From Arsenal to the Ball God

Thus, this group, with a point difference of 3, 3, 2, and 1, remains full of suspense for the final round!

At night, the two went out to visit several famous local attractions, leaving their laughter and joy in many places, before returning home satisfied to rest.

The brief relaxation made Ma’el’s mental state excellent, making him feel recharged, full of energy and vigor.

Now, it’s about resting well and training hard, quietly waiting for the next match to arrive!

”First match of the second round of Group B! Portugal team narrowly won against Denmark team 3 to 2! Ronaldo seems to have a slight ankle muscle pain, leading to him not getting many good opportunities throughout the match!” — Portugal’s ”Chao Wen Society”

”Netherlands 1 to 2 Germany! Two consecutive defeats almost certainly rule out advancing from the group stage, Van Persie may have to say goodbye to the European Cup early!” — Germany’s ”Sports News”

”Italy drew Croatia 1 to 1! Two rounds past, only 2 points accumulated! The situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable!” — ”All Sports”

”Spain 4 to 0 Ireland! Achieved the largest goal difference in this tournament! Torres scored twice, Fabregas, David Silva contributed to the victory!” — ”Asi Bao”

”The match between France and Ukraine is about to kick off in Donetsk! If the French team wins against Ukraine, they are almost certain to advance!” — United Kingdom’s ”442”

...

On June 16, amidst the escalating atmosphere of the European Cup, the match between Ukraine and France was kicked off at 3.30 pm in Donbass Arena in Donetsk.

”WowEi... WowEi...”

Under the overwhelming atmosphere created by the host fans, the Ukrainian players appeared extremely excited, repeatedly surging back and threatening the French team’s goal.

”This is Shevchenko! He dribbles facing the defense of Koscielny and Meks! Meks seems unable to keep up with him!

”Surprisingly! Even at the age of 36, he is still swift and agile!

”It seems he has put in great effort for this European Cup held at home, and is eager to achieve good results for Ukraine!

”A shot!! Lori dangerously blocked it, this shot surely scared the French fans into a cold sweat!

”Today, the most active players are Ma’el and him, both living up to their influence, fulfilling the fans’ aspirations!”

”.....”

”Ah, Deschamps will make a substitution in the 30th minute, Malouda is withdrawn, Menez comes on, let’s watch where he’ll stand!

”With this, three of France’s ’Four Little Swans’ are on the pitch, serving their country!

”However, I have a question, where should Ma’el be counted? Or is he unique, with his own title? Hopefully, fans can think of an apt description.”

”.....”

”Over the past few minutes, Menez has been positioned as a right winger, Nasri’s position has been moved back significantly.

”It seems Deschamps wants Nasri to help organize more from the back, they need to create more opportunities to get the ball to Ma’el’s feet!”

”.....”

On the pitch, the heated match is nearing the end of the first half, both sides have temporarily failed to breach the opponent’s goal.

But the French team isn’t without gains, the defenders marking Ma’el, including the same side centre-back, have received a yellow card, and one was sternly warned after the card that any further fouls will result in being sent off.

”Bang!!”

In the 41st minute, Ma’el noticing the difficulty in pushing forward, horizontally drove the ball in the 40-meter area, taking a quick shot ahead of the opposing defenders stopping it, aiming explosively at the goal’s far corner.

Trying a rapid shot!

As before, the football launched violently over 200 km/h towards the far end of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper no chance to react, sadly it missed the opposite post.

Ma’el folded his hands regretfully, showing his teeth, realizing it has to be slightly closer to improve success rate.

It’s not that he mistrusts level 5 long shots at 40 meters, but the farther the distance, the more he subconsciously focuses on power, reducing aim and accuracy.

The opportunity will come again!

He ran to his position, waiting for a new chance.

”Bang!”

In the 44th minute of the match, he cut into the penalty area from the arc top position, trying a dipping shot aiming at the far corner from the penalty area line.

The defensive players within the penalty area are densely packed, he can only choose to use a dipping shot to angle slightly, hoping to curve through these blockade nets.

”Pop!” But the football, after crossing the first line of defense, was blocked by the Ukrainian center-back Hacherydi’s head, rolling towards the other side.

Still none!

Steel defense!

Ma’el felt a bit frustrated, turned to watch the football point of fall, seeing Klich rushing up to control the ball, dribbled to the end line preparing to cross.

He let go of other emotions, focusing on the attack, preparing to charge into the penalty area for a point.

After observing the situation inside the penalty area, he found five French players had already pushed in, at this time effectively entering might be minimal, rather controlling the arc top area.

Ma’el stopped, waiting at the arc top area of the penalty box, quickly seeing Klich sent out a cross.

”Bang!”

As he anticipated, the ball was cleared by the Ukrainian tall center-back out of the penalty area, unfortunately, it fell to the right side of the penalty area, not directly granting him an opportunity for an angry shot.

He did not give up, turning towards the right side of the penalty area, spotting Sagna sprinting towards the football for a burst shot.

Sagna, clearly more suited for a direct shot, didn’t hesitate to shout to avoid colliding and wasting the chance, ”Make way!”

Even without Sagna’s shout, Ma’el would have given way, definitely no need for contention at this time.

”Bang!!”

”Sagna, with an aerial strike! This is a powerful shot! Towards the back door..... Ah! Ukrainian midfielder Tymoshchuk blocked the ball, the football flies out of the penalty area again!

”Is there more? this time Nasri’s long shot, chooses a ground shot aiming at the near corner!

”Another block! Again Tymoshchuk! Their determination is astonishing, not granting the French team any chances!

”The football flies towards the right side of the penalty area, falling at the location! Still French’s, it’s Ma’el’s, will he hit the mark!!”

”...”

Inside Ukraine’s penalty area, the football knocked against Tymoshchuk’s outside foot, and with an extremely peculiar spin flew to the outside right of the penalty area.

Ma’el happened to be right there, seeing his teammates having bombarded the ball several times, he couldn’t contain himself, stepped forward two paces, opening up the body sideways, sling-like swung up his right leg towards the rolling ball.

These unpredictable balls, directly shooting without stopping is hard to manage..... Generally, it’s either hit too high or missed wide.

”Bang!!”

Nonetheless, Ma’el owns an exquisite long-distance shoot power and aerial strike technique, this isn’t an issue for him..... he excellently pressed the ball down, opting to use the outside-foot to scoop, preventing the football from bouncing groundward, lacking height.

The penalty area is full of people, not producing height now, certainly will be blocked by opponents again.

Continuous blocks would boost the opponent’s morale, making their defensive line even more difficult to break through.

On the contrary, continuous shots, if scored, can boost their morale too!

Ultimately, who outweighs whom, depends on this shot!

After making contact, he looked up, seeing the football swirling with intense curve arcing towards the top far corner of the goal, passing several blocking players swiftly.

It’s in title!

Aerial strike hit!

His eyes glowed, though still unsure, standing on the spot watching the football’s flight path, until it truly hit the net, ”Swish!”

It’s a goal!

He breaks the deadlock first again!!

”Aahhhh.....Aha! Aha!” The French fans, having endured half a match, finally witnessed the scene they longed for. Similar to the previous match, Ma’el started off with a world-class goal.

One to zero!

They lead again!

”Beautiful!! World-class goal! Super world-class goal!! Peach Blossom Shadows Fly God Sword!!

”Oh gosh! In a situation where both sides could not break the deadlock, Ma’el stands out first again, with an astonishing aerial goal!

”Europe Cup’s personal third goal! Now, he will sit alone atop the scorer’s leaderboard!!

”Magnificent!! This shot truly leaves one speechless! Now! France team is one step away from the quarter-final spots!!”

”...”

”Yeah.....!”

Ma’el’s body rapidly became hot, his lips trembling as he yelled, creating a heart shape with his hands, performing Di Maria’s signature angel landing celebration move.

Reaching the sideline, he laughed spreading his arms open, ditching the typical side rolls, directly flipping forward, landing like a perfect performance curtain, once again spreading his arms, ”Vamos.....!”

Europe Cup’s personal third goal, Flying God Sword slashes Ukraine!