Chapter 319: Evenly Matched

Chapter 319: Evenly Matched

Bruno was facing Nainggolan, a midfielder from AS Roma who played for the Belgian team. Bruno was very familiar with his defensive style and knew his weaknesses.

As Bruno approached the ball, facing the direction of the attack, William Carvalho's pass reached him perfectly. Nainggolan immediately rushed forward to try to stop him.

Bruno controlled the ball with his left foot, appearing ready to shoot. Nainggolan, anticipating this, shifted his body to block the shot. However, Bruno quickly changed direction, moving the ball to his left.

Meunier, who was defending on Nainggolan's left, realized the danger and rushed forward. But Bruno was faster; he adjusted his position, planted his right foot, and swung his left foot for a shot.

"Bruno shoots!" the commentator exclaimed.

When Bruno changed direction again, goalkeeper Courtois quickly moved to the center of the goal, anticipating a shot to the middle, as Meunier had blocked much of the left side. Usually, after such a sequence, players tend to shoot towards the center.

However, Bruno's shot went to the top right corner. The ball flew between Meunier and Nainggolan towards the top right corner of the goal. Courtois dived, stretching out his arms, but couldn't reach the ball.

...

"Goal!!!"

"Bruno! Bruno has scored!!!!"

"In the ninth minute, just nine minutes into the first half, Portugal has taken the lead against Belgium!"

"Bruno took Portugal's first shot on goal and scored!"

After scoring, Bruno sprinted to the stands where the Portuguese fans were and slid to his knees. His teammates rushed to join him in celebration.

"Fantastic!"

"Bruno is in excellent form today. After skillfully dribbling past Nainggolan, he scored with his left foot!"

"This was a clean and decisive shot from outside the box!"

"This is Bruno! This is our Portuguese hero, Bruno!"

...

De Bruyne stood on the pitch, hands on his hips, shaking his head. Conceding a goal in the first nine minutes was too quick.

The goal happened swiftly: a long pass from Portugal's defense to Ronaldo, who headed it to William Carvalho. Carvalho dribbled and passed to Bruno, who then dribbled past Nainggolan and scored.

From start to finish, only two players were involved after the initial pass. It was efficient, but the key was Bruno's series of moves at the edge of the box.

"This goal showcased Bruno's skill."

"A man who can score thirty-nine goals in a Serie A season, seventeen in the Champions League, and win the Ballon d'Or is truly exceptional. But I won't give up that easily!" De Bruyne thought determinedly.

...

The game resumed.

After the goal, Portugal slowed their attack as planned. Coach Santos had instructed them to retreat after an initial burst of aggression, regardless of whether they scored, to draw Belgium out and counterattack.

Following the goal, Belgium began to press. Four minutes later, they earned the game's first yellow card against Portugal. Soon after, Portugal launched a counterattack. Bruno, controlling the ball up front, passed back to Joao Mario, who then sent a diagonal pass to the right. Nani attempted a long-range shot from over twenty meters but sent it over the bar.

Nani apologized to Bruno and his teammates, feeling confident before the shot but missing the target. Bruno clapped encouragingly, urging his teammate not to dwell on the mistake.

Belgium continued to press, and in the nineteenth minute, Portugal countered again.

This time, Belgian center-back Alderweireld made a mistake with a header. Bruno intercepted the ball, dribbled to the left side of the box, and tried to cross to Ronaldo at the far post. However, Ronaldo couldn't connect properly, and the ball went out of play.

Four minutes later, Bruno created another chance from the left. Andre Gomes sent a diagonal pass to the right, where Ronaldo controlled the ball but shot straight at Courtois, who saved it.

...

As the first half progressed, Belgium regained control after the initial ten minutes. Portugal was forced to defend.

Although Belgium dominated possession, Portugal's counterattacks were more threatening. Unfortunately, Ronaldo and Bruno were tightly marked, making it difficult to create clear chances. Other Portuguese players struggled to capitalize on opportunities, unable to score a second goal.

In the thirty-first minute, Hazard received a pass on the left, sprinted nearly forty meters, dribbled past three Portuguese players, and faced Cancelo in the box.

Faced with one of the world's best wingers, Cancelo had no choice but to commit a foul, giving Belgium a free kick in a dangerous position.

De Bruyne took the free kick, sending a cross to the back post where Alderweireld headed it into the near corner.

1-1, the teams were level again.

The game became a stalemate, and neither team scored again before halftime.

After the fifteen-minute break, the second half began with no substitutions.

Belgium continued their first-half momentum, steadily pressing Portugal. The equalizer had boosted their confidence and patience.

Portugal played defensively, waiting for counterattack opportunities.

Three minutes into the half, Belgium created a chance. Nainggolan took a long-range shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the goal, causing a scare for Portugal.

...

Bruno noticed the midfield struggling and dropped back, urging his teammates to stay calm and composed.

"Have confidence!" Bruno shouted.

Nani also retreated, leaving Ronaldo alone up front against Belgium's center-backs.

Belgium methodically advanced past the halfway line.

Portugal organized a tight defense, determined to protect their goal. Every player gave their all, running tirelessly, fighting for every ball and opportunity.

Belgium's attacks met fierce resistance.

Although Portugal's overall strength was slightly inferior to Belgium's, they were not without a fight.

In the fifty-eighth minute, Belgium misplayed a pass. William Carvalho intercepted it, passing to Joao Mario.

Joao Mario quickly passed forward to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo shielded the ball from Vermaelen, then laid it off.

Nani, arriving from behind, sent a through ball past Belgium's defense.

Bruno, who had been defending deep, sprinted like a red arrow from the left, outpacing Meunier and shielding the ball with his body.

...

As Bruno reached the ball, the stadium erupted. Many Portuguese fans leapt from their seats in excitement.

Bruno charged into the box.

Belgian right center-back Alderweireld chased him, staying on Bruno's right side. Goalkeeper Courtois positioned himself to the left, ready to react.

The right side was blocked by the defender, and Courtois and Alderweireld covered all shooting angles.

What could Bruno do?

In the box, Bruno suddenly stopped, pulling the ball back.

Alderweireld, caught off guard, tried to stop but overshot.

Bruno used his left shoulder to shield the ball, then adjusted his position, bringing the ball to his right foot. He quickly curled a shot towards the far corner.

"Bruno! Bruno!! Bruno!!!"

"Goal!!!!"

"Oh my God, the fifty-eighth minute! The fifty-eighth minute!"

"Bruno scores again to put Portugal ahead!"

"What an impressive counterattack. Bruno sprinted over forty meters and scored through sheer skill!"

"2-1, Portugal leads again!"

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/cortez10