MASTER GAME 5: WHATEVER IT TAKES
DADS-KIDS 2-1 SCORERS: Jeremy G, Daniel (D) v Hossam (K)
It is often said that our kids generation is the first one at risk of being worse off than the previous one, which is our. Today Dads were out to prove the concept when it comes to football.
The day started with a little drama: the guys at the Linford Christie stadium asked us to move to the next pitch in the middle of the park for security reasons as the stands could not contain all the fans coming in in the tens of thousands.
Kids were still high on adrenaline from the MG4 victory and, despite lacking household names like Johannes, Philipp, Federico and Piero, were strengthened, on one off senior loans, by no less than Hossam, Hannes and later Jamal. There were also new additions like Gianmarco from Italy, a very promising thirteen year old playing for Triestina, as well as Louis ( Jeremy T son) and his friend.
Also Riccardo , Francesco’s nephew, joined the ranks in midfield. Wonder kids like Adam and George were confirmed in the line up to the the delight of the crowd who marvelled at their grown stature.
The rest of the team was made by the well known Marco in goal (swapped with Riccardo second half), Daniel R and Marcello in defence, and the two unrestrained arrows, Andrea and Gregorio in attack. Dads, namely Daniel, Massimo, Hadrien, Thomas, Jeremy T, Ben, Chris F, Giuseppe, Enrique, Giancarlo, Francesco, Jeremy G and Tony were mentally and physically prepared to face anything and started like emotionless war machines trained to inflict maximum pain to their kids, treated like their worse enemies.
Like two boxers that want to kill the game in the first round, the two teams wasted no time to lock horns engaging on a fast tempo that none thought could last more than few minutes. They should have known better given the intense preparation to the MG5 by both squads: the twists and turns, sudden accelerations and fierce physicality were constant throughout the game and could have lasted for weeks.
Dads had a knock out plan right from the start and the first goal came to no surprise to the ones in the knowledge: Jeremy G picked up a ball at the edge of the Kids box and unleashed a shot of rare power and precision under the bar to seal Dads advantage.
There was nothing any keeper could have done about it. The problem for Dads though was that Kids were made from their very same mould and it took them only few minutes to level: Gianmarco produced an inviting cross into the Dads box and Hossam, despite being pressed by Dads defenders, converted with a volley that looked as natural as it was difficult.
At that point Dads resorted to their lethal weapon, that is Daniel, in goal that far, repositioning him in his trademark striker role and, needless to say, he obliged with his first touch of the ball tapping in a choral move of one (may be two) touch football setting the score at 2-1 for Dads.
At half time Dads made a pact not to surrender the lead again and held tight producing on the counter numerous chances to score but often Hannes bounced them back sacrificing every part of his body for the cause. When a penalty was given to the Dads he stepped in goal ready to intimidate the striker. Jeremy G placed the ball on the 11 meter spot for another high noon instalment of the Battle of Britain.
The shot was full of purpose and power, less so on direction. It did end up in the back of the net but unfortunately for Dads it was the one in the beyond pitch. The outcome almost looked irrelevant as every MG has always a nerves racking finale, regardless. Marco provided good distribution for the Kids strikers but Massimo, Hadrien and Thomas sent back every ball like rocks do with waves. Francesco in the opposite front saw an exquisite volley destined for glory saved by his own nephew Riccardo with a swift dive. At which point there was time only for the Ref triple whistle sealing Dads third victory in five MGs.
When Dads went to salute the fans holding each other hands and ending the run with a jump everyone could see what this triumph meant to them! There was still time though to reward the heroes of the day: Roberto won yet again for the fifth consecutive time the best Referee award and we thank FIFA for always sending their best ref. Gianmarco was the Man of the Match.
Despite his young age he dominated his flank showing tactical and technical awareness of a veteran. A champion in the making Dads were the Winners and drank gold collagen Prosecco from the Cup (by the way did Tony sacrifice his fair share of the magical liquid for the benefit of the team?) as per tradition.
Football Dads are the only sport team in the world which gets better and better with age: the latter is not disclosed though to prevent health & safety authorities to forbid the next Master Game
The Dish of the Match (a new award) went unanimously to Caterina’s crostata cake which was eaten in no time.
Finally a word for Kids: they looked dejected but deserve every credit for keeping the game alive to the last second, fighting like lions (forget the cubs) and making their enemies proud.