Substitution in the 62nd minute: Finn (Sub Out) ⇔ Erik (Sub In)
Finn walks off looking frustrated with himself for not making a bigger impact in the game.
Lukas sends the goal-kick straight down the middle of the pitch. Nate and one of their midfielders are in a 50/50 battle for the ball. Nate gets shoved and hits the ground before the ball even lands, but the ref blows the whistle for a free kick.
Nate gets up quickly and restarts the play. KVA begins passing the ball across their backline, but FG's press forces them deeper and deeper, eventually trapping them in their own penalty box. Desperate to escape, they pass the ball to Jonas.
As Jonas gets it, he's completely isolated with no passing options. Leon sprints down the wing, signaling for the ball. Jonas lofts it over the top. Leon and the opposing right-back race each other down the wing, but the right-back gets there first. His first touch, though, is terrible, and the ball rolls out for a corner.
FG's defenders are already back in position, while the rest of their team is still hustling. Leon quickly throws the ball to Adrian, who's tightly marked by the center-back. Adrian passes it back to Leon, and they pull off a fast one-two around the right-back and center-back. Leon finds himself in some space, despite having his shirt tugged by the defender, and curls a shot towards the far corner.
The goalkeeper doesn't even dive, as the ball looks dangerous. It barely misses, soaring just over the crossbar. Both teams quickly refocus, determined to win this game.
FG restarts with high-tempo passing, pinging the ball around midfield where KVA is outnumbered. Leon and Che drift into more central positions to help the midfield duo.
FG's fullbacks stay wide, pushing forward into the attack. The defensive midfielder lofts a pass out to the right-back, who has plenty of time on the ball. He scans the field and spots the left striker making a run behind KVA's defense.
The right-back whips in a fast, outswinging cross. It's perfectly aimed, landing on the striker's forehead. The striker redirects the ball with a sharp header, using the ball's spin to send it curling into the opposite corner of the net.
FG erupts in celebration, relieved to finally capitalize on their chances. Meanwhile, KVA's players look deflated, heads hanging low. Both teams prepare their substitutions.
Score Update: KVA (1-2) FG, 70th minute Scorer: Malik (assist: Tobias) Substitutions: KVA - Max (Sub Out) ⇔ Titus (Sub In), FG - Erik (Sub Out) ⇔ Thomas (Sub In)
The coach embraces Max, whispering a few words of encouragement as Max fights back tears. On the sideline, the assistant coach calls over Che and Erik to explain a tactical shift.
"We're switching to a 4-3-3. Che, you're moving central, and Erik, you're shifting to the wing."
They nod and jog back onto the pitch.
Both teams now line up in 4-3-3 formations. KVA's version pushes Karl into the defensive midfield spot, while FG opts for two central midfielders.
The game resumes, but KVA is lacking energy and intensity. FG keeps up their relentless pressing. KVA struggles to win second balls and seems clumsy in possession, with heavy touches leading to loose balls.
FG's dominance is undeniable. When they send the ball into midfield, Nate sprints in full throttle, sliding in to intercept before it reaches their player. He barely makes contact with the ball, also taking out the midfielder, but the ref waves play on.
The ball bounces loose, and Che races against the midfielder to retrieve it. Che gets there first, but his opponent grabs his shirt as they run. Unfazed, Che smashes a precise, driven through-ball to the left wing.
It's perfectly weighted, landing right in Leon's path. Leon has a head start and collects the ball as it slows in front of him. He darts down the wing again.
The left-back catches up, but Leon cools his speed, dragging the ball with his right foot before executing a Ronaldo Chop. The sudden change in direction throws the left-back off balance, sending him skidding to the ground.
Leon cuts inside to take on the center-back in a one-on-one. He pulls off two rapid step-overs, drops his shoulder to fake a shot, and cuts back to his left foot. The defender bites on the fake, giving Leon just enough space.
Leon fires with his left foot, but the shot lacks power and precision. The goalkeeper scoops it up easily.
The game grows increasingly physical, with players from both sides committing fouls. Fatigue is setting in.
Karl wins possession off the attacking midfielder and passes it out to Finn on the right wing, but FG's left-back quickly closes him down.
Finn, with no space to work, sends the ball back to Che, who's battling with a midfielder. The midfielder yanks Che down by his shirt, earning a foul.
In one fluid motion, Che executes a trivela pass straight through the middle for Adrian. Adrian sprints into a race against both center-backs. He reaches the ball but fumbles his first touch, allowing the goalkeeper to claim it.
The goalkeeper quickly distributes to the right-back, and FG builds from the back. The ball eventually reaches their left winger, who whips in a dangerous cross. Titus meets it with a solid header, sending the ball out for a corner.
Before KVA's defense can fully set up, FG takes a short corner. The ball reaches their midfielder on the edge of the box. The midfielder controls it, lines up his shot, and curls a masterpiece into the top corner.
Lukas doesn't stand a chance. The ball hits the back of the net, and FG's dugout erupts, flooding the field to celebrate.
In the stands, FG's fans are roaring, their schoolmates going wild for the midfielder's incredible finish. KVA's players, on the other hand, look shattered, some dropping to their knees in despair.
"Come on, guys, we can still do this,"
The others shake their heads, doubt creeping in.
Score Update: KVA (1-3) FG, 83rd minute
Scorer: Florian (assist: Markus)
Che grabs the ball and places it at the center circle, still clinging to hope for a comeback.