บท 16: Debut?
The person Maxi was surprised to see was De Ligt. He hadn't seen him since the Gothia Cup. Though Maxi, De Ligt, and the others had once vowed to play together again someday when they were younger, life had intervened, and they never did. They'd forgotten to share each other's parents' contact details since none of them had smartphones at the time.
This was a bit embarrassing for Maxi and the others—especially Maxi, who always thought he was the smartest. They didn't have social media and didn't know any other way to reconnect.
So, when Maxi saw De Ligt step off the bus, he couldn't hide his excitement. He immediately took out his smartphone and walked over.
"Hey, Matthijs!" Maxi called, tapping De Ligt on the back. De Ligt was already tall among his age group, while Maxi was younger and smaller, creating a stark contrast in their sizes.
De Ligt turned around, hearing the unfamiliar voice, and was surprised to see Maxi.
"Maxi?" De Ligt asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty as if he could hardly believe his eyes. He hadn't expected to see Maxi competing in the U15 so soon.
Maxi nodded with a grin.
"How are you already competing in the U15?" De Ligt asked, completely shocked. "Aren't you just thirteen and a half? Is that a record?"
"You're right!" Maxi replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "The previous youngest was 13 years and 9 months. I'm officially the youngest international U15 player—aren't I the best?" he added, sounding a bit arrogant.
"You're acting like Donnarumma," De Ligt teased with a laugh.
"No way would I act like that monkey," Maxi retorted.
De Ligt laughed, but Maxi, feeling a little embarrassed, quickly changed the topic. "Anyway, I have a smartphone now. Let's exchange WhatsApp. I want to follow through on what we talked about. We should play FIFA together."
De Ligt chuckled, still amused. "Sounds good! Here's my number," De Ligt replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"I also have Kylian and Gigi in my contacts—let's make a group chat.", he added.
Maxi nodded enthusiastically.
De Ligt checked the time. "I need to go. We have a tactical meeting before the match. I wonder if you'll get some playtime."
"Hope so!" Maxi called as De Ligt walked toward the cabins.
After that, they both headed to their respective teams.
"Who was that?" a young, light-skinned boy asked De Ligt when he rejoined the team.
"Maximus Orion," De Ligt replied. "I played against him once. He's terrifying—a mix of Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo."
"Which Ronaldo?" the boy asked curiously.
After a brief pause, De Ligt replied, "The Brazilian."
"You're overestimating him," the boy scoffed.
"Just wait and see, Justin," De Ligt said, his smile broadening as he recalled Maxi's undeniable talent.
The boy smirked, "Anyway, my dad's watching today's game."
"Mr. Kluivert?" De Ligt was surprised. Though he knew Justin was Patrick Kluivert's son, this was the first time Patrick was coming to watch a match.
"Yeah! My dad will be there," Justin replied proudly.
Another teammate, Donyell Malen, overheard. "Mr. Kluivert is coming to the match?"
"Yes, Donyell," Justin said, still smiling proudly.
"Malen, De Ligt, and Kluivert! Hurry up!" the Netherlands coach shouted as the three lagged behind near the cabin.
Meanwhile, Maxi was sitting in Germany's cabin. U15 coach Frank Engel had just finished his tactical explanation.
"Do it like that, and we can WIN! NO! WE MUST WIN!" Engel exclaimed. "Now, check the board for the starting lineup," he said, pulling back the cloth.
A wave of disappointment washed over Maxi as he scanned the lineup, realizing he wasn't among the starters. It was a stark contrast to his usual position as the first choice.
"Ekene, lead the players in warm-ups as the captain. Afterward, we'll discuss more specific match tactics," Engel said, clapping his hands in an attempt to motivate the players.
Everyone headed out to warm up with the usual routine.
In the cabin just before the match, the starters received a few final pointers. After everything was set, Maxi and the other substitutes headed toward the bench to watch the opening play.
He saw De Ligt in the starting lineup and felt happy for him, though it was no surprise.
The game was intense—a showdown between two top teams with solid defenses. However, the Netherlands boasted a stronger offense with Patrick Kluivert, Donyell Malen, and Ché Nunnely. Their attacks were fierce.
Germany struck first in the 9th minute. After center-back Moody Chana stole the ball from a Ché Nunnely dribble, he quickly passed to offensive midfielder Hermann, who accelerated with the ball. Spotting striker Nieland running down the left wing, Hermann executed a perfect through pass, breaking the Dutch defense. One-on-one with the keeper, Nieland coolly chipped the ball over Meulenhof, putting Germany up 1-0. The bench, Maxi included, erupted in celebration.
But the Dutch didn't back down. Kluivert unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the goalpost from 15 meters, while Ché narrowly missed the target. De Ligt even came close to scoring with a towering header off a corner.
In the 20th minute, Robin Schoonbrood launched a long-range shot into the upper right corner, leveling the score at 1-1. Both teams seemed to slow down after that, holding back for the rest of the first half.
As halftime rolled around, Coach Engel gathered Maxi and four others, calling out to them to warm up, signaling that their moment might soon arrive.
Maxis heart started racing knowing he might get to play.
As the second half wore on, two more players were subbed in, and others continued warming up. Then, Engel finally called out.
"Orion and Bennets—come here. Take off your vests and get ready." Maxi and Bennets exchanged excited glances, immediately taking off their vests.
Germany won a free-kick in a decent position, and Coach Engel shouted, "LET ORION TAKE THE FREE-KICK!"
The German players quickly set up, knowing Maxi had a powerful free-kick ability. The Dutch wall, directed by Meulenhof, looked over at Maxi with mixed curiosity and skepticism—except for De Ligt, who cautioned, "Watch him! He's got a terrifying shot."
The referee whistled, signaling Maxi to take the shot. He debated briefly between his left and right foot, ultimately choosing his right. He kicked the inner sole of his left foot with his right foot, something he did before every corner and free-kick as he felt his feet clearer. Then, he took his shot.
As soon as Maxi's foot connected with the ball, he knew the shot would be dangerous. The ball soared high over the wall, hurtling toward the goal. The Dutch goalkeeper jumped, reaching as far as he could, but missed it by mere centimeters as the ball sailed into the top right corner.
"YES!!!" shouts of joy erupted from Coach Engel, the team, and Maxi himself. Maxi erupted into a celebration he had meticulously choreographed in his mind for years, his heart racing with elation as he executed each move.He executed a series of flick-flacks, finishing with a backflip. His teammates surrounded him, jumping and cheering.
When play resumed, the energy shifted; the Netherlands seemed drained, failing to organize a proper attack as they desperately sought to regain momentum. The match ended with Germany victorious, and Maxi celebrated as the hero.
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