Chapter 281 – Easier Than Lying Down and Eating Rice Cakes (1)

281

Hosting global sports events such as the World Cup or Olympics is never decided in haste.

As it is essential to build a variety of infrastructure, such as transportation, lodging, and convenience facilities in preparation for tourists from all over the world, such as a stadium that will satisfy various evaluations, it will be decided in advance considering the preparation period.

Of course, the decision to host the Olympics in Dubai was made a long time ago, even before I negotiated a transfer with Newcastle… That, too, was decided a long time ago.

And me and my competent agents have already discussed this in the transfer negotiations.

『(Official) Newcastle Approves Min-Jun Hong!!』

As soon as real-time breaking news comes out, articles come up in an instant.
Hey, it’s fast, it’s fast

If my performance in the Olympics is added to my results so far, my popularity in Korea will surely surpass that of seniors Cha Bum-geun and Park Ji-sung in their prime.

To what extent, a car parade was held while the entire nation watched the returning home, or a ‘special military service’ was created after the whole country was shaken by red devils pouring into the streets.

In a word, the enthusiasm of the whole nation is to the extent that even the politicians notice it.
Here—

“Next year is the World Cup.”

What if the World Cup is coming?

What will people think if the world’s best soccer player (Jin), who was born in Korea, is active in the Olympics and leads Korea to a medal?

‘I carried it in the last World Cup and made it to the semifinals, but this time I’ve grown even more… !?”

When people’s hope circuit reached its climax—

“Keuk… Then right then—”
“Sir, senior?”
“Yes? Why?”

When I looked to see who was interfering with my plans for a grand big picture, it was Song Byeong-hun, the youngest member of the Olympic team.

Seeing his fluffy face made me sigh.

“Whoa… “
“Why, why do you look at my face and sigh… ? Did I do anything wrong?”
“No. Just… I am envious of being young.”
“… Yes?”
“I’m 19 years old… Envy you. 19 years old, green. Keep in mind At that age, his skills increased dramatically. A single drop of sweat will determine your future.”

Whoops, that was good advice. This is a veteran
As he shakes his head, his youngest nods shyly.

“Ahhh. Yes.”

Cute
I patted him on the shoulder to mean to work hard, and it suddenly came to my mind.

“But why?”
“… They told me to gather in the analysis room to analyze the video.”
“Aha. Then let’s go.”

Tigers do their best even when hunting rabbits.

* * *

Olympic football refers to the under-23 national team.
Although there is a rule that eases the U23 restriction because it is a wild card, it is basically a stage where players under the age of 23 play.

In a word, it is a stage that does not fit the ‘price’ of a world-class player to a player who travels on the world’s best stage.

Therefore, of course, among the little children, the only person who can play the captain role is me, Hong Min-joon.

“The captain is Choi Seon-im, Kyung-hyeon… Instead, should Minjun lead the attack?”
“Hmmmm. I will do my best.”

There is 30-year-old veteran defender Koh Kyung-hyun, who was selected as a wild card, but I am the only captain who has skills, leadership, character, intelligence, and reputation.

I accepted the armband handed to me by the director.

‘This is the weight of the armband… !’

Looking at the brightly shining yellow armband, somehow it seems like it has a little orange mixed in it… No, I can feel the weight of the captain’s armband!

* * *

“Hong Min-joon, who was appointed captain of the men’s soccer team at the Olympic Games, “I can feel the weight of the armband. The captain is a lonely position, but I will definitely overcome adversity.”
『What is Korea’s best 11 in the first group stage match?』

The first match of the group stage was Paraguay, a Central and South American team.

“Wow… It’s real. I’m the real Hong Min-joon.”
“Sheesh. What kind of soccer player’s skin is so pale? She looks like a girl.”
“Crazy. After the game, Minjun Hong’s uniform is mine.”

Heh… Guys.
You have an eye for recognizing superstars.

Normally, I would have said a word, but today I can’t.
Because?
Because… That’s right, I’m the captain of the national team!

‘Well. Claims must be weighty.’

It is a world-class sports festival, but in the soccer world, the Olympics are not given much attention.

The undisputed number one international competition in the soccer world is, of course, the World Cup, followed by regional competitions such as the Euro and Copa America.

Olympic? What… Would the Olympics be about 3 tiers?
Of course, since it’s an international competition representing a country, it’s not considered hot pants, but it doesn’t mean it’s not high either.

Of course, to me, who made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League and the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the Olympic stage is nothing.

I wasn’t nervous even in the Champions League and the World Cup, let alone the Olympic group stage?
It’s a stage where you’ll come out with a snort, let alone nervousness, but this match is my captain’s debut.

‘The first match after wearing an armband… !! I can’t lose!!’

I, who can’t be stopped even if I flutter, releases the true power mode,

“Ahh!! Too fast!!”
“Aagh! I can’t stop it!!”

Paraguayan children boasted of a ‘difference in status’ that could not be met, and took the first win lightly.

『Thanks to Hong Min-jun’s great performance, who exploded 4 goals in the first game, a big win!!』
『Finally, the national soccer team set sail for medals! The wind is a green light!!』

The second match followed.

“I am Hong Min-jun, who is playing as captain today. Hey~ Every time I see you, I am amazed by your appearance. He was ranked as the sexiest man in all events at the Olympics, right?”
“Of course, it is not an official survey, but it is not without credibility to say that hundreds of female athletes were surveyed. And honestly, don’t you feel handsome just by looking at ithaha.”
“This sense of stability changes depending on whether there is one Hong Min-jun or not. To think that this player is going to play, he is already confident.”
“Okay, let the game begin. Opponent is the ambush arrogance of the Middle East! Our players, the roster has changed quite a bit, but the organization shouldn’t be a problem— uh, what? Goal already?”
Haha. Also Hong Min-joon! One shot one kill, the first touch leads straight to the goal. It is terrifying determination.”

As soon as the game started, the first touch was directly connected to the shooting, and the 35m mid-range shot with a tremendous roar broke through the net.

Omani players blankly staring at the goal.
There was no change.

『Pleasant!! 9 goals and 1 goal in 2 matches, showing off perfect performance!!
『Jeong Joon, the top scorer! Hong Min-jun, overwhelmingly in the lead with 7 goals in 2 matches!』
『Can Hong Min-jun surpass the 10 goals recorded at the Sydney Olympics?』

The third game that followed was a little, very, very dangerous.

“Kyung-hyun Ko came out wearing the captain’s armband. Minjun Hong starts from the bench, right?”
“That’s right. Isn’t it Hong Min-joon, who started all 1 and 2 games earlier? Although he is said to have made interim substitutions, he has already won 2 wins and crossed the 9th division ridge of the quarterfinals, so he needs to manage his stamina.”

Due to the nature of the Olympic soccer schedule, where all games from the preliminaries to the finals are played over a period of a little over 15 days, rotation is not an option, but a necessity.

On top of that, it was a reasonable decision to prepare for the next game rather than the game right in front of them, as they took an overwhelming 2 wins and occupied an advantage in advancing to the quarterfinals.

However, the only problem with that reasonable judgment was that it was only a Korean position.

“Ah~ Sweden, we’re pushing hard!!”
“Korea is about to concede the first goal. For the first time in this tournament, we conceded the first goal.”
“Our players need to work harder. We shouldn’t be shaken like this because Hong Min-joon isn’t there!”

However, if it is so easy to fill the void of a key player, why would Wallcle players boast such a high ransom?

“Ah~ In the 15th minute of the second half, Korea is going 0:1.”
“The bench is finally moving. Should I replace Minjun Hong?”
“The crowd is starting to cheer!! Yes!! Isn’t this the popularity of superstarshaha.”

Well… After all, am I the only one who can carry the weight of the captain’s armband?

Korea, which staggered after being hit by an unexpected punch from Sweden,

“Go oh oh oh ~~ Hong Min-joon who succeeds in 3 consecutive goals~!!”
“Hey, it’s very lightly loaded. Is this player a real goalie? A goal-scoring official? Fuhahaha!”

As if to gain momentum, he regained his momentum in an instant and mercilessly smashed Sweden’s meowing punch.

『Hong Min-joon’s hat-trick exploded even after only playing for 30 minutes! 10 goals in 3 matches!!
『Swedish coach Zlatan Ibrahimovic “If I had played as a player, I could have won!”』

Korea easily advanced to the quarterfinals with an absurd one-man carry.
The next opponent was Japan.

—Kita kita 💞 (ﾟ∀ﾟ)💞!!!!!! Joseon hyungs are here!!!
—Why Korea again!! Why is it Hong Min-jun again!!
—Japan sinking
—How did you come up in the quarterfinals… It’s the quarterfinals for the first time in 4 years, is it Korea again?
—Net right-wing Oh Yeol (Sseung)www is no match for Josen hyung wwwww
— On a stage where the world’s powers compete wholeheartedly, the quarterfinals are also amazing!! Samurai Japan is amazing!
—Eh, there- can I cry? I prepared a lot of things to cheer for you, but are you eliminated again? Where have my efforts gone? I mean, I was so nervous! I’ve prepared everything well! What do you think you prepared the cheering tool for!

Heh heh, guys.
The reaction is very quick.