CHAPTER 33 — First Match, Absolute Domination
The morning sun gleamed over the São Paulo Football Club pitch. Spectators—mostly parents, coaches, and scouts—lined the edges of the pristine grass field. Árman Azevedo, now seven years old, laced up his cleats with calm precision. His white hair shimmered under the sunlight, golden eyes scanning the field as if calculating the trajectory of every possible ball movement before it even occurred.
> "Let's do this," he murmured to himself.
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◆ Kickoff
The referee blew the whistle. The ball rolled forward, and the game began.
Commentator's Voice:
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to what promises to be an exciting youth match here at São Paulo FC. Today, we have a very special young talent—Árman Azevedo, age seven, who's already creating a buzz in the football world after his skills were first showcased at the trials. Let's see how he performs on the pitch!"
Árman positioned himself as the center forward, but his eyes continuously scanned the field like a hawk.
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◆ Early Dominance
Within the first minute:
Árman received a pass from his cousin Lorenzo on the right wing.
Instantly, he performed a double step-over feint, leaving two defenders frozen mid-step.
He dribbled 15 meters effortlessly, accelerating past pressure, his ball glued to his feet.
As he approached the penalty area, he executed a perfect curling shot—and scored with pin-point precision in the top corner.
Commentator:
"Unbelievable! Seven-year-old Árman Azevedo takes the lead with a clinical finish. The precision, the composure, it's beyond human!"
The crowd gasped. Coaches whispered among themselves, some visibly shaking their heads.
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◆ Midfield Mastery
As the opposing team tried to regain control:
Árman dropped back slightly, becoming the playmaker, intercepting a pass.
He executed a through ball over three defenders to Thiago Duarte on the flank.
Within two seconds, the ball returned to Árman's feet in perfect trajectory.
He flicked it past an incoming tackle, performing an instinctive drag-back while simultaneously scanning the field for his next move.
Commentator:
"Remarkable awareness! He's not just scoring—he's controlling the entire midfield. Every pass, every movement perfectly timed!"
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◆ Wing Wizardry
Halfway through the first half:
Árman switched to the right wing, sprinting along the sideline.
He executed three consecutive stepovers, leaving two defenders flat-footed.
At the corner of the penalty area, he delivered a perfect cross to Emilia Duarte.
Emilia finished elegantly, the ball hitting the net.
Commentator:
"And there it is! Coordinated play with his cousin, perfectly executed. Árman's vision and precision are beyond comprehension for a child of seven!"
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◆ Free Kick Brilliance
Mid-first half, a foul was called against him:
Árman placed the ball 25 meters from goal.
He calculated the trajectory instinctively, taking into account goalkeeper position, wind, and spin.
With a smooth strike, the ball curled over the defensive wall and into the top corner.
Commentator:
"Goal! Free kick perfection! His technique, accuracy, and understanding of physics… simply extraordinary!"
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◆ Half-Time Reflection
By halftime, the scoreboard read 5–0.
Árman had scored three goals, assisted two, and orchestrated nearly every attack.
Coaches were speechless, parents whispered in awe, and scouts were frantically taking notes.
Árman walked to the sideline, breathing calmly. He was not tired. His stamina, merged with his total skill template, allowed him to maintain perfect energy, reaction, and focus.
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◆ Second Half — Tactical Genius
The whistle blew for the second half:
Árman switched to the left wing to test his versatility.
He intercepted a cross, dribbled past four defenders, and with a flicked pass to Lorenzo, set up another goal.
Within minutes, he seamlessly transitioned back to center forward, anticipating every defender's movement.
Each touch of the ball, every pass, every shot, perfectly executed, as if he had played a thousand matches in his mind.
Commentator:
"I have never seen anything like this. Every move, every decision, perfect execution. Seven years old… controlling the pitch like a seasoned professional!"
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◆ Dribbling Masterclass
Mid-second half:
Árman received the ball near midfield, confronted by three defenders.
He executed a drag-back feint, step-over, spin move, and sudden acceleration, leaving all defenders behind.
He approached the goal and executed a chip over the goalkeeper, scoring with immaculate control.
Commentator:
"Goal! It's like watching a masterclass in dribbling, vision, and finishing! This child… he's rewriting what we thought was possible at this age!"
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◆ Game Conclusion
Final whistle blew.
Score: 10–0.
Árman had scored seven goals and assisted three.
Every play, every pass, every dribble, executed perfectly.
Coaches and scouts were in stunned silence.
> "I've never… seen anything remotely like this," said the head coach.
"He's not just a prodigy… he's inhuman," another whispered.
Árman walked off the pitch, calm and composed, as if he had done nothing extraordinary.
His cousins ran to him, cheering.
Parents and family embraced him with pride and awe.
Scouts were already debating how to handle such an unprecedented talent.
Árman's mind was already planning for the next day, the next drill, the next challenge. For him, this was just the beginning.