Football singularity

Chapter 305 305 Final

Hearts line up: 4-3-3

(GK) 1 Z. Zlamal

(RB) 2 M. Smith

(CB) 4 J. Souttar

(CB) 6 C. Berra (c)

(LB) 51 A. Hickey

(CM) 22 R. Edwards 52'52nd minute

(CM) 5 P. Haring 81'81st minute

(CM) 10 A. Sutchuin-Djoum

(RW) 9 S. Clare 52'52nd minute

(ST) 18 S. MacLean

(LW) 23 J. Mulraney

VS

Celtic Line Up: 4-2-3-1

(GK) 29 S. Bain

(RB) 23 M. Lustig

(CB) 5 J. Simunovic

(CB) 35 K. Ajer

(LB) 15 J. Hayes

(RCDM) 8 S. Brown (c)

(LCDM) 42 C. McGregor

(RM) 49 J. Forrest

(CAM) 18 T. Rogic

(LW) 73 M.Johnston

(ST) 22 O. Edouard

Match Officials

Referee: William Callum

Assistants: Alan Mulvanny, Ralph Gordon

Fourth official: Don Robertson

~~~

The names of both teams' starting eleven were quickly displayed on the large jumbotrons at the side of the field as the fans waited for the match to begin. They didn't have to wait long, though, as William Callum, today's referee, blew his whistle, signalling the start of the Scottish Cup Final.

From his position on the bench, Rakim felt the vibrations of the crowd's cheers rumble through the air like distant thunder. He could see the action unfolding on the pitch, as the players started testing each other. Hearts kicked off, immediately pushing the ball back to their centre-backs, Souttar and Berra.

They exchanged a few quick passes, testing the waters before sending the ball wide to Hickey on the left flank. The young left-back sprinted forward, his eyes scanning for options. The game was off to a tentative start, both teams sizing each other up as they fought for early control. Celtic's midfield, anchored by Scott Brown and Callum McGregor didn't make things easy for them as they pressed hard, forcing Hearts into hurried decisions.

As Hearts attempted to transition into attack, Brown stepped in, intercepting a sloppy pass meant to ignite Mulraney into a run forward, pass with a well-timed tackle that sent the ball flying to Forrest on the right wing. Forrest, seized the opportunity he skipped past Djoum who had rushed to close him down before dashing down the flank. He outpaced Mulraney who had quickly switched into his defensive duties before swinging a cross into the box aimed at Edouard, who positioned himself between the defenders.

Edouard rose high above Souttar, his eyes locked on the ball as it arced toward him. With a deft flick of his head, he directed it towards the far post, where the net rippled in anticipation. The Celtic fans erupted, their cheers echoing throughout Hampden Park. But Zlamal, the Hearts goalkeeper, had other plans. With cat-like reflexes, he dove to his right, fingertips grazing the ball just enough to send it sailing wide of the target.

The deflection sent it into the corner, resulting in the first corner of the match. Despite the loud groan from the Celtic fans about missing the opportunity to go ahead Their players didn't look too bothered. They got of to a great start, simply wanting to completing their coaches pre match tactics and it was working for them.

"Corner!" rang out from the announcer's box, and Rogic stepped up to take it. The players jostled for position in the box, each one aware that this set piece could change the game's momentum. Rogic's corner was a well-placed inswinger, curling toward the near post. Hearts' defenders scrambled to maintain their positions as the Celtic players surged forward, each one eager to find a pocket of space. Edouard, still buzzing from his earlier attempt, muscled his way to the front, but Berra stood firm, blocking the path.

Both leapt into the air connecting with the ball at the same time but Berra won the duel of strength sending it flying out of his box. Clare who had been marking Forrest at the edge of the box was the first to spring into action heading the ball forward before chasing after it. Not to be left behind the Celtic winger chased after him looking to quickly disposes him so they could launch another attack.

Clare wasn't to be outdone though as he deftly flicked the ball down away from the reach of his marker. Using his body to hold him off he came to a quick stop letting Forrest's momentum carry him forward. Not hesitating he cut across from the winger sending a swift pass to Haring in the middle lane who rushed forward ready to initiate a counter.

Haring took a few quick touches, his eyes darting as he sought options ahead. He spotted MacLean making a clever run into the space between Ajer and Simunovic. With a pinpoint pass, Haring sent the ball soaring toward MacLean, who expertly controlled it, spinning away from the approaching defender. The crowd held its breath as MacLean advanced, but just as he prepared to unleash a shot, he stumbled slightly on the uneven turf, losing precious momentum.

Ajer seized the opportunity, sliding in to challenge, but MacLean regained his balance just in time. With a swift cut back to his left foot, he aimed for the bottom corner, only to have Bain, the Celtic keeper, anticipate his move, diving low to parry the shot away. The ball ricocheted off Bain's gloves flying wide out of the box into the waiting feet of the on rushing Djoum.

He didn't waste time in picking up the loose ball brimming with confidence but Brown was on him with a fierce momentum not giving him a moment to think. Shoulder checking the hearts number 10 he attempted to steal the ball, but Djoum was quick to react. With a deft display of footwork he feinted going forward before turning 180 degrees to the back of Scott.

Not hesitating he set a swift pass across the mouth of the 18 yard box into the path of Clare who had drifted forward. The Hearts number 9 didn't hesitate in striking the ball first time avoiding the sliding challenge of McGregor. Clare connected sweetly, sending the ball rocketing along the ground towards the far post.

The stadium held its breath, but just as it seemed destined for glory, Ajer made a last ditch lunge deflecting it with a desperate lunge. That sent the shot wide, leaving the Celtic fans exhaling in relief. In just [5] minutes of game time Celtic realised that this game wouldn't be easy as Hearts were finding their rhythm ready to bite back when given a chance.

Hearts continued to push forward, emboldened by their near miss. Their midfield, trio especially became active working together to break up any Celtic attacks. With both Clare and Mulraney willing to track back and support their teammates, made things easier for them. For a while no one could tell who would end up on top as both midfielders fought for dominance at the centre of the field.

As the clock ticked past the tenth minute, it was Edwards who made a pivotal play. Intercepting a loose pass from McGregor, he quickly turned and slotted the ball to Djoum, who had drifted into space just outside the box. The crowd surged in anticipation as Djoum, with a deft touch, shifted the ball onto his stronger right foot. With the Celtic defenders closing in, he unleashed a curling shot aimed for the top corner.

Bain however was unbothered by the shot as he was able to read its trajectory and simply watched it sail wide past him. He was just about to quickly restart the game when he was interrupted by the sharp whistle of the referee blowing his whistle to stop the game. Looking over to see what happened he watched his team's Wunderkind being embraced in a hug by a fan. They fan took a quick picture before she bolted across the field with gust followed by the match stewards hot on her trail.

.

.

.

.

To Be Continued...