Once again, they returned to the football stadium. The Croatian players seemed already accustomed to everything here.
Led by the staff, they walked to their own locker room.
Even inside the locker room, they could hear the wild noise from the outside stadium.
Cheers, chants, and the buzzing sound of vuvuzelas intertwined, creating an extremely piercing racket.
"This vuvuzela is just a menace!"
Mandžukić patted his head.
Since the first match, this sound had followed them to every game.
Because the organizers and FIFA had not officially banned it, players from various countries had called on fans not to bring vuvuzelas.
At first, it worked pretty well, but soon, as opposing fans in the stands blew their vuvuzelas, their own fans couldn't help but pull theirs out again — mutually hurting each other.
One could say that without stadium security checks, this thing could never be banned.
The harm of the vuvuzela was great; it affected performance and mental state on one hand, and some players even had to receive psychological counseling after matches, feeling the buzzing sound beside their ears even while sleeping.
In this match, the vuvuzela sounded especially piercing.
German and Croatian fans were wildly blowing this "instrument."
Perhaps because it was a focal and revenge match, both teams had already begun their psychological contest before the game.
As soon as the German team finished shouting slogans, the Croatian fans jeered back, threatening to defeat Germany.
The entire stands were blazing with passion.
Even the on-site commentators had to shout hoarsely into their microphones just so fans watching on TV could hear their voices.
"Alright, everyone get ready for warm-up!"
Van Stoyak clapped and called out.
The Croatian players had already changed into warm-up training kits and gradually came out of the locker room.
At the same time, on the other side, the German players also emerged from their locker room.
The players from both sides met in the player tunnel; their eyes locked, sparks flying instantly.
Though there was no verbal exchange, the tense fiery atmosphere was palpable, with each player's gaze revealing an intense desire for victory.
An undercurrent surged amid their eye contact.
Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!!
Buzz~~ Buzz~~ Buzz~~~ Whooo~~ Buzz~~ Buzz~~Shhh!!!!!!!!!!
Clap clap clap clap!
As the players warmed up on the field, the crowd's enthusiasm surged again, and fans on both sides erupted with loud cheers.
Though the match had not yet started, the atmosphere was already reaching a peak.
TV cameras moved between players for pre-game warming and analysis.
The camera locked onto Suker.
Undoubtedly, he was the most watched star in this match.
"We see Suker! In the last match against Portugal, Suker once again showed an outstanding performance, scoring his sixth goal of the World Cup, still leading the top scorer chart!"
"Four matches in total, six goals — Suker's first World Cup but he's already aiming for the Golden Boot!"
The Croatian host's words were slightly inaccurate.
Currently, Suker was first on the top scorer list with six goals.
Second place was the Netherlands' Sneijder, who scored three goals in the knockout stage.
However, Suker had twice as many goals as him!
The camera shifted again, focusing on Schweinsteiger.
He was Germany's most stable performer, contributing energy to both attack and defense.
After Ballack's retirement, players like Schweinsteiger and Lahm, part of a new generation, played even better.
With additions like Thomas Müller and Özil, Germany's overall strength had further increased.
Many believed that the Bundesliga's progress was not just about roster changes, but also the emergence of new technical players, improving the rough edges of German football.
The originally rigorous Germans had become more tactically sophisticated and harder to deal with on the field.
Croatia's team was roughly similar to their European Championship period, with a few personnel changes but still very strong.
At this World Cup, Croatia had drawn much attention—not only due to their good gameplay and star power but also their diverse tactical variations.
So far, Croatia had shown three very different tactical styles:
Solid defensive counterattack!
Spanish-style possession!
Dutch total football!
Such diverse tactics naturally won them plenty of fans.
"The variety in tactics has brought outstanding performances from Croatia. In this match against Germany, what kind of performance will they show? Let's wait and see!"
The commentator's words floated into the VIP box.
Mendes and Mourinho had once again arrived here.
"It feels like Croatia really has a champion's aura. Look at their tactical variety; this proves that they can adopt different tactics facing different teams!"
After Portugal's elimination, Mendes was very optimistic about Croatia.
Moreover, if Croatia won the championship, Vukojević's market value would rise again.
After all, Vukojević had returned to play, though his form wasn't yet guaranteed, at least he could play — good news for him.
Listening to Mendes, Mourinho was unconvinced.
"Do you really think Croatia has a champion's aura?"
Mendes turned: "Don't they? They play so well!"
Mourinho shook his head: "Tactics do decide the outcome and provide players an advantage, but Croatia's tactics are too variable — like a cloud drifting in the sky, intangible and somewhat illusory!"
Hearing this, Mendes blinked: "So you think Croatia can't win the championship?"
"Not exactly." Mourinho shook his head, then explained: "Remember the old Brazil team?"
"Before Pelé appeared, Brazil's football system started Europeanizing. Everyone pursued a simpler, more effective style. I'm not saying it's bad, but the most important thing is not to forget your roots!"
"What are Brazil's roots? It's flair, samba, built on individual skills. This style runs through every fiber of Brazilian players, infused into their blood, etched into their genes."
"Facts proved that when Pelé woke his teammates, individual skills amazed the world again, bringing Brazil two World Cups!"
"That is the root!"
Mendes stroked his chin: "Then what is Croatia's root?"
Mourinho held up two fingers: "Rigid defense and relentless pressing. This is not just Croatian, but characteristic of all Slavic peoples."
"Like Bosnia, like Serbia, both showing this style. Bosnia's draw with Argentina showed this thoroughly."
"But looking at Croatia, you don't see this!"
"They play Dutch total football, Spanish possession, English long balls, even Italian counterattacks — yet they ignore their own essence."
"In my view, to win the World Cup, you must return to your roots!"
"Of all the teams left, except Croatia, others have found their true style!"
"For example, Germany's attacking football, Spain's technical possession, and the Netherlands' total football — these are their own styles."
Mendes: "But Spain also borrowed from the Dutch system!"
"Exactly, as you said, it's borrowing, not changing the root style. They absorbed useful elements based on their own style and revived the system. The root remained unchanged. Unlike Croatia, which has only been imitating and has nothing of its own!"
"Germany is similar. Lacking technical players, they just focused on youth training, producing Schweinsteiger, Özil, Podolski, and more to come!"
After that, Mourinho asked: "Look at Croatia, do they play like an Eastern European team?"
Mendes fell silent.
Croatia indeed leaned more toward Western European style.
Mourinho continued: "National teams aren't clubs. This root tactical style is very important. It may not always be the strongest, but it's what they know best, what suits their country and people, born of their characteristics — and that's trustworthy."
"Foreign elements are always foreign and can betray you anytime. But a purely local tactical system can become your hardest confidence in critical moments!"
Warm-up ended.
Both teams headed toward the player tunnel.
At the moment of entering the tunnel, Suker felt a gaze fixed on him.
Turning, he saw Thomas Müller staring at him. When Müller noticed Suker looking back, he quickly turned his head away.
Müller was young and full of drive.
Though he looked carefree most of the time, his movement off the ball was crucial in matches.
He was key to Germany's repeated tough fights against strong teams.
Müller's movement, combined with Germany's midfield and forwards like Klose and Podolski, could pose a huge threat to Croatia's defense.
Van Stoyak strengthened the midfield and defense, not only to control the tempo but also to add defensive numbers.
Thinking of this, Suker sighed.
In the original timeline, Croatia's defense was very tough — not quite an "Impenetrable Wall," but enough to wear down opponents.
But now, Croatia had strengthened the attack but lost stability in defense.
Even with Srna on the pitch, it was hard to compare with that tough defensive style of the original timeline.
You win some, you lose some!
Back in the locker room, Van Steeg announced the starting lineup.
Suker and other starters began changing their jerseys.
Srna was injured, so Simunić took up the captain's responsibility.
He tied on the captain's armband and loudly said, "Guys, gather around!"
All of Croatia, including the coaching staff, gathered together.
Simunić spoke solemnly, "This is a crucial match. I think you all understand what we can get if we beat Germany!"
At his words, everyone's eyes brightened.
Croatia's best result since the golden generation was:
Drawing with Croatia's golden generation's best achievement!
Reaching the World Cup semi-finals!
Seeing their expressions, Simunić nodded and shouted, "We don't need to fear the Germans. Two years ago, they were our defeated opponents. We are the winners! We will not give Germany a chance for revenge!"
Simunić roared fiercely:"Prepare to fight!"
Everyone shouted in unison:"Prepare to fight!! —"
Both teams appeared in the player tunnel.
From the exit came deafening cheers, the walls seeming to tremble from the passionate crowd.
Both sides lowered their eyes, forcing themselves to focus and get into the match state as soon as possible.
At that moment, the head referee loudly said, "Prepare to enter!"
Instantly, the entire tunnel boiled.
"Come on! Come on!"
"Win the match!"
"Fight! Fight!"
"Show your fighting spirit!"
Both teams shouted loudly, both to cheer themselves and encourage teammates.
Roar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —
The live crowd erupted.
Croatia players in white checkered jerseys and Germany players in red-black away kits stood in two rows and entered the field.
They walked through the arch onto the pitch.
Immediately, thunderous applause and cheers filled the stadium.
Starting lineups:
Croatia (4-3-1-2):Goalkeeper: Pletikosa.Defenders: Ćorluka, Simunić, Kovač, Pranjić.Midfielders: Rakitić, Vukojević, Modrić.Forwards: Olić, Suker, Mandžukić.
Germany (4-2-3-1):Goalkeeper: Neuer.Defenders: Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Boateng.Midfielders: Müller, Hedtler, Özil, Schweinsteiger, Podolski.Forward: Klose.
"This is the 2010 South Africa World Cup quarterfinal, Croatia vs Germany!"
"Yesterday, the upper bracket matches concluded with England and the Netherlands advancing to the semifinals!"
"In today's focal match, Croatia and Germany compete for a semifinal spot!"
"Croatia last reached the World Cup semifinals in 1998, led by their golden generation under Davor Suker. Twelve years have passed. In the land of Eastern Europe, irrigated by the Drava River, a new generation has risen, following in their predecessors' footsteps to reach the quarterfinal stage."
"Can they replicate the glory of the past?"
"Will Croatia make history by reaching the World Cup semifinals for the second time?"
Krajušić cheered loudly, "Come on, guys!"
Meanwhile, at the German commentary booth, the commentator shouted enthusiastically:
"We are the German machine! In this World Cup, the German youngsters have displayed wonderful tactics and pleasing football, opening a new chapter in German football. I believe this symbolizes the arrival of a new era!"
"Forward, boys! We are with you, watching and fighting alongside you!"
The captains, Simunić and Lahm, did the coin toss.
Simunić showed almost no good expression facing Lahm.
Every Croatian hated Lahm.
It all went back to the violent foul at the European Championship that nearly ended Suker's career with a severe injury.
The entire Croatian crowd booed Lahm.
Amid the intense booing, Lahm kept calm and finished the coin toss.
Ultimately, Croatia chose to kick off first, and Germany chose the left side of the field.
Players took their positions.
Mandžukić and Olić stood at the center circle, waiting for kickoff.
This match, Suker played as attacking midfielder, responsible for linking midfield and attack and scoring goals.
Van Stoyak trusted Suker, willing to allocate major tactical resources to him and place the weight of victory on his shoulders.
The battle was about to erupt; the atmosphere on the pitch grew heavy and tense.
The referee withdrew from the penalty area and blew the whistle.
Beep!!!
The sharp whistle sounded.
The match officially began!
Bang!
Mandžukić kicked off; Olić immediately passed back.
Suker received the ball and immediately passed back, then surged forward.
At the moment Suker ran forward, German players rushed like a flood into Croatia's half.
Seeing this, Suker quickly turned back to the center circle to receive the ball.
But when he turned, he saw Modrić surrounded by Özil and Müller.
Suker immediately pulled back, creating a space to receive.
"Luka!"
Modrić was anxious controlling the ball.
Hearing Suker's voice, he barely looked up and chose to pass.
"Good ball!"
The ball was slightly high, requiring Suker to lift his thigh to control — not a perfect pass.
But with Suker's skill, he managed to trap it steadily.
At the moment Suker received the ball, Schweinsteiger immediately pressed up, blocking Suker's turn.
Suker's body moved quickly, shaking left and right with wide, rapid directional changes.
When Suker sensed Schweinsteiger's strong pull on his balance, he twisted his waist again.
"Take this, split!"
Sure enough, Schweinsteiger, who was weighted to the left, desperately stretched out his right leg and fell with a split, failing to stop Suker's move.
Suker successfully broke free.