#Halftime (2022)

[malyen0retsev]

something about americans referring to football as soccer sets off such a primal rage in me, it’s not OUR problem that you decided to name that other abomination of a sport ‘football’, go away

[midnightmoonbeams]

Got a couple more artworks plus the halftime report! Team Fun was winning at Halftime?! I was on Team Grub by the way. I loooove food.

From September 24th, 2022

[their-name-is-fake]

Half time felt shorter than normal somehow and yet simultaneously longer than ever maybe it was the ads

[messfc]

bentancur is never gonna forgive himself if they don’t win this match

[raymondroman]

Every Film I’ve watched in 2022

Every Film I’ve watched in 2022

I’ve been keeping a list of film titles I watch throughout the year dating back to 2010. If you’re interested in viewing the previous watch lists click on the following links: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010. I’m shocked at my film list this year. As previously mentioned, I’m watching less and less films despite there being so much content available. I’d…

[nflsuperbowl]

Rihanna's Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance Reportedly Being Made

Rihanna's Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show execution in February 2023 is probably the focal point of another narrative over at Apple TV+.

Sources guarantee that the decoration dished out large number of dollars for the docu, which will follow Rih's process back to music subsequent to bringing forth her and A$AP Rough's youngster recently. "She will be kept during practices and gatherings leading the pack up to the large evening and give a knowledge into what her life is truly similar to now that she is getting back to pop as a mum," an insider claims. "Rihanna is a huge amazing powerhouse with regards to music thus Apple has paid millions."

"There is an enormous craving for all that to do with Rihanna, particularly as this will be her significant re-visitation of the stage without precedent for years," the source added. "The Super Bowl is one of, in the event that not the, greatest stages on the planet, so her show was continuously going to be gigantic. Add on top of that it's a live rebound and the strain is huge. She is sharp for the memorable world why she is one of the best entertainers ever."

The narrative could be the "exceptional task" the craftsman and money manager was alluding to toward the beginning of November, after she affirmed that she right now doesn't have plans to deliver a collection any time soon. "Assuming I will leave my child, I will leave my child for something uniquely great," Rih said of her choice to perform. "It was currently or never for me."

Somewhere else in music, Iggy Azalea has sold her lords and distributing list for a powerful eight-figure total.

[crowdvscritic]

round up // FEBRUARY 24

In some ways, February is a manifestation of Crowd vs. Critic.

Each year Vulture updates an article called "Which January at the Movies Was the Most January?" When I stumbled upon it this month, I couldn’t believe how closely it captured a phenomenon I was already thinking about: “January at the movies is a tale of two seasons. It’s the month where Oscar contenders traditionally open nationwide, allowing moviegoers across the country to experience the best that Hollywood has to offer. But for that reason, it’s also the month where the rest of the industry tries to stay out of the way, offering a mixture of counterprogramming and low-risk fare — we’re talking horror films, inexplicable sequels, and lots of movies about grim middle-aged men firing guns.”

From there, Vulture attempts to rank every January in recent memory by their bad movie slates, but my follow up question is, why stop at January? “Dumpuary” does not end January 31st—I’m not even sure it ends on February 29th. Pardon my French, but I’ve watched a lot of doggerel this month so mediocre it’s not worth recommending here. However, February is also Oscar prep season. I’ve spent the month reading more deeply about the nominated films and planning my annual Oscar watch party. And because I’m caught up on nominated films and there are so few new releases worth checking out, I’m creating a watchlist of classics I’ve missed. This year I’ve decided to dig into films recommended in TCM’s The Essential Directors by Sloan De Forest, which I recommended during Dumpuary 2022. I just finished the book’s top picks from Steven Spielberg's filmography, and before the year’s end, my goal is to complete their recommendations from Mel Brooks, Frank Capra, George Cukor, Michael Curtiz, John Ford, Howard Hawks, Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas, Ida Lupino, Oscar Micheaux, Sidney Lumet, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Elaine May, Leo McCarey, Vincente Minnelli, Martin Scorsese, Douglas Sirk, Preston Sturges, W.S. Van Dyke, Billy Wilder, and Robert Wise. (Full disclosure: for most of them, I only have one or two titles to go.) 

So please enjoy a Round Up of recommendations featuring several of those directors and Britney Spears, as well as a book of interviews with Oscar winners and a Bennifer marathon. Plus, a Leap Day bonus with a Finnish flair!

February Crowd-Pleasers

1. Scary Movie 3 (2003)

Because sometimes you don’t want to laugh with something sophisticated—sometimes you want to laugh at something stupid. After years of my brother recommending something I wouldn’t peg as my taste, I finally checked out this spoof of 8 Mile, American Idol, The Ring, Signs, and more things that were extremely popular in 2003. I doubt future generations will find much to appreciate here, but this Millennial got a kick from the nostalgia and the stupid humor courtesy of Anna Faris Regina Hall, Leslie Nielsen, Simon Rex, and Charlie Sheen. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6/10

2. Catwoman (2004)

This movie is not good, but is it objectively way better and way more fun than The Flash? I’d rather have this silly, superficially-girl-power trash than that self-serious Flash trash any day. The Razzies did not deserve this movie! Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 5.5/10

3. Bennifer Marathon!

It's a real If You Give a Mouse a Cookie situation. After you go to a screening of This Is Me…Now: A Love Story (2024), you're going to need to watch the behind-the-scenes documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told and listen to Jennifer Lopez’s new album This Is Me…Now on repeat. You're also going to decide you need to watch Jersey Girl (2004) and Halftime (2022) because you can never have too much of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez! (I also watched Gigli and What to Expect When You’re Expecting, but these Round Ups only focus on pop culture I recommend.) What can I say? I’m rooting for love!

I reviewed J. Lo’s new music film for ZekeFilm, which explores her public history in a personal, musical romantic comedy. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 7/10

4. Crossroads (2002)

Zoe Saldana camping in curlers: To me, that is cinema! Like Catwoman, this Lifetime-movie-meets-Britney-Spears-star-vehicle is not good, but it is a perfect sleepover movie. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 5/10

5. The Beekeeper (2024)

I look forward to 30 years from now when I am a Turner Classic Movies host and introduce this movie 12 times in a single calendar year: 

January: Star of the Month Jason Statham

February: Star of the Month Josh Hutcherson

March: 31 Days of Oscar - Movies that would be Oscar-nominated if the Academy had a Best Stunts category

April: Special Theme - Vigilante Justice (Lee Marvin makes an appearance, too)

May: Mother's Day marathon (between The Manchurian Candidate and Psycho)

June: Birthday Tribute - Phylicia Rashad (leading into a Creed marathon)

July: Guest Programmer Pick - Bona fide action star is promoting his new artistic action blockbuster and calls Statham one of his inspirations

August: Summer Under the Stars - Day 23 devoted to Minnie Driver (airing before Good Will Hunting)

September: Birthday Tribute - Jeremy Irons (airing after The Mission)

October: Spotlight - Secret organizations (showing right before The Parallax View)

November: Diane Warren Tribute - she finally won her Oscar for her theme for The Beekeeper 2

December: Primetime Theme - Bees (in marathon with Akeelah and the Bee, The Bee Movie, The Secret Life of Bees, The Wicker Man, and for some reason Beetlejuice)

Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 6.5/10

More February Crowd-Pleasers: Cold Pursuit (2019) is the platonic ideal of a Liam Neeson’s formulaic thrillers // I would’ve been obsessed with the martial arts mayhem of Bulletproof Monk (2003) if I had seen it when I was 12 // Not everything in the corporate satire Head Office (1985) works, but what does is savage // When Book of the Month announced The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (2023) as a selection just a few weeks after my first trip to Finland, I immediately knew my November pick. This Jason Bourne/Jack Ryan-esque spy thriller didn’t disappoint. (More on my trip to Finland below!) // Though the politics of The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) have aged poorly, it’s the most thrilling movie about killing lions I’ve seen since The Lion King

February Critic Picks

1. The Teachers’ Lounge (2023)

If you’ve ever survived an anxiety-fueled environment driven by politics, prejudice, or, frankly, middle schoolers, Germany’s nominee for Best International Feature at the Oscars will ring true. Read my full review for ZekeFilm. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9.5/10

2. 50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars & Filmmakers on Their Career-Defining Wins by Dave Karger (2024)

Let me repeat what I said last month: The Turner Classic Movies Library has yet to miss! In TCM host Dave Karger’s new book, he interviews 50 different winners from Oscar ceremonies as far back as 1962 about what the award means to them and how it has impacted their careers. This breezy read digs into the inspirations, outfits, and relationships of Nicole Kidman, John Legend, Rita Moreno, Meryl Streep, Sofia Coppola, and more, and you can find all of the films featured on my Letterboxd list. 

3. Double Feature - Legal Dramas: The Verdict (1982) + Class Action (1991)

In The Verdict (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9.5/10), Paul Newman is a jaded ambulance chaser who happens on a medical malpractice suit that might be his best case in years. In Class Action (8.5/10 // 8/10), Gene Hackman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio are a father and daughter facing off in a courtroom centered on a car manufacturer’s potential negligence. Both are excellent legal genre examples and excellent opportunities to let their actors cook.  

4. Good Reads

Lately, I’ve been reading about…

…2023 in Review: 

“Biggest Hollywood Winners and Losers 2023: From Margot Robbie to Marvel,” HollywoodReport.com (2023)

“Taylor Swift Is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year,” time.com (2023)

“Goodbye DC Extended Universe: We Hardly Knew You (Yet We Knew You Too Well),” HollywoodReporter.com (2023)

…our current Awards Season: 

“Critic’s Notebook: A Flailing, Fun-Free 2024 Golden Globes Telecast,” HollywoodReporter.com (2024)

“The Golden Globes Should Just Forget About Hosts,” VanityFair.com (2024)

“Barbie Is Adapted? Maestro Original? Let’s Fix the Screenplay Categories,” NYTimes.com (2024)

“Anatomy of a Fail: Inside France’s Dysfunctional Oscar Committee,” variety.com (2024)

…big cultural shifts: 

“A Shift in American Family Values Is Fueling Estrangement,” TheAtlantic.com (2021)

“The Great Freight-Train Heists of the 21st Century,” NYTimes.com (2024)

"A ‘Failure to Launch’: Why Young People are Having Less Sex,” LATimes.com (2023)

“From Swiping to Sexting: The Enduring Gender Divide in American Dating and Relationships,” AmericanSurveyCenter.org (2023)

…and a hodge podge of other things: 

“An Oral History of ‘Washington’s Dream,’ the Best SNL Sketch in Years,” IndieWire.com (2023)

“Panera’s 'Lemonade That Kills You' Is Really a Story About Our Broken Country," slate.com (2023)

“Annie Meyers-Shyer’s Holiday-Decorating Handbook,” NYMag.com (2023)

“Madeleine Albright Has Sent Some Very Spicy Messages Through Her Accessories,” InStyle.com (2021)

“The Crown and What the U.K. Royal Family Would Like Us to Forget,” NYTimes.com (2023)

“What Did Dakota Johnson Actually Say?” HollywoodReporter.com (2024)

“Why Deleting and Destroying Finished Movies Like Coyote vs Acme Should Be a Crime,” RogerEbert.com (2024)

More February Critic Picks: Even if Love Affair (1939) hadn’t inspired An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle, it would still be an all-time romance // In Lured (1947), Lucille Ball gets dramatic as she looks for love and her best friend’s killer // No Way Out (1950) is a stellar character drama and thriller thanks to Sidney Poitier and Richard Widmark // You can’t be sore at the heightened emotion in Manhattan Melodrama (1934)—it’s right in the name! // The Trouble With Angels (1966) is The Holdovers but for the girlies // Gosford Park (2001) isn’t an Agatha Christie adaptation but it’s a worthy imitator // The Bigamist (1953) proves thrillers can be short and sweet // I love a juicy behind-the-scenes melodrama like The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) // Are you surprised that The Color Purple (1985) moved me to tears? // Though it took me a few scenes to acclimate to the rhythms of the Company National Tour, are you surprised the music of Stephen Sondheim won me over?

Leap Day Bonus

In 2020, my Leap Day Bonus was a Jonas Brothers music video I’d forgotten to mention in my January Round Up. This year, I’m using it make up for forgetting to mention…my entire trip to Finland? (I'm blaming it on the fog of the holidays and Awards Season kicking into high gear when I was writing my October Round Up.) These are the top cultural spots my sister and I found in Helsinki and Rovaniemi…

Temppeliaukion Kirkko - In their Ultimate Travel book, Lonely Planet calls this one of the top 500 places to see in the world. I’m not sure I’d rank it that high (even if I’ve yet to see a lot of the world), but it was worth a stop. Built in 1969 into a rock that split during the Ice Age, it is an architectural feat with amazing acoustics.

Anteneum Art Museum - This national gallery houses Finnish art classics

Finnkino Movie Theater - The real highlight of checking out Finland’s cinema was not watching Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny with Finnish and Swedish subtitles but it’s insane candy bar!

Santa Claus Village - If you can embrace a tourist trap, this one is worth the trip to the Arctic Circle. Meet Santa, feed his reindeer, and get lost in the kitschy gift shops in this acres-wide complex

Dog sledding - We hopped on a buggy pulled by eight of the goodest dogs courtesy of Bearhill Husky—a dream come true!

Arktikum - This science museum in Rovaniemi dives into the history and culture of Lapland (northern Finland)

Marimekko - This Finnish designer is chock full of mod florals, and we budget travelers found great deals at the outlet in Helsinki

Porvoo - This little town just a bus ride from Helsinki is filled with picturesque wooden houses, cutesy shops, and historical home museums

We visited Finland in the autumn, which is tourist off-season, but we’re not sure why—it’s beautiful! Whenever you choose to go, be sure to indulge in a korvapuusti ja kahvi (cinnamon roll and coffee) in one of their many kahvilat (coffee shops)!

Also in February…

On KMOV, I did my best to sum up why Casablanca is a perfect Valentine’s movie, and then I squeezed in a short review of Argylle, which is not so much a perfect Valentine’s movie. 

I also reviewed Argylle in more depth for ZekeFilm, and the piece turned into a lament for for its failure to follow through on a great premise.

I added two more entries to my Best Picture Project this month! I continued on with 1944's Going My Way, which is a feel-good story about the power of music starring Bing Crosby, and last year’s winner Everything Everywhere All at Once, which is a weird story about the power of googly eyes. 

Photo credits: 50 Oscar Nights, Good Reads. Finland my own. All others IMDb.com.

[mapecl-stories]

[hellcatsandcars]

kendrick lamar's intro for "forgot about dre" at the superbowl reblog if you agree

[nba24highlights]

Dennis Rodman Throws Away NBA 75 Jacket! 2023 #rodman #shorts

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Mary J. Blige - Family Affair 2001

"Family Affair" is a song by American singer and actress Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige, her brother Bruce Miller, Camara Kambon, Michael Elizondo, and producer Dr. Dre for her fifth studio album, No More Drama (2001).

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, becoming Blige's first Hot 100 number one single. It was the 12th-biggest song of the 2000s decade in the US and the 99th-biggest song of all-time in the country as of 2018. It reached number one in France and the top 10 in 14 additional countries across Europe and Oceania, peaking at number two on the Eurochart Hot 100. In 2022, Blige performed the song at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.

As for her acting career, tumblr might know her best as Cha-Cha on the first season of the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy.

"Family Affair" received a total of 86,1% yes votes! Previous Mary J. Blige polls: #62 "As".

[mceproductions]

Best of 2022 Music #5: Rihanna “Lift Me Up”

The power of grief and healing are much to bear.

It is fitting that with the difficulties in making Black Panther Wakanda Forever that we got to see one process at the forefront.

Chadwick Boseman had impacted many lives.

So with the need to write in the stages of grief within Black Panther 2, we got an emotional climax as both Shuri and Letitia Wright were grieving on that beach.

With the backing sounds of Rihanna giving the process it’s much needed voice, she brings the feels here as this sinks in during the credits.

Definitely a powerful palate cleanser for the feels we just went through within 150 minutes.

SUM 22: Rihanna gives voice to all of us going through loss with her ode to the late Chadwick Boseman.

[insidethestardc]

Halftime Report: Cowboys look a bit shaky, but lead 21-13

Halftime Report: Cowboys look a bit shaky, but lead 21-13

After two quarters between the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, the Cowboys lead the Colts 21-13. Entering this game, the Cowboys were heavily favored, and many expected them to dominate the Colts from the beginning. But inconsistencies on both sides of the ball have the Cowboys barely leading the Colts heading into the second half. While they did have some highlights, the miscues have the…

[wosoluver]

Here for the team, for you.

Lena x Gerwnt teammate!reader -> requested

Part 3 (final)

Lena Oberdorf Masterlist

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

This was it. The whole steps into your career, from playing football with your brother and his friends after school, to signing your first big contract, to being called up to play in the 2022 Euros, even if you weren't able to make it, after an injury cut off your chances of stepping on that second place podium, to now. Having a chance to redeem yourself and your career inside the pitch, to collect an olympic medal.

You tried your best to keep your cool. The whole team wanted to win this, for Popp, Berger and most of all for Lena.

Didn't think you could bare, looking back at your girlfriend, sitting in the stands with an apologetic look on your face.

Although she had went over this a hundred times, assuring you that she would be proud despite the outcome after the final whistle.

In fact she did so, before you even had the chance to go out for warm-up.

"You got this, alright? And my love for you is not based on how many championships, trophies or titles you win."

"How 'bout how many medals I have?"

"Not even that." she planted a kiss on your forehead. "I'm serious." next planting a peck on your lips, before you could follow everyone out.

"I love you!" she screamed as you made your way through the tunnel.

"Love you more!" you said turning to walk backwards as you sent her a kiss.

After sharing that sweet moment, you shut everything around you out. Concentrating only on what moves to make. Shutting out your feelings, your anxiety and worries. 'Till the game had been decided.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

It had started alright. And by the first 20 minutes into the game, Spain had yet to threaten your defense.

You had learned a lesson last game. Not that you weren't confident. Just didn't undermine your opponents. In truth they were the current world champions.

But you promised yourself to play on their level. To be competitive, even if you had never personally won anything , with the national team. There's always a first time.

Then Abelleira had a good shot to the goal, after a foul but missed, the ball passing unbelievably close to the crossbar.

Aitana had her chance next, but once gain hitting the crossbar, the ball made it's way back onto Hermoso's foot, just to be kicked a bit wide.

Berger was on a roll, making the best performance by a gk in the competition.

And you went into halftime with a 0-0 score.

The team was doing a good match, you included. But the feeling that maybe your first of many would have to wait a little more, wouldn't leave your mind, after all you hadn't managed secure a goal yet.

Despite missing the chances that had been provided up to that point, you had a feeling all you needed was one opportunity, to do what you could.

And by the 60th minute, in the second half it came around. A long ball was sent over, and you saw yourself in the position of being the one to dominate the ball. But before you could, you were tackled by Cata, who completely missed the ball, and had you down in the box, a clear penalty.

Lena would've jumped from her seat if she could. Not knowing if she should be cussing the goalkeeper out, or cheer for the clear chance you had given your teammates.

Gwinn was the one to go for the penalty kick, Cata dived to the opposite side of the net conceding the much needed goal.

The blondie running to celebrate with a cheer that seemed to have been stuck down her throat since the beginning of the game.

But there was still a lot of dramatics to be gone through. The spaniards had many chances to score, including a penalty, that had all been denied by Berger's unmatched brilliance.

Seven excruciating minutes of added time went by, before the final whistle.

You let out a breath you didn't know you had been holding, as your vision blurred from unshaded tears. You kneeled for a second to try and even out your breath.

You were startled when Lea pulled you into a hug.

"We did it!" she let out excitedly. "All because of your stubbornness of never missing a ball!" she said each word followed by her pointer finger digging into your chest. Making you let out a laugh.

Before you had a chance to flee, the girls piled up on top of you.

Getting up you didn't blink looking to where your girlfriend sat. Only she wasn't there. But once you heard her voice, you looked to find her on Jule's back making her way to you.

"Be careful!" you screamed loudly, worried about how carelessly they were being.

"You did it schatz!" getting off the tall girl's back.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

But nothing compared to the next day, when you you stepped into that podium, bowing to receive that bronze medal that tasted a lot like gold to you.

After you respectfully listened the US anthem play, everyone was free to celebrate.

And this time, you were the one to run over to her. Placing both of your hands on her cheeks, giving her a blunt kiss.

Before making sure to secure the heavy medal, around her neck.

"This was for team, and even more for you." you said wiping the small tear running down her cheek, your smile matching her's.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

like & share pls

it's so satisfying to give the ending you had imagined before visualizing the beginning.

Billie Eilish x Woso prompts

[deadthehype]

This has been a hot topic on the internet all day since the news broke, so I'll add my two cents.

Like a lot of people, I'm kinda disappointed Lil Wayne didn't get the opportunity to headline the 2025 Super Bowl. Yeah he can still be brought out, but I don't think it would hit the same being a special guest.

Outside of the fact that it's held in his hometown of New Orleans that's rich in tradition, it's also the 25th anniversary of Lil Wayne's solo career debut. It was the perfect storm to celebrate Wayne's legacy as one of the all-time greats in music and from that city.

Part of the reason Jay-Z took the job with the NFL as the halftime show curator was to give more artists the opportunity to headline who wouldn't even get a consideration before his arrival. Especially the Hip Hop artists.

Kendrick Lamar already headlined the Super Bowl in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent & Mary J. Blige in LA.

I don't hate that Kendrick is doing it again so soon. He's a good performer with an amazing stage presentation. So I'm really looking forward to what he has up his sleeve. But I don't think he should be a top priority over some other artists like Wayne. And considering the next two Super Bowls after 2025 is in California and Kendrick will drop his next album around that time, it would've made more sense letting him wait another year.

In general, as a fan, I'm so tired of missed opportunities of potential legendary moments. But hey, all will be forgotten when Kendrick kills it like we know he will and Wayne gets his Super Bowl moment in next few years.

[overtrred28]

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part three]

Words; 2.1k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; none (i don't think)

A/N; part three everyone. longest one so far, if they're too long please lmk and i can make them shorter if needed. hope you enjoy this one, favourite part so far.

masterlist

The day had finally arrived and Astrid didn’t even know that today could be the day she was waiting for. It was game day, 8th of April 2022, a friendly between Australia and New Zealand at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. 

The starting 11 walked out onto that pitch and the rest took their seats on the bench, anxious to see how the game would pan out today. It was in the 32nd minute that New Zealand scored their goal, officially taking the lead. After the halftime break and some substitutions the game began again, the Matildas managing to keep strong possession on the ball down their side. 

It was nearing the end of full time and New Zealand were still in the lead 1-0 and the girls were struggling to just get that ball in the net, the opposing defence strong as ever. Astrid was sitting on the bench, nervously watching the game ahead of her when Tony approached her. 

“Taylor.” Tony called out to her, Astrid instantly looking up at her coach. “Start warming up again, you’re subbing for Fowler.” Tony smiled watching the young player’s face light up and give him a firm nod. Charli gave her a shoulder shake and let out a small squeal as Astrid got up, moving over to the sidelines to warm up again. It was finally happening, she was finally making her debut for Australia. 

“Ready kid?” Tony caught Astrid’s attention as she ran back over to where the assistant ref was signalling for a substitution. And before she knew it, Mary was running over, engaging Astrid in a small hug before she ran on the pitch. The crowd cheered as the youngster came on with 13 minutes till full time, taking her position on the right side of the field. 

Only 3 minutes later Steph Catley is set to take a free kick. The players are all lined up, ready for the ball to fly towards them. Steph nods to the ref and uses her trusty left foot to shoot it towards the wall of players, angles the ball slightly further from Astrid who’s already running, Kerr goes for a header goal but it falls short. 

Astrid feels as if she's suddenly going in slow motion. She sees the ball leave Sam's head and she runs faster, lifting up her right leg to catch it and knock it towards the goal. And as if the universe was on her side, the goalie had run slightly away from Astrid's position of the goal, giving her the perfect opportunity to sink it into the top left corner of the net. 

As they see it ripple the crowd roars with cheers, every player on the bench rising to their feet in celebration, Tony making a run for the edge of the technical area in celebration. Astrid stood still with her mouth agape, shocked as to what had just happened. It wasn’t till Foord came running to her, gripping her body in celebration that she could breathe again, turning to face Caitlin as a wide smile grew on both of their faces. The rest of the team on the field came charging down on the pitch to jump all over the young player, screaming and yelling their excitement. 

GOOOAAALLL! And it’s a magnificent one to equalise the Matildas with New Zealand by none other than number 3, Astrid Taylor in the 80th minute! This is her first ever Matilda's goal and what a shot it was by the 17 year old, with only being on the pitch for less than 5 minutes AND in her international debut! It’s unbelievable. 

At that moment Astrid almost started crying. 17 years old, finally playing her first game for her country and a game changing goal 10 minutes from full time in front of a massive crowd. Her teammates were beyond proud of her, not only for her first goal but for bringing them to an equaliser after a long and tough game. 

Full time ended and still at a tie, the team patiently waited to see how many extra minutes were given to hopefully score once more and take the win. An additional 5 minutes is shown after Cortnee subs Hayley, Astrid giving her a high five and focus is pulled back to the game. Astrid bounces on her feet, body now pumping with adrenaline to take this home. 

And with the magic right boot of Emily Van Egmond the Matildas gained a goal in the 93rd minute, bringing them in front of New Zealand. The stadium erupts once more after the ball ripples the net, Emily running straight for Polkinghorne as the rest of the team follows suit, celebrating with her before returning to their places, focusing on the last 30 seconds of time. 

Australia wins a corner and Steph runs to take it, officially over stoppage time when she shoots it over to the goal, it bounces backwards off Alanna’s head and by miracle Sam Kerr knocks it over the players and past the white line. 

Sam runs straight to Steph with her arms outstretched, catching her up high as they meet, everyone else following behind with outcries of excitement, jumping on top of each other in celebration. The time is still running and the players are instructed to return to their positions. The ball is played and all though it gets shot down to Lydia in the Aus goal, no one runs to defend, the final whistle blowing before there's even a chance it could go in. 

They’ve done it, they've won. 3-1 over New Zealand and Astrid could not be more ecstatic to have been a help in that. The Townsville crowd erupt in cheers in favour of the Matildas and they all release massive smiles before they go off and shake hands with their own players and those on the New Zealand team. The players on the sideline slowly make their way onto the field, Charli running directly to Astrid, engulfing her close friend in a tight embrace, spinning her around on the field. 

“YOUR DEBUT AND A GOAL?! I’M SO PROUD.” Charli yelled over the loud stadium music. Giving a final squeeze they let go and Charli rests an arm over Astrid's shoulder, pulling her into her side, incredibly proud of her friend as they walk the pitch to meet their teammates. So far this was the best day of Astrid’s life and one she would remember for the rest of her life. Tony reached the pair on the pitch and held Astrid’s hands. 

“Congratulations, I’m very proud, Astrid.” Tony nodded his head at the young player as she looked at him.

“Thank you Tony.” Was all Astrid could get out without her voice cracking, trying to not cry tears of happiness. Kyra and Cortnee ran to hug her first, squeezing her tight with pride. As they began to do their lap of the pitch, the rest of the team embraced Astrid, congratulating her, saying how proud they were, and grateful she brought them to that equaliser. 

Eventually a presenter called out to Astrid and she ran over to them, fixing her hair as best as she could and removing some sweat from her face. 

“Astrid, do you mind doing a small post-match interview?” The lady from Channel 10 asked. 

“Yeah, yeah. Of course.” Astrid nodded and straightened out her shirt. 

“Great.” The presenter waited for the go ahead before talking again. “We’ve got  Astrid Taylor here, only 17 years old and scoring her first Matildas goal in her first appearance, and an impressive one at that. Astrid, congratulations and how do you feel?” She pointed the mic to Astrid. 

“Oh thank you. Ah yeah. I don’t even really believe it myself. I mean I wasn’t really expecting to be going on at any stage and making my debut tonight, but Tony told me to get ready and then it happened.” Astrid laughed as she talked. 

“I mean it was quite impressive. Only being on for 3 minutes before you were able to sneak it in. What was happening in that moment for you?” The reporter asked and Astrid swallowed. 

“Yeah it was crazy. It was Steph’s kick and I saw it go to Sam and I just began running in that direction, and as it bounced off her head, I caught it and just shot it in the direction of the goal and hoped for the best. I guess it was my luck that Esson was more focused on Sam than me!” Astrid made everyone around her laugh, heart still beating fast with adrenaline and nerves from being on camera. “I’m also just really happy we got the win, Emily and Sam helping us turn the game around so late.” 

“Absolutely incredible. And so is your score sheet with your club Sydney FC. I mean you only joined back in November and you have scored at least 16 goals with them.” 

“Oh thank you. Yeah that club is incredible and I’m so glad I’ve got Viney there with me to get those with.” Astrid smiled brightly. 

“Well again congratulations and thank you. Enjoy the celebrations!” She reached out to shake Astrids hand as she muttered a small ‘thank you’ before walking back to the last lingering teammates that gathered near the tunnel, watching her proudly. 

The bus ride back to the hotel was as expected, loud and full of excitement, obviously preparing to scream their winning chant. 

“BUILDING UP SUSPENSE, BUILDING UP SUSPENSE, BUILDING UP SUSPENSE, BUILDING UP SUSPENSE, BUILDING UP SUSPENSE. WOOOOOOO.” The team began to chat, banging on seats and windows as Lydia stood up to lead them. 

“IT’S A GRAND OLD TEAM TO PLAY FOR, AND IT’S A GRAND OLD TEAM TO SEE, AND IF YOU KNOW THE HISTORY, IT’S GONNA MAKE YOUR HEART GO WOAH. WE DON’T CARE WHAT THE OTHER TEAMS SAY, WHAT THE HELL DO WE CARE.” The noise from the bus was getting louder and louder as all players and staff members joined in. “FOR WE ONLY KNOW THERE’S GOING TO BE A SHOW AND THE AUSSIES WILL BE THERE.” 

“WAS IT ONE?” Lydia yelled, awaiting the response. 

“NO.”

WAS IT TWO?”

“NO”

“WAS IT THREE?” 

“YES.” Claps and cheers ran through the bus. 

“HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, WOOOOOO.” Everyone cheered in celebration, clapping loudly, Kyra rubbing Astrid’s hair from her seat next to the other girl. A large smile erupted on the young girls’ face, still in disbelief of what just happened. 

After dinner the room quieted down, everyone paying attention to their captain at the front of the room. 

“Um, obviously a very special game today, glad we got the win today and an incredible performance. Astrid,” Sam directed her eyes to the young girl sat next to Charli and Kyra. “You have worked so hard these past few months and I think I speak on the behalf of all of us when I say we’re so proud. You’ve really proven yourself and today a miracle really happened. Not only your first cap but your first goal in 3 minutes of being on the pitch! I mean I think that might be the most impressive debut in Matildas history.” The room erupted in cheers and claps, Astrid shook her head and covered her face with her hands. 

“Yeah Stargirl!” A shout comes loudly from Charli and the room falls to laughter. 

“So congrats and we’re so happy to have you as part of this team and family.” Sam finished, Charli and Kyra pushing Astrid to get up and walk to the front of the dining room. The girls clapped and cheered for her, a smile on her face as she approached Sam. 

“Thank you.” Astrid mumbled as they hugged, Sam patting her back with a final squeeze, letting go to hand her the official Matildas cap. Astrid looked at it for a second before turning around to face the team, her team. “Um, thank you everyone for making this day so special. A little bit lost for words right now,” She let out a small laugh. “Obviously I can’t take all the credit for the goal, Steph and Sam were the ones who even made it possible, I was just there to help you out. Getting to make my debut today with this group of girls just makes it so special and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the inspiration of every one of you. Thank you for all the support and I love you all. Thanks.” The room clapped again, Astrid moving over to the side for a photo with her cap. 

Sam then made her speech for Caitlin who played her 100th cap, reminiscing on their journey together before presenting her with her shirt, while also giving a cheer to Katrina who had returned to her first game tonight after having Harper. The night ended with team celebrations before heading to bed to recover from a big game. 

to be continued...

A/N; also i know this may seem a bit unrealistic but we're in a fake world with a fake character who's just really good at football so idc. xx