Despite different regions and time zones across the world, everyone was seated in front of their televisions at this moment, watching the match.
Some woke up in the dark, some brewed themselves an early cup of tea, some drank ice-cold beer to cool off, and even more celebrated all night long.
This moment belonged to the World Cup!
Every four years, the World Cup is the most watched major international event in the world.
On June 12th, in São Paulo, Brazil, the World Cup opening match kicked off!
"This is São Paulo, Brazil, and this is the opening match of the 2014 World Cup, featuring the host nation, the five-star Brazil Team, against the North American powerhouse Mexico!"
"In this scorching summer, under the most intense sun, in the football kingdom of Brazil, the World Cup has begun!"
"As the opening match of the World Cup, host Brazil is ready, and from the lineup, they are still very competitive."
"Neymar, at the forefront, is hailed as the last Samba dancer, and he carries the hopes of Brazilian Samba football!"
"Veteran Kaka serves as the Captain and is starting; he is definitely the lynchpin of the Brazil Team!"
"And in this match, their opponent Mexico is also fully prepared. Alright, let's take a good look at this upcoming match!"
On the television, both teams' players had already reached their respective halves.
Through the camera, it could be seen that each of these players had a serious expression.
After all, it was the opening match, and their psychological pressure was greater.
Especially for Brazil, as the host, they had to win the first match smoothly.
Only then could they preserve the glory of the five-star Brazil!
The world's attention was focused on this match. As the game was about to begin, Kaka took a deep breath and tightened the Captain's armband on his arm.
Since 2002, he had served the Brazil National Team for 12 years, and during this time, he had welcomed or bid farewell to many teammates.
Unconsciously, he had become the most senior and most influential Captain.
Kaka knew very well that this was his last World Cup.
In another four years, his body would definitely not be able to handle it, so he planned to leave his best form for this tournament.
"Guys! Get your spirits up!"
Kaka, uncharacteristically, roared loudly, imitating the old Captain Maldini, shouting to encourage his teammates.
Due to his inner tension, he jumped even harder, mimicking his good friend Suker's warm-up method, as if this could give him an extra boost of confidence.
Suker, watching this scene on TV, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, then couldn't help but smile.
"This guy is nervous!"
Although he didn't show it, Suker could deduce this conclusion from these unusual actions.
"It's starting!"
Modrić suddenly spoke up.
Everyone immediately held their breath to watch the game.
At the start of the match, both sides maintained relative restraint, or rather, Brazil was more in a probing phase.
Regarding ball possession, there was no doubt that Brazil had more control time.
Brazil would also not let Mexico dictate the tempo.
Kaka, as the midfield core of this match, was also very active in creating space for his teammates.
He used his awareness and technique to constantly create opportunities for his teammates to probe forward.
But these probes would not be too aggressive; they simply kept Mexico pinned in their own half, preventing them from launching threatening counterattacks.
From the current playing style, Kaka and the Brazil Team were extremely cautious.
After all, it was the first match, and they couldn't fully let loose yet.
"They should look for more opportunities from outside!"
"Oscar, Kaka, Neymar, these players all have a good long-range shooting foundation."
"However, Mexico is also defending against that."
Ten minutes into the match, the Brazil Team's attacking pattern was simple, but they hadn't fully exerted themselves.
However, even so, this was already making it difficult for Mexico.
On the wing, Neymar's vertical breakthroughs led to two fouls within just ten minutes, one of which resulted in a yellow card.
"The pressure is so intense!"
Vukojević couldn't help but grimace.
As a fellow defensive player, he felt the pressure just by watching Mexico's game.
This was also why Brazil was not so wary of Mexico's front line.
As defensive players for the Croatia National Team, their advantage was that they had the most brilliant front line and top-tier midfield in the world.
This would make opponents very wary of their counterattacks, and therefore not dare to press so aggressively.
This also meant that the defense would not be under as much pressure.
But Mexico was different; their front line and midfield had not yet reached that level.
"If they continue to play like this, it seems they won't even need the second half; in another 20 minutes, Mexico won't be able to hold on."
Watching Mexico's frequently breaking defensive line, Srna spoke directly.
As a defender, he knew all too well what would happen once the defensive line became unstable.
The only question was, how would Brazil score!
"Is this pressure too much?"
Watching Mexico's defense being pushed into the penalty area, Vida couldn't help but feel nervous.
They themselves had no World Cup experience, and their confidence was entirely propped up by top stars like Suker and Modrić; they were inwardly apprehensive.
And now seeing Mexico in this state, they inevitably became even more nervous, fearing they would play like this and drag the team down.
"Rather than saying Mexico played poorly, it's more accurate to say Brazil played too well!"
Modrić commented.
"So steady!" Rakitić also couldn't help but say, "It feels like they're not playing like a South American team at all!"
South American teams are known for their passionate and uninhibited style, with imaginative play on the field.
But this match was purely a European tactical operation.
The main idea was to wear you down using tactical and lineup advantages!
Brazil's ability to assimilate European tactics so perfectly surprised many people.
If they could retain their inherent passionate style on top of this tactical foundation, then this Brazil Team would be terrifying.
Suker's eyelid also twitched.
Do it!
Create a formidable Brazil Team!
This Brazil Team was completely different from the one in the original timeline.
Although there weren't many personnel changes, they played with great ebb and flow, and this kind of stability tested patience and the players' abilities.
The Brazil Team in the original timeline also learned European tactics, but they merely copied the superficial aspects, and the core of their internal play was completely contradictory.
This was also the reason for their awkward playing style!
European tactics are rich, develop quickly, and are also practical.
But that doesn't mean the South American style is inferior!
In fact, if Brazil had stuck to its own characteristics, perhaps the outcome would have been different.
But now, whether Brazil has retained its style is unknown, but their Europeanized tactics are certainly used with masterful skill.
The match time entered 30 minutes.
Because Mexico had been parking the bus, Brazil did not have many shooting opportunities, but in the few chances they did have, they still threatened Mexico's goal.
In the stadium, the cheers of the Brazil fans came in waves.
They constantly encouraged the players' morale, urging them to intensify their attacks.
At the 34th minute, the situation suddenly changed.
It was another breakthrough from Neymar on the wing.
After Neymar horizontally evaded two defenders, he suddenly turned ninety degrees and stormed into the penalty area.
Mexico also applied maximum defensive pressure, and just as Neymar was about to break into the penalty area, Mexico chose to foul, but the problem was that Neymar seemed to know this and passed the ball early.
Fred, in the center-forward position, did not shoot but instead played the ball back to Oscar behind him.
"Oscar shoots!"
Oscar took a direct long-range shot; it was powerful, but the angle was relatively central.
The Mexico Goalkeeper made a desperate save, the ball struck his arm, then hit the crossbar and flew out of the penalty area.
At this moment, Mexico's entire defensive line was in complete disarray.
Just as everyone turned to look at where the ball would land, a yellow figure flashed by.
"Kaka!!!!!—"
The Brazil commentator excitedly jumped up.
Kaka met the falling ball, put it forward with his chest, and then sprinted forward without stopping.
In an instant, he directly pierced through Mexico's defense, bursting into their penalty area.
At the moment of his second touch, Kaka did not hesitate, striking a powerful shot directly with his left foot.
Swish!!
The ball went into the net.
In the 35th minute, the Brazil Team opened the scoring!
"Kaka!! Kaka!! Kaka!!"
"Kaka helped Brazil create the first goal!"
"Kaka's follow-up shot breaks the deadlock!!"
"We finally seized this opportunity, and after more than 30 minutes of continuous offense, we finally scored a goal!
This goal completely changed the situation. When the situation was deadlocked, Kaka became the key player. This is the ability of the Brazil Team Captain!"
The passion of the entire Brazil was completely ignited at this moment.
At the same time, the passion of fans all over the world was also ignited.
Many of Kaka's fans were even more excited; it was the first goal of the World Cup! The dashing young man who once galloped across the San Siro Stadium now uses the same method of scoring to tell the world that he is still the Kaka who slays gods.
Mexico couldn't hold on!
Van Stoyak shook his head and sighed.
Mexico's idea was to hold on for the first half, and after substitutions in the second half, to hold on for another half.
But this goal completely disrupted their rhythm, not to mention that Brazil's bench still had a Pato lurking.
Based on this goal, the Brazil Team's morale soared. After Pato came on in the second half, their offense would only become more ferocious.
One goal is enough to influence the development of many situations; it just depends on how Mexico adjusts next.
The Brazil Team's excellent performance made many teams nervous.
Especially for those teams aiming for the World Cup championship, Brazil must be a hurdle they overcome.
For example, Croatia Head Coach Bešić, he had already started lowering his head and recording some data in his notebook, all for the purpose of not being unprepared when facing Brazil.
In fact, the Brazil Team's performance exceeded Bešić's expectations.
Brazil is very strong, but this Brazil, in terms of public perception, was not as strong as before.
After all, the 2002 Brazil was the truly dominant team; compared to that, it was still quite inferior.
However, their performance in this World Cup, the Brazil Team's display exceeded their expectations, which is also the reason why all strong teams are on alert.
Soon, the match entered the second half.
Mexico did make some adjustments, but their adjustments were still aimed at defense.
Compared to scoring a goal, they chose to concede fewer goals.
This was an overly cautious attitude, which inevitably made the match seem a bit passive.
But the Brazil Team would not follow this rhythm; instead, after Pato came on, they increased their attacking intensity.
Pato had been holding back for half a match, and after coming on as a substitute, he immediately went all out.
Combined with the passes Kaka gave him, his breakthroughs on the wing were like a fierce, snarling wolf, with an incredibly strong desire to attack.
And under Pato's impact, Mexico's defense became even more disoriented.
Too much of their attention was drawn to Pato, causing them to forget about the threat of Neymar.
In the 68th minute, Neymar received the ball in the penalty area, used a simple step-over feint to shake off the defender, and directly broke into the six-yard box.
In the six-yard box, facing the Goalkeeper's dive, he easily chipped the ball into the net, a truly elegant set of movements.
The Brazil Team scored their second goal, which essentially sealed the victory.
As for Mexico, they looked dismayed.
"Aren't they sending Javier on?" Modrić said.
Javier Hernández, Modrić's teammate at Manchester United, and also Sir Alex Ferguson's favorite, Manchester United's super substitute.
He is also a Mexican player.
"It's useless!" Suker shook his head; "In this situation, Javier Hernández can't perform, and Mexico doesn't have a midfield that can create opportunities for him!"
Manchester United is Manchester United, Mexico is Mexico!
At Manchester United, Modrić creates opportunities for Javier Hernández.
But in Mexico, under such pressure, even if Javier Hernández were brought on, there wouldn't be many good opportunities.
"I heard he's leaving Manchester United?"
Seeing that the situation was basically sealed, Srna also started chatting about other topics.
"Who? Javier Hernández?" Suker turned his head and asked.
Srna nodded: "When I was at the club, I happened to hear some news, it seems Javier Hernández is coming to Real Madrid."
Suker turned to look at Modrić; he truly didn't know this news.
Modrić also nodded, but had no desire to continue speaking.
Suker thought for a moment, guessing that Javier Hernández couldn't get many opportunities at Manchester United, and after waiting for so long, he was still a substitute, with no hope in sight.
Rather than being a substitute at Manchester United, it would be better to be a substitute at Real Madrid, which could still lead to a better resume.
Every World Cup year, the transfer market becomes incredibly lively.
All major teams are gearing up for a big fight, and Real Madrid is no exception.
It is estimated that Real Madrid's scouts have already spread out to various stadiums in Brazil, monitoring the status of these players.
They are not worried about not being able to recruit them.
After all, they are Real Madrid!
The team with the most Champions League competitiveness.
It can be said that for any player with Champions League dreams, their first choice is Real Madrid.
Not to mention how attractive the name Real Madrid is to today's young players.
The Brazil Team's offense continued, and Mexico retreated steadily.
To further improve their form, Brazil still did not give up attacking. The Head Coach gave the players ample time to vent.
He knew that through this match, the Brazil players' form would become even better.
In the 83rd minute, a corner kick attack occurred.
After the kick, Mexico repeatedly misjudged the ball, and the ball flew to the left. Marcelo received the ball and crossed again.
Fred headed the ball, scoring again, helping the Brazil Team secure their third goal.
Finally, this World Cup opening match concluded.
Host Brazil defeated Mexico 3-0.
Mexico failed to showcase the characteristics of their tactics; instead, they were repeatedly disoriented by the Brazil Team's attacks.
As the host, the Brazil Team also successfully secured their first victory in the match, getting off to a good start!
Three matches the next day.
Italy won 1-0 against Cameroon.
Chile defeated Australia 3-1.
And the focus match among them, Netherlands versus Spain, produced a result that no one had anticipated.
As the defending champion, Spain was continuously bombarded by Netherlands for 90 minutes. The Oranje were playing like madmen, and the final score was Netherlands 7-2 Spain.
This was an even more exaggerated score than in the original timeline; Spain was completely stunned.
And this match also ignited the first major talking point after the World Cup!
Not an upset, but a major talking point!
After all, no one had expected such a huge score difference before the match.
At the same time, many media outlets began to write extensively.
Spanish players began to suffer verbal attacks from the media, as well as angry accusations and curses from their own fans.
It can be said that as arrogant as Spain was before the match, they were now just as miserable.
As for Netherlands, they became famous overnight. After defeating their strong rival Spain, their path to qualification became much more secure.
The third day of matches also saw a continuous major upset.
First, Colombia defeated Greece 3-0, and Colombia's number 10 player, James Rodríguez, became famous with one goal.
His performance in this match was truly dominant.
This also caused clubs across Europe to take notice, eager to gain the favor of this young player.
Even top European teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern came calling.
Colombia's upset was surprising.
But then, Costa Rica defeating South America powerhouse Uruguay 3-1 was even more dizzying.
Compared to previous World Cups.
This World Cup had already seen continuous upsets and major talking points on the second and third days.
The last match on the third day, Ivory Coast against Japan, was a back-and-forth game, with Ivory Coast ultimately defeating Japan 2-1 to secure the victory.
After three days of matches, fans were left wanting more, and at the same time, they were looking forward to more matches.
And on the fourth day of the match, there was another heavyweight event.
Fourth match day, first round of matches!
At the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the 2012 European Cup champion, Croatia, led by Suker, will directly face the Three Lions, England.