'Come on, boys! One more, one more!'
He places the ball in the middle. SBD's manager tries to refocus his team, who are still in shock. They start the play and pass the ball back to the goalkeeper, who is waiting for them to press for the ball. However, KVA refuses and decides to stay back. Frustrated by their reluctance, he passes the ball to his right-back, who then sends it to the center-back.
The center-back holds the ball and scans the field but finally passes it to the defensive midfielder (DM), who has run into space. The moment the DM touches the ball, Adrian runs and quickly presses him. Startled by the sudden pressure, the DM attempts to release the ball quickly by sending a hard pass toward his fellow DM, who is forced to awkwardly chase the inaccurate pass.
This leads to a 50/50 challenge between him and Leon. Realizing Leon might reach the ball first, he slides in and manages to reach the ball first, leading to another loose ball for Che and their right-back.
Che anticipates the ball and reaches it before the right-back can react. Without hesitation, he executes a quick 360° roulette, leaving the right-back startled. He stops the ball before it crosses the sideline and begins a run down the wing. Finn (LW) is wide open, so Che delivers a through ball that allows Finn to collect the ball in stride. Finn surveys the box to locate Adrian, who is signaling for a low cross ahead of him. Finn delivers a fast, low cross to Adrian's intended position. Adrian slides for the ball, connects well, but narrowly misses the goal. Frustrated, he kneels and starts hitting the grass in irritation.
'The next one, Adrian!' one teammate encourages.
Adrian raises his hands in apology to his teammates for missing the goal. SBD's coach calls one of the DMs over and issues instructions before ordering the players to start warming up.
The goalkeeper instructs the players to move upfield before delivering a goal kick toward their right wing. Both Nico (LB) and their right-winger jump for the 50/50 ball. Nico wins the header, sending the ball toward their attacking midfielder (AM). However, Karl (DM) challenges the AM. The AM controls the ball and shields it from Karl's pressure before releasing it to the striker (ST), who has dropped back for support.
The striker takes possession, faces the goal, and attempts a long-range shot with his head down. However, Jonas (LCB) blocks the shot, causing the ball to bounce high and fall comfortably toward Lukas.
Meanwhile, Che notices that one of their DMs is shadowing him across the pitch, even when they don't have possession and are meant to defend. The DM's towering presence hovers over Che's small, frail frame. With a sly grin, the DM taunts him:
'Your ass is mine this whole match.'
Che merely glances at him and continues scanning the field. The goalkeeper uses Erik's (RW) pace to send the ball over their left-back's head. Fatigued, the left-back struggles to keep up with Erik and resorts to pulling Erik's shirt. Erik tries to shrug it off, but the left-back maintains his grip. Annoyed, Erik stops and raises his hands at the referee, who blows for a free kick and issues a yellow card to the exhausted left-back, now kneeling and out of breath.
As they prepare for the free kick, players head into the box to await the cross. The referee blows the whistle, and the players jostle for position. Max connects with the cross despite being challenged by their center-back. However, the connection isn't strong or precise enough, resulting in an awkward lofted ball toward goal, which forces the goalkeeper to punch it out for a corner. Leon steps up to take the corner.
Che approaches Leon, trailed closely by their DM. Che requests the ball, and Leon obliges, passing it to him. Che runs forward, with the DM giving chase, but cleverly lets the ball through his legs, nutmegging the DM. Focused on Che instead of the ball, the DM fouls him. The linesman signals for a free kick, and the referee issues another yellow card. Protesting furiously, the DM appeals to the referee, but his complaints fall on deaf ears.
'Come on, ref! That was way too soft.'
'That wasn't your first foul; I've given you warnings already,' the referee replies before pointing out the location of the free kick.
'This little…' the DM mutters under his breath.
Che flashes a mischievous smile as he gets up. He and Leon stand over the free kick, Leon facing the goal for an outswinger while Che faces the opposite direction. Covering their mouths, they strategize about how to execute the set piece. Che glances at Karl (DM), and they exchange a knowing nod.
'Karl is open at the edge of the box. I'll run over it; you pass it to me, and I'll lay it off for him.'
'Got it.'
Che feints running over the ball while Leon fakes a powerful cross, prompting reactions from defenders. Instead, Leon gently passes the ball to the still-running Che. Che collects the ball and, with the opposition still confused, lays it off for Karl, who rushes forward and blasts the ball into the back of the net. Excited, Karl points at Che as he runs toward him.
'You're a genius!' he exclaims.
The team erupts in celebration, with the substitutes on the bench joining the jubilant chaos. They crowd around Che, teasingly rubbing and slapping his hair. After the celebrations, Che approaches Leon.
'Hey, I'll need you to drop deeper; that DM is man-marking me.'
'Won't that draw out the other DM?' Leon asks.
'They won't,' Che reassures him.
Score: KVA 2–2 SBD 55th Minute
Scorer: Karl Schattenwald assisted by Che Louw
Substitutions: SBD – Jannik Feuerbach (RB) [Out] → Kai Muller (RB) [In]