A few days later, as the team was regaining its strength, a new challenge appeared — in the next round, they would face the "Rivard Academy," a team known for their one-sided victories. A tense match was expected, and everyone knew — there was no room for mistakes here.
John was preparing like never before. After work, he would stay alone on the field, training his speed, reflexes, and confidence.
The day of the match arrived.
The sky was gloomy, and the wind was sharp. But in John's eyes burned a newly born fire.
From the very first moment, it was clear that Rivard wasn't going to give in easily. Their forwards kept attacking relentlessly, trying to break John.
But this time, he was ready.
He leapt into the air like a tiger, stopping every dangerous shot. His movements were confident, cold, and quick. Gradually, his teammates started playing stronger, knowing that behind them stood someone they could trust.
By the end of the second half, the score was still 0–0. Time was running out, and the tension was unbearable.
Then, the opponent's most dangerous striker broke through the defense. He came out alone against John.
The field fell into heavy silence; it seemed like the whole world had stopped.
In a single moment, John analyzed everything — the opponent's position, the body direction, the movement speed.
When the striker tried to deceive him, John stayed cold, focused.
The striker struck the ball.
But John, jumping at just the right moment, saved the ball from the goal with one hand.
The stands erupted with emotion.
His teammates ran toward John, hugging him, shouting, and applauding.
At that moment, John realized that the months of suffering, pain, and sweat had been worth it.
The game ended in a draw — but the team was saved from defeat, and everyone knew it was thanks to John.
The next day, the club's technical director approached John.
"You've improved, son," he said seriously. "But know this — this is just the beginning. If you want to become a truly great player, you must continue on your path without fear of new defeats."
John only nodded.
He had already understood — growth comes with pain, and strength comes from standing up after being broken.
Weeks passed.
John's name began to be mentioned inside the club as one of the future hopes. His game became stable, confident. He started leading the defense, commanding on the field, and pulling his teammates along with him.
Once, the coach gathered the whole team and said:
"Look at John. He made mistakes, he fell, but he rose stronger. This is the true example of an athlete."
John didn't speak. He didn't seek fame. He only wanted to fulfill his mission — to defend the goal flawlessly and continue his growth.
And at nights, when all the lights were out, he would sit alone in his bed, open his old notebook, and write:
> "Mistakes are my teachers. Pain is my driving force. I was born to learn, to stumble, and to stand up again each time.
I am John Vermog. And my journey is only beginning."
One day, after another training session, John was sitting alone in the stadium when his old friend Mark approached him.
"Do you remember our first game at the little Sornar field?" Mark asked, smiling.
John smiled.
"Yes," he said. "I remember. The dusty field, the thorny ball, and my father's voice from the other side of the pitch..."
"And now you are here," said Mark, looking around at the enormous stadium. "Everything is new, but you've stayed the same, John."
John nodded silently. He knew that no matter what changed around him, the fire inside him remained the same.
His heart still beat to the rhythm of the same dream.
And as they walked into the twilight, John made another vow to himself:
Nothing — no defeat, no pain — would stop him.
He would continue.
Until the whole world knew the name John Vermog.