It was the 80th minute on the clock. The game was tied and we were with the ball. I looked at the defenders on the opposing team rallying up. That last goal really gave them a boost in their confidence, they looked even more menacing playing to the tune of win or nothing.
We don't really need to win this match but their spirit awoke a kind of fire in ours that made us unwilling to give them the win.
I looked at my teammates, the Grizzlies, meant to be the fiercest among all of the U16 teams.
There was one particular Grizzly that caught my eye though. The youngest of our squad, our current number 9 with over 15 goals in his belt in 7 games, Simon.
The other team defenders have been hugging him like teddy bears to a 5 year old.
He stood aloof thinking of what to do. Actually I didn't blame him, seeing the defenders were twice his side and looked menacing even from here.
The referee blew the whistle and I passed the ball. Immediately, Simon took off, and more than 3 defenders followed him.
The ball came back to me, I paused taking a view of the field for a moment. With Simon locked down, our goals have been cut down exponentially. I passed to another midfielder and we did the standard 1-2 to the opponent's post.
I passed to another teammate who was in a good shooting position, he aimed and took a shot. The keeper punched the ball out effortlessly. A corner.
"Why haven't you passed to me!!?" I heard someone yell
I turned to see Simon approaching me sweaty and angry, it was kind of amusing looking at his size.
"You've been marked like a sheep with lice." I replied back
"So what?" He asked incredulous
"So I can't afford to pass it to you." I said simply, turning around to witness the corner.
His voice became cold then
"Hey.. Do you want to lose?"
I had goosebumps. I didn't expect such a voice to come out from Simon. He's taken as the baby of the squad.
I turned to look at him and I could see it. I could see the ego and the lust for a goal in his eyes.
"I'm the number 9.." he continued. "My job is to score goals."
"You're number 10, your job is to pass to me." He said and walked out.
The ball went out and it was the opposing team's kick.
"You're sure you'll score?" I asked, walking towards him.
"Of course.." he said, smiling like a 12 year old. "I'm the number 9."
The goalkeeper kicked it deep into our midfield. True to my station, I managed to catch and control it.
Samuel sped off and as usual 3 followed him. I passed to my teammates and watched the field. Simon ran around, watching the ball and weaving through the defenders marking him.
I looked at the time, only 2 minutes left on the clock and the referee had signaled for no extra time, this would be the last play.
I looked up again and I caught his eyes. Simon's eyes were practically begging for the ball. I thought again about what he said and put all my trust in his number.
I crossed to him, I over calculated, it went a bit off, straight to the left hand corner of the post. It was 89 minutes and I had already knelt down at my mistake.
I heard cheering from the fans and I looked to see a complete miracle. Simon had anticipated the cross and had successfully trapped it in the air.
I watched the beautiful display of skill and soccer mastery as he dribbled through the three defenders and ran straight to the keeper. The keeper ran towards him anticipating a shot, yet he chipped it.
The fans went mad when the ball went into the net, even some of the opposing players were clapping.
The referee blew to the end of the game at 2-1, while Samuel turned around and took a bow.
It was simply like a scene from a dream.
We were Champions✨.
