To balance the numbers, some teams had added a few players from their own youth academies into the groups. When I checked their stats, each one of them was Level 14, and their football abilities were quite impressive. They were probably holding themselves back to avoid influencing the matches too much. Fortunately, none of them were assigned to the match I was about to play.
Each match would consist of two 30-minute halves. The formation given to us was 3-2-1, and I was positioned as the left center-back. Both teams took their places on the field, and at that moment, a notification sound came from the system:
• Successfully complete 6 defensive interventions.
• Successfully complete 7 dribbles.
• Successfully complete 40 passes.
• Create 3 dangerous goal opportunities.
Seeing tasks that fit well with my position made me smile.
The match began with the opposing team's kickoff. The first five minutes passed evenly, filled with intense play from both sides. Our goalkeeper sent the ball toward me. With an open space ahead, I sprinted down the left flank. As the opposing midfielder came to block me, I passed the ball to my teammate and continued my run. He returned it beautifully to my feet.
Facing their right center-back in a one-on-one situation, I used my enhanced dribbling ability to get past him. I crossed the ball to our forward waiting freely inside the box, and he finished it with a strong header.
• You gained 120 points for making an assist.
It was a great way to start the match, and my task progress increased significantly.
The tempo kept rising. Everyone was giving their all, trying to prove themselves. The opposing team launched an attack next. Their two midfielders exchanged passes before sending the ball to their striker. He received it, headed straight toward our goal, and curled the ball into the net.
With the game tied, the pace intensified even more.
When the 22nd minute passed, they tried attacking again from my side. Thanks to my upgraded marking and tackling skills, I intercepted the ball cleanly. The field ahead was completely open.
To move faster, I increased my acceleration by one level:
Acceleration 8 ➝ 9 Level
I felt the upgrade instantly—running with the ball became smoother and quicker. I surged down the left side toward the goal. My teammates supported the attack, leaving only one defender between me and the keeper. He was Level 11, so physically we weren't too far apart.
Using my dribbling ability, I managed to slip past him. Left alone with the goalkeeper, I avoided taking unnecessary risks and curled the shot cleanly toward the corner. The goalkeeper couldn't reach it, and the ball hit the back of the net.
• You gained 300 points for scoring a goal.
Even if it was just selection trials, it was still a goal—and I couldn't contain my excitement. Thinking about my future made me want to shout. I let it out with a loud goal celebration.
No more goals were scored in the first half, and we were given a 10-minute break. I immediately checked my tasks:
• 6 defensive interventions (4/6)
• 7 successful dribbles (3/7)
• 40 successful passes (24/40)
• 3 dangerous goal opportunities created (2/3)
Things were going really well.
During the break, we discussed how we should play in the second half. After seeing each other's playing styles, we had a clearer idea of how to perform better. After discussing our tactics, the break ended and we headed toward the field.