Lucy Zeezou's Goal (20 page)

Coach James called out, ‘Ref, substitution. Brandan and Jasper, come off.'

They made their way to our bench to rapturous applause.

‘Hugo, you're taking Jasper's position at left back. All I want you to do is stay on Amek. Don't let his size intimidate you. I know you can do the job,' said Coach James, giving him a pat on the back.

‘I'll do my best,' said Hugo.

Coach James then turned to me. ‘Now, Lucy, you're in
the midfield alongside Morgan and Dylan on the right, and you'll wear the captains' armband.'

I wasn't expecting that at all! But I was extremely pleased to be given the honour. It gave me an added incentive to come up with something extra special.

‘Play instinctively and make sure you talk to your players. You need to lift them, Zeezou.'

We gave Brandan and Jasper a high five as they left the field. Finally I had my chance!

I ran onto the pitch and lost myself in the sea of Dunbar chants, soaking up the atmosphere. I could feel my energy and enthusiasm coming back. Instinctively, I sprang into a pirouette. One minute I was flying, spinning … the next I was landing awkwardly in a heap on the ground. I don't know what came over me. I heard a collective
OOOHHH!
and an eruption of laughter.

Some of the boys sniggered at my fall, while others froze in shock. Oh, nooo! What were my grandparents thinking? Why did I keep doing these crazy things? Great entrance, Lucy.

‘Lucy, are you okay?' asked Coach James. I gave him the thumbs up without making eye contact.

I was so embarrassed that I wanted to turn into a crab and crawl under a rock. But instead I stood tall and walked over to take my position ready for the restart. I yelled out as though nothing had happened, ‘Come on boys, let's get stuck in. We've got another goal in us before half-time. We can do it.'

While my team mates gathered around me in support, our rivals started jeering.

‘Ha, did you forget your tutu, Lucy?'

‘Where's your famous dad?'

‘Didn't he show you to how to stay on your feet?'

‘You don't belong here.'

Harry retorted, ‘Shut up. Lucy Zeezou belongs here … in fact she's better than all of you.'

I was grateful that Harry had stepped in to defend me, but I didn't want to bite back. And anyway, I'd expected hostility. I just had to stay focused.

The referee blew his whistle. There were just ten minutes left until half-time. We surged forward, driving our way up the pitch, but the Hawks were also getting stuck in, winning the ball back and making a run down the right side. Before they could cross the ball into the box, Dugald slid in and won the ball.

We were unrelenting, creating a way through thanks to Dylan's determination and fancy footwork. He executed a beautiful through ball, which I attacked with vigour, but my run was thwarted. I was winded and cross with myself for losing the ball.

Gadi reclaimed the ball on the run, smartly back-heeling to Harry. He cracked it towards the target and our supporters cheered, thinking it was going in, but the keeper got a hand to it.

The ball teasingly hung in the air until it was
ferociously put away by Dylan with a superb header into the top right-hand corner.

2–1 to the Dunbar Lions – our supporters roared!

We all ran over to Dylan, embracing him and jumping around, celebrating the hard-earned goal. I took a moment away from the revelry to get a glance at Grandpa and Nanna. I could just spot their proud faces emerging among the throng of pale pink and blue streamers. Bella was sitting next to them but she wasn't cheering. She looked as if she was still in a dour mood. Something was seriously wrong.

The half-time whistle blew and we ran to the change room to grab some drinks and listen to Coach James's instructions. As we ran back out for the second half, our supporters were in full voice. ‘Let's go Dunbar, let's go! Let's go Dunbar, let's go!'

The atmosphere on the pitch was just as electrifying in the second half. The Hawks were fighting harder, playing dirty, getting the elbow in at every chance, tugging at shirts and tripping us over. Gadi was their main target, but they slipped up when he was about to receive a cross. A defender came in with a high karate-style kick, missing the ball but striking Gadi on the legs and cleaning him up.

The referee blew his whistle on the spot and signalled a penalty to Dunbar with just five minutes remaining. He gave the defender his marching orders.

Gadi was in trouble, grabbing his right leg and moaning in pain. We gathered around to try and calm him down, but he was suffering. Coach James ran out to inspect his striker.

‘Gadi, this doesn't look good. I'm going to have to take you off. Lucy, you take the penalty and play up front for the rest of the game and I'll bring on Kurtis to cover your position in midfield. They're down to ten players, so take advantage of the extra space,' said Coach James.

I really felt for Gadi – he'd been playing like a champion. The moment, though, was mine and I needed to stay calm and focus.

I took my lucky five steps back with my eyes on the ball, focusing on my target. You could have heard a pin drop. I sized up the kick again and just as I was about to move forward, I heard a familiar voice.

‘Come on, Zeezou! You can do it!'

At once I felt warm inside yet horrified. What was he doing here? I would have looked around to see if I could spot him, but I was afraid that it would draw unwanted attention to him.

I tried to regain my composure as the referee blew his whistle. I was shaking and distracted. But I had to refocus and strike.

I ran forward and struck the ball as hard as I could, keeping aim at the top right-hand corner. The keeper guessed the right way and parried the ball, but I collected
it on the rebound, volleying it into the back of the net to make it 3–1.

I didn't have time to take in the moment – my team mates went crazy, lifting me onto their shoulders, while our supporters' chants echoed throughout the grounds.

Coach James finally unleashed his excitement. ‘Brilliant, Dunbar! Brilliant, Zeezou! Great effort.'

But I had mixed emotions, excited that we were minutes away from wrapping up the championship, and yet extremely concerned about Max. And then Dylan and Harry confirmed my fear.

‘Lucy, Max is here but we can't see him. We heard him call out to you from somewhere behind those bushes.' Dylan pointed off to one side of the perimeter fence. ‘He's history when I get my hands on him.'

‘We'll sort him out after the game. Let's wrap it up first and then we'll show him how happy we are to see him,' Harry added sarcastically.

‘Guys, calm down. We'll deal with Max later,' I replied coolly, although inside I was panicking.

I looked over to the stands to see my grandparents with Bella by their side and – oh no, it couldn't be … how could they come? How did they know I was here?

This must have been what Bella was trying to warn me about. I was in major trouble. My stomach wrenched with fear, my legs started shaking and my eyes fixed on something I'd been dreading for over a year now. If
only it was a mirage. I stood there in disbelief, staring straight at them sitting in the stands alongside Nanna and Grandpa.

I couldn't believe it. Papa was casually yet smartly dressed, but Mama stood out like a peacock in her usual glamour-gear. A few photographers and what looked like a television crew scrambled around them, and the spectators were also craning for a look, distracted by the commotion. I couldn't make out my parents' expressions – there were too many people crowding around. Just how much trouble was I in?

Adding to the crazy circus were the burly security guards, who were trying to keep the unwanted media at bay. Could it get any worse?

Right here on the pitch was the safest place for me … if only I could stay out here forever.

‘Zeezou! Zeezou, what are you doing?'

Unbeknown to me, the game was well underway again, and I'd just missed a ball that had been kicked straight to me. Harry and Coach James were both yelling at me.

‘Come on, Zeezou, we need to keep possession. Focus!'

But it was too late; the ball was hijacked by the Hawks' tough midfielder, Connor, who found Amek all on his own. The big lanky star striker showed what he could do when he was given too much room. He brushed aside our defenders and effortlessly shimmied around the keeper to score his second goal.

It was 3–2, and with just a few minutes remaining, we had to lift to hold on to our lead. I couldn't concentrate. I desperately wanted to play my best in front of my family and show them where I belonged, but I was terrified of the consequences. I couldn't bear to think about all the lies I'd had told to be here today. I gave them a subtle wave to test the waters and Papa gave me an encouraging
nod. That was all I needed. I had a new spring in my step and nothing to lose.

Then I caught sight of police sirens flashing, and two cars pulling to a halt inside the gates next to the stand. The media sniffed a story, and the whole pack broke away from my parents and ran straight over to the police, filming and frantically taking photos.

Bella sprang out of her seat and headed towards the commotion.

The referee had momentarily stopped the game. I took the opportunity to run over to the other side of the pitch in search of Max.

‘Hey, are you there? Max, you've got to get out of here,' I said in a low voice, hoping he was close enough to hear.

But there was no answer. What was I thinking? He wouldn't be silly enough to hang around. He was probably long gone by now. I reluctantly turned and started back towards the madness unravelling in front of the dumbfounded players and spectators.

A woman, elegantly dressed in a fitted navy-blue designer blue suit and soft white shirt, stepped out of the second car, along with a small entourage. There was a collective gasp as she stood up and everyone realised who it was. Without hesitation, Bella ran straight into her mama's arms. The press weren't far behind, frantically clicking and firing questions.

‘Premier, this is a surprise. We weren't expecting you at a children's football game. Why the unscheduled visit?

‘Are you any closer to finding the street kid, Max Spitzer?'

‘If you don't mind,' she replied, ‘this is a personal visit. I'm here to watch my son, Dylan, playing in his first final. I'm a little late, so please let us be.'

Bella led her mama to the stand without any further obstruction.

The referee blew the whistle to restart the game. Coach James called out, ‘Come on Dunbar Lions, focus. It's our game to win.'

We were reaching the dying stages of the match and victory was just around the corner, but it was hard for anyone to concentrate, especially me.

The ball was delivered to my feet. I took it in my stride and manoeuvred around one defender and then another until I was stopped by a heavy tackle and crashed to the ground.

‘Get up, Lucy, come on, get up!' screamed Papa.

As I lay there, I looked up and couldn't help but smile as I saw my papa on his feet. Mama grabbed his arm in an effort to seat him but he stood his ground and yelled, ‘Come on Lucy! You can do it! You're a Zoffi.' My name had never sounded so good … Papa was finally seeing me as Lucy the footballer.

Unfortunately, as I got to my feet I could see Amek
pound another goal into the back of the net to equalise. The Hawks fans went wild, their green and white streamers waving across the stand, masking our loyal supporters.

The score was locked at 3–3. We had our work cut out to secure victory with just a minute left on the clock.

Spurred on by Papa's support, I found my inner strength. I called the boys into a huddle. ‘Come on guys, we can do it. Block everything out and focus. Let's go for the long ball wide to Harry, and then Jared and I will sprint forward together to confuse them for a surprise attack. Dylan and Morgan, follow the play for a possible rebound. Jonathon, stay deep in case they get a break. Everyone else push up. Let's go, Lions!'

Harry and I kicked off and urgently pushed forward to our positions. Dylan and Morgan managed to keep the ball and play it out until we were set. Morgan unleashed a spectacular ball that landed in front of my feet, and I set off to create something special. I ran like the wind but then I heard someone breathing down my neck. I panicked, suddenly overcome by fear. My knees weakened, and the defender easily collected me. I crumbled to the ground again, but this time I felt weakened emotionally. I was distraught that I'd let my team down.

‘Come on Lucy! A Zoffi never gives up!' Papa urged at the top of his voice.

The lioness within emerged. I got up and fought for
the ball like my life depended on it. I won it back and found Dylan.

He negotiated his way forward, beating all in his path. His efforts drew in a couple of defenders just outside the box. He flicked the ball to Harry, who also attracted a swarm of players. But he played with the ball like a new toy. Outsmarting our rivals, he snuck a pass to our smallest and unmarked midfielder Jared, who unexpectedly unleashed the cracking winner.

Blue and pink streamers came alive once again and shouts for the Lions reverberated throughout the park.

As the final whistle blew I bolted over to the boys and joined in the wild celebration. We had wrapped up the championship with a spectacular 4–3 victory. The boys lifted Jared onto their shoulders, screaming with joy. Coach James ran on to congratulate us, and then pulled me aside.

‘Lucy, I'm so proud of you, leading the team to such a magnificent win, especially after your ordeal in Italy. I'm impressed with the way you handled the captain's role, especially while there were so many distractions. I think you have a very big future in football.'

‘Thanks, Coach … but it's not looking good at the moment,' I said.

‘Oh yes it is! A scout from David Beckham's academy wants to talk to you and your family about a possible scholarship. He also has his eye on another player.'

‘That's amazing! But I really think my football life is over. My parents are going to put a stop to it. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want to stay in Australia.'

‘You might want to think about it. I can talk to your parents,' said a surprised Coach James.

‘Thanks Coach, but it's time for me to take responsibility and work things out with my parents.'

‘Lucy, life is full of surprises and I think that your parents would support you. But right now, I have another surprise for you. Your friend is waiting for you in the change room.'

‘Oh?' I was a little confused. Was it Bella with more news?

‘Before you run off, please remember that I'm on your side and will do everything I can to help you … both of you! Good luck, Lucy Zeezou – you've earned it!'

‘Um, Coach? It's not Max is it?' I whispered.

He nodded, and I was filled with excitement. Had Coach James been helping Max all this time?

I rushed off into the change room, but as I neared the doorway I was ambushed by one of those pesky reporters. He launched into Italian-accented English. ‘Lucy, do you know Max Spitzer's whereabouts?'

‘No.'

‘Did you know there are rumours that a terrorist group was behind your kidnapping?'

‘No.'

‘Why don't you play in a girls' team?'

I was overwhelmed, I didn't know what to say … my head was spinning with all the absurd questions he was firing at me. Before I could answer again, Papa came running over.

‘What are you doing here? Carlo, I've told you before to leave us alone! You should be in Italy covering the football, not harassing my daughter. Lucy has nothing to say to you. Now get out of here!' Papa sternly demanded.

‘You can't threaten me, Paolo. I have a right to ask questions in search of the truth. It's my job.'

‘You don't know what the truth means. Now get out of here,' ordered Papa.

The security guards stepped in and ushered the reporter away. For a moment it looked as though it was going to turn ugly, but he retreated peacefully.

Papa grabbed me and held me tightly. ‘My beautiful Lucy, I'll never let anyone try to harm you ever again. I'm so proud of the way you played, even though you've gone against our wishes. I find it hard to watch girls play this sport – it can be so tough, so dangerous. But you've shown me that it's your passion and I understand that.'

My tears subsided and a wave of happiness overtook me.

Papa continued, ‘After everything we've been through, how can I deny you the right to pursue your dream when I was given every opportunity to fulfil mine? You
play like you belong out there. It would be criminal not to allow you to reach your full potential. Now I know where your Nonno Dino was coming from. He identified and nurtured your talent a long time ago and I must respect that. But I want you to assure me that there'll be no more lies. I will support you, but only as long as we have honesty.'

‘Of course, Papa. All I want is your support … it means so much to me. I couldn't be happier,' I said.

‘Good, that's what I want for you, just be happy. Although you'll still have to convince Mama.' He smiled at me, and relented. ‘Maybe you can leave her to me. I think I know how to get her to come around. One thing in your favour is being the face of Love Lucy – going ahead with the commercial will keep her happy and strutting the catwalk with her now and then will help too. Life is full of compromises, Lucy. Believe me, it's give and take. But I can see that you have a fire in your belly which can't be stopped. You remind me of myself when I was a kid.'

‘Papa, I've been waiting to hear that for such a long time. Yes, football is my dream, it's my passion. This is the best day of my life! But I have one more thing to sort out. Papa, I need a favour,' I asked.

‘Anything,' Papa laughed.

‘Will you please give me a minute? I need to catch up with a friend before we leave. I'll meet you soon in front of the kiosk. I won't be long,' I reassured him.

‘As long as the guards stay here to make sure you're safe,' he replied, kissing me on the cheek.

‘Oh, Papa, please keep them away from me. They're creepy. Can't they watch from their car? Please Papa.'

‘Okay, but don't run off anywhere.' He smiled ruefully at me and then walked away.

I nodded and stepped into the change room, full of anticipation. But it was eerily quiet; there was nobody here, just our bags and drink bottles scattered on the floor. Then I caught sight of something white on the back bench – a piece of paper with my name scrawled in red. I picked it up, my heart racing.

 

Hey Signorina Zeezou,

I knew you could do it. I knew you'd be the winner. Some people are born to be winners, while others have to settle for second best.

I didn't know how to say this to your face, cause I'm not so great with words:

Football is an art form

Its players are the artists

Together they have the ability

To transform the canvas into a masterpiece

And you are the master with the

brush strokes.

Stop at nothing to follow your dream.

I was wrong and you were right … you've got to have hope and one day I know you'll make it.

Ciao,

Signor Max

 

I didn't have time to take it all in, because Harry and Dylan raced in. ‘Lucy, come on. The trophy presentation is about to start. We're all waiting for you.' As we were about to leave we were startled by a noise coming from the toilets.

‘What was that?' said Dylan.

‘I didn't hear anything. Quick, we'd better get out there before they start without us,' I urged.

I snuck my treasured letter into my pocket and took one last look around the room. I could see familiar sneakers under the toilet door … I paused. I desperately wanted to go to him.

‘Lucy, come on, they're waiting for us,' prompted Dylan.

‘Oh yes … of course.'

We joined the rest of the team on the makeshift stage for the presentation. Bella and Dylan's mama made the occasion more special by handing out the medals to both teams. And then the moment we were all waiting for – she handed me the Champions trophy and we all went wild.

The photographers competed for the best shots with the football mums and dads, while the reporters kept a
close eye on proceedings, still sniffing for a story. Dylan was thrust into the spotlight. The paparazzo took snaps of him holding the trophy. The premier's son winning his first major competition would probably make the local papers.

My family looked on proudly, Papa as cool as a rock star while Mama gave a perfect smile framed by bright red lips. Nanna and Grandpa were beaming with pride, and Gigi barked happily. This moment was priceless. I'd dreamed of it for so long and today it was a reality.