Lucy Zeezou's Goal

by Liz Deep-Jones

  ‘Mark up,’ Coach James yelled.

  Oh no, too late! Our opponents had just sunk one into the back of the net, thanks to a superb strike from outside the box by their talented forward. The score was 1–0 to the Dolphins … Harry threw me a filthy look, and I returned a tough gaze, standing my ground.

  ‘Come on, team. We can come back … we’ve just got to focus. Heads up,’ urged Brandan.

  ‘You can do it, princess. Come on, Dunbar!’ Grandpa encouraged from among the crowd.

  I could also hear Bella yelling at the top of her voice, ‘Go Dylan, come on Lucy.’

  Bella was yelling out support for Dylan. What was that about?

  I miskicked yet another pass and sent it flying out of Jared’s reach.

  ‘Dunbar, we must keep possession,’ bellowed Coach James. ‘Lucy, come on, get onto the ball and let’s see those goal-scoring boots.’

  I had to pull myself together. It had been a long time since I had a family member barracking for me on the sidelines. Nonno Dino was always at my games when I was little, and it felt good to have Grandpa here today.

  The ball came my way, thanks to good service from the midfield. I made a run and looped the ball back inside to Dylan. He delivered a beautiful pass back and then I put in a cross to Harry, who was free on the left. He volleyed the ball, connecting perfectly with his right foot and sending the ball into the top right-hand corner for the equaliser.

  1–1. The Lions were back in business as the half-time whistle blew.

  We walked off with a sense of satisfaction. It was a relief that we’d pulled one back, but we still had a lot of work to do if we were to win this game and the league. And I needed to pull my socks up or I’d be keeping the bench warm.

  Coach James delivered the half-time talk. My head was down, as I was disappointed with my wayward performance. But Coach James remained positive as usual.

  ‘Heads up, Zeezou, lads. Despite a slow start we’re back in the game, but we need to keep more possession. Brandan, I like the way you’re leading the players. Keep up the encouraging words. Defenders, let’s get tighter at the back and talk to each other.’

  Dugald interrupted, ‘We need to get stuck in and stop the fancy stuff, just pass the ball.’

  ‘You’re right. Zeezou, Harry, good work in the last five minutes but I want to see that throughout the rest of the next half. No more chatter and more focus on your roles. I know some of you are distracted by Max playing for the other team, but let’s just get on with it. We’re not far away from a good result, as long as we keep our minds on the job.’

  Harry interrupted. ‘I can’t wait to beat that traitor.’

  ‘Hey, now.’ Coach James frowned. ‘That’s an attitude I don’t want. We’re playing against a team and Max is just another player. Now, I’m going to make a few changes in the second half. Anyone tired?’

  ‘NO!’ we chorused, all determined to stay on and finish the job.

  ‘Remember, one step at a time. Another goal and we’re on our way to the Champion of Champions. I believe in you. So let’s go, Dunbar Lions, let’s go!’

  Coach James pulled me aside. ‘Zeezou, is everything okay? You seem a little distracted out there.’

  ‘Sorry, Coach. It’s the first time Grandpa and my friend Bella have come to watch. I’m not used to having my own support on the sidelines and hearing my name called out. But don’t worry. I know what to do. Zeezou’s back.’

  ‘I have confidence in you. Now get out there and show me your best so that we have something to celebrate. Either way, I’m going to take the team out for pizza afterwards.’

  ‘Oh no, I can’t come! We’re flying back to Italy straight after the game. I’m sorry I haven’t told you earlier but I only found out yesterday,’ I replied, disappointed.

  ‘That’s one way to get out of training next week! Lucky you, off to Europe. We can celebrate when you return. How long are you going for?’

  ‘We’re away all of the school holidays, maybe a bit longer. I’m really upset about missing games in the tournament, but I have no choice.’

  ‘We’re going to miss your skills, but hopefully you can make it back in time for the final. I’m being very confident, of course, about our pending win today. Now, the whistle’s about to blow and right now I want you switched on.’

  We ran back on for the second half. This time, I could hear Grandpa and Bella expressing their support but I didn’t acknowledge them. I just looked straight ahead and kept my eyes on the ball. I knew that Grandpa would understand, but Bella probably wouldn’t. I could imagine the conversation, with Bella hurt and confused that I wasn’t waving back:

  ‘What’s wrong with Lucy, Mr Dib?’

  ‘Well Bella, she’s just putting her head down and bum up. She means business …’

  Harry stood unusually close and whispered, ‘Lucy, we can get another one. Look out for me, I’m going to surprise them. Max will regret ever leaving us.’

  ‘Okay, but please forget about Max. Just give me the signal and I’ll be there to back you up,’ I said.

  We kicked off and found ourselves on the back foot right from the start. The Dolphins had come out determined, attacking early and pushing their way up the pitch.

  Even so, Dugald had the back line under control until one of their strikers surprised him with a shimmy to find space. He came close to giving the Dolphins an early lead in the second half, with a shot on target.

  Thankfully, Felix was having a good game. He leapt to the ball to make a great save. He cradled the prize in his arms, to our relief.

  We traded chances for the next twenty minutes, neither team relenting until Harry finally found a way through. Jared spotted his run and unleashed a long ball which headed to Harry’s feet with pinpoint accuracy. He outmanoeuvred the defenders in his path and set himself up to take a shot on goal. But he hadn’t seen what was heading his way.

  ‘Man on, Harry!’ I yelled at the top of my lungs.

  We looked on in horror: we could see what was about to happen. Max was charging towards him like an unstoppable steam train. He caught Harry off guard and collected him like a vulture honing in on its helpless prey. Harry was taken out by the full force of Max’s tackle and fell heavily on his back while Max cleaned up the ball and sent it back to his midfielders. I was so furious – surely it was a foul? Max had struck Harry from behind with his studs showing, but to my astonishment the referee played on.

  There were shouts of dissent from the sidelines.

  ‘That was a dangerous tackle.’

  ‘Ref, he could have broken his legs.’

  ‘Penalty!’

  But they fell on deaf ears as play continued up the pitch. I ran out of my position and chased after Max, but luckily for him I was instructed to return up front. ‘Lucy, don’t retaliate. We fight for the ball not the player!’ yelled Coach James.

  With just five minutes remaining and the score locked at 1–1, we quickly worked the ball back up to our end of the pitch again. I looked out for Harry and spotted him still lying on the ground.

  I screamed, ‘Kick the ball out. Harry’s still on the ground.’

  Jasper was running with the ball. He kicked it out and the referee blew his whistle. We ran over to check on Harry, including Coach James. His left boot was delicately taken off to reveal a swollen ankle and grazes seeping blood along his legs.

  ‘That scumbucket. Look at what he did. I’m going to sort him out,’ he grimaced.

  ‘Harry, calm down. It was a very heavy tackle but I don’t think Max meant to hurt you. Unfortunately I’m going to have to take you off. It looks as though you may have twisted that ankle, and it needs some ice. Look on the bright side – you didn’t lose a foot, just a boot,’ Coach James joshed.

  ‘Very funny, Coach, but I think I can still play,’ Harry insisted. He attempted to stand but quickly crumbled back to the ground. He had no choice but to leave the pitch.

  I tapped him on the shoulder and whispered, ‘Don’t worry
, Harry. We’ll sort it out on the pitch.’

  Now we were even more determined to take the game to them and perform like champions. Kurtis came on for Harry, eager to make his mark. ‘We have to take them by surprise. Coach James wants the defenders to push up, use our set piece and storm the box with all bodies. Whoever has a chance must seize the opportunity and strike. Jonathon, he wants you to stay back in case they break through. The rest of us need to go for it. Time’s running out.’

  ‘Lions, we can do it,’ Brandan yelled.

  We managed to fight our way up the pitch as Kurtis negotiated his route towards the opposition’s goal. He beat three players and off-loaded to me. I zigzagged my way through and passed to Dugald, who surprised our confused rivals as he pushed forward. He spotted Jasper on the run and sent the ball just ahead of him. Jasper gained possession and let all his tricks out of the bag, leaving the defenders in his wake. Unmarked, he cracked the ball from outside the box straight past the keeper, but it hit the crossbar. The box was full of bodies but I managed to time my run perfectly. I collected the rebound with a scissor kick that sailed past the disoriented keeper for the winner, right on the full-time whistle. The Dunbar Lions had secured a spectacular 2–1 victory. I exploded into a series of dance moves and finished with a pirouette and a bow to our ecstatic supporters.

  I think my celebrations may have caused more of a stir than the winning goal. It didn’t matter, I was one of the boys and they let me know it by lifting me onto their shoulders and chanting, ‘Zeezou, Zeezou, Zeezou!’

  Coach James burst onto the pitch with a satisfied smile, cheering and congratulating us. ‘I’m so proud of my lions and lioness. It was a joy to watch you play such good attacking football. I knew you could do it. Brilliant!’ Then he led the cheers for our bitterly disappointed opponents. ‘Three cheers for the Dolphins … hip, hip, hooray, hip, hip hooray, hip, hip hooray.’

  They reciprocated and we all shook hands.

  To my great surprise, Max came over and congratulated me. He looked deep into my eyes. ‘A cracker of a goal, Zeezou,’ he said.

  ‘Um, thanks Max,’ I mumbled, feeling a little un comfortable.

  ‘I didn’t mean any harm earlier, I was just having a bit of fun. Hope to see you down at the Reg one day.’

  ‘Sure, Max. Unlucky today. See you soon,’ I said, melting into his big brown eyes.

  That was strange – he wanted to see me again and I kind of thought I’d like that. I didn’t know what was going on, but I felt a little weird. We were very much alike in some ways, but in others very different. I thought again about Max being homeless and wondered if I could help him somehow, but then I was distracted by the celebrations around me.

  The team was still jumping, singing and dancing, but it came to an abrupt end. Harry caught everyone by surprise when he limped over to Max, who was still standing on the pitch. Without hesitation or warning, Harry gave him a right hook, knocking him to the ground. Max curled up on the ground holding the side of his face while Harry towered over him yelling, ‘You idiot! You took me out on purpose. Now, let’s see how you like being chopped down and humiliated, you little coward.’

  ‘Oooh, we’ll see about that,’ said Max, rising to his feet with fists poised for action.

  The other boys looked on in surprise. Dylan yelled, ‘That’s enough, just shake hands and get over it.’ But his call for a truce was ignored.

  This was definitely one time I was glad to be a girl. I didn’t mind getting physical on the pitch but fighting is uncivilised, especially in sport. ‘Guys, stop it. You’ve got to stop it!’ I screamed in desperation.

  But it fell on deaf ears. Max was stamping like a bull in a ring, nostrils flaring, sizing up his opponent, ready to strike. Harry didn’t even need to tease him with the red matador’s bolero, although he would have been better off waving the white flag.

  It all happened so quickly. Max leapt at Harry, expelling a thunderous roar and headbutting his old friend, who crashed to the ground.

  Coach James came sprinting out from the change room but he was too late; the damage was done. He attended to the injured matador moaning in pain, while the victorious bull made his escape.

  I don’t know what came over me but I suddenly found myself chasing Max.

  ‘Max, wait! Please Max, wait!’ I yelled urgently.

  ‘Wait for what? No one understands me. I had to defend myself! I’m out of here,’ he screamed, as he kept running.

  I desperately tried to reach him, but he was too fast. I stopped at the top of the street, hoping to get a glimpse of him and wondering if I’d ever see him again. I felt sick in the stomach.

  Dylan called after me, ‘Lucy, wait …’ When he caught up with me, we sat on the fence. ‘What are you doing? Why are you chasing Max? He’s a talented footballer but he’s a psycho.’

  ‘I thought I could try to talk to him. I’m the reason he left our team, so I feel responsible for this mess,’ I explained, still looking up the street for any sign of him.

  ‘You know, we’ve played football with him for years now, but we still don’t know much about him. He’s just very private. And I don’t want to be around the next time he and Harry see each other,’ said Dylan.

  ‘How is Harry?’ I asked.

  ‘He’ll be fine. It’s more pride than pain. He wants to see you. He’s worried you’ve already left for Italy without saying goodbye. C’mon, let’s go back.’

  ‘Oh no! The plane! I can’t be late. I’ve got to go or I’ll be in big trouble!’ I started to panic.

  ‘Why can’t you stay and celebrate? Why do you have to leave so soon?’ Dylan sounded a little upset. I looked up in surprise and saw that his cheeks had turned rosy.

  ‘The plane has to leave in a few hours, so I don’t have long to get organised,’ I said, standing up. ‘I can’t wait to see my papa and my dog, Gigi, but I’m devastated that I’m going to miss most of the Champion of Champions tournament. Hopefully I’ll be back for the final. Please make sure that we make it!’

  We started to walk back towards the others.

  ‘Don’t worry, Lucy, we’ll get to the final. We’re good enough to win it. Are you planning to catch up with your friends in Italy?’ he asked, catching me by surprise.

  ‘Oh, um, I’m not sure. I haven’t had time to think about it. I have a few football friends that I’ll probably hang out with, but I want to spend as much time as I can with my papa and Gigi. Why?’

  ‘No reason, just wondering,’ Dylan replied coyly.

  ‘Lucy, hey Lucy!’ Bella came running towards us.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Bella! I’ve got to go. I’m running late for my flight,’ I said.

  ‘But we haven’t had a chance to catch up! I still don’t know what all the fuss is about, but congratulations.’ Bella looked at Dylan. ‘Hey, good game.’

  ‘How do you two know each other?’ I asked, remembering that she had supported him on the pitch.

  ‘Oh, sorry Lucy, that’s what I wanted to tell you earlier. This is my brother.’

  ‘You’re kidding! That’s so crazy! I wish I could stay and hang out, but I’ve got to leave right now. Sorry, but Mama’s already put the flight back a few hours.’ I hoped they’d understand.

  Bella stepped in. ‘Okay, but quickly tell me, what on earth happened out there? This is why I don’t like sport. It’s full of thugs and crazy people, present company excluded of course. Although … that guy you were chasing was cute. Who’s he?’

  Dylan rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t you remember Max Spitzer?’

  ‘Max? Was that really Max? Wow. He used to have long dirty hair. That new haircut’s made all the difference.’ Bella looked at me and smirked.

  Thankfully we were interrupted by Grandpa shouting. ‘Come on Lucy, we must leave immediately. Your mum is waiting.’

  ‘I’m coming, Grandpa.’ I turned to Dylan and Bella. ‘Sorry I have to race off, but I’ll text you as soon as we land. I’m not going to have time to say goodbye to Harr
y. Please tell him I’m so sorry but if I don’t leave now my mama will go psycho!’ We hugged quickly and then I raced off with Grandpa.

  We made it back to the shop without a minute to spare. Mama was enjoying a final chat with Nanna as I ran in and gave them both a kiss.

  We grabbed our suitcases and were ready to go, but then Mama’s phone rang.

  ‘Lucy, can you get that, please? I left it upstairs on the coffee table.’

  I ran up and grabbed it. ‘Hello, Lucy speaking.’

  ‘It’s great to hear your voice, my beautiful girl. I called to say I can’t wait to see you and I have a few surprises waiting for you. Gigi also misses you.’

  I could hear her barking in the background. I couldn’t wait to hold my little Gigi.

  ‘Papa! I miss you, I can’t wait to see you either. But I have to go, we’re running late.’ It was so good to hear his voice.

  ‘Okay, Lucy. Lots of kisses. I love you. Can you please put Mama on?’

  ‘Of course. See you soon! Love you, ciao.’

  Mama pounced on the phone, sounding all giggly, like a schoolgirl talking to her first boyfriend. It was funny to watch her in action.

  I gave her some privacy and joined Nanna and Grandpa.

  ‘Nanna, I’m so glad you’re out of hospital. I just wish we weren’t leaving now, I want to spend more time with you. My team won the match today – I couldn’t have done it without you and Grandpa supporting me. Thank you!’

  ‘Congratulations, sweetheart. And don’t you worry … I plan to spend all my time with you when you return.’ Nanna squeezed me tightly, then whispered, ‘Don’t worry, Lucy. We’ll talk my stubborn Frida around somehow.’

  ‘Thank you, princess,’ Grandpa said. ‘Now let’s get your mother off the phone or your pilot may miss his clearance. Then there’ll be trouble.’

  Mama came down the stairs, still gasbagging to Papa.

  ‘Frida, it’s time to go. You’ll be seeing your husband soon enough,’ said Grandpa, as the driver came in to take our bags to the car. She blew kisses into the phone and finally hung up.

  We all hugged as the tears started to roll. I couldn’t believe it – I’d just started to settle here and I was off again.