Capital Workers' Stadium, Huaxia
In preparation for the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games, the entire capital of Huaxia was bustling with construction.
The Bird's Nest, Water Cube, and other iconic buildings were rapidly rising.
The Italian Super Cup final between AC Milan and Inter Milan was scheduled to be held at the Capital Workers' Stadium.
The Huaxia fans were passionate and excited.
From the moment the two teams arrived, countless fans flooded in from all over the country.
The entire city felt crowded.
After all, these were the teams fans had been dreaming about for years!
Finally, they could see a top-tier European clash in person — it was an opportunity no one would miss.
"Wow, so many people!"
"Can the stadium even hold all of them?"
"This is crazy!"
Compared to European countries, Huaxia's huge population and fan base, combined with aggressive promotion, had drawn massive crowds.
Even non-football fans showed up just hoping to see the stars.
The Italian Football Association had achieved unprecedented success with this event.
However, this also shifted the core of the Super Cup from pure competition to more of a spectacle.
The Italian FA gave AC Milan and Inter Milan clear directives:
First: Field the full-strength squads.
Not just skilled players, but those with star appeal.
For example, Maldini hadn't planned to play, but the FA insisted he must.
The same applied to Inter Milan.
Second: Play attractively.
No one wants a dull game, especially the Italian FA who planned to outsource future Super Cup events to Huaxia for several years.
For their debut in Huaxia, both competitiveness and entertainment value were vital.
These two demands were paramount.
Other than that, the FA didn't micromanage, since they couldn't fully control two top Italian clubs.
Both Milan clubs accepted the requirements.
One was out of respect for the FA.
The other was inspired by Huaxia's booming market revealed during this trip.
On August 14th, the Workers' Stadium was packed with enthusiastic fans.
Huaxia fans spontaneously formed supporter groups for both Inter Milan and AC Milan, making the atmosphere even more intense than matches in Italy.
Even the clubs were surprised to see such love in this distant Eastern land.
Compared to Inter, AC Milan enjoyed even greater popularity.
Perhaps during Mourinho's reign, Inter had caught up in fame, but now AC Milan clearly dominated.
Around three stands were filled with AC Milan fans, almost encircling the Inter supporters.
"Ronaldo! Look here!!"
"Number nine! Number nine!"
"Gattuso! Gattuso!"
"Kaká! Kaká! I love you!"
Kaká glanced nervously at a male fan screaming his name in the stands.
"You're really popular!"
Šuker joked with a smile.
Kaká turned away without a word.
Since the Gattuso incident, Šuker's reputation for pranks grew, especially here in Huaxia where he had plenty of material.
AC Milan players agreed on one thing: before leaving Huaxia, everyone would keep a clear distance from Šuker.
Seeing Kaká's reaction, Šuker shrugged.
Over on the Inter side, their players were also well-loved.
Especially Zanetti, Figo, Ibrahimović.
But compared to AC Milan's "cool guys," their popularity was clearly less.
Soon, both teams returned to the locker rooms for final adjustments.
With the aim to deliver a "good-looking" match, full-strength lineups were fielded.
Starting Lineups:
AC Milan (4-3-2-1):Goalkeeper: DidaDefenders: Cafu, Nesta, Simunić, MaldiniMidfielders: Gattuso, Pirlo, SeedorfForwards: Kaká, Ronaldo, Šuker
Inter Milan (4-4-2):Goalkeeper: CésarDefenders: Maicon, Maxwell, Samuel, ZanettiMidfielders: Stanković, Córdoba, Dacourt, FigoForwards: Crespo, Ibrahimović
"Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! The goal-loving Šuker!"
"Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! Šuker! The tireless Šuker!"
A familiar children's song melody echoed throughout.
Thousands of fans sang a "Šuker chant."
Damn it! Why this song?
Šuker felt like he could dig a hole in the ground and hide his toes.
With so many songs in Huaxia, why this one?
And why the weird lyrics?
"You're really popular, you even have your own song!"
Kaká was puzzled, noticing Šuker's slightly reddened face.
"Why are you blushing?" Kaká asked.
Šuker glared: "None of your business!"
They bantered as they entered the pitch and lined up.
AC Milan wore white away kits.
Inter Milan wore blue-black home kits.
As players entered, cheers erupted wildly.
Šuker was highly popular.
Kaká was popular too.
But the most popular player by far was one:
"AC Milan No. 99!"
The commentator He Wei loudly announced:
"He is the Brazilian alien with unparalleled skill and power—he is…"
Thousands of fans, including Inter supporters, roared:
RONALDO!!!!!!!!!!
The stadium erupted.
Ronaldo's popularity was unstoppable.
At least currently, no one could match him in fan appeal.
Normally, Šuker would play center forward.
But due to the demands and showmanship, Ronaldo, close to 200 pounds, led the attack.
Players were ready.
After opening ceremonies, captains exchanged pennants and tossed for sides.
AC Milan took the left half, kicking off first.
Inter Milan occupied the right.
Milan! Milan! Milan!
Both sets of fans shouted, united though divided by club.
Amid excited faces, all eyes turned to the pitch.
This was the Italian Super Cup between AC Milan and Inter Milan!
The winner would lift the trophy.
This was the season's first battle.
Šuker and Ronaldo stood at midfield waiting for kickoff.
Šuker looked at Ronaldo:
"Get ready to serve me some crosses!"
Šuker and Kaká were the double attacking midfielders, tasked with adding flair through dribbles and breakthroughs.
Inter would likely do the same.
In other words, this would be an attacking spectacle, with both sides breaking through defenses.
Šuker wasn't worried.
Even if their defense held for a while, it wouldn't last long.
So exploding each other's defenses was a good plan.
Whistle!!!
Amid roaring cheers, the match began.
The game was broadcast live across Huaxia, with European fans also watching.
"After kickoff, AC Milan attacked down the left wing, with Šuker as their main threat."
"Last season, Šuker's performance in Champions League and the league impressed us all. Can he maintain that form?"
Šuker dropped back to receive the ball, then spun forward toward the wing area.
A typical start couldn't fire up the crowd enough.
Time to spice things up!
Šuker flicked the ball sideways and struck it with the outside of his right foot.
A brilliant rainbow arc soared across Capital Workers' Stadium!