Turning The Tide

Few Days Later At Feyenoord.....

"Status"

Status

Name: Alex Bram

Age: 15

Talent Estimation: Grade C

Points: 100

Evaluation: A young Dutch boy aspiring to be the best among the best but his talent is better than average.

Stats

Physical Fitness: C+ (Strength, Speed and Stamina)

Game Intelligence: B

Mental Ability: B

Soccer Technique: C+

Skills:

1. Jay Jay Okocha Reverse Step Over (Completed: 78/100)

2. The Reverse Elastico (70/100)

3. Bend It Like Beckham (41/100)

SYSTEM MISSION....

1. Score A Free Kick

2. Help Your Team Win

REWARDS....

200 Points

Alex had decided not to even check the system shop until he has a sizable amount of points.

The crowd at Feyenoord's stadium was electric. The home supporters filled the stands with a sea of red and white, their chants echoing through the rafters. Ajax U15 had a daunting task ahead of them, facing Feyenoord U15 on their home turf. Coach Johan Berg had prepared his team for the intensity they would encounter, but the reality of playing in this arena was even more overwhelming than anticipated.

From the opening whistle, Feyenoord U15 played with relentless pressure, their midfielders swarming like a hive of angry bees. Ajax struggled to find their rhythm, and their attempts to play out from the back were repeatedly stifled. Feyenoord's aggressive approach paid off early when a quick interception led to a through-ball that split Ajax's defense, allowing their striker to score from close range. Ajax was down 1-0 within the first ten minutes.

The early goal shook Ajax's confidence, and their passes became hesitant and predictable. Coach Berg shouted instructions from the sidelines, urging his players to stay calm and stick to their game plan. However, Feyenoord's relentless pressure soon led to another mistake, as a sloppy back-pass was intercepted by their right winger, who crossed it into the box for an easy tap-in. Ajax was now trailing 2-0, and the home crowd roared with approval.

During the halftime break, Coach Berg gathered his team in the locker room. He stood in front of the players, his eyes scanning the room. The atmosphere was tense; the players knew they were making uncharacteristic errors, and they needed to regroup.

"Listen up," Coach Berg said, his voice firm but not harsh. "We're down because of mistakes. We need to cut those out and start playing our game. Stick to the basics—accurate passes, quick transitions, and tight marking. We have the skill to turn this around, but we need to believe in ourselves. The second half is a new game, and I want you to play with confidence. Can we do that?"

The players nodded, their expressions determined. Alex Bram felt the weight of the moment. He knew he had to step up and lead by example. The crowd's noise from outside the locker room reminded him that they were playing on hostile ground, but he was ready for the challenge.

As the teams returned to the pitch, Ajax came out with renewed energy. Coach Berg had adjusted the team's formation, bringing the midfielders closer to the defense to provide more stability. The change seemed to work as Ajax began to win back possession more frequently. Paul Jose, the attacking midfielder, played a pivotal role in transitioning from defense to attack, distributing the ball with precision.

The tide started to turn when Ajax won a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 52nd minute. Alex Bram stepped up to take it. He had been training hard on his "Bend It Like Beckham" skill, reaching 41/100 in the simulator. He knew this was his chance to put it into action. The Feyenoord wall lined up, and the goalkeeper positioned himself, ready for the shot.

Alex took a deep breath, visualizing the trajectory of the ball. He struck it with precision, bending it over the wall and towards the top corner. The ball hit the post and ricocheted out, prompting a collective groan from the Ajax supporters. It was a near-miss, but it showed that Ajax was getting back into the game.

Feyenoord's defense was rattled, and Ajax took advantage. The midfielders pressed higher, and the defenders became more aggressive in their tackles. In the 60th minute, Paul Jose intercepted a pass and quickly played it to Alex Bram on the left wing. Alex made a brilliant run, using a series of reverse step-overs to beat two defenders. He then cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Ajax was back in the game at 2-1.

The goal ignited the Ajax team, and they pressed harder, sensing the momentum shifting in their favor. In the 68th minute, they won another free kick, this time from a slightly different angle. Alex Bram stepped up once more, determined to make amends for his earlier miss. He struck the ball with a deft touch, curling it over the wall and into the top corner. The goalkeeper was left rooted to the spot as the ball sailed into the net. The equalizer sent the Ajax supporters into a frenzy, and the score was now 2-2.

Feyenoord seemed taken aback by Ajax's resurgence, and their defense began to falter under the pressure. Ajax capitalized on the momentum. In the 72nd minute, Steven Gerben made a darting run down the right flank, drawing the attention of the defenders. He crossed the ball to Richard Klein, who cleverly flicked it to Paul Jose at the edge of the box. Paul Jose took a touch and then fired a low shot into the bottom corner, giving Ajax the lead at 3-2.

The Ajax players were brimming with confidence, and they continued to press forward. Feyenoord struggled to regain control, but Ajax's high press made it difficult for them to build any meaningful attacks. In the 78th minute, Alex Bram received a long pass from the defense. He used his pace to outrun his marker, then cut inside and fired a low shot that slipped under the goalkeeper's outstretched arms. The goal completed Alex's hattrick and extended Ajax's lead to 4-2.

Feyenoord's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Steven Gerben scored in the 85th minute. Alex provided the assist, sending a perfectly weighted through-ball to Steven, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper. The score was now 5-2, and Ajax had all but sealed the victory.

As the final whistle blew, the Ajax players rushed onto the field, celebrating their remarkable comeback. Coach Berg joined the celebrations, congratulating his team on their resilience and determination. It was a victory that showcased the team's ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Alex Bram was surrounded by his teammates, who celebrated his hattrick and the free kick that turned the game around. He felt a surge of pride and satisfaction, knowing that his hard work in training had paid off. He knew that his "Bend It Like Beckham" skill was improving, and he was eager to continue honing it.

The journey was far from over, but for now, Ajax U15 could celebrate a hard-fought victory over Feyenoord U15. The game had tested their character and determination, and they had emerged victorious. It was a performance that would be remembered, not just for the stunning goals but for the spirit and resilience that Ajax U15 showed in turning the tide.