Halftime.The score was 1–1.But Germany walked into the tunnel like a team holding its breath.
Mateo wasn't with them.
He was still outside, lying near the medical bench,his ankle wrapped in compression, his jaw tight with pain.
Inside the stadium, the German fans had gone quiet.Even the Spanish supporters didn't celebrate.They'd all seen the replay.
And they knew—
Something sacred had been broken.
Playing with Ten
After the goal and the injury, Germany had played the final minutes of the half with one man down.
Spain, sensing blood, had surged forward.
But Ritter, Jonas, and the back line held strong.
It was chaotic.Desperate.
But somehow…they made it to halftime without conceding.
The Evaluation
Inside the German locker room,the atmosphere was tense and sterile.
Mateo sat shirtless, ankle raised, his face pale and shining with sweat.
The German team doctor knelt beside him, wrapping and testing.
He didn't need a scan.
He already knew.
The doctor looked at Coach Schuster and said it clearly:
"He's done. The ligaments are inflamed. Not a break, but…he shouldn't touch the field for at least a month."
The assistant coach sighed.Schuster clenched his fists.
He turned toward the bench and pointed at a replacement.
But before the player could even rise—Mateo's voice cut through the room.
The Plea
"Coach—don't."
Everyone turned.
Mateo tried to stand, wincing.
"Let me play."
Schuster stared at him, shocked.
"Mateo, you can't even put weight on it—"
"Then inject it. Wrap it tighter. I'll limp, I'll crawl if I have to.But don't take this from me.Don't take my dream."
The medical staff stepped in:
"This is reckless—if the injury worsens, it could cost him months—"
Mateo looked at them, eyes blazing.
"I've trained for this since I was five.I gave up everything.My father—he died believing I'd make it.This is the moment.I won't stand on the sidelines and watch it disappear."
His voice cracked slightly.
No one moved.
Schuster stepped forward, eyes locked on his player.
Then… he exhaled slowly.
"Alright."
He turned to the staff.
"Inject him. Wrap him tight.But I'll be watching every movement."
He pointed at Mateo's chest.
"One misstep—and I pull you. No arguments."
Mateo nodded, fire burning through the pain.
"Yes, coach."
Inside the System:
[Pain Suppression Request Detected.]
Warning: Continuing may cause long-term damage.Proceed?
✅ Confirmed.
Temporary Boost Applied:+10% Pain Tolerance-15% Speed-10% Agility
Mental Fortitude: +20%
As the German players rose for the second half,Mateo limped to the front of the tunnel.
He could barely jog.His ankle throbbed with every step.
But in his heart—he was unshakable.
This was the World Cup Final Sub -17.
And he wasn't leaving it unfinished.