Chapter 69: We Are the Champions!
"3-1! The penalty shootout has gone through three rounds, and Mallorca is leading 3-1! The next penalty is crucial—if Mallorca scores, they win the match!"
The ESPN commentator shouted, his voice filled with disbelief. No matter how you looked at it, Arsenal had the greater reputation, and the misses by Suk and Vieira—one hitting the post and the other the crossbar—were quite a surprise. This match had felt off from the start, almost as if something strange was in the air...
Arsenal's fans were pale, disappointment etched on their faces. Unless Mallorca missed both penalties in the next two rounds, and Arsenal scored theirs, the shootout would have to go to five rounds...
José waved his hand and turned to his assistant coach and the substitute players with a big laugh, saying, "Guys, wait for Thiago to score this one, then we can start celebrating!"
The Mallorca players raised their fists in agreement, though some had their doubts. The eighteen-year-old Mota, facing such a crucial moment, could he score this penalty?
Mallorca's fans in the stands were equally uncertain, having never seen Mota play before...
But after a moment of thought, they realized Mallorca didn't really have many penalty specialists. The young Brazilian might need support.
So, the applause from the Mallorca fans rang out, offering their encouragement to the young player, while Arsenal's supporters dared to hope that this inexperienced player might choke in the shootout.
Amid the loud applause from the Mallorca supporters, Mota stepped towards the penalty spot. This was the most important day since he joined Mallorca, and this moment was the most crucial of all!
It was impossible for Mota not to feel nervous at this point, but he knew there was no use in being anxious.
As Mota approached the spot, his teammates from Mallorca stood together, hands on each other's shoulders, silently cheering him on. They didn't know Mota well yet, but at this moment, they had no choice but to trust him.