18: The Trial Begins

Carlos stood in the locker room, his jersey clinging to his back as he adjusted his shin guards. The air was thick with tension, the hum of conversation and nervous laughter bouncing off the tiled walls. Today's match wasn't just another game; it was a trial that could change everything.

Borussia Hamburg's scout, along with representatives from other European clubs, sat in the VIP section of the stadium, watching every move. For Carlos, this wasn't just a test of his skills—it was a chance to prove he belonged among the elite.

Diego sauntered over, his confident smirk intact. "Nervous, Vargas?"

Carlos shot him a sideways glance. "No more than usual. What about you?"

Diego shrugged. "Nervous? Me? Never. This is just another chance to show them what I can do."

Carlos chuckled despite himself. As much as Diego's arrogance annoyed him, it was also infectious.

Navarro entered the room, clapping his hands to get their attention. "Alright, listen up! Today isn't about winning or losing; it's about showing them what you're made of. Play smart, play together, and don't try to be a hero. Got it?"

The team responded with a resounding "Yes, Coach!"

As they filed out onto the pitch, Carlos felt his heartbeat quicken. The stadium wasn't enormous, but it was filled with enough spectators to make the moment feel monumental. He scanned the stands, catching a glimpse of Herrera seated next to the scouts. Herrera's sharp eyes locked onto Carlos, and he gave a small nod.

The message was clear: Don't disappoint me.

The whistle blew, and the match began.

Carlos started in his now-familiar position in midfield, controlling the tempo and linking plays. From the outset, the opposing team pressed hard, their intensity forcing Carlos and his teammates to move quickly.

In the tenth minute, Diego received a long pass and drove down the wing, his footwork dazzling the defenders. He cut inside and passed to Carlos, who was just outside the penalty box.

Carlos took a touch, his mind racing. He spotted a gap in the defense and threaded a pass to Sofia, who was making a run into the box. Sofia's first-time shot ricocheted off the goalkeeper's gloves and into the net.

"Goal!" the announcer's voice boomed as the crowd erupted.

Carlos pumped his fist, the weight on his shoulders easing slightly.

"Nice pass, Vargas," Sofia said as they jogged back into position.

The game wore on, and the intensity only increased. The opposing team equalized with a powerful header, and the match turned into a battle of tactics and endurance. Carlos found himself in constant motion, tracking back to defend and pushing forward to create chances.

In the second half, the match reached its boiling point. Both teams were evenly matched, and every touch of the ball felt like it could decide the outcome.

In the 75th minute, Carlos intercepted a sloppy pass near midfield. He drove forward, dodging two defenders, but just as he was about to shoot, he was clipped from behind and went down hard.

The referee blew his whistle, awarding a free kick just outside the penalty area.

"Take it," Diego said, handing Carlos the ball.

Carlos nodded, his heart pounding as he placed the ball. He stepped back, envisioning the trajectory.

The stadium fell silent.

Carlos took his run-up and struck the ball cleanly. It curled over the wall, dipping perfectly into the top corner. The goalkeeper dove but couldn't reach it.

The crowd roared, and Carlos was mobbed by his teammates.

When the final whistle blew, Carlos' team had won 2-1. But more importantly, he'd left an indelible mark on the scouts.

As he walked off the field, Herrera was waiting for him near the tunnel.

"Well done, Carlos," Herrera said, his tone as smooth as ever. "You've impressed them. I'll be meeting with the scouts soon to discuss your future."

Carlos nodded, but before Herrera could leave, he spoke up. "Herrera, what happens if I don't want to leave right away? What if I want more time here?"

Herrera's eyes narrowed slightly. "Time, Carlos, is a luxury in this business. Opportunities like this don't wait."

Carlos held his ground. "I just want to make sure I'm ready. That I'm making the right choice."

Herrera studied him for a moment before smiling. "Fair enough. But don't take too long to decide. The world doesn't wait for anyone."

That evening, Carlos met with Navarro to discuss the day's events.

"You played well today," Navarro said, pride evident in his voice.

"Thanks, Coach," Carlos said. "But I'm still not sure about all this. Herrera's pushing hard, and I don't know if I trust him."

Navarro leaned back in his chair. "It's your career, Carlos. Not his. Remember that. Take your time, weigh your options, and do what feels right for you."

Carlos nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. But as he walked home, Elena's warning replayed in his mind.

Could he trust Herrera? Or was he just another pawn in the scout's grand game?