Soccer Suddenly

Today I had wanted to go for a run. I ended up getting invited for a casual game of soccer at a field nearby. A neighbour Abdullah got me to join a 9 a side game with his Saudi Arabian friends. There was several fields together and they all had decent goal posts, and the best part was that it was free to use and the air was good: no expressway or high speed/volume motorways nearby.

When they asked me what position I play, I just offered myself as a central... defender. I decided against asking for the midfielder role since I am off my peak pace and stamina. I declared to my team mates that I am not a speedy player. These guys were not only hospitable and friendly but funny too, when they assured "Just need to pass well". And was I confident enough to smile "Sure"... after all, passing was probably my best attribute! Other than first touch volleys and shots... and, the Lambretta.

And as the match progressed, the last man (aka the sweeper) was so effective in defence that I could move up and played CM, which was seriously a lot of running, as they play quite a lot of quick counter attackings with long passes.

It didn't help that the field was not as flat as the astro-turfs I have previously played on. And I did not bring along my Adidas boots with me on this work trip.

I didn't make much offensive initiatives and could only boast of a 100% pass rate out of the far and few touches I had.

Then I got a lucky break when I managed to steal a ball from one of their adventurous defender. I made a gamble of where he was going to push the ball past me, to my delight and his shock, I got the ball. And in a flash, I made a quick dash forward past the giver defender, and drove a low shot past another advancing defender into the farpost. There was a joy celebrating with teammates, and I only wish my football mates are with me.

An unexpected break, and bola action from nowhere, at a place and time I least expected.