usatvline Chapter 665: Meeting Again on the Field, Sports Competition and Commodity Attributes
Chapter 665: Meeting Again on the Field, Sports Competition and Commodity Attributes
Outside New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Dusk came with a moist sea breeze.
On the airport's dedicated lane, six black business cars were lined up neatly, their bodies glowing with a cold metallic luster under the street lights, like black beetles waiting to go into battle.
About half an hour later, the members of the Swiss U-17 team, wearing uniform dark blue sportswear and carrying sports bags with the team logo, boarded the special vehicles arranged by John F. Kennedy International Airport in an orderly manner.
Their suitcases made a slight clattering sound in the carriage, as if it was the embodiment of their tired mood.
The convoy started, and the tires rolled over the asphalt road, making a rustling sound.
Through the car window, the team members looked at the bustling city curiously.
Neon lights flicker on both sides of the street, the English words on the billboards are particularly eye-catching in the night, cars are flowing, pedestrians are walking hurriedly, and the prosperity and hustle and bustle of New York are in full view.
Their destination was the most luxurious and largest five-star hotel in the Free Country. The building, shining brightly in the city skyline, was like a beacon in the darkness, guiding them forward.
Originally, the Free State, as the host, had arranged accommodation for the Swiss U-17 team at the U-17 World Cup tournament against the Free State U-17 team.
But the Swiss U-17 team has its considerations.
The feeling of living under someone else's roof always makes people feel uncomfortable. The team members need a space that is completely their own, where they can relax and feel free.
Moreover, the HERO Tennis Club behind the Swiss U-17 team is financially strong, and the team itself is not short of money. In order to allow the players to get the best rest and adjustment during the competition, they resolutely decided to arrange their own accommodation.
After much screening and comparison, we finally chose the hotel with the best location and venue, hoping to create a comfortable and safe environment for the team members.
When the team arrived at the hotel, the team members dragged their luggage into the lobby.
The marble floor is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the bright light of the crystal chandelier, and the air is filled with a faint scent of aromatherapy.
The front desk staff greeted them with a smile and checked them in efficiently.
After everyone checked in, Brand, the coach of the Swiss U-17 team, stood in the spacious corridor of the hotel, looking at the players in front of him with a serious and determined look.
"From now until tomorrow morning," Brand's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the quiet corridor, "all you need to do during this time is to get as much rest as possible."
He paused, his eyes scanning the faces of each team member, and continued.
"It's not just about adjusting to the jet lag, but also about adjusting your mental state."
"The long-distance flight and the change of environment are both physically and mentally challenging for everyone. We must be in the best condition to face the upcoming games."
"If you have any questions during this period, you can come to me."
Brand's tone softened slightly, and a hint of concern appeared in his eyes.
Although he came to the Swiss U-17 training camp as a coach only because of Kitagawa, he had a strong sense of responsibility and could not ignore these young people.
In his eyes, these young players are all promising seed players who may shine in the tennis world in the future, and HERO Tennis Club may also extend an olive branch to them in the future.
However, Brand also has a lot of things to deal with.
He also has to go through a series of procedures, not only to report to the main stadium, but also to complete various pre-match procedures.
They even need to understand the situation at the main venue, Citi Arena, before everyone else, so that the players can prepare in advance.
As soon as the words fell, the team members responded in unison and loudly.
"Yes! Coach Brand."
Afterwards, they went to the restaurant for dinner as quickly as possible.
Inside the restaurant, soft lights shone on the dining table, and various delicacies exuded tempting aromas, but the team members were very restrained, choosing food according to the nutritionist's advice and strictly controlling their diet for the competition.
After a whole night of rest, the next morning, the sky in New York was just turning pale and the city had not yet fully awakened.
Kitagawa and Brand went to Citi Field, the venue of the U-17 World Cup.
As soon as he got out of the car, Beichuan frowned and looked speechless.
The Citi Field in front of him was far from the tennis court he had imagined. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed that this court was not originally built for playing tennis.
As I walked into the stadium, a smell of dust hit me in the face.
Inside the court, the goal posts without nets stand on the red soil, looking a bit abrupt.
The surface of the red soil is uneven, and you can see some traces of wheels.
At the same time, rammers were constantly moving back and forth, with roars ringing in the ears, as if they were working overtime all night to make modifications.
Workers wearing safety helmets were busy moving around in every corner of the stadium. Some were laying the plastic surface, while others were adjusting the positions of the ball posts. The scene was busy and chaotic.
Just as Beichuan was looking at Citi Field with a serious expression, a voice came from behind him.
"It's really fate."
A smiling voice sounded.
"Captain Beichuan and Coach Brand, long time no see."
Kitagawa and Brand looked back and saw Ralph Reinhardt, captain of the Free State U-17 team, standing not far away.
He was wearing casual clothes, with his hands in his pockets and a relaxed smile on his face.
The main reason was that neither of them expected to see each other here again, and this sudden encounter made the atmosphere a little subtle.
"It's fate indeed."
Beichuan smiled slightly, and the solemn expression on his face just now seemed to disappear. He greeted Ralph Reinhardt softly.
"It seems Captain Reinhardt is here to inspect the stadium as well. However, this is your home ground. Is it necessary to go to this extent?"
There was a hint of sarcasm in his words, but he also revealed his doubts about the condition of the court.
"I did come here to inspect the stadium."
Ralph Reinhardt stepped forward, a look of helplessness in his eyes. "Citi Field was originally the baseball stadium for the New York Mets of the Liberty National Baseball League."
He paused and continued to explain.