Vera Takes the Penalty
The cup final comes down to penalties, and Vera is the very last kicker.
It was the cup final, and the score was 2-2. The stadium was packed with people waving flags. ‘We’re going to penalties!’ said Coach Lola the pony.
Each team would take five penalty kicks. The players hugged in a big circle on the pitch. Vera was chosen to take the last kick for the Teal Turtles.
The first four kicks came and went. One for the Teal Turtles, one for the Green Giants, and on it went. After four kicks each, the score was level. It all came down to Vera.
Vera walked to the penalty spot. It felt like the longest walk ever. Her legs were wobbly. Her heart went thump-thump-thump. She could hear the whole stadium breathing.
Vera remembered what Coach Lola said. ‘Breathe in, breathe out. Pick a spot. Kick it like you do in the park.’ Vera breathed in for a count of three, and out for a count of three.
The whistle blew. Vera ran up to the ball. THWACK! The ball thumped against the post and bounced back. The crowd groaned. But Wally the goalkeeper dived and saved the next shot, and the Teal Turtles won anyway.
Vera was so happy and so relieved. Wally said, ‘You were brave to take it.’ Together they lifted the cup, and the confetti fell like snow.
That night, Vera lay in bed and held the match ball. Whether the ball went in or out, she knew one thing. She had walked up to that spot and tried, and that was the bravest thing of all.
The little lesson
You can’t control where the ball goes, but you can always try your bravest best.
Let’s talk about it
- What helps you stay calm when you feel nervous?
- Do you think Vera still felt proud at the end? Why?
Finish stories to collect Vera as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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