Lars' Defensive Performance

After taking a shower and resting for some time to rid himself of exhaustion, Benjamin came out of the locker room just in time to watch the second half of Team B vs Team D.

He sat on the bench, legs a little sore from his game but eyes glued to the field. Beside him sat Luka, who had just finished stretching. The two of them watched the game between Team B and Team D unfold, with both teams locked in a tense battle.

"What's the score?" Benjamin asked Luka, who was wiping sweat from his brow.

Luka leaned back on the bench. "Team B's down 2-0," he said, his tone laced with disappointment. "Team D's been all over them."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought Team B would be giving them more trouble."

Luka nodded. "Same, but Team D's defense has been solid. They've got that guy, Lars, back there shutting everything down, and their attackers are quite good."

Benjamin's gaze drifted toward the pitch. He noticed Lars, Team D's right-back, confidently handling the ball, making sharp tackles, and distributing it well to his teammates. It was clear Lars was having a standout game.

The referee's whistle echoed across the pitch, signaling the start of the second half. Both teams kicked off with renewed energy, and Benjamin leaned forward in his seat, watching closely.

The game immediately picked up pace, with Team B launching a series of attacks. They needed a goal to get back in the game.

Team B's forwards darted into the final third, weaving through defenders and searching for an opening. But time and again, Team D's defense held firm.

Lars, in particular, was everywhere blocking shots, intercepting passes, and charging down the wing to support his team's counter-attacks.

One moment caught Benjamin's attention.

Team B's striker had just received a brilliant through ball and was poised to take a shot inside the box. Lars, however, was quick to react.

He slid in perfectly, taking the ball cleanly and sending it out for a throw-in. The striker stood there in disbelief, looking at Lars as if he'd just snatched a certain goal from his feet.

"Man, that guy is on fire today," Luka commented, shaking his head. "Look at him run."

Benjamin watched as Lars sprinted down the right flank moments later, overlapping with his winger and whipping a dangerous cross into the box.

It was blocked by a defender, but the intent was clear. Lars wasn't just a player good defensively, he could also contribute to attacking plays, making himself a constant threat.

Team B, despite their best efforts, couldn't break down the defense. Their midfielders tried long-range shots, hoping to catch the goalkeeper off guard, but the ball either sailed over the crossbar or was calmly saved.

The frustration was evident on their faces, and the longer the game went on, the more desperate they became.

"They're pushing hard, but it's not enough," Benjamin muttered, his eyes following the ball.

Team D's 4-3-3 formation gave them the upper hand, keeping them organized and allowing them to control the flow of the game.

Every time Team B tried to create space, Team D's midfielders pressed high, cutting off the supply lines to the forwards.

The clock ticked on, and the intensity of the match didn't let up. It became an end-to-end affair, with both teams taking turns to attack.

Team B threw more players forward, trying to find a breakthrough, but it left them exposed at the back.

Benjamin couldn't help but admire Lars' composure under pressure. Even with Team B's constant attacks, he never looked flustered.

One moment he'd be clearing a cross with a well-timed header, and the next, he'd be helping to launch a counter-attack with a precise pass upfield.

Just as Benjamin was reflecting on the game, Team D struck again. In a swift counter-attack, their winger dribbled past two defenders and squared the ball into the box.

Their striker, completely unmarked, tapped it in for an easy finish. 3-0. The referee pointed to the center circle as the goal was confirmed.

"That's game," Luka said with a sigh. "Team B's not coming back from this."

Benjamin watched as Team B's players slumped their shoulders, their confidence clearly shattered.

Even though they still pushed forward, it was more out of obligation than belief that they could turn the game around. Every time they advanced, Lars was there, making tackles, blocking shots, and clearing the ball to safety.

In one of the final moments of the match, Team B won a corner. Their captain stepped up to take it, delivering a well-placed ball into the heart of the penalty area. But once again, Lars rose above everyone else, heading the ball clear and denying them a consolation goal.

When the final whistle blew, Benjamin exhaled deeply, feeling the intensity of the game settle in. Team D had won convincingly, 3-0, thanks largely to their disciplined defense and Lars' outstanding performance.

The players began shaking hands, some congratulating each other while others exchanged quiet words of frustration.

Benjamin looked at Lars, who was standing tall, amidst his teammates, accepting their praise with a smirk on his face.

"That kid's good," Benjamin muttered to himself, 'but not unbeatable.' he thought.

"No wonder Team B couldn't break through."

Luka, overhearing, gave a nod. "He's a rock at the back. Hard to get past him, and he's smart with the ball. He'll definitely catch the scouts' attention today."

As the players left the pitch, Team D was given 20 minutes to prepare for the final match against Team A.

Benjamin remained on the bench for a moment longer, thinking about his own performance earlier in the day. He had impressed with barely 60% of his abilities due to his left leg, but seeing Lars play made him realize just how much talent there was in this competition.

"The final match," Benjamin thought, narrowing his eyes as he watched Lars walk off the field. "The final match, I'll have to bring my A-game if we face off."

As he stood up and stretched his legs, Benjamin knew one thing for sure: If he wanted to stand out, he'd need to keep pushing himself. Just like Lars, who had proven today that being good wasn't enough, you had to be exceptional.

With that thought in mind, Benjamin walked back to the locker room, already thinking about the next match.