THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Against Sarpsborg-08 II

Coach Johansen felt his heart pounding as he watched the action in the Sarpsborg-08 round. Tobias Mikkelsen, the substitute right forward, had just cut into the field from the wing before delivering a breakthrough pass to Nicki Nielsen, number 9 Rosenborg, just outside the box.

Nicki managed to make the most of a beautiful breakthrough pass, passing centre-back Sarpsborg-08, and immediately getting into the box. But as he lifted his foot to shoot, another centre-back came gliding to win the ball and make it fall to the ground. The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.

"Yes, yeah ..." Coach Johansen yelled and celebrated like a child after exhaling. His team's performance declined during the second half, and he was restless.

He was under immense pressure throughout the second half to the point that he would call on Zachary's services once again. But as his team would widen the lead again, he was finally able to relax.

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Zachary continued the match from the bench inside the home team's technical area. He watched Nicki Nielsen corner the ball before shooting and hitting the goalkeeper from the penalty spot. Number 9 Rosenborg was on fire and managed to score a hat-trick for the day.

Zachary is happy for him because he is one of the players close to him in the squad. But on the other hand, he felt a little disappointed because he could not get into action.

Losing the game means he is one step closer to failing to realize one of the Tippeligaen system's mission milestones. He had to play 21 of 30 league games to reach the first milestone of the serial challenge. But he had already missed seven and only two left to fail that part of the mission. So, he felt conflicted inside.

Nevertheless, he did not show any displeasure on his face. Back then, he was happy for his team to win and keep the hopes of the trophy alive. So, with a gentle smile on his face, he continued to watch the match until it ended with Rosenborg still leading with four goals to two.

After the game, he immediately left the field, intending to return to the dressing room for a quick shower and then return home. But on the way, he runs into Olav Brusveen, a TV2-Sporten reporter, while about to enter the tunnel. He, along with his camera crew, seemed to be waiting and ready to interview some of the field players.

But Zachary was puzzled as to why Olav intercepted his way back to the dressing room as he had not even played a single minute of the match just finished. Instead, the reporter should have been a long time on his way to the designated area for the press to interview Nicki Nielsen, the man from the recently completed match.

"Good night, Zachary," said the reporter, reaching out to him. "How was your night?" He added, gesturing for his camera crew to start recording or get close, whatever the case may be. Zachary could not confirm what was implied by the media's hand signals.

"Good night to you too, Olav," Zachary replied with a smile and grabbed her hand. "Tonight is as comfortable as possible. What can I help you with?" He was a little wary in front of reporters after seeing the edited video he posted on his social media page.

"Do you have any comments about today's game?" The reporter checked, lifting the microphone towards Zachary.

"We won the game" Zachary said with a smile. "The team played well, and we managed to win by four goals to two. We got three more points and a step closer to the top of the table. So, I'm pretty excited."

"Of course, I'm in a jolly mood" replied Zachary, half-smiling. "It's always about the team. As long as we keep winning, I will be able to overcome the waves and win the double title. It's good for the team and me. So why am I unhappy?" He added that he hoped reporters would end the interview soon.

"Have you noticed that Rosenborg tends to underperform and concede a lot of goals early in the second half?" Olav asked.

"Well," said Zachary, trying to organize his thoughts. "We had a few moments at the beginning of the second when we performed below par. That's for sure. But we are working together as a team to fix this problem. We have to improve as the season goes on."

"You were on the bench during this game" said Olav, smiling slightly. "Some of your fans are wondering if you are injured or if there are other problems with your health. Were you not given the chance to play because you missed a chance on an open goal during the match against Honefoss BK? doubt and want to know the reason you're not playing."

"Oh" said Zakaria. "Rosenborg has the best and most diverse squad in all of Tippeligaen. With the high number of talented players in the line-up, it was inevitable that I would have to sit on the bench for a few games. But, I'm not hurt or facing any other problems."

Olav smiled, nodding. "In four days, you will face Molde" he continued, unaware of Zachary's impatience. "Do you think you can win?"

"How did Molde look in today's game?" Zachary replied with a question instead of answering directly.

"Molde lost at home by five goals to one against FK Haugesund" Olav replied quickly.

"Then the previous game!" Zachary continued to examine the reporter, his face showing a stern expression. "How do they look?"

"They drew 0:0 in an away game against Sandnes Ulf," Olav replied obediently, seemingly unconcerned that Zachary hijacked his role as interviewer.

"Then, what is their current position in the Tippeligaen table?"

"Ke-16, the bottom of the table."

"Then, let me ask you my last question," said Zachary, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile. "Given all that, do you think we can lose at Lerkendal? Think that. I know you know the answer is deep down in your heart." He said before walking past the reporter and his camera crew into the tunnel. He doesn't want to risk staying with Olav longer than necessary because he can unknowingly say something inappropriate and endanger himself.

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