A CHAIN OF DILEMMAS
Setoshi couldn't believe his eyes when he saw a familiar face enter the locker room. This person was Ryusei, a former Japanese legend who had large shares in many Japanese clubs and the current president of Yuto FC. When they saw Ryusei, everyone stopped what they were doing and greeted him. Although Ryusei often attended the A team's matches, he rarely visited the U21. He understood the importance of this match better now.
Ryusei approached Setoshi and whispered with a mocking smile:
"They told me about you, let's see if you're as good as they said."
Setoshi felt his challenge. This was not just a leadership match, it was going to be one of the most critical matches of his career. Perhaps it was a turning point.
The Yuto U21 and Katasanhu FC U21 match was also receiving great attention from the stands. Because this match featured the league's most talented young players. Setoshi had difficulty focusing on the game in the first minutes. He could not get past the tough defender in front of him and was losing the ball. Ryusei was watching the match from the sidelines, and every time Setoshi made a mistake, he would say something to the A team manager next to him. Yes, the A team manager had also come to watch the match. This increased the pressure on Setoshi.
Towards the end of the first half, Katasanhu FC took the lead with an organized attack. Setoshi immediately got in front of Nagira in the position and was trying to block the passes coming to him. Nagira, on the other hand, headed the incoming high pass over Setoshi and approached the penalty area. Katasanhu center forward Nagira, who escaped Setoshi's marking, lifted the ball from outside the penalty area and fired a very hard shot, putting his team ahead 1-0. Setoshi squatted down on the ground and caught his breath when Nagira gently touched his shoulder as he passed by him: "You'd better get used to this, Setoshi." Setoshi was furious, but he had realized something. It was likely that the Katasanhu U21 manager had given them special tactics about him, so they knew his name and learned his style of play. Still, he had to control his anger, this match was critical.
Osiko began trying out a different role in training as he prepared for him next match with Hajita A. Remembering the message his coach Tutusiki had given him, he focused on improving his passing. However, when Matsui noticed this, he laughed sarcastically:
"Have you learned how to pass? But I'm afraid it's too late! Keep playing selfishly, loser!"
Osiko continued regardless of Matsui's words. In training, he tried to create more space for his teammates, which strengthened his offensive organization. However, in a critical position in a training match, he gave in to his anger and did not pass the ball to Matsui, and acted egotistically, shooting very high, and his coach Tutusiki immediately blew the whistle and gave a stern warning:
"Individual play can only take you so far, Osiko. If you are not a team player, you will not go beyond this!"
These words echoed in Osiko's mind. At that moment, he realized that talent and ego would not take him far. He had to improve his game vision and solidify his place in the team. He would not care about Matsui and would ignore him.
As the second half began, Yuto FC U21's coach Suzuna looked into Setoshi's eyes and asked harshly:
"Have we already lost the match?"
Setoshi shook his head in surprise. Suzuna continued:
"Then why are you still playing like you've lost? Football is not a game for those who give up at the first mistake, but for those who learn from every mistake!"
These words lit a spark inside Setoshi. He entered the second half with a completely different energy. He was more controlled, remained calm, and carefully analyzed his opponents' moves. In the 70th minute, a sudden counterattack was launched. This time, the roles were reversed and Nagira was in front of him. At that moment, he caught Ryusei's eye and thought he should try..
This was a challenge for him.
Setoshi slowly dribbled the ball, Ryusei made a move but fell into the gap! When he got close, Setoshi threw the ball forward, ran, and won it back. He gave the ball to his friend and quickly ran to the penalty area. When his friend made a cross without waiting, Setoshi realized that he could not head the hard cross and made a light touch with his shoulder and the ball hit the net! The score was 1-1!
Suzuna shouted from the sidelines smiling:
"Show everyone where you belong!"
In the last minutes of the match, everything could change…