Chapter 3: Competition
At this time, Head Coach Magritte clapped his hands and signalled the end of the training. He then divided the players into two groups, the main team, and the substitute team, for a group confrontation as usual.
Typically, Wang Feng would be a substitute in this scenario, waiting for his turn to enter the game after a few minutes. However, this time, the coach asked him to start at the beginning. As everyone lined up, Renee gave him a thumbs up and a pat on the chest, signalling that he would cover for him and ensure he received the ball during the game.
Sure enough, shortly after the kick-off, after a few passes in the backcourt, Renee executed a through pass, delivering the ball to Wang Feng at the front of the midfield. The pass had too much power, and indeed, the ball rolled several meters ahead of him.
Paul, nearby, couldn't hide his excitement and rushed over. However, Wang Feng outpaced him, catching up with the ball before Paul could reach it. With a flick to the right, he took the ball out of Paul's pressing range.
The seemingly intricate moves unfolded in an instant on the court. Wang Feng executed a skilful manoeuvre, easily evading Paul, and then sprinted with all his might. The opposing central defender turned pale and hurried to catch up. Wang Feng pushed the ball forward with precision, accelerating to keep his advantage.
With a graceful move, Wang Feng shook off the defender and advanced near the top of the penalty area. At this point, three defensive players rapidly retreated towards the penalty area, while Wang Feng's teammates struggled to catch up.
Recognizing the open space in the goal, Wang Feng unleashed a powerful shot. Unfortunately, the force was slightly too strong, causing the ball to soar over the goal frame.
Despite the miss, the attack was threatening, and Renee approached with a smile, saying, "You handled that well, but you missed the last shot by just a bit. No worries, let's try again; we'll score for sure."
A few minutes later, the main team, with generally superior skills, took control of the game, pressing the entire line forward. The substitute team's defensive players were all concentrated within 30 meters in front of the goal, with Wang Feng and another striker strategically waiting in the midfield for an opportunity.
During a clearance from the backcourt, Wang Feng anticipated the ball's landing point, rushing towards it. With a deft touch using his body, he controlled the ball perfectly, astonishing the opposing defenders who wondered when Wang Feng had developed such a skill. Capitalizing on the opponents' surprise, he swiftly turned around, evaded the defence, and accelerated.
With only one defender left in the vast front court, Wang Feng raced forward, attempting to seize the chance. In a moment of confidence, he deftly dribbled the ball past the defender and continued his sprint towards the penalty area.
Single-handedly!
The main team's goalkeeper chose to abandon the goal and charge out, anticipating Wang Feng's shot. Although aware of the earlier long shot's threat, he had to guard against a potential goal. In a daring move, Wang Feng wanted to take a powerful shot from the penalty area line, the angle being too wide for any effective block.
While running, Wang Feng skilfully touched the ball with his left foot, swung his right foot up, and maintained balance with outstretched arms. Focused on the ball, he sought the feeling in his mind. Despite the goalkeeper rushing towards him, Wang Feng remained composed, executing the shot according to his plan!
The ball soared over the goalkeeper's hand and head, hitting the lower edge of the crossbar before rebounding into the net at the top of the goal.
Goal!
Wang Feng's mind felt empty, having scored in a training match for the first time in months. Renee ran over, rubbing his hair, and exclaimed with a big smile, "I knew you were in great form; you're scoring goals now. Based on this performance, making it to the squad for the next match is not out of reach."
Involuntarily, Wang Feng glanced at the head coach, finding Magritte looking at him with a smile, full of affirmation and approval. It seemed that his hard work and progress had been recognized. There's no head coach who doesn't appreciate hard-working and valuable players!
In the subsequent game, Wang Feng remained highly active, frequently penetrating the opponent's defence from the right and delivering several good crosses. Unfortunately, the substitute players lacked precision, wasting numerous scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the main team continuously created chances and secured a goal.
Unexpectedly, the main team and the substitute team ended the game in a draw. Normally, the main team would dominate, but due to Wang Feng's outstanding performance, they didn't manage to overwhelm the substitute team.
After the game, Head Coach Magritte led everyone to the conference room for a review. He addressed various issues within the main team, analysing each player individually.
Then, pausing for a moment, he turned to Wang Feng and said, "You performed well in this game, but there are a few areas to improve. Your ball-handling is somewhat predictable. If you can diversify your movements and increase your threat, it would be beneficial. Focus on these aspects in your training."
This marked the first time the head coach offered feedback to Wang Feng. Eagerly, Wang Feng nodded in agreement. The other substitute players around him gazed at him with envy. In the past, Wang Feng, like them, received no comments or advices from Magritte. Now, he had caught the head coach's attention, suggesting he wasn't far from making it to the starting line-up.
Finally, Magritte announced the 18-man roster for the upcoming weekend league. The line-up remained unchanged from the back to the front, except for the right-winger. First, he named Paul, and then, to Wang Feng's delight, his name was called.
Wang Feng couldn't quite hear what Magritte said next; his mind was occupied with the realization that he had finally been included in the squad for the competition. The months of hard work had finally paid off.
As the head coach wrapped up, he informed everyone that the training camp would disband the following afternoon.
Renee approached and congratulated Wang Feng, saying, "You've finally made it into the squad. Don't expect too much; you might not get to play."
Wang Feng nodded, "I know, but if the opportunity arises, I'll seize it."
Rennie shrugged, "I knew you were serious about this sport. Do you want to practice more today? I'll head back and relax first."
Wang Feng nodded. While others packed up, preparing to leave, a person silently entered the gym.
As he started practising more, Wang Feng sensed his body growing tired, signalling that further exercise could lead to injury.
At this moment, the club's team doctor entered and warned Wang Feng, "You can't practice any more today. You're still young, and today's training was a bit strenuous for someone in their growth period. Go back and rest.""
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