Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 50's

"To prepare for the Riga Cup, we will play some friendlies against some third-division teams" said Coach Maecel. He let his gaze explore the academy players sitting in a semicircle around him. Nero 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 Dessel Sport next Friday. Be prepared..."

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In early October, Nero and his fellow academics faced Dessel Sport Club in a tight match on the RSCA pitch. The club plays in the 3rd Division of the Belgian Football League. 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 78th minute. With a spark of individual brilliance, Nero provided Stefan Kvensson with a tempting breakthrough pass, from the middle of the pitch, during the counter-attack.

The RSCA Youth Academy lone 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 Byasen, taking the lead in the game to 1:0 for the academy. In the 89th minute RSCA Youth Academy again scored through a one-two pass by Nero and Ryandi before Ryandi made a cut-back pass which was immediately welcomed by Stefan close the game sweetly for the academy team who managed to win 2-0.

However, Nero 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 Belgium.

Nero'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 RSCA Youth Academy faced off against the University of Brussels sports club. Nero worked hard for 90 minutes, he put all his skills out in the game

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 UB defender off guard several times.

In the 26th minute, Nero unleashed a pass that split the defence towards the right wing, catching the opposing defender and the midfielder off guard. The UB players could not react to the threat in time as they had attacked the academy team's defense through corner kicks.

Ryandi managed to receive a pass on the right wing and darted like the wind towards the UB 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 Marcel.

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

The goal is like opening a floodgates. Nero and his team-mates played with a new spirit, 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 are high up the field, pushing the game wide, and preventing possession by UB in midfield. Nero 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 sniper bullet, always finding his target. His transition was quick and ferocious; he played the link between defense and attack perfectly.

Nero 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. Nero then fired a right-footed shot into the top right corner, making it 2:0 for the academy's lead.

Nero's second goal was an exact copy of the first goal, the only exception being; he cut inside to the penalty box from 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 put 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 would not slack off when facing their opponents. Not with Coach Marcel on the sidelines.

In the 88th minute, Isaac Newton was a high defensive central midfielder, setting his running time perfectly to receive a pass from a corner kick. He then made a close-range header near the left post, making the score 6:0.

The academy team's game would have been perfect that day if they hadn't conceded in extra time. In the 92nd minute, poor guard inside the box made one of the UB players release one of their rare passes into the academy box. The number nine UB headed the ball into the top right corner, making Damon unable to reach it. The match ended 6:1 for Nero and his team-mates.

Coach Marcel is not happy. "I've repeatedly said that you have to maintain high concentration until the final whistle" he said, rubbing 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 sipped water, others fanned themselves with their shirts, while others chewed on snacks to restore the calories they had 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 Kierst Donovan and Antonio Mitchell, 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 any of their ranks were to blow a hole in the moon with the power of his shot, Coach Marcel would ask why their technique could not cope with the sun as well.

They have won the game by a five-goal margin, but the coach is still not satisfied if there is one mistake. The players only listened to the criticism half-heartedly. Some kept glancing at their phones, seemingly counting down the minutes. They all wanted to be finished quickly.

Coach Marcel 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 sharpest strikers 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 to let that information seep into the heads of the players. "Kierst, 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. Isaac, you let some of their players beat you up to some high balls in the middle of the field. Imagine if there was a midfielder as good as Nero 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 Heist and Liege next month. Practice like a professional over the next few weeks so you can perform beyond expectations in those two games. You're laid off for today."

Coach Marcel remained true to his word. 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 Heist FC in early December. A week later, they beat Liege 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.

Nero 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 team's goal.

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