The Penalty (Samples)

Samples

Excerpt #1

Through hard work, he had managed to give a distinct playing style to this young team. A style based on technical ball control and precise passes, which was quite rare in this age group. It had earned him a reputation. He wanted to see them play simple, on the ground, without any frills. What he especially didn't want was to see them falter. The team lineup was announced without any surprises. Enzo as number ten. His closest friends were also part of the team.

Excerpt #2

The first thirty-five minutes* of the game were disappointing. There was no scoreboard, not even a wooden one. But the spectators present, however few there were, knew that the scoreless draw at halftime was a small "miracle."

*Duration of one half in the under-13 category at that time.

Excerpt #3

The atmosphere in the locker room was surreal: on one side, the first team players remained silent while on the other side, the U19 players laughed and played music. No one dared to tell them to calm down because no one really knew whether to rejoice or mourn. Medhi, a young coach in his forties, gave instructions to both teams. Yoann stayed in the background. Medhi kept saying, "Guys, I'm telling you again and again. Let's take it easy." It was meant to be played cool.

Enzo was ready to discuss the way of playing despite the lack of stakes. Instead, Yoann simply threw him a white jersey with the number 10 on it.

Excerpt #4

"The Moncourt supporters, as loyal as they could be, thought I was crazy. Some still do, actually. Of course, they don't dare say it to my face, but I have eyes and ears everywhere. We're in Regional 1 and we're aiming for promotion to National 3 this season. Our club has produced professional players for years. Starting with the illustrious Machinistz brothers who later brought glory to PSG. Should we hold it against them? Of course not. But I believe we have enough talent to become the other great club in the Paris region."