79th Minute
Portugal, still attacking fearlessly, finally exposed a defensive gap and were punished by a Swiss counterattack.
5–1.
The Swiss players didn't even bother running into the net to grab the ball dramatically.
Ten minutes remained.
They were still three goals down.
There was no coming back.
And honestly, they were wise not to waste time pretending urgency — pushing too hard might have led to conceding even more.
83rd Minute
Kai, who had been rotating positions with Ricardo Quaresma on the right flank all game, suddenly accelerated while dribbling and slipped a perfectly weighted through ball past the center-back from the right side.
Portugal's left midfielder, Hugo Viana, burst forward from the blind side, broke through one-on-one, and calmly chipped the goalkeeper.
5–1.
A statement victory.
Switzerland, the so-called neutral nation, were beaten so badly they couldn't stay neutral anymore.
Quaresma was named Man of the Match, reclaiming his aura as the team's superstar.
Viana's passing and shooting reminded everyone why he was the midfield core.
Kai, with one goal and two assists, became Portugal's biggest surprise of the night.
And Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal for the national youth team — the beginning of a legendary international career.
Post-Match Interview
A reporter asked Quaresma why he had performed so brilliantly.
Quaresma didn't hesitate.
"It's very comfortable playing with Kai. He creates a match environment full of opportunities for me."
"I know some media suggested he should be dropped. But in my opinion, this formation is the true future of Portugal U16."
"We have the best forwards and midfielders in this tournament — more than one. Of course we should maximize their abilities."
"Yes, there was some luck in my goals today. But I like that feeling."
"And I believe luck favors those who are ready. Isn't that also a form of ability?"
Good answer.
But he was still young.
Because the reporter's next question was a trap.
Reporter:
"How do you evaluate Simão Sabrosa's transfer? Do you think you can fill his position at Sporting CP?"
Quaresma:
"Simão is my senior. We have a good relationship. I'm happy he joined Barcelona — that's the club he wanted."
"His transfer fee is close to Luís Figo's level. He's one of Sporting's most valuable players in recent years. That's his honor — and the club's pride."
"As for me, I'm excited about my first season in the Primeira Liga. I don't want to 'replace' anyone. I want to create my own style."
Perfectly reasonable.
But then came the real dagger.
Reporter:
"So, Kai recently said that most stars who actively request transfers to Barcelona don't end well. Should we interpret that as him cursing Simão?"
Quaresma froze.
What the hell kind of connection was that?
"That's not what he meant—" he tried to clarify.
Too late.
The reporter had already run off, thrilled.
That night, headlines exploded:
"Quaresma Claims He Can Surpass Simão — Kai Curses Simão's Barcelona Future!"
Barcelona fans went wild.
"Who dares curse our new signing?"
Then they saw the name: Kai.
"Oh. That short bastard again."
Barcelona supporters had never forgiven him for rejecting La Masia.
Comments flooded in:
"Kai is a villain. Of course he'd say something like that."
"No Spanish fan likes him."
"Cursing our senior? Hope he never grows taller."
"A dwarf like him only deserves to play at the Bernabéu, not Camp Nou!"
"Actually, he was at Camp Nou last week watching the Champions League trophy ceremony."
"Dwarfs aren't welcome at Camp Nou!"
"He's just jealous of Simão's €20 million fee. That's a height he'll never reach."
"He and Cristiano Ronaldo both have attitude problems. They can't compare to Figo. Why does Portugal produce rebels like this?"
"Can't they just learn from Figo and stay loyal to Barcelona forever?"
Meanwhile, after finishing his own youth tournament match, Andrés Iniesta saw those comments and felt… uncomfortable.
Because according to recent measurements, Kai's height had increased from 1.41m to 1.53m over the past year.
He was clearly in a rapid growth phase.
And that wasn't much shorter than Iniesta at the time.
"Dwarfs don't deserve Camp Nou."
The fans said it casually.
But some listeners couldn't ignore it.
Damage Control
Kai responded through Echo Sports:
"I have never disrespected Simão. He is a role model for all Sporting players."
"Some media love taking quotes out of context. I've already called Figo and asked him to clarify things with Simão."
Soon enough, Luís Figo stepped in before the third round of the tournament.
The Portuguese captain spoke calmly:
"I'm happy Simão joined Barcelona. His €20 million transfer proves his quality."
"I've been watching the European Youth Championship. I followed Kai and Cristiano Ronaldo closely — including their Youth Champions League final."
"Kai contacts me occasionally. Usually to ask if I can send him signed footballs. He's a big fan of mine."
"I've probably memorized his home address by now with how many packages I've sent."
"He's not arrogant. He knows when to be confident and when to stay humble."
"His words were misinterpreted. I've explained everything to Simão. There's no issue."
"I wish Kai the best in this tournament."
The King of Portugal had spoken.
The noise died down instantly.
Barcelona fans stopped attacking.
They still didn't like Kai.
But at least they shut up.
Post-Match Rewards
"Ding! Victory achieved. Match rating: S. Blue fragments obtained."
"Ding! Consumed 20 blue fragments. Skill acquired: Power Bank."
Power Bank:
After the 85th minute, instantly recover 10% stamina. Stamina regeneration speed increases by 100% thereafter.
Kai stared at the screen.
This was insane.
Just a blue-tier skill?
It felt like a golden legend.
After 85 minutes, most midfielders and forwards have less than 8% stamina left. Many drop below 5%. In intense matches, even 3%.
And this skill just hands him 10% instantly.
For talented players, the final minutes reveal true class.
With Power Bank, Kai would have near-full energy in the last stretch.
If the match went to extra time?
With his naturally strong recovery and this bonus?
He'd basically become a mini perpetual motion machine.
Short. Not flashy. Insane stamina.
Chinese Kanté?
Kai felt conflicted.
It's not that N'Golo Kanté isn't elite.
But damn.
He didn't exactly dream of becoming "that guy."
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