Sunday Soccer in the Park

Every Sunday morning, Diego plays soccer in Hyde Park with the same group of friends. It is just a small five-a-side game, but everyone takes it seriously.

This Sunday, Diego's team was not playing well. By half-time, they were losing two to nothing. Diego was tired, and the other team was faster and fitter than his.

“We are going to lose,” said a young player on Diego's team. “They are better than us.”

“No,” Diego said. “We are going to try harder. We have got twenty minutes.”

In the second half, things changed. Diego ran more. He passed the ball to his teammate, a tall man named Tomás, who scored their first goal. The whole team cheered.

A couple of minutes later, Diego scored too. Now it was two to two.

The game was almost over. Diego was very tired, but he did not stop. With his last bit of energy, he passed the ball to Tomás again.

Tomás scored. Three to two.

The friends fell on the grass, laughing and out of breath.

“That,” said Tomás, “was our best game this year.”

Diego smiled. “Same time next Sunday?”

“Of course,” everyone said.