Chapter 13: Vs Cagliari (2)
It came like a spark in a cold room; the first real chance of the match.
Patrick Dorgu took possession deep in Lecce’s half. With a burst of energy and an elegance that belied his defensive designation, he surged down the left flank, skipping past one Cagliari player, then another. His boots glided over the grass like they were on rails, and the crowd buzzed louder with each step he took. Past the halfway line, past the opposition’s right wing-back, and now closing in on the final third.
Alex was already on his feet by this point, eyes locked on the progression.
["That’s a beautiful solo run from Patrick Dorgu! Look at the confidence!" one commentator exclaimed with growing excitement.]
Dorgu drove into the box and fired a low cross, perfectly weighted, not too fast, not too soft. The ball curved with precision, bypassing the outstretched leg of a Cagliari defender.
Mohamed Kaba, alert and quick-witted, flicked the ball backward with a deft touch, redirecting it into the path of Ante Rebić.
The goal was gaping.
The stadium held its breath. Time seemed to freeze.
Rebić raised his foot, met the ball with the side of his boot...
...and somehow sent it flying over the crossbar.
["OH MY WORD! How has he missed that?!" shouted another commentator. "Ante Rebić, six yards out, an open goal, and he’s blasted it into orbit! That’s harder to do than score!" ]