Please vote to show me your support for the story. The higher we climb in the rankings, the more motivated I will feel. Mass releases will be rewarded for each 10 rankings we manage to climb.
#More than 10 Chapter ahead on my Patreon: patreon.com/TrikoRex
{!!!Please leave a Review it helps me a lot and lets me know how many people are invested in the future of this novel!!!}
~~~
[Zdzisław-Krzyszkowiak-Stadion, 16:52, USA U-20 vs. France U-20 – Round of 16]
Back at the Stadion GOSiR, Rakim watched intently as Matteo celebrated his goal, his earlier irritation forgotten in the face of his rival’s triumph. A wry smile crept across his face as he watched the replay of the Matteos goal flash across his phone.
The scene on the pitch-shifted as the French team, now trailing, gathered around their coach for a quick tactical discussion. The USA’s early lead had shaken them, and it was clear they needed to regroup fast if they were to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the stadium had become electric, the American supporters buzzing with excitement, while the French fans rallied their voices in support of their team, urging them not to take back the lead. They were a proud football nation and after just winning the world cup in 2018 they were still riding high. Thus, their expectations for the next generation have been high since the start of the tournament and in all fairness, they were met so far.
The match soon continued with a French kick-off as they immediately charged forward looking to equalise as soon as possible. They quickly projected their presence all over the match as they controlled possession of the ball. USA quickly found themselves trapped in their own half as the French contingent looked for ways to score.
~~~
[Back at Olimpijska Poland, Stadion GOSiR, 17:05]
The broadcast showed the French team attempting yet another shot only to fail. Rakim’s focus was pulled back by the arrival of his coach, who stepped into the lounge, his expression stern but focused. "Everyone ready?" he asked, scanning the room filled with his players, who quickly nodded or murmured affirmations.
"All right, boys this is the moment of truth we have worked hard to achieve, so let’s go out there and push across the finish line." Coach Baum stated as he looked into the eyes of all his players. "The countdown is on, now go out there and do all that you need to get your head in the game.
The players, energized by their coach’s words, stood and started to gather their gear. Rakim took a moment to turn off his streaming app and focus entirely on the task ahead. The quarter-final match against Norway would be tough, especially after the days they spent watching tape. Haaland was no joke, was the embodiment of the modern Viking on a football pitch as he always seemed to find ways to score.
Taking a deep breath Rakim slipped his phone into his bag, throwing away all unnecessary thoughts as he put on his training boots. The intensity in the room shifted as the anticipation of the upcoming battle settled on his nerves. The players around him were tightening their shin guards, lacing their boots tighter, each movement methodical almost ritualistic as some said a quick prayer while others simply applied VapoRub on their chest. The chatter had died down; only the sound of preparation filled the air.
[Stadion GOSiR, 17:20]
The German team began their walk towards the pitch for a final pre-match warm-up. The stadium was buzzing, as the stadium started to slowly fill up with spectators. The crowd parsley cheered as they stepped onto the grass, trying to motivate them for the match. The chill of the evening air brushed against their faces, a stark contrast to the warmth of the locker room.
Rakim took a deep breath, letting the atmosphere seep into his veins. The sight of the Norwegian team already on the field, going through their paces, jolted his mind into focus. He watched Haaland for a moment, noting the striker’s long hair combed to his left swaying in the wind as his frame went through the drills. Taking another breath to centre himself he jogged don’t the pitch joining the other players in a rondo drill.
The Germans spread out across their half of the pitch. The coaches set up small-sided games and passing drills to sharpen their touches and get their blood flowing. Rakim joined a rondo, his touches fluid as always, and his passes felt crisp. He felt good, ready to play as he took his turn in the rondo with Wirtz, "You better not hold me back Florida I got a reputation to uphold."
"Just don’t go missing during the game," Rakim replied with a slight grin as he jogged into the middle not missing the chance to nudge Florians shoulder.
~~~
[Stadion GOSiR, 17:50]
As the warm-up concluded, Coach Baum gathered the team for a few last words. "Remember, maintain the intensity, keep the pressure, and use the space effectively. We need to stay sharp out there and choke them with our possession football. Don’t give them a chance to settle into this game, let’s do this together, as one unit."
Nods and muttered agreements echoed through the group. They broke the huddle with hands together, shouting a unified "Win!" before lining up to walk out to the field. Their starting lineup met up with Norway’s in the tunnel with Luca Unbehaun donning the captain’s armband and taking the lead.
"Good night, ladies and gentlemen’s welcome to this quarter-final clash between Norway and Germany. Both teams have quite the exciting line-ups and have shown glimpses of what they can do, both coaches will be hoping for more of that coming into this match." Paul Gartner’s voice resounded throughout the stadium speakers and the live stream as he started doing his job.
"Norway is starting strong with a flat 4-3-3 formation. Kristoffer Klaesson is starting in goals with Leo Østigård and Tobias Børkeeiet holding the central defence in place. On the left back position, they have John Kitolano and Hugo Vetlesen will be playing right back." He paused for a moment as the player’s images appeared on screen allowing him to take a sip of his water.
"The midfield trio consists of Jens Petter Hauge, Emil Bohinen, and Hakon Evjen who will be looking to contain that German midfield that has been quite efficient in creating chances in this tournament. Oscar Bobb will be playing on the right wing, with Eman Markovic on the left flank, and the incredible Erling Haaland whose goal tally has reached 11 after scoring 8 against Honduras to push his team across the finishing line."
Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.
Finishing with Norwegian he continued listing the German sides treating line up who were taking a 4-2-3-1 formation. Luca Unbehaun from Borussia Dortmund stood in front of their goal and the back line from right to left was made up of RB: Simon Asta, CB: Armel Bella, Kevin Ehlers, and LB: Noah Katterbach.
The midfield consists of a defensive double-pivot of Bayern’s Angelo Stiller and Niklas Tauer from Mainz. Ahead of them, Rakim Rex plays on the right, Florian Wirtz in the middle, and Jamie Leweling play on the left flank. Ahead of them leading this ensemble of Germany’s attacking talents is Bayern’s Malik Tillman who has been in form. The tension in the air became electric as both teams prepared for kick-off. The crowd’s anticipation built with each passing second, culminating in a roar as the referee blew his whistle to start the game.
~~~
[Stadion GOSiR, 18:00]
From the outset, Germany took control, dominating possession with quick, precise passes following Malik Tillman’s pass back from the spot. For the first 5 minutes, they worked hard to control possession of the ball with simple short and medium passes that left the Norwegians chasing their shadows. Wirtz at the heart of many of these plays, seamlessly controlled their flow as he moved in and out of different positions forcing his teammates to react to his movements.
His on and off-the-ball movement quickly confused the Norwegian midfielders who attempted to break up their rhythm. In the 5th minute, Rakim received the ball on the right wing, at the edge of the final quarter and immediately cut inside to beat his marker with a sharp dribble. Spotting Malik making a run into the box, Rakim swung his foot delivering a chipped through ball over the top of the defensive line.
Malik timed his run perfectly to stay onside as he slipped past Tobias Børkeeiet. He stretched out to meet the ball with a first-time volley, but the shot went just wide of the near post, skimming the side netting. The crowd gasped in disappointment yet applauded in anticipation of what was to come.
.
.
.
.
To Be Continued...