THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
First Match in Europe I
Zachary left Death Valley just after Coach Johansen finished mentioning the line-up for the match. A burden had been lifted off his shoulders when the coach mentioned his name as part of the team. He walked higher. His steps were lighter, more carefree.
He's looking forward to the match against Viking FK.
The cold night gave him a reason to rush home—to his new apartment and enjoy the warmth of the heating system in his room. He sped up his pace and reached Moholt in less than fifteen minutes.
"You're back." Kasongo gave her a smile as she entered the small kitchen, which also served as their living room. Zachary noticed that he had just stuffed the fries and chicken breast into the oven. The boy was someone who enjoyed his chicken. That was the conclusion made by Zachary after spending the last few days with him.
"How's that?" He asked, looking at Zachary expectantly.
Zachary grinned and said, "What do you think? I'm on the team."
Kasongo sighed. "Well, you really are a lucky bastard. You're already going to play a game in Europe, while I'm stuck physically in the gym, day after day."
"Simply reduce your meat consumption" Zachary suggested. "You don't need to be physical if you don't have excess fat."
"Who said chicken adds fat? Just because of my height, I have a problem with my body fat percentage." Kasongo.
"Are you in the starting eleven?" She asked.
"I don't know yet. The coach will name the starting team players tomorrow before the game. But most likely I won't start." replied Zakaria.
"That's understandable. You're a rookie on the team." notes Kasongo. "Will the match be played at the Lerkendal Main Stadium?" She asked.
"Yes" answered Zacharias. The Lerkendal Idrettspark, owned by Rosenborg, consists of a main stadium and three practice fields. They are well managed and tightly controlled by the club's management. Their U-19 match against the Viking Stavanger will take place at the main stadium.
"If you play, I'll be there to encourage you. Go and show me the spirit of African football." Kasongo smiled. He then focused on chopping onions for their dinner preparation. The two had decided to cook in turns during their stay together in Trondheim. It was Kasongo's turn.
Zachary did not speak at length with Kasongo that night. He took a shower, had dinner, and returned to his room to sleep at 9:00 p.m. He was tired mentally and physically. Training has emptied his energy reserves.
However, he is delighted that he has taken another step towards achieving his dream of becoming a professional footballer on the international stage.
Zachary felt comfortable as he crawled under the covers. He slept well that night, dreaming of himself lying on a dollar bed.
The match day finally arrived.
**** ****
Nordmenn loves their football, or rather, their football team. The people of Trondheim are no exception. Rumors about Rosenborg's U-19 match against the Viking Stavanger had spread rapidly in the small town of Trondheim over the previous few days. They attracted a large number of fans who had arrived at the stadium two hours before the start of the match.
At 14:30, the stands behind one of the goalposts were fully filled. It was the part of the stadium that often housed loyal fans—also members of the Rosenborg support club during matches.
Kasongo can feel the adrenaline from the field to the stands and flow right around the stadium. It was the kind of tension mixed with excitement that should not have happened for a simple U-19 game. He is delighted that he has joined a new group of friends to the stadium. And this is a very passionate group of fans.
He stared expectantly at his friend, Zachary. He was among the Rosenborg U-19s who warmed up between the goal posts guarding both ends of the pitch perfectly. He looked like a true professional in a black Rosenborg training kit.
**** ****
For Zachary, it was a perfect day with the ideal conditions to play his first game in Europe. The weather that afternoon was very sunny. Blue sky, no wind, ambient temperature—more like no weather. The usual autumn cold was not there on that Tuesday.
The Lerkendal Stadium is a million-perfect grass that is as eager to start the game as the fans who have brought the stadium to light. Zachary could hear their loud cheers fueling his desire to perform. But at the same time, he was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It had been a long time since he had last played in front of a crowd.
Zachary stretched his legs and watched Viking FK players compete to other parts of the field. Their light grey training equipment looked rather dull to Zachary.
As they controlled the field in perfect formation, a soft and steady jeer filled the air. Rosenborg's home fans had already given the Viking team hell before the game even started. Although the new stadium was filled by a quarter, the cheers of the fans were deafening.
"All the players stopped the warm-up practice and headed to the dressing room..." The assistant coach, Bjorn Peters, shouted as he moved around the half-court occupied by the Rosenborg team.
"Zach! Zach!"
As Zachary ran towards the changing room, he heard someone calling his name from one of the empty stands. He looked up only to find Kristin, Mr Stein, and the other old man sitting right beside the entrance of the stadium tunnel.
"We support you" cried Kristin as she set her eyes on the three.
"You know Kristin Stein?" A voice sounded from behind him as soon as he stepped into the tunnel.
Zachary turned around and noticed that the substitute goalkeeper had arrived behind him at some point. He was Grant Anderson, a tall bule with blue eyes and sharp jaws. His combination of blonde hair, tied into a ponytail, and his thunderous voice made him look intimidating.
"Yes" answered Zacharias. "But just relax" he said.
Grant observed it with narrowed, stiff, and cold eyes before saying: "I hope what you say is true. If no. Hmmm." He snorted before continuing into the dressing room.
"Did old Grant trouble you?" Ole Selns asked. He will come to him right after the goalkeeper leaves.
"No. He just said hello," Zachary replied honestly. He did not take Grant's words seriously. It was the thought of the match that filled his mind at that moment. He wouldn't care about the ravings of a teenager before his first game.
"That's cool." Ole patted the back of his shoulder. "Focus on the game. I'm sure the coach will give you a chance today." He gave a thumbs up to Zachary before continuing into the dressing room.
Zachary found the dressing room in a state of chaos. Shouts, shouts, and laughter rang out back and forth in the air, bouncing from the lockers like metal bullets. Most players slowly wore white jerseys and black shots. It was the official home jersey of the Rosenborg team.
"Zach," Mushaga, the only other black person in the room, called out to him after seeing Zachary standing near the entrance. He is a player with an afro haircut. The coach has appointed him as one of the forwards for the game.
"Your jersey is there" he said, pointing to one of the hooks next to the locker. He looked like a friendly person to Zachary.
"Thank you" Zachary said before picking up the jersey. Since Zachary has not officially joined the team, he received a jersey without a number for that match.
Coach Johansen and his assistant came in immediately. The room became quiet. The Rosenborg U-19 team, wearing their full jerseys, shifted their focus to the coach.
"We're going to play a 4:5:1 formation..." He immediately began to explain the tactics while inscribing the troops on the blackboard attached to the wall.
****
Goalkeeper; Even Barley.
----
Central defender; Simen Wangberg, Espen Schmitz.
Right back; Ulrik Balstad. Left-back; Christoffer Aasbak.
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Midfielder (Defensive); Ole Selnaes, Fredrik Midtsj.
Midfielder (Strike); Gjermund Asen.
Right wing; Jonas Svensson. Left wing; Markus Henriksen.
----
Forward; Mushaga Bakenga.
**** ****
After a few minutes, the coach revealed the formation and tactics of the first half. The team will play with four defenders, five midfielders, and one attacker. Coach Johansen intends to close every chance of the opponent's pass. Thus, players would attack and defend together like a pack of wolves.
Zachary was left on the bench alongside Grant, Emil and Jonas. The other three players looked unhappy about it. However, Zacharias were different. It was his first game with the club. He did not expect to be in the starting line-up for the game in first place.
With a calm mind, Zachary left the dressing room and headed to the technical area to watch the start of the game. He has to analyze every moment of the game to look for opportunities he can take advantage of when he joins the game as a substitute.
Both teams did not keep fans waiting for long.
At exactly 15:45 on Tuesday, two troops of eleven men walked onto the field to wage war on the path of civilized society.
The match between Rosenborg U19 versus Viking U19 finally began.