MASTER GAME 2: THE REVENGE
DADS-KIDS 6-3 SCORERS: Nick E, Jeremy T, Tony, Philipp (2), Hossam (D) v Giuseppe, Andrea, Marco (K)
These days there is a lot Dads are ready to concede to their Kids but never ever a second consecutive Master Game
Despite the wounded pride from last year undeserved defeat, none of the Dads, unlike Mattias (thanks for the pizza by the way) , would have bet on anything but a sound victory by the Dads in the Revenge MG.
The Dads 3-3-2-2 system, rehearsed countless times, turned out to be pure granite: Francesco and Tony upfront, inspired by Philipp and Giancarlo just behind, in midfield ‘la ligne Maginot’ with Julien, Olivier and Guillaume in front of the wall made by Hannes, Hossam and Nick protecting as one man the goal guarded by unflinching Stanton. New additions Jeremy and Nick E complemented the starting eleven strong, injecting speed and skills.
Alberto made the most of the Kids team without a role goalkeeper with the grown-ups, James, Johaness, Giuseppe and Andrea leading the charge with the youngsters Marco,Luca, Filippo, Alexis, Marcello, Myles, Armoury, Adam and Maxim eager to follow in the footsteps of their accomplished Dads.
The tempo was breath-taking and so the goals: Philipp and Nick E put Dads in front only for Giuseppe to bring Kids back in the game until Tony ‘fox in the box’ restored the distance with a demi-volley from the edge of the small box into the roof of the net to become the first and only Dad to score in both Master Games.
Kids would not have it and Andrea scored with a beautiful control and a shot not even Stanton could save.
The drama peaked when Stanton had no option but to floor James in the box. Was it a red card ? These are the decisions that can make or break games and for this reason we ’employ’ top Fifa ranked referees like Roberto Casoni. Marco penalty cool conversion meant that at 3-3 a new game was starting much to the dads frustration.
Bookmakers frantically adjusted the odds to reflect score and age gap , surely to the advantage of the Kids, on average some 28 years younger (14 v 42) : little they knew about the brutal regime Dads imposed on themselves over the last year, something even a Navy Seal would have struggled with.
In rapid succession Philipp, Jeremy and Hossam put the game beyond reach with clinical counters while the indomitable Kids kept attacking from all sides putting pressure on Stanton and Dads defence.
Fans long lasting memory from last year was that of the Dads saluting them with the chin up for a defeat which was difficult to take. This time they saw the very Dads running and jumping together in jubilation holding each other hands. Like Kids
It was well worth the wait
Many thanks to everyone for attending, especially to the Ref Roberto, the photographer Luigi and the many WAGS ( Wife And GirlfriendS) providing delicious food and unconditional support across Teams
Ps. If you look carefully at the Dads shirts you will notice the pathetic attempt by a couple of minor sponsors to replace the ever stronger GOLD COLLAGEN. Tony, fear not. I spoke to the Chairman of the Board and he confirmed that your contract will never ever be rescinded. In fact thy too attribute the freshness of the Dads Dream team, especially after the 3-3, to the beneficial effect of your magic drink. More of the same.
