THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-656

656 Onwards, To the Finals.

The game resumed after the goal celebrations, with the English players immediately trying to organize another offensive. But the goal they had just conceded seemed to have taken the wind out of their sails. Their attacks, which had been relentless and aggressive, now lacked the same intensity and sharpness. They resorted to long balls and hopeful crosses to Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, desperately seeking a miracle.

Ivory Coast, buoyed by their two-goal cushion, fell back into their half, defending with everything they had. It was as if their very existence depended on stopping every English advance. Bodies were thrown in the way of shots, legs were extended to intercept passes, and headers cleared dangerous crosses. The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like days in hell as England's frustration grew. But not much changed as the English players were visibly exhausted, their movements slower and less coordinated. The urgency in their play had dissipated, replaced by a sense of desperation. Pacing the sidelines with a furrowed brow, Gareth Southgate decided to make one last change, bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold for Ashley Young. It was a final roll of the dice, but even this substitution seemed too little, too late.

As the game approached injury time, the Ivory Coast players could feel the weight of history pressing down on them. Every second brought them closer to an unprecedented achievement. England managed to muster two more attacks during the added time, but they were half-hearted, lacking the conviction that had defined their earlier play. The Ivorians held firm, blocking, clearing, and frustrating their opponents at every turn.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of torture, the referee blew the final whistle. The sound was both a signal of victory and a release of immense tension. The English players collapsed to the ground, their faces etched with the agony of defeat. Their World Cup dreams had shattered, the realization hitting them like a physical blow.

In stark contrast, the Ivorian players erupted into jubilation. They had done it. They had made history, becoming the first African nation to qualify for the World Cup finals. The sense of accomplishment and pride was overwhelming. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they hugged each other, their coaches, and even some fans in the stands closer to the field.

Zachary found himself amidst the ecstatic chaos, his heart pounding with a bit of disbelief and overwhelming joy. He looked around at his teammates, each a hero in their own right. They had fought tooth and nail, defied expectations, and carved their names into the annals of football history. The dream was now within reach. They had one more match to go, one more hurdle to overcome. France awaited them in the finals, but for now, they could bask in the glory of their monumental achievement.

As the players began their lap of honor, Zachary caught sight of Zaha, who grinned broadly and gave him a thumbs-up. "Told you to go for it, and that's what changed everything," Zaha shouted over the noise.

Zachary laughed, feeling a surge of camaraderie and affection for his teammate. "One more to go," he shouted back, his mind already looking forward to the next challenge. They had made history, but their World Cup journey wasn't over.

As the jubilant Ivorian players finally began heading back to the dressing room, their victory still fresh and their smiles wide, Claire Arnoux from beIN Sports approached her camera crew in tow. Coach Hervé Renard noticed her and immediately stepped forward, ready to share his thoughts on the historic match.

"Coach Renard, congratulations on this incredible victory," Claire began, her voice barely audible over the celebratory din. "How do you feel after leading Ivory Coast to their first World Cup final?"

Hervé Renard's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Thank you, Claire. It's an indescribable feeling. This victory is not just for our team – but for the entire nation of Ivory Coast… and for all of Africa. The boys played with heart and soul, and it's a testament to their hard work and dedication."

Claire nodded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "The game was intense, especially in the second half when England scored. How did you keep the team focused and maintain the lead?"

Renard took a deep breath, recalling the nail-biting moments. "England is a formidable team. We knew they would come at us with everything they had. But the key was to remain calm and composed. We emphasized solid defense and seized every counter-attack opportunity. The players executed our game plan perfectly. It was crucial for us not to only defend but also to pose a threat offensively… And that is exactly what we did."

"And speaking of offense," Claire continued, "Zachary Bemba was phenomenal today. Two stunning free-kicks! He's now leading the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals. What can you say about his performance?"

Renard's expression softened with pride as he spoke about his star player. "Zachary has been exceptional throughout this tournament. His skill, determination, and ability to stay composed under pressure are remarkable. Those two free-kicks today were a display of his incredible talent. He's not just a goal-scorer but a true leader on the pitch. His vision and execution have been crucial to our success."

Claire glanced at the statistics she had on her notepad. "With Harry Kane and Luka Modri? trailing him with six goals and Kylian Mbappé with five, Zachary is in a strong position for the Golden Boot. How significant is this achievement for him and the team?"

Renard's smile widened. "It's a huge accomplishment. Winning the Golden Boot would be a justified testament to Zachary's hard work and dedication. But he's not focused on individual accolades; his primary goal is to help the team win. That's what makes him such a valuable player. His contributions on and off the field have been instrumental in getting us to the final."

Claire's admiration was evident as she wrapped up the interview. "Thank you, Coach Renard, and best of luck in the final against France. The whole world will be watching."

Renard nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Thank you, Claire. We'll give it our all."

As he turned to rejoin his celebrating team, Renard felt a surge of pride and anticipation. The journey had been long and arduous, but they were now on the brink of making history. The ultimate prize was still up for grabs, and they were ready to fight for it with everything they got.