The Bundesliga is already in full swing, with the gap between teams widening at all levels.
Familiar names like Cologne, Carl Sruhe, and Kaiserslautern dominate the top tier, while teams like Munich 1860, Dusseldorf, and Fürth reside in the middle and upper reaches.
Union Berlin, along with Sandhausen, Aue, Bochum, and Cottbus, find themselves near the relegation zone, forming the "underdogs" group.
Due to the strength disparity, it's tough for them to snatch points from higher-ranked teams. They must focus on games against weaker opponents.
So, when Union Berlin faces a team like Aue, the tension is palpable.
Brains might just get punched out!
Aue's play style mirrors Union Berlin's: disciplined defense, aggressive battling, and somewhat stretched offense. Hence, the match appears a bit lackluster.
Scheduled for the sweltering afternoon, it's almost nap time.
At 75 minutes into the second half, the home fans lack the energy to cheer.
"Today's game wasn't bad. At least we didn't give the opponent a chance."
"True, Aue's winger is sharp. Fortunately, we kept him in check."
"But the game itself was dull."
"Yeah, Dad, I'm almost dozing off."
Uncle Hans feels embarrassed; his usually cheerful 14-year-old daughter, Anya, seems off.
He brought her to watch the game at home, but she's acting like a fake fan.
True die-hard fans support their team wholeheartedly, regardless of performance. That's what Hans believes.
"Hans, don't blame little Anya. The game is indeed boring."
Bud, the ever-complaining friend, shrugs.
"I think next season, whether we get promoted or not, we should sign a good striker like Lewandowski."
"Are you dreaming? Can we afford Lewandowski?" Hogan, a die-hard fan, scoffs.
"Why not? Perhaps he'll consider us before retiring at 36."
"Enough arguing. Let's cheer for the team!" Hans urges impatiently.
"Oh, and why isn't Su Luo playing?"
Ever since Su Luo's hat-trick comeback win, he's been a loyal fan.
"That kid probably slacks off in training, spending all his time in nightclubs," Bud sneers.
"Dad, who's Su Luo? Is he good?" Anya's eyes widen with curiosity.
Having missed several games lately, she hasn't heard of him.
"He's good, and I believe he'll play soon."
Hans pats his daughter's head lovingly, eyeing the field.
Maybe this time, Su Luo can break the deadlock?
Uwe, what are you waiting for?
"Uwe, should we make a change?"
Assistant coach Hofstadter suggests, seeing the stalemate.
"Don't rush. Let's wait. Silvio is dealing with their attacking midfielder. If we make a substitution now, it might upset the balance."
"Ander, patience. Let's have Su Luo warm up."
"Alright." Hofstadter calls Su Luo from the bench.
Coach Uwe Neuhaus is notoriously stubborn; no one can sway him.
Su Luo's legs are numb from sitting, so he gets up to stretch.
He notices a tall, thin Asian boy warming up on the sidelines.
Anya's eyes light up in the stands.
"Dad, is that him? Su Luo?"
"Yes, he's the one. The hero who scored a hat-trick last game."
"Ah, I'll watch the replay later. I wish I was here for the game."
"Maybe you'll catch him today and in the future."
"But..." Anya hesitates, then smiles. "Great! I hope this handsome big brother scores today..."
With that, Anya rushes to the second-floor railing, cupping her hands to shout.
Su Luo, warming up, seems to hear something.
He turns, spotting a girl in a woolen hat waving at him.
Su Luo smiles and waves back.
Anya is pulled back by Uncle Hans.
"Dad, he smiled at me!" Anya's eyes sparkle.
As the game resumes, the situation changes suddenly!
In the 88th minute, after a couple of minutes of Su Luo's relentless running, he finds himself in a prime position.
Receiving a through ball, Su Luo faces the defense head-on.
Without stopping the ball, Su Luo unleashes a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area!
The ball curls, sneaking past the defenders!
Off the post and into the net!
Aue's coach, Falco Goetz, can't believe his eyes!
"What just happened?"
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