THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Friendship Match

"To prepare for the Riga Cup, we will play some friendly matches against some third division teams" Johansen said. He let his gaze explore the academy players sitting in a semicircle around him. Zachary and his team-mates had just finished their training on the academy grounds that Friday night.

"Our goal is to compete in four games before a hard winter comes" the coach continued. "I'm hoping you put more effort into your preparation over the next few months. Our goal is to win every game, starting with Toppfotball next Friday. Be prepared..."

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In early October, Zachary and his fellow academics faced the Byansen Toppfotball Club in a tight match on the NF pitch. The club plays in the Norwegian Football League Division 3. They have some experienced players, especially in their defence, which causes a lot of problems for the academy team.

The match remained level until the 88th minute. With a spark of individual brilliance, Zachary unleashed a Boermark rjan with a tantalizing breakthrough pass, from close to mid-circle, during a counter-attack.

The NF academy single striker ran past the defenders and made use of a perfect pass an inch behind the defenders. He went on to fire the ball past poor goalkeeper Byesen, sealing a sweet 1:0 win for the academy.

However, Zachary was not in the best mood even after winning. He felt empty after failing to score a goal against the third division team. It was the first time he could not make his name on the scoreboard in a match since his arrival in Norway.

Zachary's mind could no longer find satisfaction just by playing games. He felt a burning urge to score. So, he worked harder, aiming to improve his performance in the next friendly.

The outdoor workouts and the gym gave him the fresh air he needed to finish the match. He could feel his lungs expanding, his heart rate stronger in each session. In moments of pushing past his limits, he sharpens his focus and prepares himself for the next game.

A month later, the NF academy faced off against the NTNUI university sports club. Zachary worked hard for 90 minutes, playing like he was in the Euro Champions League.

Right after kickoff, he conquered the midfield. He tackled the opposing midfielders, intercepted passes in the middle of the pitch, and above all, fired a few passes into the wing which caught the NTNUI defender off guard several times.

In the 23rd minute, Zachary unleashed a pass that split the defence towards the right wing, catching the opposing defender and the midfielder off guard. NTNUI players could not react to the threat in time as they had attacked the NF academy box during a corner kick.

Kasongo collected passes on the right wing and darted like the wind towards the NTNUI 18-yard box. No player stands between him and the goal except the goalkeeper. Quick move. He became even faster after following a training plan specially designed for him by Coach Johansen.

Zachary watched Kasongo expertly pass the ball past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand.1:0 in favour of the academy. He was delighted to see his friend score for the first time since arriving in Trondheim. He hopes the goal can boost Kasongo's confidence and encourage him to work harder.

The strike opened the floodgates. Zachary and his team-mates played with renewed vigor, dictating the game against the university team. Every time they lose possession, they use high pressing tactics to get the ball back quickly.

The academy players held high on the field, pushed the game wide, and prevented NTNUI's mastery in midfield. Zachary forced several turnovers and would quickly move towards the opponent's box whenever he won the ball. His first touch was perfect, and his pass was like a sharp bullet, always finding his target. His transition was quick and ferocious; he played the link between defense and attack perfectly.

Zachary scored two goals and provided two assists which resulted in a goal that day. In the 30th minute, he dribbled past four defenders using one of his signature moves, finding his way into the box. Zachary then fired a right-footed shot into the top right corner, making it 2:0 for the academy's lead.

Zachary's second goal was an exact copy of the first goal, the only exception being; he cut the box off the wing. He looked unstoppable as he darted and weaved through the gaps between the defenders like a sewing machine needle piercing through the fabric seam. He blasted the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute, making the score 3:0.

But that wasn't the end of Friday night's action. The academy team will not be easy to face their opponents. Not with Coach Johansen on the sidelines.

In the 88th minute, Magnus Blakstad, a high defensive central midfielder, set his running time perfectly to connect with a corner kick. He then made a close-range header near the left post, making the score 6:0.

The NF academy game would have been perfect that day if they had not conceded in extra time. In the 92nd minute, poor guard inside the box made one of NTNUI's players release one of their rare passes into the academy box. NTNUI number nine was heading the ball into the top right corner, making Kendrick Otterson lose. The match ended 6:1 for the victory of Zachary and his team-mates.

But Coach Johansen is not happy at all. "I've repeatedly said that you have to keep your concentration high until the final whistle" he said as he rubbed his bald head in frustration. The players have just finished the game. They sit on the sidelines, listening to post-match analysis by their coach. Some chug water, others fan themselves with their shirts, while others chew on snacks to restore the calories they have burned during the game.

"You shouldn't make careless mistakes, especially when you face some of the top talents in Europe in just a few months." The coach let his fiery gaze be on Robin Jatta and Lars Togstad, the early full-backs. "How can you concede a goal like that in the last minutes?" He glared at the two players.

All the players remained silent, waiting for their coach to continue. They have long been immune to his antics. If one of their ranks were to blow a hole in the moon with his firepower, Coach Johansen would ask why their technique could not cope with the sun as well.

They had won the game by a five-goal margin, but the 'red beard' still made one mistake. The players only listened to the criticism half-heartedly. Some kept glancing at their phones, seemingly counting down the minutes. They all want to be fired.

Coach Johansen seemed to be reading their minds and frowning. "You shouldn't be satisfied with winning against a part-time professional in a Division 3 team" he said, shaking his head. "When you join the Riga Cup next February, you'll be up against some of the most clinical attackers in your age group. They will be able to take advantage of all your mistakes and use them against you."

"I can point out some mistakes like that in the game we just played," the coach paused as if letting the information seep into the heads of the players. "Robin, you let their striker run behind you three times in the game. If he were a little faster, he would punish us for such recklessness. Magnus, you let some of their players beat you until some high balls in the middle of the field. Imagine if there was a midfielder as good as Zach on the opposing side. We'll concede more than two goals..."

The coach keeps showing the mistakes of all the players on the team. He made mistakes on every miskick and every mismatch in positioning during the game. He highlighted match situations that could result in goals if opponents were more skilled and clinical. By the time he finished his little oration, no one was still rejoicing at having won that friendly match.

"We need to focus for the next few months" said the coach, his voice soft. "We will train you as much tactical awareness as possible before the game in Riga. That, I can promise."

"However, you have to do your part, especially in the two remaining friendlies against Gjovik and Sprint-Jeloy next month. Practice like a professional over the next few weeks so you can perform beyond expectations in those two games. You— dismissed because today."

Coach Johansen remained true to his words. For the remaining three weeks in November, he coached players like oxen on the pitch. He improves their tactical passing sessions and defensive strategies by several hours every day. Most of them secretly received training without complaint. They are desperate to improve themselves, and above all, afraid to face their wrath if they fail to live up to their expectations.

The seriousness of the players carried on until the match. They managed to win by a score of 3:0 against Gjovik FC in early December. A week later, they beat Sprint-Jeloy 2:0, ending their friendly before the Christmas break perfectly. They managed to hold back against a third-division side without conceding a single goal during two games.

Zachary maintained his perfect form and scored in each of the two games. His speed was already a nightmare for the third division team. He was an outlier that pushed the academy team to perform beyond their level against the third division team. His perfect control in midfield held opponents back, denying them the chance to create chances to threaten the NF goal.

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