Disappointment

The tension is unbearable! The score was 5-4 when the captain steps up and take the kick. I needed him to score to keep the team in the game. Honestly, everyone expects him to score without making a sweat out of it. To the team’s horror, he missed and the team failed to win the cup. The only reason he missed was too much pressure was on him.
One year flew past so quickly, and we are in the finals again. But, this time it was different. The opponents have changed and my team was the favourites to win. I, as the coach of team, will never let history repeat itself again. This year, the school has built a synthetic field which cost a bomb. Everyone including the principal and teachers in charge expects us to go all the way and attain glory for the school. The pressure has been on my shoulders since the preliminary round started a month back. The expectations were very high.
One week to go before the final match in the South-Zone tournament, the preparations are starting today. I studied our opponents to the best I can. I decided to make a few changes to the team that beat Queensway Secondary School three days ago. I changed the formation and when the training started, the players were adjusting to the tactical change. This is the first time we going to playing in this new formation. At the end of the training, I was not happy with the players as they had under performed. I speak to the teacher in charge and requested for an extra training session. He agreed with the request. During the next training, I gave the players a harsh scolding.
Time flew past me again, and today is the big day. I had high confidence that my team will be victorious today. The school has brought 200 students to support us. The supporters cheer for us right from the start to the end. The first half was more of like a warm up for the both teams; the score remained as a draw. When the players went into their respective dressing rooms for their breaks, I gave them a team talk. The second half went according to plan; my team created enough chance but just could not score that most important goal. Even after the tiring extra time, the score line remained as a draw. Now, same as last year, penalties are being used to decide the winner.
During the penalty kicks, the first four turns of the kick went well for both teams. Now, for the fifth kick, my opponent had scored. The score line reads 5-4. The captain of my team steps up. This time, last year, in this situation, he missed. So, will lightning strike twice in two years? When the captain kicked the ball, my team and the supporters were praying with all their might. To everyone’s horror, he missed once again. Indeed, lightning did strike twice. There are simply no words to describe my feelings then.
We headed back to school from the stadium. In school, disappointed faces are written all over. I encouraged all the players. I went back home and did a reflection. Let’s hope that we can do better next year.