Dragon Puncher's Game-Winning Kick
It's a beautiful day at The Palace where a Strikers game was taking place. The score is tied and the game goes to a penalty kick shootout. The referee said, "It's time for the Penalty Kick Shootout! This tiebreaker will determine who will get the trophy. Now, one member from each team will have to kick the soccer ball five times. The object is to score the most goals in five shots. Whoever has the most after all five shots, wins! So teams, choose your kicker!"
Mario talked to the team and said, "OK, who is going to kick for the team?"
"I will, Mario!" I replied, "I'm a great kicker!"
"Very well, then! Referee, we choose Dragon Puncher as the kicker." Mario said to the ref.
"Alright then. Dragon Puncher, to the field!" The referee announced to me as I made its way with the crowd cheering. Then he said, "Team Bowser, who is your kicker?"
"Me! Bowser!" Bowser replied as he made its way to the field, "I'll go for the shootout, referee!"
The referee smiled and said, "That's good for me! Now we have our two kickers! Alright you two, to decide who will kick first, we'll flip a coin. Dragon, make your call and I'll start the coin toss."
I smiled to the ref and said, "Heads, please!"
"OK!" The ref agreed as he flipped the coin and then, it landed on a head. The referee said, "You got the right call! Now, do you want to kick first or second?"
"I'll let Bowser make the first shot!" I decided with a smile.
"That sounds good to me." The referee agreed, "Bowser will kick first and then, it will be Dragon Puncher's turn. Now that the turn order has been decided, it's time to start the shootout! Take your places, everyone!"
Then the crowd cheered as we made our way to the field where the Kritter goalie awaits us. The ref gave Bowser the soccer ball and placed it on the field. When everything is ready, the referee said, "Bowser, when I blow the whistle, you'll make the shot. Remember, the player with the most goals, claims the trophy. Here we go!"
Then the whistle blew and Bowser kicked it in the net, scoring the first goal.
"That is a goal for Bowser! Alright Dragon, here's the soccer ball, and place it on the field." The ref said to me as I get the ball.
Then I set it down and said, "Blow the whistle, ref!"
"Here comes your first shot and away you go!" The referee agreed as the whistle blew.
Then I ran to the ball and kicked it to the net. It went in as the crowd cheered. The score is now tied at one goal apiece!
"A goal for Dragon Puncher!" The referee announced, "We're tied at one, folks."
Much later, the game reached its final shot for the both of us. The referee said, "This is it! The final shots of the shootout and we have a tie game here! Both Bowser and Dragon Puncher have four goals apiece. That means the game can be won if either player misses a shot and it is Bowser's turn now. Who will win? Let's find out! Bowser, make your final shot!"
Then the whistle blew and Bowser kicked it. The Kritter caught it just as the ball is about to reach the net. Bowser has missed the final shot.
"Bowser missed it and the score is still tied!" The referee announced, "That means the final shot of the shootout will now go to Dragon Puncher! Come on in, Dragon!"
Then I came in to the field to face the fifth and final shot. The referee came to me and said, "Well, here we are Dragon Puncher. The final shot of the Penalty Kick Shootout! In my hands that I'm holding right now is the final soccer ball so, that means you must make this shot to win the game. If you do make it in to the net, then you win! If you don't, then we'll add one more shot for the both of you and the shootout will continue on until we have a winner. Are we clear?"
"Of course!" I replied, "It will be my pleasure to do so."
"Very well, then! Dragon Puncher, here's the final ball and now, I want you to place it on the field and prepare for the final shot! Go ahead and place that soccer ball, Dragon!"
I agreed as the referee gave me the final ball. When I got to the field, I thought to myself and said, "Well, this is it! The final shot that will make or break for me and it all rides on this soccer ball. It is all or nothing for me now. Well, here I go."
Then I placed the ball on the field, took a big deep breath and waited for the whistle. This is it, the final shot of the Penalty Kick Shootout.
"Alright then, the soccer ball is now on the field and the stage is set for the climatic conclusion of this shootout. We have a tie game right now and it all comes down to this final shot. Now, may we have complete silence from the crowd please?"
The crowd agreed as they grew silent. Then the referee said, "Dragon Puncher, are you ready for the grand finale?"
"Yes, referee. I'm ready for this. I've been waiting all day for this shot!" I replied.
The referee smiled to me, took out his whistle and said, "Alright then! Now, when I say 'Shoot!', I'll blow the whistle right here and then, you will take your fifth and final shot of the Penalty Kick Shootout. We are all rooting for you Dragon, so take your shot and give it your all."
"Thank you, referee. I'll do my best to take this final shot. Well, let's do it! Referee... BLOW THAT WHISTLE!"
"Alright then! And now ladies and gentlemen, this is it! After all of the excitement and tension we have here during this shootout, it all comes down to this last kick. If Dragon Puncher scores, he wins. If not, then the shootout goes on. So, without any further ado, it is time for the Penalty Kick Shootout's... FINAL SHOT! Ready…"
I held my breath and waited for the whistle…
"Set…"
The crowd held in anticipation as they await the final whistle.
And then, everything is ready as the referee said the only word to me that will start the final shot…
"SHOOT!"
With the word shouted, the whistle blew all across the stadium, and I took off with blazing speed for the ball.
Then I said the all important word that will kick the ball…
"NOW!"
And then, I kicked the ball with all of my remaining strength as I await the final goal of the shootout. I closed my eyes, prayed to myself and said, "Please make it in, soccer ball! Please, make it!"
And then…
And then…
I opened my eyes, looked at the goal and then, the soccer ball went in the net as the Kritter got knocked out. The final shot of the shootout has been made.
The referee blew the final whistle, smiled to me and then…
The decision is final…
"GOOOOOOAAAAL!" The referee announced as the crowd erupted in big cheers, "It's the game-winning goal! Dragon Puncher has scored a perfect game-winner! That means the winner of the shootout, and Grand Champion of the tournament is... TEAM MARIO!"
I jumped for joy as I did my victory dance when the ref announced us as the champions. Then I said, "YES! I made it! I scored the winning goal! Alright!"
Then Mario came to me and said, "You did it, Dragon! You won! I'm very proud of you!"
"Thanks, Mario!" I replied as I gave him a hug, "I knew that the winning shot is all I need to win the game and now, I got it!"
The referee came in with the trophy and said, "Dragon Puncher, you did it! You are the Grand Champion of the Strikers Tournament! Congratulations on scoring the game-winning goal! That was an amazing finish that you did out there and now, you have done it! So, it gives me great pleasure to present this gold trophy to Dragon Puncher!"
"Thanks, ref!" I said with a smile as I accept the trophy, "I could have done it without your final whistle!"
"Hahaha! Of course you did. You kicked it in, and won the game. Let's make some noise for our Grand Champions… TEAM MARIO!"
Just then, confetti fell on me as I held up the trophy. Then Mario said, "Victory cry, Grand Champion?"
"With pleasure!" I agreed.
Then we both shouted at the same time, "TEAM MARIO!"