Bundesliga Second Half Kickoff
[Bundesliga Second Half Kickoff: D-6]
It wasn't long before Dortmund's training resumed and the second half opener loomed.
[Dortmund in Title Race with Bayern Munich—Zero Winter Signings?]
Up to now, Dortmund's winter transfer window had seen no notable incoming or outgoing deals.
In the original timeline, Ivan Perisic had grown frustrated with his playing time, clashed with Jurgen Klopp, and transferred to Wolfsburg.
But this life was different. Thanks to my shining personality and care, our precious golden boy Ivan Perisic had adapted brilliantly to Dortmund.
Hmm.
Lately, with all the care from our other golden boy Ronaldo, reading these goldie reports made me feel like some kind of doctor.
Honestly, sometimes I wondered if this was really grown-ass adults talking—reality would hit hard.
But even dignified elders revert to their schoolboy banter when they meet old friends, right?
Chatting with Ronaldo, my idol from school days, brought back those memories.
Even the moment at Sangam World Cup Stadium when he no-showed and abandoned his ten million little bro.
Come to think of it, that night rage boiled inside me so bad I barely slept.
"Ah, thinking about it pisses me off all over again."
Anyway, as always, I wrapped up team training and headed home.
"Hey, Son Jinho."
Han Gyeowol approached with a playful smile.
"What's up, Gyeowol?"
"...Son Jinho, why's your speech like that?"
I quickly switched back. Guess I'd caught the Ronaldo virus.
"Ah, hung out with a weird friend and picked up his vibe. Anyway, what'd you call me for?"
"Hehe. Nothing much, just good job today. Here! Special permission for a kiss!"
With that, Han Gyeowol puffed out her right cheek.
I planted a light kiss on her increasingly cute, affectionate cheek and pulled her into a hug.
Mm. This was healing. Felt like all the mental pollution from the goldies was getting cleansed.
January 15, 2013. Juggling goldie care and Dortmund team training kept my days packed.
[Nuri Sahin Returning to Dortmund?]
Word came that Nuri Sahin, unable to settle at Real Madrid, was heading back to Dortmund.
"Is Nuri really coming back?"
"Seems like it."
"Well, he's worked under Jurgen before, so instant impact player."
Front office and players welcomed Nuri Sahin's return, but fans were cold. He'd left on bad terms, so it was understandable.
[Nuri Sahin's Return—Is That the Best Choice?]
Well... if he came back to Dortmund and played selflessly for the team, fans would warm up quick.
Like Hanbandu hard-carrying Korea to the World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar.
Anyway, time flew, and with the Bundesliga second half right around the corner, Nuri Sahin's Dortmund return was official.
[Nuri Sahin Returns to Dortmund on Loan!]
[Jurgen Klopp: "Nuri Sahin Will Inject Vitality into the Team."]
[Bundesliga Second Half Kicks Off! Dortmund Faces SV Werder Bremen!]
[Nuri Sahin Returns to Dortmund and Immediately Makes the Bench!]
January 19, 2013.
Dortmund traveled to SV Werder Bremen's home stadium, Weserstadion, for an away match.
SV Werder Bremen, mid-table in the Bundesliga, was a club with deep history.
One of the longest-serving teams in the league, an original participant, more famous for the relegation playoff spot than Schalke or Leverkusen.
'Mm. Beans line, huh.'
My name's Jinho—felt oddly familiar.
"Everyone, stay sharp! No complacency!"
Inner affinity aside, we had no intention of slacking. We vowed to give our all against SV Werder Bremen.
Soccer balls are round, away games tough—anything could happen.
Even the pro gamer with my name never saw his semifinal opponent bunker three games straight; the hyped classic ended in under 20 minutes.
With humans and Mother Nature teaming up, nothing's too weird. Anyway.
Kickoff neared, stadium packed. Preeeep—!
The ref's whistle blew, and the Bundesliga second half opener began.
Nine minutes in.
I spotted Marco Reus cutting in from the left flank and fed him the pass.
Thwack—!
Reus took it cleanly, unleashed a right-footed rocket from the arc's front, piercing the bottom left corner and rattling Bremen's net.
'Mm. Bean blessings?'
Assist came too easy.
After the opener, Dortmund pinned Bremen back with high pressing, pounding away.
Son Jinho's exploits stood out, especially after the easy assist.
Only natural, really.
Even rational pros are human first—their play sways with emotions.
As transitions broke Bremen's defense.
After regaining possession, Jinho spotted Lewandowski and passed. Lewy controlled with a soft first touch, charged the box. Bremen's center-back yanked him foul—Lewy's balance crumbled, ref reached for whistle.
But Lewy stayed focused amid the stagger, swung at the ball. Impact off, but the sudden shot caught the keeper flat-footed.
It sailed past, goal.
Dortmund kept hammering post-goal.
Ivan Perisic, subbed for Mario Gotze, scored too, sealing a 4-0 romp.
[Dortmund Starts Second Half Strong: 4-0 Away Win Over SV Werder Bremen!]