One vibrant game and two burning developments
The lack of role keepers and, at times, an odd number of footballers always make the game unpredictable and volatile: could the fans in the stands take an even higher dose of their weekly adrenaline? As with every addiction, they wanted more, not less. Eighteen players were on their toes, ready to deliver instantly.
Colours were displaying a strong defensive and attacking block, with Johannes connecting the dots in midfield.
Both teams had a remarkably well-balanced mix of youth and experience to navigate 100-plus minutes of non-stop football under a shining sun and on a dry, hard terrain. An unusual, swift swap of the two halves was performed at half-time so that factors like wind and sloping ground would not advantage either team. In these kinds of games, as we all know, the tiniest detail can make a big difference and mark the line between hell and heaven.
The game was graced by the default presence of two Rookies: young Daniel, originally from Lebanon 🇱🇧, and later in the game, Gerry from Ireland 🇮🇪. Both nations are already represented in our 72 list, but the more the merrier. They both had a lively game, contributing to the fast pace with relentless changes in the run of play. You snooze, you lose, as they say.
To unlock a defence as solid as the Colours’, it took a remarkable feat by Jonathan, who managed to meet a very high ball with a flying header and deposit it in the back of the net.
That goal, however, did not initiate a dominant momentum for Colours, but rather awakened the Orange, who from then on took destiny into their own hands. Johannes scored a couple, while Francesco—back on duty—took a couple of shots to adjust his aim and then delivered a hat-trick, making himself the ‘fox in the box’ terminal of the Colours’ manoeuvres, particularly lively on the left side with Ishan and Oliviero always available for timely deliveries.
Also brilliant were Arman and the mobile Daniel, who combined to score goals that were precious in keeping Orange at a safe distance. It was, however, far from being one-way traffic—not least because, on the opposite front, Giuseppe, confirmed in his role as a ‘loose cannon’, provided a constant threat with his energetic running and tackling. Yet he managed to stay fresh and clinical in front of goal, bagging a brace to keep the Orange flame alive.
Scoring against defenders like Bijan, Thomas, and Andrea, however, is easier said than done. The gap stayed at three goals (8–5) before the golden goal. Orange grabbed their chance to redeem themselves with both hands, sealing the game thanks to the inspired Jonathan, who ended the day with a hat-trick and a near-certain selection for Man of the Match—alongside Giuseppe and Francesco. But the award went elsewhere.
Voters, critically remembering that at the beginning of each quarter the cap for serial MOTM winners is reset, felt compelled to vote for Johannes, who led his team to a relatively uncontested victory after so many recent games that went to the wire. His ability to cover the defender-midfielder-striker role all at once was the true competitive advantage, allowing Colours to control the game and bring the victory home.
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Giuseppe performs a pirouette shocking rookie Daniel.
Finally, a couple of interesting developments.
The issue of playing only and always at the Pond has been raised, and the Board is acting swiftly. Two leading consulting firms will present early in the week to the Board: one in favour of playing exclusively at the Pond pitch, and the other advocating for also using the Palace during half-terms. The Board will then have a few days to debate the matter in depth behind closed doors. The final decision will be made public before the next game this Saturday. The reasons leading to such conclusion will not be disclosed but, owing to its nature of national security, the CLUB will allow them to be declassified in 2065.
Yet again, a small group—Giuseppe, Francesco, Federico, Giancarlo, and WAG Federica—stayed after the game. After last week’s debate on geopolitical issues, this time Federico shared the Italian menu he had planned for dinner. The working group then focused on the hot topic of “Who serves the best pizza in London?”
At which point, I’m afraid, to know more you’ll need to subscribe to our premium product: the newsletter by DFDs (Debating Football Dads). One free way in, though, is to become an insider and contribute to it. But make no mistake—please ensure you can do so meaningfully, as the barriers to entry are very high, almost as high as the bars of our goals…
COLOURS-ORANGE 8-6
GOALS
COLOURS: Francesco (3), Johannes (2), Oliviero, Arman, Daniel
ORANGE: Jonathan (3),Giuseppe (2), Al
TEAMS
COLOURS: Bijan, Thomas, Andrea M, Daniel, Johannes, Ishan, Oliviero, Francesco, Arman
ORANGE: Hossam, Julien, Al, Joshua, Federico T, Giuseppe, Giancarlo, Jonathan, Gerry