Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 318: Star-Studded Match

"Hello, everyone, and welcome to CCTV Sports Channel. We're broadcasting live from Toulouse Stadium in France," the commentator announced enthusiastically. "Even though it's late at night in China, I'm sure many fans are sitting in front of their TVs, watching this highly anticipated match: the sixth game of the Round of 16 in the European Championship, featuring Portugal against Belgium!"

"This is the sixth consecutive time Portugal has reached the knockout stages of the European Championship. Since 1996, they have not missed the knockout phase. Notably, in the 2004 tournament held in Portugal, they made it to the final but were shockingly defeated by Greece, creating the famous 'Greek Myth'."

"Belgium, currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and the highest-ranked European team, is making its first knockout stage appearance in 36 years. The last time they reached this stage was in the 1980 European Championship in Italy, where they lost in the final to Germany. After that, Belgium experienced a long period of decline, missing the European Championship finals in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012."

...

"Many people say that both of these teams are currently in their strongest periods in history."

"Portugal boasts not only three-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo but also the current Ballon d'Or holder Bruno Fernandes. In fact, Portugal is the only team in the world with two current Ballon d'Or winners. They also have stars like Pepe, Cancelo, and Moutinho, who play in Europe's top five leagues. This makes Portugal one of the favorites to win this European Championship."

"Belgium, though not seen as a top contender, is the highest-ranked team in the tournament. Their squad features Chelsea's attacking core Eden Hazard, Manchester City's playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea's star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Everton's leading striker Romelu Lukaku, and Roma's midfield powerhouse Radja Nainggolan. These players are all key figures in Europe's top leagues."

"Many believe this Belgian team is the strongest on paper in this European Championship, but they haven't performed well in recent major tournaments, which is why they aren't seen as favorites."

"In this European Championship, Portugal and Belgium are considered the strongest teams in the upper bracket. Whichever team advances to the quarterfinals is likely to reach the final, as the other teams in their path are not expected to pose significant challenges."

"In their history, Portugal and Belgium have faced each other 17 times, with Portugal winning 6, drawing 6, and losing 5. Their most recent encounter was on March 30th this year, where Portugal won 2-1 at home. However, Bruno Fernandes did not play in that match."

"Who will emerge victorious today? Let's find out!"

...

The live broadcast shifted to the stadium.

The players from both teams, led by the referee, began to enter the field.

After the pre-match ceremonies, the starting lineups were displayed on the screen.

"We see that Portugal is sticking with their 4-4-2 formation," the commentator noted.

"The front two are Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, the same setup they've used throughout this tournament. In midfield, Bruno Fernandes is starting as an attacking midfielder, with Joao Mario, William Carvalho, and Andre Gomes forming the three defensive midfielders. The defense is led by Pepe, with Fonte, Guerreiro, and Cancelo completing the backline."

"Both teams are at full strength. Belgium is also using their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Courtois in goal, Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, and Vertonghen in defense. The midfield pair of Nainggolan and Witsel will support the attacking trio of Hazard, De Bruyne, and Mertens, with Lukaku as the lone striker."

"On the bench, Belgium has stars like Tottenham's Dembele, Manchester United's Fellaini, Atletico Madrid's Carrasco, and Liverpool's Benteke and Origi, making their squad seem even stronger than Portugal's."

"Tonight's match will be a tough battle for Ballon d'Or winners Ronaldo and Bruno."

...

"This is Portugal's midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes. Earlier this year, he broke Messi and Ronaldo's seven-year hold on the Ballon d'Or, marking a historic moment in football. In this European Championship, he has already contributed one goal and two assists, making him one of the standout performers."

"This match is being billed as a showdown between two of the world's best playmakers, Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne."

"The captains, Ronaldo and Hazard, are at the center circle for the coin toss. It looks like Ronaldo lost the toss, but that's not necessarily bad news for Portugal. With the match being played at night, the lighting won't affect the game, and Portugal can use the kickoff to launch an early attack."

"The match is about to begin. Ronaldo and Nani are standing at the center circle, ready to kick off."

With the referee Viktor Kassai's whistle, the highly anticipated Round of 16 match in the European Championship began.

Portugal immediately pressed forward.

Belgium, anticipating Portugal's aggressive start, quickly retreated to their half.

Portugal's fluid and coordinated attacks in the earlier matches had impressed many, while their defense seemed less stable. Knowing this, Belgian coach Marc Wilmots had prepared his team for Portugal's likely aggressive start, though the short four-day gap between matches meant limited time for detailed tactical adjustments.

...

Belgium quickly stabilized their rhythm in the back and midfield.

Portugal, using their early momentum, controlled possession and pushed into Belgium's half. However, Belgium's tight defense made it difficult for Portugal to create clear chances. Belgium focused on marking Bruno Fernandes closely, disrupting his connection with other Portuguese players. Despite several attempts, Portugal struggled to get the ball to Bruno.

In the fifth minute, a Portuguese pass was intercepted, and Belgium launched a counter-attack. De Bruyne carried the ball forward quickly, reaching the edge of the penalty area before passing to the right. Mertens took a shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it was off target.

"Belgium takes the first shot of the game, but it was a bit rushed. Mertens' shot from outside the box didn't trouble the goalkeeper."

"Though it wasn't a threat, it was a reminder for Portugal to watch out for Belgium's counter-attacks."

...

After the goal kick, Portugal resumed their quick passing along the flanks. Belgium continued with their strategy of sitting back and counter-attacking, avoiding Portugal's early pressure.

Bruno Fernandes expanded his range of movement, seeking to create opportunities.

When the ball reached the front, Joao Mario made a direct pass to Bruno at the edge of the box, but Belgian defenders surrounded him tightly, giving him no space to turn.

Bruno passed diagonally back to the left, where Nani collected the ball.

Portugal's attacking shortcomings became evident—the lack of overlapping runs from the full-backs limited their offensive options. The full-backs played conservatively, rarely joining the attack, leaving Bruno and Nani to combine on the wing. This made their attacks predictable.

A supporting run from a full-back would have diversified and enhanced their attack.

...

Unable to find an opening on the left, Nani passed back to reset the attack.

Bruno clapped his hands, encouraging Nani's decision.

Instead of forcing a risky pass forward, it was better to maintain possession and reorganize.

Portugal tried attacking down the left again but still couldn't create a threat, and the ball was passed back once more. Belgium's defense was tight on Bruno.

Pepe, holding the ball in the back, noticed Bruno's signal and saw Ronaldo moving to the right. Pepe launched a long pass forward.

Against Belgium's defense, where most players were under six feet tall, Ronaldo had an aerial advantage. He moved outside the box, positioning himself to head the ball back to midfield.

William Carvalho received the ball, feinted as if to drive down the wing, then suddenly cut inside.

Bruno was ready, running from the left across the edge of the box to support.

William Carvalho passed the ball horizontally to Bruno.

(End of Chapter)

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