Chapter 217 Ultimate Showdown VII
In an instant, the atmosphere around the locker room changed as every player started to spill their feelings. And sure enough, almost everybody shared the same feelings.
They all wanted to be at the lead. Even drawing the game was considered a lost to them right now.
And as one after other, everybody shared their feelings, the once tensed locker room now resounded with the voice of players.
If not for Hiro, they might have still kept their feelings to themselves. But because Hiro decided to speak up, everybody could no longer keep their mouths shut.
Witnessing his players answering, manager Makoto subtly curled the corner of his lips as he revealed a satiated expression.
"If you're not satisfied with the outcome then change the outcome instead of overthinking about what has already happened. So stop thinking about that equalising goal" spoke manager Makoto as he made himself clear.
Only after hearing manager Makoto's words did most players stopped thinking about that last second goal in the first half. That goal was haunting most of them at the moment.
Specially Shun and Ehara. They were troubled the most by that goal.
Ehara because he had left his position and failed to notice the opposing left back, causing his team to concede the goal.
And Shun because he was only focusing at the ball despite being able to see the whole field.
One advantage being the keeper was that the keeper could see the entire field as compared to other outfield players.
And Shun had failed to make use of that advantage by focusing solely on the ball and the players near to the ball.
After that manager Makoto started to point the flaws of the players. And sure enough, he also mentioned Shun's flaw which was not using the advantage to see the whole field.
Manager Makoto and rest of the coaching staffs also did a detailed analysis of the opposing teams strategy. And based on that analysis they also found some loopholes in the strategy of the opposing team.
"Listen Tatsuki don't try to force your way in. The opposing defenders are deliberately leading you to a bad spot and because of that you are not being able to shoot properly."
One by one manager Makoto pointed out the mistakes of the players.
And sure enough, most of the things which manager Makoto said were as per Hiro's expectations. Although there were a lot more stuff which he had missed because he couldn't observe the entire field like the coaches could do from the sidelines.
"Hiro I know that your movement is restricted, so in the next half I'm thinking of moving Akihiro into the position of centre mid to support you and attract some of the attention of the opposing players."
Until now Hiro's team was playing in 4-1-2-3 formation but with Akihiro moving upfield, they were now going to play in 4-3-3 formation.
Akihiro moving upfield could lessen his burden in theory as opposing team would have to now pay attention to Akihiro as well.
And since Akihiro was also a good passer, Hiro could definitely make use of his support too.
However it was easier said than done. Akihiro moving upfield also left the gap in the area between midfield and defence, meaning their defence would definitely be hampered by this decision.
And judging by the gazes which Hiro felt at the pitch, it didn't seem like his markings would lessen just because of the addition of another player.
Also if Hiro's coaches could see his struggles then wouldn't the opposing coaches could also see his struggles.
So wouldn't they think the same as his team's coaches?
Based on that judgement, Hiro partially denied the opinion of manager Makoto, "Sir, I can handle the marks on me."
His answer confused the coaches a little. So manager Makoto hesitatingly questioned, "So.... you don't want Akihiro to move upfield?"
Hiro immediately denied, "No sir. Let him move upfield. However let senior Yuto drop back to the position of the centre mid as well. I'll play as the sole attacking midfielder"
Saying so, Hiro turned his head towards Yuto, asking his approval.
Yuto approvingly nodded his head without questioning him anything.
And since the player in question had already approved to Hiro's suggestion, manager Makoto too trusted Hiro's decision.
**** ****
"That last moment goal was really a banger right?"
"Well that was good but not as good as Hiro's. If only there was puskas for player under the age of 17, he would have literally won puskas with that goal"
"When will the second half begin?"
Chattering with their colleagues, fans were growing restless while waiting for the return of the players.
Everybody wanted to see more from the two teams.
Finally after 10 minutes, players of both the team started to walk out of the tunnel to resume the match.
"Look they're coming" mumbled a fan in excitement as he pointed at the players who were currently walking out of the tunnel.
Inside the tunnel.
"Yoh! Little Captain. Are you ready for getting imprisoned" mumbled one of the player of Sagan Tosu as he walked past Hiro before exiting the tunnel.
"Please don't say to others that we're bullying you little Captain" another opposing player spoke as he brushed past Hiro.
"Yeah, please don't cry little Captain" another one made a crying gesture.
Their gestures provocative and their voice carrying hint of mockery, they were clearly taunting Hiro.
Hiro however paid no attention to their taunts and pretended as if their voice was air brushing past him.
Neither was he angered by their provocation nor did he care, he simply continued to tread his way towards the pitch.
Outside the tunnel, fans were already cheering at the top of their voice. But as Hiro excited the tunnel, the sounds of cheers intensified tenfold, "Hiiiiiiiirrrrrooooooo!!!!"
"Hiiiiiiiirrrrrooooooo!!"
A lot of fans were ecstatically chanting his name. Sure enough, his popularity has soared even more with that goal in the 29th minute of the match.
Hiro then while looking at the stands, shifted his gaze towards the VIP stands where his parents were seated.
Although he couldn't see them well since they were quite far away from him, he could still see them excitedly waving their hands towards him.
Noticing them waving their hands towards him, he smiled as he lifted his hands and waved them back at his parents.
"Then shall we win this match" mumbled Hiro as he clenched his fist.
His eyes glowed with determination as he spoke those words. Inhaling a deep breathe, he felt rejuvenated as he felt the cold air penetrating his lungs.
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