Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 321: Extra Time

Bruno's dazzling series of moves allowed him to stop the ball despite being surrounded by two Belgian players, earning a round of applause from the crowd. However, Bruno knew time wouldn't wait for him. He looked up to see his teammates' positions and suddenly made a move, feinting past Fellaini and cutting horizontally towards the middle.

Belgian center-back Alderweireld, aware of the threat Bruno posed when cutting in from the left, immediately stepped forward to block him. Fellaini, unaware of Alderweireld's move, almost collided with him. But Bruno quickly passed the ball to the right side of the penalty area and then made a sharp run towards the left goalpost.

Nani knew Bruno needed support when he cut in. At that moment, the Belgian penalty area was packed with four defenders, with Vermaelen being pulled to the right by Ronaldo. Bruno was left facing three defenders, which meant he would be surrounded. So, when Bruno cut in, Nani rushed over.

Receiving the ball, Nani immediately understood Bruno's intention and slotted the ball through the gap between Alderweireld and Vermaelen towards the left side of the goal. Fellaini reacted quickly, turning to chase after Bruno. Seeing that he couldn't stop Bruno in time, Fellaini slid in with a desperate tackle, not caring if it resulted in a penalty or even a red card. But Bruno was a step ahead, meeting the ball and striking it with his left foot without hesitation.

The shot was quick and sudden, with incredible speed and a sharp angle, aimed at the right post and side netting.

…

Belgian goalkeeper Courtois, one of the world's best, reacted swiftly and managed to get a hand to the ball. However, Bruno's shot was so powerful and sudden that Courtois could only deflect it, causing the ball to change direction and slam into the net.

At that moment, Bruno realized they had scored! The stadium erupted in thunderous cheers. As the referee blew the whistle confirming the goal, Bruno found the energy to sprint to the sidelines, celebrating wildly with the fans chanting his name.

"Bruno Fernandes! Hat-trick!!!"

"This match is incredible! Belgium has shown great resilience, coming back twice from behind and even taking the lead. But Bruno has created miracles after being equalized and even trailing!"

"3:3! As we approach stoppage time, Bruno has equalized for Portugal!"

"This is going to be the third extra-time match in the Round of 16 of this European Championship!"

…

"Bruno has been down on the ground for a while. The referee, Viktor Kassai, is checking on him, and the Portuguese players are spreading out."

"We can see Bruno is cramping. This is unprecedented; Bruno has pushed himself to the point of cramping for the first time. It shows just how much effort and determination he has put into this match."

"Belgian players are protesting, claiming Bruno is deliberately wasting time."

"Referee Viktor Kassai indicates he will add time for Belgium later, but now Bruno needs to be helped up."

"The Portuguese medical team is on the field, and everyone is very anxious."

"It's uncertain if Bruno can continue, but regardless, the match is almost over. We hope the Portuguese players can hold on and maintain the score. They must not let Bruno's efforts go to waste."

"Bruno has done everything possible as a player; now it's up to his teammates to take over."

…

The match resumed.

Bruno stayed on the sidelines for treatment, suffering from cramps in both legs. The assistant referee indicated five minutes of added time, partially compensating for Belgium.

Portugal retreated entirely to defend, with all eleven players in their half, including the goalkeeper. Belgium struggled to penetrate Portugal's defense. Whenever De Bruyne got the ball, he pushed forward, earning a dangerous free kick on the left in the 93rd minute.

Finally, Bruno stood by the sideline. The Portuguese fans cheered again as the referee signaled him back on.

"Hold your ground! Everyone stay calm!" Bruno shouted as he slowly jogged towards his own penalty area.

De Bruyne prepared to take the free kick, knowing this might be Belgium's last chance to score and advance to the quarter-finals.

Both teams wanted to avoid extra time due to the grueling European Championship schedule.

…

Batshuayi and Carrasco stayed outside the penalty area, waiting for an opportunity. No one knew if Belgium would deliver the ball directly into the box or pass to the edge for players like Batshuayi, Vermaelen, or Fellaini to head. But it was clear Belgium was all in, with even Courtois joining the attack.

The penalty area was chaotic, and the referee had to blow his whistle to calm everyone down.

As Kassai's whistle blew, De Bruyne took the free kick, the ball curving around the wall.

"De Bruyne takes the free kick… around the wall… but it's too high, over the bar!"

"Clearly, the pressure on De Bruyne is immense, and he overcompensated to avoid the wall, sacrificing quality."

"Portugal has weathered this Belgian attack."

"Time is running out, less than a minute left. The Belgian players are getting frustrated."

"De Bruyne is urging Portugal to hurry. Pepe is intentionally slowing down for Patricio."

"Belgian players protest, and the referee cautions Patricio with a yellow card."

"Portugal restarts…"

…

"The referee blows the whistle for the end of the second half. We're going to extra time!"

"This is the third Round of 16 match in this European Championship going to extra time! Poland beat Switzerland on penalties, and Iceland upset Croatia in extra time."

As the referee's whistle blew, extra time began.

Ronaldo passed the ball to Nani and ran forward. Nani then passed to Sanches and moved forward himself.

Santos's strategy was for Portugal to pressure Belgium's half immediately.

However, Portugal's attack didn't materialize as Sanches lost possession, forcing Portugal to switch to defense.

Bruno immediately marked De Bruyne, sticking to him like glue, no matter how De Bruyne tried to shake him off.

De Bruyne passed the ball to Nainggolan under pressure. As Nainggolan received it, Quaresma and William Carvalho closed in, forcing him to pass back to Alderweireld.

As Alderweireld received the ball, Ronaldo pressured him.

Alderweireld passed to Meunier on the wing.

…

Meunier saw Nani rushing towards him and tried to dribble past him, underestimating Nani's persistence.

"Pass it! Don't hesitate! Pass it!" Courtois shouted from the goal.

The goalkeeper, with the best view, saw Portugal's intense press. Meunier needed to clear the ball quickly to avoid danger.

Whether Meunier heard Courtois or not, he didn't pass immediately, trying to dribble past Nani.

Santos, watching from the sidelines, had studied Belgium's players, including Meunier. The right-back liked to advance with the ball and had good technical skills. Despite being a right-footer, his left foot was decent, and though speed wasn't his forte, his ball control was.

However, Meunier's confidence in his technical skills sometimes led him to hold onto the ball too long.

Nani was the remedy Santos prepared for such moments.

(End of Chapter)

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