Lost - Ellie Carpenter and Daniëlle Van De Donk

Coupe-de-France

I woke up the next morning at 8 am, ready for the last game day of the year against PSG.

It was the semi-final for the Coupe-de-France, but we are the reigning champions after all.

I got ready quickly, and headed over to the stadium, meeting up with the girls nice and early at 9 am, since the game was at 12.

I walked in and upon realising Ellie hadn't arrived yet, I sat down next to Dama.

It wasn't until Sonia started her pre-match talk that she walked in, her face glowing, her blonde hair chucked into a quick bun hanging loosely at the back of her head.

The most captivating thing about her? The smile and wink she sent my way once she took a seat next to Sara. Wow.

The rest of the talk went fast after that, as I barely paid attention, looking over at the stunning blonde at the other side of the room instead.

At least I paid attention to the starting lineup.

Because I wasn't on it.

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I made my way out to the sidelines, the substitute bib over my jacket as I take a seat next to Dama, who also didn't make the starting lineup today.

I watch as the starting eleven takes their photo, well, I watch Ellie at least.

The game started with a whistle, the players instantly trying to win over the ball. But once the game had started I realised just how cold it was outside today, and decided to go grab a blanket for me and Dama. But whilst I was unfolding it, and placing it over mine and Dama's legs, I hear the crowd go wild, everyone screaming.

My head instantly shoots up, watching as the team run up to Ada, engulfing her in a huge hug.

I look up at the score board, a 1-0 shining brightly. Perfect.

I look over at Dama, her already looking over at me, both of us grinning widely, sharing a high-five before going back to watching the game.

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By half time it was 1-1, PSG managing to equalise in the 24th minute, and everyone was getting tired. They now had more possession over the ball, causing the team to start to worry.

We all head inside, into the changing rooms.

"I know it's the last game of the year, I know everyone's tired, but get it together, we haven't lost yet!" were Sonia's inspirational words as everyone took a break in the changing rooms.

Sonia only made a few changes for the second half, but it meant Dama was no longer next to me.

I take my seat on the sideline, a blanket covering my body for warmth as I watch the second half commence.

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The whistle blew after extra time. 1-1.

Penalties.

I locked eyes with Ellie as she made her way towards Sonia, all of us preparing for what's about to happen. I could see the look of pure panic on her face, on everyone's face.