Suker sat cross-legged on the hotel bed, one hand propping up his chin, his gaze blankly staring ahead.
Modrić lay on the other side playing with his phone, occasionally glancing at Suker. But seeing that he was clearly spacing out, he turned back and paid him no mind.
Suker was looking at his system panel.
[Name: Suker]
[Height: 184 cm]
[Weight: 81 kg]
[Speed: 94]
[Agility: 89]
[Explosiveness: 95]
[Strength: 88]
He currently had eight attribute cards in hand. The key was how to use them effectively to gain the greatest return.
Speed and explosiveness could stack. Without relying on cards, these could be pushed up using attribute points.
But up to this point, Suker didn't have enough cards. And with his so-called "bottomless pit" of agility, it had been hard to increase those stats.
In fact, Suker had discovered a frustrating problem:
Agility and strength are in opposition.
Even attribute cards couldn't blindly solve this counterbalance issue.
For example, adding 2 points to agility would drop strength by 1. Adding 1 point to strength would drop agility by 1.
Most of his previous cards had gone into maintaining a balance between agility and strength.
It wasn't impossible to push both over 90, but it would take a lot of cards.
And now he only had eight.
Suker rubbed his chin. "Should I aim to be a 90+ beast first?"
Modrić turned his head. "What's this 90+ talk?"
"Play with your phone!"
Modrić shrugged and turned back to his screen.
Suker began brainstorming.
First, he used 2 cards to boost agility, raising it to 91 — strength dropped to 87.Then he added 1 point to strength — back to 88 strength, 90 agility.Added 2 more to agility — now 92 agility, 87 strength.Added 2 to strength — 89 strength, 90 agility.
Seven cards used, for just a +1 in both agility and strength?
What a rip-off!
Suker gave up on that plan — not cost-effective at all.
In the end, he decided to put points into speed and explosiveness — the most efficient upgrade for now.
As the legendary Fire Cloud Evil God once said: "In all martial arts, speed is the only invincible!"
If you're fast enough, the opponent won't even have time to react.
So he allocated:4 cards to speed3 cards to explosiveness1 remaining card to agility (a single point wouldn't trigger the strength drop)
This was the most value-efficient distribution and gave the quickest power boost.
Without hesitation, Suker implemented the plan.
As he upgraded, he felt swelling sensations in his calves, thighs, and glutes — followed by a wave of refreshing coolness.
When he opened the panel again, it was completely transformed:
[Name: Suker]
[Height: 184 cm]
[Weight: 81 kg]
[Speed: 98]
[Explosiveness: 98]
[Agility: 90]
[Strength: 88]
Double 98s in speed and explosiveness, 90 in agility, and 88 in strength — once Suker takes off, no one can catch him.
Right now, he felt like he was approaching peak Ronaldo-level physical condition.
Meanwhile, two more groups had finalized their top two spots.
The rest of the groups were also heating up with tension.
First, the USA defeated Algeria, sending England into a frenzy. They stormed Slovenia with relentless attacks. The German duo (Müller & Schweinsteiger) began blasting from range at halftime. In the box, it was all headers and chaos. Ultimately, a goal from Defoe secured England's qualification.
In Group D, Serbia failed to carry on Eastern European glory — they lost 2–1 to Australia.
Germany beat Ghana 1–0, dashing Australia's hopes of sneaking through.
In Group F, defending champions Italy lost 2–3 to Slovakia — and were eliminated in the group stage.
Following France and Argentina, another football powerhouse was knocked out early.
The remaining teams — Brazil, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain — advanced without major drama.
After 15 days, the group stage came to an end. The 16 teams of the 2010 South Africa World Cup were determined:
Group A: Uruguay, MexicoGroup B: Croatia, BosniaGroup C: USA, EnglandGroup D: Germany, GhanaGroup E: Netherlands, JapanGroup F: Paraguay, SlovakiaGroup G: Brazil, PortugalGroup H: Spain, Chile
With Group H concluded, all sixteen teams were decided, and the tournament moved to the knockout draw.
On the South African stage, President Zuma and FIFA President Blatter conducted the draw.
At this moment, almost every team was glued to the screen.
"Hurry up already and draw!"
Dujmović was annoyed by the endless speeches from the officials.
The others also looked irritated but stayed focused.
As Croatia topped their group, they'd face a second-placed team — avoiding rematches. Possible opponents: Mexico, England, Ghana, Japan, Slovakia, Portugal, Chile.
Ghana and Portugal were considered top-tier teams — better avoided.Japan was seen as an easy draw.England wasn't weak, but Croatia had beaten them multiple times — a familiar opponent could be beneficial.
For the second-placed teams, the teams to avoid were Croatia, Spain, Netherlands, and Germany.
Those four? Whoever drew them was basically doomed.
The "softest" group winner was the USA.
Suker recalled that in past World Cups, the format mixed A-B, C-D group winners for knockouts.
But this time, the hosts announced a draw for "suspense and excitement."
Croatia didn't mind — but it saved Mexico.
If they had faced Croatia, Mexico would've been toast.
Finally, the draw began.
Brazil vs Japan — Suker grinned.
Japan was in for it!
This Brazil team was still dangerous: Robinho, Kaka, Fabiano… not the 2002 monsters, but still strong.
Japan's style mimicked Brazil's — technically skilled, short-passing.This was the student facing the teacher.Time for Brazil to swing the big stick.
Next: Germany vs Mexico — Mexico avoided Croatia but got caught by Germany.
Then: Portugal drawn.
If the next team was a group winner — they'd face off.
Portugal was praying hard. Their dream opponent? The USA.
Instead… a red, white, and blue checkered shield appeared.
Croatia vs Portugal!The first true clash of titans in the knockout stage!
Another showdown: Suker vs Ronaldo — just after Suker vs Messi in the group stage.
Suker's eyes widened.
It was like FIFA had it in for him!
Or maybe… FIFA just knew how to generate hype.
Right now, the three most popular players were Suker, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Group stage: Croatia vs Argentina.Knockout stage: Croatia vs Portugal.
It couldn't be a coincidence.
Croatian teammates all turned to Suker.
Suker scratched his head, exasperated:"Are they doing this on purpose?"
Out of seven possible teams — and they drew C. Ronaldo's Portugal?
Maximum drama, maximum revenue.
Suker didn't believe it was random for a second.
But what could they do?The draw was done.FIFA would never admit to rigging.
Round of 16 Draw:
Brazil vs Japan
Germany vs Mexico
Croatia vs Portugal
Netherlands vs Slovakia
USA vs Ghana
Uruguay vs England
Spain vs Bosnia
Paraguay vs Chile
Suker shook his head.Chaos! Absolute chaos!
His memories of the original timeline were now useless.
Croatia had to prepare for the 2010 World Cup knockout stage.
"This BS draw definitely reeks of foul play! Why ignore the original format and suddenly add a draw? First we face Messi, now Ronaldo? FIFA's just milking Suker for hype!"
Dujmović grumbled angrily.
Everyone knew FIFA loved spectacle — a little rigging wasn't surprising.
But why always Croatia?
Even during group assignments, something felt off. Now it was confirmed.
Suker and Ronaldo hadn't faced off in nearly two seasons.
This raised endless fan debates — who's better: Suker or Ronaldo?
The World Cup was supposed to settle it — and now here they were.
Dujmović growled, "So even if we beat Portugal, are we gonna get Germany or Spain next for some so-called revenge arc?"
"Shut your damn mouth!"
Suker and others turned on him immediately.
But deep down, they were uneasy.
In Euro 2008, Croatia had beaten Spain in the semis and Germany in the final.
Knowing FIFA's track record, it could happen again.
Because Croatia had no voice inside FIFA.
Compared to the big Western European teams, Croatia was a small nation — no influence in the power corridors.
FIFA could toy with them as it pleased.
If they were really being used for content, Croatia might burn out from back-to-back heavyweights.
"That's enough. Focus on the next game — nothing else," Srna said firmly.
This was beyond their control. Players couldn't interfere with FIFA's inner workings.
Besides, public opinion was on their side.
Fans wanted to see Croatia play Portugal, Germany, Spain.
Even if there was rigging, Croatia was the only one suffering.
All they could do was pray this was a one-off.
But Croatia wasn't afraid of Portugal.
From the group stage performances, despite all the flashy wins, Croatia looked more stable and consistent.
Portugal was still transitioning — with veterans like Figo retiring, and Ronaldo leading a younger generation.
But they were not yet cohesive.
On paper, Croatia had the edge.
But C. Ronaldo was the problem.
He and Messi had a key difference:
Ronaldo could elevate an entire team — just like when he led Portugal to a Euro title.
His finishing was ruthless.
Croatia had to be wary.
Then again — Croatia had Suker.
On the training pitch, Van Stoyacc turned to look just as Suker soared in the box.
He and Šimunić jumped at the same time — but while Šimunić began falling, Suker stayed airborne.
"Damn…"Bilić gasped. "That hang time!"
At 24, Suker was entering his physical prime — and it was terrifying.
Boom!He smashed a header into the net and celebrated gleefully.
"He's looking more and more like an alien," Vukojević said while warming up.
"If we face him in Europe, how do we even defend him?"
Dujmović's focus… drifted.
"Hey… is it me or is Suker's butt perkier again?"
"Huh?" Vukojević grimaced. "What the hell, you perv. Staring at his butt?"
"No no no!" Dujmović waved it off and pointed. "Just look!"
Vukojević glanced."…Whoa, it is perkier!"
"Alright, switch squads!"Coach Van Stoyac called out.
Suker came off.But he noticed Vukojević sneaking glances at his… behind.
At first, he ignored it.Then he heard whispers between Vukojević, Mandžukić, and Modrić.
"I told you, right?"
"Yeah, it looks way rounder."
"Is it just me?"
"Probably not?"
Suker squinted and hugged the ball.
"Should we ask him?"
"Wanna get punched?"
"I'm not scared of him—"
WHAM!
The ball smacked Mandžukić in the head.
Suker turned and flipped them off."I can hear everything. Got a problem with my ass?!"
The three laughed awkwardly and shook their heads.
Vukojević pointed: "It was Tomi who noticed first! I had nothing to do with it!"
Suker sneered: "Watch your legs."
"Thanks for not tackling me!"
As Vukojević hammed it up, everyone burst out laughing.
Soon, they huddled together.
"When we play Portugal, the holding mid will be key. Can Dujmović handle Ronaldo?"
"He's on the wing. Let Srna mark him."
"Srna might not be able to," Modrić said. "Compared to Rooney, Ronaldo's technique and agility are superior — and he's a way deadlier finisher."
"Then we'll need team defense," Mandžukić sighed.
He glanced at Vukojević.
Seeing this, Vukojević raised his hand."Don't blame me again! Every time we talk defense, I get blamed. I don't want to get hurt!"
Mandžukić muttered, "Should've let Suker tackle you that day."
Suker gave a thumbs-up.
Vukojević huffed. "You guys are all evil. Look at Luka — he's normal!"
Modrić frowned and looked at Vukojević's feet. Then sighed,"I regret it too. Because of your absence, I have to run way more every game!"
Suker and Mandžukić gave thumbs-ups.Respect.
Vukojević: "…"
Though they teased him, it was all in good fun.
His recovery was going well — just not fit enough for the starting XI.
With the group stage over, Croatia needed to advance carefully.
If they took a lead, Vukojević could be subbed in to regain rhythm.
But starting? Not yet.
They feared two things:
A rusty Vukojević might mess things up.
Throwing him into high-intensity play could risk re-injury.
At Lyon, coach Puel had overused him.
But here in Croatia, they were teammates. No one wanted his career to end tragically.
June 26th.The weather was overcast — light rain brought cool relief to South Africa's heat.
The Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup was about to begin.
First Match: Brazil vs Japan — kicking off soon!