THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-385

"Artur Moraes has managed to save Thomas Partey's penalty," the voice of Kjell Roar, the commentator, resounded across the stadium. "His save has put Benfica in a really advantageous position in this penalty shootout. It's 4 out of 5 for Rosenborg and 4 out of 4 for team Benfica. If Benfica scores the next penalty, they will win one of the two tickets to the Europa League finals in Turin. And Luisão, Benfica's experienced captain, is the man who has stepped forward to take the fifth penalty for his team. Can he win it all? Can he convert and make it 5 out of 5 converted penalties for Benfica? The rare opportunity is in the hands of the captain..."

Kristin's countenance grew paler and paler as she listened to the commentator's rambling voice while also following the proceedings on the pitch. She was worried and tense since her team was at a disadvantage. But all she could do was pray and hope that the goalkeeper saved Benfica's following penalty. Otherwise, Rosenborg would be out of the Europa League that very night.

"It's Luisão against Daniel Örlund," the commentator's voice resounded. "It's now the moment for Benfica to win it all, and Luisão takes a few steps back from the ball. Luisão! Luisão takes the shot. Oh, my God! He hits the post. Luisão, the experienced Benfica captain, has missed the golden opportunity to win it all. The penalty shootout is back to square one. It's now 4 out of 5 for Rosenborg and 4 out of 5 for Benfica. Oh, my, my! What a match!"

Kristin's hopes had already sored to cloud nine as the commentator continued yelling in sync with the thunderous cheers of the crowd. A few seconds ago, she had been edgy and anxious, fearing that her team might have to bow out of the Europa League. But, it seemed that the goddess of luck was still in favor of her team, and in the end, Rosenborg had survived Benfica's fifth penalty.

"It's now time for penalty number six on the side of Rosenborg," the commentator yelled after a few seconds. "And the responsibility falls on Alexander Söderlund, one of Rosenborg's key forwards. Can he convert and put Rosenborg back in the driving seat? Alexander! He takes the shot. Oh my! He scores and puts Rosenborg back in front. It's now 5 out of 6 for Rosenborg and 4 out of 5 for Benfica."

"The pressure is back on Benfica as Ljubomir Fejsa steps forward to take Benfica's sixth penalty. If the holding midfielder fails to convert and score, Rosenborg will win the ticket to the finals. Fejsa! Fejsa! Great technique! He sends the keeper the wrong way and scores. He has managed to bring the proceedings back to square one. The pressure is back on Rosenborg's side."

"Tensions are running high in the stadium," the commentator continued. "The crowd within Lerkendal is holding its breath as Eric Bailly, Rosenborg's young center-back, prepares to take Roseborg's seventh penalty. Can he propel Rosenborg into the driving seat again?"

Beads of sweat rolled down John Hansen's forehead as he watched Eric Bailly preparing to take the penalty. Although the part-time YouTuber had already won the bet of Rosenborg emerging victorious after the 90 minutes of regular playing time, he wasn't satisfied. He still wanted his team to win the penalty shootout and then cash in big on another bet of Rosenborg qualifying for the final.

"It's Eric Bailly against Artur Moraes," the commentator's voice resounded over the din in the stadium. "Eric Bailly! Eric! He takes the shot and sends the ball barely past Artur Moraes' outstretched fingertips. The young Ivorian has put Rosenborg back in the driving seat. It's now 6 out of 7 for Rosenborg and 5 out of 6 for Benfica."

"Benfica is hanging on the cliff as Ivan Cavaleiro steps forward to take the penalty. A tremendous responsibility falls upon the young man, who only turned nineteen a few months back. He has to score to keep Benfica's Europa League dream alive. If he fails to convert, Rosenborg will win the semi-final."

"The referee has given the go-ahead, and Ivan Cavaleiro makes the run toward the ball. He shoots. Oh my, God! Saved! Effort Saved! Rosenborg has won one of the two tickets to the Europa League finals. Daniel Örlund is the hero today. He dived the right way and punched the ball away from the goal. What an ending tonight!"

At that moment, the cheers around Lerkendal hit a thunderous crescendo. The Rosenborg fans, including John Hansen, jumped high and yelled at the top of their voices. Their team had overcome a tricky opponent and qualified for the Europa League finals for the first time in history. Thus, they were on cloud nine and could hardly rein in their emotions.

On the pitch, Zachary joined the rest of his teammates to celebrate Rosenborg's victory. He had already removed his shirt and thrown it to the Rosenborg supporters. So he ran around the pitch bare-chested while yelling at the top of his voice.

"We're in the finals, Zachary!" Coach Johansen yelled as he intercepted him and gave him a bear hug. "Your goal during the 91st minute was incredible, and it was the deciding factor for this semi-final. So, thanks a lot for rescuing the team again."

"There's no need for thanks as that is my duty," Zachary replied with a grin. "Moreover, I think that Daniel Örlund is our hero tonight. If he had not saved that penalty, we would have been in deep shit. He won the semi-final for us."

"That's also true," the coach agreed. "But we can't count out your efforts. Throughout the entire semi-final, you kept most of their midfielders occupied. And that is one of the crucial factors that aided us in besting the tricky Benfica side over the two legs. So, you should feel proud of yourself since your efforts have helped propel us to the finals."

The proceedings moved forward quickly as the Rosenborg players and technical staff celebrated their hard-fought victory. They could hardly contain their excitement and continued singing victory chants even after returning to the dressing room.

But just as they were in the middle of the celebrations, a loud knock resounded in the dressing room. The next moment, the players and staff turned silent as they noticed one of the UEFA officials stepping into the room.

"Coach Johansen," the official called out. "It's time for you to fulfill your press duties. Please head to the press room with two of your players immediately. Thank you." Without waiting for a response, the official turned around and stepped out of the room.

"Guys!" Coach Johansen yelled after a few seconds. "I congratulate you all upon winning the semi-finals. But I can't continue celebrating with you as duty calls. Zachary! Can you come to the press conference with me?"

"Coach," Zachary replied after chugging down some water. "I'm requesting that you let me dodge the press conference today. I can't always be the only one going to press conferences on the team."

Coach Johansen smiled and nodded. "I understand," he said, turning his gaze away. "Zachary has reminded me of an important point. So, we'll start taking turns for the press conferences. Daniel! Nicki! The duty falls upon your shoulders tonight. So, let's head to the press room together."

"Aye, coach," the two players replied almost in unison.

The journalists were already in their seats when Coach Johansen's party of three arrived in the press room. Without wasting much time, they started the interview session.

"I'm Jordan Porter from ESPN," a brown-haired man in the front row introduced himself. "Coach Johansen! Your team has qualified for the Europa League finals for the first time in history. How do you feel as a coach who has made that happen?"

"Words cannot describe the excitement I'm feeling," Coach Johansen replied. "Benfica gave us a hard time during the semi-final, but in the end, we overcame them to qualify for the finals. So, I'm both relieved and delighted that we have overcome this tough hurdle."

"Walter cooper from BBC," another journalist said after standing up. "My question is to Nicki Nielsen. Nicki! You connected well with Zachary's pass to score Rosenborg's first goal during the 17th minute. Can you tell us the trick to the incredible chemistry between you and Zachary? How's it that he managed to find you in that crowd of players before the box?"

"You would have to ask Zachary that question to get an answer," Nicki replied with a smile. "And the trick to our chemistry is quite simple. I only need to make a good run toward the opponent's goal when Zachary receives the ball. As long as I time my run well, Zachary will always find me with an excellent pass. His vision at the crucial moments of the game is that scary."

"His goal for the team was also incredible," the same reporter remarked. "He literally forced his way through Benfica's packed midfield and defense before scoring Rosenborg's second goal tonight."

"Yes, the goal was really incredible," Nicki agreed. "His footwork, vision, and zeal were all out of this world at that moment. He overcame all obstacles imposed on him by the opponents before burying the ball into the back of the net. In my book, that goal should be voted the goal of the season."

Most of the reporters nodded in response. They seemed to agree with Nicki on that point.

"I'm Shereen Graham from the Mirror," a lady reporter stood up next. "My question is to Daniel Örlund. Daniel! You saved that seventh penalty and ensured that your team qualified for the finals. How do you feel?"

"Great, I guess," Daniel replied in a flat voice.

The reporter smiled and turned towards Coach Johansen. "The other semi-final has just concluded," she said. "Sevilla is the team that has qualified for the final after beating Valencia based on the away-goal rule. Coach Johansen! How do you feel about your opponents in the Europa League final? Do you think you can overcome them in Turin on the 14th of May?"

"Sevilla is a great team with incredible players for sure," Coach Johansen replied. "They are more powerful than us on paper, and I believe they will come at us with everything they got during the final. But we still have a great chance of overpowering them if we prepare well and play at our best. I have to remind you that we're not satisfied with only reaching the final of the Europa League. We also wish to win the Europa League trophy this season. So, we'll do everything possible to ensure the trophy comes to Trondheim after the final."