The Last Chance

Brooks received the ball outside the box, cut past a defender with a soft touch, and curled a right-footed shot into the far corner. Starters 1-0. Children screamed. A brand manager applauded at the side. Brooks turned and passed Mason with his palms open. "That's World Cup rhythm." Mason said nothing. In the eleventh minute, Lucas broke down the right. Two defenders were left behind him. He crossed, hard and low. It should have been aimed at the back post. But Mason suddenly burst between two center backs, as if he had read the line half a second early. He did not have an angle to shoot. So he stuck out his right heel. The ball kissed off it, changed direction, and rolled near the penalty spot.