Van Persie's Grudge

July 5, Salvador, Brazil.

In the Southern Hemisphere's midsummer, the blazing sun hung high overhead, its searing white light blanketing the entire coastal city.

The sea breeze carried humid heat as it swept over the newly erected Arena Fonte Nova.

This modern stadium, capable of seating more than fifty-two thousand spectators, boasted a distinctive and unique design.

One side of its open stands bordered the city's inner lake, where the shimmer of the water complemented the green of the pitch.

Its lightweight metal roof reflected a cold gleam beneath the sunlight, grand and strikingly beautiful.

Recognized as a goal-scoring haven in this World Cup, it had witnessed countless goal feasts.

The match in which the Netherlands crushed Spain 5–0 had taken place here.

At 4:00 p.m. local time, the quarterfinals of the 2014 Brazil World Cup were set to officially begin.

England, the undefeated rulers of the Group of Death, would face the uncrowned kings, the Netherlands.

The winner would advance to the semifinals, while the loser would be eliminated on the spot.

There were still three hours until kickoff.

The pre-match press conference hall at Arena Fonte Nova was already packed to capacity.

Sports reporters from around the world had gathered here, their cameras and equipment all in position.

The click of shutters continued without pause, and the air was thick with the tension and anxiety of the coming battle.

Following the World Cup's pre-match procedure, Netherlands Head Coach Louis van Gaal took the stage first.

The silver-haired Louis van Gaal wore a simple formal suit, standing tall with the calm, seasoned presence of a veteran.

As a top manager renowned throughout the Football World for many years, his coaching experience was extraordinarily extensive.

Facing the cameras and the gazes of countless reporters, he remained composed, without the slightest