From Arsenal to the Ball God

On the field, the match has entered the final ten minutes of the struggle, and this Boxing Day battle is about to conclude.

Hull City’s fans either tired from shouting, or disheartened, are growing quieter.

Their head coach quickly makes substitutions, using the remaining two options to bring on two forwards to attack Sheffield United’s defense.

”Bang! Bang....!”

They keep sending high balls from the back toward Sheffield United’s penalty area, trying to score in the simplest way possible.

There’s no more time to organize; they must make the most of every minute.

”Everyone back! Back!”

Garrispeed, not being stubborn, calls the team to retreat entirely, parking the bus in front of the penalty area, ”Leave Ma’el as a counterattack point, Evans and Bolodanovich alternate on defense!”

This isn’t a shameful tactic, as even the most offensively-minded teams would choose to retreat in such a situation.

”Watch the high balls!”

”Second points!”

Sheffield United’s players retreat deeply, forming two tight barriers in front of the penalty area, protecting the goal.

Their aerial ability is good, and under intense defense, average high balls cannot pose a threat over their heads.

One high ball after another comes in, only to be cleared out of the penalty area time and again.

Slowly, realizing they can’t gain an advantage through aerial play, Hull City starts relying on their players’ individual skills.

The players skilled in breakthroughs frequently dribble to attack Sheffield United, while the long shooters continually bombarded from outside the penalty area.

But..... when the referee raises the board for 1 minute of stoppage time for the second half, the score remains three to two!

”Bang!”

Jay Simpson, this player who scored twice in the match, makes a final attempt with a shot from outside the penalty area.

Unfortunately, the ball is both high and wide, and Robert doesn’t even jump in front of the goal.

This shot takes the wind out of Hull City’s sails, as they all bow their heads, dejected and drained of hope.

”Bang!”

No one notices as Robert at the goal quickly asks a ball boy for the ball and makes a long pass toward their half.

Not until hearing the pass and the crowd’s cries do they turn back in surprise.

Ma’el, the counterattacking point who’s been a disturbance for their defense, outpaces their last defender, chasing the ball.

And in their defense, there’s no one!

”Yeah.....!” Sheffield United’s fans begin celebrating prematurely, as seeing Ma’el in such a good position makes the conclusion seemingly inevitable.

Hull City’s players fall into despair, with four or five players giving chase, but it’s too late.

”Bang... bang... bang...!”

Ma’el’s right foot keeps nudging the ball forward. This is an intensely demanding match; by now, he can barely feel his legs.

He only knows to step quickly, to rush toward the opponent’s goal and end the match!

”Ai!”

Manone charges out from the goal, yelling to boost his courage, as they confront each other once more.

As he approaches Manone, Ma’el expends the last bit of his mental and physical strength, stepping to the right with his right leg, while his left leg steps out even further left, making a feigned breakthrough move.

Manone shifts his balance to his right, making a last-ditch attempt, only to fall clumsily to the ground, realizing he’s been tricked.

Ma’el moves to the right again, using a step-over move at high speed to evade Manone!

The goal is wide open!

”Bang.” With an easy kick, the ball rolls steadily into the net, without any mishaps.

Four to two!

The victory is assured!

The extreme excitement gives Ma’el a sudden surge of energy, supporting him as he runs to the sideline to celebrate.

He puts his hand to his ear, soon hearing an even more intense and thrilling cheer filling the stadium, ”Yeahhh.....!!”

He recalls Simpson, who lost possession. This time, he remembers the dart-throwing gesture made by him at the start of the second half.

First, mimicking the opponent, he returns a stylish dart-throwing gesture.

Then, seemingly unsatisfied, he stretches his arm behind his head and makes a larger javelin-throwing motion!

Simpson’s dart didn’t pin them down, only caused brief pain.

Now, he intends to use the javelin to finish off Hull City; this will be a lasting wound!

Having just completed his shot, Simpson, still on Sheffield United’s side of the field, rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh, full of sorrow.

After Goalkeeper Manone was hit by a boomerang, this final blow lands squarely on his head.

”Ma’el! God’s gift borrowed by Sheffield United! At certain moments, I saw the shadow of Ronaldo in him!”

Championship’s main broadcaster, Sky Sports commentator, looks at the time and essentially delivers a farewell to the match: ”He used a pendulum-like move to beat the goalkeeper! We all know who’s signature move this is.

”Maybe his range isn’t as big as Ronaldo’s, but ultimately, it achieved the same effect.

”After responding to Hull City’s players, he blew a kiss to the stands. I think he must be saying, Merry Boxing Day!”