Chapter 620: Japan vs Colombia II

Chapter 620: Japan vs Colombia II



"Hello everybody, today we're here for the first match of Group B, one of the most difficult groups in the tournament."

"Both the teams have a really solid lineup and both of them have been equally impressive in the qualifier stages. Japan is on an 11-match winning streak while Colombia also has an equally impressive run."

While positioning himself, Hiro swept his gaze through the field, noting the position of other players. Sweeping his gaze through the field, he noted the players he needed to watch out. "Juan Cuadrado, defensively solid and threatening on attacks. Luis Diaz: likes to cut from the flanks and high work rate. James Rodriguez: old but sturdy, pinpoint passer, and impressive vision. Daniel Munoz: good on a one-on-one duel, susceptible to provocation, and likes to play rough."

Hiro had studied them thoroughly before the game. He had noted both their strengths and weaknesses. To do that he couldn't rely on the match footage alone. Hence, he had also dug out the relevant articles on them.

However, he couldn't afford to study all of them in detail. Hence, he had only made thorough studies of their key performers.

But that didn't mean that he had left out the others. Though shallow, he had studied others as well.

'So, we have to watch out for that number 19 huh?' James contemplated, staring at Hiro.

Just like how the opposing team had studied them, they also had studied the opposing team. In a way, it could be said that both of the teams had made thorough preparations for the match.

'It's hard to believe that he's only seventeen. Yamal was already a shocker but I didn't expect Japan to produce another genius as well.'

James began to recall the footage of Hiro. The flair Hiro displayed had left an everlasting impact on him and he couldn't bring himself to forget the emotions he felt when he saw him play for the first time.

Even now, thinking about the footage made him tremble in awe and fear.

'Destructive speed like Mbappe, dribbling like Messi, finishing like Ronaldo, and endurance like Kante. Did they produce him in a laboratory?'

James thought, recalling the footage.

'On top of all that, he can use both his feet well.'

After pondering for a while, James recollected his thoughts and shifted his focus to the game. Though Hiro had left a lasting impression on him, James couldn't afford to get swayed by it right now.

Given the fact that he was turning 35, it was probably his last World Cup. So, he couldn't afford to be distracted at this stage.

From where he was standing, he believed that he could attempt a shot. Yamada could even see an opening. However, the opening looked rather skeptical.

What if they were intentionally leading him to shoot that way?

If they managed to get the ball there, they could easily go on a counterattack. At that time, they would find themselves under a serious threat.

From what he could see, Yamada could tell that if they conceded a goal, it would be extremely difficult to equalize. Given the way the opposing team had defended until now, it was highly likely for the game to end with a single goal.

So, due to such reasons, Yamada couldn't bring himself to decide.

Just then Munoz lunged at him from behind, attempting to overpower him and steal the ball

at the same time. Yamada who had been scanning the pitch had already foreseen him.

So, he was about to dodge.

Just as he was about to dodge, an eerie light flashed past his eyes.

Bam!

He struck the ball with the inside. But he couldn't prevent the tackle of Munoz. So, he got

swept in his tackle. Fortunately, Yamada prevented Munoz from touching the ball.

So, even if he were to go down there, he'd probably earn themselves a set-piece.

Thud!

He fell rough on the ground.

"Goal!"

A cacophony of cheers erupted forth, shaking the entire nook and canny of the stadium. Yamada slowly lifted himself only to find others celebrating the goal alongside Hiro.