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Chapter 73 - 2014 World Cup champions!

** Forgot I had this one written already đź’€

The one after this one is unfinished, and will be updated on tomorrow night.

Toss stone to your author, oh valley of plenty oooohhhhhh 🥹***

The stadium's roar slowly faded into a hushed anticipation as the final whistle of the World Cup final echoed throughout MaracanĂŁ.

After a match that had been defined by brilliance, controversy, and unyielding passion, the moment of reckoning had finally arrived. Now, the award ceremony awaited.

Across the pitch, both teams began to make their way to the podium. The atmosphere was electric yet bittersweet. Brazil, the perennial

favorites and storied giants of football, moved quietly and somberly.

It was a moment of painful introspection for a nation that had once soared on the promise of a sixth World Cup trophy—a dream now shattered on home soil.

The Brazilian squad, a collection of stars who had once dazzled the world, now slowly walked towards the stage, leaving behind an aura of melancholy.

Then, all eyes turned to the Portuguese team. Amid thunderous applause and jubilant chants that reverberated across every corner of the stadium, the Portuguese players stepped forward with their heads held high.

Their journey, marked by incredible determination and unyielding spirit, had led them to this historic moment. The atmosphere was contagious; every cheer and every shout from the crowd radiated hope and pride, as if the entire nation of Portugal had come alive on that night.

The ceremony began in a quiet, dignified manner. The spotlight swept over the podium, where a gleaming trophy was displayed on a velvet cushion—a symbol of the ultimate prize, the World Cup. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, reverent and measured.

First, the Brazilian players took their turn. One by one, they stepped onto the stage to receive their medals. The Brazilian squad accepted their awards in silence. Some players bowed their heads, others wiped away tears, and a few simply stared into the distance, processing the enormity of their loss.

Their medals shone under the bright lights, but the expressions on their faces spoke of unfulfilled dreams and a bitter sense of defeat. As they left the stage, the murmur of the crowd was subdued, a stark contrast to the earlier roar of hopeful cheers.

Then came the moment for the Portuguese players. The stadium erupted in an explosion of sound. Fans waved flags and chanted "Campeõnes!" as each member of the Portuguese squad ascended the podium.

The smiles on their faces, the glimmer of tears of joy, and the energy that radiated from every player were a testament to their incredible journey. They had overcome staggering odds, defeated a legendary Brazilian team, and now were poised to etch their names into history.

Amid the celebrations, individual accolades were announced. Cristiano Ronaldo, whose leadership and determination had been instrumental throughout the tournament, received the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals, 11 in total.

The trophy was placed in his hands with a flourish, and the crowd roared in approval.

Across from him, another large cheer erupted as the Golden Ball was awarded to none other than Adriano Riveiro—the 18-year-old prodigy whose sublime skill and composure had captured the hearts of millions. He has scored 10 goals along with 7 assists from 7 games.

His eyes sparkled with both disbelief and pride as he accepted the award, knowing that he had not only defined a match but had also rewritten the narrative for his nation.

His parents beamed proudly at the achievements of their son. They smiled proudly as Adriano was called once again to the podium for the "Goal of the tournament" award for his goal against Germany.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Fifa best Young player award to Colombia's James RodrĂ­guez, a nod to his explosive performances and his promise of a brilliant future.

Keylor Navas won the Golden Glove, a much deserved award .

Argentina won the fair play award, while Portugal won the award for the most exciting team to watch.

The accolades symbolized not just individual brilliance, but the collective journey of all the players who had fought for every ball on the field.

The most awaited moment had finally arrived. As the awards ceremony progressed, all eyes shifted to the center of the stage where the World Cup Trophy awaited its final custodian.

In a historic twist that had already set the world abuzz, FIFA's long-reigning president, Sepp Blatter, had been ousted amidst corruption scandals.

Now , the mantle of leadership had passed to Gianni Infantino from Switzerland, who was serving as the acting president. Joining him was none other than Pelé—the living legend of the sport.

The cameras zoomed in as Infantino stepped forward, his expression a blend of solemnity and determination. He extended his hand to the Portuguese team, his voice measured and sincere as he spoke.

Infantino:

"On behalf of FIFA, I offer my sincere apologies for the controversies that have marred this tournament. I assure you that a full and independent investigation is underway, and we will take all necessary measures to restore the integrity of this beautiful game. Today, we honor your achievements and celebrate the spirit of football."

The Portuguese players, their eyes glistening with a mix of triumph and residual hesitation, shook his hand respectfully. It was a moment of quiet dignity amidst the tumult—a promise that the issues raised would not be forgotten.

Shortly after, Pelé approached the stage, his presence commanding and warm. He turned to face Adriano, who, still in disbelief over his Golden Ball win, looked up with wide eyes.

Pelé (smiling kindly): "Adriano, your performance tonight is a reminder of the magic that defines football. I see in you the spirit of the game—your dribbling, your vision, your courage. It's almost like watching myself play again.

I want to share with you a few tips, little secrets from my own journey. When you are dribbling fast, distribute your weight across your body, while turning. Also, I often made the mistake to ignore my surroundings, and got tunnel vision. I saw you doing the same as well sometimes. Pay attention to all around you.

Remember, every goal you score, every skill you perform, tells a story that defines our very roots. Keep playing with that same passion, and one day, you will carry the mantle of true greatness."

Adriano listened intently, nodding as he absorbed every word. His heart swelled with pride as Pelé continued.

"The times are changing, my young friend. The world of football is evolving, and you are now part of that legacy. Play with honor, with joy, and always remember that the true beauty of this game lies in its ability to inspire and unite us all. The time for the old era has passed.

Now, it's your turn."

I stood there in silent disbelief, and the understanding that the greatest player of all time had just acknowledged me as his successor. In that surreal moment, I realized that despite the controversies and the bitter taste of defeat for our opponents, the beauty of the game endured.

After calming down , I even joked with Pelé—half-seriously , " With your tips, I might beat Brazil even harder next time."

Pelé laughed heartily, remarking, "Next World Cup, maybe they'll make you pay for today's humiliation!"

As the ceremony moved toward its climax, the time to present the trophy had come. Ronaldo, still the ever-determined leader of our team, grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the center of the stage with a smirk.

We walked side by side, our steps in perfect sync, as we approached the gleaming trophy. A hint of nervousness washed over me as the whole world was watching. The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath.

We exchanged a knowing smile—a silent acknowledgment of the battles fought, the controversies weathered, and the dreams that had brought us here. With a surge of emotion, we lifted the trophy high above our heads.

The sight was almost surreal. Fireworks exploded around us, painting the sky in bursts of color, and the roar of the crowd was deafening. Fans on every side lost their voices in jubilant celebration, their cheers echoing down the streets of Lisbon and beyond.

Commentary (Trophy Presentation):

"Look at this! Ronaldo and Adriano have lifted the World Cup Trophy together—a moment that symbolizes the unity, determination, and pure talent of this remarkable team.

This is a triumph not just for Portugal, but for the beautiful game itself! History has been made tonight, Potugal are the champions of Fifa world Cup 2014 ! They deserve it!

Good night everyone, and remember this moment, for you have been a part of history! See you all in Russia in 2018!"

After the ceremony, I found a quiet moment with my parents in the pitch. The trophy, still glimmering under the stadium lights, stood as a symbol of our victory and the dreams of an entire nation. I spoke with a smile , " Wanna touch the trophy, Mom?"

My mother, Rosa, was practically trembling with pride and emotion. I could see the joy in her eyes as she reached out, her hand hesitantly touching the cool metal of the trophy. I wrapped my arms around her, and for a long moment, we simply stood there, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.

"Mom, Dad, this is for you, Thank you for your unconditional support and love. I hope I have made you proud."

My mom just hugged me silently and my dad ruffled my hair, " We will always be proud of you kiddo, no matter what." He then added, " The trophy looks even more amazing in person."

I pulled out my phone to capture the memory. We took several photos together—my parents smiling broadly, tears glistening on their cheeks, holding the trophy alongside me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, a day when every sacrifice and every setback had led to this triumphant celebration.

My father whispered, "I always knew you could do it, son. Now the whole world knows."

My mother squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with love and pride. "Today is the happiest day of my life, Adri. I'm happy you have managed to achieve this moment. We know how much you've worked hard for it."

In that moment, surrounded by the cheers and chaos of the outside world, our small family moment shone like a beacon of hope, a reminder that behind every great victory, there are the quiet triumphs of love and support.

The final ceremony sent shockwaves around the world. In Brazil, the reaction was one of stunned silence and bitter sorrow. Fans who had once roared with hope now walked the streets with their heads bowed, while television channels replayed the final moments of the ceremony, analyzing every detail.

Headlines in Brazil read, "Brazil in Ruins: A Night of Lost Dreams" and "World Cup Final Shocker: The Fall of a Giant."

Critics and former players lamented the collapse of a once-proud team, and social media exploded with jokes, angry rants, and bitter reflections on what might have been.

In stark contrast, Portugal was swept up in a tide of ecstatic celebration. Across the nation, fans gathered in public squares and on busy streets, chanting, singing, and dancing in a festival of pure joy.

Social media was inundated with messages of pride and elation—tweets, Instagram posts, and Facebook updates proclaimed, "We are World Champions!" and "History is Ours!"

The Portuguese president himself declared a two-day public holiday, promising a grand celebration upon the team's return—a moment that symbolized national unity and the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Television networks around the world replayed the ceremony repeatedly. Analysts and pundits praised the tactical brilliance of Coach Santos, the heroics of Ronaldo and Adriano, and even the controversial match decisions that had, in a twisted way, set the stage for this magnificent triumph.

One talk show hos remarked, "Tonight, the World Cup has given us a narrative of redemption and defiance—a team that overcame adversity to claim its rightful place among the footballing elite."

Another stated, "This is not just a trophy; it is a symbol of hope for a generation that dared to dream big. But I'm happy to see Ronaldo lifting that trophy. Next I hope the same for Messi."

Back at the hotel, the celebration continued in the quiet afterglow of victory. Our rooms were transformed into a sanctuary of laughter, camaraderie, and shared relief. As we gathered around the pool for one final toast, the air was filled with a mixture of joy and reflective pride.

Ronaldo, with his eyes glistening and his voice thick with emotion, turned to us all. "Tonight, we have done more than win a match—we have written a new chapter in our history.

This trophy belongs to every one of us, and to every Portuguese fan who believed in us. Remember this feeling, and let it drive us in future as we defend our Crown. Our journey has just began."

I sat quietly for a moment, my mind replaying the events of the match and the ceremony. The overwhelming emotions, the cheers, and the sheer magnitude of what we had achieved swirled together into a potent mix.

I could still hear the echo of Pelé's words, the pride in my parents' voices, and the triumphant chants of our fans. Every detail—every smile, every tear—was a reminder of why we fought so hard.

Bruno, still buzzing with excitement, nudged me. "Adriano, you were incredible tonight bro . I swear, if every match had moments like that, we'd be unstoppable."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Thanks, man. But remember, it's not just about the individual moments—it's the effort of the whole team that got us here."

Moutinho added, "We've faced controversies and challenges, and yet we stood tall. This victory is ours, we have shown the world what Portugal is really made of."

The conversations flowed easily, lightened by playful teasing and a shared sense of destiny.

The cool night air carried the distant sounds of revelry and the soft murmur of a city preparing for a new tomorrow. I looked up at the starlit sky, feeling both the weight of the past and the promise of the future.

Every detail of tonight—the tearful farewells of the Brazilian players, the triumphant smiles of our Portuguese team, the resounding cheers of our fans, and the heartfelt words of legends—seemed to coalesce into a single, powerful message: Football is more than a game. It is a tapestry of human emotion, of struggle, of unity, and above all, of hope.

The removal of Sepp Blatter and the ensuing global outrage had signaled a turning point. The corruption that had once overshadowed the sport was being cleansed, and a new era of accountability was dawning.

When Infantino and Pelé took center stage to hand out the trophy, the future of football appeared brighter and more just. We had not only overcome on-field adversities but had also become symbols of integrity and resilience in a game that demanded nothing less.

As I rejoined my teammates for a final drink by the pool, our laughter mingled with whispered plans and determined smiles. in our hearts, we carried the conviction that we had already achieved something monumental. Tonight, we had lifted not just a trophy but the hopes of a nation.

In that serene moment, with the echoes of tonight's celebrations still resonating and the promise of a new dawn in football glimmering on the horizon, I whispered to myself, "This is our legacy."

And with that, we spent the night celebrating our victory, a battle for global supremacy that would, no doubt, be remembered for generations to come.

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