Football: King of Penalty Area
Ch. 12 - Training Match

“Match will only last for 45 minutes. Now go to your respective positions.” Timo ordered the juniors to prepare.

After both teams prepare in their respective places a live practice match begins with the kick-off of the Black Team.

Raynaldi immediately passed the ball back after receiving kick-off from Sebastian Huber. The ball was received by Ronald Bauer, and the Black Team began to negotiate an attack with short passes to master the rhythm of the game.

In the 15th minute of the game, Joshua received a pass from Jan Peters and broke through the Red Team defense with a combination of dribble and speed. With a simple gesture Joshua managed to fool Emery Becker and Tom Huth, then release a pass into the penalty box.

Sebastian Huber who was preparing in the penalty box welcomed Joshua's cross and headed the ball towards the goal. Mark who saw Sebastian's header immediately guessed the direction of the ball and brushed it aside. As Mark felt he had managed to keep his goal, he saw Raynaldi with a black vest suddenly appear in front of the ball and kick it into the net.

“How can he be there?” The Red Team players were surprised by Raynaldi's sudden move.

Timo and Tony watching the game from off the pitch could see the whole goal process very clearly, which amazed them with the calmness and decision Raynaldi took in this attack.

“This boy, not chasing the first ball when he saw Basti would get the ball, but chose to find an empty spot and prepare to take the second point. And this goal shows that the decision is very appropriate.” Timo did not hesitate to praise Raynaldi.

“Yes, this kid is indeed something. He took the decision firmly and executed it perfectly.” Tony also praised Raynadi's decision.

“Come, get back to the game immediately, forget this goal, they are just lucky.” Alex cheers his team members, however no youngster likes to lose.

The game was resumed with the kick-off of the Red Team. Both teams try to control each other's rhythm of play, and the ball continues to spin in the midfield of the game.

In the 35th minute of the game, Gabriel Walter prevented Victor Ogbona's pass and sent a long pass into the side of the field of play. Herman Fuchs saw Gabriel's hull pass and ran between the two unprepared Black Team centre-backs, with a touch of Herman controlling the ball then kicking it towards the right corner of the net hard.

Miroslave Heynckes tried to reach the ball but only managed to touch the ball with his fingertips. ‘bang’ the ball hit the inside of the goal post and immediately shot in, the Red Team equalized.

Timo who was looking from the sidelines only shook his head now. “It looks like Jan and Ricky should be more focused in the game, they are softest back a few seconds which makes Herman can take advantage of the opportunity to score at his speed.”

“Perhaps because the Black Team is attacking and mastering the game makes them interested more forward which makes this goal created.” Tony has commented.

“Well, in this case it looks like Alex and Matija are still better. They are still ready in his position when goals occur, it's just that Raynaldi often appears in the penalty box like a ghost who makes this goal appear.” Timo sounded the whistle.

In the 45th minute, Raynaldi managed to escape the offside trap and received a hull pass from Victor. Raynaldi ran across and controlled the ball with one touch, Alex who saw Raynaldi free to chase him from behind and pull his vest.

Raynaldi calmly pulled the ball calmly pulling the ball back while stretching out his hands to keep his body balanced. As Alex ran forward and turned around, Raynaldi pulled out a Pull Back V and ran towards the goal after outwitting Alex and entering the box.

Mark went forward to close the corner of Raynaldi's shot. Raynaldi controls the ball and kicks into the far corner of the goal. Mark stretched out his hand and managed to brush Raynaldi's shot to the outer left side of the goal.

Raynaldi, who saw the ball succeeding on the edge, approached Mark and pulled him to his feet. “It looks like this time you managed to hold it. Hey, I should have finished with a spoon shot.”

“Do not think you can fool me repeatedly with the same gesture.” After playing against Raynaldi for more than a month, Mark also understands Raynaldi's outstanding finishing ability. So the rescue just now was just a reflex to shut down as many of Raynaldi's firing rooms as possible.

“Only my feeling or indeed the ball control and footwork of Raynaldi is much smoother than when he joined?” Timo, who saw Raynaldi dribble, was still surprised by his development.

“The movement is indeed smoother, although there are no fancy moves but everything is very concise and effective to outwit defenders.” Tony is commenting.

“Indeed, but Mark is also amazing, if another goalkeeper who faced the attack earlier will definitely produce a goal.” Timo praised Mark.

“True. Now this training match is over.” With a long whistle, the training match was over and the players gathered beside the field.

Timo saw the players coming together and started to explain the shortcomings of the players. “OK, you have shown your best in this match, but for Jan and Ricky I hope you can understand more about taking your defensive positions, because Herman's goal was strongly linked to your defensive position error both of you.”

“Good, Sir.” Jan and Ricky responded with a bow.

“But overall the appearance of both of you is still quite good.” Timo.

Timo looked towards Raynaldi and Mark. “Then, for the best players from both teams, I felt Raynaldi from the Black Team and Mark from the Red Team put in the best performance of the game. On the one hand the ability to run without the ball belongs to Raynaldi is very good and Mark's ability to close the shooting position of the attackers is also extraordinary.”

“Overall your performances have been better than a month ago and also your physical condition has returned to the level of professional players in training this month. So be happy because there is nothing I will send to Team U-15 as punishment.” Timo's last words made the players sigh in relief.

“I will send a list of the members of the Junior Team who will follow the youth league tomorrow, and also according to the existing schedule, as well, we will have two games each week before the new education semester starts in September. So we will play nine games in two months July and August. I hope you guys can keep your condition as good as possible in these two months.” Timo disbanded the players after making the final announcement.