THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
End of Match

In the home team's technical area, Coach Johansen's face was seen smiling as he watched the final few minutes of the match. He was satisfied with the level of concentration his players showed on the pitch, especially towards the end of the game. They all play as if their lives depend on those few minutes. Although Molde continued to attack relentlessly, they were still able to maintain a 3:2 lead until the 90th minute.

But to coach Johansen's disappointment, the referee added five extra minutes of time to the second half. So he decided to make one substitution of the remaining players in the 91st minute to waste time and strengthen his defence. He included Jon Inge Hoiland, the only defender on the bench, replacing Jonas Svensson, a tired defensive midfielder.

The game started again soon after. Molde's players continued to attack, looking for the equaliser in those few minutes. They lashed crosses into the box, trying to weaken Rosenborg's defence.

But ten Rosenborg players, left on the pitch, played like there was no tomorrow as they defended against the attack. That way, minute by minute slowly passed, and finally the referee blew the final whistle of the game in the 96th minute.

Just then, the stadium exploded into a wave of cheers once again. Over the next few minutes, Lerkendal was on fire as Rosenborg's players and technical staff began to tour the field.

Coach Johansen ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his players after shaking hands with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Molde's coach. He went around the field, giving hugs to the field players while muttering some words of encouragement and appreciation to them. He was in a good mood after securing three more points from a difficult-to-win game.

**** ****

Zachary let a feeling of contentment seep into his bones as he moved the entire length of the pitch, waving to the excited Rosenborg fans.

It was strange to feel such great excitement in his heart as he enjoyed the indescribable joy of victory. He, who was very poor and desperate during his past life, finally felt that he had established himself in the European team. So, she felt dizzy from the excitement.

"You're great out there" Coach Johansen told him as soon as he finished touring the pitch. "If you can maintain your form, you will soon be the best player in Norway or even in Europe. So, keep working hard." Coach patted his back.

"Thank you for your praise" Zachary replied with a smile. "I will try my best to improve. My only hope is to have enough playing time so I can accelerate my development as a player."

Coach Johansen chuckled at it. "Don't worry," he said. "You will be able to play a lot of games in his season. But for now, you have to go with Nicki to the press area. You two are the ones who will handle the post-match interview today."

"Oh," Zachary said with a sigh. "Then I better get going. Do you have any tips on how I should conduct an interview?"

Coach Johansen smiled. "Be yourself and say what you really feel" he said. "But avoid negative comments about third parties, whether opponents or teammates. If you do that, you should be fine."

"Thank you for your advice" Zachary replied, beaming. "Then I go to see the press." He added before turning around and trekking towards the designated area for the press.

**** ****

Emily is in the best mood as she takes a taxi from Lerkendal back to her hotel after the game. Zachary's surprise counter-attack that resulted in the winning goal still played in his mind, like a replayed song. With that goal, he definitely managed to establish himself among the Rosenborg fans. His fame has risen, and it will prove fruitful when negotiating a new endorsement deal for him.

Bzzt Bzz! Bzzt Bzz!

His phone shook, waking him attentively. He frowned, wondering who called him that late. When he took it out of his wallet and looked at the screen of his phone, he was even more shocked. The person who called was one of the Red Bull representatives he had contacted to discuss another possible support deal for Zachary.

"Mrs. Friedrich," he said, after putting the phone next to his ear. "Why do I owe you the pleasure of taking your call this late?"

Mr. Jerome Friedrich, the man on the other end of the phone, chuckled. "Of course, it's not too late at all" he said. "According to my watch, it's only 20:30. And that's the best time to talk about business, especially over drinks. Aren't you?"

Mr. Friedrich sighed audibly from the end of the phone. "I'm calling about Zachary. My boss finally gave me the green light. But they want to meet with you first before continuing negotiations. So, do you have time tomorrow?"

"As long as there's business, I can take my time" Emily replied beaming. "But if they want to meet my client tomorrow, that's another story. I'll have to consult him first before returning to you."

"That's not the case" replied Mr. Friedrich rapid. "For tomorrow, they just want to see you. So, you don't have to worry about your client's schedule."

"They haven't met Zachary yet!" Emily exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You'll find out when you meet them tomorrow" said Mr. Friedrich with a little humor. "Don't worry. We are the world's leading energy drink brand. So, believe me: we are not trying to get your clients into trouble. My boss really appreciates its potential. They just want to simply chat with you and discuss potential business. And believe me, the business was very beneficial to him."

"OK," said Emily, looking out the window of the taxi and realizing that she was close to her hotel. "I don't think there's any harm. So, what time do you think I met them?"

"I would recommend 09:00 at the Scandic Nidelven Hotel" replied Mr. Frederick. "Is that okay with you?"

"Yes, it's okay" Emily said. "I'll be there."

"Good," said Mr. Friedrich, his voice was filled with a hint of excitement. "See you tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night to you too" Emily replied before quickly ending the call. He leaned back into the back seat and enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction that had swelled all over him. He is pleased with the fact that Zachary is starting to pull out lucrative support contracts. With a commission of six percent from Zachary's transactions, Emily could see herself getting rich by the end of the year. He will then be able to start his own agency and fulfill his old dream. That's what he expected.

**** ****

When Kristin returns to her apartment after the game, she quickly turns on her TV. He wanted to re-watch the highlights of the game as soon as possible. So, as he sat in the comfort of his couch, he immediately picked up the remote and opened the TV2-Sporten channel.

He relaxed as he found the studio pundits still discussing the game while also playing short clips from the spotlight. Back then, they analysed Zachary's assists in the first half.

"The relationship between Nicki and Zachary during this match was incredible" said Andre Rekdal, the studio's expert for the match. "For me, that connection was the only factor that gave Rosenborg an edge over Molde."

"Don't forget Zachary's brilliance" rjan Berg, a former Rosenborg player and other pundits, added. "The lightning-fast free kick in the fourth minute was completely absurd.The first half and his goal in the 88th minute. What a night for young Rosenborg number-33!"

"There's one thing you two forget" Samantha Fladset, the female presenter, cut in. "It was about the referee's decision during this match. He ignored most of the fouls against Zachary and a few other Rosenborg players in both halves. What do you think of this?"

Both Andre Rekdal and Rjan Berg sighed at the same time when they heard him.

"All I can say is today's referee was subpar" Andre Rekdal said, shaking his head. "After watching this match, I sincerely hope that FIFA will soon approve a proposal to introduce VAR. Otherwise, we will never eliminate the human factor of error, even at crucial moments."

"My thoughts are exactly," rjan Berg agreed. "Had there been a video assistant referee during today's match, Rosenborg would not have had to work hard to win this match. But I suspect the referee will be suspended for his negligence while on the pitch."