Season 7 Chapter 17

Aoi: Girls! Pay attention to me! I have something important to discuss! (She says drawing our attention, as we sat on the bus.) I have decided that we will go for 4-5-1 formation!

Victoria: (she raises her hand) coach, what is 4-5-1 formation?

Aoi: Good question Victoria. (She smiles) It's a defensive formation. Now that Anne is injured, and she was the main striker of our team. I don't want to take any chances in our Quarterfinals. (She says before taking out her diary, and drawing the formation, as she shows us the drawing for a better idea. We all leaned in, our eyes fixed on Aoi's sketch of the formation. The bus noises made her voice fainter, but she tried her best to be vocal enough for us to understand the situation).

Choon Hee: Coach, can you give us more insight regarding this formation? (Her eyes sparkled with excitement) It is really interesting.

Aoi: Of course I will. (She smiles warmly) In a 4-5-1, we'll have four defenders in the back, five midfielders across the center, and one striker up front. (She points to the diagram, her finger tracing the lines.) This will give us a strong defensive backbone while allowing us to control the midfield. Our primary focus will be on defense, holding our line, and then breaking on the counterattack when we get the chance. (She says before looking at us) Any question?

Julie: (nodding thoughtfully) So, who's going to be our lone striker then?

Aoi: Choon Hee. (She says looking at Choon Hee)

Choon Hee: (she hesitates) M-Me? But I have never been lone striker before. I mean I have played as striker, but never alone. (She gulps her spit)

Aoi: In this formation, the forward person needs to run a lot, so a person with high stamina is preferred. And you are perfect for it. (She says in a reassuring tone.) I have also changed few of the earlier field formation that you guys had, just for this particular match. (Everyone stared at her face out of curiosity) Because it's a defensive formation, I want better players in defence. Which is why, I would make some major changes, I am sorry, I don't want to demotivate anyone, I am just being practical here.

Julie: (she nods in agreement) We understand Coach.

Aoi: So, now that the formation is clear. I will allot your positions. (She takes a deep breath before continuing) Choon Hee forward. (She notes down her name in the diary) Bella, Ratree, Lotte central midfielder, Hope and Irina wide midfielder, Victoria, Jules, Christina and Maria defence. (She says noting down the names) Hope no one has any issues regarding their position. (She says scanning our faces. I raised my hand) What is it Anne.

Me: Can you place Bella in defence? (I said smiling)

Bella: (her face turns pale as she stares at me) W-What? (She stammers out of fear)

Aoi: (she raises her brow in surprise) Are you sure? (She asks, while fixing her eyes on me)

Me: (I nodded confidently) Yes, I will take her guarantee. I am confident on Bella's performance, I have personally looked after her training in past few months, and she has improved greatly over time. Even you know that.

Aoi: (she smirks) Alright then. Jules in midfield and Bella in defence.

Bella: B-But….(she hesitates, fidgeting her fingers nervously)

Julie: (she whispers in Bella's ear) Don't be nervous, we all are here to support you.

Bella: (she glances at Julie and forces a smile over her lips) Thank you, Captain.

Aoi: Alright, team, (she says, closing her diary with a definitive thump) this is our plan. I want everyone to focus on their roles, stick to the strategy, and trust each other out there. We might be going for a defensive approach, but that doesn't mean we're playing it safe. We're just playing smart.

The atmosphere in the bus shifted. The initial chatter had quieted down, replaced by a sense of anticipation and intensity. Everyone was absorbing the new positions and the strategy.

Victoria: Coach, do we have a specific plan for set pieces? (She asks, her brow furrowed in concentration.)

Aoi: Good question, Victoria. On set pieces, I want our central midfielders to drop back and provide cover. Bella and Maria, you two will be the main markers for any aerial threats. Choon Hee, you stay up top and be ready for a quick break. Our strength is in our speed and coordination—let's use that to our advantage.

Everyone nodded, understanding their respective roles. Aoi had made it clear that every player would need to be on their toes, ready to adapt to the shifting dynamics of the match. As the bus reached near the opponent school, the anxiety turned into confidence and determination.

Choon Hee: (taking a deep breath) I'll do my best up front, Coach. I'll keep pressing and stay alert for counterattacks.

Aoi: (giving her a confident nod) That's the spirit, Choon Hee. Keep the defenders on their toes. They won't see it coming. (She turns to the rest of the team.) And remember, girls, communication is key. Talk to each other, cover for each other, and most importantly, play with your hearts. This is our game to win.

Julie: Coach! We will do our best! (She says with excitement)

Everyone: Yes Coach!

Aoi: (she smiles) I have full confidence on each one of you. All the best!

Everyone: Thank you Coach!

Me: (leaning closer to Bella) Hey, you've got this. (I say softly.) Don't overthink it. Just play like you do in practice.

Bella: (her eyes still wide, but there's a hint of determination there now) I will. Thanks, Anne.

Aoi: Girls! We have reached, now its time to get off the bus. All the best everyone. (She grins) I know, you can do it.

Julie: Thank you Coach. (She said as we hurried down the bus.)

As we got off from the bus, we were greeted warmly by the school director, and teachers, as they lead us to the locker room, for changing our clothes, the locker room was filled with hushed murmurs as the members looked worried about the match. The final discussion regarding the strategy was done before we appeared on the ground, where the opponent team was already waiting for us. I found myself sitting beside Aoi, as we watched the match unfold in front of our eyes.

The stadium lights flickered on, illuminating the field in a bright, almost surreal glow. The stands were packed with spectators from both schools, their voices creating a continuous hum of excitement and anticipation. We could feel the pressure, but also the thrill. The opponent team was already out on the pitch, stretching and warming up. They looked confident, but so were we.

Aoi stood beside me, her eyes scanning the field as the referee prepared to start the match. I could see the calculated focus in her gaze. She wasn't just watching—she was analyzing, planning every possible move and counter-move.

Aoi: (leaning closer to me) Their strikers are fast, but they rely heavily on their midfield to set them up. If we control the midfield, we control the game.

Me: (nodding, keeping my eyes on the field) Right. We need to stay compact and not give them any space to breathe.

The referee blew the whistle, and the match kicked off. Our team quickly fell into the 4-5-1 formation Aoi had drilled into us on the bus. Choon Hee, up front as the lone striker, immediately put pressure on their backline, forcing them to pass backward. Our midfield, led by Lotte, Ratree, and Jules, stayed tight, closing down their passing lanes and disrupting their rhythm.

Choon Hee: (shouting from up front) Keep pushing them back! Don't give them space!

The opposing team tried to break through with quick, sharp passes, but our defense held firm. Bella, despite her earlier nerves, was focused and sharp, sticking to her mark like glue, there was determination mixed with fear in her eyes. She knew that this was her only chance to prove her worth, and she was ready to do anything.

Victoria: (yelling to Maria beside her) Watch the left! They're switching play!

Maria: Got it! (She replies with focused eyes)

Their winger tried to send a long ball into the box, but Maria jumped high, heading it out with authority. The ball fell to Irina, who immediately launched a counterattack, sprinting down the wing with incredible speed. She sent a low cross toward Choon Hee, who darted into the box.

Choon Hee: (eyes focused, determined) This is my chance… (She lunged for the ball, but their defender managed to clear it out for a throw-in.) tsk…(she bit her lower lip before refocusing on the match.)

Aoi: (clapping her hands from the sidelines) Great work! Keep the pressure up, girls!

Bella gulps her spit, watching the team, she was focused, yet nervous. The game continued with a fierce back-and-forth. Both teams were giving it their all. Our midfielders were relentless, breaking up plays and feeding quick passes to Choon Hee and the wide players, Hope and Irina. The opponent's frustration was growing; they weren't getting the space they were used to.

In the 15th minute, they finally broke through. Their midfielder slipped past Ratree and unleashed a shot. Bella attempted to block it, but the ball slipped past her, heading straight for the goal—only to be saved by Julie at the last moment.

Julie: (throwing the ball towards Jules) Good going guys!! Keep up the game!! (She says cheering up)

Aoi: Bella! Focus! (She shouts as Bella flinched)

Bella's face flushed as she heard Aoi's stern call. She nodded quickly, shaking off her nerves. She couldn't afford to falter now. The team needed her, and she needed to prove herself. The whistle ring for half time, as the team meets Aoi who discusses the further plan with them, before they took a small break and went back to the field for the second half.

The game resumed with a renewed intensity. The opponent team tried to exploit Bella's side, sensing her earlier hesitation. A quick one-two pass sent their winger speeding down the line, aiming for a cross.

Victoria: (yelling) Bella, cover the left!

Bella: (nodding, her eyes narrowing in concentration) I'm on it! (She knew that she can't afford to hesitate further, and bring down the whole team.)

She darted towards the winger, her heart pounding in her chest. The winger tried to dribble past her, but Bella stayed low, focused on the ball. As the winger attempted a quick move to her right, Bella stepped in, blocking the pass and winning the ball cleanly.

Aoi: (clapping enthusiastically) That's it, Bella! Well done!

Bella sent the ball up the field with a strong pass, finding Irina. Irina controlled it beautifully, turning away from her marker and sprinting down the wing. The crowd roared with anticipation as she drove forward.

Irina: (yelling) Choon Hee, get ready!

Choon Hee bolted towards the penalty area, positioning herself between two defenders. Irina sent a curling cross toward her. The defenders leaped to intercept, but Choon Hee out-jumped them, heading the ball with precision. The ball hits the net, as Choon Hee raises her fist in the air with an air of triumph. The opponent team looked baffled, they never expected a defensive formation so aggressive. They clearly let their guards down, seeing a defensive formation but it too late.

Aoi: Good going girls! (She clapped her hands cheering them up.)

Me: Come on guys!! You can do it!!! (I said cheering)

The match came to an exciting end, with our team scoring 1 goal and the opponent team's score showed 0. Their face became sulking, as they shook hands with our team and wished us luck for semi-finals. Yes, we are finally going to semi finals. Bella stood there awestruck, unable to grasp the situation, she couldn't believe her ears that we won the match, or that she saved the ball from entering the goal post.

Victoria: Congratulations Bella, you did it. (She smiled warmly shaking Bella's hand)

Julie: We knew you can do it! (She says hugging Bella tightly)

Jules: Group hugggggggg!!!! (She jumps into the hug as everyone hugged each other.)

Choon Hee: Three cheers for Bella! Hip Hip Hurry!!

Irina: Bella is our star! (She says with a wide smile)

Ratree: Now, I can finally take some rest from this tiring game. (She had a sigh of relief.)

As they cheered Bella, I could notice tears in her eyes, as she glanced at me with a faint smile.

Bella: Thank you… (she murmurs with a faint smile, trying to hold back tears) Thank you, everyone! (Her voice trembles, struggling to hold her emotions) Thank you… (She nearly collapses, weak with relief.) I-I did it, guys…..I did it…

Me: (I nodded with my chest swelled with pride) Yes. You did it. (I replied with a wide grin)

Aoi: (she claps her hands together to draw our attention.) Congratulations team, we have been promoted to Semi-finals, so don't lose your focus like last time, because it would be harder than any other matches that you have played till date. Remember, your opponent team is as good as you or maybe even better. So practice wholeheartedly.

Everyone: Yes coach! (We replied in unison)

I stood there with a smile of satisfaction, I was one step closer towards my dreams. Bella was finally out of her fears, and we have been promoted to Semi-finals, it is a big deal. "I hope nothing goes wrong now." I thought to myself biting my lower lip, as my heartbeat increased and anxiety seized me. My phone started vibrating, it was Brother Leo. Receiving the call, I placed the phone against my ear, as my eyes turned wide.

Me: I-I am coming…(I said stammering, as my legs felt weak with anxiety. And face turned pale with worry.)

To be continued....