Aurélien Tchouaméni, displaying a level of athleticism and audacity that was simply breathtaking, had launched himself into a full-blown, overhead bicycle kick attempt from the edge of the penalty area, trying to clear the ball before Leon could even strike it.
The connection was clean, powerful, and utterly unexpected. The ball flew like a cannonball, missing the crossbar by inches.
Wembley Stadium let out a collective gasp, a sound of pure, bewildered shock from both sets of fans.
Leon slowly straightened up, his heart hammering against his ribs, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
He looked across at Tchouaméni, who was picking himself up from the turf. The Frenchman caught his eye and gave him a single, almost imperceptible nod. It wasn't a gesture of sportsmanship. It was a confirmation. I see you.
"WHAT ON EARTH WAS THAT?!" the commentator, Barry, screamed, his voice a ragged mess of pure confusion.
