THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Ahead At Half - Time
NF academy officials follow the game closely from the technical area. They— are restricted to the section marked close to the touchline, where only substitutes and officials sit during the game.
The academy has sent three coaches, one medical officer, and an administrative assistant to Riga. They all have a special role to fulfill in the team.
Peters is the coach responsible for the physical fitness of the players. He also secretly doubles as a scout to spy on the tactics of other participants.
He soon realizes when Riga's team shuts down a way to pass to Zachary by burdening him with two guard players. Although the stunt left their flank short of one attacking player, it looked like a fair exchange for them— as it made Zachary tired faster than usual.
"Don't you think we should tell Zachary to relax a little?" He suggested, turn to look at Coach Johansen. "We shouldn't give the other teams a chance to go after him before we go through to the knockout stages. I'm also worried about his stamina because we'll also play the day after tomorrow."
Coach Johansen kept his sights fixed on the game, which had just restarted, half-smiling. "Do you really believe we can hide it after this match? Let it go." He shook his head as if he had just remembered something. "You know; I checked the results of his agility training after the Christmas break. The increase was beyond my expectations."
"His running speed has increased once again?" Coach Bjorn asked, without hiding the shock in his voice.
"Yes. And far enough. His fifty-meter run was now continuously descending between 6 and 7 seconds. If he keeps improving at this level, we could have one of the fastest players in the league before next year." Coach Johansen paused for a moment, returning his attention to the game.
The NF Academy just won the ball back and counterattacked again. It looks like conceding two goals has sealed the fate of JFC Riga.
Magnus received the ball in midfield and passed it to yvind Alseth, the NF academy full-back.yvind controlled it like an expert and advanced through the right flank, darting towards the halfway line. One of Riga's academy wingbacks ran to intercept him; however, he quickly passed the ball to Magnus—running in tune with him through midfield.
Magnus received the ball and kicked it to the left wing where Paul Otterson was lurking. The quick switch from the right to the left side of the field left Riga's players disorientated for a few seconds. They did not react until Paul Otterson ran with the ball a few yards, poking deep into Riga's half-court.
One of the midfielders, marking Zachary, left his team to intercept the winger. Only one player remained close to him. Zachary suddenly increased his speed and ran past that player, towards the eighteen-yard box of Riga.
Coach Johannsen's only hope is for Paul Otterson to release a timely pass that will beat Riga's players and release Zachary into the box.
The Swedish boy did not disappoint. He expertly flipped the ball past his target into Zachary's path.
Zachary received the ball on the left edge of the box, close to the goal line. He did not stop to control it. He spun with the ball hooked to his left foot, shaking the defenders chasing him.
He created a few meters of space for himself. Only a defender stood between him and the wicket. He advanced into the box, performing body tricks like a boxer rather than a football player. He did not put any art into his footwork — anything. The defenders and goalkeeper Riga started boogy along with his movements, moving from side to side, like he was doing some sort of ritual dance.
Coach Johansen wondered why Riga's defenders didn't just approach him instead of making themselves stupid. The ball was at Zachary's feet, but they wouldn't attack him.
Zachary flicked the ball to his right, ran forward, and made a feedback to Paul Otterson, who was unguarded.
Goalkeeper Riga was helpless.
3:0.
NF Academy managed to score their 3rd goal in the 44th minute of gameplay.
Coach Johannsen didn't bother celebrating. He was already confident his team would win easily against Riga despite their lack of experience. He was only worried about the upcoming match.
"Have you managed to scout the players from the other team? Is there anyone we need to worry about specifically?" He asked his assistant.
"Yes" replied Coach Bjorn with a smile. "The other "teams look pretty strong overall. However, most lack exceptional players who perform above their level, such as Zachary. The only exception is VfB Stuttgart. They have two miracles." The assistant coach opened his notebook.
"The first is a striker named Timo Werner, while the other is a defensive midfielder named Joshua Kimmich." Coach Bjorn continued reading his notebook. "One of my friends from Germany told me that the two boys had participated in several European competitions and performed like stars. There was a chance they would join the senior team even before they reached the age of 18."
"Oh!" Coach Johansen raised an eyebrow. "Maybe they're Zachary's?"
"most likely. They also have more experience in international tournaments."
"healthy." Coach Johansen was half-smiling. "I think it would be good for our players, especially Zachary. Playing against boys below his level might make him satisfied in the long run. He needs to learn that football is not easy regardless of the advantage given to him by his talent. That was the main reason why Rosenborg officials agreed to send him to international competitions."
Coach Bjorn sighed. "But before we think about VfB Stuttgart, we need to deal with Genoa in the group— phase and maybe Zenit, Atalanta or Tottenham in the quarter-finals. I hear the players they have good chemistry."
"I have confidence that we will win and reach the semi-finals this time" replied Coach Johansen confidently. "Hopefully, we can avoid injuries and suspensions before that."
*FREEEE!*
The referee blew the whistle down the drinking, halting their discussion.
"Let's go to the dressing room" said Coach Johansen, leading the way into the dressing room.
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