PART 2 OF HOW IT STARTED

Victoria nevertheless declined many of the offers because she did not know much about football, and wanted to protect her from the media. In some few months there was an upcoming world cup in Qatar for the children under the age of 10. The under 10 coach had to look for a team and prepare them for the world cup. The sporting directors of various clubs had to go and watch the small kids playing to look for kids who could go for the trials. They got to sample kids and Stefan missed out of the call up. That was the funny thing, no scouting was done in the team he was playing for. When the national coach found his 22 man squad they immediately started their training. The team was doing well technically and tactically, going forward and playing from the back. The England team was just lacking one thing and it was creativity. The team lacked someone who could create chances assist and also score. The head coach harry Olsen had heard roomers of a talented young kid who is a game changer and can influence a game. He requested the main scouts to do scouting and get him to play. Stefan who was 9 years old was supposed to lead the under 9 team to the kids world cup. He was on high demand harry Olsen had to request the football association to allow him to play for the under 10 team. His wish was granted and Stefan was given a jersey and told to join the team. He was late in joining the national team since they flew earlier than him. Victoria had to accompany him on the plane to Qatar. Their first game was being played in 2 days time and he had not trained. He had to do some warm up since he lacked match fitness. The preparations started and England were playing the opener. Stefan had to be on the bench and watch the game. The home side Qatar were dominating the play since they had the support of the home fans. It was the first time the young lads were playing as a team and they lacked rhythm. Meanwhile the Qatar kids were enjoying themselves as they dominated the game. They soon took the lead before half time, and the English supporters became silent in the stadium. Harry was confused he did not know what to do. The half time approached and it was time to go to the dressing room. Harry Olsen tried to change the tactics and motivated his team to go and play. In the second half it was an end to end game and both teams were going for the win. In the dying minutes he looked at the bench and decided to give Stefan some minutes. As soon as Stefan got in it was in the dying minutes, he noticed his team mates were not trying long shots they were trying to penetrate through the defense. When he looked at the clock he saw 3 minutes added and he knew where to place the ball, at the top corner. Stefan started pressing and running around the pitch. As soon as the English lads countered attack he got his first touch he never hesitated to aim at the top corner and score his first ever international goal. He was surprised to see it go in. Everyone was very happy. The whole bench ran into the field to celebrate with Stefan. They all jumped on his back until he fell down. Celebrations were all over the pitch the game even ended there. After the game Stefan was ambushed by sports journalists interviewing him. He got afraid after seeing all the cameras pointing at him. Harry had to remove him from there. The next day he got to feature in the Manchester evening news front page. Stefan had started rising in fame in his home country. As the competition advanced he got to receive his first start. As always Stefan never disappoints he led his team through the group stage finishing top of the group. Stefan even got to receive the arm band to lead his teammates. The first time the young lads had passed through the group stage. Stefan was writing history. As the tournament progressed the boys were promised something special by the prince if they win the tournament. Harry had to be hard on his lads in order for them to work hard and put in amazing performances. They got to advance to the semis and now they started to believe in themselves as champions. They were now facing the hot favorites France. When the game began they were dominated by the French boys. They possessed the ball and never gave them a chance to have the ball. They were forced to defend and wait for a counter attack. In the dying minutes of the first half Stefan made an interception and they started running to attack and score. Soon he heard a knock on his ankle and he fell on the floor. He was in a lot of pain he screamed in pain. The referee had to call on the medical team to attend to him and they quickly ran towards him to attend to him. He was carried outside the pitch to receive medical attention. The French defender received his matching orders outside the pitch. They were left with 10 men in the pitch. They knew they had done the job and he left smiling. Harry Olsen was very furious knowing he lost a talisman. In no time it was half time the teams share the spoils. Half time team talk Harry confirmed Stefan can not continue. They had to prepare themselves without him. The French team knew they had finished the job. In no time the game resumed. The England team were attacking looking for the opener. The French team could play air balls to the main striker and he puts the ball behind the net. By the time it was in the 70th minute England were scored four goals to zero. They had lost confidence in themselves and were now playing just to end the game. The game ended and England got knocked out of the competition. Stefan was left at the hospital to receive treatment after suffering a knock on his ankle. Tears were seen from the young lads who had put up a spirited fight in the competition. The crowd cheered for them as they went out of the stadium. Victoria was also very furious on seeing his son get injured. She said to herself this is the last time his son will play football. The rest of the squad had to book their flight back to England to continue with school. Stefan had to remain in Qatar to receive treatment by the doctors. Her mother who is also a doctor to provide therapy for him. Victoria was very angry because she remembered how Marcus got an injury in Ghana which interfered with his career and he never got to play once again. The finals were being played that very week he got injured, and they were giving awards. After the finals the awards were conducted Stefan won the player of the tournament. He also received an award for the goal of the tournament. That was the first ever recognition he had ever received. Nevertheless his mom had made up her mind on leaving Qatar even before Stefan recovered. They took a flight the next morning back to England. Back at home Marcus was celebrating seeing the milestone his son had achieved at a young age. Victoria came back even without alerting Marcus they are coming. She just arrived two days later after a long flight. Marcus was surprised to see his family back abruptly. He welcomed them nevertheless. That day Vicky went to sleep early but she told Marcus they need to have a talk about their son. Marcus found it odd but he agreed. The next morning Stefan had to go to school being in crutches. Victoria told Marcus she has decided to end the career of his son due to the injury he acquired. Marcus was against it he said he will recover with time they should give him time. Victoria being over protective said she never wants to see her son on a football pitch. Marcus being angry left to work.