From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Yeah.....!”

He spread his arms wide open, soaring like an eagle towards the sideline to celebrate. He knew this might be the fastest goal in European Cup history.

Goal number 7!

Just two more goals to match Platini’s record!

Upon reaching the sideline, he chose a backflip over a knee slide or a dragon punch celebration. His power and coordination meant there was no risk of injury from such moves.

Under the pilgrim-like gaze of the French fans, he leaped gracefully, unlike any real person—more like an anime scene flip—with the added impact of an impressive height.

He flipped over his personal shackles, as well as the team’s past predicaments, pre-match pressure, and tension. He hoped for a good result from this match!

”Ma’el!”

”The true god has descended!”

”An angel has arrived!”

”Vamos....!”

The France team’s players then ran over, tackling Ma’el to the ground. A goal at this moment could surprise everyone.

”Ah.....!” Deschamps ran excitedly along the sideline for a few steps, looking at Ma’el’s backflip celebration with immense fondness and an equal measure of envy for his youthful vigor.

Even at his peak, he couldn’t have performed such a celebration; even at his peak, he couldn’t have scored so many goals in a European Cup season.

Oh well, perhaps this ’Basque Pig’ was born to be a supporting role, a foil to stars like Zidane and Ma’el.

He was willing to shoulder responsibilities, to be such a person, and to leave more glory to these historic stars.

But he also believed that as long as he quietly gave his all to provide them a strong shield, his name would be remembered by the world of football, and people would know he contributed!

”Fola.....!” Deschamps shouted his iconic celebratory call, starting to count seconds, cherishing the last opportunity to collaborate with Ma’el in this major tournament.

He enjoyed the match, enjoyed coaching such an excellent player as Ma’el, which in itself was an honor.

The broadcast cameras quickly zoomed in on the stands, first capturing the trio from the French political scene who were recently associated with football.

As before, Mr. Michel, the one with the smallest official role, displayed an ’in line’ excitement and enthusiasm, raising his arms and cheering, even performing a move reminiscent of Scotland’s traditional skirt-lifting celebration.

Of course, people no longer wear Scottish skirts nowadays; they’re all in suits, so this act was merely an emotional release, not mockery.

The other two important figures smiled and clapped; Wenger was likely dealing with club affairs and wasn’t with them today, but FIFA president Blatter was present.

The camera then focused on Tottenham star Gareth Bale, who was also smiling and clapping in celebration, though his smile always gave an impression of sneakiness, slightly sleazy.

”Oh? Bale celebrating a goal by an Arsenal player? This could expose him to some public opinion backlash, not sure if he’s already confirmed to leave.

”But if he’s heading to Real Madrid, it means Florentino’s pursuit of Ma’el failed..... in that case, celebrating Ma’el seems unreasonable as well, this scene is quite bizarre!

”I know Arsenal fans once dreamed on forums, if they could snatch Kyle Walker from Tottenham, why not try for Gareth Bale?

”Forming a BFM (Beautiful Rich Lady) frontline would surely cause a stir in European football.

”However, I think it’s unlikely, as Bale, being Wales’ top star, surely has some pursuits in fame, profit, and commercially, going to Real Madrid would be a better choice for him.

”Him going to Arsenal would be as outrageous as him playing in a professional golf tournament!”

”.....”

”Beep!!”

The match resumed immediately; a goal like that at the start dealt a blow to Germany’s morale, but with Löf clapping and cheering on the sideline, the team regained almost the spirit they had at the start.

They resumed pressing forward with their attack, intent on storming through the France team’s defense with torrential offensive plays.

”Bang!!”

In the 4th minute, Hummels, near the edge of the small penalty area, received a corner cross, in an unmarked position, and headed a bouncing ball.

This play was somewhat sudden; the French defense was unprepared, and neither was he..... so he didn’t manage a very high-quality header, with the ball bouncing off his own foot before Lori scooped it up.

”**.....!”

”**.....!”

On the sideline, both Löf and Deschamps burst out with curses simultaneously, though the former soon started clapping, while the latter couldn’t help but urgently communicate with the defense line players.

Providing such a chance to the opponent in this type of game was undoubtedly a self-destructive move.

”Bang bang bang.....!”

In the 7th minute, the France team seized an opportunity to transition from defense to attack, through a series of quick one-touch passes, getting the ball to Ma’el’s side.

The second time Ma’el faced Boateng with the ball, this time the same-side center-back Hummels had smartened up and early on positioned himself for cover behind Boateng.

But his desire to break through was still very strong; with such a high-paced attack, he had more than 65% confidence to simultaneously break through Boateng and Hummels, he was assured.

”Bang bang..... snap!”

Ma’el swiftly approached Boateng, seizing on his tension, with a heel tap change of direction to exploit space, then attempted a Marseilles turn to squeeze past the gap Hummels couldn’t close as he came up for cover.