THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-646

As the cheers from the Croatian fans reverberated through the stadium, the Ivorian team felt a collective pang of disappointment. The early goal conceded during the 9th minute had dampened their spirits, casting a temporary shadow over their determination. On the Ivorian bench, the atmosphere mirrored the subdued mood on the field, with players exchanging looks of concern and frustration.

Sensing the need to uplift his players, Coach Hervé Renard sprang into action. With a commanding presence, he rose from his seat and marched towards the touchline, his voice cutting through the stadium's din like a clarion call. His words were brimming with encouragement, strategy, and unwavering belief in his team's abilities.

"The game is far from over! Stay focused! Stick to the plan!" His booming voice carried across the pitch, reaching each Ivorian player with its resolute tone.

The players, shaken from their momentary lapse, absorbed their coach's words like sponges. There was finally a renewed sense of purpose and determination as they prepared to restart the match after Croatia's goal.

As the game resumed, the Ivorian players showcased a newfound vigor. They pressed harder, chased every loose ball, and disrupted Croatia's attempts to control the tempo. The midfield duo of Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić found themselves under constant pressure as the Ivorians refused to give them time on the ball.

Coach Renard's instructions echoed in their minds, urging them to push forward relentlessly. The Ivorian midfielders and attackers, including the dynamic quartet of Zachary, Franck Kessié, Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pépé, and the seasoned Gervinho, displayed exceptional off-the-ball movement.

Their persistence finally paid off during the 16th minute when the Ivorian players showcased their determination and skill in a whirlwind of action. They crafted a promising opportunity that left the Croatian defense scrambling to respond.

The sequence began with Franck Kessié's audacious sliding tackle near the center circle, a move that caught Andrej Kramarić off guard and sparked a quick transition for Ivory Coast.

Serey Dié quickly seized the loose ball and scanned the field for options, only to find Zachary tightly marked by Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić. Understanding the need for a change in strategy, Serey Dié opted for a swift pass to the right wing, seeking out the reliable presence of Serge Aurier.

Aurier, ever composed under pressure, received the ball with poise before immediately redirecting it down the touchline to find Wilfried Zaha. Zaha, a master of agility and pace, wasted no time as he maneuvered past Ivan Strinić, leaving the Croatian left-back trailing in his wake.

As Zaha surged forward, he initiated a fluid exchange with the experienced Gervinho, who had made a decisive run into the wing. The one-two combination between Zaha and Gervinho showcased the synergy and understanding among Ivory Coast's attacking unit as they quickly cut into the pitch, heading toward Croatia's box at breakneck speed.

The ball was eventually returned to Gervinho, and he executed a deft minus pass toward the edge of the box, where Zachary had expertly just evaded his markers. Zachary immediately sensed the opportunity to strike with his SS-graded game intelligence. He met the pass from Gervinho with a lightning-fast swing of his boot, sending the ball hurtling toward the top left corner of the goal.

The fans around the stadium watched with wide eyes, not even blinking a bit, as the ball sailed through the air, its trajectory seemingly destined for the back of the net. However, a gloved hand appeared in its way at the very last moment as Danijel Subašić, Croatia's goalkeeper, leaped into action. Subašić exploded with sheer reflex and agility, deflecting the ball just enough to divert it out of play for a corner kick.

A collective gasp was immediately heard from the crowd, matched by the collective disappointment of the Ivorian players, none more so than Zachary himself. His hands instinctively flew to the back of his head, a gesture of frustration and regret at the missed opportunity to level the score.

The referee blew the whistle, and the Ivorians immediately began preparing to take the crucial corner kick. With Serge Aurier standing over the ball, the Ivorians knew this could be the moment to turn the tide in their favor. Aurier's lofted ball finally sailed into the box, igniting a frenzy of activity as players from both teams fought for position.

Franck Kessié, known for his aerial prowess, leaped into the air alongside Gervinho and Eric Bailly, hoping to get a decisive touch on the ball. However, Dejan Lovren, Croatia's formidable center-back, rose above the chaotic crowd, using his physicality and defensive edge to clear the danger with a powerful header.

As the ball flew out of the box, the always-vigilant Zachary immediately sensed the danger of a counterattack brewing. He took off like a Ferrari on a Formula One race track, his focus laser-sharp as he tracked the movement of Luka Modrić, Croatia's midfield maestro.

Modrić, ever the orchestrator, deftly controlled the ball and looked to initiate a quick transition, eyeing Mario Mandžukić as his target. Zachary's football instincts quivered, and he recognized the imminent threat. He unleashed a burst of speed that propelled him across the field like a comet streaking through the night sky.

Zachary's every muscle tensed and exploded with raw power as he closed the gap, zeroing in on Mandžukić just as the ball left Modrić's foot. As he finally reached the center line and caught up with the forward, he made a split-second decision fueled by sheer instincts. Zachary slid in all guns blazing and executed a perfectly timed tackle that cleanly won the ball from Mandžukić's feet. The collision also sent Mandžukić sprawling to the turf, a testament to the raw power behind the tackle. Tempers immediately flared as the Croatian players and technical staff erupted in protests, clamoring for a free-kick. They believed Zachary's challenge was overly aggressive to the point of even deserving a yellow card. However, after a moment's consideration, the referee waved away their appeals, deeming Zachary's tackle fair and well-executed.

For Zachary, there was no time to revel in his defensive triumph. With a quick glance to ensure Mandžukić was back on his feet, he immediately returned his focus to the game. The ball was finally in his possession, and he wasted no time before launching another lightning-fast counterattack, driving towards Croatia's box with speed and resolve.

The Ivorian fans cheered at the top of their lungs, clearly energized by Zachary's decisive intervention and follow-up run. On the sidelines, Coach Hervé Renard nodded approvingly, recognizing the crucial role Zachary had just played in averting a potentially dangerous situation.

Zachary's instincts took over as he danced past Ivan Rakitić, his movement fluid and deceptive. With a well-timed step-over followed by swift acceleration, he left Rakitić trailing in his wake, a testament to his SSS agility. His mind was already two steps ahead as he spotted Gervinho's well-timed run into the box.

Without hesitation, Zachary unleashed a perfectly weighted lofted pass, sending forward a ball that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before descending like a guided missile toward the area between the defensive line and the box. Gervinho read the trajectory accurately, timing his run to perfection to stay onside.

Back on the field! Zachary's mind was only on the task at hand. He wanted to unlock Croatia's defense and create a scoring opportunity for his team. As he surged forward, his mind raced faster than his feet. He was the architect of this moment, the conductor orchestrating Ivory Coast's symphony of attack. He calculated the angles, assessed the defense, and visualized the play unfolding like a master strategist on the battlefield with every stride he took.

Croatia's defensive line had shifted, attempting to catch Ivory Coast's attackers offside. It was a tactic they had relied on in previous matches, but Zachary wasn't about to fall into their trap. His eyes darted across the field, analyzing the positioning of his teammates and the gaps in the Croatian defense.

Eric Bailly and Lamine Koné were pressing high, disrupting the rhythm of Croatia's backline. On the wings, Wilfried Zaha and Nicolas Pépé were ready to pounce, their pace and skill a constant threat. And then there was Gervinho, the seasoned forward, positioned strategically to exploit any opening.

Zachary's instincts took over as he danced past Ivan Rakitić, his movement fluid and deceptive. With a well-timed step-over followed by swift acceleration, he left Rakitić trailing in his wake, a testament to his SSS agility. His mind was already two steps ahead as he spotted Gervinho's well-timed run into the box.

Without hesitation, Zachary unleashed a perfectly weighted lofted pass, sending forward a ball that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before descending like a guided missile toward the area between the defensive line and the box. Gervinho read the trajectory accurately, timing his run to perfection to stay onside.

As the ball dropped from the heavens, Gervinho's chest met it with a delicate touch, guiding it forward into his stride. The Croatian goalkeeper rushed out, a looming obstacle in Gervinho's path, but the Ivorian forward remained composed.

Gervinho deftly rounded the keeper, leaving him stranded and grasping at thin air. The goal was gaping, an invitation that Gervinho accepted with a single-minded intent. His strike was refined and flawless, and the ball finally thundered into the back of the net with power.

The stadium erupted with cheers and applause as Gervinho wheeled away in celebration, his teammates rushing to congratulate him. But amidst the jubilation, there was a moment of apprehension as the VAR check loomed.

The replay flashed on the screens, dissecting every angle of the play. Was Gervinho onside? Did he time his run to perfection? The uncertainty weighed heavily on the Ivorians, the outcome hanging in the balance.

Fortunately, relief flooded the Ivorian fans and players as the referee's decision came through only a few seconds later. Goal confirmed! Gervinho's effort stood, and the scoreline read 1-1. Ivory Coast had finally equalized the score during the 19th minute.