Football singularity
Chapter 438 Sweet Caroline
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!!!}
~~~
[10/11/2019, Stadion GOSiR, 17:30]
The moment had arrived. Both teams had finished their pre-match warm-ups and were now making their way into the tunnel. The energy around the stadium was electric, the echoes of "Sweet Caroline" still resonating in the background as the American fans made their presence felt.
The German squad, dressed in their crisp ADiD@s tracksuits away kits walked with the confidence of a team that had been thoroughly preparing for the big games. The preparations for the match had been just as methodical as any other in this tournament with tactical sessions that included scouting reports and video analysis. Now all they needed to do was to implement what they had discussed and show why they deserved to represent the Golden eagle of Europe.
Their boots clacked against the tunnel floor; their expressions now locked in focus. Leading them was Luca Unbehaun, who was deep in discussion with his goalie coach as the elder man continued to give him advice. He was the type to over-prepare as he presented his players with all the details they could possibly need. If not for how accurate he was and the fact his information was accurate Luca would have complained that the old man was talking his ears off.
Entering the locker room everyone quietened as they took their designated seats and changed into the already prepared game kits. USA was chosen as the home team in this match forcing the German contingent to wear their green away kits. Coach Baum stood at the centre of the locker room, waiting for every player to settle before he spoke.
His arms were crossed, his gaze sweeping over his team as he debated whether he had missed something in their preparation. The sound of boots being laced and shin guards being adjusted was the only noise in the room as each player focused on their final preparations. In the end, he could not think of anything and chose to trust his abilities along with that of his team.
"Alright, listen up," Baum's voice finally cut through the silence. "We've covered what to do during tactical meetings and training so I will trust you know what we expect from you. Now all I can ask of you is to Execute! Execute! Execute! That simple word is what differentiates great players from average ones, it's what stands between us and the semi-finals. So Be Greate,"
A sense of anticipation instantly filled the room as their competitive spirit rose to a new level. He had sounded the battle cry, and they were all ready to respond to his call ready to feast on the hopes and dreams of their opponents. Smiling at their eager expression he immediately stepped up to the whiteboard cand announced the starting lineup.
~~~
[17:50]
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen for what is promising to be a compelling quarterfinal clash between team USA and Germany in this U-20 competition," Paul Gartner's voice which had now become synonymous with the competition resounded through the stadium speakers and the live stream. "I'm your trusty host Paul Gartner and with me today is Jamie Oliver to offer a different perspective."
"As always, Paul, it's a pleasure to be here, especially for a match as talked about as this one," Jamie Oliver responded, his American accent standing in contrast to Paul's refined European tone. "We've got a blockbuster clash on our hands, and I don't think there's a football fan out there who isn't the slightest bit curious about this clash.
"Indeed, this has been a match wished for by the fans since even before the competition and as luck would have it become a reality," Paul responded in a light-hearted tone. "You have been following Tam USA since the start what can you tell us about them and how do you see this match going?"
Jamie Oliver adjusted his headset as he leaned slightly forward, his enthusiasm evident. "Well, Paul, Team USA has been a joy to watch in this tournament. They've got an exciting mix of raw talent and structured play. Coach Ramos has done an excellent job in drilling defensive discipline into the team, and their midfield trio of Musah, Reyna, and McKennie provides both steel and creativity."
He glanced at his notes before continuing. "Now, let's not forget the man up top—Matteo Smith. This guy is a killer in front of goal. He's strong, intelligent, and has a striker's instinct. Seven goals already in this tournament, and I'd bet my bonus that he's looking to add to that tally tonight."
Paul chuckled, amused by Jamie's confident tone. "A bold statement indeed. But they are coming up against a German side that has been nothing short of dominant so far, their only stumble being a draw against Japan. Let's take a look at their starting XI."
The broadcast screen flashed with the lineups as Paul began breaking down Germany's setup. "Germany is deploying their well-rehearsed 4-2-3-1 formation. Luca Unbehaun starts between the posts, with a back four consisting of Simon Asta, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Kevin Ehlers, and Noah Katterbach. Solid and well-balanced, this defence has been tested against high-calibre opposition already in this tournament."
Jamie nodded. "Yeah, I've got to give them credit there. They handled Haaland and Norway well, despite the physical challenge. But they're going to have a different test today against the speed and combination play of the Americans."
Paul continued, "Moving into midfield, we have Angelo Stiller and Niklas Tauer operating as the double pivot. Both have been key in maintaining Germany's possession game and controlling the tempo. But the real stars of the show are their attacking three Rakim taking his familiar left-wing position despite delivering a masterclass on the right against Norway. Florian Wirtz in the middle, Jamie Leweling taking up the right."
Jamie sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Now, this is where things get spicy, Paul. Rakim going up against his former countrymen is the headline, no doubt about it. We all know the history here. The US fans feel like he turned his back on them, while the German fans have fully embraced him as one of their own. It will be interesting to see how he will handle the pressure of the moment."
Paul agreed. "It's a fascinating topic attached to not only this match but also the tournament. But Germany's focal point up front, Youssoufa Moukoko has returned from an injury he sustained during their clash with Italy and is now looking to make his mark on the match. He's a big-game player who thrives under pressure and oh boy these are the biggest stakes of this young lad's career."
Jamie nodded. "And speaking of big-game players, let's flip over to the USA lineup."
The graphic on the broadcast shifted to display the American formation as Jamie took the lead. "USA is sticking with their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 as well. Between the sticks, they've got Benfica's CJ dos Santos, who's been solid throughout the tournament. The backline consists of Sergiño Dest at right back, Mark McKenzie and Chris Richards as the centre-backs, and George Bello on the left."
Paul interjected, "A good mix of youth and experience. Richards and McKenzie have been growing in confidence with each match."
Jamie agreed. "Absolutely. Now, in midfield, the engine room consists of Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah. McKennie is the leader out there, dictating play and providing that steel in midfield. Musah is a workhorse, box-to-box, and has been crucial in transitions."
Paul added, "And ahead of them is Giovanni Reyna, operating in the number 10 role."
Jamie smirked. "Yep, and you can bet he'll be extra fired up for this one. He's got a personal point to prove against Rakim, and let's be real—he's got the quality to do it."
Paul continued, "Flanking him, we have Christian Pulisic on the left and Timothy Weah on the right—two explosive wingers capable of stretching the German defence."
Jamie leaned forward slightly. "And leading the line, Matteo Smith. This guy is the total package. He's got the physicality, the Football IQ, and the finishing ability. He'll be going toe-to-toe with Bella-Kotchap and Ehlers all game long."
Paul exhaled deeply. "All the individual battles are set, and both teams are now making their way onto the pitch. The stadium is absolutely rocking, and I have a feeling we're in for something special tonight."
The camera zoomed in on Luca and McKennie who lead their respective teams out onto the field, followed by cheer of support for their respective fans. However, the cheers quickly turned into a defining boo from the American fans the moment Rakim at the back of the line stepped out of the tunnel. The camera quickly focused on him as the scene unfolded his image appearing on the large screen enticing the fans to boo even more.
[Ding: Mamba Mentality 'Grade Unique, Trait hidden function triggered]
.
.
.
.
To be Continued...
Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.