Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 316: Bruno vs. De Bruyne

Bruno's goal was the only goal of the match, securing a win for Portugal.

After two group stage matches, Portugal led Group F with two wins, guaranteeing their spot in the Round of 16. Hungary, with one win and one draw, was also almost assured of advancing. However, even Iceland with one point and Austria with none still had a chance to advance due to the unique Euro Cup format, where four out of six third-placed teams would qualify for the knockout stage.

This meant that Iceland and Austria could still qualify if they won their final matches. On the other hand, the match between the top two teams, Portugal and Hungary, seemed less crucial because both teams would face strong opponents regardless of whether they finished first or second.

When the results of Group B's final matches came in on June 20th, the situation became clearer. Wales defeated Russia 3-0, while England drew 0-0 with Slovakia. This unexpected result put Wales in first place and England in second place in Group B.

According to the rules, the second-place team in Group F would face the second-place team in Group B. This meant Portugal's opponent could be either England or one of the top teams from Group E (Italy or Belgium), all of which were ranked in FIFA's top ten, making little difference.

Meanwhile, England's path would put them in the bottom half of the bracket, which would include many strong teams. Therefore, the best strategy for Portugal was to remain in first place in their group, even if it meant facing Italy or Belgium in the Round of 16.

On June 22nd, the final matches of Group F kicked off simultaneously. Portugal faced Hungary at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, both teams vying for the top spot.

By then, it was clear that the bottom half of the bracket included the host nation France, Germany, Spain, and England—four teams ranked in FIFA's top ten. The top half, in contrast, had no top-ten teams, and at most would have two once all group matches concluded.

Given this, both Portugal and Hungary were eager to secure first place, as it would mean a potentially easier path through the knockout stages. With both teams already qualified, the match was open and fast-paced from the start.

In the 19th minute, Hungary broke the deadlock. Dzsudzsák's corner from the right was headed out by Ronaldo, but Gera volleyed the loose ball into the net from outside the box. Hungary led 1-0.

Just before halftime, Portugal equalized. In the 42nd minute, Bruno sent a precise through ball to Nani, who slotted it into the bottom corner. The score was 1-1 at halftime.

...

After a 15-minute break, the second half began.

In the 47th minute, Dzsudzsák took a free kick from 26 meters out. The ball deflected off the wall and past Patricio. Hungary led 2-1.

Portugal equalized again just three minutes later. In the 50th minute, Bruno started an attack, Joao Mario crossed from the right, and Ronaldo scored with a backheel flick. The score was 2-2, marking Ronaldo's first goal of the tournament and making him the first player to score in four different European Championships.

The game remained open, with quick transitions between attack and defense, leading to more goals.

In the 55th minute, Dzsudzsák's shot from outside the box deflected off Nani and into the net. Hungary led 3-2.

Frustrated, Ronaldo led a Portuguese counterattack and equalized again seven minutes later. In the 62nd minute, Quaresma, who had just come on as a substitute, crossed from the left, and Ronaldo headed it into the net. The score was 3-3.

Half of Parc Olympique Lyonnais erupted with cheers as 30,000 Portuguese fans chanted Ronaldo's name.

...

The match continued intensely, with both teams trying to score while making strategic substitutions to prepare for the next wave of attacks. Despite both teams' efforts, the 3-3 scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Portugal finished first in Group F with two wins and one draw, earning 7 points. Hungary, with one win and two draws, finished second with 5 points. Iceland, who beat Austria 2-1 in their final match, finished third with 4 points, securing a spot in the Round of 16.

Three hours later, Group E matches concluded with Italy, despite securing first place early, losing 0-1 to Ireland. Belgium beat Sweden 1-0, taking second place, while Ireland also advanced to the Round of 16.

With the group stage completed, the knockout stage matchups were finalized. Portugal, in the top half of the bracket, would face Belgium in the Round of 16. The other six teams in the top half were Switzerland, Poland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Iceland.

In the Round of 16, each half of the bracket featured a heavyweight clash: Portugal vs. Belgium in the top half and Spain vs. Italy in the bottom half.

...

Portugal's match against Belgium was scheduled for the evening of June 26th.

On the morning of the 26th, after breakfast and some rest, Portugal's team gathered for their final tactical meeting at the hotel.

"Everyone knows by now that our opponent is Belgium, a very strong team," Santos began.

He then emphasized, "We especially need to watch out for their number 7, Kevin De Bruyne."

On the screen behind Santos, De Bruyne's statistics from recent matches were displayed. These easily accessible stats showed De Bruyne's crucial role in the Belgian team.

If Bruno was Portugal's midfield core, De Bruyne was Belgium's equivalent. This matchup was often billed as a duel between Bruno and De Bruyne.

...

Everyone understood that, based purely on individual skills, Bruno was superior to De Bruyne. Bruno had proven himself in numerous high-stakes matches, while De Bruyne, though three years older and accomplished in the Bundesliga and Premier League, had not reached Bruno's level of success.

However, Bruno's advantage was offset by Portugal's overall weaker team, aside from Ronaldo, Bruno, and Pepe. Belgium, despite not having major tournament wins, was consistently strong and cohesive, with a formidable defense and counterattack strategy.

This posed a dilemma for Santos: how should Portugal play?

Playing defensively was risky, as Belgium's players, including De Bruyne, were highly skilled. If Belgium scored first, it could be game over for Portugal.

The best strategy for Portugal was to attack early, score first, and force Belgium to open up, allowing Portugal to counterattack. However, this approach was also risky, especially if they couldn't score early.

...

As Santos shared his concerns, the players realized the difficulty of the match, knowing Portugal was the underdog.

"We have fewer options and less room for error," Santos said.

All eyes turned to Bruno, the team's playmaker.

"Coach, how long do you think we can sustain an attacking strategy?" Bruno asked.

"Fifteen minutes, at most," Santos replied.

Bruno nodded. "Alright, I'll do my best to score within ten minutes. If we can't score by then, we'll switch to a defensive counterattack strategy."

Santos looked deeply at Bruno and nodded. "Okay, it's all up to you."

Bruno nodded back confidently, then addressed his teammates. "Don't worry. As long as we all focus and give our best, we can win this."

Bruno's confidence reassured the team, who had worked with him for nearly two years and trusted him completely.

...

As one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 16, Portugal vs. Belgium drew 40,000 fans to Stadium de Toulouse.

Fans from both teams filled the streets around the stadium, even those without tickets, creating an electric atmosphere.

Belgium's team arrived a few minutes after Portugal, and both teams took their respective halves for warm-ups.

Bruno noticed many familiar faces among the Belgian players, most of whom played in the Premier League, including De Bruyne.

This was Bruno's first time seeing De Bruyne in person.

De Bruyne, also noticing Bruno, turned to look at him. Their eyes met, and it felt like sparks flew.

This match was undoubtedly a direct showdown between the two playmakers. Whoever performed better could lead their team to victory.

Bruno smiled and nodded, greeting De Bruyne from a distance.

De Bruyne returned the gesture casually, but beneath his calm exterior, he was seething.

For months, rumors of Bruno's potential move to Manchester City had dominated headlines, especially after City's new manager Guardiola publicly expressed interest in Bruno.

As City's current midfield maestro, De Bruyne stood to lose the most if Bruno joined. Bruno had become De Bruyne's biggest imagined rival, motivating him to train harder, aiming to surpass Bruno.

This match was De Bruyne's chance to prove himself, to show City that with him, they didn't need Bruno.

(End of Chapter)

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