869 A Dramatic First Act

To Madrid, this little slip-up was not a nail in the coffin. With 40 minutes left in the match, they were confident they could still come back.

Coach Michel did, however, note a potential problem. With Diarra spending so much time dribbling in center field, the safety of their goal seemed to be in jeopardy.

As Nottingham F.C. celebrated their goal, he called Diarra over for a word.

"Listen up, I think you've been holding on to the ball too much and for far too long. Your puppy-guarding might have cost us that goal." He stared solemnly at Diarra as he spoke.

The player realized his error and replied. "I understand, Coach. Do you want me to hold onto the ball less?"