France Football: "Good news, good news—breaking headlines… ahem, let's get serious: Vieira is officially back in the starting lineup! France's defensive anchor has returned!"
This put immense pressure on a Spanish team whose forwards were not particularly strong.
Spain had scored a decent number of goals this tournament, but without Su Hang's seven goals, their output was strictly mid-range.
And while Torres and Villa had scored four and three goals respectively, nearly all came in the group stage.
In the knockout rounds, both had been mediocre. Any goals they managed came from riding Su Hang's momentum—and anyone who watched the matches knows they carried little weight.
Villa: ???
Torres: Are you kidding me?!
Vieira and Makélélé anchoring the midfield—who could possibly break through that?
As the saying goes, misfortune never comes alone.
Shortly after Vieira's return, the media captured Henry appearing at France's training session.
Henry recovered too?
Soon after, Berlin's Charité Hospital announced that Henry had fully recovered, with no signs of concussion or lingering effects, and was cleared to return.
Just like that, the Gunner King was back.
France's strongest shield and strongest spear had both returned.
Their strength was almost 95% restored.
Meanwhile, on Spain's side…
Some might wonder: how can France be at 95% strength without Zidane?
Because a France with Zidane doesn't operate at 100%—it operates at 200%.
A super-core like Zidane breaks team limits. With him, the squad has no ceiling.
In truth, Su Hang played the same role for Spain.
Without him, even at full capacity, this Spain side was only a quarterfinal-level team.
Semi-finals at best.
But no way could they beat Portugal or Italy.
Thus, the way people had been describing Spain was fundamentally wrong.
Everyone called them a perfect Spain, performing at their highest level.
But in reality, this was a super-perfect Spain—performing beyond their limits.
...
Berlin, inside the hotel.
Su Hang's room was crowded.
Jennifer had flown in from the United States.
Clara had rushed over from London headquarters.
Aragonés was outside the door speaking with the doctor.
The doctor made it clear: Su Hang could not recover in time for the final.
The only way Spain could face France was if Su Hang played under painkilling injections.
Aragonés fell silent.
Simon voiced his clear opposition: "I won't let Su take injections. It's the most short-sighted decision anyone could make."
"Without the World Cup trophy, Su is still Su. He's still La Liga's best player, still the Champions League's best player."
"But if he takes the injection… he's barely twenty. I can't let him become the next Ronaldo at this age!"
Unfortunately, Simon was only the assistant coach. The decision wasn't his.
Aragonés entered the room, and Clara and Jennifer shot him threatening looks.
Jennifer appeared to be peeling an apple, but the knife she held could easily end up in Aragonés' ribs.
Clara stepped in front of Su Hang's bed, fists clenched tight.
"Alright, alright—move aside. This is my rightful leader, the head coach of our team." Su Hang gently pulled Clara aside and looked at Aragonés.
Aragonés sighed. "Su, I'm sixty-eight. No matter how you look at it, I don't have much time left."
"Before you, the best Forward I ever coached was Torres. That kid is destined to become a top striker—maybe even a world-class one."
"But this summer, you've opened my eyes. Your technique isn't nearly as poor as people say, and as it improves, your influence on the pitch grows with it."
"You also possess unmatched leadership and charisma, with noble character and remarkable wisdom."
"I truly believe that in the years to come, Spain—with you—will stand on top of the world."
Simon felt a chill.
Everything Aragonés said sounded like a buildup.
Was he going to force Su Hang to take injections?
The head coach had the authority to do so.
Once a player joins the national team, their body is no longer fully their own responsibility.
The team can decide what injury information to disclose and take charge of treatment decisions.
International human rights organizations and the WHO have criticized this practice, and it will eventually change.
But right now, if Aragonés ordered Su Hang to take injections, Su Hang had to comply—or be expelled from the national team and never called up again.
Aragonés shifted his gaze toward the window.
"People call Spain the 'Kings of the Qualifiers,' but that's just a flattering title."
"In truth, people call us big-match chokers, or a team that starts strong and ends weak. We've never won many real battles."
"And removing that label is the dream I've dedicated my life to."
"For that, I would do anything, including…"
Clara couldn't listen anymore.
Outside the room, Raúl, Puyol, and Casillas had also realized what Aragonés intended.
To ensure Spain no longer collapsed in major tournaments, they would go all the way in this World Cup.
Even if it meant sacrificing Su Hang's career—Spain would face France.
Su Hang must take the injection.
Finally, Aragonés walked over to Su Hang and extended his hand.
"Rest well. Two years from now, it will be time for us to remove that label from Spain together."
After the handshake, he turned and left.
Everyone in the room stood frozen.
What…
What just happened?
So… he wasn't going to force Su Hang to take the injection?
Why?
Shortly after, Aragonés stepped out of the hotel to face the press, his expression grave.
"I regret to announce that Su Hang will not appear in our match against France."
Chaos erupted immediately.
Reporter: "Is it because Su Hang refused the injection?"
Aragonés: "No. It's not Su Hang. It's me. I won't allow Su Hang to take the injection."
Reporter: "But that means Spain will surely lose! You'll never shake the reputation of choking in major tournaments! You'll never win a real battle!"
Aragonés: "So what? Spain has won more tough battles in this World Cup alone than in the past several decades combined!"
"I know better than anyone who brought us this change."
"If we miss this World Cup final, there's still the European Championship final. Then the next World Cup final. The next European Championship final. The World Cup final after that."
"As long as Su is with us, we will eventually reach the top of the world."
"That is my resolve as Aragonés—built entirely on the confidence Su Hang has given me."