July 6th.
Less than two days remained until the semi-final match against Brazil.
Inside the German Team, there was still a debate about whether to put Mark in the starting lineup.
Originally, in an international competition like the World Cup, team selection and tactics were approached with extreme caution.
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Unless a key player was injured or suspended, it was unlikely that the personnel configuration would be easily changed, especially after reaching the semi-finals.
Furthermore, in the previous round against France, this starting lineup had secured a lead and hadn't made any mistakes or conceded any goals.
However, a new problem arose!
Mark scored two more goals against France!
This was his fourth consecutive match with a goal!
Unbeknownst to many, Mark had already scored five goals in this World Cup!
He ranked second on the top scorers list, only trailing J-Rod, Colombia's number ten, who had scored six goals.
And with Colombia eliminated by Brazil, J-Rod no longer had a chance to score more goals.
Mark, on the other hand, still had at least one more match (the semi-final) to play.
This meant that Mark had a strong chance of contending for the individual honor of the World Cup Golden Boot!
As the team's top scorer, Mark had scored in four consecutive matches.
Such an explosive performance deserved a starting spot in the semi-final.
This was the opinion of some within the coaching staff.
However, another faction believed that the team's current formation and tactical approach were mature and effective.
Rashly putting Mark in the starting lineup might disrupt this excellent chemistry, leading to a poor team performance.
Instead of risking a change in formation to start Mark, it would be better to stick with the previous round's starting lineup and then bring Mark on as a Super Substitute when needed, playing the role of a surprise weapon.
Although Mark started in the group stage match against the United States and scored the only goal of the game.
However, his stamina was still an issue, and his passing, receiving, organization, and vision were all significantly inferior to Özil.
In a losing situation, or when a breakthrough was needed to break a deadlock, his ability to create individual brilliance was a sharp sword.
But if the game required controlling the rhythm through passing, Mark definitely couldn't compare to Özil.
Moreover, he was even more effective coming off the bench!
Ultimately, considering the excellent personnel configuration and on-field performance against France in the previous round, and Mark's significant role as a Super Substitute, Löw remained firm in his belief of keeping Mark on the bench.
It's worth mentioning that as the starting lineup was announced, Klose, who shared a room with Mark, also offered words of comfort to his much-admired younger brother during lunch:
"Mark, your moment will definitely come!"
"Until then, you just need to be prepared and wait patiently..."
Mark also flashed a brilliant smile in response to Klose's comfort:
"Yes, I will!"
Seeing Mark's still brilliant smile, everyone thought he was just putting on a brave face.
However, only Mark himself knew that this was a genuine smile from the bottom of his heart!
He was so afraid that his excellent performance as a substitute would lead Löw to arrange for him to start.
If he were to start, it would be a domino effect, with different personnel and tactical approaches. Germany might not have easily scored five goals against Brazil in the first half, and there wouldn't have been the legendary 7-1 match.
Of course, he didn't think he would be worse than Özil if he started.
If he started, he might score two goals, thereby surpassing J-Rod and winning the World Cup Golden Boot!
Thinking this, Mark belatedly realized that he seemed to have missed the best opportunity to contend for the Golden Boot.
However, after a second thought, he felt relieved.
Life is not always smooth sailing.
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Compared to the World Cup Golden Boot, the World Cup championship is more important!
...Soon, the time came to July 8th.
Inside the Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, the loud singing of Brazilian fans had already begun:
"I am Brazil, I am proud and I love!"
This song, "I am Brazilian," was composed over sixty years ago by a high school teacher for a football match between his students and students from Germany.
However, this version was not well-known due to its outdated lyrics and melody, until it was discovered by fans in this World Cup and revitalized with new lyrics and music.
Almost every match of the Brazilian Team, fans would sing this song before the start to cheer on the team.
And coincidentally, their opponent in this match was the German Team!
In the unseen, destiny had its own arrangements.
However, to everyone's surprise, an hour before the match, whether it was due to the field being watered or excessive nervousness, Özil accidentally strained his calf muscle during warm-ups!
Although it wasn't a major problem, his physical and competitive state would definitely be affected.
After an urgent discussion by the coaching staff, Löw made a decisive decision. Among the three candidates — Götze, Mark, and Schürrle — he chose Mark as Özil's replacement to start the match!
In his opinion, this might be fate.
And for Mark, this was both an opportunity and a challenge!
Although he wasn't coming on as a substitute, he wouldn't have the bonus effect of the [Super Substitute] card.
However, he also had more playing time.
Since that was the case, let him personally create the 7-1 score!
World Cup Golden Boot?
World Cup champion?
Sorry, I want them all!
After changing into his clothes and gear, Mark, wearing his red and black PredatorLz boots that had accompanied him since his debut, arrived in the players' tunnel.
After shaking hands with his teammates one by one, Mark heard the "clack-clack-clack" of cleats on the smooth floor behind him.
Turning his head, he saw the Brazilian Team players, dressed in yellow jerseys, filing out.
Leading them was "Sideshow Bob" David Luiz, wearing the captain's armband, followed by Marcelo, Dante, Maicon, Oscar, Hulk, and others...
Among them was his club teammate, Gustavo!
In this match, Gustavo and Fernandinho formed Brazil's defensive midfield partnership.
"Luiz (Gustavo)! How are you?"
"I'm good..."
"The weather in Brazil is really hot."
After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Gustavo, Mark returned to the German Team's queue.
Soon, accompanied by the stadium DJ's introduction, both teams lined up and entered the field!
"Welcome to Sky Sports' coverage of the 2014 Brazil World Cup semi-final..."
"The opposing teams are the host nation Brazil, and the German Team..."
The moment he stepped onto the field, a loud song and a wave of heat washed over him.
At this moment, Mark once again felt the reality of truly participating in the World Cup!
....
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