The Hawks' season-final match against the Eagles of Escola Americana de Recife (EAR) started with balance and hope. In the first half, both teams were strong, and the possession of the ball was balanced. Attempts to attack from both sides kept the game tight, as each side fought tooth and nail for control. Every tackle, every pass, carried the hope of a victory that felt close.
The second half, however, brought a turn of shocking events.
As soon as the Eagles scored the first goal, the Hawks' energy faded. For every goal taken, the EABH crowd weakened, and by the third goal, the team's spirit seemed broken. Old memories of past seasons seemed to resurface, where they had finished at the lowest ranks. Those thoughts dragged the team down even more. EABH Coaches Nati and Fred, then, decided to change the lineup and bring new players who hadn't had the chance to play this season.
With the score at 6-0, I had a chance to interview some players on the bench. Pedro Luiz (8) commented on the situation, “We're in tough circumstances today. We didn't play to our full potential, if we had the score could have been 1-0 which would have been more coherent with the reality of the team, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. We weren't ready for this.”
Massi (16), agreed with Pedro: “This score doesn't represent the spirit or fight this team has. It is discouraging, but despite this, our overall performance in this championship is something to be proud of. This game is a mark in the history of our school, and it will bring a big change in attitude. Now, we have to prepare for next year and come back stronger than ever!”
The final whistle blew at a score of 7-0 for the Eagles. The season was over. But as the players gathered, EABH coach Fred stated: “In 10 years, I've never seen an EABH team so united.”
It was at that moment that the Hawks learned the most important lesson. They hadn't just played for themselves, they had played for each other. In that unity and sense of togetherness, they found victory beyond the scoreboard.
The season ended with a brutal loss, but it did little to the Hawks, who went off the field with something way more valuable than any victory could give them, a bond no score could ever break. The hawks walked off this game not as individuals but as a family.
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