Matthew's team had been struggling, but they finally had a chance to turn things around. In a crucial match against a top-tier team, they won a penalty in the final minutes of the game.
As the referee pointed to the spot, Matthew's teammates turned to him, expecting him to take the shot. Alex, the coach, nodded in agreement, and Matthew was handed the ball.
This was his chance to regain his confidence, to prove to himself and everyone else that he still had it. Matthew took a deep breath, placed the ball on the spot, and began his run-up.
But just as he was about to strike the ball, the opposing team's goalkeeper, a towering figure with a menacing grin, began to taunt him. "You're not going to make it, Matthew! You're finished! You'll never score again!"
Matthew tried to focus, but the goalkeeper's words got to him. He hesitated for a split second, and that was all it took. His shot sailed wide, missing the goal by a mile.