The final match of the group stage had arrived.
Germany vs. South Korea.
A team known for its relentless running,tight organization,and willingness to fight until the final whistle.
Coach Schuster gathered the players before kickoff:
"Don't relax.Don't underestimate.Finish the job."
Mateo stood at the front, eyes sharp.
He knew better than anyone:
There are no easy games at a World Cup.
Kickoff
From the first whistle, it was clear South Korea intended to play a compact, aggressive game.
Five defenders.Two defensive midfielders.
A concrete wall.
Germany struggled at first to find spaces.Passes were blocked.Shots deflected.
The clock ticked on — tension building.
But then, at the 22nd minute, Mateo struck.
Receiving the ball thirty meters from goal,he shifted it onto his left foot —and curled a vicious shot toward the far post.
The Korean keeper dove at full stretch.
He got a fingertip to it —but it wasn't enough.
GOAL!!!
Germany 1 - 0 South Korea!
Mateo sprinted toward the corner flag,arms outstretched,a wide smile splitting his face.
Inside his mind, the System chimed:
[Goal Scored.][Current Tournament Tally: 4 Goals.]
The breakthrough shattered South Korea's plan.
They were forced to open up,push forward.
And that's when Germany —and especially Mateo —punished them.
38th Minute
A counterattack launched by Jonas down the wing.
Mateo, seeing the movement, sprinted between the Korean center-backs.
Jonas whipped in a low cross.
Mateo didn't try to shoot —he dummied the ball perfectly, letting it roll to Lukas arriving behind him.
Lukas smashed it into the net.
GOAL!!
Germany 2 - 0 South Korea!
Another notification:
[Assist Registered.][Current Tournament Tally: 3 Assists.]
Germany celebrated,but Mateo simply pointed toward Jonas,then to Lukas,sharing the glory.
Because he knew:
Greatness wasn't built alone.
Second Half
South Korea fought bravely.
They even managed a few dangerous attacks,forcing Ritter and the defense to stay sharp.
But Germany had the momentum now.
And Mateo had no intention of letting go.
65th Minute
Another dazzling move from Mateo.
Picking up the ball near the halfway line,he drove forward with explosive speed.
One, two defenders beaten.
He spotted Jonas making a diagonal run.
Without breaking stride, Mateo threaded a pass between two defenders —inch-perfect.
Jonas rounded the keeper and scored.
Germany 3 - 0 South Korea!
[Assist Registered.][Current Tournament Tally: 4 Assists.]
Germany continued to control the match,rotating players,managing the clock.
The final whistle blew to massive cheers from the German fans.
Final Score:
Germany 3 - 0 South Korea
System Update
Inside Mateo's mind:
[Group Stage Quest Completed — 3 Wins.][Special Bronze Skill Box Awarded.]
[Top Scorer Ranking: Tied 1st (4 Goals)][Top Assist Ranking: 1st (4 Assists)]
He was now officially one of the most dangerous players of the tournament.
Post-Match
In the locker room, the players celebrated briefly.
But everyone knew the real battles were just beginning.
The screen in the locker room soon displayed the final standings:
Round of 16 Matchups:
Germany vs Ecuador
Spain vs Japan
Brazil vs Nigeria
France vs Mexico
England vs Uruguay
Portugal vs USA
Argentina vs Italy
Netherlands vs Colombia
The road ahead would be brutal.
But Mateo sat there, towel over his shoulders,a fierce light in his eyes.