Chapter 628: Japan vs Portugal II


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    The shooting angle was tight.


    However, Rafael excelled at shooting from such angles. So, he was calm and rxed.


    Although his heart was beating rapidly from the high-paced moves he had executed, he was calm.


    The goal was right in front of him. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins. At the same time, he could palpably smell the sweet aroma of excitement.


    As he stretched his leg to shoot, his muscles coiled like a spring, his eyes fixated on the opposite pole. Tension built up in his body was about to release.


    But before he could unleash the destructive force he had been building up, a leg came up from behind, leaving him utterly astonished.


    Quickly, the ball was stolen, leaving him striking air.


    Swoosh!


    A distinct swooshing sound was produced the moment Rafael swept his leg, a clear indication of the shot that would have transpired had Hiro not stolen the ball from him.


    The expression of the opposing fans sank upon the oue. While the Japanese supporters gasped in relief. Finally, they could feel relieved.


    Immediately, after snatching the ball, Hiro sent the ball flying. But he didn''t stop there. Instead, he began to sprint.


    Hiro had taken a gamble by chasing Rafael.


    If Rafael had passed the ball to Bruno, things would have gotten ugly for them. Bruno, being an excellent provider would have figured out something. Also, his ability to shoot from a distance couldn''t be taken lightly either.


    However, Hiro was certain that Rafael would try to break inside.


    Fortunately for him, his judgment was correct.


    The ball flew straight to Yamada. Hiro knew that Yamada wouldn''t fall back. So, he didn''t waste any time finding a suitable individual to pass.


    That quick decision from Hiro helped them to swiftly transition into attack.


    "The wunderkind of Japan has once againe to their aid. With a swift tackle, he has left Rafael striking grass," thementator was full of praise.


    The ball smoothly fell before Yamada. It seemed as if the pass had been aimed precisely at him. Yamada''s eyes dpidated while collecting the ball.


    ''When did he even locate me?'' Yamada was left a little baffled.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, he immediately began to charge without wasting time. He couldn''t afford to ponder at the moment. With an unwavering focus on the field, Yamada immediatelyunched a counterattack.


    Their swift transition from defense to offense left the opposition in panic.


    There were only three Japanese yers up front against their four defenders. But the person that was charging was Yamada. So, they couldn''t afford to take it easy.


    Yamada was excellent in long-distance shooting, dribbling, and passing. Hence, despite having an advantage in number, they were at a disadvantage.


    rmingly, they began to retreat.


    Meanwhile, the Japanese yers began to charge forward. It was like a golden opportunity for them. With Yamada leading the charge, they were bound to generate some chances.


    They had faith in him.


    So, their faith led them to push their limits.


    "Japan looks threatening."


    They hadunched their counterattack from behind the half-line. However, right now, they had already ventured deep into the middle third. Yamada continued to advance at a threatening pace.


    Just then Ruben Dias lunged at him, trying to stop him.


    However, Yamada managed to remain afloat. Though he wasted a little time trying to escape him, eventually he managed to get away from him.


    But Bruno and several others from the opposing side had already retreated while Kubo and Doan were being tightly marked.


    Although Yamada could fire the shot, he wasn''t in a favorable position to do so.


    So, he was trying to position himself better. However, at that time while trying to get into a suitable position to shoot, he found Hiro drifting past him.


    ''Huh! When did he get here?'' Yamada was perplexed to find Hiro''s presence.


    During the time he took to get away from Dias, Hiro had caught up to him from their final third. Though he was mesmerized by Hiro''s speed, he didn''t waste any more time to make a decision.


    Immediately after noticing Hiro, he made a sneaky pass to Hiro.


    "Huff! Huff!" Gasping heavily, Hiro reached for the ball.


    It was at the nk. So, the shooting angle was rather tight. But Hiro easily located a space for him to exploit. It the was top corner of the nk right next to him.


    The opposing goalkeeper was slightly dispositioned. So, if he could make an urate shot, he could give their team the lead.


    But he couldn''t afford to waste time as Joao Cancelo was already rushing on him.


    Bam!


    He struck the ball immediately.


    The ball drifted to the desired destination he had aimed. However, the opposing goalkeeper managed to touch the ball which slightly altered the path of the ball.


    Beep!


    The referee sounded the whistle, signaling a corner kick.


    The Japanese fans let out a disappointed wail, their voice echoing throughout the stadium. Hiro was on the ground, trying to lift himself.


    Due to the shooting angle being tight, he had to twist his body to make that shot. Combined with the momentum he was charging, he was imbnced due to the contrasting force.


    Frustrated, he fiercely punched the ground, "Argh!"


    "A very fine shot from Hiro that misses the goal by an inch. Well, it seems like Hiro isn''t satisfied with the oue. Such passion from a youngster like him is indeed praiseworthy. But he shouldn''t take it to heart. There will be more opportunities for him."


    Yamada, even now, couldn''t help but stare at Hiro in disbelief.


    "Yamada, the corner."


    While Yamada was dazedly staring at Hiro, Endo called out to him for the corner. He was their corner-kick taker.


    "Okay..." He yelled, heeding to Endo''s call.


    By now, almost all of the opposing yers had retreated. So, there wasn''t any need to hurry. Rather a precise and careful pass would be much better.


    Collecting himself, Yamada walked to the corner, preparing to take the corner, while his teammates filled inside the box, awaiting his delivery.