The ball is in play, and FG has finally decided to ease off their pressing, letting KVA pass it around freely.
"Despite his small frame and young age, that number 18 and 10 are the only ones making an impact for this team."
"Yeah, I see that. But you can't win a tournament with just two players. That's always been FG's strength, and with the way they're playing, I think they'll take the whole tournament."
"You really think so? I don't know. There are some strong teams left in this tournament, but I get where you're coming from. This must be their fourth game scoring more than two goals."
"And did you hear? Scouts are gonna start watching the games after this round."
"No way. Who?"
"Who do you think? VfB Stuttgart."
"That's amazing."
"Yeah, tournaments like these are sponsored by teams to scout players for their youth setup."
"I figured, especially since we're playing at their youth home ground."
"Hey, check it out, there goes that number 10 again."
Leon is sprinting down the wing, squaring up against the left-back. The right-winger drops back to help defend. Leon stands still, ball at his feet, facing them both. He rolls his foot over the ball, waiting for them to make a move. Nico does an overlapping run, and Leon fakes a pass by shifting his right foot over the ball. The left-back flinches, giving Leon just enough space. Before the defender recovers, Leon pulls off a reverse elastico between both players in the tightest of spaces.
He bursts through and now faces the center-back again, but this time the midfielder drops back to help. Leon quickly lays the ball off to Nate, who lines up a shot with his left foot.
The ball hits the side netting. Fired up, Leon chases after the ball, stopping the goalkeeper from wasting time. The goalkeeper launches it into midfield. With no intention of attacking, FG falls back as soon as the ball lands.
Lukas gathers it and rolls it to Karl, who passes to Che. Che takes it in his own half and starts driving forward. He dribbles past both the striker and attacking midfielder with ease. As he approaches the central midfielder, he feints right and cuts left, leaving his opponent flailing.
Che links up with Adrian, who returns the ball after Che finds open space. He pulls the same feint on the center-back, but this time, the left-back rushes in to help. The left-back and center-back both lunge with reckless slide tackles—clearly not aiming for the ball. One clips Che's right foot, the other his left, and he tumbles to the ground. The ref blows for a free kick.
Both defenders are booked with yellow cards, but their teammates cheer them on like heroes. The KVA players are furious.
"What the heck was that? You guys don't know how to play football anymore?"
"I was going for the ball, man. My bad."
"Bull! Ref, you know that's a red for both of them!" Adrian shouts, only to be held back by his teammates.
The tension escalates as the players swarm the ref, nearly igniting a fight between Adrian and the FG defenders. After a talk with both captains, the ref books Adrian for his language.
The free kick follows, with Leon and Che standing over it. Che curls in an outswinger, and Titus connects with a header, but it goes straight to the goalkeeper.
Despite their best efforts, Che's precise passing and Leon's explosive dribbling aren't enough to turn the game around.
The final whistle blows. Fichtenhöhe Gymnasium wins, and their players celebrate on the field while KVA's players sink to the ground, overcome with emotion.
Full Time Score: KVA (1–3) FG FG Advances to the Next RoundPlayer of the Match: Malik Wolkenkopf (1 Goal; 1 Assist)
The players shake hands and exchange thanks for the game. KVA's squad then heads to their fans, showing their appreciation.
"As a neutral fan, I would've loved to see those two make it further in the tournament."
"And they could've gotten scouted by Stuttgart too."
"Yeah, for sure."
Back in the tunnel, KVA's players are visibly disappointed. In the locker room, silence lingers until the coach steps in.
"Boys… First off, to the seniors on this team, thank you. Guys, I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished in this tournament. No matter what lies ahead, this will always be one of this team's greatest achievements. Thank you again. And remember, we'll keep pushing each other and moving forward. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," the players respond weakly.
They change into their tracksuits and start packing up.
"Che, Leon—don't go just yet. There's someone who wants to meet you."
"Another interview? Not in the mood, coach."
"No, this is different."
They follow the coach into another room, where a man sits on a couch, busy with his phone. He stands and smiles as they enter.
"Good afternoon. I'm so glad you both could make the time."
Che and Leon exchange confused looks, unsure why this stranger seems so excited to see them.
"Take a seat," he gestures. "Have you told them yet?"
The coach shakes his head.
"Alright. Che, Leon—let me introduce myself. My name is Thomas Krücken, head of youth development for VfB Stuttgart. Long story short, I'd like to invite you both to join us for a trial in about a month."
He slides two Stuttgart-branded envelopes across the table.
The bus ride home is somber. Most of the seniors cry quietly, while Che stares out the window, holding the envelope on his lap with Leon next to him. Others scroll through their phones, trying to distract themselves.
"You know what's crazy?"
"What?"
"My dad and I were going to go to their game tonight."
"For real?"
"Yeah, he said it'd either be a celebration or something to cheer me up if we lost."
"How're you feeling now?"
"I don't know… I mean, okay. But I really wanted to win, you know?"
"Yeah. I hate losing."
"Same."