From Reject to Legend

*** What did the chicken say to the duck ?

.

.

.

nothing. This ain't disney xD

Toss a stone to your author, o valley of plenty 🥺***

The Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador was transformed into a pulsating coliseum on July 1st. As the last rays of the sun melted into the glow of floodlights, thousands of fans—draped in red and green, or donning the regal black, yellow, and red of Belgium—filled every seat.

This was the ultimate showdown of the second round, the match that would decide which team would join the elite in the quarterfinals.

With the stage set for a blockbuster encounter between Portugal and Belgium, the atmosphere was electric, and every heartbeat in the stadium echoed with anticipation.

The stadium roared as the whistle blew, setting in motion a match that would be etched into World Cup lore.

Under the dazzling floodlights at Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova, Belgium and Portugal clashed in an epic contest—a rollercoaster of emotion, skill, and sheer determination that would keep fans on the edge of their seats for every minute.

From the very first seconds, Belgium made their intentions clear. With a series of crisp, deliberate passes that showcased their fluid style, Belgium seized control of the early tempo.

Kevin De Bruyne, orchestrating the play from midfield, ensured that the ball moved quickly and purposefully. It wasn't long before the ball found its way to Romelu Lukaku on the edge of the box.

In one explosive moment of brilliance, Lukaku took a touch, gathered his strength, and unleashed a thunderous shot.

The ball, curving beautifully in the evening air, evaded the desperate reach of Portugal's goalkeeper. The net rippled as the ball found its mark, and the stadium exploded.

"Goaallllll!!!!! 1-0 for Belgium!" the commentator bellowed, his voice rising over the cacophony of cheers.

"Lukaku with a blistering finish, assisted by a sublime pass from De Bruyne! Belgium takes an early lead, and the roar from their supporters is deafening. What a statement to begin the match!"

For the next several minutes, the Belgian side continued to assert their authority. Their movements were synchronized and precise, each pass and run executed with a sense of urgency.

The Belgian fans waved their flags high, chanting in unison, while the atmosphere on social media lit up with praise for the early breakthrough.

Live commentators on networks like Sky Sports and ESPN couldn't stop talking about the clinical execution of that opening goal, calling it the spark that might fuel Belgium's campaign all night long.

However, Portugal, ever resilient, was determined not to be outdone. Slowly but steadily, they began to find their rhythm.

Under the watchful eye of Coach Santos, the Portuguese players began to press forward with a controlled urgency that reflects the intensity of the situation. Their midfield, a blend of seasoned veterans and energetic youngsters, worked tirelessly to reclaim possession.

In the 27th minute, a perfectly timed move unfolded. Adriano manged shake off Fellaini and Company and sent a guided pass to Moutinho.

Moutinho, whose calm in the heat of battle had been a beacon of hope, delivered a pinpoint pass into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo—the dazzling forward who had long been synonymous with turning the tide of any contest.

Ronaldo, with his piercing vision and signature determination, received the ball in stride. In one fluid motion, he controlled the pass and unleashed a shot of pure quality.

The ball soared, rising with elegant precision before slamming into the back of the net. In that instant, a hush fell over the Belgian defense, only to be broken moments later by the thunderous eruption of the Portuguese fans.

"Gooooaaalllll!!! 1-1! The scores are level again," the commentary announced, punctuating the moment with a surge of excitement.

"Ronaldo answers back in style ! Assisted by the ever-reliable Moutinho, he fires a shot of pure quality. The equalizer sends shockwaves through the arena—this is the brilliance we expect from Portugal!"

The momentum in the stadium shifted like a tidal wave. Portuguese supporters erupted in a crescendo of cheers and chants, their voices rising in a harmonious display of national pride. Meanwhile, the Belgian contingent, though still bolstered by their first goal, felt the sting of the setback.

But Belgium was not ready to relinquish their advantage so easily. With renewed intensity, they resumed their offensive assault.

In the 40th minute, De Bruyne once again demonstrated his extraordinary vision. Picking out a delicate through-ball with surgical precision, he sliced open the midfield.

The pass found Eden Hazard, who was already making a darting run into space. Hazard, displaying his characteristic flair and agility, dribbled past a sliding Portuguese defender.

With calm composure, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net, restoring Belgium's lead at 2-1 just before halftime.

"Gooooaaalllll!!!!! 2-1 for Belgium!" the commentator's voice soared as the goal reverberated throughout the arena.

"Hazard, with the magic touch he's renowned for! Assisted once again by De Bruyne, he makes no mistake—this goal puts Belgium ahead and shifts the momentum. The Belgian fans are ecstatic, but Portugal's spirit is far from broken."

In the minutes that followed, both teams exchanged a flurry of attacking moves. There were several close calls and near misses. A couple of minutes after Hazard's goal, a Bruno's powerful header grazed the crossbar, leaving the crowd gasping in disbelief.

Not long after, Hazard's curling shot from outside the box veered just wide of the post. Each missed opportunity added to the mounting tension, reminding everyone that in a match of this magnitude, every chance was precious.

As the first half drew to a close, the atmosphere in the Portuguese dressing room was intense. Coach Santos gathered his players in a huddle, his eyes ablaze with determination. His voice, measured and resolute, broke through the din of nervous energy.

"Listen, gentlemen," Santos said, his tone both calm and commanding. "We've seen their strengths today—Belgium is precise, innovative, and dangerous in attack. But we have our own weapons. We need to tighten our defense and exploit every opening in their formation. Our time is coming, and we must be relentless. Stay focused, trust in our training, and let's turn this around."

The players responded with a chorus of determined affirmations, their faces reflecting renewed commitment. The break was brief, yet it recharged their collective spirit, and they returned to the pitch with a new resolve.

The second half began with a palpable tension as both teams staked their claim to victory. Belgium, buoyed by their early successes, continued to press forward with aggressive intent. Portugal, inspired by their resurgence and the passionate words of Coach Santos, launched their own calculated attacks. The pitch became a theater of intricate passes and hard-fought duels—a microcosm of the world's most dramatic battles.

In the 65th minute, the momentum tilted yet again. A clumsy challenge inside the Portuguese penalty area by Pereira gave Belgium a chance at redemption—a penalty.

The referee's whistle cut through the buzz of the crowd, and the atmosphere grew unbearably tense. All eyes turned to Lukaku, who was entrusted with the crucial spot-kick.

The stadium fell silent in anticipation as he placed the ball on the penalty spot. With confidence in his stride, he took his shot. Yet in a stunning twist, Portugal's goalkeeper Rui Patricio, diving with a breathtaking athleticism managed to tip the ball onto the post and then out of play.

The save was an emphatic denial, and the Belgian bench and supporters could only watch in disbelief.

"Lukaku steps up for Belgium's penalty—oh, what a save! Patricio denies him the chance to extend their lead! The tension is palpable; one moment could define this match!" the commentary declared, echoing the shock felt by the fans.

Fans erupted with mixed reactions—disbelief, relief, and renewed hope danced across digital screens as Portugal sensed an opportunity to shift the balance.

Emboldened by the missed penalty, Portugal launched a sustained offensive. With the clock ticking and every touch laden with urgency, the Portuguese forwards began to work in unison.

In the 80th minute, the breakthrough that had been long-awaited finally arrived. Amid the chaos of the final minutes, Adriano, whose earlier heroics and injury struggles had already made him a symbol of resilience, took center stage.

My play was clinical and deadly . Despite the physical toll of the match, my movements were imbued with a fluid grace that didn't show fatigue. I dribbled past Mertens , then Alderwierld in a few moves. Then With a sharp, incisive pass, I found Nani on the flank.

Nani, with the elegance of a seasoned performer, cut inside past a defender and delivered a cross that seemed to float on the air—its trajectory perfect, its destination preordained.

The ball, curling toward the center of the box, was met by the swift, sure-footed touch of a Portuguese attacker who calmly sent it into the net, leveling the score at 2-2.

"Gooooaaalllll!!! 2-2! The match is level once more," the announcer shouted, his excitement infectious.

"Goal from Portugal! Nani's sublime finish, assisted brilliantly by Adriano, finds its way into the net. The equalizer is a masterpiece—a moment of individual brilliance that ties this epic contest at 2-2!"

The stadium erupted in jubilation. Portuguese fans, their voices rising in a thunderous chorus, filled the night air with cheers and songs of victory.

The equalizer reinvigorated the team and sent shockwaves through the Belgian ranks—suddenly, the game had transformed into a battle of wills. We celebrated wildly as the goal had brought us back from the brink of elimination.

The match continued as both sides continued to attack , looking for the winner.

With regulation time having expired and the score locked at 2-2, the match entered the realm of extra time—a period where fatigue met fierce determination, and legends were forged.

Both teams, physically spent yet mentally galvanized, began trading blows in an intense duel. The pace slowed, but every second was charged with the promise of a decisive moment. The first half passed hy without any goals.

Then, in the 114th minute, as the tension reached its zenith, Adriano stepped into the spotlight for one final, breathtaking act. With his body battered and his face marked by the struggles of the night, he refused to yield.

As the Portuguese side sought to break the deadlock, I received the ball in a tight space near the edge of the Belgian penalty area. eyes burned with determination.

In a dazzling display of footwork, he sidestepped Company, then nutmegged Alderwierld, weaving through the Belgian backline with the agility of a leopard and the precision of a deadly sniper.

Time seemed to slow down. Each touch of the ball was deliberate, each feint a statement of unwavering resolve.

With defenders sliding in vain to close me down, I found myself in a one-on-one confrontation with Belgium's last line of defense.

In that suspended moment, with the crowd holding its breath, I controlled the ball with sublime finesse as I turned, before unleashing a shot that would etch my name in World Cup history once more.

The ball curved past the outstretched arms of a diving Courtois and nestled into the back of the net, sending the Portuguese bench and fans into a frenzy of ecstatic celebration.

"Gooooaaalllll!!! 3-2 for Portugal!!!!" the commentary exploded, barely containing the emotion of the moment.

"Adriano… Adriano… He's done it! The 18!year superstar has made this world cup truly his own playground ! A moment of pure genius as he weaves through the Belgian defense—what a goal! Portugal takes the lead 3-2 in extra time! The stadium is erupting—this is history in the making!"

I ran towards the bench where everyone jumped on me with cheers and tears of joy. Coach Santos heartily smacked me on the back as he said, " You really had to keep me waiting kid! My blood pressure is at highest now !"

The teammates, staff and reserves , everyone was cheering loudly as we knew this could be our ticket to the quarter finals.

The floodlights seemed to blaze with an almost otherworldly glow as the Portuguese supporters' cheers surged like a tidal wave.

From the crowd that surrounded me, I barely managed to raise my hands and pointed to the gallery where my parents were hugging each other in tears as they cheered for me. " THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!! I yelled as loudly as I could, hoping my voice would reach out to them, and it did.

They smiled with pride as they watched me being congratulated by evetyone. This was more satisfying than scoring any goal.

For a heartbeat, the world stood still in awe of the magic unfolding before their eyes. Belgian supporters, meanwhile, were plunged into heart-wrenching silence, their dreams of victory shattered by one sublime moment of brilliance.

Yet, the drama was not over. With only five minutes left on the clock, the Belgian side, desperate to salvage something from the encounter, threw themselves forward in a final, frantic surge.

Hazard, ever the opportunist, launched a long-range shot from the edge of the box. The ball thundered toward the goal, striking the crossbar with a resounding clang that reverberated throughout the arena. In that agonizing moment, hope and despair were mixed before being crushed by failure.

The Belgian fans groaned in despair, while the Portuguese fans sighed in relief.

Belgian players scrambled to respond, but Portugal's defense, now galvanized by the late heroics, held firm. Every pass, every clearance was met with determined resilience as the clock ticked inexorably toward its final seconds.

As the final whistle finally echoed across the pitch, a roar of triumph erupted from the Portuguese fans—a mixture of jubilation, relief, and the sheer, overwhelming ecstasy of victory. People were celebrating wildly , and my parents were cheering as well. I smiled as I let by body relax, we have done it.

Portugal had triumphed 3-2 in extra time, a match that had delivered every conceivable thrill and heartbreak. The scoreline, etched in the minds of millions, was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of football.

"Unbelievable scenes here at Fonte Nova!" the Derek Rae concluded, his voice thick with emotion. "Portugal, with courage, creativity, and a touch of magic from Adriano, has overcome Belgium in a thriller. A 3-2 victory in extra time—this is what the World Cup is all about!"

In the final moments, as fans streamed from the stadium into the warm night air, the echoes of the match lingered. Every missed opportunity, every near-miss, and every breathtaking goal played out like chapters in a grand epic—a tale of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

For the players, the match was an odyssey of grit and emotion. Cristiano Ronaldo's equalizer had been a spark of brilliance; Moutinho's organization alongside Adriano had provided the rhythm; Nani's clinical finish had reignited hope; and finally, Adriano's magical goal in the 114th minute had transformed despair into ecstasy.

The match had been an emotional rollercoaster, and in its highs and lows, it embodies the very essence of football.

As the stadium slowly emptied, memories of the night mingled with the cool night air. The resounding cheers of Portuguese fans, the tearful silence of Belgian supporters, and the enduring spirit of every player on the pitch would remain etched in history.

In a game where every pass carried the weight of destiny, Portugal's triumph was a reminder that in football, heroes are born not just from talent, but from the indomitable will to overcome.

Thus ended an unforgettable match—a battle that transcended the scoreline and celebrated the eternal magic of the beautiful game. The night belonged to Portugal, whose 3-2 extra time victory over Belgium would be remembered as one of the most dramatic. encounters in this World Cup.

In post-match interviews, I was humble yet confident. "I played for my country, for my teammates, and for every fan who believed in us. Today, we showed that with heart and determination, we can overcome any obstacle," I said, my voice cracking with joy and jubilation.

Ronaldo, his eyes reflecting both the fatigue of battle and the pride of victory, added,

"This win is for everyone who has ever believed in us. We still have a long way to go, but tonight we were the better side.."

Meanwhile, across the continent, images of jubilation and heartbreak were splashed across television screens and social media feeds.

In Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Argentina, fans recalled the rollercoaster of emotions that had defined the knockout stage.

Each match had contributed to a tapestry of unforgettable moments—penalty shootouts, last-minute goals, and acts of individual brilliance that would be recounted for generations.

In the hours following the match, the media was awash with praise, analysis, and emotional tributes. Talk shows on ESPN, Sky Sports, and local networks replayed the match repeatedly, highlighting the tactical shifts, the heroic saves, and the stunning goals. Former legends like Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff debated the turning points of the match on live panels.

Platini remarked," Portugal's will to fight was amazing. Adriano's goal was a moment of sublime beauty—a true demonstration of passion and perseverance. It's matches like these that remind us why we love this game."

Cruyff, with characteristic candor, added,

"Belgium had every tool in their arsenal, but Portugal's will to win and their ability to seize the moment made all the difference. It's a lesson in never giving up, even when the odds are against you."

Social media hashtags like #ForcaPortugal, #VamosRonaldo, and #KingAdriano trended worldwide. Fans from every corner of the globe expressed their elation and disbelief, sharing videos of the goal, animated GIFs, and personal stories of how the match had moved them.

In Belgium, despite the loss, there was a sense of pride for a team that had fought valiantly—albeit with tears and heartbreak.

In the streets of Lisbon, celebratory parades erupted. Portuguese fans, faces painted and flags waving, sang their national anthem in unison. The jubilation was palpable, with impromptu gatherings in cafés and public squares as supporters recounted every moment of the match with exuberant detail.

In contrast, the Belgian fans, though devastated, were seen consoling one another and vowing to come back stronger in the next tournament. Cafés and public viewing areas in Brussels and Antwerp were filled with reflective discussions about the match, with many expressing both pride in their team's effort and sorrow at the missed opportunities.

With Portugal's victory, the knockout stage draw had been set for the quarterfinals. it was confirmed that Portugal would face none other than Messi's Argentina—a matchup that had been the subject of fevered speculation since the tournament's inception.

Talk shows and sports networks were immediately abuzz with predictions about Ronaldo vs Messi clash.

One expert on "World Football Today" stated,"A clash of titans is imminent. The long-anticipated Messi vs. Ronaldo duel will now take center stage in the world Cup. Both teams have shown incredible spirit, and this match could be the ultimate battle for football supremacy."

José Mourinho predicted,"Expect a tactical masterclass. Argentina's artistry against Portugal's raw power—this is going to be an unforgettable encounter. But rather than Messi or Ronaldo, I'd focus at Adriano. He has been absolutely crucial in their goals."

Pele himself tweeted, " I like Messi, I admire Ronaldo, but I love Adriano! The boy has made me reminisce about the days I started playing football. It's almost like watching my younger self play. I would love to meet him personally and share some stories with each other."

Maradona counter tweeted, " Messi is the best in the world, even Ronaldo and Adriano can't stop him together. I predict a easy victory for Argentina."

Social media polls reflected nearly even splits among fans, with passionate supporters on both sides confidently declaring their team's superiority. Only time would tell who will win among them.

Meanwhile, the European clubs were looking for the outstanding players in the world Cup for transfers. All the top performers recieved generous transfer offers from some of the big names . Manchester United going through a new transition was investing heavily in the transfer.

World Cup top Scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo - 5 goals

Lionel Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez, Adriano, Thomas Muller, Alexis Sanchez - 4 goals each

Benjema, Hazard, Di Maria, Klose- 3 goals each

Top Assists

Adriano - 5 assists

De Bruyne - 4 assists

Lionel Messi, Toni Kroos, Oscar- 3 assists

Moutinho, Pogba, Di Maria, Paulinho; Modric - 2 assists

All the clubs started the process of official signings, as the summer transfer window began officialy as the 2nd rounds ended. But the first day of the 2014-15 season's Summer Transfer Window made a historical record that stunned everyone!

For the first time in history, a single player had recieved over 500 million euros worth of transfer offers on the very first day of the transfer window!