From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Haha...” Hollande crossed his legs and shouted to the side, ”Michel! You like football a lot, don’t you? The expert is right beside you, why not chat about it?”

Wenger quickly waved his hand and shook his head with a smile, ”You all hardly get to watch a game, just relax and enjoy the European Cup. Let’s not talk about these things.

”You are usually so busy, I don’t want to disturb you during such a rare moment.”

Michel turned his head and nodded to Wenger, apparently agreeing with the notion, then turned back to the field, focusing on the game again.

Hollande shook his head helplessly and had no choice but to invite Prime Minister Ayrault to chat with Wenger. He mainly didn’t want to stay silent because it would feel like missing out on relaxation.

Not far from these people, Löf and some officials and players from Germany were seated in a booth, secretly observing the tactical gameplay of potential semi-final opponents.

For football fans, watching a game live is a completely different experience than watching a broadcast, and it is particularly intense for them.

If given the opportunity, they would definitely choose to come to the live venue, to glean opponent information, style, and tactics in a more direct and close-up manner.

Löf was constantly jotting something down in his notebook, this year marking his sixth year coaching Germany, unfortunately without achieving significant success causing him considerable controversy.

Thus, the European Cup has become his last straw in his mind.

Should he fail to produce results satisfying to the fans, he feels he would leave the team.

Luckily, the team performed well so far, reaching the top four with only the final two games separating them from the championship.

”What are you writing?”

His desperate scribbling caught Matthias’ attention, once nicknamed the Perpetual Motion Machine, a German super star, esteemed within the world of football.

”Writing some random stuff. I don’t even know.” Löf shrugged, his eyes distant, appearing worn down by pressure, ”I’m just writing, I’ll sort and summarize it later.”

Matthias patted him on the shoulder, offering comfort, ”Write what you need, but don’t feel pressured. We don’t even know our final opponent yet.

”And...” He lowered his voice, ”Your emotions can influence the team, this is not just alarmist talk.”

Löf glanced at the focused faces of Germany’s players, straightening his back, gathering himself, ”I’ll be mindful, thank you for the reminder.”

”Hmm.” Matthias turned back to the field, after a moment asking, ”Who do you think our opponent will be?”

”Italy.”

Löf replied without hesitation, ”Their overall strength is stronger and more stable. Although lacking a superstar like Ma’el, everyone has proven themselves in the big games and can stand alone.

”From the opening minutes, you can see the tumultuous French team unable to gain an upper hand against them.”

Matthias nodded, turning to the serious-faced German players, teasing them for a cooler mood, ”Who do you think will advance? Klose? Schweinsteiger?”

”Italy.”

”I think it’s Italy.”

Most of the German players leaned towards Italy, but the young Götze, who once contended against Ma’el for the Golden Boy title, held a different view, ”I think it’s France. Ma’el hasn’t exerted his full strength yet, he’s probing.

”I’ve studied his gameplay and understand him well. I don’t think he will remain silent the entire match.”

Matthias nodded slightly, not finding any issue with differing views, following up, ”Indeed, I can see once he gets the ball, Italy’s defenders become tense.

”Chiellini and Bonucci are the same, they have concerns over this elusive young man.”

Löf listened and pondered their words, unconsciously picking at his nose.

He felt there was truth in what they said; sometimes you have to believe that such talented young stars will bring unexpected elements to the game.

Now it’s a matter of luck, whether Italy’s precisely operating team strikes through targeted setups, or Ma’el’s sharp brilliance finds a breakthrough with his individual moment of glory.

”.....”

”Italy’s offense is on the rise again! Relying on a strong mid-front combo, they often quickly re-press after losing the ball!

”De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio, Balotelli, these are impactful attackers with strength and rigidity!

”Pile them in midfield, Prandelli’s intentions are clear, he wants France to find it extremely challenging to push ground attacks past midfield!

”And they have more than that, in defense, there are four top-tier defensive defenders and a pivot, Pirlo, connecting the team!

”Such a team! Feels intimidating! Look at this attempt to shoot, Balotelli! Ah...he skewed the ball; it was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity to secure a lead!

”After questioning life in the first round of group matches, it seems he hasn’t fully adjusted, occasionally still pondering life!”

”.....”

”Bang!”

On the field, Lori took the goal-kick, and after the ball flew to the forward area, Giroud directly used his chest to stop it.

Under pressure, he had to perform a lob, attempting a ball over Abate’s back for luck.

Ma’el sprinted along the sideline, pushing towards Abate’s back, with strong intent to control the ball.