The Ball Behind the Love of the Court
15. The first ball game

*prittt*

The sound of the opening whistle has been sounded. Mr. Pur as a sports teacher who regulates the course of the match. He became a judge in the middle of the field. The game was cool, but my class was worried because there were no substitutes there.

The male students only numbered 9, while Ari could not play and refused to play ball. The classmates became confused fearing an unwanted thing that caused defeat.

"Why don't you want to play ari? "

"You know for yourself that I don't like sports. I'd rather be a spectator" Ari used to hate sports. He just chose to watch instead of having to play ball.

"hmmm, okay"

Although this was just an ordinary match, but the euphoria of the audience was incredible in every class. This match is not a real ball game, it is said that they said that this match is related to each other with the pride of each class. And the rivalry is only on the pitch, the completion of our friends and relatives.

Minutes per minute are running safely and smoothly. Beautiful games are issued by each player. Skil after skill and a very slick kick that made our team score in the 10th minute. Our class was cheerful, as were Ari and I who were happy and enjoyed the game.

"Golll" our cheers were too excited, as well as with me who was constantly excited and while jumping.

"It's very important to play Key"

"Right ri, I really enjoyed it" the game resumed.

Because of the defeat obtained, the opposing team began to accelerate the attacking tempo. Some of them play hard to forget that this is only a temporary rivalry in school.

Until the last minutes, Niko my classmate got a tackle hard enough to make his leg sprain and could not continue the match.

"Sir of the breach sir"

"Give me the card sir"

"He deliberately harmed the opponent" shouted our supporters who were almost entirely made up of women.

Pluit sounded as a sign of foul, one free kick owned. An opportunity that must be used as best as possible to add to the goal and who executes it is Adi. But unfortunately the kick was not accurate until the long whistle sounded.

*prittt*first half completed, 5-minute break done to draw up a plan. Niko was still grimacing in pain and had already been dealt with by the health team. When our team was confused to find a replacement for Niko, I ventured to follow their game.

At first I was rejected because the woman herself did the match. But there is no time to think long, while the substitutes are not there. Finally I was forced to enter using the clothes and sports shoes that Niko wore.

"Huhuhhuhoo"

"Hahahah, that girl is playing doll instead of ball"

The cheers were getting more and more crowded, all the spectators were shouting at me with disdainful words as this foot entered the field.

Some of the opposing teams also underestimated while I just kept quiet and wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the initial match that I did. I've never played this match before, but in my mind I tried to calm down to remember what David said while training me.

I was put in a left-back position in place of Niko, guarding the back line to prevent opposing players from getting into our defense. At the moment our team is already leading 1-0 in the game, but vigilance should not be slack.

*prittt*the second half whistle has started, we play and take pains to seize the ball when the ball is at the feet of the opponent. The opponent's game is getting better so that conceding can not be denied.

*pritt*

"Golll" Unfortunately, 2 minutes into the second half our team put the ball in. It was all because of my fault that I still couldn't adapt.

"Horeee, golll so do not play ball mdingan play doll" The call of the audience roar of the team became rowdy. A lot of ridicule and ridicule made fun of me in the middle of the field. Some exaggerated celebrations are shown when the enemy team equalizes.

"Calm key, you can definitely let's follow the game calmly" said Dendi as captain of our team. Though he knows I can not play football, but his support is very good to keep motivating so that I do not make mistakes.

"I'll play my best, because Dendi dares to trust me. And I don't want to disappoint him" I murmured in my heart. All this was because of Dendi's kindness that gave me spirit.

While Ari gave sign language by raising his hand to stay excited. I've strengthened my determination and my mind to follow the game calmly and well.

*pritt*ball is rolled, our team reaches the ball. Even though I am at left-back, it does not rule out the possibility that it can also help attack in order to get a good goal. All I have to remember is that my main task is to keep the defence at the back

*bluk*Ball bounced to my feet, it's time to show my skil to dribble. Passing some defending opponents. Up to the close position to the final box. I passed on the striker up front and finally succeeded.

*pritt*

"Gollllllllllll" All happy and cheerful. We equalised with Doni's goal from the assist I gave. Doni jumped in joy and immediately thanked me. This time it was a really good match.

"You guys don't be silent as dong dolls" I returned a mockery to those who were stunned when I got past their barriers and managed to provide an assist.

"Yuk key" we did enough celebration and then returned to the position to do their respective tasks in the middle of the field. Next we play the game back.

This time I believe it's getting worse. Tactics given by the captain. Scoffing at the view from the opponent and making him off guard to do a blunder at the back. The final minutes I again contributed assists to two and scored a goal.

*pritt*until a long whistle is sounded, my class cheers happily except for the opposing class that is blown away from its own talk.

I just kept quiet and smiled no disdain and didn't throw the mockery back. Because I think this game is the first time I tried the grass field on the road with the opponent.

"Crazy, you learn the ball where the key is" said Dendi who felt amazed and approached me when the game was over.

"I'm just trying"

"No, no, you have good skills and you can play for the national team, the club and the national team"

"Hehe, you are far away and I was just a kid yesterday afternoon learning the ball" I said as I walked back.

*plak*

"We should be grateful for winning, not excessive usha" I told them.

"Tomorrow you must join the next match against the 3D class" Sahut Dendi as the team captain and accompanied by friends who also nodded to give a signal for me to come back in the match tomorrow.

"But I don't have football boots" I said to give a reason not to compete

"Just put on my Key's shoes, anyways the size of our feet is the same. Equally small means hehe" continued Niko who suddenly came and was swept because his legs sprained.

"But you? "

"I can't play because of a sprained leg, you don't want our class to win?" I had to nod in agreement to follow the next match.

Everyone was happy to see me agreeing to take part in tomorrow's match. Their eyes gave me hope. Though I only wanted to try once to replace Niko but instead was told to play until the end.

But it's okay, maybe it's my start to try to learn what it's like to play on the pitch like a real game. As well as looking for a lot of knowledge in the game of football, even without a coach and just plain football in school.

The match was cool and closed also coolly because the final score was 3-1. Very happy not to play, the first invite to run with the ball and the first also I won.

"Key are you in the club?"

"Neither Ari"

"Cock can be great? " See again

"No Ari, it's just lucky" Ari fell silent and we continued our way to the cafeteria to quench thirst and hunger.

"Sir jono, the meatballs are 2"

"Okay neng"

A few minutes later, 2 bowls of meatballs came at our table.

"This time I'm buying you ri, because the match won"

"Funny, even though we are one key class that will definitely win" Ari said with a laugh.

"we're really one class, but this is my first game" my class told him

"After that, let's eat the meat oh yes I ordered ice" We both enjoyed the meal with a calm and happy atmosphere.

"Hidihh, just won once already proud. At most a moment again afk" said uber class 3a, maybe because of the defeat of his class team they still do not accept. I just kept quiet and smiled, let them bark again and there is no benefit if I serve their babble. The important thing is that they are not outrageous which can make my ears and heart hot.

"Yeah, if you lose you lose aja kak" continued Yuri who sat behind him. Tumben once Yuri did not disagree with me, and this time I agreed with Yuri. Usually he does the act but this time he prevents caterpillars from doing the work in the canteen.

*brak*

"Diem you yes, just follow along" The anger peaked, it was funny again yes. Who made him angry.

"Later if you want to win mending play also deh" Ejek Yuri with the style of language as usual. Maybe Yuri also did not want if her class was always bad-tempered. So he spoke up.

"You're volunteering" He got up from his seat and wanted to slap Yuri. This time my ears were really hot. Without further ado I held his hand and violently threw it in any direction.

"You are indeed the upperclassman, you should set the right example, don't just dare one gang" said I who began to speak up, as if to silence his mouth to wince.

"Bad you are" His hand again wanted to punch me in the face. But again I can cut it. I squeezed his hand with all my might.

"Oh, oh pain please let go" With a smile I took it off. There was no point in fighting with him anyway. I immediately left the canteen so as not to have a bigger commotion. Ari and I went back to class to relax there.

"Come on ri" My steps with Ari left the canteen with 2 glasses of ice water and 2 bowls of meatballs that I had not spent. Take a break in a class that contains only a few children. Others may take another race.

"Key, in the future you still want to not be friends with me? " My eyes immediately stared intently at Ari. Questions that are absurd and difficult to understand.

"Well, we're friends and there's no fighting"

"But later if you have succeeded, whether you are still friends with me" I immediately looked at Ari again this time Ari and I faced each other.I hold tight your shoulders by giving a statement to him.

"Ri you must remember, in every journey to success there must be an important role of friends and one of them is you. I also will not forget the kindness you give me anytime. Even though my body will become ashes later, I will still be your best friend ri" Ari was silent for a moment, then turned her face in any direction.

When I forced her to look into her teary eyes. But Ari was trying to hide it from my sight.

"You why? " I said softly while staring at Ari with the deepest gaze.

"No, I hope we'll be friends forever"

"Yes ri, I promise I won't leave you" Our hands made each other a promise not to leave each other. Whatever the circumstances will remain as one friend.

Today's race is over, we'll welcome tomorrow. It's time for all the students to go home and rest in their homes. Ari was also picked up and went home with her parents.

I also rushed to go home and rest. Arriving at home I remembered that I wanted to meet David and tell him about the matter from the match.

School clothes have changed with play clothes. This time I left empty handed. Didn't bring balls and shoes because he just wanted to tell a story with David.

Arriving on the field, the training is not finished.I can wait in the usual place and watch and listen to some tricks that the coach teaches. Seeing it from afar I was grateful for the many lessons learned. Moreover, plus David who explained and practiced soccer science to me when the training was finished.