Chapter 221 Ultimate Showdown XI
However Hiro chose another option which was to shoot the ball from his current position. His chances of scoring would have turned 50/50, if he had chosen to use his skill Lightning Steps at that moment because of the keeper's intervention.
But since his arsenal's didn't lack any powerful long range shots, he didn't require to make that gamble.
Instead he could just shoot the ball from his current position without much troubles.
But since those two full backs were closing in towards him, he had to make his decision quickly. If he did not make quick decision, not only would he get obstructed by the opposing fullbacks, Ryotaro behind him would recover as well.
Hiro then slightly tapped the ball sideways with his right foot as he positioned the ball in a spot where he could bring out his maximum power.
And as he stretched his legs to shoot the ball, both those fullbacks who were only some distance away from him, desperately tried to reach him.
While stretching his legs, his body had tilted at a 60 degree angle from the ground.
Just as Hiro's right foot made contact with the ball, the two of them threw their body towards the direction of the ball to block the ball.
Their timing was a little off as they couldn't block the ball completely despite trying so hard.
However for a while one of the defender felt like the luck was on his side today, as he felt the sensation of the ball slightly touching his head.
But before he could rejoice, he crashed against his teammate who had leaped towards the direction of the ball almost at the same time.
Because of those two jumping towards the ball, their keeper's vision was greatly obstructed.
Bam!!
As the two of them crashed against each other, both of them fell down, slightly moaning in pain, "aargh!!"
Their crash although hard wasn't much painful because of the adrenaline rush they were feeling at the moment.
As if he was jumping in the dark, Sagan Tosu's keeper dived blindly while relying on his intuition and the observation before his teammates blocked his vision.
And based on his judgement, he could tell that ball was aimed at the top right corner of the post.
However just as he fell down, he noticed the ball at the opposite to the direction where he had dived.
Turning behind to look at the outcome, opposing left back who was rejoicing a moment ago because he had managed to touch the ball, his face turned grim as he witnessed the outcome.
The hope in his eyes and pain in his heart vanished away like salt vanishing after coming in contact with water.
He no longer felt the pain from the earlier crash.
Instead what was left of him was pure sadness. If not for him, his team's keeper could still have some chances to save the ball.
But because the ball touched him and deflected off his head, his team conceded that goal.
Even though it wasn't his fault. Even though he was only trying to save his team. Even though it was complete coincidence that the ball bounced off his head. He began to blame himself for costing his team that goal.
His face turned pale as he thought, 'All because of me. What have I done?'
On the other hand, the stadium resounded with the euphoric sound of celebration.
"Gooooaaaaallllllll!!!!"
The crowd made an euphoric roar as they celebrated Hiro's goal.
Most of the fans jumped on their toes as they swung their hands in the air, joyously chanting,"Gooooaaaaallllllll!!!"
"What a brilliant goal by Hiro!! But will it be counted as his goal? It seemed like it got deflected off the head of Ryu" although the commentator sounded cheerful, even he was a bit skeptical about the goal.
Hiro's teammates all rushed towards him as Hiro stayed still at his place.
He didn't look a least bit happy. His brows knitted and his lips pursed, he had a complicated look on his face at this moment.
Scoring that goal, he should be celebrating right now. So why was he standing in his place with that complicated look on his face?
Was he shocked?
Or was he finding it hard to believe that he had scored that goal?
It was neither. He was simply worried because he too had seen the ball deflecting off the head of the opposing left back.
He was worried that this wouldn't be counted as his goal. After painstakingly scoring such an amazing goal, his credit could be stolen.
However he wasn't being selfish. If he hadn't had that quest to score a perfect hattrick, he would have been rejoicing the goal no matter the outcome.
But since he still had that quest and time running out of his hands, he had to seize every opportunity. He simply couldn't let go of the goal.
Thus instead of celebrating, he looked at the scoreboard. While his teammates kept jumping atop him, celebrating the goal, he kept on staring at the scoreboard.
Under normal circumstances, Hiro should be declared as the goalscorer. Since it was only defected off the body of opposing player.
But if his shot was off target then it would be counted as own goal.
Although he was confident about his accuracy, he was still worried about the outcome. Afterall everything depended on the match officials right now.
He was literally powerless. All he could do right now was to wait.
Just then while keeping his gaze fixated at the scoreboard, his name popped in the screen as he was declared the goalscorer.
Only after seeing his name did he let out an euphoric roar, "Yeeeaaaaa!!!!"
"Hahaha.... Seems like Hiro really wasn't willing to let go of that goal." Chuckled the commentator as he witnessed Hiro's reaction.
Rushing against the time, Hiro now had to score a goal with his head to complete his quest. Obviously it was the most difficult part to him since he was neither a striker nor was he very tall.
Although he could jump high, he still had to get the opportunity. Unlike previous times where he could create opportunities himself, this time he had to seize the opportunity created by others.
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