The second half continued with ferocity, both teams refusing to relent despite the French being down to ten men. The English players surged forward almost immediately, their movements crisp and calculated. Myles, hugging the left touchline, controlled a lofted ball with his chest, his footwork elegant as he danced past his marker. He angled his body and swung in a dangerous cross toward Elian.
Elian, already a step ahead of his defender, charged into the box, leaping to meet the ball. His forehead connected cleanly, sending the ball screaming toward the bottom corner. The French goalkeeper dove at full stretch, his fingertips brushing the ball just enough to deflect it wide of the post.
The crowd roared as the referee signaled a corner. Myles jogged over to take it, raising an arm to indicate his target. The French defense, now visibly more cautious, packed the box, their eyes darting between the English attackers.