Between Two Flags

The moment Portugal called, the world changed.

Tobi Oliveira sat in the dressing room at the Mestalla, still buzzing from the Real Madrid game. His fingers drummed lightly on the wooden bench, and in his lap sat the letter—neatly folded, smelling of paper and pressure.

PORTUGAL FOOTBALL FEDERATION Call-up: Senior National Team (Preliminary Camp) Date: June 2 – June 14 Location: Lisbon, Training Ground Complexo da Cidade do Futebol

He read it again. And again.

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Dissonance

The entire city seemed to be celebrating him. His face lit up street ads, Instagram reels, Spanish and Portuguese media headlines:

"Oliveira the Conductor!" "From Rebirth to National Hero?" "Valencia's Young King Heads to Lisbon!"

But inside, he felt split. Tension hummed under every cheer.

Was he ready?

He hadn't even finished school. He still couldn't fold his laundry right. He burned toast. What was he doing leading a national midfield?