THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-650

650 Injury Worries and Rising Tension

Over the following three days, Coach Renard remained in the thick of the action, molding his players for the upcoming crucial semi-final clash against England. The pressure was sky-high as the Ivorian players pushed themselves on the training ground, acutely aware that their next match would determine the fate of their World Cup dreams. However, the team faced an additional hurdle with three injured crucial players.

Franck Kessié, the dynamic midfielder, was nursing a knock and would not recover and be fully fit for the semi-final. Wilfred Kanon and Gervinho, the team captain and inspirational leader, were also out due to muscle complications. Their absence was a blow for the Ivorian team, which didn't have a great depth of talented and experienced players in the squad. But Coach Renard didn't waste time dwelling on misfortune and had already devised a plan to compensate for his missing starting players.

Cheick Doukouré, a stalwart in the defensive midfield, and Adama Traoré, a reliable left-back, were set to step into their natural positions. Salomon Kalou, the seasoned forward, would take up the right wing, while the versatile Wilfried Zaha would be moved to the striking line. Renard had initially considered pushing Zachary forward to the striking line. But he had quickly dismissed the idea, recognizing that Zachary's presence was crucial in the midfield.

Three days passed in a blur of focus, and today was the last day of training as it was the eve of their semi-final against England. But Coach Hervé Renard remained focused as he stood on the sidelines, his gaze sharp as he observed his team's last intensive training session.

The past few practice sessions had also been grueling but necessary as he integrated the three players replacing his injured starters for the semi-final against England. The coach understood one fact. For the Ivory Coast team to stand a chance against England, Cheick Doukouré, Salomon Kalou, and Adama Traoré had to coordinate seamlessly with their teammates to avoid any mistakes during the crucial moments of the upcoming match.

Renard was meticulous in his approach, even during that last practice session. He put the team through intense drills, ensuring the replacements could seamlessly blend into the game plan without a hitch. His voice carried across the training ground, a constant reminder to maintain discipline and precision. The players responded with determination, pushing themselves to their limits under the watchful eyes of their coach.

Cheick Doukouré, stepping into the defensive midfield role, demonstrated his ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks. Adama Traoré, taking up the left-back position, showcased his defensive prowess and ability to support the attack through the flanks. Salomon Kalou, the veteran forward, brought experience and a calm presence on the right wing, while Wilfried Zaha effortlessly adapted to his new role as a striker.

Renard also emphasized the importance of finding Zachary, the team's playmaker, whenever they had possession. Zachary had been the linchpin of the Ivorian attack throughout the tournament, his vision and skill creating numerous scoring opportunities. The coach drilled this strategy into the players' minds, ensuring that they would instinctively look for Zachary in crucial moments.

As the evening approached, Renard decided to end the training session early. He wanted his players to rest and recharge for the monumental task ahead. Gathering them around, he spoke with a mix of authority and encouragement.

"Well done, everyone," Renard said, his voice steady. "You've worked hard, and we're ready. Remember everything we've practiced. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and stay sharp. Trust in each other, and we will succeed."

Interrupting with a playful tone, Eric Bailly quipped, "Let's not forget to always look for Zachary whenever we're on the ball. Right, coach?"

A hush fell over the training ground as the coach shot Eric Bailly a disapproving look. Just as tension mounted and the players feared the worst, a smile graced Renard's lips. "You're absolutely right, Eric," Renard remarked casually. "Whenever we have possession, we need to seek out Zachary. He's the one who drives our team. Thanks for sharing, Eric. Now, could you do fifty push-ups for me?" His expression turned serious as he locked eyes with Bailly.

"Aye, coach," Bailly responded and got down to it. The rest of the players chuckled as he began doing the push-ups, his speed so fast that he was doing almost two sets per three seconds. Before long, he finished the required number of push-ups and rejoined his teammates.

Renard smiled and continued his speech. "We've put in the work. You've shown incredible dedication and skill these past few days. So, I'll tell you these words again. Trust in yourselves, trust in each other, and trust in the plan. We're ready for tomorrow. Now, get some rest and focus. This is our moment."

With that, he dismissed them. The players quickly washed up, and the locker room filled with the sounds of water running and muted conversations. The tension was omnipresent, weighing down the Ivorian players like a heavy mountain. But so was the camaraderie as they knew they were on the cusp of something historic. They just had to get past England in the following day's semi-final.

Zachary had been quiet and solemn during training. But he finally started conversing with his teammates as they boarded the bus back to the hotel. They chatted animatedly about the upcoming match between France and Belgium, each offering their predictions on who would emerge victorious.

"I think France will edge it," said Doukouré, leaning back in his seat.

"Belgium's attack is too strong," countered Zaha. "De Bruyne and Lukaku are in top form."

Zachary listened, a slight smile playing on his lips. The banter was a welcome distraction from the pressure of their impending game.

When they arrived at the hotel, the team headed straight to the dining room for an early dinner. The mood was lighter now, the players laughing and joking as they ate. The familiar rituals and routines were comforting and a reminder of the journey they had undertaken together.

After dinner, they dispersed to their rooms, each player retreating into their own space to relax and mentally prepare.

Zachary switched on his phone, which immediately buzzed with several messages. His acquaintances, including Kristin, Emily, Kasongo, Bj?rn Peters, Inger, and his biological mother and stepsister, had all sent their best wishes for the game.

He chuckled, particularly at the message from Emily, his agent. Her text was as professional as ever, but there was also warmth there that made him smile. He decided to call her.

"Hey, Emily," he greeted when she picked up. "Got your message. So, are you rooting for England or us tomorrow?"

Emily sighed dramatically. "Zachary, you know I have to support my nation. But as your agent, I'll always root for you. So, let's just say I'm in a bit of a conflict here."

Zachary laughed. "Fair enough. I'll take what I can get. How's everything on your end?"

They talked for a while, catching up on the latest news about Kristin and other mutual acquaintances. Emily filled him in on some developments in the sports world, and they shared a few laughs. It was a way to unwind and momentarily shift focus from the mounting pressure.

Time flew by, and before he knew it, Zachary glanced at his watch and realized it was nearly 9:00 PM. The semi-final between France and Belgium was about to begin.

"I should go, Emily. The game's about to start."

"Alright, Zachary. Give it your all tomorrow. We're all cheering for you."

"Thanks, Emily. Talk soon."

He hung up and headed to the hotel bar, where a large screen had been set up for the players to watch the match. The bar was already humming with pre-game excitement as his teammates gathered, eager to see who could be their potential opponents in the final.