Lover II- ML

310. Game Changer

"Kaia Morelli makes the bench four days after limping off against Wales..."

Mapi just knew that England would find a way to include Kaia in their game against Sweden.

She wasn't mad, she was glad for Kaia being on the bench at least and not starting. But it summed up how much England rely on her for not only goals but leadership, for her calm head and tactical mind, her vision and passing ability and belief she gives her teammates.

Not having her skill and talent available would be detrimental to them if they found themselves in a position where they couldn't combat Sweden.

Kaia was a player who didn't give up no matter the scoreline, she didn't retreat once she thought the game was over and she could create moments from nothing.

Sweden, however, were clearly uplifted by the news that they wouldn't have to defend against Kaia from the first minute.

Like they predicted.

They tactically set out in an attacking manner, their defenders moved confidently with the ball and sprung into midfield with driving runs.

England's concentration and pace was really being tested, but with a back five of Lucy, Lottie, Leah, Alex and Carter, it made it very hard to get through and get a shot off on England's goal.

Kaia watched patiently from the bench, resting her foot up on a cooling box with her laces untied still.

She wasn't in any real pain, just a mild discomfort and tenderness. Her foot was wrapped and ready, her body topped with painkillers and she knew she'd only play today in Sarina needed her.

Sarina wanted her resting for as long as possible, but she knew it wasn't smart to make her completely unavailable for their games.

It gave them the option, it gave Kaia the opportunity to still offer her advice and speak to the players on the bench about what tactics she could see in play.

She watched as the game built, as both teams had their spells of possession and she felt her heart stop when Sweden took a powerful shot on goal.

But it was still even playing grounds, Sweden hadn't been too much of a threat until suddenly they had a corner.

Kaia sits more forward in her seat so she can see around the fourth official, watching the box as the ball comes soaring in and is then headed powerful between Hannah Hampton's hands.

It sucked. Kaia felt what every England felt watching on. It quite literally sucked the air from her lungs and made her think shit.

Sarina shook her head from the touchline, but to a certain Aragonese's relief, she didn't look back towards Kaia just yet.

They still had time, they still had half time to regroup and go again.

Up on the balconies, Mapi was there. Of course she was there so she could watch the bench and see what the cameras wouldn't catch in the middle of the game, to see if Kaia was being told to warm up far too soon, to see if Kaia was getting agitated in her seat now England were 1-0 down and looking shaky.

"They have an hour left." Alexia reassures, bouncing Fabian on her hip gently. "Try to relax."

Mapi sighs deeply, resting her chin on her arm she had rested along the metal barrier. "Emilia needs to mature more in her game, she's too rash with the balls she plays through for Alessia." She complains.

Alexia chuckles, because she had seen a few promising through balls from the Atléti forward. They were the right idea, just not executed quite right. "Not everyone can be Kaia." She reminds her. "Emilia has shown good promise."