As you are about to walk out of the tunnel you look to your right and see her. You've been on this journey together for what felt like forever but after getting past the Netherlands, Australia, and Canada you now play your girlfriend in the final of the 2024 Olympics.
You and Jana first met in 2018 at the U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup. It happened when you ran into her in your hotel that the two teams were sharing. Jana had told you to keep your head up after a loss in the group stage that would knock your team out of the tournament while you told her good luck for the knockout stages. Neither of you talked for a while until you sent congratulations into her DMs after seeing that they had gone on to win the tournament with her playing in every game. Our relationship spurred on from there in the way that we would call and facetime each other any time we had a chance or even fly to see each other when we got a break in our seasons.
The relationship only became official after being best friends for two years when you surprised her by finally moving clubs to Barcelona and asking her to be your girlfriend. Your families, friends, and teammates knew but the world didn't. Although, there were a few rumors after the number of times you two were seen together. You moved in together after about a year and a half, but now you are both standing next to each other getting ready to go head to head.
Christen pats you on the shoulder from behind you as both teams begin walking out of the tunnel. You give high fives to all of your teammates as you line up for the anthem. After both anthems, you send good luck to all of your Barca teammates as they pass by and Jana, who gives you a wink and your hand an extra squeeze. Your team takes the starting 11 picture then heads out to the pitch ready to go.
"Welcome to the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal Final. This match is the one we've all been waiting for. These two teams have been on fire all tournament and have shown that they both deserve to be here. Something to watch for is the young star Y/N L/N for the US, she has scored in almost every match of this tournament. As for Spain, the US will definitely need to watch out for Alexia Putellas we all know how good she is and she has been just outstanding this tournament. It'll be a real battle between these two teams tonight and I can't wait to see how it plays out."
"Oh and it's an early goal for Spain by Lucía García in the 9th minute! The United States just looked a bit confused there. It was a really good build-up and finish by Spain. The US are going to need to figure somethings out there."
"What a finish and the US are back in it after only 8 minutes! Really well done by Y/N L/N to just touch it by a sliding Mapi León and send it top corner. Nothing the keeper can really do there."
"After one half of play, we are all tied up. And what a half it was, both teams showed some real strengths. Spain started out on the front foot but the US were able to crawl their way back into it. After that second goal, the game has been back and forth but no one was able to put the ball across the line. We'll see what the second half can bring."
"And it's Spain again! Scoring the first goal of the half and putting themselves up 2-1 over the number 1 ranked team in the world. Who other than Alexia Putellas as well. She's been a rock for this Spanish team all tournament, but let's see what this US side can bring for the next 34 minutes."
"SHE DOES IT AGAIN! Y/N L/N in the 62nd. Answering Spain after just 6 minutes bringing us back level again 2-2. What a game she's had tonight!"
"Oh that'll be a heartbreaker for the US. A mistake in the back causing another goal for the world-renowned Alexia Putellas. Unlucky for the US there but they're going to have to be better if they want to win this game."
"OH MY GOODNESS Y/N L/N TO KEEP HER TEAM IN IT AT THE LAST MINUTE! The diving header off Tobin Heath's cross was just perfect. The fans in the stadium are going crazy as are her teammates on the bench. What a game! It's a hattrick for her and folks it looks like we're heading to extra time."
"With all the action in this game, there were no other goals in extra time leaving us at 3-3 for the night when heading into penalty kicks. It seems both teams have already decided their lineup for the penalties, Spain's being Mariona Caldentey, Jennifer Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Lucía García, and Alexia Putellas. The US have gone with Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle, Christen Press, and Y/N L/N."
"Mariona Caldentey steps up to take it and finishes. It was a well-placed ball no way the keeper could get to it."
"Rapinoe for the United States and she scores. Megan Rapinoe with another well-taken penalty for the US."
"Jenni Hermoso scores for Spain. Naeher was close but couldn't get a finger to that one."
"It's a goal for Alex Morgan. She'll be happy will that one for sure."
"Irene Paredes for Spain and ITS SAVED! Not the best kick but Naeher guessed the right way and was able to punch it away giving an upper hand to the Americans."
"Lavelle to take it and OH MY WHAT A SAVE BY PAÑOS! Now it's back to Spain."
"Lucía García smashes it home with a great strike."
"The US need to score this one here and they do it's Christen Press. Let's see if we can find a winner with these final two penalties here."
"One of the best in the world, Alexia Putellas to take the 5th kick for Spain can she score here? YES SHE CAN! Her teammates love it so does this stadium, now it's all onto Y/N."
"If she can score here her team stays in it, if she can't then Spain will become Gold Medalist for the first time in women's football history. Y/N L/N shoots and SHES MISSED IT! It hit off the post! SPAIN WIN!! SPAIN WIN!"
You covered your face in disappointment. Hearing the Spanish team run toward their keeper you walked over toward the advertisement board to get out of the way, sliding down the side of it, and leaning up against it trying not to let your tears fall. Everything you had worked for was right in front of you and you let it slip away.
You soon felt a pair of soft hands remove yours from their place on your head. Looking up into her deep brown eyes you sensed her sympathy for you after a game of such highs and lows. As dejected as you were, you couldn't help but feel happy for her knowing how much this meant to her.
"I'm sorry", Jana started to say before you cut her off shaking your head.
"I'm so proud of you and you deserve every bit of this so enjoy it and congratulations, but I don't want to talk about it right now especially to you after you just beat me. I just need a little bit of time to think but I'll call you later. Go have fun okay?" You say with your voice shaky. You begin to walk away as you finish but she grabs your wrist pulling you back into her arms.
Your body immediately relaxes into hers as she wraps her arms around you telling you it's okay to be upset and cry.
"I love you and I'm so proud of you no matter what. Don't beat yourself up too much about it okay? Give yourself 24 hours to be upset and mad or feel any way you want to feel about it but after that start to move on, set new goals, and be ready to improve. I'll help you with whatever you need. You're a great player, everyone knows that, if they didn't then they saw it tonight. One shot does not make or break your career, " she pulled away making eye contact with you. You nodded and thanked her.
"Are you gonna be okay if I go?", She asked looking over towards her team.
"Yeah, you go, have the time of your life."
"I love you", she smiled.
"I love you too. Always", She pecked your lips before jogging over to join the celebrations.
You smiled slightly knowing that the fans were going to have a field day with that kiss.
A/n: This is my first fic that I'm posting for the world to see so let me know what you guys think! I can't wait to write some more. I have a few ideas but send me any requests anyone might have and I'd be happy to try to write them. Very excited, thanks!! ;))
