The opponent in this game, Kasabiya, was stronger than Qatarspor.
They ranked second in the district and were considered strong contenders to advance to the North and South Districts—and maybe even the championship game.
All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the first twenty minutes, the opposing team focused so much on Ronaldo that at one point he even kicked the turf in frustration.
The referee sternly warned him to control his attitude, or he'd see a yellow card.
Many scouts shook their heads.
Too impatient!
Just a little annoyance made him so emotional. For such a talented player, this lack of composure could limit his future achievements.
But two minutes later, their expressions changed.
Ronaldo's emotions hadn't affected his performance.
Wherever he needed to run, he ran.
Those who should survive, survived.
He shot whenever he should shoot.
And when it came to passing… well, sometimes he just didn't pass.
In the 22nd minute, after a pass from Kai, Ronaldo cut inside without the ball, sprinted past defenders, and scored for Kasabiya.
"Oh! That was easy! Chris's shot wasn't even contested. Kasabiya's goalkeeper seemed terrified of the notorious Chris, and his attempt to save was completely distorted!"
"Chris is so fast that defenders can't keep up."
"Of course, Kai, who provided the assist, is also a key contributor. So far, he's given Chris three assists. His passes are bold and precise, especially those through balls in the attacking third—they really create threats!"
"Someone even gave Chris and Kai a group name: the CD Group. I wonder how many times we'll see that connection today!"
After losing possession, Kasabiya responded immediately.
They began focusing their defense on Kai, the engine powering Ronaldo, the super soldier.
The effect was obvious.
"Oops! Kai almost lost the ball, hurry and pass it back!"
"Another wasted opportunity!"
"Kasabiya's defenders are on him. Even if he gets the ball, he can't hold it."
"Kasabiya takes advantage and launches a high-quality attack!"
"Ball stolen again! Kai loses possession repeatedly!"
"Cross from the wing, shoot!"
"Sporting Lisbon's center-back defends well. Kasabiya earns a corner."
"Dangerous shot! Luckily Kai called Chris back. If Chris hadn't reacted, the Kasabiya center-back would have scored."
Kai controlled the ball and finally found rare free space.
He passed to Chris, who exploded forward.
"Advancing from the wing, Sporting Lisbon counters fast! Kasabiya abandons marking Chris and pulls defenders back to the center."
"They can't stop Chris, so they have to wait for him around the penalty area."
"Chris is less effective against strict one-to-many defense, and he rarely passes the ball. He usually dribbles through three defenders. He hasn't succeeded yet in this game."
Then, something unexpected happened.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who never passes, chose to pass.
It exceeded everyone's expectations.
This was the only time in the match Ronaldo opted to pass when he could attack.
Kai received the ball at the edge of the penalty area.
No defenders nearby—no one paid attention to him.
He moved the ball to the right, attempting to break through Kasabiya's left center-back.
"Shoot… no! What is Kai doing? He's trying to dribble through?"
"This is a terrible choice! Kai's long-range shots are reliable. He scored two beautiful goals last round, and this spot is within shooting range. No defenders around!"
"But Kai dribbles anyway. He risks losing the ball because he isn't fast, and his body isn't strong. Once he touches an opponent—he could lose it!"
Too late to argue.
Kai dribbled.
Kasabiya's central defender reached decisively for the ball.
Then…
Kai pulled the ball back with his right foot, rolled it behind his supporting foot, and flicked it left with his instep.
The distance between him and the defender? Less than 20 centimeters.
Time seemed to slow.
The defender's body couldn't match Kai's sudden change of direction. He reached to grab him—but Kai had already shifted, breaking through left and entering the penalty area.
"It's over! Kai changes direction beautifully and completes the breakthrough!"
"This is his first assist on the court—simple but elegant!"
"The back-foot pull accelerated the ball like a little cheetah!"
"No one expected Kai's explosive power to be so strong!"
Kai faced the goalkeeper alone.
He lifted his foot and shot.
Kasabiya's goalkeeper relied too much on his defenders, and Kai's first step after the breakthrough was lightning-fast.
By the time the keeper reacted, the ball had almost crossed the goal line.
"GOAL! Kai scores!"
"Decisive! Not a difficult shot, but the suddenness made it perfect!"
"This is his third goal of the season. After two goals and two assists last game, he's done it again!"
"Perhaps he's not yet the midfield core, but his stats are excellent and efficient."
"Also, congratulations to Chris, who got his first assist in the U15 league!"
"Critics say Chris is too independent and rarely passes, but with Kai on the field, he's becoming more willing to pass."
"And this boosts Chris's strategic threat even more! A perfect start!"
After scoring, Kai and Ronaldo celebrated.
Ronaldo: "Your shot's still poor quality. Against that guy from Pilsen, you won't score."
Kai: "Then run a few extra steps, help me drag defenders, distract their attention, got it?"
Ronaldo: "Haha, I'm not a wingman for anyone. Just pass it to me and I'll finish it."
Kai: "Next time, definitely."
Ronaldo: "Alright!"
Kai smiled. Ronaldo still didn't understand what "next time, definitely" meant.
And he hoped Ronaldo never would.
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