The referee's whistle shrieked through the Stuttgart Arena, signaling the start of the second half.
The tension was almost palpable, hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break.
Germany took possession right away, but something was… off.
Instead of immediately pressing forward, they slowed the tempo, calmly exchanging passes at the back.
Rüdiger to Kroos.
Kroos to Kimmich.
Kimmich to Tah.
The ball pinged between the German defenders and midfielders with surgical precision, yet their movement was restrained—deliberate.
Spain, eager and hungry, advanced, tightening their shape as they pressed forward.
Rodri gestured for his teammates to step up. De la Fuente, watching from the sidelines, narrowed his eyes.
This wasn't normal.
Germany weren't just holding the ball to keep possession.
They were baiting.
Nagelsmann, standing near the technical area, remained still, his expression unreadable.
