was already on the move, his large frame barrelling toward the near post. With a powerful stride, he threw himself into the path of the cross, his body contorted as he met the ball with a diving header.

Jan Olschowsky reacted on pure instinct, his gloved hands shooting out as he dived low to his right. THUD! The ball struck the keeper's palms, the force rattling through his wrists as he clutched it tight to his chest. Paul Gartner's voice cracked through the speakers. "And what a save by Jan Olschowsky! That was a lightning-quick attack from South Korea, but the young keeper showed his composure with a fantastic stop to deny Oh Se-hun's header!"

Anna-Marie let out a gasp, her fingers gripping the armrests. "Oh my gosh! That was so close! Daddy, did you see that?"

.

.

.

.

To Be Continued...