My system allows me to copy talents

Chapter 650: Quarter-Finals II



The tunnel was dimly lit while a striking radiance penetrated from the entrance. Both sides had arrived and were preparing to enter the field.

Standing next to each other, they awaited the announcement.

A few of them could be heard chatting while most of them remained quiet. Hiro fell in the latter category. It wasn't that there weren't people to chat with. But rather he wished to be left alone.

At the end of the line, a few cameramen were filming this moment.

Often Hiro felt like being at the center of attention. However, he didn't mind their attention. At the given moment, the match was the most important.

Exhaling deeply, Hiro broke out of his immersion.

Just then he noticed the gaze of Trent.

Short dark hair, tanned skin, and an athletic build, Trent stood at the front. Before, he seemed to be chatting with Endo and Yamada.

But now, he was looking at him intriguingly.

'Huh? Did he wave his hand at me?' Hiro felt puzzled upon finding Trent waving his hand.

He looked around him before pointing his finger at him.

Trent nodded the moment he addressed himself. However, Hiro felt even more puzzled now. He didn't even know that person. Well, he knew who he was. But it was the first time they were meeting.

So, he couldn't help but feel perplexed upon finding him taking the initiative to greet him. Then again, he shifted his focus to Endo.

Endo though short as compared to Trent was standing right beside him, wearing a smile on his face.

His smile was enough to tell Hiro that Trent's attitude towards him must have something to do with him. Trent had already left Liverpool. However, Endo had spent a considerable amount of time with him. Hence, the two were familiar with each other.

Dumbfounded, Hiro raised his hand to wave at him.

Well, it wouldn't hurt to greet him back, would it?

The cameraman felt exhilarated to capture this moment. Zooming the camera lenses, he captured this moment with glee.

After a while, the announcement rang and the players advanced.

With every step they took, the cheer of the crowd got louder. The pounding drums, the enthusiastic chants, everything became more clear.

With the intensifying noise, their heartbeat intensified as well.

To prevent himself from losing composure, Hiro had already readied himself. Hence, while others started feeling the pressure, he didn't crumble under the pressure.

His heartbeat was steady and he was calm.

Exiting the tunnel, the mindboggling scene of the stadium came into his sight. There were even more people than he had imagined.

The sea of supporters buzzing with excitement, marveled at him.

However, he didn't feel intimidated. Rather he felt even more excited. To be able to perform under the watchful gaze of a packed stadium, Hiro couldn't be more elated.

'I'll have to use my skills sparingly. I can't tire myself like I did in the previous game,' Hiro recalled the time he exhausted himself.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Having experimented with the skills under his possession, Hiro was much aware of it. Now, he was even more familiar with his limitations and strength.

Hence, he felt even more confident as compared to the previous match.

"Hello, football fans across the globe! I'm Ethan, and alongside me in the commentary box today is Henry. We're here to bring you every moment of this highly anticipated clash between England and Japan. A historic night is upon us as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals." Ethan the commentator cheerfully greeted.

"Absolutely, Ethan. England comes into this game with confidence, spearheaded by their talisman, Harry Kane, the tournament's top scorer with six goals to his name. Kane has been clinical, a nightmare for defenders, and a true leader on the pitch."

"I couldn't agree more with you, Henry. However, let's not overlook Japan who have captured hearts and headlines in this tournament. Defying all odds, they've reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, and much of that credit goes to their young star, Hiro," Ethan squeezed the mic he held tightly and spoke, his eyes sparkling with awe.

"At just 17, he became the youngest scorer in World Cup history. His brilliant performance against Croatia, where he scored the decisive goal, sealed their place here tonight."

"That was a remarkable game. Hiro displayed composure well beyond his years, threading through defenders and finding the back of the net with precision. This young man is something special, and tonight, he has a massive opportunity to shine on an even bigger stage."

"You're right, Henry. But Hiro and Japan face an uphill battle against a seasoned England side. The Three Lions are looking to carry their impressive form into this game, while the Samurai Blue aims to continue their Cinderella story."

As the players line up for the anthem, the camera pans to Harry Kane, his focused expression reflecting the weight of his nation's expectations.

Meanwhile, Hiro, Japan's rising star, stood among his teammates. With a quiet determination in his eyes, Hiro looked straight ahead.

The crowd erupted in chants, and a palpable tension filled the air.

"The players are ready, the fans are roaring, and the stakes couldn't be higher. England versus Japan—the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Who will seize the moment? Stay tuned, folks, because this is going to be one for the ages!"

Standing firm on his position, Hiro analyzed the field. England were going to start the match.

Beep!

With the sound of the whistle, the players burst into action.

Harry Kane on the front, Saka, and Phoden on the side, England's offense was all set. But even without the three, they didn't lack any quality players in the frontline.

When they've got the likes of Rashford, Palmer, Watkins, and Ivan Tony, each brilliant and world-class, sitting on the bench, there was only so much Japan could do.

Unlike the previous Euro, Palmer this time was rested because he had played the full ninety minutes in the previous game. He had already elevated his status in the squad. Now, he wasn't a bench warmer but a starting player.