Chapter 316: Croatia’s “Nuclear” Warhead!

[Name: Suker]

[Height: 181 cm]

[Weight: 72 kg]

[Speed: 90 + 5]

[Agility: 91]

[Strength: 85]

[Explosiveness: 98]

[Diamond Card (Special): Inzaghi's Positioning Instincts]

[Diamond Card (Special): Shevchenko's Shooting Technique]

[Yellow Card (Special): Possechnok's Interceptions]

[Red Card (Special): Andrei's Thunderbolt Strike]

For a long time, Inzaghi's Positioning Instincts was Suker's only Diamond Card.

But after the Champions League Final, Suker obtained another Diamond Card.

His theory proved true — the Champions League Final was indeed a place to farm Diamond Cards.

Shevchenko's Shooting Technique became his second guaranteed ability.

At this stage, Shevchenko — arguably the most well-rounded striker — was a template for many forwards.

And his shooting ability gave Suker a tremendous boost in finishing and penetration against defensive lines.

This Diamond Card became another trump card for Suker!

AC Milan might've lost a Ukrainian nuclear warhead,But they welcomed a Croatian nuclear warhead instead!

One that was even more versatile technically and tactically.

The only regret was that this card wasn't a skill-type card.

Or perhaps… all Diamond Cards are special-type?

Suker wasn't quite sure.

Maybe these top-tier footballers' abilities were simply beyond the reach of hard work, which is why the system categorized them as innate talents — special cards.

For now, this was the only explanation that made sense to him.

Luckily, Suker still had spare card slots available, so he wasn't in a rush.

Even though he hadn't drawn his dream cards — like:

Ronaldo's Shooting

Ronaldinho's Ball Sense

Messi's Left-Foot Control

Cristiano Ronaldo's Vertical Leap

Shevchenko still provided a massive boost to Suker's performance as a forward.

And this match was the perfect opportunity to test that ability.

In addition, from the season rewards, Suker also obtained three attribute cards.

All three were invested into Agility.

Suker had to maintain agility — it was key to his playing style.

With increases in height and strength, muscle stiffness and agility decline were an inevitable consequence.

For now, attribute cards could compensate.

But it was like filling a bottomless pit.

If he kept growing taller and stronger, at some point, Suker might have to consider changing his playstyle.

Of course, that was a future concern.

Right now, Suker combined speed, strength, agility, and explosiveness…

Plus, Inzaghi's ghost-like positioning and Shevchenko's ability to rip through defenses.

He could go aerial with headers!Drop back to support build-up!Or simply bulldoze through defenders with solo efforts!

Whether as a lone warrior or a team player, Suker could outmaneuver and break apart any defense.

In a word:

All-around. (he said ittttt!!!!!!!)

Both teams stood on either side of the pitch.

Suker stood at the center circle with Mandzukic.

He turned and glanced at Mandzukic.

Even though Suker had grown to 181 cm, he was still shorter than Mandzukic — the big lug had grown close to 190 cm.

Mandzukic noticed Suker looking at him and flashed a smile.

"Why the hell are you grinning?"

Suker cursed.

Mandzukic looked confused and aggrieved, "I didn't say anything…"

The crowd's cheering intensified.

Croatian fans were roaring at the top of their lungs.

"The referee is jogging out of the center circle — the match is about to begin!"

shouted commentator Kraushevich.

Then, the referee blew the whistle — the match kicked off.

After the kickoff, Suker sprinted forward.

But after covering some ground, he stopped at the midfield line.

Altıntop glanced at Suker and didn't dare to ease up — he quickly pressed close.

Suker turned to glance at Altıntop, then feinted a sprint. Startled, the latter reached out to grab him.

Suker braked hard.

Altıntop let go.

Suker turned again. Altıntop reached out again. Suker stopped again.

After a few exchanges like this, Altıntop, unable to keep up, considered fouling.

But Suker nonchalantly jogged forward.

Now, both Suker and Mandzukic were positioned on the last defensive line.

Suker didn't need to drop deep anymore.

Modrić and Rakitić were handling the midfield superbly.

Especially Rakitić — relentlessly attacking from the wing, giving Croatia a steady stream of offensive support.

"Rakitić is playing brilliantly. After Suker and others left, he became Dinamo Zagreb's core, helping them defend their league title!"

"And now, his performance for the national team is just as outstanding!"

The Croatian fans responded with thunderous applause for Rakitić.

But what they really wanted… was Suker.

Suker shifted into the half-space.

A simple one-two with Rakitić.

Just one touch from Suker, and the stadium erupted.

He used the outside of his foot to pass — Rakitić made the run and crossed.

"Mandzukic with a header! Turkey's keeper Rüştü saves it! Corner kick for Croatia!"

"Modrić takes it. He finds Mandzukic again! Another header — just wide!"

"Croatia keeps launching high balls, trying to utilize Mandzukic's aerial power to break through!"

"Suker pushes forward. Another header from Mandzukic — and Rüştü saves again! The Turkish keeper is on fire!"

Suker turned and roared:

"Can you f*cking score already!? If not, go drag the defense for me!"

Mandzukic muttered under his breath.

"Let me adjust, man…"

"Adjust your ass! Drag the defense!"

Suker barked, then signaled to Srna, the right-back, for a high ball — his hand rotating next to his head.

Srna understood immediately.

Turkey launched another attack, pushing into Croatia's half.

Just as they neared the final third, Vukojević slid in from the side, cleanly tackling the ball to Srna.

Srna took the ball and advanced a few steps.

He looked up — Suker was already on the move.

"SUKER!"

Srna launched a long ball forward.

Suker made a diagonal run.

Using his explosive acceleration, Suker pulled away and beat the defense to the drop zone.

Sabri on the right and Asik in the center tried to sandwich him.

Suker suddenly stopped and used his chest to control the ball sideways.

Asik stepped in to block.

"I got this!"

Suker faked a shot, then pulled the ball back.

Asik ended up in a twisted heap on the ground.

Suker dribbled sideways again, creating space.

Before Gökhan could close in, he smashed the ball with his right foot.

The shot flew toward the bottom-right corner.

The Turkish defense was scrambling — Rüştü couldn't even see the shot through the crowd.

The ball zipped between legs — and into the net.

Silence fell over Maksimir Stadium.

Then — Kraushevich's scream shook the arena:

"GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——"

"SUKER!!!!!!!!!!——"

"Srna's long ball was perfectly placed! And Suker handled it with calm and precision, slotting it in with textbook finishing!"

"That was Suker's first shot of the match — and it's already a goal!"

"This is Croatia's number 9!!"

"With all your strength — tell me, who scored for us?!"

SUKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——

A thunderous roar exploded from the stands.

Croatian fans raised their arms, screaming with joy.

No overcomplicated build-up!No striker lost in the defensive shuffle!Just a clean, clinical strike from Suker!

Perfect timing. Perfect angle.

Croatia scored a brilliant goal just 14 minutes into the match.

"SUKER!!!!——"

In the stands, a young Kovacic raised his fist.

His cheeks flushed with excitement.

Like the thousands around him — jumping, yelling, eyes full of awe.

"Amazing! That was amazing!"

"Suker is incredible!!"

Kovacic couldn't contain his excitement, shouting to his friend:

"I'm going to work hard in the youth team!"

His eyes locked onto Suker on the pitch — the player the whole stadium was cheering for.

With blazing determination in his eyes, young Kovacic declared:

"I'm going to play with Suker someday!"