Chapter 629: Japan vs Portugal III

Chapter 629: Japan vs Portugal III



Even the corner failed to produce any positive outcome. Just like this, the first half ended in a scoreless tie.

Beep!

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

Exhausted and drenched in sweat, players slowly walked out of the field. The fans on their edges for the better part of the game finally relaxed.

They could still feel their hearts pounding. The game had been intense until the end, keeping them on their toes.

Though they didn't have much to complain about, they couldn't help but feel disappointed.

On the pitch, Hiro looked equally gloomy. Though he delivered a magnificent performance, he wasn't satisfied.

Especially, the crucial miss at the end of the first half.

'What went wrong? It wasn't supposed to end like that. Did I miss the timing?' Hiro couldn't help but contemplate the moment.

Recalling the moment, he could tell with certainty that he had smelled the goal. It was something like intuition. But he had rarely been wrong about it. So, he couldn't help but feel worried about the miss.

If that shot had been converted, they would have gained a huge advantage over Portugal.

Alas! He blew the opportunity away.

While pondering the missed opportunity, Naoto approached him, holding a water bottle, "What are you pondering about?" he asked, handing him the bottle.

Hiro took the bottle, "Nothing."

However, Naoto wasn't convinced. So, he stared at him inquisitively, "Are you thinking about the last shot you took?"

'How did he figure it out? Was I too obvious?' Hiro couldn't help but feel surprised.

The coach should have considered his words before announcing.

'So, he's the true captain huh?' Bruno grunted looking at his captain's armband. He was dissatisfied with the coach's attitude.

He felt mocked. So, he couldn't help but glare at the silent Ronaldo.

Everybody else was already waiting for him to speak.

Walking toward Ronaldo, the coach nudged him slightly and spoke in a deep voice, "Be prepared. You'll be going in."

An eerie light flashed past Ronaldo's striking eyes and he slowly lifted his head. There were a few wrinkles around his eyes. Nonetheless, he looked younger than his actual age.

"We can't stop here. Not after what we went through to get here. I know that every single one of you has sacrificed a lot to be here and every single one of you deserves to be here. Our family, our people, they are waiting for us to bring the glory," Ronaldo swept his gaze, his words heavy and deep.

Even with their eyes converging on him, Ronaldo didn't feel pressured. Instead, he was used to bearing such pressure.

It would be a lie if he said that he wasn't anxious. But he had faith in himself and his ability. He was certain that he could change the outcome.

So, even if they performed poorly until now, he believed that he could change the outcome. Emitting unwavering confidence, he continued, "I know that you all are just as eager to bring them the glory as I am. So, let's win this game and keep on winning until we grant our people what they deserve."

Perhaps, it was the influence he had on the team. But the players felt an unlimited surge of energy after they heard his speech.

It was liberating and rejuvenating.

It was exactly as he said, they hadn't won a World Cup until now. Despite being one of the powerhouse nations, they hadn't won the most prestigious award there was for a national

team.

Because of that, they would get taken lightly. Now, even more, after Ronaldo's retirement, who knows if they would even be considered a powerhouse nation.

Most of the fame they had until now could be largely attributed to Ronaldo.

The people from other nations mostly supported Portugal because Ronaldo played here. But after he retires, they would encounter a great loss in their fanbase just like Argentina after Messi retired.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om