Minute 71.The clock ticked down.Every second echoed louder in Germany's ears.
They were behind.But they were still alive.
Mateo, limping but refusing to fall, began to drift into more dangerous pockets,seeking space, dictating flow.
Lukas, Ritter, and Jonas pushed higher.
The equalizer felt close.
But then—
Spain reminded themwhy they were feared.
The Third Blow
A quick turnover in midfield.
Ritter had advanced too high.
And in a blink—Lamine Yamal pounced.
He danced past one, then two.Carried the ball with his left foot like it was tied to his soul.
Germany's defense scrambled back—but too late.
At the edge of the box,Yamal threaded a perfect through ball between two defenders.
Alejandro Martínez surged into space,didn't hesitate,and with the calm of a future world-class player—
chipped the keeper.
GOAL – SPAIN 3, GERMANY 1(Martínez, 72') | Assist: Yamal
The Spanish bench exploded.Yamal raised one fist into the air,then pointed toward Martínez with a smile.
Spain's fans erupted with songs and flags.
The camera panned to Mateo—
Still standing.Still breathing.
But now with two goals between him and the dream.
Inside the System
[Score: GER 1 – 3 ESP]
[Fatigue: 71% | Pain Threshold: 83%]
Quest Status: Win the Final – Critical
Suggestion: Activate "Champion's Instinct" Skill Now?
☐ Yes✅ No (Delayed)
Mateo didn't activate it yet.
He wasn't ready.
Not until he saw the opening.
Not until he believed the strike would land.
The Crowd Turns
German fans fell into silence.
Even Klara and Mateo's mother had gone still, clutching each other's hands.
The commentators spoke quietly:
"That might be the dagger."
"Germany needs a miracle now."
"Mateo González—he's still on the field. But for how much longer?"
The Look Between Rivals
As the Spanish players reset at midfield,Yamal jogged past Mateo.
For a moment, their eyes met again.
But this time—
Yamal didn't challenge.He didn't mock.He didn't smile.
He simply looked at him with something else entirely.
Pity.
And that…
hurt more than the ankle.
Mateo inhaled.
"Three-one."
"Eighteen minutes."
"So be it."
He rolled his shoulders.Stepped toward the center circle.
And whispered:
"Let's begin."