THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-639

The morning after the intense match between Ivory Coast and Spain was a mix of exhaustion and excitement for Zachary. The adrenaline rush of scoring a crucial free-kick and helping his team secure a draw against the mighty Spanish team had left him physically drained but mentally exhilarated. As he rolled out of bed and stretched his weary muscles with a post-match yoga routine, his mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming knockout stages and the dream of guiding Ivory Coast to the World Cup quarter-finals.

After Zachary finished his yoga routine and freshened up, he headed to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon welcomed him. Upon entering the bustling dining area, he quickly spotted some of his teammates seated at a large table, chatting and laughing over plates of food. Sylvain Gbohouo, the team's goalkeeper, acknowledged Zachary with a nod as he joined Eric Bailly, Nicolas Pépé, Wilfried Zaha, and Serge Aurier at their table.

"Morning, everyone," Zachary greeted as he settled on one of the chairs, pouring himself a cup of milk.

"Morning, Zachary! The hero of yesterday's match!" Nicolas Pépé exclaimed with a grin, eliciting chuckles from the others.

"Ah, don't start with that," Zachary replied modestly, though the pride in his eyes was unmistakable. "It was a team effort, and we got the job done."

Sylvain Gbohouo nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. That draw against Spain was crucial. Seven points and leading Group B! Who would've thought?"

"It was a tough game, though," Eric Bailly remarked, spearing a piece of fruit. "Spain always keeps any team on their toes."

"That's for sure," Wilfried Zaha chimed in. "But Zachary's free-kick was a stroke of genius. Poor de Gea didn't stand a chance!"

The group erupted into laughter and nods of agreement, reminiscing about the pivotal moment when Zachary's free-kick had caught Spain's goalkeeper off guard, finding its way into the back of the net.

"Sylvain, did you see de Gea's face? He had no idea what hit him!" Eric Bailly exclaimed, mimicking the bewildered expression of the Spanish goalkeeper.

Sylvain chuckled, shaking his head. "I thought he was a statue rooted to the ground as the ball sailed past him!"

Nicolas Pépé, always one for a good joke, added, "Maybe we should give him some tips on how to defend against Zachary's free-kicks next time!"

The breakfast-filled banter continued as they relived the match highlights, from Eric Bailly's heroic defensive tackles to Wilfried Zaha's lightning-fast runs down the wing. Serge Aurier, the team's experienced defender, chimed in with his analysis of Spain's tactics and how they managed to hold off the Spanish attack.

"They're a tough team, no doubt about it," Serge said thoughtfully. "Their Tiki-taka swift one-touch play was beyond annoying, and they had us by the ropes during the second half. But we held our own and came out with a valuable point. That puts us in a great position for the knockout stages."

As they were chatting away, the TV screen in the restaurant flickered to life, and suddenly, the familiar faces of Reshmin Chowdhury, Leon Osman, and Joleon Lescott appeared on the screen, hosting the BBC Four Sports morning show. They had been religiously tuning in to the program every morning during breakfast at the World Cup, and that day was no exception.

"Hey, check it out! It's Reshmin and the gang," Wilfried exclaimed, pointing to the TV.

The group turned their attention to the screen as Reshmin Chowdhury, the presenter, began discussing the previous day's matches, including the Ivory Coast versus Spain showdown. Leon Osman and Joleon Lescott, former footballers turned pundits, shared their insights and analysis of the game, praising Ivory Coast's resilience and singling out Zachary's free-kick as a moment of brilliance.

"That goal from Zachary was pure class," Leon Osman commented, his tone impressed. "To pull off a free-kick like that in such a crucial match takes real skill and nerves of steel. That, for me, is among the best goals of this tournament."

Joleon Lescott agreed wholeheartedly with a nod. "I couldn't agree more. The set piece that Zachary struck was absolutely beautiful – a screamer that reminded me of a classic Beckham goal. But let's not forget about his teammates from Ivory Coast, who showed great determination throughout the game. They're definitely a team to keep an eye on as the knockout stages approach."

The players at the table exchanged proud glances, their chests swelling with pride at the recognition of their hard work and dedication on the international stage.

"They're talking about you again, Zachary," Serge Aurier teased, nudging his teammate playfully.

Zachary shrugged, trying to downplay the attention. "Just doing my part for the team."

The discussion on the TV shifted to the final Group B standings. "With that draw against Spain," Reshmin continued, "Ivory Coast secures the top spot in Group B with seven points. A remarkable achievement considering the caliber of teams in this group."

"Ivory Coast is set to face the hosts, Russia, in an exciting round of sixteen clash," Leon said eagerly. "Russia has been in incredible form, winning 5:0 against Saudi Arabia in their first game and 3:1 against Egypt in their second. Although they lost their final group match against Uruguay, they are determined to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals. With their massive crowd of enthusiastic home supporters, they will be a tough team to beat. The Ivorians will have to bring their A-game and play flawlessly to secure a victory."

The Ivorian players' interest was piqued at the mention of their upcoming opponent. Russia, with the home advantage, posed a formidable challenge.

"Home advantage can be a game-changer," Nicolas Pépé remarked thoughtfully. "But we've shown we can hold our own against tough teams."

"As the pundits said, we'll need to bring our A-game," Eric Bailly added. "But I believe in this team. We have the talent and the determination to go far in this tournament."

The conversation drifted to tactics and strategies, each player offering insights based on their experiences and observations. It was a dynamic exchange, reflecting the team's continuous improvement and adaptability mindset.

Amidst the good-natured banter and jokes, Zachary stood up, his voice ringing out with conviction. "We've come too far to give up now," he said. "Let's keep pushing forward and make our mark on this World Cup!"

His teammates nodded in agreement, their eyes shining with the shared vision of success. With a final round of high-fives and well-wishes, the Ivory Coast players dispersed, ready to tackle the next phase of their journey. The next few days were filled with intense training sessions as the team honed their skills and fine-tuned their tactics. The air was electric with excitement and anticipation as the players mentally prepared themselves for the crucial round of sixteen clash against Russia.

As the team trained tirelessly, Zachary, the linchpin of their midfield, poured his heart and soul into every session. His eyes were not only on the Ivory Coast's upcoming clash but also on the unfolding drama of the World Cup as other powerhouse teams secured their spots in the round of sixteen.

The news of Brazil, England, France, Argentina, and Croatia all progressing to the knockout stages filtered through to the Ivorian camp. It reminded them of the caliber of competition they faced, fueling their determination to leave their mark on the tournament.

Zachary, however, remained undeterred. He was a beacon of leadership on the training ground, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and passion for the game. His ability to ignite the team's spirit was evident in every drill and scrimmage as they fine-tuned their tactics and strategies.

During team meetings, the focus was razor-sharp. The coaching staff dissected Russia's strengths and weaknesses, formulating a game plan tailored to exploit any of their vulnerabilities, however small. Zachary's analytical mind came to the fore as he studied video footage and discussed tactics with his fellow players, offering insights and ideas to gain an edge over their opponents.

Off the field, the atmosphere was a mix of nerves and excitement. The players, aware of the magnitude of the upcoming match, also found moments of solidarity and laughter amidst the intense preparations. They leaned on each other for support, forming a tight-knit unit bonded by their shared goal of reaching the quarter-finals.

The days passed in such a manner, and as June 30th, the eve of the match, dawned, anticipation hung heavy in the air. The hotel where the Ivorian team stayed in Moscow buzzed with activity as the final preparations began. Zachary woke up early, his mind already focused on the task ahead. He went through his morning pre-match gym and yoga routines single-mindedly, ensuring that every aspect of his preparation was flawless.

At breakfast, the mood was a mix of nerves and determination. The players exchanged nods and words of encouragement, silently steeling themselves for the challenge ahead. Coach Herve Renard delivered a morning pep talk, emphasizing the importance of staying disciplined on the final day before the game.

"Today is the final day to prepare, boys," he said, his voice carrying weight and authority. "We've worked tirelessly for the past few days, and I believe we're ready to face Russia. But let's not lose focus just yet. We'll be refining our tactics one last time this morning, and in the afternoon, we'll be taking a well-deserved break to rest up for tomorrow's big game. Then, we'll start tomorrow with a light warm-up before heading to the Luzhniki Stadium for the ultimate showdown against Russia in the evening. And I know we'll come out victorious, no matter what!"

The players nodded in agreement, their resolve hardened. Zachary caught the eye of his teammates, a silent understanding passing between them. They were ready.

The rest of the day was a blur of last-minute preparations. The team went through a final training session, fine-tuning their set pieces and reviewing their tactical approach. As one of the leaders on the field, Zachary took it upon himself to rally the team, instilling confidence and belief in their abilities.

The team gathered for dinner in the evening, and there was a feeling of unity and comradeship as they prepared to face the challenges ahead. They shared stories and jokes, easing the tension and mentally preparing themselves for the upcoming battle.

Zachary finally found a quiet moment to himself as the night progressed. He sat by the window, gazing out at the Moscow city lights, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He was grappling with the weight of expectations, the thrill of competition, and the sheer joy of performing on the World Cup stage.

"Ivory Coast versus Russia," Zachary whispered, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Tomorrow, we will write our story."

With that resolve firmly entrenched in his heart, Zachary retired to his room, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the upcoming match. Sleep came slowly, and when it did, it was filled with dreams of glory and triumph on the football pitch.