Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

109 – The Chosen Ones

Brazil.

This football empire, often referred to as Seleção, Canarinho Squad, or Samba Football, is one of the few countries that can confidently claim to be the best in football, living up to its nickname “Football Empire.”

Why is it praised so highly?

There’s no need to discuss its other careers.

With five World Cup titles and seven final appearances, it’s already unbeatable.

Only a few countries, like Germany and Italy, who have won four World Cups, can compare to Brazil’s achievements. But now, everyone knows Italy’s story…

Next in line is Argentina, with three World Cup titles.

In reality, only Germany can be compared to Brazil’s greatness.

The main reason Brazil has been able to build such an impressive record and earn the title “Football Empire” is its endless supply of talented players.

From Pelé to Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Kaká, and Neymar, Brazil has consistently produced exceptional players who have made their mark on each generation.

The fact that only eight players have joined the Century Club in Brazil’s long football history is a testament to the country’s incredible talent pool.

Even Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Dunga haven’t joined the Century Club!

This shows that Brazil has an abundance of talented players, but it also highlights how short-lived their careers can be.

However, even Brazil couldn’t escape one thing.

“Brazil? When was the last time Brazil was actually Brazil? They’ve been declining for years. Don’t be fooled. We’re not scared of them at all.”

It’s the long-standing slump.

Just like how individuals have ups and downs, teams do too.

The eternal glory that once seemed invincible is now a thing of the past.

Even the “Football Empire” Brazil couldn’t maintain its peak forever.

“Think about it. We’re ranked first in the World Cup, and we’ve won the most titles, but when was the last time Brazil won? The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. It’s been 30 years! Who here watched the 2002 World Cup? No one, right? Look, Brazil, Brazil, but their last World Cup title was before you were even born!”

The team’s stern faces, gathered in the strategy room to prepare for the quarterfinals, slowly relax at Coach Cha Jae-ho’s sarcastic remarks.

“Look, this is Brazil’s 21st-century World Cup performance. Oh, it starts with a win? They won the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. But what about after that? They’ve only reached the quarterfinals every time. 2006, 2010, 2014… they reached the semifinals once. And then again, 2018, 2022, 2026… all quarterfinals.”

“Coach, 2030 will be the semifinals!”

“Ah, so you’re saying we can relax? Look, can’t you see the pattern? Two quarterfinals, one semifinal, and then three more quarterfinals. What’s next? Another quarterfinal, of course! And coincidentally, we’re facing them in the quarterfinals this time. What are the chances?”

“We’ll win!”

“Ah, so you’re saying we’ll win this time? Brazil has been undefeated against Asian teams, so isn’t it about time they lost? Even the heavens agree.”

When the team learned that Brazil was their quarterfinal opponent, their faces, which had been frozen in awe, finally cracked a smile.

At that moment, Joo Ji-tae let out a sigh of relief.

“They can’t believe it when I tell them to trust me.”

Joo Ji-tae, with his sensitive emotions, had been hurt by the players’ reactions yesterday.

Of course, it was all just an act.

“It’s better than being crushed by the burden of expectations, but… our chances of winning are still slim.”

The “Football Empire” Brazil’s slump has lasted for a long time, but on the other hand, it’s about time they broke free from it.

Brazil’s football infrastructure hasn’t collapsed, and their youth development is still intact. They continue to produce numerous world-class players.

The foundation is what matters.

If they can solidify their foundation, they can shake off their slump and rise again.

That’s why Brazil’s 30-year slump is—although it’s debatable whether their World Cup performance can be considered a slump—about to come to an end with this World Cup, marking their return to the top.

“Originally, Brazil was supposed to be the runner-up in World Cup history. They’re in a different league compared to teams like the Netherlands and Italy, who only have a high name value.”

In short, they’re finally breaking free from their long-standing slump and awakening to their true potential.

…Damn it, why did it have to be this time. It’s like Korea’s role is to be a mid-boss that gets smashed by the awakened main character.

* * *

As Brazil, who boasts an undefeated record against Asia, was about to face Korea in the quarterfinals, the atmosphere was the exact opposite of what one would expect.

“Korea… they’re a tougher team than I thought. It would’ve been better if we faced a familiar European team instead.”

Brazil’s coach, Andre Luiz Alves Santos, also known as Andre, was struggling to prepare for the match against Korea.

Korea was a peculiar team.

Compared to other strong teams, their players weren’t flashy, and their tactics weren’t exceptional. Yet, they always managed to produce outstanding results.

In short, Korea was an unpredictable team, like a ghost.

“This team is the most troublesome. It would be easier to face Argentina again.”

The fact that their results were overwhelmingly good despite their objective abilities was due to something that couldn’t be measured objectively.

Whether it was mental strength or luck, it was a troublesome factor for the coach to deal with.

“It’s hard to prepare for them.”

“If we exclude Juzi-tae, the outlier, there’s no one else to be particularly cautious about.”

Even AS Roma’s Oh Seung-hoon, who scored 19 goals in Serie A, and Jo Jae-sin, who scored 26 goals in Bundesliga 1860 Munich, were not as threatening compared to Argentina’s attack.

It was a headache, but the preparation for the Korea match was nothing compared to the media frenzy.

『Netherlands, Italy, and now Korea, the Asian powerhouse that defeated them in a row, faces Brazil!』

『Korea, with its unpredictable momentum, experts say “Brazil must do its best”!』

『Will Selecao overcome the quarterfinal curse this time?』

『Argentina’s coach, who lost to Brazil in the round of 16, says “Brazil’s weakness in the tournament is due to its overly individualistic tendencies!”』

『This time, please! The desperate wishes of the Brazilian people!』

Since the 21st century began, eight World Cups have been held from 2002 to 2030.

Brazil’s record was five quarterfinals and two semifinals since winning the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

Before long, Brazil became a team that naturally got eliminated in the quarterfinals, earning the nickname ‘quarterfinal stop.’

It became the ‘eternal runner-up’ in a different sense.

And that pressure was weighing heavily on Andre and the Brazilian national team players.

“Korea will definitely use the Juzi-tae shift aggressively this time—”

“Ugh…!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Ahh! Coach, Adi got injured!”

“What the…! Medical staff! What’s wrong with him? Did he eat something bad?”

“Ugh… no, it’s just… I’m too nervous…”

“Sigh…”

The pressure was so intense that even a veteran player with 10 years of professional experience, who had played in the Champions League, couldn’t handle the pressure and failed to manage his condition.

It was a team that lived and died by football, after all.

The interest of the Brazilian people in this World Cup was enormous.

And,

“Coach, have you heard the news about Italy?”

“What’s going on now?”

“Paolo Pellegrini’s wife and daughter were terrorized and taken to the emergency room…”

“…….”

The news of Italy’s unprecedented defeat in Korea still lingered, but it didn’t seem to affect the Brazilian players.

[Coach Andre, who had expressed confidence in their victory during the interview, looked quite unwell today.]

[The Brazilian players were warming up. Ah, trapping mistake.]

It was evident in their gameplay during the match against Korea.

[Although it’s still early in the game, Brazil’s movements seem a bit sluggish.]

[Their condition doesn’t seem to be improving, and they’re making a lot of mistakes, unlike Brazil’s usual style.]

[Our players, don’t let this opportunity slip away! The opponent is Brazil, the king of samba football! They’re still not fully warmed up, and making small mistakes like this. Don’t let it slip away!!]

Early in the game.

The Brazilian players, known for their individual skills, were making unbelievable mistakes.

From simple trapping mistakes to pass mistakes, and slow movements.

Although they’re a team that likes to win with individual skills rather than teamwork, it’s still done within the framework of tactics.

But Brazil was relying too much on individual tactics, unable to find a team strategy.

[They blocked it well!! Korea’s counterattack!!]

[No Han-ho, a mid-range shot!! Oh, what’s this!!]

[What is this!! An own goal! An own goal in the 8th minute, and Korea is taking the lead!!]

It seemed like the game was already decided in the 8th minute with the own goal.

But after conceding the goal,

“Come to your senses! We’re the chosen ones, A Seleção! We’re the five-time World Cup champions, Pentacampeões!!”

“Our families are watching. Even if we lose, it can’t be like this. Let’s not disappoint our families.”

“We can’t lose like this! We can’t lose like Italy, conceding five goals! Are we going to keep being cowards? Let’s try once more!”

The Brazilian players finally overcame their pressure.