The rain was soft but relentless.
As the team bus rolled into the away ground near Florence, Tobi stared out the window, watching the droplets race each other across the glass.
His hands were shaking slightly—not from fear, but from tension. This wasn’t just another ga.
It was his chance to earn respect—not as a viral talent, but as a real footballer.
---
Starting Eleven
Portugal U17 vs. Italy U17 – Rematch Friendly
When the line-up was announced in the dressing room, there was a hush.
"Tobi Oliveira, central midfield," Coach Barros said firmly.
So players raised eyebrows.
He’d been poor last match.
But Tobi wasn’t listening to doubts—not theirs, not his own.
---
System Scan: Match Prep
> [FOOTBALL SYSTEM – Match Day Mode Activated]
Dribbling: 72
Passing: 75
Vision: 78
First Touch: 73
Stamina: 69
Form Modifier: 5 (Due to focused training and confidence recovery)
Trait Activated: "Family Anchor" – 3 ntal in key monts
Weather Modifier: -2 (Wet pitch reduces ball control)
Tip: Avoid long balls early. Play simple, then expand.
Tobi breathed deeply.
No heroics. Just football.
---
Minute 1–20: A Humble Start
He kept it simple.
Short passes.
1–2s with João.
Holding midfield shape.
Nothing flashy—but everything clean.
The Italians pressed hard, but he learned from last ti. He didn’t hold onto the ball for too long. He moved. Adjusted. Adapted.
Coach Barros yelled from the sidelines, "Good tempo, Oliveira!"
---
Minute 27: The First Spark
An Italian winger lost the ball in midfield.
Tobi pounced—read the mistake, intercepted, and imdiately burst forward.
João made a run.
Tobi curved a perfectly weighted diagonal pass between two defenders.
> [Skill Activated: Pinpoint Pass]
João didn’t miss.
Goal. 1–0 Portugal.
Tobi didn’t celebrate like mad.
He just nodded, then pointed to the coaching bench.
Barros gave a small approving clap.
> ✅ Objective Progress: "Contribute to a Goal – 1/1"
Trait Earned: "Tempo Dictator I"
— Small boost to passing tempo and awareness
Coach Impression: 20
---
Minute 40: Lesson in Humility
Then, it happened.
Trying to dribble out of danger near his own box, Tobi slipped on the slick grass.
The Italians pounced.
Goal. 1–1.
He wanted to bury his face in the mud.
His teammates didn’t scream at him.
They just looked disappointed.
It was worse.
---
Half-Ti Talk
Coach didn’t yell.
He just looked at him and said, "You’re not perfect. Don’t try to be. Be reliable. Be honest. Understand your limits."
Tobi nodded.
"Also," Coach added. "Next ti, hoof it out."
Even João chuckled.
---
Second Half: Redemption by Grit
Tobi didn’t overcompensate.
He played smart. Safe. Sharp.
Won back two balls.
Completed 90% of his passes.
Directed João and the left-back constantly.
The ga ended 2–1 for Portugal.
João scored the winner, but it was Tobi who had laid the foundation.
Nothing fancy. Just control.
---
Back in the Locker Room
As the team celebrated, Tobi sat quietly, breathing hard.
> [SYSTEM UPDATE]
✅ Match Completed: Solid Performance
— Stamina 1
— Composure 2
— Confidence Buff Duration Extended
— Coach Relationship: "Erging Leader"
New Trait Unlocked:
— "Controller" (Lv. 1): 3 to ga managent in tight matches
Minutes Played (Pro Path): 63/1000
You have begun your professional path. Do not stray.
But more than that...
> ssage from Marta (Mom):
"I watched the whole match. You played with heart. Mistakes are part of the story. Keep going, u amor."
ssage from Leonor:
"Can I wear your Portugal jersey to school? 😄❤️"
Tobi smiled, eyes stinging.
This wasn’t just about football anymore.
It was about proving to himself that he still deserved a future.
---
Coach’s Final Words
As the squad left for the airport, Coach Barros stopped him.
"You’ll get more minutes next ti. Keep this up, and a scout from La Liga or Ligue 1 might notice."
Tobi blinked. "You think I’m ready?"
"No," Barros said, then smirked. "But I think you’re willing to beco ready. That’s rarer."
---
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