*** I have edited some of the earliest chapters to improve it a little bit, and fill up some plotholes. I'll continue to edit those whenever I get time. I want the quality to reflect my ideas and execution rather than me half assing it.
That way, I can be certain that everyone can binge read this again and again even when it's finished. Now enjoy the Finals you all have been waiting for. I'm sure some of you can guess the direction it's goingđź’€***
The day had finally arrived for the World Cup final. The Final match is Portugal vs Brazil, a showdown that no one had ever imagined possible before the tournament.
MaracanĂŁ Stadium in Rio de Janeiro had been transformed into a dazzling temple of football, its historic walls adorned with vibrant banners and shimmering lights.
Despite the lingering controversies and the global outcry over recent refereeing scandals, today was about football at its finest.
The stadium buzzed with an electric energy as fans of both Brazil and Portugal poured in from early morning. Even though heavy rain and wind had pounded the city for hours, the skies cleared just before the match, leaving a perfect, almost ethereal afternoon light to bathe the field.
Inside the stadium, the anticipation was palpable. Thousands of fans—Brazilian supporters in yellow and green and Portuguese fans clad in red and green—filled every seat.
Their chants, songs, and cheers resonated like the beating of a mighty drum, uniting the crowd in a single purpose: to witness the greatest battle of supremacy in this storied tournament.
Before kickoff, the energy in the dressing rooms was mixed with nerves and raw emotion. Neither side had played in a World Cup final for decades.Brazil's last triumph dated back to 2002, and Portugal had never advanced past the semifinals.
Every player wore the weight of history on their shoulders. Cameras captured tearful eyes and determined expressions; even the normally stoic Ronaldo struggled to contain his emotion, while Adriano shuffled anxiously, as if to shake off the nervousness that suddenly crept up to him.
As the teams emerged onto the pitch, a thunderous applause greeted them. The grandeur of Maracanã was undeniable—a stadium steeped in the legends of the past and now ready to host a match that promised to redefine the future.
Nearly 100,000 people were present to witness the final match . Amid the roar of the crowd, the players took their positions under the watchful eyes of their coaches as the national anthem was played.
Ronaldo wiped away a tear that slipped through his eyes, as he closed his eyes and realized this was the moment he had been waiting for years. Nani was more emotional, knowing this could be his last world cup.
Bruno was nervously looking around and tried to calm his nerves as Moutinho patted his back with a slight smile. Rui Patricio kept a determined expression on his face as he sang the the anthem.
The camera then focused on Adriano who had his eyes closed as he breathed in the atmosphere. He opened his eyes and looked forward with determination and sang the anthem with his teammates.
Brazilian players were also emotional. They had some doubts about their chances after losing their core players. But the determination to win the Hexa in their own home overcame all doubts or hesitations. They also sang their anthem, joined by the fans who were singing emotionally.
On the Brazilian side, a sense of desperate pride mingled with anxiety; on the Portuguese side, a quiet confidence shone through despite the shouts of dissent from the home crowd.
Especially regarding Adriano, whose choice to represent Portugal had even earned him scornful chants of "Traitor" and "Morrer traidor" from some die-hard Brazilian fans.
Yet , he was determined to write his own story despite the hate. This was his moment .
As the referee's whistle cut through the air, the final match burst into life.
Brazil, driven by the desire to win the coveted Hexa on home soil, immediately pressed forward with passion and flair. Their formation was fluid and attacking, with creative players like Oscar, Hulk, and Paulinho seeking to tear open the Portuguese defense.
Every move was executed with urgency—every pass a statement of intent. However, their fervor came at a cost. In their relentless attack, Brazil's energy was quickly being drained, leaving gaps that a well-drilled Portugal would soon exploit.
On the other side, Coach Santos had instilled in his team a disciplined, measured approach. Rather than mirroring Brazil's chaotic passion, Portugal maintained a compact defensive shape, absorbing the onslaught and looking to counter with precision.
Adriano, in particular, was assigned a pivotal role in the midfield—both as a creator and as a stabilizing force rather than attacking. His dribbling, reminiscent of the artistry of Pelé, was graceful yet purposeful.
His passes were incisive, echoing the calm accuracy he honed throughout the season, and every touch of the ball by Adriano seemed to set the stage for something extraordinary. Portugal fans cheered every time their players touched ball.
In the 12th minute, Adriano managed get free from his marker and sent curved cross into the box.
But Eder missed the header and sent it wide.
Brazil players refused to be outplayed, and poured all their energy behind their attacking movements.
In the 19th minute, Ramires manged to dribble past Pepe and got a shot on target. But Patricio was more than capable of saving the shot.
For the first 30 minutes, Brazil dominated in possession, their attacks relentless and filled with the promise of magic. The Brazilian players surged forward with unyielding passion and determination.
In 26th minute, Oscar's dazzling run down the left flank nearly broke the deadlock, his shot narrowly missing the target. Hulk's powerful strikes and Paulinho's intricate play kept the Portuguese defense on constant alert.
However, as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that Brazil's frenetic energy was exacting its toll. Despite creating several good chances, they were unable to convert their efforts into goals, and the pressure on their midfield began to show.
In the 30th minute, Fernandinho managed to get past Pereira and lobbed the ball towards Hulk. But in an attempt to clear the ball, Coentrao accidentally headed it to his own net!
"Gooooaaalllll !!! 1-0 for Brazil!" The commentator shouted.
"A terrible mistake by Coentrao who is usually so composed. Look at him laying down there, covering his face in regret. He knows how much this goal will cost. Will this own goal cost Portugal their dream championship ?
Look at the Brazilian fans going absolutely wild in the stands! They will accept wherever the goal comes from, as it puts them one step closer to the cup. "
The Brazil fans erupted in celebration as the stadium shook, and the players celebrated with jubilation without holding back. This goal meant a lot after the ordeals they went through before the match. Leading at the world cup final Boosted their previous lacking confidence.
Yet Portugal merely shrugged it off. Ronaldo went and encouraged Coentrao to focus and not dwell on it. Coach Santos signalled the team to switch to attacking formation as he changed tactics.
Adriano went to Attacking Midfield and Bruno and Moutinho acted as central midfielder. Ronaldo and Nani also pushed upward, figuring out the gaps in Brazil defense and their dwindling energy.
In the 35th minute, the match took a dramatic turn that would alter its course.
With the Brazilian defense showing signs of fatigue and gaps beginning to appear, Adriano sensed his moment. He was already proving dangerous in the pitch, and now he was determined to make his mark on the grandest stage.
After winning the ball near the midfield line, Adriano burst forward with pace. The Brazilian defenders, caught off guard by his sudden speed and technical prowess, scrambled in vain.
In a moment of brilliance that resembled the legendary dribbles of Pelé, Adriano executed a mesmerizing rainbow flick that left Paulinho trailing helplessly behind.
Then, with a double feint that fooled Luiz Gustavo and a deft sidestep to avoid Dante's sliding tackle, Adriano found himself in the clear.
Without hesitating, he unleashed a powerful shot toward goal. The ball rocketed into the net with a force that silenced the opposition and ignited the Portuguese fans. Julio Cesar could only watch as Adriano wheeled away in celebration.
Commentary (35th Minute):
"GOOOOAAALLLL!!! Adriano, the man of the hour, with another moment of breathtaking brilliance, dribbles past the Brazilian defenders and fires a shot that blasts into the net—Portugal equalizes the scores at 1-1 !
The stadium erupts as the Portuguese fans celebrate this stunning moment of magic! This young man is definitely the most exciting player to watch, as he has shown time and time again. It looks like Portugal has their own Pele now! "
The roar of the crowd was indescribable—a mix of pure elation and the thrill of witnessing history in the making. Teammates swarmed around Adriano as he was tackled to the ground in an embrace of jubilation.
In that moment, every Portuguese supporter around the world knew that their team was capable of greatness. They were still in the race for championship.
Emboldened by Adriano's opening strike, Portugal's confidence soared. They began to attack and exploit the holes in the Brazilian defense. Brazil's earlier energy was fading.
Merely four minutes later, in the 39th minute, the momentum swung further in Portugals favor. Adriano, making a solo breakthrough, picked up the ball once again near midfield.
This time, he played a masterful pass to Moutinho, whose vision allowed him to find Nani in the right wing.
Nani, ever alert and quick-witted, swiftly passed the ball sideways to an already advancing Adriano. Adriano dribbled past David Luiz and found himself space for a shot.
With calm composure and clinical precision, Adriano tapped the ball over Julio Cesar's outstretched hands, sending it neatly into the net.
The goal made it 2-1 for Portugal, and the Portuguese fans erupted as one, their cheers resonating like thunder through the stadium. Adriano rushed towards the sidelines and pointed towards the vip box at parents.
Even under the roar of the crowd, His voice resounded," Mom, Dad , I have done it!" His parents clapped and cheered proudly as their son continued to make history for his nation. In that moment, the world felt just perfect.
Commentary (39th Minute):
"GOOOOAAALLLL!!! Another sensational strike from the 18 year old Maestro! This time, after a brilliant sequence with Moutinho and Nani, he calmly finishes to make it 2-1!
The Portuguese supporters are in absolute ecstasy—this is a masterclass in attacking football! Is he the most complete footballer ever?"
For a brief moment, the atmosphere seemed surreal. The joy and the pride of being part of something historic surged through every player and every fan.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian supporters, stunned into silence, could only watch in disbelief as their team's hopes began to fade.
Not content with a 2-1 lead, Portugal attacked again.
In the 44th minute, as Adriano fell back after his forward pass to Nani, confusion ensued among the Brazilian defenders as he was previously leading the charge.
In the chaos, Nani found a sliver of space and sent a pinpoint cross into the box.
Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the opportunist, reacted instantly. With impeccable timing, he met the ball, and fired it with his first touch, his shot echoing with the power and precision that had defined his illustrious career.
The ball thundered into the net, making it 3-1 for Portugal. As Ronaldo sprinted to the sidelines, his signature celebration—a triumphant smile followed by a jubilant Siuuuu—sent the crowd into a frenzy. He was over the clouds scoring in his first world cup final.
Commentary (44th Minute):
"GOOOOAAALLLL!!! Cristiano Ronaldo with a sensational first-time strike—Portugal now leads by 3-1! Once again, the star of Ronaldo shines brightly! What a stunning response from the Portuguese team!
The stadium is erupting in sheer jubilation as the Brazilian fans watch in shock! This world cup final results has almost been decided unless they can produce a miracle !"
The Portuguese players celebrated wildly, their faces alight with pure joy. The stadium vibrated with chants of "Força Portugal!" and "Campeões!" as every supporter believed that history was on our side.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian fans, once full of hope, now wore expressions of despair and disbelief. Their dreams of lifting the trophy on home soil were shattering before their very eyes.
The remaining minute and extra time didn't provide any more opportunities to either team. The Referee looked at his watch and blew the first half whistle.
As the first half drew to a close, both teams retreated to their dressing rooms for a brief respite. In the Portuguese locker room, the mood was euphoric.
The air was thick with anticipation and the knowledge that, against all odds, they were now leading a World Cup final 3-1. Coach Santos addressed his team with a mix of pride and caution as he patted their backs.
Commentary (Half-Time):
"Half-time here at MaracanĂŁ is a study in contrasts. Portugal leads Brazil 3-1 in a match that is already turning into a landmark in World Cup history.
On one side, you have the jubilant, united voices of the Portuguese supporters—celebrating a moment that feels almost surreal. Their first appearance in world cup finals, and what a day it is!
On the other, the Brazilian fans are in shock, their dreams of a sixth World Cup slipping away before their eyes. The absence of Neymar and Silva has caused them to suffer, but can they create a miracle?
But the man who is the main reason of scoreline, is none other than Adriano Riveiro, the 18 year old superstar who has scored 2 goals in the first half to bring his team back in the game.
He has been a key player for Portugal throughout the world cup. No wonder all the clubs are looking to sign him, what a player!
The Brazil fans have been quite hostile to Adriano since the firat whistle, and that has made him more deadly. Let's see if Brazil has any answer for Adriano's vengeance in the second half.! "
As the players walked into the dressing rooms for a much-needed break, the enormity of the first half settled in like a heavy cloak. In our locker room, the air was charged with emotion.
I sat quietly, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins, reflecting on the moments that had defined the half—the brilliance of that free-kick, the joy of every touch, and even the bitter sting of our opponents' missed opportunities.
Coach Santos' tactical brilliance and the sheer determination of players have set the tone for what promises to be a final for the ages.
He praised the Players, " We are in a very good position despite the early setback. But remember, football is unpredictable—there's still a whole half of battle ahead, and anything can happen before the final whistle."
Coach Santos spoke with a smile of encouragement, "We have shown incredible character out there today. We must remember that Brazil is a formidable opponent, even if they're without some of their key players.
Stay disciplined, continue to execute our plan, and above all, keep playing with the passion that has brought us this far. We're not done yet! Let's completely defeat Brazil without any chance for a comeback."
Every word resonated with determination. We knew that despite the overwhelming lead, nothing was guaranteed until the final whistle.
Our minds raced with the tactical adjustments—how to shore up our defense, how to maintain our intensity, and how to ensure that our composure never wavered in the face of Brazil's inevitable attempts at a comeback.
Across the stadium, in the Brazilian locker room, a very different atmosphere prevailed. The Brazilian players were demoralized and reeling from the shock of the early collapse.
Many had never imagined such a night—losing ground so easily in front of their home crowd, their hopes dashed by the brilliance of our Portuguese team.
Emotions ran high; some players sat in silence, while others exchanged frustrated glances. There was a pervasive sense of disbelief that a team of such talent could be so thoroughly outplayed.
Yet, there remained a flicker of defiance—an unspoken vow that they would fight until the very end. Their coach readjusted his strategy and changed their setup to stop further goals.
Outside the stadium, the global reaction to the first half was one of intense debate and emotion. In Brazil, fans filled the streets, some in tears and others in rage, as they watched highlights of the first half replayed on every available screen.Â
Many Brazilian fans questioned the tactics of the team, but even more, they decried the overall state of Brazilian football without their attacking core. The match was already being described as a modern day Maracanazo.
In Portugal, the mood was one of ecstatic celebration. Fans were jubilant, confident that their team was on the verge of history. Social media was alive with praise for Adriano's extraordinary performance and Ronaldo's brilliance.
"This is our day! Ronaldo finally in his full glory!" read one popular tweet.
another one proclaimed, "Adriano is breaking records like they are nothing—what a player!"
Newspapers in Portugal featured bold headlines declaring that history was being made and that the spirit of the nation was triumphantly alive.
Global media outlets, too, were abuzz with analysis. ESPN, Sky Sports, and local networks dedicated lengthy segments to dissecting the match's tactical nuances.
Analysts praised Coach Santos' disciplined strategy and the brilliance of players like Adriano and Ronaldo, while lamenting Brazil's disarray and loss of key talent that played a role in it .
One commentator noted, "Brazil's formation was full of gaps today. Without Neymar at front, without Silva's leadership at the back, they're struggling to cope with the relentless pressure from a well-organized Portuguese side."
In the stands, the energy was almost overwhelming. The Portuguese fans roared with triumph, their chants reverberating around every corner of MaracanĂŁ. Banners waved proudly, and for a moment, it seemed as if the entire world was united in our joy.
On the other side, the Brazilian fans were a picture of heartache and disbelief. Some held their heads in sorrow, while others shouted words of encouragement to their team, clinging to the hope of a miraculous turnaround.
Outside, the stadium continued to buzz with discussions and debates. Reporters hurried to post news and updates with detailed analysis.
Global media outlets dissected the match's every minute, and in countless cafés and living rooms, fans re-watched the highlights on their phones and laptops, discussing the tactical mastery of our coach Santos and the artistry of our midfield.
Back in our dressing room, my teammates and I exchanged quiet words of encouragement. Ronaldo, ever the confident leader, broke the silence.
"Tonight, we've shown what we're made of. Now, let's use this half-time to regroup and prepare for what's ahead. Brazil is a great team, but they're not invincible. Remember, every moment counts, and we're here to make history."
His words, delivered with a calm intensity, stirred something deep within us—a renewed sense of purpose and the unyielding belief that tomorrow, we could overcome any obstacle.
I glanced around at my fellow players—each one carrying the marks of a fierce battle on their faces, yet shining with hope.
Moutinho's calm determination, Nani's unwavering focus, and even the playful banter from teammates earlier reminded me that football was as much about unity as it was about individual brilliance.
I tried to lighten the mood, " I'm going all out in second half boys. Get ready to receive passes . Don't miss!"
Everyone chuckled at my words. Coach Santos smiled and said," If you don't get any assist, I'll put you on extra training Adriano." Which made us laugh loudly.
The world was watching, and the debate was far from settled. Yet, as the half-time whistle echoed through Maracanã, all that mattered was the promise of a new beginning—a chance for us to write the next chapter in this incredible journey.
I remembered the chants of "Traitor!" that had erupted when some of the Brazilian fans jeered at my presence. Their hate only fueled my desire to crush their arrogance.
I recalled the pressure of every critical moment—the brilliance of our opening goal, the electrifying atmosphere, and the weight of every decision that had led us to this point.
Despite the chaos, there was one truth that kept me going: we were united by a single dream—to make history and to bring glory to Portugal.
And as we prepared to set off for the second half, we knew we were just 45 minutes away from our ultimate triumph.