From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Direct Free Kick Goal! Sold-Out Collectibles!

”Form the wall! Six people!”

Portsmouth’s goalkeeper, Ashdang, got busy, gesturing to adjust the angle of the wall constantly, ”To the left! Keep going, a bit more! Too much, half a step to the right! Good!”

He came from Reading’s youth training and played in the Premier League early in his career, but later couldn’t adapt to the competition there and spent the latter part of his career in Championship teams.

It’s fair to say, he’s an experienced goalkeeper.

He wouldn’t underestimate his opponent. This free kick is approximately 25 meters from the goal, a distance that’s neither too close nor too far, perfect for a long shot.

Before the game, during the introduction, the coach said Ma’el has excellent long shot skills.

”Here we go.”

He lowered his center of gravity, ready to defend against Ma’el’s powerful strike, while also guarding against a sudden change of strategy to a dipping shot.

As for the possibility of the opponent passing the ball?

He wasn’t worried about that. The six-person wall wasn’t literally a wall; they weren’t rigid, and their positioning marked the offside line, preventing the opponent from receiving the ball beyond it.

Should Ma’el attempt something unexpected, his teammates would react instantly, breaking the formation to mark the players.

”Hoo...”

Ashdang took a deep breath. He saw Ma’el already beginning his run-up.

”Oh...” At this moment, he also heard the excitement of the Sheffield United fans on the sidelines. Some seemed unable to contain themselves.

They eagerly anticipated that their goal, guarded by Ashdang, would be breached by this young lad in front of them with a single kick!

A light smile appeared at the corner of Ashdang’s mouth. A goalkeeper’s favorite thing is naturally to crush others’ hopes, to see the scene where others hold their heads in regret, and hear the applause from their own fans.

”Put it in!”

In front of the penalty arc, Gilbert clenched his fist, hoping his friend could boost everyone’s spirits.

The atmosphere was set, just one goal away from boiling over!

Most others gritted their teeth in anticipation too, eyes fixed intently on the ball, hoping to see it hit the net in the next moment.

”Boom!!”

With all eyes on him, Ma’el kicked. He stretched his body to the fullest, swung his leg to its flexibility limit, and unleashed all his might into the shot.

Debris flew from where the football lay, soil and short grass lifted and scattered, showcasing the power of this kick.

The football flew straight over the wall, the six Portsmouth players leaping high, trying to block it.

”Ah!!”

Goalkeeper Ashdang shouted, crouching even lower, trying to judge the ball’s trajectory.

Seeing the ball seemingly heading for the top of the Portsmouth wall, he relaxed slightly... it should be blocked.

But then, whether due to someone fearing the ball’s speed, or tilting their body!

The ball shot through the wall, heading for the near corner of the goal!

Fack... In the blink of an eye, Ashdang didn’t even have time to voice his frustration, instinctively turned his head to the left with a numb expression.

”Whoosh!!”

The ball smacked into the goal net, its momentum still spinning wildly, then dropping.

Shifting his weight several times in a second, he lay down in an extremely twisted posture.

He closed his eyes, knowing that a gigantic cheer was about to erupt.

He failed to shatter the fans’ hopes and became part of Ma’el and the fans’ play, just a background presence.

”Yeah.....!!” Countless hands rose from the stands, and many threw their hats and other light items off, letting out their emotions.

Garrispeed jumped up again beside the field and rushed towards the fourth official, who had just ignored him, shouting, ”Come on! Come on!”

He pounded his chest with his fist, and in this wave of fiery atmosphere, even he, usually so calm, began lashing out indiscriminately.

It seemed like he was saying, without a red card, let’s punish them with a goal!

Everything was perfect; when the team needed a goal, it happened!

One to zero!

Ma’el scores with a long shot!

”Oh—!” Ma’el roared, racing to the sideline, knowing who it was that let the ball through.

During the celebration, he turned to look at Michael Brown, who had just sparked the conflict, and said with a smile, ”So, you guys only talk tough, but when it comes to the game, you’re too scared to use your face to block the ball for the team.”

This wasn’t moral coercion. Professional players have tough bodies, and they’ve taken countless hits from the ball since childhood.

Most people aren’t afraid of being struck by the ball.

Getting hit in the face is even less painful than hits to the stomach or ribs.

But Michael Brown dodged. When he saw the ball heading towards his face, he instinctively flinched.

Ma’el didn’t give the enraged Michael Brown a chance to cause a conflict, heading to the sideline, jumping high and striking the corner flag in celebration.

All his fury and suppression released with that kick, goosebumps rising, the adrenaline making him feel superhuman.

goals, 4 assists!

In his career so far, he has contributed to 7 goals!

This field doesn’t suppress him but releases him, and he will surely make it to the Premier League from here.

......

On Pub Street, in Kedao’Er’s old shop.

”Ma’el is at the penalty spot, ready to take the free kick. We all know he has a highly effective powerful shot, always giving the goalkeeper a tough time.”

Over a hundred fans gathered here, the attendance exceeded a hundred, all eyes glued to the television screens.

”The camera is on Ashdang, an excellent goalkeeper about to face off against Ma’el! Ma’el, starting his run-up, a shot!!”

Kedao’Er had raised his hands since Ma’el’s run-up, likely guided by instinct once again.

”The ball’s in!! Goal.....!! A brilliant direct free kick goal, Ma’el! Scores his third goal of the season, still his signature long-range blast!”

”Oh....!” Cheers erupted in the bar, and being an enclosed space, the roar of over a hundred people created the atmosphere of a full-scale assault.

Many clapped hands; others lifted their mugs, creating a ’thud-thud’ on the tables as the mood soared instantly.

”Ma’el!”

Someone shouted, picking up the scarf they bought when they came in.

This action seemed to remind the crowd, prompting someone to stand up and head for Kedao’Er at the bar.

”I want a scarf!”

”Our table is just 79 pounds short of 300 spend, give me all in black beer.”

”I want a jug! I want to take it home and cherish it!”

This time, someone even wanted to buy the jug. Collecting alcohol, after all, is a common global hobby.

Previously, they didn’t think a jug with Ma’el’s autograph held any special meaning and preferred practical items.

But in this peak of emotion, someone saw its value!

A player who debuted at Sheffield United and has a bright future, a player who can drive their emotions at any moment.

How could he not be valuable?

”If Sheffield United produces a homegrown talent like Ma’el in the future, I must take out this jug and share a drink with him.”

Someone who bought a jug said, smiling as he held it up.

The more enthusiastic even mimicked, saying, ”If Ma’el becomes a big star, I will keep this drink forever.”

”And when I have a child who gets into the youth team, I’ll surely pour him a drink from it.”

Many whistles rang out, and the scene suggested the crowd greatly supported the two.

Under the buying frenzy, this week’s limited 25 pieces quickly sold out, leaving Kedao’Er explaining from the stage.

”Come back next week, everyone. I believe Ma’el will continue to give us a wonderful experience next week.”

He raised the glass in his hand, finishing it off with a hearty smile.

This event seemed to be a success!

Wait a minute... If Ma’el truly becomes a major star, wouldn’t that make me his first brand sponsor?

Thinking of this, Kedao’Er felt honored, quickly becoming radiant with pride, running around the venue to toast and drink.

......

PS: Happy National Day! New month asks for guaranteed monthly votes! Push up the new books chart!!