Chapter 188: The Kickoff
November 23rd, 2010
The players left the locker room, the noise from the stadium already rumbling above them.
They walked into the tunnel, side by side, boots knocking against the floor.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Everyone just focused on the game ahead.
Then Dev broke the silence.
"Crowd's loud today."
Max gave a short nod and said, "Let's give them something to cheer for."
Jamal spoke quietly. "Get ready. The first few minutes can decide everything."
Niels followed behind, calm as ever.
"Play together. That's all we need."
The referee signaled.
The tunnel opened.
The roar of the crowd grew louder as they stepped out onto the pitch.
The two teams stepped onto the field as the announcer called out the lineups over the speakers.
The players walked toward the center circle, their faces serious and focused.
They shook hands with each other, a polite gesture that felt almost strange in the tense moment.
