Chapter 398 Knockouts X
Chapter 398 Knockouts X
Hiro then smiled and left. He still had much to do. After all, Sato wasn't the only person who needed a helping hand. There were others too who appeared to be in dire need of a helping hand.
Pausing, he then turned around to look at Sato. His face had lightened up and his eyes were glowing with a renewed determination. Those subtle clues were enough to tell him that he had managed to help him.
But upon seeing those determined gazes, he started feeling a little heavy. When he had finally managed to overcome his ordeal, he was now going to get subbed.
'You'll get more chances. Hang in there...' Hiro could only offer his well wishes to him.
Sure, it might not be him. But for some reason, Hiro could tell with certainty that he was going to be subbed off.
Even after the end of the celebration, the stadium continued to buzz with anticipation. The air was thick with tension and excitement. And, the pressure on them was astronomical now that they had blown their lead away.
The only way out of this situation was to score. And for sure it wasn't going to be easy. It was akin to snatching meat from a lion's mouth.
As Hiro took his position, he squinched his eyes to look at the post of the opposing team. Previously it didn't seem so far. Yet now, it appeared quite distant all of a sudden.
Looking at the post, made him wonder, 'Has it always been so far?'
The post appeared quite far but he couldn't afford to weigh him down. Trying to uplift his spirits, he then let out a mouth full of turbid air, 'If it's far then I just have to run more'
Afterward, he retracted his gaze and swept it around him. Sweeping his gaze around him, he couldn't help but smile. It wasn't only him who was high in spirits. Currently, his teammates too share the same resolve. And, he could vividly see it in their expressions.
That's right what's there to worry about? It's not like it was the first time they were facing a formidable team. They had faced adversity before, and they would do so again.
Beep!!
The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the continuation of the match. The game resumed with ferocious intensity, each side pushing to gain the upper hand.
Though the opposing side came at them even more ferociously, they fought back valiantly. Responding offense to the offense, they fought back as that recent failure proved to be a wake-up call for them.
Their passes became even more fluid and their synchronization started to improve. It seemed that almost everyone on the team had realized that if they didn't give their all they might have to bid farewell to the tournament.
And, almost none of them wished to exit the tournament.
Rallying alongside his teammates, Hiro rushed upfront. With swift one-two passes and combination plays, he steadily advanced, creating a dangerous scenario for the opposing team. Just like a skilled composer connecting different notes to create a beautiful symphony, he connected his teammates to create an impressive build-up.
It greatly worried the opposing players as some of them started panicking a little. They had already breached their midfield and now were on their way to the defense.
What were they supposed to do? Focus all their attention on the person responsible or spread out to cover a greater distance?
Seed of confusion started to sprout within the hearts of many as they struggled to decide. One wrong move could potentially blow up the entire game as there wasn't much time left on the clock.
The clock was ticking steadily.
Then before they could even decide, Hiro appeared before them. But, he wasn't all alone. Alongside him were his teammates. Six of them in total.
Compared to their numbers, they paled in comparison. The entirety of their offensive players were involved in this attack. And, from the flank more were coming for reinforcement.
While their teammates were scattered all over the field. Now, it was all up to the defense to stop their frontal attack.
From behind Simon was shouting instructions. Having a better view of the field, he could see something they might have potentially missed. So, they needed to trust his instructions.
Following the instructions of Simon, they then stuck close to each other. Close but not so close. After all, they needed to watch out for the flanks too.
Somewhere in their heart, most of the opposing defenders could assume that it'd be Hiro who'd take the strike in the end. But, it was only an assumption after all. So, they couldn't move based on their assumption either.
It's not like that opposing team lacked quality players besides Hiro. There were still some who could threaten their peace. So, they couldn't afford to become shortsighted.
At this moment while almost all of his teammates were falling back, Alex didn't appear to be in any kind of hurry. Unlike his teammates who appeared to be in a state of panic, he seemed unusually calm.
And, due to the heat of the moment, none noticed his calmness or his actions. It was almost as if he had disappeared from the pitch.
Was there some kind of meaning behind his lackluster actions? Or was he tired? It was really hard to figure out what was going on in his mind.
Then with a burst of speed while playing swift one-two passes with his teammates, Hiro managed to breach the defense line of the opposing team.
Though he managed to get past the opposing defenders, he didn't manage to find a lot of space to operate which led him to decide to shoot immediately.
Right now, he was just at the edge of the penalty box. He could vividly see the entire post right in front of him. The previously distant post now was so close to him; just within his reach.
But time was pressing on him and he had to hurry. Or else he'll lose this opportunity as opposing fullbacks were just inches away from him. Rushing him from both sides, they were seconds away from reaching him.
Fireball Shot.