The Ball Behind the Love of the Court
107. Don't bow down

They all fuss with the state of this field and do not want to accept it. It is a very bad pitch, but there is no option to move and have to keep training here.

"But Key this field is too bad"

"Yes Key, we can play not wear shoes just so as not to be muddled" They are right, but there is nothing wrong we enjoy with giving thanks. Then run the task well and sincerely every second.

"You're right, but at least we're grateful for all of this" I'm trying to get them to accept this.

"Yes the key, but the role is there is no brain anyway" They just keep babbling when the exercise has begun.

"Remember, you're not here for the holidays but to compete for the good name of a village that can be famous outside the city" They tried to absorb what I said. One by one they understood what I was saying.

This time they are enjoying the game. No one cares about dirty shoes, dirty clothes and the most important thing is to practice well and earnestly.

"Come, let's get excited" Shouted Coach Jaka to all of us.

Me and my friends increased stamina to train. Who initially laze because of the field conditions, now more enthusiasm to explore the field.

"Kick" Good kick practice, we train calmly and happily. Kicking the ball with high focus, if it falls because of a slip it will make everyone laugh.

There is no more moodyness with this exercise. They even assume that they are playing in the rice fields as in ancient times in the villages he said.

*prit* training has finished, we gathered in front of the coach in dirty clothes and shoes. Even our faces are also dirty because they tried all the training tricks given.

"We have enough training today, hopefully tomorrow we will be given some fluency for training and the first game the next day. Praying begins" Subjecting your head with each other's beliefs.

"Look, your face is like a goat traveling in a field" Ejek Ani told me.

"And your face is like a jug decoration, it's still not dried"

"Haha"

*plak*

"Key" Ani shouted as I threw her in the mud. As well as the others, they had fun on this day using mud.

After we finished, we rushed to the dressing room to rid ourselves of the mud dirt. To get on the bus is not dirty. A few minutes later we all got on the bus and rushed back to the inn.

"Look at my face, is it clean? "

"Ani, you are the most beautiful" I replied with a smile on her. And as usual singing and having fun on the bus is one of the encouragement so as not to stress.

Excellent trip, and pretty good training. Although such a field we receive, at least the skills in each of us can make us brave and rise without fear.

"Aaaa, so tired" Just getting to the room, Ira threw herself on the floor to enjoy the coldness of the floor.

"Yes Ira, let alone the field like rice fields" Ani continued. And they were both on the bed.

"Yes the rice field, and we're the plow"

"Hahahhahah" Liquid returned the atmosphere of the room with my words.

We took turns to shower and clean ourselves. Washing my own clothes is my food. So my hands are friendly with soap foam and wash clothes brush.

"Ohhhh, my hands are all abrasive" complained from Ira's heart that felt very difficult to wash his own clothes. Likewise with Ani who complained because they were both used to washing clothes with a washing machine in her home.

"Remember, you guys have to practice independently. And later in the national team also learn independently away from parents" Sahut ku with the noise of the two of them who are not finished-completed.

"Yes the key, but.... " It's not over yet Ani spoke, I directly pressed my index finger to her lips.

"Don't complain, just enjoy the process. Yuk dinner preparation" Finally they were silent even in his heart a lot of complaints. The three of us went out of the room to have dinner in the room we had.

The dinner was not as beautiful as we had imagined. There are still those who complain with a simple dining room and mediocre dishes. It could even be said that it's better my mother's rice wrap.

"Ihhh, what a side dish is this anyway. Why is it like this" I just shook my head and listened to those who continued to rummage unclearly.

Let them blabber continuously, and I eat with fullness. Actually, this situation does not matter that important to me there is rice and side dishes for hungry cultivators. Bad place and dish problems let everything happen as long as it can be filling.

I know why they keep complaining about everything they've got. Perhaps most of them are children of people who are capable or arguably spoiled children. Not used to simplicity.

"Coach permit, I'm done eating. Next I want to go worship first" all staring in wonder at me.

Because my food is finished first. There is not a single rice left on the plate, while they are still reluctant to enjoy the food that has been provided.

"Key"

"Fastly" a question with a sense of wonder was asked to me who had moved. I just smiled looking at them.

"Oke key, you worship and then rest. Remember not too late" coach Jaka's instructions to all of them.

"Good coach" I rushed to the mushalla to pray.

"And for you please eat the food that has been provided. Just look at one of your colleagues who spent it without saying much" coach Jaka said in the dining room. I smiled at those who continued to whine like babies.

"Basic, when the food is good too, although not meat anyway" muttered I who was still peeking while shaking my head. And in the end they ate spent that and on each plate without remaining, even then by force.

"O Allah, what the servant gets is blessing. And what you give is grace and grace that keeps flowing. Sorry if I am less grateful for your favors, Rabbi" the place to complain the most is to the creator after the prayer is completed.

Suddenly I remembered my mother and the family at home. I usually eat with them. This time I ate with friends. But it's okay because they're my second family in the field after mom's.

This time I want to call my mom. Arriving at the room I saw the two of them lying on the bed. Playing mobile phone with a smile of their own. I don't know what they're doing, as if every typing makes their hearts happy.

"Not key, just relax because the time is still long" said Ira casually.

"Yes key, the time is long anyway" they both answered almost the same. His eyes also stared focused on the screen of the phone they were holding while lying down.

"If you can pray first so that your hearts are calm" I advise them.

"Yes key, we will not forget to pray" he replied casually. I fell silent and put down my prayer equipment and tried to teach for a while. After that, sit down and look at the phone.

As much as possible every day to send a message to mom so as not to worry about my situation here. Then send a message to my two best friends. A day did not meet as quiet as my ears with Yuri's soft chatter and Ari's eyes that focus on books.

I am very happy to send messages to my brothers and my two best friends. Because mom and dad can't hold a cell phone to send messages. They both can only call.

While the message with my two best friends always talk about things that are not important, and the ends up also to the lesson. Because Ari is one of the culprits who reminds that tomorrow there is a task and others. But that's what I miss when I'm with them.

"Hmm, when it's still a day has been felt just a year. Kangen mom, dad, mbak Nike and mbak Yeni. Even kangen is also the same as the two culprits Ari and Yuri" muttered I spoke alone while staring at the cellphone.

It turns out that Ira and Ani from earlier were sending messages to each of her lovers. Then they called both of their parents. The two of them told about the misery over the facilities that were here.

Even they whine to be looked at by his family or even his family must be obliged to come to watch the game that will be played in 1 day. I who was below could only be silent and then try to close my eyes and relieve fatigue.

"Not once they, one request will be granted immediately. Ahh come, I am not a rich man" I murmured inwardly.

I didn't want to think too much or force my mother and family to come watch me. Enough support and prayer from them accompanied my every step so that the bus would get the victory and be taken home and the pride that was there.

The match has arrived. We all gathered in the dressing room with pride. Pray together while embracing each other to build a very familiar family. And pray for victory while exploring the current green field.

"Bismillah" I said in my heart as we walked to enter the field of play. Excellent field for us to use. The atmosphere is very beautiful and the audience also watched a lot.

It was a good game because we were really playing in a big stadium. There was seating for the spectators and it was even better than the tarkam matches that were still at the bottom level.

"We have to play calm and relaxed. You should enjoy this game too. Spirit" said Rani the captain as we entered the pitch and prayed with the team. Next each player occupies each of their positions.

I did a little warm-up before the long whistle of the early signs began to ring. I also have to enjoy it to play well. Moreover, the atmosphere is beautiful and lively. I hope one day my mom and dad come and watch me.

*prittt*long whistle sounded. We played with calm and concentration in passing from one foot to the other. Play tricks that have been informed by coach Jaka well and calmly.

At first our game was very good but in the middle of the game there was something wrong in the front line. It seems like their concentration is lost which makes them keep losing the ball. Me, Ita and Yuki have to work hard.

"Heyyy focus look at the ball do not be dumb" Shouted the coach from the side of the field make friends increasingly increase focus.

The three of us became defensive walls at the back that had to keep focused to prevent the ball from getting into the back defence. Several times I took the ball from an opposing player and passed it forward.

Not long ago I gave a pass, the ball back to the feet of the opponent who kept them cool to attack to penetrate our defense. Fortunately, we were able to balance it.

The moment in the final minutes was very unfortunate because Yuki who was in the right-back position made a mistake with a mistargeted pass making them pass into the white point.

"Ahh, Yuki" I was upset when I saw the ball escape from Yuki's defense.

I ran as hard as I could and reached for the ball as much as I could. They run fast but I have to be firmer to hold them.

*bluk*excellent kick to goal. The goalkeeper could not hold the kick. But my head is still active to hold it right towards the left of the goal. A good header only results in a corner kick for them.

The very critical minutes meant we had to stay alert and concentrate. Whatever the risk we have to bear as long as the ball does not enter the goal.

"Ta, Ita hold it" Shouted at Ita who was careless to hold the opposing player. While I focus in front of the goal to hold and disrupt their concentration to receive a corner pass.

*bluk*directed kick on target.

"Gollll" a very lively shout from the supporters. Yuki passed a player without control who made a goal with his header. Goals in the final round are inevitable. Our team is 1-0 down.

*Prittt*the final whistle has sounded and we are all bowed in lethargy.

Then I remember what my grandfather said last night that came back to my dream. He said don't bow your head when you lose. Because being down is a bad thing. So lift up your face, rise up and show the hidden truth.

Maybe grandfather gave me a hint that in the first half the team would lose. That's why he told me to raise my face and don't look down.