Iraq Crushed 3-1, Ministry Audit Results Loom
The stadium clock was racing toward the 80th minute of the second half. Yoon Seungwoo, who'd been watching the game after our goal, gestured and called out.
"No more pushing it. Drop below the halfway line and control the tempo. Stay out of challenges."
He must've figured there was no point risking injury flare-ups or reckless attacks now that the scales had tipped completely in our favor.
"Manage it. Just manage."
I nodded. Time to shift into clock management mode.
- Our national team is circulating the ball, playing it cool and controlled. Ryu Rion's position has dropped a bit lower.
- Exactly. Instead of clashing head-on with Iraq's defense, he's linking up with Tak Go-gang in midfield to open passing lanes and kill time. Smart choice.
The Iraq players were getting desperate. Down by two goals, they pressed aggressively, but I slipped the ball away a beat ahead of their pressure.
"Here!"
I nudged it to Tak Go-gang's feet, then just blocked the opposing midfielder's path while conserving energy. No need to dive in. We had the ball—they were the frantic ones.
88th minute of the second half. Iraq's final onslaught came. A long ball sailed into our half, but Jang Kangcheol cleared it cleanly. The rebound stopped right at my feet.
- Ryu Rion picks it up! Counter chance? Nah, he's holding possession and shifting wide!
- Right. No need to push forward recklessly now. He's keeping the ball near the corner flag, wearing down Iraq's defense. Veteran move. Pure class!
I shielded the ball with my back to three Iraqi defenders. Sure, I was on the skinny side, but don't underestimate the power from my 188cm frame. They shoved and hooked from behind, but I dropped my center of gravity and held firm.
"Come on, try and take it. Take it."
A faint smile crept across my lips. The fans' cheers filled the stadium. I tapped it for a corner kick, but it hit an Iraqi player, bounced back to me, and went out—goal kick to us.
Four minutes of stoppage time flashed on the board.
- Under a minute left now. The players are holding focus till the end!
- Today's star is undoubtedly Ryu Rion. Showed up in the crisis, flipped the momentum, bandage warrior spirit, and sealed it with a dagger goal. He proved he's Korea's football treasure!
Iraq's last kick nestled into our keeper's arms. As he slowly rose hugging the ball, the ref blew the whistle.
Beep—! Beep—! Beeeeep—!
- Full time! Final score 3-1! Korea beats Iraq, grabs three points!
- The players' grit has turned Mir Stadium red!
The whistle unleashed the tension, and pain throbbed in my forehead.
I high-fived Tak Go-gang first, then thrust both arms high toward the stands. Gazing at the red-roaring stadium, I geared up for what came next.
The Ministry announced they'd set the final audit reveal for November.