The keeper plays a short pass to his left-back, and the white team starts moving the ball again. The red team's attacking momentum fizzles out, and now it's the white team dictating the game. The red team tries to press, but they end up just chasing the ball instead of closing space effectively.
The right center-back gets the ball, takes a moment to scan the field, then fires a piercing pass straight through the red team's setup. It lands at the right-winger's feet, and without hesitation, he cuts inside with his left foot.
He lifts his head, spots the attacking midfielder making a run, and whips a cross toward the back post. The AM is completely unmarked—free as a bird. He meets the ball with a clean header, aiming for the bottom right corner. The keeper reacts too slowly, and the ball rustles into the net.
Score: Team White (1 - 0)
The white team celebrates the crisp sequence of play, exchanging high-fives and nods of approval. The manager calls Che over.
"Switch spots with the left winger," he says.
Then he signals Johannes. "You're dropping back—switch from defensive mid to left center-back."
The game restarts, and the red team settles into possession, moving the ball smoothly. Eventually, the ball finds Leon, and he decides to take on the left-back. He throws in a few rapid stepovers, then cuts right toward the byline. He feints a cross, forcing the LB to lift his foot in an attempt to block—then stops the ball dead.
The LB, caught off balance, tries to recover, but Leon already has him beat. He bursts forward down the right wing, leaving him in the dust.
The LB scrambles to get back, trying to stop him from behind, but Leon suddenly cuts inside into the box on his left. The defender hesitates, afraid of conceding a foul. Leon now has a clear view of the center-back ahead of him but chooses not to dribble—he lays the ball off to the defensive mid standing wide open at the edge of the box.
Without a second thought, the DM drives a first-time shot with his laces, low and sharp across the grass. But a defender blocks it, sending the ball looping back toward the center. Johannes rises and heads it toward his center-back partner, Nikolai.
Nikolai sends it back to Johannes, who passes to Matthias bursting down the left flank. After a couple of quick passes between him and the DM, they bait the press before threading the ball through to Che.
The moment Che controls the ball, the right-back presses aggressively. Che reacts instantly, dragging the ball back with his right foot and switching it to his left. The RB lunges late, catching Che's foot and knocking him slightly off balance.
Che barely stays upright, stumbling but refusing to lose possession. As the defensive mid rushes in to steal it, Che shields the ball, backing into him with controlled footwork.
Still shaky but determined, he drops his left shoulder, then accelerates hard to his right, slipping away just in time. The DM grabs at his shirt in desperation, but Che's already out of range.
He fires an out-swinging cross toward the striker. The center-back rises and wins the aerial duel, but his clearance is weak. The ball falls to Leon outside the box, and both he and the second DM scramble for control.
Sensing he might lose the physical battle, Leon positions himself smartly to draw a foul. He drops to the ground, and the ref whistles immediately.
Che jogs over, extending a hand to help Leon up. The new attacking midfielder picks up the ball, ready to take the free kick, but Che stops him.
"Let me take it."
"You sure?"
"Trust me."
Leon smirks. "You better score."
Che grins. "You know, I've never enjoyed football this much."
Leon squints at him. "What?"
"I mean, I'm actually enjoying football."
Leon rolls his eyes. "Bro, stop being weird and just put the ball in the net."
Che laughs. "I got this."
"Wanna bet?"
"Two chocolate bars and a soda."
"Bet."
"Bet." Che smirks, then turns his focus to the free kick.
The keeper lines up a five-man wall, covering the right post while he guards the left. Che steps forward slowly, measuring his angle. Three steps, then a strike—medium power with a curling spin.
He avoids the wall entirely, bending the ball toward the top left corner—right where the keeper is. Anticipating a shot over the wall, the keeper shifts early, taking a few steps forward. But he reads it wrong. Before he realizes it, the ball is headed in the opposite direction.
It smashes the frame of the goal, bouncing back into play. A white team player reacts first, sending the ball out for a corner.
Leon grins and claps Che on the back. "Guess you owe me two chocolate bars."
The team prepares for the corner. The ball swings in from the right—an in-swinger with pace. The striker times his jump perfectly, forcing the keeper into a reaction save. But the ball spills into the crowd of bodies inside the box.
It bounces toward Nikolai, and he rushes in for the strike—but instead of the ball, he connects with an opponent's ankle. The whistle blows immediately as the player crumples to the ground in pain.
The referee waves his hand and calls for halftime. Players stroll off toward their managers, catching their breath. Leon sneaks up behind Che and slaps the back of his head.
"Didn't know you were actually this good."
Che grins. "Yeah, but honestly? I was doubting myself before I played here."
"Well, now I gotta step up my game."
"Maybe, but you'll never improve with socks that low."
Leon scoffs. "Low socks are the trend now. Keep up with the culture."
Laughing, he jogs toward the team huddle. Che follows after.