Chapter 91
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Park Si-hyun vs Ronaldo (2)
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June 30th.
Finally, the day of the Korea-Japan World Cup final had dawned.
Considering that Korea had made it to the finals, the venue was set at Yokohama International Stadium in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Over 70,000 spectators had already filled the stands.
Not just the waves of red from Brazil and Korea, but players from every national team that had participated in the tournament, along with celebrities and dignitaries, all gathered to create an atmosphere befitting the world's grandest stage.
This was proof enough of why soccer is called the "world's language"—one stadium making it all clear.
In one corner of the stands, Lisa Schmidt was waiting for the match alongside her manager.
"Warner, who do you think will win? Korea? Brazil?"
Lisa's expression made it obvious she already knew the answer she wanted.
The sparkle in her eyes when she said "Korea," and the subtle stiffening of her face at "Brazil"—anyone could see the obvious choice.
Unfortunately, her manager lacked any tact.
"Brazil, obviously. No way Korea beats them. Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Edmílson, Lucio... Just listing the world-class names leaves you breathless. Honestly, aside from Park Si-hyun, Korea doesn't have any standout players. Making it to the final is already a miracle."
"What are you talking about? Korea has tons of good players!"
"Oh? Since when is our singer so into soccer... Fine, tell me then. Who's on Korea?"
"Uh... well... Si-hyun, and also..."
"Also?"
Lisa's eyes wavered. She tried to think, but no other names came to mind besides Park Si-hyun.
"...You're fired!!!"
Thwack!
"Ow! Why kick my knee?!"
'Annoying.'
It ended with just one knee because Lisa was being exceptionally merciful.
At least he'd mentioned Park Si-hyun's name.
Had he trashed Korea without even that, she might have kneed him in both.
She turned her head, ignoring her manager, and shifted her gaze to the field.
Just then, the players were coming out to warm up.
'It's Si-hyun.'
Tension hung thick in the air, befitting a final, but Si-hyun stood apart amid it all.
Calm as ever, with that relaxed smile.
There was an aura about him, as if the world revolved around him.
At his appearance, the Korean fans erupted in unison.
A song echoed from somewhere, soon engulfing the entire stadium.
Our salvation, our song, forever we'll praise—"
Heaven's touch, in the blue field victory's roar resounds, sacred cry—"
Our salvation, our song, forever we'll praise—"
No Korean alive didn't know Park Si-hyun's cheer song by now.
Every line felt like the epic tale of the savior who ended Korea's dark age in soccer and led the nation to the finals.
People pressed shoulders together, singing devoutly as if in worship.
Then, all eyes fixed on one spot.
Park Si-hyun spread his arms wide, bowing his head like a saint receiving divine praise, fingers beckoning with a subtle wiggle.
It was as if he were whispering—
'Sing it louder.'
Essen fans from Germany linking arms with Korean fans, singing earnestly like a hymn—it looked surreal to people from other countries.
But to Lisa Schmidt, it was all just beautiful.
'So cool...'
Under the lights, as Park Si-hyun slowly smiled up at the crowd, Lisa's cheeks flushed red too.
With all pre-match preparations done, the players finally entered the field hand-in-hand with the escort kids.
2002 Korea-Japan World Cup Final! The tournament's grand finale is upon us! Brazil and South Korea players are entering the pitch!!
Tens of thousands of cheers shook the stadium.
The players lined up, and the national anthems of both countries rang out.
As the anthems ended, they extended hands for the pre-match handshake.
That was when Ronaldo's and my eyes met.
Hard to believe these were the players who'd traded so many barbs in interviews—we exchanged no words.
'As expected... Ronaldo. Worthy of holding the world's top title, even if just for now.'
Had he tried mind games here too, I'd have been disappointed and ignored him.
The true elite don't fight with words.
We let our skills speak on the pitch.
That's the only language at the summit.
'If I'm trading barbs with someone... it means they haven't reached the top yet.'
So this silence was my way of showing respect, Park Si-hyun style.
Acknowledging Ronaldo.
But also a quiet declaration that I'd take his spot.
'Ronaldo, ready to hand over the world's best title?'
'Sorry, kid, you're not there yet. Still a ways off from being the best.'
'If not me, Park Si-hyun, who else could claim it?'
'Me, Ronaldo. The world already knows it.'
'You're just a star from the era before Park Si-hyun. Time to bow out like the past.'
'Ha, bow out? I'm still active. Planning to grab at least three more Ballon d'Ors before retiring.'
'Fine. I'm still in the second division, so I'll let you have one. But from the moment I hit the first division, the Ballon d'Or is mine alone. No concessions.'
All of this traded not in words, but in glances.
Brazil fields their traditional 3-4-1-2 formation today. The key is 'balance.' Wing-backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos overlap relentlessly, swelling attack numbers in an instant. In the center, Rivaldo plays as a second striker playmaker, dictating the rhythm.
Watch their speed and space control. Hesitate even a moment on the defensive line, and Ronaldo will rip through. Their back three—Lucio, Edmílson, Roque Júnior—is solid yet swift; simple runs won't break it.
South Korea counters with a 4-4-2 diamond. Central midfielder Ahn Jung-hwan takes attacking midfield duties, Yoo Sang-chul handles defensive midfield.
Both teams deployed their most confident tactics from the tournament.
The referee's whistle blew, and the final kicked off.
Brazil started with the kickoff.
Korea pressed high from the outset, disrupting Brazil's buildup.
But one presence immediately stole the Koreans' focus.
Brazil's other ace, Ronaldinho.
His trademark smile gleamed under the stadium lights.
His fans often said:
"Ronaldinho's not much to look at, but his smile makes you grin without thinking."
Because whenever that smile appeared, plays transcended human limits followed.
Hence his nickname: "The Alien."
This time was no different.
Ronaldinho with two flip-flaps in a row! He blows past Ahn Jung-hwan in a flash, then Yoo Sang-chul too! What in the world...
I'd missed something.
I thought only Ronaldo had awakened from the provocation.
But when a talent like Ronaldo opens his eyes, the geniuses around him awaken too.
And Ronaldinho was proving it.
He'd hit his absolute prime in this World Cup.
Normally, he'd build form after his 2003 Barcelona move, peaking 2004-2006.
But he was already exuding that peak aura.
Ronaldinho's through ball! Pinpoint to Korea's backspace! Ronaldo squeezes between defenders! Stop him, be careful!
Ronaldo timed the offside line perfectly and nudged it in with his left foot—
Thud.
It rattled South Korea's net.
In that instant, the stadium fell silent.
Everyone realized it.
This final wouldn't be easy.