Knockout Football.

With the interviews wrapped up, Izan joined his teammates as they boarded the team bus. 

The knockout rounds loomed. No more safety nets. No more second chances.

As he took his seat by the window, watching the lights of Düsseldorf pass by, he felt the weight of the tournament settle on his shoulders.

......…

The team bus rumbled quietly through the streets of Düsseldorf, cutting through the night as it made its way back to the team hotel. 

The atmosphere inside was a mix of quiet satisfaction and mental exhaustion. Spain had done their job—three games, three wins. The group stage was behind them.

Izan sat near the window, watching the city lights flicker past. His body was tired, but his mind was wide awake. 

He could still feel the weight of the penalty decision, the way the Albanian players had protested, the way reporters had framed their questions.

Some had called it soft. Others said it was smart play.