Chapter 496: Substitution


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    Though the opposing coach had decided to make some radical changes most fans didn''t even bother to bat an eye. They simply couldn''t afford to be bothered by the changes of the


    opposing side amidst their team''s magnificent performance.


    In the 75th minute, Hiro was brought down by the opposing yers about 40 yards away.


    Beep!


    Immediately upon seeing him rolling on the floor, the referee sounded his whistle. Since the tackle wasn''t anything serious, he didn''t bring out his cards.


    Instead, he let go of the yer with a simple warning.


    Yet still, despite seeing him rolling on the ground when the referee called out for a foul most fans made disgruntled noises as they tried to oppose the decision of the referee.


    Well, since they were running against time, it was only natural for them to feel irritated.


    Right at this moment, the assistant referee lifted his substitution board, hinting at a yer change from the Japanese side.


    Many turned to look at the referee.


    The moment their eyesnded on him their eyes widened in shock. Seeing the yers lined side by side they couldn''t help but express their shock. Just how many yers was he nning to substitute?


    It was almost half the squad.


    Had he gone insane?


    They were baffled by his decision.


    The opposing yers had the same look of surprise in their eyes. At the same time, some couldn''t help but feel a bit intimidated as well.


    As they swept their nces through the yers who were about to enter the field realization struck them hard like thunder.


    They were already having problems dealing with the avable yers. Yet they weren''t even ying with half their might?


    Just what kind of ridiculous squad had Japan assembled?


    For a split second, they couldn''t help but disy a look of horror on their faces. But they were also elites so how could they let themselves be intimidated?


    Though the Japanese squad seemed impressive they had faced much more tougher opponents. It''s just that most of the yers in their squad were also new.


    Unable to keep up with the game most of the performers who had performed in the Euro had retired due to their ages.


    It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that they were also ying with their reserved squad. Immediately upon entering the field, Kubo passed the message he had been tasked to pass from his coach to other yers. Since three attacking yers were entering the field they obviously had to change their formation.


    So they changed to a 4-3-3 formation.


    Tatsuki who previously yed as a center forward moved to the wings while Maeda was substituted for Tominaga. As for Kubo, he also moved to the wings.


    But there was still the matter regarding the freekick.


    Who was going to take it?


    If it was near the penalty box, Kubo would have stepped up.


    Since it was at such a distance, it was only fair for Kenji to take the shot. As for Hiro, he wasn''t even considered to be on the list.


    Even though he was an impressive talent, he still had yet to prove himself.


    "Do you want to take the shot?" Kenji asked Hiro jokingly.


    Since he had seen Hiro shoot, he initially did not doubt his ability. But even for him, it was quite far. So, he didn''t think that he would take him on the offer.


    But to his surprise Hiro epted.


    "Sure," Hiro said casually.


    As he heard his response, he couldn''t help but feel ufortable. How was he going to exin to him that he was merely joking?


    Kenji became flustered.


    The look on Hiro''s face only made it even more ufortable for him to exin.


    He looked dead-serious.


    Then a thought crossed his mind. Well, it wouldn''t be that bad to let him have the shot after all, he''s an excellent passer.


    From such a distance, he probably wouldn''t try something as foolish as to go for the goal. With that thought in mind, he agreed to let him take the opportunity.


    There wasn''t any harm to it.


    Even if he messed up it wasn''t an important game. So, it would be a learning experience for


    him.


    "The ball is all yours," saying so, Kenji backed down with a faint smile on his face.


    As for the yers they were also a little surprised to see him preparing for the shot. Since they had practiced the set-piece at such a distance with Kenji as the set-piece taker they naturally assumed that it was going to be Kenji who would take the freekick.


    So they were a little taken aback by Hiro''s presence.


    Taking in a deep breath, Hiro fixated his gaze on the post. From such a distance even the post appeared rather small, and he could hardly find any open spaces.


    Be it his teammates or the opposing yers, they were all clustered around the opposing box. As for the wall, he only had two yers to be worried about.


    Since it was at such a distance not even the opposing yers were expecting him to score. But some still appeared a bit skeptical. After all, he had already disyed his power to its fullest when he scored the second goal.


    So, it wouldn''t be wise to underestimate him.


    His teammate in front might be expecting a pass from him but he had already made up his mind. From the moment he epted the offer, he had already prepared himself to take a


    direct shot.


    It might have been selfish.


    But he wouldn''t have epted to take the shot if he wasn''t going for the goal.


    Right at this moment, when he was preparing to shoot, his focus peaked. Suddenly everything around him turned silent. At the same time, his gaze narrowed to the small gaps in the


    opposing post.


    Several routes unfolded before him.


    It was the same experience he had once experienced before.


    Zone!


    Then with a short run-up, he rushed toward the ball. The opposing keeper with his limited


    vision could hardly see him.


    Yet still from the narrow gaps, he was able to see him move.