First A-Match (9)
West Asia's champion, holder of the title as the current strongest team in Asian soccer. Saeid Hosseini, captain of the Iran national team and Fulham FC's starting defensive midfielder, took immense pride in that title.
Just about a decade ago, the country called the strongest in Asian soccer was actually Japan. And Japan, in particular, showed strength against Middle Eastern nations. Rather than relying on physicality, the Japanese national team excelled in technique and teamwork, displaying superior organization. In fact, they achieved good results in the World Cup through that style of play.
In contrast, the Iran national team had been notably weak in international competitions. Their best World Cup performance was barely making it out of the group stage, and even in the AFC Asian Cup, their most recent win was back in 1976.
But now, in 2037, things had changed dramatically over the past two or three years. They still hadn't broken through the group stage wall in the World Cup, but they tasted victory again in the 2035 AFC Asian Cup—and in the final, they crushed Japan 4-0. There were no rivals left in Asia. That was the recent evaluation of the current Iran national team.
Compared to that hype, their performance in the third round of qualifiers was frankly disappointing. With just two games left, they still needed one more point to secure direct qualification to the World Cup finals.
Still, the mood wasn't gloomy. One more point would lock in their spot, and their first opponent in this A-match window, Korea, was a relatively easy matchup—they'd beaten them in all three encounters over the past three years.
Secure World Cup qualification quickly and pour everything into making history with their first-ever tournament advancement next year. That was Iran's blueprint.
But...
'We're losing? Damn it.'
In this match against Korea, where he'd been confident they wouldn't lose even if they didn't win, they were trailing 0-2 at halftime. As Saeid Hosseini walked through the tunnel to start the second half, his face was stiff and hardened.
He wasn't the only one. A pallor hung over the faces of all the Iran players. And their gazes kept drifting to one spot.
The new Korean striker warming up confidently on the pitch. Cha Tae-oh.
Beep!
The second half kicked off. Iran pushed forward more aggressively, desperate to close the two-goal gap. But their backline struggled to advance.
Because of Cha Tae-oh.
'Fast, great technique, and power too.'
Saeid couldn't tear his eyes away from Cha Tae-oh. Partly because the striker prowled in front of the center-backs, hunting for chances, but mostly due to the overwhelming presence he'd shown in the first half.
A player who always threatened something dangerous whenever he got the ball. Saeid was still bewildered by this sudden Korean newcomer.
'I suspected it, but not to this extent...'
He knew of his existence. A player dominating La Liga 2 with overwhelming performances—strength, technique, speed, aerial ability, a complete all-around striker in every aspect.
But Saeid hadn't been too worried. No matter how good, he was still from La Liga 2, the second division. Saeid played in the world's most competitive league, the English Premier League, packed with the best talents.
Moreover, right before this A-match, he'd helped Fulham hold Manchester City—the giants—to a 0-0 home draw, swelling his confidence to the brim.
'If I could shut down Yoel Bergkvist, why struggle against this guy? Damn it.'
Yoel Bergkvist, the epitome of a complete striker, bought by Man City for the most expensive transfer fee in soccer history, the best striker alive. Saeid had played a key role in keeping him scoreless, so Cha Tae-oh didn't seem that threatening.
'Yeah, we got complacent.'
Saeid readily admitted they'd underestimated him.
'No more goals from now on.'
With Iran's elite attack, they could pierce Korea's defense and turn the two-goal deficit into a tie. That belief...
Thwack!
Splash!
"...!"
In the 11th minute of the second half, it became reality. Hamed Mousavi, who'd been exploiting the flanks all first half, started cracking Korea's defense. As resources shifted there, Ramin Hadadi exploited the opposite space with a perfect first touch and clean finish.
Now, if star forward Esan Alinezad could join in...
'This is our momentum.'
One of Iran's attacking traits was piling on goals once they started. Saeid believed this was that moment.
Or so he thought...
Tap!
Crisis struck. Overconfidence led to a pass error.
Wham!
Korea seized possession and bypassed midfield with a direct pass forward. The striker who'd been lurking up top without defending, Cha Tae-oh, was the recipient.
'Damn!'
Saeid and Mohammad Salehi hurriedly dropped back. Other teammates rushed to join the defensive effort.
Luckily, the turnover happened deep in Iran's half, giving time to recover.
'Keep him out of the box.'
Calmly, Saeid maintained distance and retreated. Cha Tae-oh was the type to shrug off pressure and charge toward goal.
'I can handle this.'
He'd stopped the world's best, Yoel Bergkvist. No way Cha Tae-oh was better.
The gap narrowed. Teammates closed in.
But.
Tap-tap!
With quick croquetas, Cha Tae-oh escaped pressure in a flash and reached the edge of the right penalty box.
If even Saeid got beaten here, it'd be another goal conceded.
Saeid swallowed hard and lowered his stance. The angle wasn't great for a long-range shot. To get the perfect chance, he'd have to break between Saeid and Mohammad Salehi.
Just as Saeid prepared to defend coolly...
'...Huh?'
Suddenly, Cha Tae-oh feinted a shot!
Thinking it was a fake to bait him, Saeid hesitated.
But...
Thwack!
Incredibly, from that distance, Cha Tae-oh unleashed a shot—threading between Saeid and Mohammad Salehi.
The Iran keeper dove desperately, but...
Splash!
Curving into the far corner at the last second, it was too much.
The third goal. A hat-trick.
'...My God.'
In all his time wearing the national team jersey, he'd never conceded a hat-trick to one player—never even three goals total.
The shock hit hard. With dazed eyes, Saeid watched Cha Tae-oh run toward the Korean fans.
In that moment, Saeid admitted it. This Cha Tae-oh instilled a fear even Yoel Bergkvist hadn't.
'Why is a player like that still in the second division...?'
Like everyone else, Saeid couldn't help but wonder.
55th minute, score 3-1. Iran's defeat loomed heavier.
My biggest goal in today's match against Iran was simple: victory. Only a win would secure our direct World Cup ticket, regardless of the Qatar game.
Of course, I secretly aimed for a debut goal too. They subbed me in to score, after all.
And I delivered.
Four shots on target, three goals—a debut goal plus a perfect hat-trick with head, left foot, and right foot.
41st minute of the second half. With the score locked at 3-1, Joao Martins pulled me for Ryu Sang-heon.
As I headed to the bench, Korean fans' thunderous chants hit my ears.
"Cha Tae-oh!"
"Cha Tae-oh!"
"Cha Tae-oh!"
I glanced at the stands. Not a single soul was sitting—everyone on their feet.
The thrill of standing ovation in my national team debut after one game... indescribable.
Just last year, it was pure fantasy. Now reality. Overwhelming.
I applauded the passionate fans. I'll never forget this moment, even on my deathbed.
Beep-beep!
About eight minutes later, the ref blew full time.
I'd achieved my top goal too: 3-1 victory. And direct qualification to the 2038 World Cup.
Tonight...
"Cha Tae-oh!"
"Cha Tae-oh!"
"Cha Tae-oh!"
I'd become the most successful player.
Reference: A-match debut today