The All-Around Center Forward

Suker sat on the bench in the locker room, scissors in hand, cutting a slit in the back of his new socks.

The socks were tightly woven to provide better support, but overly tight socks could also impede blood circulation, leading to a decrease in athletic performance.

For this reason, many players would cut several slits in the calf area of their socks to increase their elasticity.

Suker made three slits in total before inserting his arm into the sock, leaving only the foot part exposed and flipping the rest inside out, which made it easier to put on.

The socks were one-piece socks; although sock sleeves were also an option, Suker still preferred the one-piece style.

For example, Modrić next to him used sock sleeves.

He had separate socks, along with a calf-length sock sleeve that went over them.

Suker carefully put on his socks, then his cleats, and tied the laces tightly.

"The media reports about you haven't been very friendly lately!"

Modrić suddenly spoke up.

Suker replied without lifting his head, "Just those few media outlets. Is Catalonia among them?"

Modrić nodded.

Suker said, "Now these media outlets are scrutinizing me with a magnifying glass. For me, scoring goals isn't news anymore; not scoring is the news!"

"So when I didn't score in the first round of the European Cup, they could write extensively about it!"

Modrić asked, "So you're going to push hard to retaliate?"

Suker tied the laces of both his cleats and said irritably, "I'm not that bored. They can say whatever they want; it doesn't affect me right now. I'm going to push hard in this match because we can qualify early, and it's also preparation for Germany. As for the media issue, that's just a side effect!"

At this moment, Srna approached, his lips a bit pale.

He handed the captain's armband to Suker, saying helplessly, "This match is up to you!"

Suker said angrily, "We all ate pretty much the same thing, so why are you the only one with an upset stomach?"

Since morning, Srna had been constantly running to the restroom, suffering from severe diarrhea.

Now, his legs felt weak, and his sphincter muscles were instinctively tightening to prevent a sudden, complete release.

Since Srna couldn't play, Suker, as the second captain, naturally took on the duties of the on-field captain.

Srna was also embarrassed; he didn't waste words and personally helped Suker put on the captain's armband.

Suker adjusted the position of the captain's armband again, then clapped his hands and walked towards the center.

Clap, clap, clap!

Everyone stood up and looked at Suker.

Suker stood with his hands on his hips, scanned the room, and said loudly, "First, I won't be as 'gentle' as Srna. On the field, don't let me see anyone slacking off. Once I set my eyes on someone, that person is in for it!"

Gulp!

The young players instinctively swallowed.

Suker's prestige within the Croatia National Team was immense; although Srna was the captain, if you asked the young players, they feared Suker the most.

Of course, part of the reason was respect.

Especially for players like Kovacic and Brozović, Suker was their idol, and they naturally didn't want to disappoint him.

"Vida, you'll be playing as a makeshift full-back in this match. I don't expect you to do exactly as Srna does, but you must defend well!"

Suker said in a deep voice.

Vida immediately nodded; "Don't worry, Captain!"

"Ćorluka!" Suker turned and shouted.

Ćorluka immediately raised his hand and stepped forward.

"I'm here!"

"Your task is to drop back. When Lovren pushes forward, you must occupy the dangerous positions in the rear. If the opponent launches a dangerous attack, make decisive judgments and don't hesitate."

"Understood!" Ćorluka responded loudly.

Srna couldn't play, and Pranjic was injured, missing this European Cup.

This match would almost entirely rely on new players to hold up the defensive line, so being cautious was a good thing.

Moreover, with Suker's effort and midfield support, they could play a bit more relaxed.

"Alright, guys! It's time for us to go out!"

Suker clapped his hands hard to encourage them.

Van Stoyak handed over the team flag.

Suker took the small team flag in one hand and led the way out of the locker room.

The next second, Goalkeeper Subašić, defenders Vida, Strinić, and other Croatian players silently followed.

Soon, they appeared in the player tunnel.

The Denmark players also turned to look. They were a bit surprised to see Suker standing at the very front, but the seriousness on their faces remained.

Suker led the Croatian players to stand on the right side of the player tunnel.

Cameras were constantly filming from outside the stadium.

Especially giving some close-ups on Suker.

"Suker is wearing the captain's armband; he will fulfill the duties of the on-field captain in this match!"

Croatian commentator Krauhić's eyes gleamed.

Watching Suker wear the captain's armband, for some reason, it always felt so fitting.

In their view, Suker represented Croatian football, and there was no problem with him wearing the captain's armband now.

Of course, Srna also did very well, but Suker was more representative.

The Croatian players prepared in silence.

If it were Srna, he would definitely be constantly shouting, speaking to boost morale repeatedly and alleviate tension.

But Suker was different from Srna.

He wouldn't waste words but would inspire his teammates with his performance in the match, in the manner of a forward.

Soon, a tremendous roar erupted from the Poznan Municipal Stadium.

Under countless cameras, both teams, Croatia and Denmark National Team, walked onto the field.

The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

Croatia (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Subašić.

Defenders: Vida, Ćorluka, Lovren, Strinić.

Midfielders: Rakitić, Vukojević, Modrić.

Forwards: Perisic, Mandžukić, Suker.

Denmark (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Andersen.

Defenders: Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Poulsen.

Midfielders: Rommedahl, Kvist, Eriksen, Zimling, Krohn-Dehli.

Forward: Bendtner.

Croatia's midfield formation for this match was an inverted triangle.

Even with Vukojević playing as a single defensive midfielder, this formation indicated that Suker would constantly roam between the center and the wings, all suggesting that Suker would exert himself in this match.

Denmark's player Eriksen was very sensitive to this formation.

When he saw Croatia's formation, he felt a bad premonition.

Especially with Suker appearing on the field wearing the captain's armband, while Srna, the first captain, sat on the bench in a substitute bib.

All these things seemed to indicate that Suker would explode in this match.

On the field, Suker was still constantly jumping and bouncing.

He was searching for his game rhythm.

The first match was indeed a bit sluggish, but after deciding to push hard in this match, Suker needed to bring his form to its peak.

Actually, Denmark was not weak!

Looking across Europe, they were a mid-to-upper-tier team.

However, they were drawn into the fourth pot and placed in the group of death.

Facing Croatia, Germany, and Portugal, Denmark naturally appeared somewhat weak and pitiable.

Given Denmark's strength, in another group, they would have a good chance of reaching the knockout stage.

But in group b, they were only destined to get beaten!

The captains of Croatia and Denmark, Suker and Agger, were called over.

The two guessed heads or tails to choose sides.

Suker chose heads, and Agger chose tails.

The final result was heads!

Suker unhesitatingly pointed to the ball.

"We want possession!"

Agger helplessly pointed to the side with his back to the sun.

Croatia demanding possession might mean that Croatia intended to attack from the very beginning of the match.

Agger knew very well that their test had arrived.

"Everyone, perk up! First, let's focus on defending and look for opportunities to counterattack!"

Facing their captain's shout, the Denmark players, though not responding verbally, all nodded with serious expressions.

Suker and Mandžukić were already standing at the center circle; the match was about to begin.

Beep!

A sharp whistle sounded.

Suker immediately kicked off. After Mandžukić passed back, both vigorously pressed forward.

Croatia also continuously passed the ball back, drawing Denmark's players into their own half. Only then did they start passing forward along the left wing.

After Modrić received the ball, he first looked at Suker.

But he didn't rush to pass to Suker; instead, he threaded it forward to Mandžukić.

Mandžukić made a proactive retreating run and immediately shifted the ball to Rakitić on the right.

After Rakitić received the ball, he feigned a pass to Perisic on the wing.

Just then, he stepped and pulled with his foot, shifting his body from right to left, while suddenly passing the ball diagonally forward.

Surprisingly, Suker ran horizontally to receive the pass, flicking his ankle and feigning a sprint forward.

With this sudden change, the Denmark players quickly converged towards the center.

But Suker only dribbled for two steps, then, using the momentum of his run, lightly tapped the ball with the top of his right foot, passing it back to Perisic on the right.

The defense had already been drawn to the center, and Perisic easily controlled the ball with almost no defensive pressure.

Seeing this, Suker also retreated again and ran towards the left.

Modrić moved forward to fill the empty space.

With just one attack, Croatia had formed a siege, pressing down on the enemy's city!

"Something feels off!" Denmark Head Coach Olsen frowned sharply.

Although it was just one touch and one advance, Suker had already displayed that aggressive offensive posture.

In the first round of the match, Suker mostly opted for one-touch passes, not dribbling or breaking through excessively, let alone making deep runs.

He spent more time creating opportunities for his teammates and using his influence to draw the defense.

But this time was different.

Suker started playing more proactively.

His touch frequency increased, and he attempted more dribbling breakthroughs.

Thwack!

Modrić passed the ball to Suker.

Suker stopped the ball steadily with his left foot, his body facing the penalty area.

Denmark full-back Jacobsen was on high alert, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

With his left foot as the supporting leg, Suker slowly circled the ball with his right foot, making a preliminary feint.

Jacobsen remained unfazed; he didn't dare to get too close to Suker.

Just then, Suker suddenly stepped forward, making a horizontal lunge towards the penalty area.

Jacobsen, startled, immediately followed.

But he quickly realized that Suker hadn't touched the ball at all; it was just a body feint.

"Fooled him!"

Suker thought to himself, then abruptly stopped with his right foot, pulling his body back sharply.

He took a shuffle step and lightly tapped the ball with the instep of his right foot, going directly for the outside.

Whoosh!

The moment Suker accelerated, Jacobsen understood what lightning speed meant; with just one burst, he couldn't keep up.

"Block him!"

Jacobsen, trailing behind Suker and eating his dust, shouted loudly.

Denmark's defense also converged towards the left.

Suker took a quick glance and realized there was no space to pass to a teammate.

I'll do it myself!

Having made up his mind, Suker didn't adjust at all, and fiercely struck the ball with his right foot.

The ball flew between the two center-backs towards the far post of the goal.

In a flash, Denmark captain Agger suddenly extended his leg, blocking the ball.

The ball ricocheted off Agger's ankle and flew out of the penalty area, where it was easily controlled by Vukojević on the far side, who then quickly passed it to Vida behind him, further strengthening ball control.

But even so, Suker's sudden burst of power startled Denmark.

"Oh my god!! Suker's form is heating up in this match, we can't let Suker play like this!"

The Denmark commentator was drenched in cold sweat; that shot was very dangerous, and if Agger hadn't intervened and made the block, they would have conceded a goal.

Croatia commentator Krauhić, however, felt a slight regret.

Nevertheless, it was the first attempt at a shot, and there were still plenty of opportunities.

"Suker's shot was incredibly tricky! In that situation, Suker still found a gap and an angle for a shot, and that angle was almost a sliver, but he still tried to score!"

"Denmark captain Agger really deserves credit; if it weren't for his block, that ball would have already gone in!"

"However, the ball is still under our control, lads, keep going! Let's keep attacking!"

Krauhić's expression was excited.

Suker's form was picking up; could Denmark stop Croatia?

Are you kidding me!

The entire Poznań Municipal Stadium, after a brief gasp, erupted with thunderous cheers from the Croatian fans.

Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!—

Cheers surged, for this dangerous attack, and also for Suker.

Watching Suker become more proactive and gradually exert his power, they grew even more excited.

"He's really decisive!"

On the sidelines, Srna couldn't help but grin.

If it were any other forward, at that position and angle, they would most likely pass back and reorganize.

It's hard to find a fleeting shooting angle, and even harder to accurately shoot into that angle.

But Suker is Suker!

He not only found the gap but also completed the shot.

However, Agger's reaction was also very quick; he saved Denmark's defense.

But after this shot attempt, Croatia's morale was boosted, while Denmark was left with lingering fears.

The situation would be more favorable for Croatia.

"Wow!"

Kovacic, wearing a substitute's bib, couldn't help but exclaim.

He also saw Suker's tricky shot.

If it were him, let alone shooting, finding that sliver of space would be difficult, and forcing him to shoot would be a desperate attempt for a miracle.

Brozović, standing nearby, also grinned and said, "I always thought Milito's shooting was excellent, but after seeing Suker's shot, it feels like they're not even on the same level!"

"If it were Milito, that ball just now would absolutely not have been kicked like that!"

Kovacic nodded; "The most crucial thing isn't just the shot; even if the shot isn't successful, the force of it being blocked out means we can still control the possesion, and even if it goes out for a goal kick, it's still our corner kick!"

"And that dribble!" Brozović grinned; "Suker's physical ability is too strong!"

Suker's dribble, although it had the deceptive nature of a feint, was more about a sudden burst of pure physical quality, and Jacobsen couldn't keep up with that one move.

This led to Suker's subsequent various maneuvers.

And the fact that he wasn't stopped this time means that next time, it will still be the same.

Suker's flank is about to unleash its power!

On the field, Denmark finally managed to gain possession.

The ball reached Eriksen's feet, and Eriksen stopped it and turned.

But by this time, Modrić and Rakitić had already closed in from both sides.

"So fast!"

Facing the double-team, Eriksen suddenly dribbled forward, trying to use his speed to break away.

But the moment Eriksen tried to slip through, Modrić reached out and pulled Eriksen's jersey, stopping his initial movement.

And this pause in Eriksen's movement caused him to completely lose control of the ball.

Vukojević quickly followed up, immediately passing the ball to the wing, Vida then passed it to center-back Ćorluka, Ćorluka shifted it to the left, and Croatia neutralized Denmark's attack in midfield.

"Damn it!"

Eriksen clenched his fist, somewhat annoyed.

The moment he took possession, Croatia was already prepared to engage physically.

He really disliked physical confrontation, especially in confrontational environments or under excessive pressure, where he tended to disappear.

And Croatia clearly seized upon this point.

"Eriksen was slow to release the ball; he wanted to get through Modrić and Rakitić, but Vukojević's anticipation was precise, and he got into position first to complete the tackle and regain possession!"

The Denmark commentator frowned; "Our attacking rhythm is a bit too slow!"

"Awesome!"

On the field, Suker gave a thumbs up to the midfield trio.

This tackle was a typical encirclement and pressing, which had been practiced before the match.

At that time, Suker himself was the subject of the practice; these three guys could press Suker so hard that out of ten attempts to break through, he only succeeded three times, which shows the intensity of this encirclement.

It wasn't Suker underestimating Eriksen.

Let alone the current Eriksen, even at his peak, without the support of teammates, if he wanted to go it alone, he would be repeatedly taken down by Croatia's midfield trio.

Whew~~~~

Suker turned his head to look at his flank; Denmark's defense was clearly a bit disoriented.

The overall tilt towards the right was very severe, which created a large open space for Suker to break through on his flank.

At this point, all that was needed was a sudden cross-field pass!

Suker could then seize Denmark by the throat!