Chapter 17: Semifinal Showdown
The semifinal match was set to be a defining moment in the tournament. Eito's team was poised to face the formidable Kurogane United, a team renowned for their aggressive playstyle and tactical discipline. The match was scheduled as a two-part encounter, with the first half kicking off under the stadium lights.
As Eito prepared for the game, he focused on analyzing the opposition. His attention settled on Kurogane United's captain, Daichi Sato, a midfielder known for his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. Daichi was a central figure in his team's strategy, orchestrating plays with precision and control. Eito understood that limiting Daichi's influence would be crucial to securing victory.
As the game commenced, Eito's team employed a high-pressing strategy, aiming to disrupt Kurogane United's build-up play and limit Daichi's time on the ball. The midfielders worked tirelessly to close down passing lanes, while the forwards applied constant pressure on the defenders. Despite their efforts, Kurogane United managed to break through the press on several occasions, with Daichi orchestrating key passes that led to scoring opportunities.
In the 30th minute, Daichi delivered a precise through ball to Kurogane United's striker, who narrowly missed the target. Eito's team breathed a collective sigh of relief. However, the warning was clear: Daichi's vision and passing were formidable.
As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 0-0, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest. Eito and his teammates retreated to the locker room, their faces etched with determination. The coach provided a tactical analysis, emphasizing the need to maintain their pressing game and exploit the spaces left by Kurogane United's aggressive play. Armed with this knowledge, Eito felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to lead his team through the second half, utilizing his insights to outmaneuver their opponents and secure victory.
The second half began with heightened intensity. Kurogane United, now more determined, pressed higher up the field and challenged every possession. In the 55th minute, a well-timed through ball from Eito found his teammate, who was fouled just outside the box, earning a free kick in a dangerous position. The crowd held its breath as Eito stepped up to take the free kick. With precision and power, he curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead.
Kurogane United responded aggressively, launching several counterattacks in an attempt to equalize. Daichi, despite the pressure, continued to demonstrate his exceptional vision and passing, creating opportunities for his teammates. In the 70th minute, Daichi received the ball in midfield, evaded a tackle, and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to his striker, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1.
The match intensified as both teams sought the decisive goal. Eito's team maintained their high-pressing strategy, determined to disrupt Kurogane United's build-up play and neutralize Daichi's influence. The midfielders closed down passing lanes, while the forwards applied constant pressure on the defenders. Despite their efforts, Kurogane United managed to break through the press on several occasions, with Daichi orchestrating key passes that led to scoring opportunities.
In the 80th minute, a counterattack led by Eito resulted in a cross into the box, where his teammate scored, giving them a 2-1 lead. Kurogane United, now desperate, pushed forward, leaving gaps in their defense. Eito exploited these spaces, making runs that stretched the defense and created additional scoring opportunities.
In the 85th minute, Eito received a pass from his teammate just outside the box. With a deft touch, he evaded a defender and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner of the net, securing a 3-1 lead for his team.
As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, Eito's team emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, advancing to the finals of the tournament.