Federico plays “Easter Beagle” to score winning goals
As millions of people get stuck in motorways jams, rail delays and airport queues, a group of smart Dads and Kids decided a better way to spend the Easter eve was to show up on the park and play ball as every Saturday.
A huge crowd gathered on the borders of the Palace pitch to watch, encouraged by the gorgeous weather and by the fact that the match was not televised. A young couple had thought safe to sit on the hill on the side without realising that FDs consider the hills an extension on the pitch, a place where everything is allowed, including some of the strongest tackles. The couple quickly realised they were better off seating elsewhere.
Playing with very fast tempo, the Oranges established their supremacy in midfield and were able to score twice in the first 20 minutes. The Colours were moving the ball well but seemed to lack the necessary cynicism upfront, where Hannes and Chetan had risen a wall that looked impossible to break. When the Oranges netted a third goal, the teams agreed a rebalancing was needed. Johannes swapped place with Diego.
Now with Johannes in their ranks, the Colours increased their pace and become more dangerous. The German wunderboy wasn’t lethal as usual in attack (probably because Francesco was not returning him the ball when he asked him a one-two) but was terrific as assist man, sending marvellous through-ball for his teammates who finally broke the fast and scored their first goal.
A key moment arrived minutes later, when Hannes fouled Khaled in the box and the Colours were awarded a penalty. Too injured to take it, Khaled handed the ball to Francesco without saying a word, while all other teammates made a step back. Honoured by the trust placed in him, the Italian striker didn’t disappoint, shooting with coolness, strength and precision.
Now only one goal down (3-2) the Colours sensed the tide was changing. The two teams fought on every ball and created chances after chances. The Foglia Brothers (Giacomo and Francesco) both went very close to score with a header but their goals were disallowed because the ball went above the height of the red posts. Unlucky. Eventually, the Colours scored again, getting even at 3-3.
With 25 or so minutes to go, it’s often down to the Manager to make the winning move. A change of player, a new page from the playbook, perhaps some old-fashion antics.
Captain/Manager Hossam is known for an unrivalled vision of the game and sophisticated strategic thinking, but when he asked Federico to go upfront, most commentators didn’t understand his move and expressed disbelief, as this is a role the Italian had never played. The move had its uncanny logic, as the Oranges later realised.
As the Easter Beagle, appearing suddenly to bring eggs with an impressive entrance, Federico sneaked in the right position to score not once but twice sealing the victory 5-3. Charlie Brown would have been delighted.
Giancarlo had been relegated in the unusual role of spectator due to a ligament injury, and was seen talking extensively to [his dog] Leone. “Terrific performance from both teams. It’s quite a humbling experience to watch the match from outside instead of playing it” he said “but I look forward to be back soon”.
Walking away with the Man of the Match Award, assigned to them ex-aequo, Johannes and Federico smiled for the cameras and signed autographs. Shying away from celebrations, Hossam was seen taking detailed notes, probably thinking about the next move.
TEAMS
COLOURS: Francesco, Hossam, Adam, Federico, Johannes, Khaled, Al
ORANGE (Bibs): Christian, Hannes, Diego, Giacomo F, Francesco F, Louis, Chetan