Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Celebrating with the Fans
The Brazilian team's tactics were not poor, but rather average. In attack, they heavily relied on the individual brilliance of their star players. An all-out attacking or defensive strategy was almost non-existent. Their most common tactic was to let their stars showcase their skills while the others watched silently.
However, relying on individual abilities did not mean that the others simply stood back and cheered when someone was dribbling. Instead, it meant that their overall tactical awareness was not strong. They could not seamlessly link the entire team together like Barcelona, where one player's pass led to another's touch. Their teamwork often occurred within small groups of two or three players, relying on chemistry and technical ability to carve out holes in the opponent's defensive line.
Kaka was the central figure in this attack, with Fabiano sharing the defensive burden inside the penalty area, while Harrison and Franza provided support from behind and the left flank, respectively. The rest of the team watched their performance quietly.
Facing the aggressive Corinthian defenders, Kaka knew their intention was to prevent him from dribbling past them. Although confident in his ability to beat them, he chose to pass the ball as a precaution.
"Kaka didn't attempt to dribble, instead passing to Franza on the other side. Franza quickly laid it off to Harrison, who played a through ball. Kaka! What a beautiful touch and control! He went past the defender effortlessly! He didn't even need to look up..."
After passing the ball, Kaka continued running forward, and the ball sailed over his head. Without hesitating, he slightly reduced his speed, stretched out his right foot, and controlled the ball smoothly with his instep, showing no rebound. He then used a dummy to deceive the onrushing defender, entering the penalty area with composure.
"That rhythm..." Falcao, who had rushed back from outside to watch Kaka's final moves, couldn't help but utter a phrase full of admiration.
"Yes! The rhythm!" Old Fred slapped his thigh excitedly. "I knew something was different. This kid has an excellent rhythm!"
"Such progress is terrifying," Falcao remarked, amazed by Kaka's improvement.
"No, no, no," Fred shook his head. "He has improved, but it's not as exaggerated as you think. This match... A shot! Oh! What a brilliant goal! He did it! The fourth one!"
Several people leaped to their feet, high-fiving each other before joining the crowd in celebration.
Sanchez shouted, "Hey! Guys, I've been meaning to say this. Haven't you noticed? It's the real deal! Kaka thrives in big games! He's a born big-match player! With so many eyes watching him, my legs would be trembling, but he only gets more excited."
"Match temperament? A big-game player?" Falcao nodded thoughtfully. "That's the only explanation."
Inside the penalty area, Kaka performed a one-two wall pass with Fabiano but didn't control the return pass. Instead, he unleashed a furious strike with power and precision.
The ball arced into the top corner with perfection.
The stadium was divided into two extremes: one side was deathly silent, while the other erupted in a cacophony of cheers and jubilation.
The streets of São Paulo were in a frenzy, with various shouts of joy and car horns blaring in celebration.
"It's in! It's in! Four to three! São Paulo has created a miracle! Kaka has created a miracle! It's a winner!"
"A perfect goal! Kaka completed a hat-trick in the final moments of the match, and he also had an assist. This is the final, and he's just turned nineteen..."
"Once again, Kaka has become the key man for São Paulo, the hero of this city. The last person to achieve such a miracle at this age..."
"What a beautiful goal, a perfect team effort combined with an individual masterclass! The mighty São Paulo! When they barely qualified for the playoffs, no one gave them a chance, but now they've made it to the end..."
"Did you see that? That's Kaka! São Paulo's Kaka! I know some have been questioning his ability recently because he hasn't scored in a while, but now, who dares doubt his talent? Who?"
"Coach Costodio, did you see that number twenty-three? Take him to Argentina! He's the best young talent in all of Brazil. Let the world witness the brilliance of our boy! He's the next Pele, the next Ronaldo. Let's lift the World Youth Championship trophy in Buenos Aires!"
The final commentator's words were heard on television, but Costonio, who was present at the venue, couldn't hear them. However, these exact words appeared in the next day's newspaper, allowing Costonio to see them while also serving as an educational opportunity for many who didn't follow the Youth World Cup to learn about this event being held in Argentina.
This was interesting.
After scoring, Kaka ran toward the sideline and executed a nearly ten-meter-long slide on his knees, leaving two grooves on the grass. At the end of the slide, Kaka remained kneeling and lowered his head slightly, raising his left hand in the same gesture Iron Man made when activating the six Infinity Stones, except Kaka didn't snap his fingers. Instead, he held up four fingers, signifying one assist and three goals created by him, resulting in a 4:3 victory.
The São Paulo fans raised their arms in unison, bowing in reverence to their hero.
With two minutes remaining, São Paulo formed a defensive wall in their half, successfully running down the clock until the final whistle.
"Congratulations to São Paulo for becoming the defending champions! This is their 21st title, second in history behind only Corinthian's 23 titles."
In the VIP box, Baros smiled and applauded toward the field while addressing the Corinthian chairman, Duali, "What a dramatic match. It seems luck was on my side."
"Congratulations," Duali said, his face grim but still exhibiting grace in his congratulations.
"Thank you."
"Although I know it's unlikely, I can't help but say it: name your price for Kaka."
"No, you know he's not for sale."
Duali smiled wryly, nodded, and left to search for a new coach. Of course, he knew that "not for sale" meant they would have to offer a substantial sum to acquire Kaka.
After a lap around the field to thank the fans, the players celebrated in small groups, with the Brazilians, like their Argentine counterparts, breaking into dance.
"Kaka, come over here!" Baptista, shaking his hips non-stop, waved from a distance.
"No, I can't dance," Kaka declined politely.
He genuinely couldn't dance and had no desire to learn, finding it too embarrassing.
Young idols carry a heavy burden of fame and expectations.
Kaka approached the sideline, waving to Falcao and others from afar before heading toward his family.
"Grandpa, Grandma," he greeted the elderly couple.
Digan had already flown down from the stands, enveloping him in a big hug filled with pride and affection.
Kaka was a bit introverted and didn't fully embrace such outward displays of affection. Additionally, covered in sweat and dirt, he didn't want to involve innocent bystanders. However, Simone and Bosco had already extended their arms, so he had no choice but to join them, receiving a kiss on the forehead from each parent.
Then, he turned to his grandparents, who affectionately patted his head, beaming with joy and pride for their talented grandson.
Truly... a heartwarming family moment after a remarkable victory. ┐('～')┌
(End of Chapter)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone