I Became a World-Class Striker
Episode 8
A Bit of Luck
The locker room after the first half ended.
"……."
"……."
Everyone was staring at the tactical whiteboard the coach had drawn with gloomy expressions. Well, it was only natural. It was the Suwon Derby that the fans had been looking forward to, yet they had conceded two goals in quick succession during the first half and were being dragged along with the score at 2:0.
"Stopping player Yi Areumdaun is important. Don't forget that his dominant foot is his left."
Even the voice of veteran coach Yi Geon-il didn't seem to reach the players easily. I too… was a bit in shock. I wanted to do well, but it wasn't easy.
'The Suwon Samsung players are really good, huh. The Seoul players weren't pushovers either, but…'
I had been lucky back then. Because I luckily scored the opening goal, the Seoul players panicked and gaps opened up. But the current situation was different.
We conceded first. Two goals in a row, at that. To the same opponent.
That shock had struck the players like a fatal blow. In such a heavy, arduous, serious situation…
Bzzzt—
'Crazy fly…'
Perhaps drawn by the thick smell of sweat, or because the locker room was close to the dining hall, a fly was buzzing right in front of my eyes. Right now, when all the players were solemn and the coach and coaches were dead serious, that thing buzzing in front of me was quite unpleasant.
'Get lost—'
I waved my hand once, but.
Yeah, fat chance~
Bzzzt—
As if saying that, the thing evaded leisurely. I was already annoyed to death, and this insignificant creature kept thrusting itself toward my face. Then, as if it had gotten comfortable, it settled in one spot, practically saying, "Catch me if you can."
'I can't let this slide.'
My eyes locked onto the thing sitting in its exact position, and I moved my hand. And then.
BANG!
"!"
"!"
'Huh? I definitely just tapped it lightly…'
I had struck the shelf where the fly was sitting. Honestly, I didn't know it would make such a loud noise… But thanks to the wooden shelf, an enormous sound rang out, and naturally, everyone's gaze focused on me.
"……."
"……."
'Hoo boy…'
The coach and the players all had murderous expressions. It was a serious situation, so saying, "I was trying to catch a fly," was a bit… awkward. Wondering what to do about it.
Gulp.
"Ah, it's not… over yet, so why are you all so deflated!!"
Without realizing it, words that had bypassed the filter in my head quickly popped out of my mouth. The crisis-avoidance ability unique to lesser men, trying to evade this heavy situation, had been activated.
"Chang-ryong…"
"I think we have to prove that we're Suwon today. That's all."
Wh-what are you saying, Chang-ryong!? Are you sane or not? You've really lost it. Y-yeah, your mouth is the problem, your mouth is the problem. Are you making things worse because you're afraid of getting scolded? You crazy—
Creak.
"…Yeah, Chang-ryong is right. He gave us good words. We aren't finished yet. But what is this? Your expressions look like a team that's already lost."
"Ca…ptain?"
"Where did you sell off the passion you showed in the second division? Where did the hopeful eyes you showed in the match against Seoul disappear to!! How long has it been since we were promoted to the first division!!"
'…Huh??'
Yi Yu-chan, the player who was both captain and goalkeeper. At his roar, the dying light in the players' eyes began to change bit by bit.
"Rather, you should get angry like Chang-ryong!"
'Hu-huh??!?'
But somehow, I got swept up in that flow. Thanks to that, the players' gazes turned toward me once more. How should I put it… scary yet serious, as if angry…
"Yeah… like Chang-ryong said, we are Suwon."
"The real Suwon is Suwon FC. Us."
"We can't… lose to Suwon Samsung. We have to get angry like Chang-ryong!"
'Were they… not yelling at me?'
Our team players weren't angry at me. They were looking at something. They were looking at something hot. This… this was some huge misunderstanding, and I tried to wave my hands gently, but…
"That's— I was angry—"
"Chang-ryong, let's do our best!"
"We wanted to win too!!"
"Ugh, Coach, I won't run cowered anymore. I'll really run hard!!"
Somehow, I had raised the players' morale.
"Yeah, you punks… that's the kind of look I was waiting for. Let's do our best in the remaining second half. So the fans who believe in us and cheer for us won't be disappointed."
The coach's eyes were slightly red. The coaches around him were clapping and shouting, "Aja aja! Fighting together!" But I couldn't exactly say there, "That's not it, I… this happened because I was catching a bug. There are a lot of flies in here."
So I just.
Swoosh—
"F-fighting!"
"Ooh!!!!!!"
"Fighting!!!!!!"
I had to raise my slightly clenched fist and shout fighting with the other players. The locker room rang out loudly. The players' eyes were brimming with fierce vigor, and when my reflection crouching in the center with my fist raised was shown in the mirror on the wall, it was truly… a spectacular sight in many ways.
Whew. Anyway… that's how the second half began.
* * *
Having heard that Suwon FC had beaten Seoul, the Suwon Samsung Bluewings players had judged the Suwon FC players to be dangerous before the match. Moreover, their pride was on the line, so it wasn't as if they hadn't approached the match more fiercely.
But as Suwon Samsung took the lead with player Yi Areumdaun's multi-goal performance in the first half, the atmosphere changed.
"Suwon FC is nothing special."
"Wasn't beating Seoul just a fluke?"
"Right. They didn't even seem like they could keep up with our speed?"
Their steps definitely exuded composure. As they stepped onto the pitch for the second half, they were armed with the weapon called confidence.
"Areumdaun sunbae-nim! Please score some beautiful goals in the second half too~"
"You punks. The match isn't over yet, dammit."
"Hehe. Still, you saw them unable to even breathe properly, didn't you? I'm saying let's fighting."
"Hmph. Yeah."
In the situation just before kickoff, Suwon Samsung's main gun Yi Areumdaun smiled faintly, harboring thoughts of a hat trick.
'Getting my first hat trick of the season in the Suwon Derby… not a bad picture.'
He was already imagining it. Imagining his face plastered huge on internet newspaper articles.
Beep------
=The second half begins.
=Suwon FC vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Suwon FC.
=Suwon Samsung in white uniforms starts the second half kickoff.
=After all, they scored two goals earlier in the first half, right?
=Yes. With Yi Areumdaun's brilliant multi-goal performance, Suwon Samsung is in the lead against Suwon FC. The score is 2:0. I'm quite looking forward to whether there will be any changes from Suwon FC, who are losing.
=Ah— the moment I speak! Oh! The pressure is tremendous.
=It seems words were exchanged in the locker room, right? The Suwon FC players are blocking Suwon Samsung players with much more aggressive pressure compared to the first half.
Tap-tap—!
'Wh-what is this?'
"Hup! Hooop!!!!!"
The second half began.
The Suwon Samsung players were bewildered. The Suwon FC players' appearance from the first half had vanished without a trace. The opponent in front of them was like a different team.
If they caught the ball and ran, Suwon FC chased like crazy and applied strong pressure, making them flinch. The slight hesitation shown in the first half was nowhere to be seen. How should I put it… if I were to use a four-character idiom, should I call it a fight to the death?
With them rushing in like that, even the composed Suwon Samsung players had their backs drenched in tension.
And that aggressive aspect eventually.
Tok!
Tak— roll-roll—
"Yaaaah!!!!!!!"
"Ball! Ball!"
"Run!"
"Hooop—!!"
It came as a chance for the Suwon FC players. The Suwon Samsung players, who had been leading in ball possession, lost the ball due to the pressure, and to capitalize on that opportunity, Suwon FC midfielder Yang Hyeok ran hard, his mustache fluttering.
Literally, a dash.
Thud-thud—!!
"Hup!"
"Damn!"
Swoooosh!!!!!!!!!!!
Beep—!!
Tremendous speed. If he had sent a pass straight to the forward up ahead, it would have been a frightening scene for Suwon Samsung. But to avert that crisis, a Suwon Samsung defender went in with a deep tackle on Yang Hyeok, even if it meant getting a card.
"Haa— haa— ugh…."
'Aren't they crazy bastards?'
In the end, Yang Hyeok, collapsed on the ground clutching his ankle, groaned and let out a faint giggle. Because he had ultimately drawn a foul, and he knew a chance had come.
'Even if it hurts… it's a good pain.'
The fact that it hurt now wasn't the problem.
A foul in the 10th minute of the second half.
In a way, it was exactly the picture Suwon FC had wanted most. It was a bit far from the box, but if they could send the ball in well enough, there was a high possibility it would connect to a set-piece attacking chance.
"That's ittt!!"
And at such spirit from player Yang Hyeok, coach Yi Geon-il, who was on the bench, spewed out fighting spirit and threw an uppercut into the air. Yes, this was what he had wanted.
"You punks are only doing it properly now."
"If there hadn't been that loud noise in the locker room earlier, the players wouldn't have changed, Coach."
"Aah. Yeah. Yi Chang-ryong, this kid is the real deal. That voice back then snapped even me to attention."
Yi Chang-ryong's single line. At that single line, the players' hearts raced.
"Yeah, we have to show those bastards that we're the real Suwon. Yeah."
The reason everyone became one in the end was because of one player's words, and at the center of it was Yi Chang-ryong. Of course, the truth was that he had struck his hand down to catch one fly, but the misunderstanding had ultimately flowed in a good direction.
Thump-thump—
'We too.'
'Can do it!'
'We've been practicing all this time. Set pieces!'
A free kick situation from the foul spot.
Looking at the opposing team players setting up the wall, the Suwon FC players' eyes shone. The attack route in set-piece situations they had practiced for a long time. They hadn't had a chance to try it in the first half because there weren't many opportunities, but in this moment, they were of one mind.
Because now was the chance.
* * *
'First, in set pieces, I should take care of any ball that might spill out.'
The main header in set pieces was Park Chan-seong. Because he was tall and good at meeting the ball with his forehead. In my case, I was in a position to prepare for the possibility of failure.
If an angle came out, I could push it into the goal, but most of the time I played the role of clearing the ball for a defensive transition.
After all, there were so many people in the box that it was hard for an angle to open up.
Thanks to that, I was watching the flow from outside rather than inside the box. And then, Hyeok hyung, who had been fouled, picked up the ball and found his spot to take the free kick himself.
Suwon Samsung players forming the wall with tense expressions. And from Hyeok hyung's figure as he caught his breath and moved away from the ball, I felt deep determination.
'I met eyes with Chan-seong.'
A calculated set piece. I too felt tension circulating, wondering what would happen. And after a few seconds.
Beep—
"Hoo— hoo… uup!"
Tap-tap—!
Boom—!!
The free kick began to arc beautifully, jumping over the wall. Since there was quite a distance from the goalpost anyway, he wasn't aiming for the net. Hyeok hyung's calculation was simply to deliver it accurately to the players inside the box.
And if possible.
"Chan-seong!!!!!!!"
'The ball has to go to Park Chan-seong!'
It had to go to him. After the free kick was attempted, I saw it—Park Chan-seong… that guy jumping high and meeting the flying ball with his forehead.
THUD!!!!!
Waaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!!
'Got it!'
He met it perfectly.
So it seemed like it would shake the net as is. But…
POW!!!!!!!!!!
"Nice keeper!!!!!!!"
"!"
"Huck!"
Suwon Samsung's goalkeeper—it seemed he had already seen the trajectory. He reached out his hand, and the ball was blocked and flew outside the goal line.
Urrraaaaaah!!!!!!
Regretful exclamations echoed through the stadium. To the home fans, that header just now must have been a truly unfortunate scene.
=Woooah! We almost saw a wonderful header goal from Park Chan-seong!
=But Suwon Samsung's goalkeeper doesn't open the bolt easily. He's solid!
=Suwon Samsung's goalkeeper Yun Hyeok-u is showing a super save. He roars as his teammates embrace him.
=But it's not over yet. Suwon FC still has a corner kick chance. We can see Park Won-u heading toward the left corner flag.
'Is this for real…'
I really thought the goal would go in as is. Because the ball had met his forehead precisely and he had turned his head to aim the direction.
But it was blocked by the goalkeeper's tremendous super save, and Chan-seong put on a regretful expression and got back into position.
Since there was still a corner kick remaining.
'Should I drop back a bit further?'
It wasn't that I didn't trust the players in the box, but just in case. So I took a position back near the right side of the box and watched Park Won-u preparing to take the corner kick.
The guy catching his breath. Then soon he raised his hand.
Boom—!!
Whoosh!
A corner kick aimed at Park Chan-seong in the center of the box curved up slightly high. At that sight, Park Chan-seong jumped again, and the Suwon Samsung players, recognizing the situation, also fought for height together, gritting their teeth to secure aerial dominance.
Thud!
"Ah!"
"Kuk!"
The forehead that had met the free kick. But not the corner kick. Unfortunately, it hit the back of an opposing player's head and bounced straight up. Chan-seong, regretful, and our team players in the box.
Whoosh—
"Get the ball!"
"!"
Looking at the ball drawing a parabola, I and the Suwon Samsung players ran backward. Whether to clear it or create another chance, it was now time for that fight.
Dash—!
'Can I get it?'
I was following it for now, but don't you know, I'm lacking in skill. So I wasn't expecting much.
Thud!
"Hup!"
"Kurk!"
Something unexpected happened. I had jumped to fight for the aerial ball, and so had the opposing player, but by pure coincidence the ball hit my back and changed direction.
At first, I just thought, 'Ah, I've stopped the approaching opponent's counterattack.' But.
"Nice, Yi Chang-ryong!!"
'Huh?'
A voice from somewhere.
And a tremendous roar that flustered me. I turned around in confusion, and only then did the situation become clear. Suwon FC's other midfielder, Baek Yun-gi, had caught the ball and was running.
=Yi Chang-ryong who desperately chased the ball! It turns into a pass from the aerial ball fight as is.
=For a coincidence, it bounced really beautifully and went to Suwon FC's Baek Yun-gi.
=It dropped exactly right. How can that be? He's lucky! And Yi Chang-ryong, realizing the situation, is running after it too. He's fast!
=Suwon Samsung players, who were trying to continue the counterattack, are trying to switch back to defense. Baek Yun-gi is in a good position! He has to shoot right there!
=Shoooooot—!!!!!!!
I saw it.
The figure of Yun-gi hyung shooting through the gaps of the opposing players. Truthfully, he was a player who didn't stand out much in the team and wasn't often mentioned, but today he seemed to have properly found his touch as he took the shot, and I believed that shot would go in.
But.
Pow!!!
Aaaaaaah!!!!
"!!!!"
The opponent was Suwon Samsung. Before anyone knew it, a defender had seen the trajectory and slid in, blocking that ball with his body. A nice play that was hard to see in the second division league.
"Clear it!"
"Hurry up and get rid of it!"
"Get the ball! Shoot! I said shoot!!"
"Jee-saaang!!!!!!!"
In the end, the Suwon Samsung defender tried to hurriedly clear the ball so that Suwon FC players couldn't touch the spilled ball.
Tap—
"Hup!"
Tick!!! roll-roll-roll—
"Huh!"
"What!"
"What are you doing!!!!!!"
At the sudden shot, the bounced ball. The defender's mistake occurred in his haste to clear it. He hadn't met the ball properly with his foot but kicked it as if brushing the side slightly, and naturally that ball couldn't completely escape outside the box, took spin, and rolled toward an unexpected place.
Which way is it going? I thought as I ran for a while.
Roll-roll—
'Huh?'
As if saying, "Nice to meet you—is this your first time seeing a spin ball?" the ball rolled beautifully to my foot. Additionally, it was strange. The view in front of my eyes right now… the scene was completely wide open.
'This… an angle has opened up? If I shoot like this…'
Yes, thanks to an unexpected mistake.
An unexpected gap in the opponent had been created.
Waaaaaaaah!!!!!!!
"Chang-ryoooooong!!!!!!!"
Coming to my senses at the loud voice, I took a deep breath and opened my eyes wide.
'Coach!'
[Suwon Samsung Bluewings 2:0 Suwon FC]
The score visible at a glance.
I felt the ball wrapping around my foot.
Thud— thud—
'Does this make sense? The ball came to me on its own. No, I'll admire it later, right now—'
Waaaaaaaah!!!!!!!
Uwaaaaaaah!!!!!!!
The voices of our fans shouting cheers sent shivers down my spine. And I saw clearly.
The goalpost.
And my position.
'I have to shoot!!!!!!'
=Yi Chang-ryong receives the ball that rolled to him from the opponent's mistake as is! As issss!
=Shoooooooot!!!!!!
"Huuhp!!!!!"
Booooooom—!!
When the ball struck with power in my right foot shot out in a sharp trajectory, I had to admit it.
I… I think I'm a bit lucky.
'Pleeease!!!!!'
Sweeeek!!!!!!!
"Huh!"
Thud—!
Beeeeeeep—!
"Urrraaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!!"
Grateful for that luck, I roared thrillingly. I clenched my fist and thrust it high toward the sky.
=Goooooooal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
=Suwon FC's goal in the 19th minute of the second half! They're right on the heels of leading Suwon Samsung! The score is 2:1!
=After all, Suwon FC has Yi Chang-ryong! He's a player with a finishing blow!
=A tremendous goal has come out! A fast shot that left the goalkeeper frozen in shock! Suwon FC players run toward Yi Chang-ryong, who is raising his arms in celebration!
"Chang-ryong!!"
"You, you punk!!!!! I believed in you!"
"Haa— haa— it's because… because everyone ran so hard…."
"Kuhuk, he sure knows what to say. Let me hug you! Kahaha!"
Everyone nearby embraced me. When I glanced back, captain Yi Yu-chan hyung, who had been roaring at us in the locker room, had his hands together as if praying, perhaps moved by the goal.
And someone said.
"Now-now. Ahem. The match isn't over yet. There's no time for a celebration. Let's return to our positions!"
"……."
"Doesn't that… sound like a line we've heard somewhere before?"
At those words, I couldn't help but chuckle lightly and shake my head. Because I thought I knew who that someone was. And the owner of that voice also blushed slightly before soon saying, "Argh," and starting to run toward the halfway line.
Yeah, it wasn't over yet.
[Suwon FC 1:2 Suwon Samsung Bluewings]
Because we could still run more.