The other dignitaries from France and Poland joined in the conversation, with some whispering prayers that the game would go smoothly.
Only Mendes remained silent, his fist held against his mouth as if waiting for something.
In the middle of the 119th minute, he suddenly removed his hand from his mouth and excitedly pointed to the field, "He's got the ball! There's still a chance to score!!"
Everyone followed his gaze and saw Ma'el intercepting a pass from Spain to Fabregas, dribbling step by step towards the opponent's half.
"Ma'el..." Several murmurs sounded, as if making a wish.
"Boom boom boom...!"
On the field, Ma'el's right foot repeatedly contacted the bottom of the ball, he looked around and saw only Giroud as a passing option ahead, with no other teammates able to advance.
He had three choices: one, pass to Giroud and then sprint forward to seek an offensive opportunity.
Two, dribble to the baseline and shield the ball to drag the game into a penalty shootout.
