A Promise in the Final
The caster and commentator for the U-17 Brazil World Cup broadcast were chatting lightly before the match began.
"Did you expect them to do this well?"
"No, not at all. I figured they'd be lucky to reach the semifinals. And now we're the ones calling their games."
In tournaments like the Asian Cup, South Korea was genuinely a powerhouse. But in the World Cup, the higher the stage, the more overwhelmingly strong the opponents became, turning it into someone else's celebration. Yet in this U-17 Brazil World Cup, South Korea had become one of the protagonists.
After a loss to France, they secured another dominant win against Chile, finishing second in their group and advancing to the knockout stage. They defeated Angola 0-1 in the round of sixteen to reach the quarterfinals. Their quarterfinal opponent was Mexico, who had eliminated Japan. Experts predicted a Mexican victory, but South Korea overturned the odds with a 2-1 win.
Football was South Korea's most popular sport when it came to the national team. Until they reached the main tournament, interest had been modest. But once the U-17 players began performing in the knockout rounds, the media started covering them extensively. After the victory over Mexico, viewership ratings surged dramatically. Then came the long-awaited semifinal against the Netherlands. Defeating the physically imposing Dutch side 1-0 sent the entire country into a frenzy.
"Ah, it's starting."
At the PD's signal, the caster and commentator turned to face the camera with bright smiles as the broadcast switched over.
"Our young tigers' run continues. At last! Finally! The day we've all dreamed of has arrived. We now begin the 2019 U-17 Brazil World Cup Final."
"Reaching this point has been incredibly difficult, but they've overcome every obstacle to get here."
On screen, the players were preparing to emerge from the tunnel. Ha Sunmoon was chatting casually with a Brazilian player beside him.
"Our players are getting ready to enter. The one talking to the Brazilian player over there must be Ha Sunmoon, right?"
"That's him. He's been the standout performer on the U-17 squad. Coach Kang Jeong-ho fought hard to include him. As expected from someone with experience playing in Brazil, he's been exceptional."
"After playing there so long, he must know quite a few of them. He's probably faced some of these Brazilian U-17 players before."
"Likely. That experience could prove crucial in today's final."
The players began lining up neatly and started their entrance.
"Now our South Korean players are entering the pitch. Quite a few Korean supporters have come to cheer them on. Let's hope they deliver a memorable result."
"You've all worked incredibly hard to get here."
Coach Kang Jeong-ho began his pre-match speech to the players.
"We've played some tough matches so far. But the same goes for our opponents. What I mean is, just as we've struggled, they've struggled too. We need to keep that in mind."
The coach tapped his head lightly.
"Our opponent is Brazil. Their attack is formidable. When all eleven of us are defending, we have to stay completely focused. There are far too many players over there capable of dribbling past you the moment you lose concentration. So we must remain vigilant at all times. That means we need to defend more aggressively. I'm not saying you should go in recklessly and pick up cards. I know this is a difficult instruction, but that's what we have to do. This is the final, and they're an exceptionally strong side."
He's right. The Brazilian players are exceptionally skilled.
Ha Sunmoon nodded. Having spent more time in Brazil than anyone else on the team, he agreed with the coach's assessment. Simply sitting back and defending wouldn't be enough to stop them.
"I'll explain the tactics now."
Coach Kang Jeong-ho rearranged the formation on his board. The starting lineup appeared, along with Brazil's expected setup. Both teams were using a 4-3-3, but South Korea had opted for a more defensive midfield with two defensive midfielders.
"The midfield looks like the biggest change from our previous tactics, but the real difference is here."
The coach pointed to Ha Sunmoon's position.
"Every one of their players has outstanding individual ability, especially their right winger, Angelo. We can't contain him with a center-back like before. Without a fast defender on him, he'll keep getting through."
Ha Sunmoon nodded. Angelo, Brazil's starting right winger for the U-17 team, was the same player who had torn apart defenses alongside Lucas on the wings.
"That's why, Sunmoon, you won't be attacking as aggressively today. Not that you've ever neglected your defensive duties, but I want you to focus even more on defense this match. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
Ha Sunmoon nodded again. The coach continued giving additional instructions to the other players, most of them emphasizing a solid defensive foundation before launching attacks.
How are you feeling, kid?
"Hoo…"
Ha Sunmoon nodded. Harrison was slightly worried about his condition. Since arriving in Brazil, Ha Sunmoon had played far too many matches. He had started all three group stage games. Even after exhausting himself against France, he had played against Chile, and his form had dipped noticeably. Three matches in three days wasn't an easy schedule even for adults, yet Ha Sunmoon had won every game he played. Fortunately, Coach Kang Jeong-ho had rested him against Angola, giving him a chance to recover. Then came the quarterfinal and semifinal, where he played full matches again—another three games in three days.
Meanwhile, the other side has had some rest…
The luxury of a strong team. Brazil had rotated their squad comfortably on their way to the final. By mixing their roster appropriately, they had preserved their key players, most of whom were well-rested for the championship match.
"Ha! It's been a while!"
Before entering the pitch, Angelo greeted Ha Sunmoon.
"Angelo! Long time no see. How've you been?"
"Great! You seem to be doing pretty well yourself. Heard you went to Spain ahead of everyone else?"
Ha Sunmoon smiled lightly. Angelo was still playing in the Brazilian league. Santos FC, his club, was one of the strongest teams in Brazil and home to legends like Pelé, Robinho, and Neymar. Angelo was seen as the talent who would carry on that legacy.
"It just worked out that way. If you ever want to come over, just say the word. The weather's really nice there."
"Of course I will. Though I'll probably stay with the senior team for a while before moving somewhere that pays well. Ideally a Champions League-winning side."
The players began lining up, and both Ha Sunmoon and Angelo turned to face forward, ready to enter.
"Let's do our best."
"Yeah. Let's do our best."
Lucas. Are you watching?
Ha Sunmoon thought as he stepped onto the pitch.
Getting here wasn't easy. I thought about you a lot. That day was truly horrific, and I was completely lost. I was terrified of coming back to Brazil.
The South Korean U-17 team in red and the Brazilian U-17 team in yellow lined up in formation.
But I came here to keep the promise I made with you.
South Korea's national anthem began playing.
You said we should play against each other here as opponents. This is only possible because my nationality is South Korean, isn't it?
Brazil's anthem followed.
I've returned to Brazil. To keep my promise to you.
Ha Sunmoon looked around the Estádio do Maracanã, where the final was being held. Countless Brazilian fans filled the stands, along with a small number of supporters in red cheering for Korea.
And I gave everything to reach the final. That's how I get to play against Brazil. I wish you were still here.
Though the Brazilian crowd's cheers felt more familiar, today Ha Sunmoon focused on the voices of those wearing red.
I have a secret, Lucas. There's a strange ghost following me around—an English soldier. He loves football too.
Both anthems ended. Before the match, the players walked around shaking hands.
That's why I believe you're watching me from here. If you appear to Brother Listen, I'll make sure he tells me.
The starting players from both teams entered the pitch. The captains came forward to decide sides.
Felipe is in the stands too. Or if you're here, maybe you've already seen him?
Ha Sunmoon closed his eyes tightly.
Today, just like I promised you, I'll give everything I have. Please watch over me. I'm begging you.
The sharp whistle blew, and the match began.