Football singularity-Chapter 408 Bitter End

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"2:2 is the verdict of this exciting clash, both teams deserved the win and had the opportunity to make it happen, but it was not to be." Paul Gartner commented as the live stream camera panned over the exhausted looks of both sides. They had given it their all but, in the end, couldn’t bring it over the finish line.

The most affected by the score were the German players who had managed to squander a 2-goal lead and now had to contend themselves with a single point. Most of them were already professionals or in the process of getting there so they quickly brushed the bitter taste aside.

This was only game one for them, and they still had all the chances in the world to win the group and qualify. Captain Luca wasted no time going around his teammates, giving a few encouraging words before motioning for them to shake hands with their opponents. It wasn’t a requirement for them to do that, but it wouldn’t hurt them to show some sportsmanship, especially in a match that had tested them.

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[Ding mission Future Great’s progress:]

#Don’t lose a match: L0/D1/W0

#Beat Javier Saviola’s all-time Goal scoring record of 11 set in 2001: 2/11

#Win the Golden Boot: 0/1#Lead your team to win the Mini World Cup: 0/1

#Win the MVP award: 0/1

Rewards: Calculated based on Performance and achievements.

(Note: through a butterfly effect some of your future rivals who will herald the new era of football will be representing their country. As a singularity candidate, you must rise above these geniuses and declare your supremacy or be devoured by one of the challenges becoming their stepping stone.)

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"It’s not the best of starts but it’s something," Rakim quietly muttered to himself as he checked over the mission screen. If he was being honest, he was disappointed that they couldn’t pull out a win in the end, especially given the fact he came so close to scoring a hat-trick.

{Indeed, for a tournament start it can be considered average, but not getting those 3 points might hurt you in the end.} Rakim knew she was right given that Italy had convincingly beaten Mexico 2:1 earlier during the day. Now they were firmly sitting in first place after gaining their 3 points.

"We will just have to win the next one," he firmly stated as he made his way into the tunnel heading for the changing room. "Yes, sir next game it’s 3 points or bust," Florian stated from behind as he had just overheard his words.

Turning around to face him, he was just about to say something, but Wirtz beat him to it speaking up first. "Sorry I missed that last shot, I don’t know what happened I’ve scored plenty of those in training," he said with a sullen expression clearly still hung up on his mistake.

In the 87th minute when Rakim received the ball from Simon Asta at the top of the key, he had the option to shoot. Tomiyasu and Yuki Kobayashi had after all dropped back far enough that with his technique, he could have forced a shot. However, out of the corner of his vision, he spotted Wirtz with whom he had just swapped positions to sprint into the box.

Riku Handa was hot on his trail leaving Wirtz virtually unmarked and with the two Japanese defenders scrambling forward to close him down he opted to pass. It was the most logical option and thus he performed a Ronaldo chop sending the ball into Wirtz’s path just in time to beat the off-side trap. The young Leverkusen hopefully had done everything right as he deftly took control of the ball and lined up for a shot just a couple of steps ahead of the five-yard box.

Kosei Tani could barely rush out with his arm spread wide he pulled the trigger. However, he was too excited in his action and his boot hit a good chunk of the turf as he sent the ball forward. What was meant to be a shot to the far post veered off course and impacted the near post before flying out for a goal kick. He slapped Wirtz on the shoulder, shaking his head. "Forget it. I’ve heard these things happen not that I would know though. You just gotta score two more goals for the one you missed or better yet assist me more."

"You are something else you know that" Wirtz shot back with exasperation. "Was that meant to be a pep talk for me or for yourself."

"I don’t know, in Florida, we don’t need someone else to motivate us we just get back up on the gator," Rakim replied with a slight smile and shrugged his shoulder before putting an arm around his friend’s neck and pulled him along.

~~~

[Short while later]

[Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion, Media room]

The press room at Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion buzzed with camera flashes as reporters from both German and Japanese outlets took their seats. Japan was considered the home team and thus went first for their interview. However, despite using up the full 20 minutes to bombard the representatives from Japan with questions they weren’t stated yet.

The result had left plenty of talking points—Germany’s squandered lead, Japan’s spirited comeback, and Rakim Rex’s electric performance. Just on the first day of the competition they had received all the drama and action they were promised. So, they wouldn’t miss this chance to get some more sound bites from the German side.

At the front of the room, Coach Manuel Baum took the central seat with Rakim sitting on his right and Armel Bella-Kotchap sitting to his left. Both players were now dressed in the training kits, doing their best to remain composed in front of all the eager faces that looked like they wanted to eat them up. Rakim, despite his disappointment at not securing a win, held a calm and confident air having grown used to media attention.

Bella-Kotchap, on the other hand, looked frustrated, still replaying the defensive lapses that had cost them their lead. Not caring for either of the player’s internal turmoil a German FA media officer stepped up to the microphone. "We’ll take questions now. Please state your name and affiliation before asking."

A seasoned German journalist from Kicker was the first to speak. "Coach Baum, your team played an excellent first half but struggled in the second. What changed after halftime, and how do you plan to address this moving forward?"

Baum sighed, running a hand through his hair before leaning forward. "First, credit to Japan. They’re a well-drilled side, and their response in the second half was strong. We had control early, but football is a game of momentum. The biggest issue came in our defensive structure not adapting fast enough in response to our opponent’s change in attacking focus. We became too passive, allowing Kubo and Doan too much space between the lines. Once they started exploiting those gaps, it became difficult to reset. Going forward, we need to manage our intensity across 90 minutes, not just 45."

A reporter from Nikkan Sports raised his hand next. "Coach, what are your thoughts on Japan’s performance, particularly Takefusa Kubo’s impact?"

Baum nodded, a small smile forming. "I wasn’t surprised by his performance. Kubo is a talented player with a high football IQ. He found the right pockets of space, and his free kick was exceptional. Japan has a strong generation coming through, and they will be a threat in this tournament."

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A younger journalist from Sport Bild leaned in. "Rakim, two goals tonight, almost a third, but the offside call denied you. How are you feeling after that match? Do you think the team deserved more?"

Rakim exhaled sharply, scratching the back of his head before responding. "Of course, I wanted that goal. But that’s football, sometimes the fine margins don’t go your way. We should’ve put the game away earlier instead of letting them grow into it. We have learned from this and will strive to make sure we kill games off when we get the chance."

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To Be Continued...