The Olympiastadion in Helsinki stood against the Nordic sky like a monument to Finnish sporting ambition, its distinctive architecture a stark contrast to the grand cathedrals of football that Mateo had grown accustomed to in Spain and Germany.
As the Spanish team bus wound through the streets of Finland's capital on the evening of September 6th, 2013, the temperature gauge read just 8°C, a sharp reminder that this World Cup qualifier would test more than just technical ability and tactical understanding.
Mateo pressed his face against the window, watching Finnish supporters gathering outside pubs and restaurants, their blue and white scarves a sea of hope in the early autumn darkness.
For these fans, tonight represented more than just a football match; it was an opportunity to witness their national team compete against the world champions, to dream of an upset that would be remembered for generations.
