See You Tonight

Chapter 106: The Way of the Match

I have the ball in midfield. I really have to be careful in making passes or tilts so as not to be snatched by the opponent. I saw Aji waving his hand a sign asking for the ball, but I guess if I pass to him now, my pass will only be easily cut by the enemy. I finally gave a short pass to Renaldi who was close to me.

Renaldi then passed the ball back to me. Now, one player is pressing me seriously. I was shadowed wherever I went. Because I did not want to be taken by the opponent, I also passed the ball to Ahsan who managed to find empty space.

Meanwhile, the spectators were still unceasingly shouting yells to burn the spirit of the players who were competing. They seem to be not tired at all.

***

7 Minutes had passed in this first half. However, the score is still 0-0. Both teams have so far not created any meaningful chances. Each team still looks difficult to get into the defense area of their respective opponents. As a result, if more rolling in the middle field only.

Even though I was not in possession of the ball, one of the opposing players was always guarding me wherever I went. I also could not find an empty space to open space to others. Plus, now my energy seems to have almost reached its limit. I don't think I can run as fast as usual. I can't run too long either. It seems, I still need to practice increasing stamina if I want to be selected in the soccer selection later.

Ahsan is now seen dribbling on the right side of the field. He dribbled pretty fast. Sreseeett. Suddenly one of the opposing players tackled Ahsan. Ahsan fell and the ball left the field. You could say, the tackle is a clean tackle that is right about the ball.

Ahsan who fell, now got help from the player who had done a tackle on him to get back up. The match resumed.

It seems, the defense of class 10-2 is more tight than the one owned by the class 10-4 in the first match earlier. Either the defense is better, or our stamina has been reduced? I don't know.

Priitt. The referee finally blew the whistle marking the end of the first half. We players left the field and started to rest in this short time.

Because I feel very tired, I also intend to make a change of players. It seems like I need a break of more than 5 minutes from now.

"Friends, anyone want to replace me? I'm so tired" said I with heavy breath and sweat that had soaked all over my body.

"I also, change first, I'm not strong," said Ahsan who also looks almost out of breath.

"Wow, anybody want to play?" ask Aji.

"Yes, the dressing cave was here, but only five minutes? You are afraid that there will still be another basketball game," said Tomi volunteered.

"Wah sip Tom. Oiya we will still have a basketball game if there is a schedule. Well, it seems we must set a strategy so that our stamina is strong until today is finished," said Aji.

"Yes, really," said Calvin.

"You can still play Di?" ask Aji to Renaldi.

"In that case, it means we make three substitutions at once. I, Galang, the same Ahsan came out, kept Calvin, Tomi, Fahmi in. How's it?" ask Aji.

"Byeah" said Ahsan.

"Because we still have to think about the basketball game as well, so it will fit around the 5th minute of the second half, we change players again. Tomi, Calvin, Fahmi out, replaced me, Galang, same Ahsan. How's it?" proposed Aji again.

All the players seem to agree with Aji's proposal. We will all be very concerned about energy because we are not only competing in futsal, but other branches as well.

Prittt. A second-half whistle has sounded. Now, the ball starts from the side of class 10-4.

The strategy used at this time is that we will play defensively for 5 minutes, so that the opposing players will also quickly experience fatigue due to attacking awesomeness. After that, the change of players will be made again around the 5th minute of the game.

As it turns out, the point of view when we are playing and watching is much different. When we are playing live on the pitch, we tend to make hasty and inappropriate decisions, but when we are in the viewpoint of an audience like this, we will know the shortcomings, and what decisions should we take when facing certain situations.

In accordance with the plan, now the players of class 10-4 have been seen to launch a barrage of attacks towards the heart of our team's defense. Luckily, we have Renaldi. He always seems to be in the right position when anticipating the opponent's attack.

Ruben was no less brilliant this time. He can several times deflect the kick that leads to his goal.

At 10-4 keasi attacking, suddenly the counter-attack launched by our class fruitful goal. It was Tomi who managed to cut the pass of one of the opposing players. He quickly brought the ball from his own team's defense area to the opposing team's defense area in just a few seconds. He who only stayed face to face 1 on 1 with the enemy goalkeeper also calmly managed to score goals.

Not only was the enemy shocked, I as his team was also shocked. I just found out that Tomi's this smart playing her futsal. I was curious, which meant he was even better at playing basketball. Attractively.

The crowd cheers immediately echoed. Our class watching from the sidelines seemed so enthusiastic about welcoming the goal from Tomi. Our class even made an impromptu yel-yel to glorify Tomi's name. The score has now changed to 1-0 for our advantage.

It looks like what was planned before, now around the 5th minute when the ball was leaving the field, we did 3 substitutions at once. Fahmi, Tomi, and Calvin came out replaced by me, Ahsan, and Aji. Our job at the moment is to at least hold back so that the class of 10-4 does not manage to score the equalizer.

After observing the game from the audience seats on the sidelines earlier, I felt I could make a better and more informed decision. I also feel calmer when I bring the ball.

***

Seriate