The atmosphere inside the Hastings Coastal Stadium had shifted from mere sporting tension to something far more volatile. The roar of the home crowd was no longer just celebratory; it was mocking.
The Northcastle Rising Stars players stood in their positions, their faces etched with a mixture of shock and simmering resentment. Eric Maddox stood on the touchline, his hands clenched into fists so tight his knuckles were white. He could feel the pulse thumping in his neck, a rhythmic reminder of the adrenaline coursing through his younger, more resilient veins.
Fweeeee!
The referee blew his whistle to restart the match. Luis Navarro stood at the center circle, his eyes fixed on the ball. Beside him, Ishaan Bhatt looked pale, his chest heaving as he tried to process the injustice of the last five minutes.
