The morning after Germany's emphatic victory over Ecuador,the training center was buzzing.
Not with celebration —with anticipation.
Today, the full picture of the tournament's next stage would be revealed.
The players gathered in the media room, a large screen displaying the Round of 16 results.
Final Round of 16 Results:
Spain 3 - 0 Japan(Spain's dominance was clear.)
Brazil 2 - 1 Nigeria(A brutal, fast-paced war.)
France 2 - 2 Mexico (France wins on penalties)(Mexico fought bravely but fell short.)
England 1 - 0 Uruguay(A tight, tactical battle.)
Portugal 3 - 2 USA(Portugal survived a furious American comeback.)
Argentina 3 - 2 Italy (after extra time)(A sensational match where Argentina stunned Italy.)
Netherlands 2 - 1 Colombia(Clinical and efficient by the Dutch.)
Quarterfinal Bracket:
Germany vs Argentina
Spain vs Brazil
France vs England
Portugal vs Netherlands
The room went silent when Germany's opponent flashed on screen.
Argentina.
Not Italy.Not another European power.
Argentina.
Coach Schuster broke the silence with a calm voice:
"We move forward.No fear.No distractions."
But Mateo felt the tension swirl around him.He knew what everyone was thinking.
This wasn't just a game.
This was personal.
Media Explosion
Within hours, the headlines around the world erupted:
Bild (Germany): "González vs His Homeland: A Battle of Blood and Dreams."
Kicker: "Destiny Calls: Mateo Faces Argentina!"
Olé (Argentina): "¿Traidor o Héroe? Mateo González, el hijo pródigo contra la Albiceleste."
Social media exploded:
Argentine fans split —some furious, calling him "Judas",others nostalgic, regretting losing a star of his caliber.
German fans fully behind their young genius,calling it "The Proving Match."
Inside the German camp, things remained professional.But Mateo knew the cameras would be locked onto him from now on.
He could feel it —the weight of it.
That night, sitting alone by the hotel window,Mateo scrolled silently through article after article.
Some headlines hurt.Some filled him with pride.
But in the end, he simply turned off his phone and clenched his fists.
"I made my choice," he whispered.
"I will not waver."
Inside the System:
[Special Event Unlocked: Battle of Origins]Objective: Defeat Argentina and reach the Semifinals.Reward: Ultimate Talent Awakening.
This wasn't just another match anymore.
This was a collision of dreams.A confrontation between the past he had left behindand the future he was carving with his own two hands.
Mateo González wouldn't run.