The World Cup fever continued to rage on.
All of South Africa was engulfed in a frenzy.
After the shocks in Groups A and B with France and Argentina both losing unexpectedly,
the opening match of the third day saw Germany fall 0-1 to Serbia, causing gamblers worldwide to explode in frustration.
First France, then Argentina, now Germany.
These traditional football powers falling one after another—how could the betting community not be furious?
Fortunately, the Netherlands kept things steady by defeating Japan, offering some consolation.
But soon the defending champions Italy were held to a goalless draw by New Zealand.
This caused many bettors to collapse mentally, some even starting to believe the saying: "Bet against the favorite, and you'll buy a seaside villa."
Meanwhile, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal played normally, sweeping their opponents.
It can be said that the second round of the World Cup perfectly demonstrated what's called a "pig slaughtering trap" (a betting scam), becoming a nightmare for gamblers!
After the second round, the group standings were as follows:
Group A:
Uruguay: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 loss — 4 points
Mexico: 1-1-0 — 4 points
South Africa: 0-1-1 — 1 point
France: 0-1-1 — 1 point
Group B:
Croatia: 2-0-0 — 6 points
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Argentina: 1-0-1 — 3 points
South Korea: 0-0-2 — 0 points
Group C:
Slovenia: 1-1-0 — 4 points
USA: 0-2-0 — 2 points
England: 0-2-0 — 2 points
Algeria: 0-1-1 — 1 point
Group D:
Ghana: 1-1-0 — 4 points
Germany: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Serbia: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Australia: 0-1-1 — 1 point
Group E:
Netherlands: 2-0-0 — 6 points
Japan: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Denmark: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Cameroon: 0-0-2 — 0 points
Group F:
Brazil: 1-1-0 — 4 points
New Zealand: 0-2-0 — 2 points
Italy: 0-2-0 — 2 points
Slovakia: 0-1-1 — 1 point
Group G:
Brazil: 2-0-0 — 6 points
Portugal: 1-1-0 — 4 points
Ivory Coast: 0-1-1 — 1 point
North Korea: 0-0-2 — 0 points
Group H:
Chile: 2-0-0 — 6 points
Spain: 1-1-0 — 4 points
Switzerland: 1-0-1 — 3 points
Honduras: 0-0-2 — 0 points
By the end of the second round, the situation had become clearer.
Two major routs occurred during the second round:
Croatia crushed South Korea 7-0,
and Portugal trounced North Korea 7-0.
The two peninsula neighbors were both in dire straits, neither able to mock the other.
Argentina kept persistently calling the Croatian Football Federation, hoping to seek cooperation.
Even though they knew Croatia's intent was to defeat them, they still tried.
This was unlikely coming from the national team itself—after all, Maradona's fiery personality wouldn't allow him to bow his proud head to seek cooperation. Even in death, he'd face the gallows proudly.
But Maradona had long since left, and no one would blame him in Argentina.
In the end, it was up to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to handle.
For this, the AFA tried hard to reach an agreement with Croatia.
But the calls went unanswered!
Since the first call, Croatia's federation had gone silent.
The AFA had no choice. They knew such matters couldn't be handled just by phone, but they had no time.
They even sent delegates to negotiate in person, but were met with closed doors.
The most frustrating thing was that they couldn't even talk about it publicly.
Eventually, the AFA resigned itself.
Now, their only hope was for Argentina to beat Croatia, and South Korea to beat Bosnia.
Only then would Argentina have a chance to advance to the knockout stage.
Though slim, it was not impossible.
Both sides prepared intensely.
Going into the third round, matches within the same group would be played simultaneously.
For example, in Group B, Croatia vs. Argentina and Bosnia vs. South Korea would happen at the same time.
This was to prevent match-fixing scenarios.
For instance, if Croatia and Argentina had colluded, and Bosnia lost to South Korea, Croatia could deliberately lose to Argentina to knock Bosnia out.
Therefore, the third-round group matches were synchronized to prevent such conspiracies.
Croatia studied Argentina carefully.
They would not let this chance slip, aiming to knock Argentina out in one blow.
World-class powerhouses like Argentina tend to grow stronger during the tournament.
The sooner you eliminate them, the better.
So far, under Maradona's tactical guidance, Argentina played with a "charge forward" and "attack, attack, attack" style.
They overloaded their midfield and forward lines, which left their defense somewhat vulnerable.
If not for Messi dropping back to receive and distribute, their midfield passing would be shaky.
Argentina had the world's most luxurious frontline, but while Maradona's attacking plans shone, their midfield and defense were suffering.
To counter Argentina, Croatia focused first on defense.
Eastern European teams were known for solid defense, especially with Srna performing excellently.
His leadership ensured a defense that wasn't impregnable, but definitely respectable.
The first step was to stop Argentina's attack!
At the same time, they used high pressing to disrupt Argentina's passing.
Crucially, coach Van Stoyak did not assign a player to specifically mark Messi, to avoid Maradona switching tactics if Messi's passing was blocked.
This was Van Stoyak's trap for Maradona.
With the ability to limit Messi, they allowed him to receive the ball repeatedly to stifle Argentina's offense from the root.
Van Stoyak prepared thoroughly, just as he did during the Euros, refusing to let any chance slip.
At Argentina's training base, players finished pre-game preparations, packing their gear.
The locker room was quiet, almost no one spoke.
Since losing the last match to Bosnia, Argentina's atmosphere had grown gloomy.
Though unspoken, players carried some grievances inside.
For example, forwards blamed the defense for underperforming.
Defenders blamed the forwards for failing to score.
Messi wore a worried expression.
They had arrived at a do-or-die moment, but had to face Suker!
So far, Messi had never won a match against Suker, which deeply troubled him.
"Tomorrow's match will be tough!" Higuain suddenly said.
"Croatia's performance in this World Cup cannot be underestimated. Their teamwork is better than ours."
"Is it just teamwork? Their goal efficiency has also improved a lot."
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean."
"Stop arguing! It's useless now."
Di Maria looked at the red-faced players arguing and shifting blame.
With such a team atmosphere, how could they go far?
He sighed, full of frustration.
At this critical moment, they still had to face Croatia — the team with Suker.
As club teammates, Di Maria knew Suker's powerful ability firsthand.
If even arrogant Higuain said that, you can imagine how tough the match would be.
Still, they had to grit their teeth.
For them, only by defeating Croatia could they keep hope alive.
The next day, the world's attention focused on Johannesburg.
This key battle was at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
The 2008 European champions vs. the 2007 Copa America runners-up Argentina.
A showdown between European and South American powerhouses.
Even more, it featured the clash between two superstars: Suker and Messi, whose rivalry during the group stage was like two stars colliding.
This match attracted countless viewers.
In the afternoon before kickoff, the "Prophet" Paul the Octopus made his prediction again.
He crawled into the jar representing Croatia, causing Argentine fans to lose it, swearing to kill the octopus.
Croatian fans, naturally, laughed out loud.
Look! Even Paul sides with us!
Honestly, Croatian fans weren't afraid of Argentina.
If it were Germany, Spain, or the Netherlands, they might be nervous.
But after two rounds, Argentina's performance was truly disappointing.
Their chance-taking was weak, and Higuain failed as an attacking spearhead.
If Suker was on their side, Argentina would have already beaten Bosnia and not be fighting for survival against Croatia.
Plus, Croatia had performed outstandingly, fueling their confidence.
The blazing sun dyed half the sky red.
Soccer City was packed, with countless Argentine and Croatian fans, as well as local and international supporters.
This was Argentina's do-or-die battle.
They had to give their all.
Everyone wondered about Croatia's choice.
Would they rotate their lineup, resting starters for the knockout stage?
Or would they go all out to send Argentina home early?
This question was hotly debated by commentators worldwide.
Some thought Croatia would field their best XI, aiming to eliminate Argentina immediately.
Others said since Croatia had almost secured first place with a huge goal difference, their priority was to conserve energy for the knockout stage.
They might rest stars like Suker and give substitutes World Cup experience.
Argentine fans clung to hope.
What if Croatia had no intention to crush them?
What if they wanted to rest for tough upcoming matches against Spain, Netherlands, Germany?
Such possibilities weren't impossible.
Now, they could only hope Croatia wouldn't send their full-strength squad.
As fans flooded in, Soccer City grew crowded and hot.
Fans shouted loudly.
Croatian fans were more relaxed, enjoying their huge advantage, almost certain to finish first in the group.
Even losing this match, thanks to goal difference, they'd remain top.
But Argentina had no such luxury.
Their only way was to beat Croatia.
Soon, the teams' buses arrived, intensifying the atmosphere.
During warm-up, Argentine fans booed Croatian players wildly, while Croatian fans made noise to disrupt Argentina.
They wanted to kill Argentina's chances!
And they believed Croatia's young players would beat Argentina.
Warm-up finished.
Both teams lined up in the tunnel.
When Argentina players saw Suker, Modric, and other starters, their hearts tightened.
Croatia had come to kill!
Of course, they understood.
If they were given the chance, they would do the same.
"Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh—"
The stadium erupted in cheers.
The players walked onto the field.
Starting lineups:
Argentina (4-3-1-2):Goalkeeper: RomeroDefenders: Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso, HeinzeMidfielders: Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di MariaForwards: Higuain, Messi, Tevez
Croatia (4-3-3):Goalkeeper: PletikosaDefenders: Corluka, Simunic, Kovac, SrnaMidfielders: Rakitic, Pranjic, ModricForwards: Perisic, Suker, Kranjcar
"They fielded their full-strength lineup!" Krausevic perked up excitedly.
"Exactly! This is how it should be played. Don't be arrogant just because you have an advantage. Secure the win firmly!"
"Bilic put Suker as the central striker instead of Mandzukic."
"This may be Croatia's first tactical plan—Suker as the striker to hammer Argentina's defense in the first half; in the second half, Suker moves to the wing, and Mandzukic comes on to continue the attack."
Krausevic blinked.
Croatia always makes crucial tactical adjustments.
This time was no exception.
Suker and Mandzukic would alternate to batter Argentina's defense.
How can the Pampas Eagles handle this?
They'll get completely torn apart!
Croatian fans cheered loudly upon seeing the lineup, and neutral fans were excited too.
They came mainly to watch the Suker-Messi duel.
If Suker didn't play, it would be boring.
For Argentine fans, seeing this lineup made their heads ache.
Croatia's intention was clear—they were out to kill.
But Croatia had plenty of reasons.
Though almost certain to finish first with a massive 10-goal advantage, they remained cautious.
Majestic music played.
Both national anthems rang out.
During the anthem, Suker looked toward Argentina's coaching bench.
With his slightly long curly hair, short stature, and stout figure,
this was one of football's great kings—Maradona.
Maradona closed his eyes, singing loudly.
For him, this was a moment to fulfill his mission.
He had won two World Cups for Argentina and was now fighting again as coach.
As the anthem ended, the intense noise returned.
Captains did the coin toss.
Croatia won possession first.
The camera focused on the center circle where Suker stepped on the ball, ready to start.
Croatia wore black away kits; Argentina wore their classic blue-and-white stripes.
Both teams lined up neatly; the match was about to begin.
The camera repeatedly shifted between Suker and Messi.
Suker looked somewhat relaxed, chatting with teammates.
Messi frowned deeply, his eyes full of worry.
Losing to Bosnia hit Argentina's morale hard.
Now they faced Croatia, far stronger than Bosnia.
The pressure was obvious.
"Beep!!"
The sharp whistle blew.
Soccer City erupted.
The ground seemed to shake.
At the whistle, Suker immediately kicked off and sprinted toward Argentina's defense.
Argentina players rushed to close down the ball carrier Modric.
But Modric suddenly turned and launched a long ball forward.
The ball soared high toward Suker's position.
Suker reacted before the defenders, ran to the landing spot, slightly tilted his body sideways, and volleyed with the outside of his foot.
Bang!!
Clang!
The ball fiercely struck the crossbar and bounced out of bounds.
The crossbar shook.
So did the hearts of Argentine fans.
Right at the start, Suker gave them a huge warning with that volley!
The stadium fell briefly silent after that shot.
Soon, Croatian fans erupted in loud cheers.
"Suker! Just 9 seconds into the game, he took his first shot with a volley! Although he didn't control it perfectly and hit the crossbar, it shows his fiery state! Argentina, beware—the Croatian superstar striker is ready and waiting!"