The Football Legends System

The training ground felt different. Not just the usual pre-match jitters, but a hum of anticipation that crackled in the air like static electricity. France. The reigning champions. And at their spearhead, the fastest, most electrifying player on the planet: Kylian Mbappé.

Nathan felt a knot of excitement and a touch of genuine nerves in his stomach. This was it. The Quarter-finals. The moment where legends were made, or dreams shattered. His Overall Rating: A- was a constant whisper in his mind, urging him forward. He wanted that 'S', and beating France was a giant leap towards it.

He spent extra time during warm-ups focusing on his footwork, trying to feel that subtle increase in agility from his Glide of Messi (15%) mastery. Every pivot, every dribble, he pushed himself, wanting that 25% milestone. He knew he'd need every ounce of that skill against France.

During a tactical walkthrough, Gareth Southgate plastered Mbappé's face on the screen. "He's a phenomenon. We need to collectively defend him. No single player can stop him alone."

Nathan used his Talent Scout vision on the image.

Kylian Mbappé – Ability: S+ | Potential: S | Overall Rating: S

S+... Nathan blinked. He'd seen Messi at S+, but Mbappé, too? It was a stark reminder of the caliber of player he was about to face. A true GOAT contender himself.

He scanned other French players too.

Antoine Griezmann – Ability: A+ | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A

Clever, links play beautifully. Dangerous.

Aurélien Tchouaméni – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A-

Engine in midfield, strong, great passer.

This wasn't just Mbappé. This was a whole team of champions.

Phil Foden nudged Nathan during a water break. "Nervous about Mbappé, mate?"

Nathan took a swig. "Respectful, definitely. But nervous? No. This is why we play, right? To test ourselves against the best."

Jude Bellingham chimed in. "Exactly! If you want to be the best, you gotta beat the best. This is our moment!"

Their words resonated. This wasn't just a match; it was a statement.

The stadium was a cauldron of noise. Half blue, half white. The French fans belted out their anthem with passion, matched by the roaring English faithful. The sheer energy was overwhelming.

Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the World Cup Quarter-final was underway.

France started with their characteristic flair and directness. Their pace was frightening. Mbappé, playing on the left wing, was an absolute blur. Kyle Walker, known for his own incredible speed, was doing his best to stick with him, but it was clear that even he was being pushed to his absolute limits.

Minute 10. Mbappé picked up the ball deep in his own half, and just exploded into a sprint. He left one English midfielder scrambling, then another. He looked unstoppable. England's defense scrambled back, Harry Maguire and John Stones trying to cover. Mbappé rocketed into the box, pulled off a lightning-fast step-over, and unleashed a shot.

Jordan Pickford, with a phenomenal save, got a strong hand to it, tipping it over the bar. A collective sigh of relief swept through the English crowd.

He's too fast! Nathan thought, feeling a chill. He was playing slightly ahead, trying to link attack, but found himself drawn back, desperate to help. Every time Mbappé got the ball, it felt like a five-alarm fire.

Minute 20. France scored. A quick pass from Griezmann found Ousmane Dembélé on the right wing, who whipped in a perfect cross. Olivier Giroud, with a powerful header, nodded it past Pickford.

England 0 - France 1.

The French bench erupted. The English fans fell silent, a cold dread settling in. This was it. This was the challenge.

Nathan felt frustration bubble. They were losing control. They needed to find a way to contain Mbappé, to disrupt France's rhythm.

Just then, the familiar chime cut through his thoughts, a beacon in the storm.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your opponent's speed and attacking prowess are overwhelming your defense.]

[You may request one random legendary defensive contribution skill in the style of a football icon to tirelessly track, intercept, and regain possession.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan didn't hesitate. This was precisely what they needed. Not just to attack, but to stop the bleeding.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: Engine of Kante]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your stamina, defensive work rate, and ability to make crucial interceptions are significantly enhanced. You will cover immense ground, relentlessly press opponents, and become a tireless presence in midfield.]

A surge of energy, different from the 'Power of Drogba', filled Nathan. This wasn't about strength, but about endless endurance and an intuitive sense of where the ball would go. He felt like he could run forever, like his mind was a step ahead of the French attackers. He suddenly saw the passing lanes Mbappé wanted to use, the spaces he aimed for.

He immediately dropped deeper, becoming a second defensive midfielder alongside Declan Rice. When Mbappé received the ball again on the left, Nathan, with the Engine of Kante active, seemed to teleport. He was there instantly, not diving in, but closing the space, forcing Mbappé wide, disrupting his rhythm. He chased, harried, and forced a misplaced pass that Declan Rice gratefully swept up.

The crowd roared, sensing a shift.

For the next five minutes, Nathan was everywhere. He covered the ground of two players, cutting off passing lanes to Mbappé, intercepting through balls, and winning back possession. He tackled cleanly, his judgment razor-sharp. He wasn't flashy, but he was incredibly effective. He forced Mbappé into uncomfortable positions, making him pass rather than run.

The French attack, for those five crucial minutes, stuttered. England, fueled by Nathan's tireless work, started to regain their composure.

In the 43rd minute, England found their equalizer. A brilliant cross from Bukayo Saka found Harry Kane, who had finally shaken off his marker, and powered a header past Hugo Lloris.

England 1 - France 1.

The stadium exploded! Nathan sprinted to join the celebration, his lungs burning, but his spirit soaring. The Engine of Kante had allowed England to weather the storm and get back into the game.

The second half was a nail-biting affair. Both teams pushed for the winning goal. Mbappé was still a threat, but Nathan's improved defensive awareness and the collective effort meant he wasn't as dominant as he had been earlier.

Nathan found himself in the box in the 70th minute, receiving a pass from Phil Foden. He tried to turn, using his Glide of Messi mastery, but Dayot Upamecano was too strong, too quick. The ball was lost.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Skill Mastery Progress: Glide of Messi (20%)]

[Next Mastery Milestone: 25% (Requires sustained application of improved dribbling in high-pressure situations).]

Almost there! Nathan thought, even in the heat of the moment.

The game stretched into extra time. Nerves frayed. Players tired. Mbappé, despite being marked diligently, still managed a few terrifying runs, but England's defense, spurred on by Jordan Pickford's incredible saves, held firm.

Finally, the whistle blew. Full-time. Extra time. Still 1-1.

Penalties.

The entire stadium held its breath. The walk to the center circle felt like an eternity. Nathan stood with his teammates, arms linked, watching. Kane scored. Maguire scored. Bellingham scored.

Then, Mbappé stepped up for France. He looked calm, collected. He took his run-up.

He shot.

And Jordan Pickford, with a superhuman dive, pushed it wide! The stadium erupted into chaos!

England's turn. It came down to Aaron Ramsdale, who had come on as a substitute keeper for penalties due to his excellent record. He slotted it home, cool as ice.

England won 4-3 on penalties!

The joyous pandemonium that followed was unlike anything Nathan had ever experienced. The English players piled on top of each other, screaming, laughing, crying. They had beaten the world champions! They were in the World Cup Semi-Finals!

In the locker room, the celebrations were wild. Gatorade showers, singing, pure euphoria. Nathan, exhausted but elated, checked his system one last time.

[Overall Rating: A]

He blinked. A! He had done it! He had reached the A-tier! The victory over France, his contribution, and the ongoing mastery of Glide of Messi (now at 22%) had pushed him up. He was no longer just a B+ player. He was an A.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Harry Kane, sweat dripping, a massive grin on his face. "Unbelievable, Nathan! Unbelievable performance today! You were everywhere!"

"We all were, Skip," Nathan said, a genuine smile splitting his face.

He had faced the GOAT contender, Mbappé, and while he hadn't outscored him, he had helped contain him. He had learned. He had grown.

The next day, the news hit. Their Semi-final opponent had been confirmed. The team that had overcome a tough quarter-final.

Brazil.

And leading their formidable attack… Neymar Jr. This was going to be another level entirely.