Chapter 396 Knockouts VIII


    ??The failure of Sato to stop the ball disappointed their supporters. While at the same time, it made the opposing fans extremely ecstatic.


    Squinching their eyes, they looked at the ball with horror. They could vividly feel their heart palpitating, yet couldn''t do anything about it. At this threatening moment, the Japanese supporters could only turn to the invisible forces for help.


    And, as such some of them started praying.


    Meanwhile, the cheers of the opposing fans intensified, sending shockwaves throughout the stadium. It was as if they wanted to let the yers know that they were rooting for them even at the heat of the moment.


    If only Sato had timed his tackle well, he might have been able to reach the ball. But, now that he left a massive hole in the defense due to his mistake, it was going to cost them a lot.


    The opposing striker who was sprinting toward the ball with rming speed wasn''t going to let go of this golden opportunity. For sure, he''d punish them for their mistake.


    Even when faced with such a threatening situation, Shun reacted quickly as he made a quick decision to go for the ball.


    Yet still, despite his best efforts, he couldn''t reach the ball before the iing opposing striker. Competing against a speedy striker in terms of speed was a foolish decision. And, he was well aware of it.


    Even so, he couldn''t sit still with his arms folded, could he? He had to do everything he could. And, he did it without any hesitation.


    Shun knew well that he wouldn''t be able to reach the ball before him. But, what if he were to slide down with his legs extended? He could reduce the gap and possibly reach the ball before him too.


    Though he executed his thoughts well, he still didn''t manage to get the ball. Instead, he brought the opposing striker down with his tackle.


    Aware of the weight of his actions, his heart started racing. He knew what wasing. Just like the opposing keeper, he was going to get booked, wasn''t he?


    Immediately the sound of the whistle sounded.


    But so did the celebratory chants of the opposing fans.


    "Goooooooooaaaaaaaallllllllll"


    The entire stadium buzzed with the feeling of euphoria as opposing fans celebrated the equalizer.


    At the nick of the moment when he was about to make contact with him, the opposing striker released the ball at the empty post. But in doing so, he couldn''t avoid the collision. Although he managed to guide the ball to its destination, he couldn''t avoid Shun''s tackle.


    Which led to the present situation.


    Slowly Shun turned around with fear in his heart. But as he turned around, he noticed that the opposing striker whom he had tackled was already on his way to celebrate his goal.


    That sight relieved him a little. He was d to find that he hadn''t injured his opponent.


    But then again the feeling of disappointment washed over him. Gushing at him like the tidal wave of a Tsunami, a bitter feeling struck him, leaving him utterly disappointed in himself.


    Why was he so relieved? Shouldn''t he be feeling disappointed instead?


    He had let his team down, but here he was d to find out the state of the opposing yer instead. The priority should be his team.


    Even though the opposing striker seemed totally fine that didn''t mean that the referee was going to ignore his actions. He had brought him down. And, it was a dangerous tackle nheless.


    So, he should at least receive a warning for his actions.


    Making his way toward him, while the opposing yers were celebrating their goal, the referee left him a warning for his actions, rubbing salt in his wound.


    It was already painful for him. But, now he had to listen to his warning too.


    Nheless, he tucked his wounded pride and silently listened to his warning. Though he couldn''t tell what he was talking about, he could tell that he was asking him to y a little less aggressively.


    The opposing team''s celebrationsted for a while.


    Unable to bear the loud voices of the opposing fans, many supporters of Japan covered their ears. At the same time, many chose to express their frustration by yelling at the yers.


    "Just who let him in the team?"


    "Sub him out..."


    Most of the fans were quite tolerant and supportive. But, some were quite toxic.


    ''They are right. Maybe I should just leave''


    With a darkened face devoid of any emotions, Sato who had cost them this goal was doubting his own abilities, ming himself for the fault. His will to y was starting to fade. And, his confidence was starting to hit rock bottom.


    If it continued, he''d be no more than a lifeless zombie walking on the field.


    Thud!!


    While he was lost in self-doubt, suddenly he felt a light smack on his back. Who could it be? Do they want toin? Or perhaps they share the same sentiment as the crowd.


    Several thoughts popped one after the other as he nervously darted his gaze behind to look at the person. Fear gripped his heart.


    And as he turned around, he found Hiro. It was Hiro who had struck him.Immediately upon seeing his face, he thought of apologizing.


    "Sor..."


    But before he could finish his sentence, he got interjected.


    "It''s not your fault. Don''t jest it."


    ''It''s not my fault? What is he trying to say? How is it not my fault? No matter how you look at it, if I had prevented the ball from going through, we wouldn''t have conceded''


    Hiro was trying to console him. But, he wasn''t in a state to be consoled. The criticism of the fans had already gone to his head. So, how could he act fine?


    Even so, he couldn''t bring himself to argue. Terrified, he could only nod his head.


    Though he was nodding his head as if he had understood what he was trying to convey, he could still see the guilt in his eyes.