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As the World Cup approached, football fever gradually rose in countries around the globe, even in America, a football desert.
Football, which was rarely seen in the past, could now occasionally be seen being played, after all, America had also qualified.
However, it was still just a spark; it was far from spreading like wildfire. Twenty years had passed, and it hadn't caught on, becoming a retirement home for major football stars.
But the term 'retirement home' didn't seem quite right, because many football stars, even when close to retirement, could still provide 'technical assistance' in the American professional league.
It wasn't until 2023, with the arrival of that 'golden miner' old man, that the 'technical assistance' trend reached its peak.
Although the public wasn't very interested in playing football, the major betting companies had already opened their books.
Among the 32 teams that qualified this year, some were traditional powerhouses, such as Argentina, France, and Italy. France was even the defending World Cup champion and also won the 2000 European Championship; they were clearly aiming to defend their title.
There were also relatively weaker teams, such as Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Senegal, China, and Nigeria.
The odds for strong teams were naturally lower. For example, the hot favorite France had odds of 5:1 to win the championship, and Italy was 6:1.
The odds for weaker teams were exaggerated. America's odds to win the championship were 166:1, Tunisia 300:1, Saudi Arabia 500:1, and China also 500:1.
In other words, if you bet on China to win the championship, and China actually won, you could multiply your money by 500 times in a month. 1 million would immediately become 500 million. How many businesses in the world could make money like this?
But this kind of play also had a problem: the process was too long, taking a full month to see the results.
And if the betting company discovered any irregularities and resorted to underhanded tactics, there would be nowhere to cry.
That's why Eric sent Judy and the other three to major betting countries abroad. You can't shear just one sheep; separating the eggs into different baskets can mitigate risk to a greater extent.
May 31st, the day the World Cup began. According to the schedule, the opening match was France vs. Senegal.
Eric looked at the blue screen in front of him. The crude webpage made him a little uncomfortable. Having been accustomed to the internet of later generations, things from twenty years ago were indeed a bit hard to look at.
Currently, Eric was still using a bulky desktop computer. It wasn't that he didn't have a laptop, but the configuration of laptops in this era wasn't good, so a desktop was better for home use.
"When I have money, maybe I can invest in the internet, buying a few stable and profitable stocks as long-term investments wouldn't be bad."
Although the internet was not yet developed at the turn of the century, online gambling had already emerged, but there were many problems and great hidden dangers within it.
For example, many websites were phishing sites, harboring various Trojan programs, and people in this era had little awareness of prevention, so quite a few fell victim.
Therefore, compared to the internet, phone betting was a more reliable method.
After confirming that the schedule hadn't changed, Eric felt relieved and opened MSN, which was still the most popular online communication tool globally.
Even in China, 2002 was the era of MSN; QQ had not yet risen.
Eric's fingers rapidly tapped on the keyboard: "For today's opening match, distribute the bets to various companies, all at the maximum limit, betting on Senegal to win."
Since he was going to play, it was naturally a short, fast, all-in gamble, high risk, high reward.
If he won, it would prove that the world's trajectory had not changed. If he lost, it would indicate that the future had already changed.
Then, let alone football, even many originally blockbuster movies might lose their shirts.
Given that, Eric saw no need to struggle. He would obediently follow his father's arrangements; being a second-generation star wouldn't be bad either.
Warren sent a terrified emoji: "Senegal? Are you crazy? That's an African team. I checked, and they're entering the World Cup for the first time."
Billy: "The total value of the entire Senegal team isn't even worth one French star's leg. Brother, this is 10 million US dollars, don't be impulsive!"
Eric: "Listen to me. The odds for France are 1:2, and for Senegal, they are 1:19. Don't forget that famous saying: 'Bet against the football, and a villa by the sea awaits!'"
Bordeaux: "Is this your money-making strategy?"
Judy: "Hahahaha, the girls in Brazil are simply too passionate! I've already placed my bets. See you in two hours."
At dinner time, Eric had no appetite. He sat on the sofa with a bottle of beer, waiting for the match to begin.
something goes wrong, I'll let you do as you please: take acting classes, learn basic knowledge—in short, follow your arrangements."
Harry Cooper laughed heartily: "Don't worry, Eric. Once you enter this circle, you'll love it. It's far more interesting than the financial industry."
It's likely that even if you killed Harry Cooper, he wouldn't have thought his son was trying to get rich through gambling on football. After all, he was a top finance student; how could he not understand the inside workings?
Now Harry Cooper was just waiting to reel in the net, and even the bad mood caused by the poor performance of windtalkers had been diluted quite a bit.
On the screen, as the French team and the Senegal team entered the field, the match officially began.
At the same time, countless people were also watching this match. The French team could be said to be full of stars, receiving a thunderous welcome as soon as they appeared.
Henry was the Premier League Golden Boot, Trezeguet was the Serie A Golden Boot, Cissé was the Ligue 1 Golden Boot, and there was also the national treasure Zidane. The incredibly strong French team was favored by all media and fans; beating Senegal was simply a piece of cake.
But then many people discovered that Zidane was not playing, nor was Pirès. Losing their engine, the French team's midfield instantly became weak.
Although they still held the advantage, repeatedly attacking Senegal's goal, several highly threatening shots all hit the goalposts.
Messages on MSN were flashing wildly.
Warren: "My God, FUCK! Those damn Frenchmen are at it again! Who's that bald guy?"
Bordeaux: "Defend quickly! Get back and defend! Are these dark-skinned guys all idiots? Still not defending?"
Billy: "Shit! Senegal, charge! Overthrow these French colonizers! Don't forget your history, kick hard!"
Even Judy started talking nonsense: "FUCK! That guy with the braids is going to shoot again! My eyes! It's the post, thank God!"
Bordeaux: "Can't that goalkeeper see? The goalpost is more useful than him. Don't his two legs move?"
The four of them were unusually excited, thanking one moment, cursing the next, wishing they could go up and kick themselves, even though they didn't even understand the rules, and didn't recognize a single player.
Only Eric remained silent, for he was more excited than anyone else, speechless.
On the screen, as Djorkaeff made a passing error, Senegal's core player Diouf suddenly broke through quickly and intercepted the ball, then sprinted forward with all his might.
The aging French defense could not withstand the impact. Diouf passed the ball, and Diop, who had already moved into position, took a powerful shot. That small ball, both loved and hated, fiercely rushed into the net. Senegal scored!
200 million US dollars in hand!