The players took their positions. Luis Navarro jogged to the center circle, testing his ankle one last time with a quick sprint. He looked comfortable, his movement fluid.
[> "Navarro seems to have shaken off that knock from the first half," <] Peter Walsh observed. [> "He'll be the key for Northcastle. If he can find space, Hastings will be in trouble." <]
The ball was placed on the center spot. The referee checked with his linesmen, then looked at his watch. He raised the whistle to his lips.
The crowd rose to its feet, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch. Eric Maddox stood on the edge of his technical area, his arms crossed, his mind already three moves ahead. He could see the System's tactical overlay shifting, showing the Hastings defenders leaning back, ready to retreat.
Fweeee!
The whistle blew and the second half was underway.
