There were lots of surprise last Saturday at Kensington Park.
First, Autumn has arrived. It brought a nice chill and a wonderful foliage that made the pitch look stunning even before the match started.
Second, Giacomo was back from the US, in a rare break from his university studies. The young italian sported a classic pink Palermo shirt, courtesy of his friend Federico (next to him in the photo), who is a native of the Sicilian capital, as is your writer.
Third, Al showed up in perfect shape, ready to play, sending the fans in awe. Nobody was expecting him to return to the pitch so quickly, after what appeared as a major injury the previous week. But Football Dads (and Kids) are known for their superhuman powers and the ability to bend physics and biological law as needed.
What was even more impressive was the speed, class and precision with which Al played the whole match, leading his Colours team to victory and earning him a MOTM award.
The Colours played in a pure Como-style: confident ball possession, fast passes and surgical finishing. With Al were stars like Bijan, Andrea, Julien, Morteza and the two Jonathan, all particularly inspired. In the space of 30 minutes, the Colours were up 4-0, with the Bibs unable to convert the few chances created.
Aware of the gravity of the situation, the Bibs increased their pace and managed to score twice reducing the gap.
On the 4-2, at a pivotal time of the match, Francesco earned a penalty when his header, directed in goal, was blocked with a hand by a defender.
As Francesco prepared to shoot it, Davide took the ball and insisted he should take it instead. After few seconds of mexican standoff, with none of the player wanting to back down, right when Francesco was ready to concede Davide the honour (and responsibility) to take it, Massimo felt he had to intervene.
“I am the captain, it’s my decision. Francesco is the penalty taker. Hand him the ball”. he stated to Davide. Reluctantly, the youngster agreed (you don’t argue with the captain).
Unfortunately for the Bibs, Francesco’s shot had power but lacked precision, and Aurian managed to block it, effectively killing the Bibs’ hopes for a remuntada.
The Colours maintained their superiority throughout the remaining minutes, even when they found themselves down two men. The final result (6-4 or something like that) was not so extreme as the 9-1 with which Como humiliated Lens this week, but still proves they were the best team !