"This is probably the best Germany team we've seen in more than a decade. I think they'll beat Spain!"
Many German legends were closely following the knockout match, with the winner advancing to the European Championship semifinals.
"Both Germany and Spain defeated their previous opponents through superior attacking play."
"However, I think Germany's approach is better because their attacking tactics are perfectly suited to the European Championship. It reminds me of Germany at their peak."
"Spain, on the other hand, still play a more conventional style. They won their previous matches convincingly, but I think that's because they hadn't faced Germany yet!"
Legendary German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger voiced his strong support for both Germany and Musiala during a European Championship program.
"The recent war of words between Musiala and Lin has attracted plenty of attention. Of course I support Musiala."
"Lin is certainly the better midfielder right now, but I believe Musiala has just as much potential for the future!"
"I've also seen many fans suggest that Havertz will be the German player Spain targets in this match. I completely disagree. Havertz is another of Germany's talented young players!"
"These young German talents won't be afraid of Spain."
"Absolutely not!"
The debate had become so widespread that nearly every national team player who appeared before the media was inevitably asked whether they expected Spain or Germany to advance.
England striker Kane was also asked the question.
"I hate being asked this, even though I knew you were going to ask. As things stand, though, I'm still backing Germany!"
Word of Kane's support for Germany quickly reached Leo Lin. He tapped his plate, as if celebrating in advance.
The mood in Spain's camp was nothing like that of a team about to play a European Championship quarterfinal. Morata was busy arguing with Rodri over which of them could run farther in ten minutes.
Busquets, who had barely played so far, patted Leo Lin's stomach while rubbing his own. He wanted to prove that although he was getting older, he still had more abs than Leo Lin.
"Busquets, please. Could you suck your stomach in?"
Oyarzabal could barely look at Busquets, who was somehow brimming with confidence.
Gaya was extremely envious of Leo Lin's abs. He had even been training in the gym to copy their exact definition.
"You'll be switching to right back for the next match. How confident are you that you can stop Musiala?"
Busquets asked Gaya, who had never played at right back before. At Athletic Bilbao, he had always played on the left.
"One hundred percent. I'll definitely stop Musiala!"
Leo Lin was not surprised by Gaya's answer. Ever since Gaya first joined the team during the qualifiers, he had always been full of confidence whenever he came into Leo Lin's room.
Leo Lin liked that kind of fullback.
Zubizarreta believed Spain were ready, and Löw believed Germany were ready as well.
On August 6, Spain and Germany submitted their starting lineups for the European Championship quarterfinal at the same time.
"Stam, let's divide the work properly. I'll introduce Germany's starting lineup, Scholes will introduce Spain's, and you can stand there and applaud!"
Stam snatched Germany's lineup sheet straight out of Gullit's hand and immediately began the introduction.
"Germany's starting lineup and formation are completely different from their previous matches. Löw has switched to a 3-4-2-1!"
"Neuer is in goal as always. Whether for Bayern or the German national team, Neuer is the undisputed starter!"
"Defenders: Rüdiger, Hummels, and Ginter."
"Midfielders: Gosens, Goretzka, Toni Kroos, and Kimmich."
"Havertz and Musiala will play as attacking midfielders!"
"Werner starts up front."
"It's completely different. Löw may have wanted to keep Spain guessing, because this lineup is nothing like the one the fans expected."
"The formation has changed, and Havertz is no longer playing as the striker. He has dropped into attacking midfield, while Werner starts up front."
"Musiala is no longer playing on the left wing either. He'll also operate as an attacking midfielder. Gosens may be listed in midfield, but he is essentially a left-sided wide midfielder. He has pace and offers plenty going forward."
"Gündoğan has also been left out of midfield, with Goretzka starting instead. That surprised me a little. Hopefully Goretzka can perform at his normal level today."
Hierro was caught off guard when he saw Germany's starting lineup.
Spain's lineup, however, had already been finalized and would not change.
Hierro saw no need to make any adjustments. Since Gaya no longer needed to mark Musiala directly, he would be free to join the attack.
Gaya had pace, and quick fullbacks usually offered something going forward.
"Unai Simón starts in goal for Spain. There are still plenty of fans who don't like seeing him in the lineup."
"Alba starts at left back, Gaya at right back, with Laporte and Eric García in central defense. Torres will have to settle for a place on the bench."
"Rodri, Saúl, and Leo Lin start in midfield. Pedri has been left out of the starting lineup. Saúl may not offer the same attacking quality as Pedri, but he can support Rodri defensively and help Leo Lin control the tempo in midfield."
"Up front, Sarabia keeps his place, Oyarzabal starts on the right wing, and Morata remains the striker."
"The fans haven't been impressed by Morata's performances at this European Championship, but he keeps starting, and he has improved with every match!"
Even in the tunnel, Leo Lin could feel the eagerness in the eyes of the young German talents beside him. They were desperate to test themselves against him.
Leo Lin was now the player everyone in world football wanted to challenge.
The players walked onto the pitch, and the European Championship quarterfinal began with Germany kicking off.
"Germany get us underway and immediately look for their traditional lightning-fast start, but Rodri deals with the aerial ball brilliantly and cuts it out."
"Havertz collects the second ball and gives it to Musiala."
Musiala began dribbling as soon as he received the ball, shifting it back and forth across the grass with both feet. Every feint made Rodri think he was about to burst past him, only for Musiala to pull the ball back under control.
Rodri had no idea how to defend against him. Then Musiala slipped a pass through to Werner.
"Werner shoots!"
"No danger at all. Werner's effort didn't even force Unai Simón into a save. Instead, several Spanish fans are pretending to make saves in the stands to mock him."
"All the pre-match talk between the two teams had fans on both sides ready to taunt each other. The Spanish supporters have been given the first opportunity, and they're loving it!"