July 2. Bright sunshine.
Light filled the world like a promise of hope.
Two teams, both still in contention to advance from Group B, stepped off their buses and walked into Yekaterinburg Stadium.
Leo Lin wore red over-ear headphones. There was no music playing, but the noise-canceling was powerful. He wanted nothing but silence and total focus.
At the stadium entrance stood two full security teams, along with ten riot police carrying shields.
Inside the stadium, every four rows were lined with five riot officers standing in vertical formation, wearing helmets and holding shields and batons, fully prepared.
This was the highest level of security FIFA had arranged for this match between Morocco and Spain.
Anyone could see what FIFA was expecting. This match had the potential to spiral out of control, so they issued an official notice in advance.
[Notice: In all third-round group stage matches, if fans engage in malicious rioting or large-scale pitch invasions that force prolonged interruptions, the team involved will be ruled to have lost due to their fans' actions and may face additional penalties.]
There were simply too many do or die matches in this round. FIFA wanted everything to proceed normally and produce fair results.
With billions watching worldwide, any incident that damaged the spirit of the game or tarnished the World Cup would not be tolerated.
Across Spain, in every street, bar, plaza, and park, anywhere with a screen was broadcasting this match.
Every location was packed. Fans waited anxiously for kickoff.
At 5 p.m. local time, both teams submitted their starting lineups.
Broadcasts went live across more than 220 platforms worldwide.
Over 300 million viewers tuned in, watching closely as the match approached.
ESPN broadcast. Derek Rae.
"Welcome, viewers. You are watching the 2018 World Cup. This is the decisive third-round Group B clash. Both teams have submitted their starting lineups."
"Morocco line up in a 4-2-3-1."
"Goalkeeper: Munir."
"Defenders: Achraf, Manuel, Benatia, Dirar."
"Midfield: Boufal, El Ahmadi, Belhanda."
"Attack: Ziyech, Boutaib, Nordin."
"This Morocco side thrives on direct attacking play. Give them space and they will explode forward."
"As for Spain, there are significant changes compared to the first two matches."
"Goalkeeper: De Gea."
"Defenders: Alba, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Carvajal."
"Midfield: David Silva, Busquets, Leo Lin."
"Attack: Isco, Diego Costa, Asensio."
"Adjustments on both flanks and in midfield. A younger, more dynamic lineup clearly aimed at countering Morocco."
"Especially on the right side, Asensio and Carvajal will be tested by Ziyech and Achraf. They must hold firm."
Hierro had prepared a detailed plan. To win, everything had to be executed perfectly.
As kickoff approached, both teams made their final preparations in the locker rooms.
Leo Lin still wore his headphones, eyes closed, staying calm.
The Spanish players went through their routines.
Sergio Ramos and Piqué discussed defensive positioning. Carvajal and Busquets coordinated when to push forward and when to drop back.
"Leo Lin, ready?" Sergio Ramos tapped his thigh.
Leo Lin nodded, stood up, and applied essential oil to his arms.
It had become his habit. It made it harder for opponents to grab and foul him, allowing him to break forward with fewer interruptions.
Hierro had prepared a tactical setup no one expected.
Five minutes to kickoff. Both teams entered the tunnel.
Leo Lin stayed at the back. Captain Sergio Ramos led the way, calling out to his teammates.
"Stay calm. Stick to the plan!"
Many Moroccan players glanced over at the Spanish side. El Ahmadi kept his eyes fixed on Leo Lin. He had been given a specific assignment.
Moments later, both teams walked onto the pitch.
As expected, Moroccan fans erupted into boos and jeers, trying to disrupt Spain.
Sergio Ramos kept urging calm.
Then the match kicked off.
"Whistle!"
"Spain get us underway!"
"An opening move. Back to Leo Lin. Morocco pressing aggressively!"
"Long ball!"
"Five Spanish players surge forward together!"
"Out to Carvajal on the right. He drives it across to the far post!"
"Header attempt!"
"Isco's header is comfortably gathered by the keeper!"
"Not enough power. But Spain create danger immediately!"
Spain's tempo was fascinating. Fast, then slow, then fast again.
When they had the ball, they accelerated. Without it, they deliberately slowed the game.
And they were not playing their usual possession game.
Morocco suddenly realized they were the side with more possession.
But Morocco could not play positional football.
6th minute.
"Spain are not forcing possession. Morocco pushing forward in a structured attack."
"Short pass from the goalkeeper to the left. Achraf has no space. Spain are extremely compact."
"He goes inside. Nearly a mistake!"
"The pass lacks pace. Morocco look uncomfortable in a positional setup."
Gerrard quickly spotted the issue.
"Hierro has been clever. Morocco need space, so Spain have given them the ball. But Morocco cannot play this kind of football."
"With possession, they lose space. And with that, they lose their attacking edge."
"Can you believe it?"
"Spain have willingly given up possession. Hierro came fully prepared."
On the pitch, Morocco were already struggling.
El Ahmadi, their midfield metronome, felt a chill creeping over him. A sense of unease lingered.
He tried to understand why.
Then he turned his head.
Leo Lin.
He looked relaxed, almost casual, but his eyes had been locked on him the entire time.
And at the corner of his mouth, a faint, unsettling smile.
El Ahmadi had heard the stories.
When Leo Lin sets his sights on you, it feels like a blade resting against your throat.
When Leo Lin smiles, no one can predict what comes next.
...
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