Chapter 457: Dominating the Game!
Meanwhile, on the bench, the coaching team was also celebrating there. Even though they were more restrained than the players, at least some still showed their satisfaction, especially with how everything built up to the point the goal happened.
"It looks like Morita-kun’s individual effort, but the other five who rushed alongside him also played a big role there," Akiba-sensei commented while taking a note on his board.
"Yeah, Tagawa-kun’s reckless run will always be a big help for a progressive runner like Morita-kun, who needs more space in front of him, and the threat from Mamoru-kun also cannot be ignored. That was the type of textbook counterattack that we want to have in the next tournament." Ogai-sensei chimed in.
Kageyama nodded silently, but his eyes were still on the backline. "What do you think about the tackle that started everything? The one Ito-kun threw at Adailton?"
"This..."
Now, those two assistants looked at each other hesitantly, trying to construct an argument without saying something discouraging. Things, though, they didn’t approve of that decision by Ito. Not at all.
In the end, it was Akiba-sensei who spoke first. "Although I admit that Ito-kun’s attack is successful, the risk is too much. He basically abandons his spot without communicating with the others first, which is strange and far from being his usual stable style. He is lucky so far, but if that failed, he would leave a big hole in our defensive area. That is not something we can afford continuously."
"Yes, and that tackle is quite dangerous," Ogai-sensei added. "Not only did it go too close to the foot, but the area itself is also too close to the box. If he is not careful, he could be sent off by the referee in a heartbeat. We have to remind him to be more steady."
Kumiko had to hold back a groan of frustration once again when she heard this. At this point, she already knew that her mentor, Akiba-sensei, was someone who excelled in football theory but didn’t have any experience in handling a real football team by himself. He always thought that this sport was something static, that as long as people followed his pre-arrangement, everything would be okay.
However, this was beyond ridiculous!
At the sight of his player’s success, the first thing that came to his mind was to reprimand him for his recklessness?! At least, give some appreciation first, for God’s sake! That boy had just initiated the whole team’s goal with his defensive action!
Honestly, all the honor she felt joining the national team before had already disappeared, and now, the girl had been constantly complaining about her mentor’s lack of mindset. It was as if he treated everything like a video game, where everyone would be okay to be reprimanded or even treated a little bit cruelly for the ’sake’ of the team.
Fortunately, Kageyama-sensei didn’t agree with what they said here. He might not say anything, but the fact that he didn’t choose to reprimand Ito was, at least, a show of stance from that man.
Of course, at this point, no one among them realized that it wasn’t Ito who made that decision earlier, but Higo. Hell, even Kumiko herself had already gotten used to Higo’s miraculous command on the back that she didn’t realize it at first.
If they did, they would start shifting the blame to the goalkeeper, and things would definitely be worse for the boy.
The game continued after this, and the wave of attack from Jubilo Iwata also continued. This time, they were so desperate to at least shorten the gap first, keeping the hope to avoid the defeat still open.
However, the national team’s defense was still as solid as ever. Somehow, the command line shifted back to Higo, and everyone accepted it readily. It was as if this were the most natural thing to happen in the world.
Seeing the scene on the pitch, Makino could only click his tongue in annoyance, huffing before leaning his body back against the bench. "Tch! It seems those guys have finally realized the benefit of following that bastard’s command. Still... I should still be there, though..."
Yeah, watching the players fight on the pitch like this, the boy couldn’t help but feel jealous. The boy still couldn’t accept that he was being chosen to get replaced rather than Higo earlier. Unfortunately, the coach’s decision stood, and now, he had to sit his ass on the bench obediently.
As the game progressed, the attack from Jubilo Iwata somehow also hit a brick wall. If anything, it was the Young Samurai team who slowly regained control over the tempo.
With Koki Morita gaining his confidence after the last goal, he started to turn back into his usual self. His control over the midfield, his one-touch passing game with the others, his off-the-ball movement, and his progressive pass could all become a great threat for the opponent’s side.
Honestly, it was quite incredible how every little movement that a player made could become a huge threat for the opponent’s side, but that was what the best player in the country could do for you.
Then, there was also Mamoru, who started to get bolder, teasing the opponent’s left back with more exaggerated dribble moves and dancing around crazily to wreak havoc on that side. Even though it was not his natural position, the boy seemed to be quite comfortable hovering around the flank side, finding the pressure to be quite light there.
With the team starting to dominate the game, it was clear that the win was so close to their grasp. Hell, if they were lucky enough, the third goal would come sooner or later, what with how dangerous their threat was.
And that was exactly what happened.
A combination play from Miki Yamane and Koki Saito, the first goal scorer, on the left side allowed the full back to make a run closer to the penalty box. With a little cross, the boy sent it to Kyosuke Tagawa, and the striker who had been looking for his first-ever goal here didn’t even hesitate to send a half-volley shot ricocheting through the top bins.
BAM!
The third goal of the day, securing the Young Samurai’s first-ever win in this camp.
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