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623  Japan vs Colombia V

With that spot-kick, Colombia leveled the score. Upon scoring, they rallied through the field, their once desperate fans revitalized. Cheering at the top of their lungs, they celebrated the equalizing goal with great enthusiasm. Perhaps, the goal must have meant something extraordinary for them. Well, given that they were already approaching the end while tailing the opposition by a goal, it would probably be a moment of respite for them. Meanwhile, the Japanese supporters were both dejected and furious. However, their fury wasn't directed at their players. Rather it was directed to the departing Luis and the referee. With their head slumped, the Japanese players stood rooted at their spots while the opposing side celebrated. Hiro, however, didn't seem troubled. Sure, he felt wronged. But even if he felt wronged, what could he do?

More than getting stuck on the thing that couldn't be helped, he was already thinking ahead. 'They have brought in a defender. That would make five defenders. It seems like they're aiming for a clutch. For sure, they wouldn't have given up on winning.' While pondering, Hiro averted his gaze to the defender that had been brought inside to replace Luis. Immediately, Hiro recognized the defender. 'Now, their fullbacks will operate more freely,' Hiro deduced after taking a look. During the recent Copa America finals, they have used the same strategy. While their forwards disrupted the defense line of Argentina, their full-backs attacked from the flanks. Counterattacking football was what they were best at. Soon, the game resumed after the players returned to their positions. Beep!

"With this goal, the game could be anybody's game. However, Colombia has lost one of its core players. So, it would be interesting to find out how they'll operate without him."

The clock ticked, while the players ran on the field. Just as the commentator had mentioned, it did seem like it could be anybody's game. However, one thing was certain to some degree; the one who scores the next goal would take the three points. In the 87th minute, Hiro saw an opportunity. Delivering a through pass that sliced through the pitch, straight to Kubo, Hiro attempted a breakthrough. Hiro had already spent his skill "Lightning Steps" twice. Hence, he couldn't make use of the skill again. However, the opposing players instead of rushing onto him took a step back, preparing for the sudden burst of speed. He wanted to stop Hiro from passing him. But rather than charging front, Hiro sprinted to the side instead. 'What?!' With a flustered face, the opposing number 8 stared at Hiro before rushing to him. The action Hiro took sharply contrasted with what he had envisioned. So, he hesitated for a moment. That momentary hesitation gave Hiro a huge boost as he put on some significant distance from him. At this moment, Mitoma was already sprinting to the final third from the opposing flank. Simultaneously, Daichi was also advancing from another flank. Caught up in the confusion, the opposing players found it hard to pinpoint what the Japanese players were aiming for. Should they go after Kubo? Or should they chase after the others who were advancing? Then what about Hiro? Should they leave him alone?

Kubo while advancing the ball, left behind the pursuers that were pressing him. Steadily, he advanced with the ball. By now, he was already on his way to the final third. Though three defenders were awaiting him, he didn't feel pressured. Even the opposing number 8 who was pressing Hiro had started to retreat now. To him, Hiro's erratic actions didn't make any sense at all. After all, he wasn't even attacking. So, what was the point of rushing to him?

Rather it would be more effective if he retreated to help in the defending. So, he steadily retreated and began to charge toward Kubo, leaving Hiro alone. After Kubo came close to the final third, Munoz sprinted to him. Yet still, Kubo didn't flinch. Rather, he kept advancing with a solemn look on his face. His heartbeat was a little hurried while his breathing was a little rugged. He was sweating profusely. But he wasn't tired. Executing sidesteps, Kubo began to charge ahead without any fear. Munoz pressured him, taking advantage of his large physique. 'He's unbelievably sturdy,' Munoz thought. Despite pressuring Kubo heavily, he hadn't managed to make him budge. So, he was starting to get frustrated. Well, if only he knew how difficult Kubo was finding, he wouldn't be anxious like that. Just then Munoz sensed an opportunity and swung his body fiercely toward Kubo. Simultaneously, he stretched his legs attempting to disbalance Kubo. Kubo stumbled after getting pushed harshly. However, before he stumbled he struck the ball with his heel, sending the ball back. Munoz's eyes constricted in panic. Who? Who is he aiming for?

The ball was headed to the sideline. There Hiro awaited the ball. While Kubo and others were executing the attack, he had vanished from their side. However, now he had decided to show himself like a sneaky predator that had hidden itself stealthily. But what could he possibly do from there? n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Calming himself, Munoz instantly began to chase after Hiro. But before he could even bring himself to chase him, Hiro struck the ball. In a state of panic, he followed the ball only to find it heading to the opposite flank. The pass was extremely powerful. It easily evaded the opposing players and swiftly fell into a space where Mitoma was charging. Upon reaching the location where the ball was falling, Mito stretched his legs. His arms swung back while his eyes glowed with an ominous glint. At this instant, one could visibly see his muscles getting stretched. Especially, the muscles on his legs and neck. "Lock on!"

Bam!

The pass connected flawlessly without any fail while the entire stadium stood still. A ghastly silence engulfed the stadium briefly, the eyes of the opposing fans displaying extreme horror while their heart shuddered. Meanwhile, the Japanese fan's eyes glowed with excitement, their heart pounding heavily while their lips slowly curled into smiles. Upon getting struck, the ball traveled at a threatening pace straight to the post. "Goal..."