Chapter Two: The One-Pound Auction

Lin lost the ball three times in twenty minutes. The fullback marking him was twenty-three and fifteen kilograms heavier, and simply shouldered him aside. Two scouts in the stand began closing their notebooks. “Have I ruined it?” Lin asked during a water break. Lu pointed toward the touchline. “He plants his right foot first whenever he presses. Stop fighting his shoulder. Take your first touch backward and let his weight beat him for you.” “The coach told me to attack the byline.” “First show him you can survive. Then obey the tactic.” On the next play, Lin received with his back to goal. The fullback planted his right foot. Lin tapped the ball half a step backward, turned around the supporting leg, and escaped.