Chapter 163: Against Sarpsborg-08 II

Coach Johansen felt his heart racing as he watched the action in Sarpsborg-08's half. Tobias Mikkelsen, the substitute right forward, had just cut into the pitch from the wing before delivering a grounded through pass to Nicki Nielsen, the Rosenborg number-9, just outside the box.

Nicki managed to latch on to the beautiful through-pass, skipped past a Sarpsborg-08 center-back, and soon stepped into the box. But just as he raised his leg to shoot, another center-back came sliding in to win the ball and sent him tumbling to the ground. The referee immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.

"Yes, yes..." Coach Johansen yelled and celebrated like a kid after letting out a pent-up breath of air. His team's performance had declined during the second half, and he'd been on tenterhooks.

He'd been under immense pressure the entire second half to the point that he was about to call on Zachary's services once more. But since his team was about to widen the lead again, he could finally relax.

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Zachary continued following the game from the bench within the home team's technical area. He watched Nicki Nielsen make an angled run towards the ball before shooting and beating the keeper from the penalty spot. The Rosenborg number-9 was burning hot and had managed to score a hat-trick for the day.

Zachary was happy for him as he was one of the players close to him on the squad. But on the other hand, he felt a bit disappointed as he couldn't join in on the action.

Missing a game meant that he was a step closer to failing to realize one of the system's Tippeligaen mission milestones. He'd to play 21 of the 30 league matches to accomplish the first milestone of the serial challenge. But he'd missed seven already and was only remaining with two to go to fail that part of the mission. So, he was feeling conflicted on the inside.

Nevertheless, he didn't show any displeasure on his face. At that moment, he was happy that his team was winning and keeping the hopes of the trophy very alive. So, with a soft smile on his face, he continued watching the game until it ended with Rosenborg still leading by four goals to two.

After the game, he immediately left the pitch, intending to head back to the dressing room to take a quick shower and then head back home. But along the way, he ran into Olav Brusveen, the TV2-Sporten reporter, as he was about to enter the tunnel. He was together with his camera crew, seemingly waiting and ready to interview some field players.

But Zachary was at a loss concerning why Olav had intercepted his trek back to the dressing room since he hadn't even played a single minute of the just-concluded game. Instead, the reporter should have long been on his way to the area designated for the press to interview Nicki Nielsen, the man of the just-concluded match.

"Good evening, Zachary," the reporter greeted, extending a hand to him. "How is your evening?" He added, motioning for his camera crew to start recording or to move closer, whatever the case may be. Zachary couldn't ascertain what the hand signal of the man of the press implied.

"Good evening to you too, Olav," Zachary replied, smiling and taking his hand. "The evening is as fine as it can be. What can I do for you?" He was slightly on guard in front of the reporter after seeing the edited video he'd posted on his social media pages.

"Do you have any comment about today's match?" The reporter probed, holding up a microphone towards Zachary.

"We won the game," Zachary said, smiling. "The team played well, and we managed to win by a whole four goals to two. We've gained three more points and are a step closer to the top of the table. So, I'm quite excited."

"You're excited even if you didn't play?" Olav probed, looking at Zachary's face pensively.

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"Of course, I'm in quite a jolly mood," Zachary replied, half-smiling. "It's always about the team. As long as we keep winning, I'll be able to ride the wave and win the double. That's good for both the team and me. So, why shouldn't I be happy?" He added, hoping for the reporter to end the interview as soon as possible.

"Have you noticed that Rosenborg tends to underperform and concede plenty of goals at the start of the second half?" Olav inquired.

"Well," Zachary said, trying to organize his thoughts. "We have had several moments at the beginning of the second when we have performed below par. That is for sure. But we are working together as a team to rectify this problem. We should be able to improve as the season progresses."

"You were on the bench during this match," Olav said, smiling slightly. "Some of your fans are wondering whether you're injured or if there's another issue with your health. Were you not given a chance to play because you missed that chance at the open goal during the match against Hönefoss BK? We're all in doubt and would like to know the reason you're not playing."

"Oh," Zachary said. "Rosenborg has the best and most diverse squad in the whole Tippeligaen. With the high number of talented players on the line-up, it's inevitable that I'll have to sit on the bench during a few of the games. But, I'm neither injured nor facing any other troubles."

Olav smiled, nodding. "In four days, you face Molde," he continued, oblivious to Zachary's impatience. "Do you think you can win?"

"How did Molde perform in today's game?" Zachary countered with a question instead of replying directly.

"Molde lost at home by five goals to one against FK Haugesund," Olav was quick to reply.

"Then the match before!" Zachary continued probing the reporter, his face taking on a stern expression. "How did they perform?"

"They tied 0:0 in an away game against Sandnes Ulf," Olav replied dutifully, seemingly not minding that Zachary was hijacking his role as the interviewer.

"Then, what is their current position on the Tippeligaen table?"

"16th, the bottom of the table."

"Then, let me ask you my last question," Zachary said, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile. "Considering all that, do you think we can lose at Lerkendal? Think about that. I know you know the answer deep in your heart." He said before walking past the reporter and his camera crew towards the tunnel. He didn't want to risk staying with Olav longer than necessary since he could unknowingly end up saying something improper and jeopardize himself.

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