First: He chose a fictional ground, "Stadio Orione." A cauldron. He tweaked the pitch pattern: perfect green, no lines. The shadows? Long, angled for a 3:00 PM kick-off. Not the sterile noon of the Premier League, but the golden, heavy-houred light of a South American qualifier. He set the net shape to "Box" and the tightness to "Loose," so the ball would billow the net like a sail catching wind.
Full time.
He navigated the menu, the familiar acoustic guitar riff of the soundtrack—"We Are One" by Flo Rida playing low—a comfort blanket. He bypassed "Exhibition Match," "Champions League," and "Become a Legend." His cursor landed on setting pes 2013
For most, it was a novelty. For Alex, it was a ritual. First: He chose a fictional ground, "Stadio Orione
The loading screen gave way to the pre-match cinematic. The players walked out. The crowd noise was a roar, slightly tinny through the TV speakers, but perfect. Alex leaned forward, elbows on knees. Long, angled for a 3:00 PM kick-off