World Cup Qualifiers, final round, matchday six.
China vs. Syria.
Win, and qualify early for the Russia World Cup.
It was that simple.
No calculating points, no depending on anyone else, no praying for results in other matches.
Win, and they were off to Russia.
For Chinese fans, nothing could have been happier.
Matchday.
Red was the dominant color throughout the city.
On the streets, in shopping malls, and in subway carriages, people wearing China National Football Team jerseys were everywhere.
Outside the stadium.
A sea of people.
Waves of red surged in from every direction, converging at the entrances before slowly flowing into the stands.
Some carried red flags, some had five stars painted on their faces, and some held homemade banners that read: Li Luo, take me to Russia!!!
Everyone wore a smile.
Relaxed, confident smiles.
Their opponents were Syria, an unremarkable side battered by war.
Victory was assured.
The only question was: how many would they win by?
Helong Sports Center.
The Referee Team led both teams out of the tunnel, and wave after wave of cheers erupted from the stands.
Before long, some fans noticed something was wrong.
"Where's Li Luo?"
"Why can't I see Li Luo?"
"No way. He's on the bench?"
After a brief moment of confusion, relaxed laughter soon rang out again in the stands.
"Come on, it's Syria. We can handle them without Li Luo."
"Let Li Luo rest. This season's been exhausting. He broke the world record for appearances in a single football season."
"We'll finish them off in the first half. Li Luo can come on for ten minutes in the second to get a feel for the ball."
"It's only Syria. Our Super Platinum Generation will walk all over them."
"Even sitting on the bench, Li Luo's