[Football] Bad Boy Batty

"Calm! Steady! Calm!"

Messi saw the impatience of his teammates and kept gesturing in the midfield to appease them, but his voice was not loud enough. With the help of De Paul's shouting, the restless heart of the Argentine team finally calmed down.

But there is growing dissatisfaction in Brazil.

Neymar has always remembered Otamendi's disrespectful behavior just now. He is not the kind of person who would keep grudges in his heart. Looking at the situation on the field, he is determined to get back at his own game.

In the 15th minute, Marquinhos shouted to pass the ball to the frontcourt. Batistuta received the ball, but had difficulty finding an opportunity under the double-team of De Paul and Paredes. He protected the ball and passed it back to Casemiro. The defensive players around Casemiro quickly rushed to grab the ball, but he did not delay much and made a long pass to the left.

Neymar just switched positions with Richarlison, who used his height to grab the ball and passed it to Neymar. Batistuta looked around, and saw De Paul and Lo Celso on Argentina's first line of defense, respectively targeting Neymar and his possible passing routes. Acuña came up, and Otamendi was not far away. Neymar's best option was -

He didn't use the best, but he used the most beautiful.

Batistuta carried Paredes to the left and saw Neymar touch the ball, easily dribbled past Lo Celso and De Paul, then turned and sprinted, shooting directly in front of Otamendi.

Due to too many distractions and Martin's concentration, this ball did not pose much threat to Argentina's goal.

Damn it!
There are obviously better options!

Batty blew the hair in front of his eyes fiercely, and pushed Paredes away in annoyance: "Go away, don't stick to me."

"Hey! Hey! Don't get excited." Paredes shrugged and spread his hands. "I didn't even touch you. You're as sensitive as a little girl."

"Your defense is like a little girl." Batty sneered and stepped back, "No, your defense is like an old lady."

The two exchanged a few more words and soon separated.

For Batistuta, it was not Paredes who was the source of the other anger, but Neymar.

"What's wrong with you! Are you crazy doing that kind of action in that position?" He reached out and touched the corner of his eyes and complained.

"What's wrong?" Neymar also spread his hands, "You would do the same if it were you."

"No! Your shot was not meant to score a goal." Batistuta spoke quickly while paying attention to the situation on the field. "You just wanted to pay Nico back for what he did to you. That's so childish. You were just being angry!"

Nico?

Jesus, Neymar made an 'incomprehensible' expression to the sky. Otamendi almost devoured him alive, but Batistuta still called him in such an intimate way.

"Hey! Are you listening?"

Neymar shrugged and said nothing more. He firmly believed that if the same thing happened to Batistuta, he would make the same choice as him.

"Keep your eyes forward!" Zidane said from the sidelines. "Focus!"

With less than half the fans in the stadium, his voice was very clear, and Batty waved his hand to indicate that the matter was over and he would continue playing.

What was unexpected was that near midfield, he fell into the same situation as Neymar.

[…Brazil’s attack, Fred’s pass was a bit too far, Neymar moved to the middle, Batistuta ran wildly on the left and fought with De Paul for the ball, and look at this time—Ouch, a foul.]

DePaul was very aggressive in his grabbing.

Perhaps because he was annoyed by Neymar's lob, in this fight with Batistuta, he did not wait for the opportunity to kick the ball but kicked at the same time as Batistuta jumped up and stretched his foot to stop the ball.

But there was something wrong with the location.

Batty didn't kick the ball, and neither did DePaul, who kicked Batty in the butt.

"Ca******da puta!"

[Hiss, this fall is quite severe.]

Batty rolled several times before he finally stabilized himself. When he lay down on the grass to recover, he felt dizzy, his butt was hurting from being kicked, and the skin on the side of his knees and the part of his elbow that touched the grass when he fell was also burning with pain.

At that moment, countless swear words from different languages ​​popped into his mind.

Damn, are these Argentines really here to compete?

Batty heard the referee's whistle.

Give him a yellow card because the action was too big and obviously not going for the ball. He thought that if the Argentine midfielder could be given a yellow card, then the fall would not be too bad.

And just then.

Batistuta felt a tightening around his waist, as if something warm grabbed him. The next second, the green grass in front of his eyes turned into yellow and blue jerseys and the scoreboard and stands in the distance.

"Don't play dead, kid, I know too well who you are!"

what happened?

Is it...Nico's voice?
Batistuta rubbed his sore arm and looked back, just in time to see Otamendi's familiar stinky face. The Argentine probably thought he didn't hear him, so he repeated what he had just said and patted Batistuta on the cheek.

"you--"

The anger in the Manchester City king's heart suddenly reached the top of his head.

"How dare you!" He wiped his knees and elbows, both of which were red, and must have been scratched. "You're a jerk. Don't fucking think Brazilians are easy to mess with! If you dare to touch me again, I'll shove my fist into your head!"

To everyone on the field, Batistuta's outburst came a little suddenly. Even the referee was a little surprised by him. In order to ensure that the game went well, he stood between Batistuta and Otamendi and gave them a warning.

"Sir! Give them another yellow card! This guy is not here to play, he's trying to seduce me into a fight!"

The referee refused.

It was not until then that Batistuta realized that De Paul had not received a yellow card warning for kicking him just now.

“Why why why!!”

Messi arrived late, and Batistuta just put pressure on him and the referee. Everyone saw how badly he fell just now, so why didn't he give him a yellow card?
The reason given by the referee was: De Paul did not intend to kick anyone, his original intention was to fight for the ball, and as long as it did not ruin Brazil's good opportunity, it can be regarded as a normal physical collision.

"Unbelievable!" Batty vented his anger to the air.

Even a blind referee in the Premier League would not make such an outrageous decision. It is worthy of being the America's Cup, it is so magical!

Taking advantage of this time, Neymar asked the team doctor to apply hemostatic spray to Batistuta. He was actually quite happy about this. Now Batistuta had the same experience as him, and Neymar was looking forward to what choice Batistuta would make.

It turns out that teaching others a lesson is always easier than teaching yourself a lesson.

Batistuta failed to concentrate on scoring the goal as he said. All his anger was directed at Otamendi and De Paul, and Messi, who came over to show his goodwill, was ruthlessly pushed away by him.

At this point, although Argentina is lagging behind, it has already controlled Brazil's two lifelines.

There is only one left.

Casemiro.

……

At the start of the second half, Argentina's fight was still as fierce.

In the 51st minute, De Paul intercepted the ball in the midfield and Di Maria's low left-foot shot from the center of the penalty area was blocked by Thiago Silva. The ball returned to the midfield, Batistuta received the ball and prepared to counterattack, but Paredes tackled Batistuta from behind and was shown the first yellow card of the game.

"Over there! Target him!"

It would be easy to deal with if the player who intercepted in the midfield received a yellow card. Batistuta reminded Neymar to find Paredes. If he could force a foul and get him sent off with a red card, then Argentina's midfield would be dismantled.

But the Argentine coach saw through their intentions.

Three minutes later, the fourth official raised the substitution sign and Paredes was replaced.

After clearing the yellow card threat, Argentina seemed unhurried, as if they had forgotten the one-goal deficit. After basically locking down Neymar and Batistuta in the first half, from now on they would focus on the midfield hub Casemiro.

Then the problem Zidane was most worried about occurred.

The weaknesses of the Brazilian team that he had tried countless ways to hide were still exposed. Fred made a mistake in receiving Casemiro's pass and was intercepted by Messi, who counterattacked. De Paul quickly rushed into the Brazilian penalty area.

At this time, the Brazilian team's defense line was relatively forward, and the central defender's ability to chase back was insufficient. Marquinhos also had to take into account Messi who was eyeing him next to him. De Paul made a straight pass, and Thiago Silva was penetrated from behind, and Lautaro made a fatal blow.

[The ball went in! 1-1! In the 59th minute of the game, Argentina took advantage of Brazil's mistake to equalize the score! In this way, Lautaro became the first Argentine player to score in the Copa America final since Cesar Delgado in 2004! ]

It was as if a bucket of cold water was poured over him from head to toe, instantly extinguishing Batty's impatient anger.

He was fooled.

He was tricked by the Argentine defenders and himself. He failed to stick to himself and did not force the team to press on after leading 1-0. The players' belief in winning was gone and he himself was overwhelmed by his personal anger.

"Get up! Stop complaining! Keep your eyes on the goal! The game isn't over yet!"

Batistuta tried his best to cheer up and encourage his teammates.

"Ney, Winnie! Run! Charge their defense! Foul? I know it fucking hurts, this is our only chance!"

But once it’s over, it’s over.

If the situation could be discovered and intervened in time during the halftime break, there might still be hope, but now the second half is almost halfway through and the head coach is standing on the sidelines. No matter how much he shouts, the players can only rely on themselves to regroup. Batty knows this and he is working hard.

but--

The effect is minimal.

In the 68th minute, Batistuta deliberately avoided physical confrontation with his opponent. He retreated to the midfield to help organize the ball and teamed up with Guimaraes, who replaced Fred, to pass the ball to the left frontcourt.

"Don't bother! Pass quickly!"

But Neymar still chose to go inside.

The good news is that De Paul was given a yellow card for intercepting Neymar.

Brazil got a free kick in a good position.

"You come?" Neymar asked with his head down while standing in front of the penalty spot.

"Yeah." Batty's brain was spinning rapidly as he looked at the wall of people in front of the goal. He cleared his throat and covered his mouth. "I'll shoot directly. You run back a little. You may have a second chance."

Neymar did not refute.

Batistuta wiped the sweat off his face with the back of his hand, and the drum in his heart began to beat. Although from an objective point of view, there were still more than 20 minutes left in the game, and the two sides were tied, there was still room for play.

But for some reason, he always felt that this was Brazil's last chance.

Got to kick it out perfectly.

Batistuta looked at the corners of the goal, and Martin was standing in the middle with his arms outstretched, looking extremely confident. Batistuta was not familiar with the Argentine goalkeeper, but he had studied his saves during the Copa America, and to be honest, he had no good solution.

What should I do?
You can only try to shoot using the method you are most familiar with and best at.

'call--'

Batty took a deep breath, ran up, and kicked.

The moment the surface of his shoes touched the ball, he knew that the ball was 90% stable, the direction was just right, and the strength was also under control. It was a direct free kick going straight into the blind corner.

Not right.

No celebration.

[Ah! What! Big Martin is amazing!] The commentator exclaimed, [Bati's free kick is already the perfect angle. When he was at Manchester City, his direct free kick like this had never been saved by the goalkeeper!]

Yes, no one has ever saved Batistuta's free kick in the blind corner.

But Big Martin did it.

Being less skilled than others is often the most fatal. Looking at the Argentines hugging each other and cheering, Batistuta felt like something was breaking in his head.

……

In the 76th minute, Lo Celso tackled Batistuta in the midfield and received a yellow card. Two minutes later, Renan Lodi tackled Lo Celso to help Batistuta and was also given a yellow card.

Chaos.

As the game drew to a close, both sides could no longer suppress their emotions.

In the 81st minute, Batistuta intercepted the ball in the midfield and dribbled the ball on his own. Otamendi took the initiative to steal the ball and knocked Batistuta away, receiving a yellow card warning. Neymar protested that the penalty should be changed to a red card and was also given a yellow card.

Including the 5 minutes of extra time, there are still 12 minutes left.

Even the players on the field could sense the chaos in the Brazilian team, but at this point it was too late to change it.

Since there is no extra time in the knockout stage of the Copa America, if the score remains 1-1 until the end, the two sides will go directly into a penalty shootout.

Just at this moment, someone stood up.

Sadly, he was wearing blue and white.

In the 94th minute, the Argentine midfielder seized the ball and attacked quickly. De Paul made a long pass, Renan Lodi made a mistake in stopping the ball, and Di Maria dragged his injured leg and ran with the ball to the right side of the penalty area and scored with a single shot.

Ederson had no choice but to watch the ball fly over his glove and into the net.

2-1, Argentina took the lead at the end of the game.

【Oh my god! Maracanã Stadium witnessed another wonderful last-minute goal after 2014. That time, the goal was scored by Germany and the one who was defeated was Argentina. Today, the goal was scored by Argentina and the one who was defeated was the host Brazil! 】

[beep——]
The whole game is over.

Argentina won the 2021 America's Championship.

[I believe that for many Brazilians, this is destined to be a sleepless night. In the Maracana Stadium, their football temple, they were reversed by their opponents after leading at the beginning. The last time the Brazilian team was reversed here was in 1950. ]

[It's a pity, but both sides put on a wonderful offensive battle, and most people fought to the last minute. Argentina won by faith, and Brazil lost by underestimating the enemy. If it happens again, I believe Brazilians will definitely not underestimate Argentina who fought all the way. ]

[Unfortunately, there are no ifs in football. ]

……

Lost.

America's Cup final, big tournament.

Batistuta looked up at the starry sky outside the court and felt very uncomfortable. The strength of both sides was equal, and that was why he felt so disappointed.

Argentina deserved this victory.

Brazil also paid the price for underestimating the opponent before the game and being lax during the game.

The blue and white were all celebrating, but Batistuta didn't want to watch them. He wanted to sit on the ground and rest, just like all the Brazilian players. He didn't want to cry, he just wanted to be alone and quiet for a while.

But no.

His career as captain of Manchester City made him think that he couldn't do that. Even if everyone fell down, he had to stand because he was the core and the one they relied on.

Batistuta not only wants to be the king of Manchester City, he also wants to be the king of Brazil.

If even he falls, who else can stand up?

"It's okay, Ney, don't be sad, get up." Batty went over to comfort Neymar, who seemed to be crying, and helped him wipe the dirt off his face, then pulled him up. "This will not be our ending, I swear to God."

Later, Batistuta went to comfort Renan Lodi.

Although he looks like Costa, it doesn't mean he won't be sad and painful because of mistakes and errors. After all, this is the first major tournament for the 19-year-old boy.

Batty consoled everyone.

Then he walked with determined steps towards the happy center, where Aguero and Messi stood.

"Congratulations on your first championship in 28 years," Barty said. "It's not easy, you deserve it."

He saw the surprise in Messi's eyes and the hesitation on Aguero's face, and he was probably still thinking about how to apologize.

Forget it.

What are you worried about?

"Kun, come here." Batty waved.

Aguero's eyes lit up. He stuffed the trophy into Messi's hands, then stepped in front of Batistuta: "What do you want to say, Batistuta dear? I'm listening. Go ahead."

Batty said nothing.

He just smiled a smile that was different from his usual style but more flamboyant and flamboyant. Then, he held Aguero's shoulder and gave him a heavy headbutt in the other's puzzled eyes.

"what--"

Aguero took two steps back in great surprise. The Argentine players around him saw that something was wrong and wanted to step forward to help, but were stopped by Messi.

"Go celebrate, Kun, stop thinking about me, I forgive you. You won, you are the protagonists tonight." Batty crossed his arms, as if he didn't care about his red forehead. With a little arrogance, he raised his chin, "Give you a chance to be happy, but only this time. Next time, we won't lose."

Messi didn't know how to respond.

"Thank you," was all he could say.

"Don't thank me." Batty raised his lips slightly, turned around and waved his hand, "We are five-star Brazil, we can afford to lose."

(End of this chapter)