<010. Chaminator vs Lamborghini (3)>
Casemiro
He was born in 1992. HIs main position was defending midfielder and he possessed such an exceptional defensive skill that he was called this generation's Makelele. Plus, he towered over Ho Yung so he predicted that Ho Yung would be an easy mark.
'He's just fast at running.'
Casemiro acknowledged Ho Yung 's on-the-ball speed.
However.
'You can't win by just being fast.'
Casemiro, who would lead Brazil in the future, waited for the right timing and interfered.
His trademark - ball cutting.
He was confident as he was easily the best in any foot technique between kids his age. He was confident that he could cut across Ho Yung's possession - this was the right time!
"Huh?"
He was so surprised that his thoughts froze.
The reason? The monstrous power with which Ho Yung was running. He missed Ho Yung because he had stood in shock.
'How is he that fast…"
Ho Yung was not using fancy techniques like phantom dribble or flip flap. He was just dribbling long to the left and running recklessly with monstrous speed. Therefore, he had just escaped Casemiro's defence zone with speed alone.
It was like he had waited to catch a cheetah with his bare hands and missed. Casemiro's attempt at defence kicked nothing but grass. Ho Yung didn't care - he charged like a bull to the penalty box.
The goalkeeper ran out but it was too late. The ball had already left his foot.
Smash!
"Woah!"
The goal that had just been scored transformed the stadium into a frenzy of enthusiasm. The parents of FC Run Shoot and sports reporters were busy flashing their cameras. Even the usually calm commentator, Sung Don, started screaming.
[AHHHH~! Player Ho Yung Wu! What is this! He just scored against the best of the best, Brazil's San Paolo FC! Is this even possible?]
[I'm very proud! I regret looking down on FC Run Shoot! Look how bright Korean soccer's future is!]
It was only one goal but the process leading up to the ball touched everyone's hearts. It was perfect - he had escaped Douglas Costa's attacks with speed and cut through Casemiro's defences.
A true ruler of the field!
'Ah, that's what the caption will be.'
Cho PD felt like he needed two heads to watch the game and work - he had goosebumps all over his body.
"Wow… That little kid is so good. We're going to have higher ratings than we ever wanted!"
"I think so too. It's such a sensation that soccer academies are running out of spots all over the country! Run Shoot did this. Especially because of that boy!"
As always, Ho Yung ran toward the aerial camera.
"WOW!"
Ho Yung completed his ceremony and felt it in his bones - how Du Rim Cha is called Korea's Maicon Sisenando.
'It's almost cheating! Ah.. my knees hurt a little.'
Meanwhile, the audience shouted down celebrations and encouragements at Ho Yung.
"Let's go Korea!"
Clap clap!
The World Cup had ended but its energy still lived on in this stadium.
Ho Yung's chest swelled with pride.
He knew that this was not the biggest stage but to have people cheering and encouraging him made him reach a new level of happiness.
The shouts were so loud that he couldn't hear his coach, Jung Guk, speak but he felt himself being fuelled by the encouragements.
'Today, I'm the best.'
At that moment, he saw something.
[Select the skill you desire]
Soccer Prodigy (B+)
Lightning fast ball cutting (B)
Compliant ball defending (C)
'Of course, I'll take the soccer prodigy.'
When he selected the first, his already-possessed skill went up by one level.
[Ho Yung Wu]
Skills Possessed
Soccer Prodigy (B+) ↑
Heavy Mid Shoot (C)
Strong muscles of a healthy man (C)
Impressive curving free kick (C-)
Chaminator's kick and run (U)
'Alright. Went up a level.'
He then reexamined Casemiro's conditions.
[Casemiro]
Skills Possessed
Soccer Prodigy (B+)
Lightning fast ball cutting (B)
Compliant ball defending (C)
(A skill can be taken if the criteria is fulfilled.)
(Criteria 1: 5 solo breakthrough runs )
(Criteria 2: Achieve a hat trick.)
'Okay, 5 solo breakthrough runs plus 2 goals.'
The time remaining was 30 minutes. It was possible if he kept running like he did.
'Next is ball cutting.'
As long as it was a consistent skill- unlike the ups and downs skill - it was more the merrier.
Also, if he gained defence skills as well, it would make him a more well-rounded player. Ho Yung didn't rest.
Beep!
The goals were switched after halftime.
Someone took the place of Costa's position. The coach, Carlos, had decided to make Costa rest to ensure he was in the best condition for the world youth competition.
In other words, it was a mercy of some sort - he took him away before he had the chance to get humiliated. Douglas didn't understand that motive and instead spoke to Carlos, dissatisfied.
"It's because I'm not in a good condition!"
"Well if that's the case, you can go on the bench and rest for today."
"But…"
"Dougie, you learnt something valuable today. Go back to the bench and think about what you've learnt - show that you learnt something next time we play."
There was flexibility in samba soccer.
There was flexibility in the youth system too.
It was the responsibility of Brazil's representative to have a flexible mindset.
"But what would I learn from a bunch of Asians? I'm a Brazilian that's going to become the representative, Seleção Brasileira de Futebol."
"What?"
"Um.. Sorry, I didn't…"
"Dougie. If I was a referee, not a coach, I would have disqualified you for racist remarks. If you can't accept and acknowledge other people's skills, then try being objective. See what reality looks like."
Costa stared at the field with a discontent expression, like he didn't quite understand what was just told to him. More specifically, he stared at Ho Yung, who was currently flying all over the field.
"That bastard… At that age…"
"Hey, Dougie, didn't you turn 12 two months ago?"
"Yes, coach."
"So, you're not so young anymore. You know that Ronaldo debuted in a professional team at age 14, yes?"
"Of course."
"I hope you understand what I'm saying. Only your fans will stand for your immaturity. You won't have them either if you don't have skills."
"... I'm sorry."
Costa admitted his mistake and retreated to the bench. Carlos looked into the match with intrigue.
'Good stamina and good muscles too. His on-the-ball speed is incredible.'
Where did a monster like that come out of?
Carlos was an important member of the staff of San Paolo FC. He had trained many soccer stars of Brazil.
'That boy's got enough talent to count himself among the stars. I'll have to watch him.'
The game flowed on with Ho Yung dominating it. As it neared the end, Ho Yung became tired and San Paolo saw this as an opportunity.
[San Paolo just started striking back! I think they're finally warmed up!]
[Well, they must have been adjusting to the time difference. Or the harsh winter of Korea.]
[Haha! You're right, it's too early for San Paolo to give up. They can catch up easily.]
Easy.
Soccer was not a sport one person could do alone - there was nothing left for Ho Yung to do when he became exhausted.
'Come on, run, FC Run Shoot! Run!'
He was thirsty for a victory.
If they defeated the prestigious San Paolo FC, it would be publicity like no other.
But of course, the game went back to the favour of San Paolo.
As if they were proving that they were renowned for a reason, they battled Ho Yung and made a score of 4:9.
The real winner wasn't San Paolo. They had kept their dignity in the end but they had lost more in this game. It was supposed to get the players motivated for the world youth competition but it only did the opposite.
The team's morale fell.
At least there was some benefit.
"That boy, he seems like there's something to him."
"Yes, coach. It feels like seeing Ricardo play. His on-the-ball speed is incredible - his normal running is okay at best but he's absolutely explosive when he kicks and runs. I'm curious as to what he'll be like when he's fully developed."
The feedback was very objective.
The playing style was similar to Brazil's rising star, Kaka, and his kicking and running was art. It was enough to bring praise from anyone.
"If he's got talent techniques-wise, he's a real star."
Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho, Kaka.
They leap over genius - the word that describes the legends and gods,
Star!
"But his foundations are surprisingly weak."
But.
"His body is fast and his brain is clever. On top of everything, he enjoys soccer. Hm... he would make a good player."
"He enjoys soccer! Haha, that point is the best point that you've made."
They could have never imagined that this was actually a 24-year-old man re-living his life.
Anyway, it was true that Carlos was thoroughly impressed.
"Let's see if he's just a regular prodigy or if he's something much more."
After the game when the players were being interviewed, Carlos armed himself with a translator and went over to the audience.
He stopped at a couple in their 30s.
Carlos smiled widely and greeted them in Portuguese.
"Ola!"
"Ah…. Hola."
Ho Yung's mum, Hi Sun, replied in Spanish.
Then Carlos's moustache was pushed up in a smile.
"Oh, you speak Spanish!"
"Yes, I was born in Spain."
"Wow, what a coincidence. We won't need a translator then."
He sent back the translator.
It was much more trustworthy to have a direct conversation when the topic was a big one.
"I'm Carlos, the coach of the San Paolo FC Youth team. I would like to talk to you, is it okay if I speak in Spanish?"
"Yes of course. But… why are you here?"
Carlos sat down.
"Is your son enrolled in a proper youth club?"