The countdown had begun.
Just one day remainedbefore the U-20 World Cup Final in Santiago, Chile.
Every second now felt heavier.
Every breath louder.
The city buzzed with tension—flags waving, camera crews racing across sidewalks,reporters filling hotels and training grounds with questions and microphones.
The Storm of the Press
Germany's press room was packed.
Dozens of international journalists had come for one reason:Mateo González Schwarz.
At the table sat Coach Schuster, Ritter, and Mateo—calm, but razor-focused.
A British reporter asked first:
"Mateo, this final pits you against Lamine Yamal. Do you see this as a personal duel?"
Mateo gave a small smile.
"Football's a team game. But yes…I'm looking forward to seeing him again. He brings out the best in all of us."
Flashbulbs flickered.
A Spanish journalist followed up:
"Do you feel pressure knowing millions are watching?"
Mateo paused, thoughtful.
"My only pressure comes from within.I dreamed of this moment since I was a child.Now I'm here. I plan to enjoy every second of it."
Coach Schuster leaned into the mic afterward:
"Mateo is ready. We all are. Let Spain bring their best."
Spain Responds
Elsewhere in the city, Spain's press conference roared with confidence.
Lamine Yamal, calm but deadly, told reporters:
"Germany's good. Mateo is special.But finals are where Spain makes history."
The battle lines were drawn.
A Private Moment
That night, under the stars on the rooftop of the team hotel,Mateo stood silently, watching the city lights.
Klara stepped beside him, her hair tied loosely, a hoodie over her shoulders.
Neither spoke at first.
Then she whispered, "Nervous?"
He hesitated… then nodded.
"Yeah," he admitted. "But not in a bad way.Just… I know how much this means."
Klara gently took his hand.
"You don't have to prove anything anymore, Mateo.You already did."
He looked at her.
Then kissed her forehead.
"Tomorrow, I'll prove it to myself."
They stood together a moment longer.No words.Just heartbeat and silence.
Then Mateo turned toward the door.
Inside the System
Back in his room, he sat on the edge of the bed.
The System interface hovered quietly.
[Final Match Detected.]
[All Skill Cooldowns Reset.][Unique Final Bonus: +5% to All Stats for Next 90 Minutes.]
Reminder:If the Final is tied after 90 minutes, match may proceed to extra time and penalty shootout.
Mateo exhaled slowly.
Everything was ready.
The world would watch.
But tomorrow—he would define the story.