"You wouldn't believe how much Liverpool are going to spend on Leo's statue."
"That money could have gone toward buying Liverpool's chairman a few more yachts or sports cars. Either way, it would have made his already luxurious lifestyle even more extravagant. Instead, he's spending it on a statue of Leo!"
Spain were the first team to secure a place in the European Championship semifinals. Shortly afterward, the statue was vandalized.
The following day, another crucial quarterfinal kicked off, with Portugal facing France. The two sides were still level after regulation, sending the match into extra time.
Before extra time began, Gullit brought up the statue Liverpool planned to build for Leo. He had seen the digital rendering, which had gone viral across Europe.
"Just imagine it. Once night falls over Liverpool, you'll be able to see a gigantic holographic projection of Leo above Anfield."
"Only an incredibly important player could receive that kind of tribute. According to Liverpool, the entire project, from the initial design to the statue's completion, will take nearly six years!"
"By then, Leo should be close to 30. I imagine Liverpool will have brought in a new generation of players by that point."
Scholes could do nothing but envy him. They did not have much time left to discuss it, as extra time had already begun.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the Portuguese players back onto the pitch to continue their battle with France. Even after extra time, however, neither side managed to score.
The Spanish players were watching the match as well. Gaya had no idea which team would advance.
Both teams were among the leading favorites to win the European Championship, ranked second and third respectively, and supporters had high expectations for both.
"I think France might win. Their goalkeeper is excellent, though Patrício is also very good at saving penalties."
"This shootout will put both teams' penalty-taking ability to the test. Every kick has to be good enough, or the opposing goalkeeper could save it."
Busquets had experienced plenty of moments like this. Spain had often gone to penalty shootouts in major international tournaments over the years.
Many supporters thought penalties were easy, but facing a professional goalkeeper was completely different from facing an amateur.
That was especially true against a top goalkeeper who specialized in saving penalties. Once you saw him standing on the goal line, you certainly would not feel more likely to score than miss.
Cristiano stepped up first for Portugal and converted. Mbappé and the other takers followed one after another.
Just like the tense regulation and extra time that had preceded it, the shootout remained level through eight rounds.
Then came the decisive penalty in the ninth round. Guedes failed to withstand the pressure, and the goalkeeper saved his attempt.
France advanced to the European Championship semifinals and would face Spain for a place in the final.
"France have eliminated Portugal, and Mbappé is still in the European Championship!"
"Deschamps has led France into a clash with Spain. The champions and runners-up from the last World Cup will meet again, this time in the European Championship semifinals!"
Gullit tried not to let his smile become too obvious. Portugal's elimination meant the Netherlands were one step closer to winning the tournament, with another major rival gone.
The following day, two days after Spain had secured their place, the Netherlands faced Turkey.
The smile Gullit had worn during Portugal's match against France never appeared.
Turkey were simply playing too well. They had almost completely pinned the Netherlands back and even scored the opening goal.
"Turkey score first! They lead the Netherlands!"
"Could Turkey be the dark horse of this European Championship? If they eliminate the Netherlands, they'll reach the semifinals!"
Scholes' voice grated on Gullit's ears. All he wanted was for the Netherlands to equalize as soon as possible.
Leo was also watching the match because his close friend Van Dijk was the Netherlands captain.
"Van Dijk isn't really going to be eliminated by Turkey, is he? If that happens, the Netherlands may need even longer to recover from their decline."
Rodri did not want Van Dijk to be eliminated either, but Turkey still led at halftime.
The Netherlands remained behind throughout the second half. Their forwards tried everything they could, but Turkey were playing brilliantly.
Gullit was beginning to think the Netherlands were about to leave the European Championship. Then, in the 89th minute, Van Dijk scored from a corner to equalize and keep his country's hopes alive.
As the match approached its end, Van Dijk scored from another corner, completing his brace and giving the Netherlands a dramatic last-minute victory over Turkey.
Leo and Rodri both shouted with excitement, delighted for Van Dijk.
Gullit collapsed onto the commentary desk. The match had frightened him so badly that he could no longer speak.
Stam began applauding Van Dijk. His performance proved that Stam had not wasted the five popularity votes he had given him.
The stronger teams had won comfortably throughout the earlier knockout rounds, but the quarterfinals had brought one surprise after another.
Most supporters also expected England to beat Switzerland.
Much like Portugal against France, however, England and Switzerland remained scoreless throughout regulation.
England finally took the lead in extra time through Kane. Everyone thought they were about to eliminate Switzerland, but Shaqiri scored a late equalizer to keep his team alive and send the match to penalties.
The moment a shootout became inevitable, the English supporters panicked. England had lost every major penalty shootout they had contested over the previous twenty years.
This time, however, a man named Pickford saved two Swiss penalties in succession.
He eliminated Shaqiri and Switzerland, sent England into the European Championship semifinals, and emphatically proved wrong everyone who had claimed before the tournament that they would never reach the last four.
"The European Championship semifinalists have now been confirmed. Spain will face France, while the Netherlands will take on England!"
"I can't wait to see which of these four teams will win the European Championship!"
"Will Spain claim consecutive major international trophies? Will France prove once again that they are the kings of Europe? Will the Netherlands rise from their slump, or will England complete their remarkable turnaround?"
"Let's turn to Spain coach Zubizarreta, who has become one of the most popular managers among supporters, and hear what he expects from the rest of the European Championship!"
Gullit invited Zubizarreta onto the show.
Facing the camera, Zubizarreta had only one thing to say.
"Any opponent."
"Any of them."
"Come challenge Spain!"
"Come challenge Leo!"
...
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