THE GAME BEGINS AGAINST TEAM V
In the Z Team's locker room, the players can be seen chatting before the game against Team V.
"Alright,this is the last game of the selection round. Even though we're already qualified for the next phase, I don't think anyone here wants to lose this game and risk losing the top spot. So, let's keep up the pace and stay focused to snatch another win," said Iemon.
"Also, let's stick to the lineup we used last time, with Gagamaru in goal, Kuon and Iemon as center-backs, Bachira and Chigiri as full-backs, Raichi, Igaguri, and Isagi in midfield, and Me, Kunigami, and Naruhaya upfront," added Arata.
"Remembering our strategy of double-marking that guy Reo, we can't give him any space to think because if the ball reaches their striker too easily, things will probably get tough for us," Arata concluded.
THE GAME BEGINS: The game kicks off with Team V in possession, Reo controlling the ball towards Z Team's defense. He's quickly closed down by Bachira and Isagi, who then pass it to Zantetsu. Zantetsu tries to use his speed but is met by Raichi's pressure, forcing him to pass towards Nagi. However, Igaguri intercepts with a header to Bachira, who's waiting on the wing, marked by the opposing left-back, Masumi Atatame. Bachira looks at him and says, "Well, time to have some fun."
Bachira starts dribbling, faking moves until he flicks the ball over his marker's leg as he attempts a tackle. He effortlessly goes past him, running down the right flank. Another defender tries to slide in, but Bachira lifts the ball over him, continuing until the byline. He crosses Rabona-style towards Arata, who's focused on receiving the ball but notices the opposing defender closing in. As soon as he receives it, he flicks it over the defender's head with a sombrero and volleys it into the net.
1-0 (Z Team)
"This is the beautiful game, baby!" Bachira exclaimed as he jumped on Arata's back.
"Hmm, come to think of it, I need my own signature celebration," Arata said to Bachira.
"Yeah, I don't have one either," Bachira realized.
"We'll have to come up with something later," Arata said as he headed back to his position.
"That guy's gonna be trouble, huh..." Reo remarked.
"Yeah..." Zantetsu agreed, adjusting his glasses.
The game restarts now with Team V in possession, advancing with Reo, who once again faces a double-team from Z Team, as it was their strategy against Reo, the mastermind behind Team V. Despite the pressure, Reo finds a pass to Zantetsu, determined to get past Raichi. Using his explosive acceleration, Zantetsu dashes past Raichi, leaving him unable to keep up. He sprints down the left flank until he feels Chigiri alongside him, pushing to regain possession. They run together until the goal line, and just before the ball goes out, Zantetsu crosses into the box, slightly off-balance, towards Nagi, who manages to control the ball perfectly despite the awkward cross and shoots before Iemon, the closest defender, can stop him. The ball flies into the top corner past Gagamaru's reach.
1-1 (Draw)
"We have our ace too," Reo thought.
"It's okay, you'll get him next time," Arata reassured Chigiri, noticing his dejected expression from losing out on speed.
Chigiri simply nods.
The game restarts now with Z Team in possession, Isagi advancing to the midfield with the ball until Reo starts pressuring him. However, Isagi notices Chigiri calling for the ball, running down the left wing, and launches it ahead for him.
"Pass!" Chigiri shouts.
"Not so fast," Zantetsu intervenes, appearing to challenge Chigiri in a speed duel.
"THIS TIME I WON'T LOSE," Chigiri thinks as he uses all his speed to reach the ball before Zantetsu, who doesn't give up on the play and continues pressuring. Chigiri runs to the goal line, almost like a replay of Team V's previous play, crosses into Team V's box, but this time towards Kunigami. Kunigami jumps to receive the ball on his chest with a defender on his back, trying to steal possession. He then tries a few feints to deceive the defender, but Kunigami's position on the field isn't ideal; he's inside the box but close to the goal line.
"Pass it!" Arata shouts from behind Kunigami and his marker. So, Kunigami flicks the ball with his heel through the opponent's legs towards Arata. The remaining defender anticipates Arata's shot and throws himself in front of him just as the ball is about to reach his feet. Arata lets the ball pass and continue to the other side of the box where Bachira is waiting, and he shoots into the left corner of the goal, scoring another goal for Z Team.
2-1 (Z Team)
"Wow, how did you know I was there? I hadn't even asked for a pass yet!" Bachira asked, surprised.
"Secret," Arata replied, laughing.