THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Dangerous Substitute I

"Zachary and John, I especially want you to do two things after you're on the pitch" coach Johansen said, staring at them intently. They just finished dressing up after the warm-up. They were already wearing full black Rosenborg away jerseys, ready to enter the field.

"Number one: You both have to try to connect with your other teammates so that our football can flow again" the coach continued. "That means you have to be involved in building and playing a lot of one-twos with the centre-forward and other midfielders to create scoring opportunities." He raised his voice slightly to make himself heard above the cheers of Aalesund's fans.

“In particular you, Zachary; I want to see creativity in the final third when we press the opponent. Make sure you keep the football flowing in the attacking midfield. Use quick but precise passes to break up their diamond-shaped midfield.everything, Zachary, and let's start by dominating that midfield. Are we together?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary replied as he stretched his arms. He made use of every minute before entering the match to warm up his body in the right way. That will minimize the risk of injury on the field.

"John," said the coach, switched to a substitute striker from Nigeria. “Try running behind their defensive line whenever you get a chance. I'm sure Zachary will always try to release you as quickly as possible whenever you show any intention to run. When you receive the ball in the final third of the field, join the other attackers, and do your best to keep their defenses agitated. Are we together, John?"

"Yes, coach," replied John Chibuike.

"Task number two" said the coach after glancing at the process on the pitch. "I want you two to try to shoot at the goal every time you get the chance. Zachary, if you see his line guard from 20 yards, let go of that hard shot of yours. John, the same goes for you. Try to test the goalie as much and as possible by putting in a lot of effort. That's the only way to get a chance to score and start our comeback. Are we clear?"

"Yes, coach."

"Zachary" continued Coach Johansen, putting an arm over his shoulder. "When you're on the field, tell Mikael to play with a high line immediately. Also, let him know that he can start moving forward along the wing to help John during our attack. Make sure you tell him I expect a good cross from him into the box. Okay?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary replied.

Coach Johansen nodded. "A question?" He turned his gaze for a moment to Zachary and Chibuike.

"No, coach."

"No, coach. Everything is clear."

"OK, then," Coach Johansen said as he nodded. "Please and follow the game. I wish you luck, and hopefully we win the game. Make sure you do your best." He slapped both of their backs before pushing them towards the fourth official, who was already on the sidelines, waiting to make a substitution.

*FREEEE*

Zachary replaces Mike Jensen, a defensive midfielder who was already shown a yellow card. In contrast, John Chibuike replaced Tobias Mikkelsen, a left winger who has not been at his maximum since the start of the game.

Zachary first ran to Mikael Dorsin and whispered the coach's message in his ear before taking his place in right midfield, close to the midfield line. Jonas Svensson, the player who previously occupied the position, retreated a few yards and took his place in defensive midfield. John Chibuike, on the other hand, settled on the left wing. In just a few seconds, Rosenborg had adjusted their formation to a 4-1-2-3 wide formation with the addition of two substitutes.

Zachary took a quick glance around the field as he waited for the throw-in. He saw the players Aalesunds FK still lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. He was not surprised, considering they had used the setting since the start of the match. They didn't even make substitutions or adjust their game plan because they were two goals ahead.

Since Zachary had been watching the match from the sidelines, he had not spent much time analyzing the positions of the players. He did so while still on the bench and could easily create a mental map of his teammates and opponents in his mind. So, without any worry and with a calm mind, he again focused his attention on Hugh Wembangomo, his compatriot from Kinshasha, who was about to throw in for Aalesunds FK.

*FREEEE*

The referee blew the whistle. Hugh Wembangomo, FK Aalesund's right-back, threw the ball along the line, trying to find Fredrik Ulvesstad, the right midfielder. The latter ran along the line, trying to connect with him, but it was all in vain. Mikael Dorsin, Rosenborg's left-back, beat him. He slid and knocked the ball out of the game with his left foot outstretched.

The linesman raised his flag, gesturing for another throw into Aalesund. However, the man in orange and blue clothes was in no hurry to pick it up. They make sure to waste a little time before restarting the game once again.

Zachary knew they were starting to set the game to run all the time as it was already the 64th minute. They hope to slow down the tempo and prevent Rosenborg from gaining momentum and scoring.

However, none of Rosenborg's players will support him. After Hugh Wembangomo made his second inward throw, Mikael Dorsin went straight into action. He outscored Fredrik Uvestad, Aalesunds number 23, and headed the ball into the defensive midfield where Jonas Svensson waited.

Jonas Svensson, Rosenborg's defensive midfielder, reacted immediately and connected the ball, directing it to the right wing with a deft second touch.

Cristian Gamboa, a right-back, received it near the touchline on the right wing with a simple but skilful first touch. Without a pause, he then began to run towards half of Aalesund. He was a fairly quick player and made it past Fredrik Carlsen, Aalesunds' left-back midfielder, before continuing to the other side of the pitch.