"These guys have changed their style of play!"
Unnovic couldn't help but mutter.
The last time they played against Mostar Wanderers, their tactics were relatively simple — direct counterattacks.
The only holding point in midfield was Mlinar.
Therefore, it was easy to limit them; as long as Mlinar was shut down, that short number 9 wouldn't be able to charge forward.
But today, they saw completely different tactics.
Although still a little raw, the changes in attack were significant.
In particular, Suk frequently dropped back to receive the ball, relieving Mlinar's pressure and stirring up the defensive line.
The Mostar Wanderers fans were still cheering for the goal.
They enjoyed watching the game — and even more so, they loved watching great goals.
This goal, with its smooth and flowing teamwork, pleased them immensely.
After scoring, Suk ran around the field, spreading his arms like a glider, his round face full of smiles.
Amid the lively atmosphere, the celebration ended.
Suk and the others returned to their own half, still smiling.
Although they had no chance of promotion this season, they gave the champions a surprise loss in the final game and vented their anger.
When the game restarted, Suk's movement became even more agile.
He no longer insisted on pushing forward but constantly dropped back to support.
Sometimes he cooperated with Mlinar, and sometimes he passed to the wings.
If there was an opportunity, Suk didn't mind dribbling past players — but it wasn't easy. Unnovic had started using his body to limit Suk.
This restriction escalated to the point of hugging Suk.
Unnovic released the little bean sprout from his arms, a hint of frustration and embarrassment on his face.
With such an ugly defensive move, he was prepared to receive a card.
The referee's gaze was becoming increasingly dangerous.
Although the Bosnian league is very rough, it is still based on football rules.
Hugging is not allowed.
But if he didn't do this, he really had no way to limit Suk.
The agile guy was constantly twisting and turning like a monkey, and every move exceeded expectations.
The pressure on Unnovic was immense.
Before the game, Unnovic had talked trash, but if he had known it would turn out like this, he would have kept his mouth shut.
Soon, Leotar launched a counterattack.
Their tactics were simple:
"Long shots! Their goalkeeper is prone to fumbling! Strikers, get ready for rebounds!"
The tactic was shouted directly, with no attempt to hide it.
For those who understood Mostar Wanderers, this was the easiest way to beat them.
"Damn it!"
Goalkeeper Bakic instantly felt alarmed.
He tightened his brand-new gloves — the new gloves had excellent grip and could reduce fumbling.
Of course, hand shape was key, but that wasn't something he could change.
Bang!!
Leotar's number 10, Kaspero, took a long shot.
Kaspero was their core player — wearing the number 10 meant he was highly skilled.
The moment the ball rocketed toward the goal, Bakic dived to save it, stretching out fully in the air.
His hands touched the ball — the huge force almost caused him to fumble — but this time, he managed to hold on.
Landing on his side, he clutched the ball tightly.
After the opposing striker gave up, Bakic stood up and roared:
"Who do you think you're looking down on?!"
Suk raised his hands and shouted, "Awesome!"
The others were greatly encouraged.
When Butterfingers Bakic was no longer fumbling, what reason did they have to lose?
Next, Mostar Wanderers' attack surged forward again.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Time passed quickly, and the match grew more tense.
With only a one-goal lead, Leotar desperately sought an equalizer, while Mostar Wanderers wanted to extend their lead.
In the second half, the tactics of both sides remained unchanged, attacking each other's defense at full force.
But Mostar Wanderers clearly had the upper hand — thanks to Suk's tireless movement in the front.
His short passes, support play, forward runs, and occasional volleys put huge pressure on the opponent.
Even Mlinar performed better, relieved of much of the pressure.
As the match approached the 80th minute, Mlinar noticed that the opposing defense had retreated far.
Suk was stuck on the defensive line.
There was almost no one pressuring Mlinar.
The goalkeeper's position also wasn't tight.
Mlinar seized the opportunity — swinging his right foot for a long shot.
The shot was powerful and headed straight for Suk.
Suk watched the ball flying toward him and hurriedly dodged:
"Damn it!"
He desperately twisted his waist, but the ball still brushed past him, causing a slight deflection.
This slight touch confused the goalkeeper, and the ball slipped through his legs into the net!
Mostar Wanderers scored again!
"Oh!! Super worldie!!!"
Oripek raised his hands and cheered loudly.
This goal almost killed off the game.
Even better, Mostar Wanderers had still not conceded a goal.
For a team that usually conceded at least once per match, keeping a clean sheet — especially against the champions — was a major achievement.
"Awesome, boss!"
"Well done!"
The players rushed toward Mlinar to celebrate.
Suk arrived a little late, his round face full of tangled emotions:
Should that goal be credited to me? Should it?
Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa!
Applause echoed through the stadium, and the crowd cheered endlessly.
"Great goal, Mlinar!"
"Suk! Great performance!"
"Bakic is solid now — we have no reason to lose!"
The audience was ecstatic.
Defeating the champions in the final match and winning beautifully — they were very satisfied.
The applause continued until the end of the game.
Thus, the 2001/2002 Bosnian Second League season ended.
Mostar Wanderers finished in third place.
However, with 14 goals, Suk won the Top Scorer award!
It was a simple silver boot trophy — a rough-looking one at that — but Suk happily took it and posed for photos.
This was his first trophy.
Even though it was an individual award, it was a great start.
"Congratulations!"
Modric walked over.
He looked at the embarrassed Suk and offered sincere blessings.
In this match, Modric had witnessed Suk's efforts — tirelessly running, creating passing options, and helping Mostar Wanderers win.
Suk truly deserved the trophy.
"Haha! Come! Let's take a group photo together!"
Suk grabbed Modric and called Oripek to take a photo of them.
Standing together, the height difference between Suk and Modric was noticeable.
Modric wore a hooded jacket, his hands hanging down, looking shy.
Meanwhile, Suk beamed proudly, holding the trophy.
Click!
The picture froze — later known as the Friendship of the Century.
"Where's Suk?"
Mlinar walked over.
Modric looked around, confused:
"He was just here."
Mlinar shook his head:
"He probably went to the toilet. There's a party tonight. Are you coming?"
Modric immediately shook his head.
He didn't like crowded parties.
"Alright!"
Mlinar didn't insist and left.
Meanwhile, behind a hidden small hill, Suk bowed toward the empty air:
"May all the gods bless me!"
He opened the attribute panel:
[Name: Suk]
[Height: 151 cm]
[Weight: 48 kg]
[Speed: 71]
[Agility: 80]
[Strength: 60]
[Explosiveness: 77]
Suk: "!!!!!——"
Seeing the numbers, Suk could barely contain his excitement.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again.
Confirmed — height: 151 cm!
He had grown!
He remembered he was 149 cm before — although he told people he was 150 cm out of pride — but now, he had truly grown 2 cm!
Tears welled up.
He was finally developing!
Good news right after opening the panel — today's luck must be amazing!
After calming down, he switched to the personal panel.
Six cards were slotted into his body structure:
[Diamond Card (Special) — Inzaghi's Consciousness]
[Red Card (Skill) — Toliste's Short Pass]
[White Card (Skill) — Tony's Interception]
[Red Card (Special) — Status Recovery Card]
[White Card (Skill) — Roberts' Dribbling]
[White Card (Skill) — Leisten's Shooting]
Compared to the previous meager three cards, after a season of hard work, Suk not only obtained another red card but also filled all card slots.
Although the quality still wasn't perfect, he now had the ability to compete at the Bosnian Super League level — at least in some aspects, excluding his physical limitations.
He had always slotted the Status Recovery Card for emergencies.
In the future, he would reserve a card slot specifically for this type.
After all, after each card change, there was a 45-minute cooldown — just enough to switch at halftime.
This would allow Suk to show different technical styles depending on the coach's needs in the first and second halves.
After checking the inventory, it was finally time for the most exciting moment:
The game card draw and the season reward card draw!
The former was decent, but the latter was the real highlight.
Based on past experience, season rewards were always rich.
Last time he got an attribute card — maybe this time too?