Chapter 629: Trust
While Bruno sat quietly reflecting on the first half, his teammates began filing into the locker room one by one.
Ronaldo initially wanted to approach him for a chat but hesitated when he saw Bruno's dejected state. The first half had been frustrating for everyone, and they all knew the crux of the problem lay with Bruno's struggles. But no one blamed him—France's strategy had been flawless.
Many players mirrored Bruno's mood, silently taking their seats and lowering their heads. The dramatic highs and lows of the first half left them unsure of what to say.
Santos was the last to enter the room. As soon as he walked in, many players instinctively looked up at him. At this critical moment, they placed their trust in their coach. They needed him to guide them on how to handle the second half. Even Bruno looked up, his eyes filled with hope.
Though Santos had always emphasized thinking independently on the field, Bruno recognized that there were moments only the coach's broader perspective could offer solutions.
Their eyes met briefly before Santos broke contact and continued to the tactics board at the front of the room.
...
As Santos reached the board, the room fell silent. Everyone waited for his adjustments with bated breath.
"The first half belonged to the opponents. They were better than us, and that's why they're leading," Santos began, his tone calm but carrying a hint of critique. "First, I must admit that I made a mistake. I underestimated France's tactical approach. That's on me—not you."
As he spoke, his gaze settled on Bruno, who straightened slightly in his seat.
"Now, let's make some adjustments. Bruno," Santos called out, prompting Bruno to stand up with anticipation in his eyes.
"For the second half, I want you to play through the middle."
This statement surprised everyone, including Bruno.
Portugal's 4-3-2-1 formation placed Bruno on the left as an attacking midfielder. Moving him to the center would disrupt the symmetry of their setup—or did Santos intend to change the formation entirely?
"In the first half, you were too far from their penalty area and goal. Naturally, your threat was diminished. By playing centrally in the second half, you'll be closer to their box and better positioned to deliver decisive passes."
"But coach, if I move to the middle, then what happens to the left flank…" Bruno questioned, still unsure if the adjustment resolved the root issue.
"We're changing formations," Santos said without hesitation.
He outlined the changes: Quaresma would come on for João Mário, shifting Portugal to a familiar 4-3-3. Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, and Quaresma would form the attacking trio, while Bruno would operate as the sole playmaker in the midfield, supported by William Carvalho and Moutinho as defensive midfielders.
...
After detailing the tactical changes, Santos turned back to Bruno.
"I've noticed something—France's defense against you has grown increasingly aggressive, with countless minor fouls. If you play closer to their penalty area, we'll have more opportunities for dangerous set pieces. Why not use our free-kick advantage to pressure them?"
Bruno nodded, understanding Santos' logic. Playing centrally would reduce unnecessary midfield battles while opening up more chances to attack. Additionally, forcing France to concede free kicks could capitalize on Portugal's strength in set pieces, with both Bruno and Ronaldo as expert free-kick takers.
This adjustment was indeed brilliant.
"Understood, coach. I'll do as you say," Bruno responded, his tone more resolute now that he grasped the plan.
"Hold on, I'm not done yet," Santos added, signaling him to wait. "When you're closer to their goal, you'll also find more opportunities to shoot. My advice? Take the shot whenever the timing feels right."
...
Bruno nodded vigorously, fully aligned with the coach's vision. He recognized that his long-range shooting was a significant asset, and he wouldn't hesitate to use it if the chance arose.
Satisfied with Bruno's determination, Santos addressed the entire team.
"I know the first half didn't reflect your true abilities, and I know how frustrated you must feel. But that's okay. We'll turn it around in the second half. We're going to attack…"
He paused, scanning the room before continuing.
"I've said this before the match, but I'll repeat it: we must attack in the second half. We have no other choice if we want to win the title."
"I need you all to adapt quickly to this shift. Remember, this is the final—there's only 45 minutes left."
"Ten thousand Portuguese fans have traveled to watch us play. Do you want them to leave disappointed? Throughout this World Cup, you've made them proud. Let's ensure they feel the same way when this game ends."
...
During halftime, fans left their seats to grab drinks and snacks, preparing to cheer with renewed energy in the second half. Security personnel ensured the areas remained calm, preventing potential clashes between opposing fan groups.
While the French fans were jubilant, the Portuguese supporters were subdued. What began as a dream start had turned into a nightmare as France dominated the latter stages of the first half.
As players returned to the pitch, the scattered fans hurried back to their seats, eager to see how the second half would unfold.
...
Before the restart, Bruno motioned for his teammates to gather around.
Once they had huddled together, he stood at the center and addressed them.
"I have an idea to turn things around from our dismal first-half performance, but I need your support to make it work."
"Say it, Bruno. Whatever you need from us, just ask," said Cancelo, always ready to back his close friend.
"I've thought carefully about why we struggled. Yes, my marking was a big factor, but we were also too far apart and didn't move enough. Here's what I propose…" Bruno pointed to himself. "I'll act as the focal point. Around me, I need you to stay close, creating passing options. When I have the ball, I should always see someone nearby."
He gestured to the current circle they'd formed, emphasizing its importance.
"Wherever I go on the pitch, you need to form something like this around me."
The visual aid made his plan clear, and his teammates nodded in agreement.
...
No one questioned Bruno's authority or plan. Over the past few years, his consistent brilliance had earned their trust. Portugal's triumphs in the European Championship and the Confederations Cup were testaments to his leadership. When Bruno spoke, his teammates listened.
That trust was unshakable.
"This will make it harder for them to defend against us. I need quick passes and constant movement. Don't hold onto the ball too long—France's pressing is relentless, as we've seen. To break through their defense, we need speed!"
Bruno raised his index finger, emphasizing the point.
"Remember, guys, speed is key in the second half!"
Everyone nodded in unison.
"If we lose possession, press them immediately. Don't worry about conserving energy—we're trailing, and now isn't the time for caution. Even if we can't win the ball back, disrupt their rhythm. Commit a foul if you have to, but don't let them launch counterattacks."
He clenched his fist. "Once they're disoriented, we'll hit them with long passes to exploit the gaps. Let's catch them off guard!"
Ronaldo clapped his hands. "Great idea! Let's do it!"
"So, what are we waiting for? Let's get to work!" Cancelo chimed in enthusiastically.
With no dissent, Bruno's plan was set in motion.
(END CHAPTER)
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