Penalty Kicks

It's a beautiful day at The Vice where the final game of the Strikers Cup is taking place between the Koopa Warriors and the Mario All-Stars. The score is tied after a long battle and now, the championship will be decided with penalty kicks as the crowd cheered. The referee said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment we've been waiting for! It is time to decide the champion with penalty kicks."

As the referee heard this, the crowd cheered again. He said, "Now, one member from each team will kick the ball at the goal and there are three rounds of play in the shootout. The team with the most goals after three shots, wins the shootout and the championship! So, I need three players to take the shootout. Warriors, who's shooting for your team?"

Bowser smiled and said, "Hammer Bro., Bowser Jr. and myself."

"Alright!" The referee agreed as he turned to the All-Stars, "All-Stars, who's playing?"

I smiled at the referee and said, "I'll take the shootout and so does Mario and Luigi!"

"That's a great choice!" The referee agreed as we came to the field. Then he said, "So, we have Bowser, Bowser Jr. and Hammer Bro. shooting for the Koopa Warriors, and for the Mario All-Stars, it will be Mario, Luigi and Dragon Puncher! Now, it's time to start round one. Who's up first?"

I smiled at the referee and said, "Luigi!"

Bowser did the same and said, "Hammer Bro., you're up!"

"OK! For our first round, it will be Luigi versus Hammer Bro.! Teams, good luck to the both of you and may the best team win. So without any further ado, let's start the shootout!" The referee announced as we begin the shootout.

The first round began with Luigi and Hammer Bro. scoring the first goal. Then Mario and Jr. did the same for round two and now, the score is tied with one round to go.

The referee smiled to the crowd and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have finally reached the final round of this shootout. The score is two to two and it all comes down to Bowser and Dragon Puncher. So, are you two ready for the final round?"

"Yes!" We said at the same time.

"Then here we go! Final Round: Bowser vs. Dragon Puncher!"

With the words shouted, we came to the field for the third and final round. The referee said, "Bowser will shoot for the Warriors and if he scores, then Dragon will have a chance to tie it up. Let's see what happens. Bowser, ready to shoot?"

"Ready!" Bowser replied as he placed the soccer ball on the field.

"Alright then, here comes the whistle." The referee agreed as he blew the whistle.

Then Bowser kicked the ball and then, the goalie blocked the shot. The referee saw it and said, "It's a save! That means the shootout will now be decided with one final shooter. So, let's bring out Dragon Puncher to the field!"

Then I entered the field as the crowd cheered for me. Then the referee came to me with the soccer ball and said, "Well, here we are Dragon Puncher. The final shot of the shootout. So the only way for you to win the game and the trophy is to score a goal. If you do, you win. However, if you miss or if the goalie saves, then we will play another round. Are we clear on that?"

"Of course I got it all down. I'll take the winning kick for the team." I replied to the referee.

"Alright then! So, are you ready to kick?"

"YES!" I replied with a big smile.

"Very well, then! Dragon Puncher... TAKE YOUR PLACE!"

Then I placed the soccer ball on the field and stepped back for the final shot. The stadium grew silent as I await the whistle blow from the referee. It all comes down to this, the final kick.

The referee took out his whistle and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment we've been waiting for! This is the final kick of the final round and it all rides on Dragon Puncher of the Mario All-Stars. If he scores, then he will win the game and most importantly, the tournament. So without any further ado, it is time to kick. Dragon Puncher, this is it. Are you ready?"

"All set!" I replied with a thumbs up.

"Alright then, I'm going to blow the whistle on the count of three. Remember, this is for the game and the trophy. Here we go, Dragon! 3, 2, 1..."

I held my breath and then, it's time...

TWEET!

The whistle blew all across the stadium and I took off at the sound at full speed, aiming for the goal and then...

KICK!

I kicked the ball all the way to the goal like a fireball. I watched it sail all the way and then, the ball finally came in to the net.

The referee saw it all and then, it's official...

"GOAL, DRAGON PUNCHER! THE MARIO ALL-STARS WIN!"

It was a goal! I have finally won the game and the tournament for the team as Mario and Luigi came to me with a hug. Mario said, "You did it, Dragon! You've won the trophy for us! Nice shot, buddy!"

"Great kick, Dragon!" Luigi added, "You've done amazing!"

"Thanks, guys!' I replied with a big smile, "I could have done it without you!"

Then the referee came in with the trophy and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present this Striker Cup trophy to our champions... THE MARIO ALL-STARS!"

With the words shouted, the crowd erupted in big cheers as I accepted the golden trophy from the referee. It was a fantastic day for soccer.