My system allows me to copy talents

Chapter 653: Quarter-finals V



Midway through the celebration, Hiro turned around. At that moment, his eyes met Kane. There was no malice even though Hiro had collided with him.

Though this goal had dealt a huge blow, Guardiola wasn't worried. However, he had learned a lot from this play.

Casting an indifferent gaze over the pitch, he began to contemplate. He went through the

entire play inside his head. Then he walked to the bench and grabbed a notebook.

With utmost focus, he noted a few things and whispered something to his assistant.

After the celebration, all of them returned to their position.

Beep!

The game resumed.

England had conceded the first goal and a lot of people were left flabbergasted. Especially, the football pundits, they couldn't help but gasp.

However, the buzz died down almost immediately after the match resumed as England pounded even harder than before. Well, it was to be expected. After all, they were on the losing side and they had to salvage themselves.

Japan was forced into defense again.

Despite being an attack-minded team, the sheer pressure from their opponent had forced them into defense. Such a scenario wasn't uncommon when two teams of different caliber

played together.

It still didn't imply that they would take the beating without doing anything.

They had arrived here intending to fight and win. And they wouldn't leave any stone unturned to accomplish their determination.

Humiliating as it was, they wouldn't feel ashamed to be forced into defense. What good would pride be if you can't win?

While the opposing team took the initiative to attack, Hiro paced around the pitch. Unlike before, there were a lot of eyes converged on him. Often Hiro could feel their sharp gazes on him.

The eerie sensation he would feel upon noticing those gazes, he couldn't get used to it. However, he didn't feel intimidated either.

He knew that the attention he received was a testament to his rising threat.

'The more eyes on me, the more you have on your hand,' Hiro drifted across the pitch in search of the ball.

While England struggled to find the back of the net, the clock kept ticking.

Witnessing the development of the game, many spectators had even begun to assume that the first half would end with the present score.

Though they were relieved at the passing of time, they couldn't help but grow increasingly anxious at the development of the game.

With each missed attempt, the English side was getting even closer to the goal. This development wasn't the type of development they wished to see. Hence, every time, the ball breezed close to their post, the Japanese supporter couldn't help but feel threatened.

Given the present development, they could tell that it would be a matter of time before they drew the score.

Fortunately for them, the first half ended with their team leading. Beep!

The referee sounded the whistle, signaling the end of the first half.

Upon hearing the shrill sound of the whistle, the Japanese supporters felt relieved. Finally, this nightmarish development had come to a halt.

This continuous onslaught from the opposing team had kept them on their toes. Every moment was filled with dread, accompanied by a rush of anxiousness afterward.

For some reason, now that the first half ended, they couldn't help but feel lighter. It was almost as if the constant onslaught had cramped their facial muscles.

"Huff! Just how aggressive can they get?" Heaving a deep sigh, one of the Japanese supporters exclaimed.

"I'm just glad that we can keep our lead somehow. Just look at their lineup. They have one of the best squads in the entire tournament. On top of that, they also have Guardiola. Isn't it like cheating?" another fan, a middle-aged man, complained.

They reeked of alcohol. Their faces were crimson, and their eyes a bit dull. As compared to the previous World Cup, alcohol wasn't banned in the US.

Hence, some of the supporters were quite drunk.

"I wonder if things will be different in the second half. After all, we can't keep on defending."

Meanwhile, the English supporters were unhappy. Even with their dominating performance, they weren't happy about the outcome.

Hence, they were making quite a fuss about the game.

Given the current scenario, the atmosphere of the stadium was divided.

Inside the locker room of the English team, the situation didn't look good either. With Pep Guardiola barking instructions and pointing out their flaws, the players were reduced to mere

spectators.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Even with their reputation and status, they couldn't challenge the authority of Guardiola.

Many of them having trained under him were quite aware of his temper. Hence, they

remained shut with their gaze fixated on him.

"Push from the flanks and pass the ball. Your timing is late. Look around you before passing.

Don't just toss the ball mindlessly," Pep barked instructions.

With him in the center, the others around him listened. After that, he proceeded to explain their upcoming tactics followed by a pep-talk to increase their morale.

Contrasting sharply to the scenario inside the English locker room, the scenario at the Japanese locker room was entirely different.

The players sat in the locker room, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and determination. The tension was palpable; despite leading 1-0, the match had been grueling.

Coach Nanami stood at the center of the room, his presence commanding yet calm. His sharp eyes scanned the room before he began speaking, his tone steady but charged with emotion.

"Listen up, boys. I won't sugarcoat it-this isn't over. Far from it. We've battled hard for 45 minutes, and we're leading because of "effort", "heart", and "teamwork"."

He emphasized the word effort, heart, and teamwork.

"But now is when champions are made. This is where we prove that this lead isn't a fluke, but the result of belief in each other."

Then he turned his gaze toward Hiro, who was sitting with his head bowed, catching his

breath.

"Hiro," Nanami said, his voice softer but firm, "you've been phenomenal out there. "

Hearing the compliment, Hiro couldn't help but feel elated.