Though Hiro failed to equalize, something stirred awake in others. His impact on the game kindled the hopes of Madrid supporters. Their cheers grew even more fervent as time passed.
For the next couple of minutes, the game witnessed a different outcome. The momentum of the game shifted as Madrid started to fight back. Simultaneously, the game became much fiercer with both sides clashing.
Utilizing the gaps, Hiro troubled the opposition.
Upon figuring out the flaws from his previous failed attempt, Hiro adjusted his tactics to become more useful to the team. Instead of attempting to breach the opposition’s defense with his dribbles, Hiro took on the role of support.
He dropped deep to collect the pass and supplied passes with excellent vision.
Though this allowed them to register shots, they still couldn’t equalize.
This outcome was much better than the one during the first ten minutes of the match. However, every missed opportunity was making the Madrid fans even more anxious.
‘We are getting close, but we won’t be able to break the dreadlock if this continues…’ Diego pondered with his brows knitted. ‘The more we miss, the more it’ll disappoint them and the more it’ll discourage them from attempting.’
Diego couldn’t even bring himself to feel hopeful about the match. Though their condition was much better than during the first ten minutes, he couldn’t help but feel a foreboding sensation looming over them.
The struggles of his players were evident to him.
He could tell their condition wasn’t a pleasant one. Furthermore, the frustrated appearance of his players after missing the target only added to his anxiety.
He knew something had to be done before it was too late.
In desperation, he looked at Hiro. He had dropped deeper to take the role of support. He had been controlling their rhythm for most of the game.
‘I’m sorry, lad, for putting you in this position…’ He dropped his head.
Hiro was aware of their situation. Just like Diego, he knew these missed opportunities would only worsen their state.
Hence, he couldn’t help but feel the strong need to do something to change the outcome.
The ball was still in their possession. Hiro was at the center of the field. Though he didn’t have the ball, he couldn’t stop scanning the field.
Like a honeycomb, the opposing formation was tightly knit.
‘This won’t do,’ Hiro thought as he failed to spot gaps in the opposing formation. The tightly shut formation made him anxious, and he couldn’t help but utilize his skill, “Hawk eyes,” to get a better view of the field.
The entire field became visible to Hiro as he utilized his skill.
Like an omnipotent being spectating the field from above, Hiro observed the field. The location of each player became clear to him. He could see the gaps he couldn’t before. Even the gestures of the players couldn’t escape his vision.
He peered into their eye movements.
Lucien was still fixed on Hiro, observing his moves. However, he couldn’t figure out the meaning of his stillness. He wasn’t even scanning like before.
He had come to a halt in the middle of the field.
Just what was he doing?
Lucien couldn’t help but feel curious about Hiro’s strange course of action.
‘Just what is he doing? Is he looking around? Or did he just give up?’
Different thoughts popped into his head as he kept observing Hiro. He was both curious and bewildered. But suddenly, he felt something was wrong.
His heart sank as he witnessed the sudden glint in Hiro’s eyes.
Lucien’s expression changed rapidly as he reacted to the sudden feeling that dawned on him. His brows furrowed, and his senses tingled.
But before he could bring himself to chase Hiro, Hiro had already left him like a breeze.
He had vanished from his spot. Lucien’s eyes searched for Hiro as he dropped back to defend. Then, upon searching, he found Hiro already close to their defensive midfielder.
The ball had already been played to Hiro.
The pass cut through the formation of the opposition like a hot knife on a slab of butter.
Hiro took control of the pass and charged straight at the opponent ahead of him. Hiro’s eyes looked cold, as if devoid of any emotions.
He glanced at the opponent with a cold, penetrating gaze as if sizing him.
The opponent flinched upon meeting his eyes. However, he composed himself immediately and lunged toward him.
For some reason, Hiro appeared much more intimidating than before.
Adrenaline surged as he lunged toward Hiro.
Hiro, however, didn’t react to the fierce expression he put on. Without changing his expression, he approached his opponent, who charged fiercely at him.
With a flick of his feet and the sway of his body, Hiro gracefully got rid of him. The ball passed through the legs of the opposing defensive midfielder, leaving him in shame and disappointment.
The stadium rejoiced at the sight.
As for Hiro, he continued his march. Without slowing down, he approached the defensive third of the opposition. There, Vittorio and others lay in wait. Each, threatening to bring him down.
Hiro, however, couldn’t care less about their gaze and emotions.
He just had one goal on his mind— the post.
Before that goal, almost everything blurred in the background.
“You’re here again,” Vittorio grinned as his eyes flashed excitedly upon seeing Hiro. He had been waiting to humiliate him again.
However, to his surprise, Hiro changed his course and went for the full-back.
“No, you’re not going anywhere!”
Vittorio lunged toward Hiro, leaving his position open. However, before leaving his position, he signaled the teammate close to him to cover for him.
With this, he could act freely.
While Hiro drew the attention, others rushed to position themselves. Hiro had stirred their formation, and the opposition’s formation was in a mess.
The Madrid players wanted to capitalize on this mess.
Hiro led Vittorio even deeper on the flank, mispositioning him even more. However, Vittorio was cautious. He didn’t follow Hiro blindly without being aware of his surroundings.
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