The Story Gatherer

 The column of Héctor Bracamonte

Story 1: "Success is not for those who never fail, but for those who never give up." - Vince Lombardi

Summer of 1996. A group of players was on trial at a famous club, facing off against a combined team of second-tier players from the club in question. Some were vying for a chance to join the club, while others felt these rivals were directly trying to take their place. A sad and necessary situation that occurs in youth football every year. The place of the free agents and the newcomers. Opportunities and frustrations generate an emotional and energetic burden that often goes unnoticed by outsiders but is crucial and enduring for those of us who experience it every year.

The match in question was a complete disaster. The inexperienced and weak team from the interior was thoroughly beaten, they were vastly outplayed and crushed by this combined team. From the first actions, it was clear that the trial was going to be a disaster and a waste of time: they conceded more than ten goals in less than forty-five minutes.

The organizers of the match, experienced scouts, were lamenting internally. However, the coordinator, who was initially upset, started to watch the match with interest. With each goal, his attention to the match increased. At one point, he even stood up and encouraged the stronger team to keep attacking.

The trial organizer approached him and said:

- Jorge, I'm going to stop it.

- No, no! Let them keep playing.

- But it doesn't make sense, the "orange" team can't stop anyone.

- Didn't you see what number 2 is doing? Every time there's a goal, he sprints, retrieves the ball from the net, and quickly restarts the game. Look: he never gives up. I like that!

November 28, 2000. The most important match in Boca Juniors' history is about to end. The 'Xeneize' team is leading 2-1 against Real Madrid in Japan. Substitution for Boca: Sebastián Battaglia is substituted, and in comes that boy from Córdoba who, four years ago, kept retrieving the balls from the net over and over. He's 19 years old and his name is Nicolás Burdisso.