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Starting XL 3 (End)
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 18:00:08 +0000 UTCAfter the scolding by Gerrard Sturridge didn't dare to continue dribbling too much on the wing. Instead, he became much more reasonable, immediately looking up every time he received the ball, seeking cooperation with his teammates.
When Tristan came over to provide support, Sturridge didn't cling to the ball, but instead played a quick one-twos.
"Great teamwork between Sturridge and Tristan," the second commentator noted. "The two of them are really starting to work well together, making quick passes to break through Costa Rica's defense."
The ball was quickly moved down the wing after a well-timed pass from Tristan. Sturridge, now in full flow, made a cross—whether high or low—into the penalty area.
"The ball's in, and now Rooney will have the chance!" the first commentator added. "England's offensive movement is really paying off, stretching Costa Rica's defense thin."
Rooney, stationed centrally, always seemed to have someone to support him, but Costa Rica was proving difficult to break down.
"Credit to Costa Rica," the second commentator remarked. "They've had a solid defense throughout the tournament. It's not going to be easy for England to find a way through."
Costa Rica's defense was as resilient as ever. Their backline consisted of five defenders, four midfielders, and Navas in goal, all of them squeezed tightly into their own 30-yard area, leaving England with little space to work with.
"England's passing lanes are getting narrower," the first commentator said. "Costa Rica's defense is compact, making it difficult for England to find those through balls."
Costa Rica's coach, Pinto, had prepared a special plan: two central defenders closely shadowed Rooney, not allowing him any space to receive the ball or get off a shot.
"They've marked Rooney out of the game," the second commentator said. "He's having to turn and shoot or pass it back, but he's not getting any easy chances."
Rooney, tightly guarded, had to rely on his strength to hold off the defenders, either turning to shoot or laying the ball back for Tristan, who could have a crack at the goal.
"In the last fifteen minutes, we've seen Tristan try three shots from outside the box," the first commentator noted.
Despite his attempts, Tristan's shots lacked the necessary power to get past the Costa Rican goalkeeper. But his persistence was key, as he began to shift from long shots to shorter, more incisive passes to Rooney in the middle.
However, the sheer number of defenders in front of the penalty area made it difficult for any of Tristan's passes to find Rooney's feet. Several attempts were blocked or intercepted by Costa Rica's defense.
"England's not giving up," the first commentator noted. "Their attacks continue to flood Costa Rica's defense, and it's clear that the pressure is building."
If we compared the teams in Group D, England had by far the most balanced and diverse attacking play. Uruguay's forwards, though strong individually, lacked the creative midfield to feed them. Italy, while solid in defense, was overly reliant on Pirlo's passing and Balotelli's individual flair. Costa Rica, meanwhile, depended on defensive counterattacks and teamwork.
Tristan's role in that setup was central—he was the orchestrator, providing the creative passes to unlock defenses. Rooney, with his shooting ability, acted as the pivot in the middle of the attack. Sterling and Sturridge were the wingers, offering pace and dribbling to pull defenders out of shape, while Gerrard occasionally added long shots to add variety to the attack.
Before the tournament, Hodgson had been vocal about his desire to play more attacking football. This was why he had abandoned the traditional 4-4-2 formation, instead opting for a more dynamic 4-2-3-1.
Tristan had come on as a substitute in the first two matches and had shown his worth by contributing a goal and two assists. Hodgson, impressed with his performance, had made the bold decision to start him against Costa Rica.
Hodgson sat back in his coaching booth, pleased with the progress. He had made a risky decision, but it seemed to be paying off. The tactical switch to a more attacking setup, and the inclusion of Tristan as the key playmaker, had given England the advantage.
Hodgson, with his eyes already on the knockout stages, was starting to think ahead. If England could beat Costa Rica, they would qualify in second place, setting up a potential clash with Colombia in the round of 16.
"Tristan's been a standout so far," the second commentator added. "One goal, two assists—he's definitely a player to watch."
Looking at Tristan's tireless runs and creative passes, Hodgson couldn't help but feel a sense of ease. The future of the Three Lions was in good hands.
Hodgson smiled as he watched his players on the field, confident that the tactical changes he had implemented were leading to a stronger, more balanced side. "It's just the beginning," he thought.
The clock is ticking into the second half, and England's intensity hasn't let up. They continue to press Costa Rica, dominating possession, but the focus is on maintaining control rather than rushing into anything too reckless.
"England's approach has definitely changed in the second half," the first commentator observed. "They're slowing things down a bit now, taking more time with each pass. It's a smart move, given their one-goal advantage."
Tristan took control of the ball in midfield, his head up, scanning for options. He makes a quick pass to a teammate, then motions for them to move forward. The tempo isn't frantic, but the pressure on Costa Rica's defense is palpable.
"The Three Lions are keeping the ball moving," the second commentator noted. "There's a sense of calm about their attack now. Tristan's orchestrating things from midfield, dictating the tempo with his calm presence."
Tristan looks for a direct pass forward, but instead of charging forward immediately, he holds up, calling for the team to spread out and maintain their shape. His teammates respond, keeping their positions but remaining alert for any gaps in Costa Rica's defense.
"Tristan is playing the role of the playmaker here," the first commentator remarked. "He's making sure England isn't overcommitting. It's a fine balance—keeping the pressure on, but not overextending and leaving themselves open to a counterattack."
"Exactly," the second commentator agreed. "Costa Rica has shown they can punish mistakes, and England's been burned by them before. Tristan's making sure they stay focused and don't let that happen again."
The ball moves through the midfield once again as England seeks an opening. Costa Rica is compact, closing down space, but Tristan's passing is sharp, threading the ball to the wings to stretch the defense.
Tristan moved the ball across the pitch to a teammate and then signals for them to hold the ball. He calls out instructions, making sure England keeps their shape and doesn't rush.
"Tristan's got that composure you need in the big moments," the first commentator noted. "It's all about controlling the game now. The tempo is slowing, but it's England that's dictating it."
As the game continues, England is more deliberate with their build-up. They're looking for that opening but also keeping things tight defensively. Costa Rica has been pushed back into their own half, but they're still trying to hold firm.
"Look at Tristan here," the second commentator noted. "He's managing the game like a seasoned pro. You can see the confidence he has in his teammates and in himself. He's not forcing the issue, just playing the game in front of him."
"Smart football," the first commentator agreed. "England's approach may be methodical, but it's working. They're not in any rush to score—just making sure the game stays in their control."
The ball continues to move fluidly through midfield, with England maintaining possession.
The clock continued to tick down, and England maintained their relentless pressure, forcing Costa Rica into their own half. The intensity was tense as both sides fought tooth and nail—every tackle, every pass, every challenge seemed to have the weight of the world on it.
"England's domination is clear," the commentator noted, "wave after wave of attack, it's hard to imagine Costa Rica holding out for much longer."
Finally, the referee's whistle echoed through the stadium, signaling the end of the first half. The Costa Rican players and their fans exhaled in relief. After enduring constant bombardment, they could finally catch their breath.
"They'll be thankful for the break," the commentator continued, "England's attacks have been incessant. Costa Rica was lucky to only concede once."
Indeed, the first half had been a battle. England had been in total control, with a 60% possession rate and an incredible 13 shots on goal. Yet Costa Rica had held firm, showing resilience despite England's dominance.
"England's lead is fragile," the commentator cautioned. "A one-goal lead is the most dangerous in football. One attack from Costa Rica, and we could be looking at a very different game."
With that thought hanging over them, England's manager Roy Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard took the opportunity during halftime to remind their team of the task ahead.
"We cannot relax," Hodgson urged. "One goal is not enough. We need more, we need to keep the pressure on. We've worked hard to get here, and we cannot afford to let up now."
Gerrard echoed his manager's sentiment. "The game's not over. Keep pushing. Keep attacking. One more goal, and we'll have the three points."
The players took their positions as the second half began, and the game's tempo picked up immediately. There were no substitutions for either side—both teams seemed content with their starting lineup and the performances thus far.
"No changes here," the commentator observed. "Costa Rica will be happy with how they've hung on, but they need to find a way to halt England's flow. For England, there's no time to relax. Every second counts."
As the second half unfolded, England continued where they had left off, keeping up the pace and attacking with speed. The ball moved swiftly through the midfield, with Tristan pulling the strings at the heart of the attack. But despite the urgency, there was a calmness about his play—his decision-making was measured, choosing when to push and when to hold.
"Tristan's composure in moments like this is remarkable," the commentator remarked. "At 19, he shows the maturity of a player much older. He knows when to slow the game down, when to pick the right pass. That's something not every player his age can manage."
Despite England's increased dominance, they faced a stubborn Costa Rican defense, led by their outstanding goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. Time and again, Navas made save after save, keeping the scoreline intact.
"Navas is having a stormer today," the commentator praised. "He's keeping Costa Rica in this match, no question about it. But for how much longer?"
England's offensive continued, but the frustration was beginning to show. Even with the creativity of Tristan and the tireless work of players like Rooney and Sturridge, the breakthrough seemed just out of reach.
And so, in the 60th minute, Hodgson made his move—Jamie Vardy came on to replace Sturridge. Vardy's off-the-ball movement and his ability to press would be key to unlocking the defense. He and Tristan had built a strong understanding at Leicester, and now it was time to see if that chemistry could work on the world stage.
"Vardy's a different kind of forward from Sturridge," the commentator noted. ". This could be the spark England need."
The substitution paid off almost immediately. In the 72nd minute, Tristan found himself with the ball at the edge of the penalty area. With a sharp look up, he delivered a perfectly weighted lob over the heads of the two Costa Rican center-backs. The ball sailed through the air, and at the perfect moment, Vardy appeared, making his trademark run.
"What a ball from Tristan!" the commentator shouted, excitement rising. "And Vardy—just look at the timing! He's in the perfect position!"
Vardy's sprint put him a step ahead of the defenders, and as the ball dropped into the box, the Costa Rican center-backs had no chance. But then, a moment of panic: Costa Rican substitute defender Umanya, trying to make up ground, grabbed at Vardy's jersey. The contact sent Vardy crashing to the ground.
"A clear penalty!" the commentator declared. "Umanya had no choice but to pull Vardy down. You can see it a mile away!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee immediately pointed to the spot. The Costa Rican players surrounded the official in protest, but there was no doubt—this was a penalty.
"Vardy's won it for England!" the commentator exclaimed. "He's been on the field barely 10 minutes, and already he's changed the game."
As Vardy got to his feet, Tristan was quick to offer support, shaking his hand. "Great job, Vardy!" he shouted, a broad grin on his face.
Vardy nodded, responding with a smile of his own. "Just like Leicester, right?" he laughed.
With the penalty awarded, it was time for England's top scorer, Wayne Rooney, to step up. The English fans held their breath as he walked towards the spot. Navas, brilliant all game, was ready for the challenge.
"Rooney has been rock-solid for England," the commentator noted. "He's the man for this job. Can he deliver?"
The boos from the Costa Rican fans rang out, but Rooney was undeterred. Calm and collected, he placed the ball on the spot, took a few steps back, and stared down Navas.
With a deep breath, Rooney took his run-up and struck the ball confidently. The ball sped past Navas, into the bottom corner, as the goalkeeper dived in the wrong direction.
Finally, Wayne Rooney, the second-highest scorer in the history of the Three Lions, scored his first goal since his eleventh World Cup match! The goal came at a critical moment, providing England with a commanding 2-0 lead.
"Rooney's been waiting for this moment," the commentator remarked. "It's been a long time since he last found the net in a World Cup, but there's no mistaking it—this is a huge weight off his shoulders."
As the ball flew past Keylor Navas and nestled into the bottom corner, a wave of relief swept over Rooney. He had been under pressure to deliver but now, with that crucial goal, the burden was lifted.
With a beaming smile, Rooney ran toward the corner flag, his eyes fixed on the crowd as the English fans erupted in cheers. His teammates, seeing the emotion in his celebration, rushed to join him.
Watching Rooney celebrate like this, Tristan couldn't help but laugh in his head, being so excited for scoring a penalty from a play he no had part. If he was in Rooney's place he would have just thanked Vardy and let the game continue instead of celebrating like he won the World Cup.
[ This is just me add being salty having to read the chinese author glazing Man United players they were World Class players, lmao. Like half of this chapter was the author just glazing Eric Cantona and Beckham like get off their dick, they were never the best players in the world.]
"The game's all but sealed now," the commentator observed. "Two goals up, with just 10 minutes to go. England are cruising."
On the sidelines, Hodgson and his staff were visibly relieved. The three points were in sight, and with qualification secured, they could start preparing for the knockout rounds.
As the game progressed, Costa Rica's hopes of a comeback began to fade. England, under Tristan's calm command, slowed the tempo, confident in their two-goal advantage. The crowd, sensing the end was near, started to celebrate the victory that would secure their place in the next stage.
"With the game winding down, it's clear who the dominant team has been today," the commentator concluded. "England have been clinical, and with Tristan pulling the strings, they're looking more and more like contenders."
With the final whistle blown, a wave of relief and excitement swept through the England team. They had done it—they had secured the crucial three points with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica, ensuring their progression to the knockout stages. The roar from the English fans in the stadium was deafening as their team celebrated the qualification.
In another match in Group D, Uruguay triumphed over Italy 1-0, but the result meant both Italy and Uruguay were eliminated, unable to make it out of the group.
"And that's it, folks!" the commentator exclaimed. "England has done it! After a tense group stage, they emerge victorious against Costa Rica and secure their place in the knockout rounds. A massive relief for the Three Lions!"
As soon as the final whistle blew, the players on the England bench rushed onto the field. Hugs, cheers, and wild celebrations followed as the team reveled in their achievement.
Among the throng of players, the Leicester City duo, Tristan and Vardy, found each other and immediately embraced.
"Tristan, we're out of the game!" Vardy shouted, his voice full of disbelief and joy.
"Yes!" Tristan responded, his smile wide and genuine.
But Vardy paused, looking at his teammate with a hint of confusion on his face. "Hey, man, why don't you look more excited? We just made it through!"
Tristan's calm reply was met with a brief silence. "Because I knew long ago that we would definitely qualify."
Vardy blinked, processing Tristan's response. It wasn't that he wasn't excited, but Tristan's maturity and composure in the face of such a monumental moment seemed a bit out of place for someone so young.
"I guess that's just the way you are, huh?" Vardy grinned, shaking his head.
And it was true. After knowing Tristan for over six months, Vardy had come to understand that his young friend wasn't just talented on the pitch; his mentality was exceptional for his age. His poise, determination, and confidence made him seem older than he really was.
Tristan, however, wasn't surprised by the outcome. In his mind, his help——ensured that the Three Lions would at least make it past the group stage. Even with the team's challenges, qualifying for the next round was never in doubt, at least not for him.
"It's the least I could do," Tristan thought to himself as he looked around at his celebrating teammates. "Even without me, we should have gotten through. But with me here... it's no surprise."
In an ironic twist of fate, Tristan's presence—his subtle changes and influence—had rippled through the entire team's performance. In the original timeline, England had bowed out of the 2014 World Cup with a disastrous record: two losses and a draw. But now, with Tristan's help, they had defied the odds and finished with two draws and a win. It was a huge improvement—one that would alter the course of their World Cup campaign.
As he reflected on his role in changing history, the Costa Rican midfielder, Tejeda, approached him. With a respectful nod, Tejeda said in broken English, "Exchange, OK?" He pointed to his own jersey, offering it to Tristan in a gesture of respect.
"Of course!" Tristan replied with a smile. He accepted the offer, exchanging jerseys with the Costa Rican player.
After the game, the official selection of the Best Player of the Match was announced. Tristan, with a 93% pass success rate, two key passes that created dangerous opportunities, and an assist, was rightfully named the Man of the Match with a rating of 8.4.
"Another stellar performance from the young Leicester City midfielder," the commentator praised.
"Two matches, two Man of the Match awards in the World Cup. Truly extraordinary for someone of his age."
[Ding Dong!]
[Achievement "World Cup Man of the Match Twice In a Row" achieved]
[Achievement rating: B]
[Achievement Reward: One Free Attribute Point]
Tristan's eyes flickered as the notification appeared. Another achievement unlocked, another reminder of just how much his presence was impacting this tournament. But as always, he knew there was more work to be done.
Comments
noname_marco
and I can’t find where he’s mentioned 17
noname_marco
He just turned 19 I look at all the chapters once I have the time and edit them Im just too busy with assignments
Riveen
Dude, is the guy 17 and not 19. I saw the same issue with the last chapter
l K
the boy revved in red, returned in his immaculate maturity. THE AUTHOR more chapters please lad
