Chapter 36: Team Y's Desperate Counterattack

"Everyone, quiet down and listen to me."

In the locker room of Team Y, all eyes were focused on Niko's face.

Niko clenched his teeth. Although he knew his move was very risky, Team Y had no other choice:

"We have no room for retreat. We're on the edge of a cliff in this game. We can only fight desperately now. We can only use that tactic."

"An all-out attack!"

If Okawa alone couldn't get past Kira Ryosuke, then let the whole team go against him!

No matter how formidable Kira Ryosuke was, he couldn't defend against the combined attack of the entire team!

Niko believed in this.

...

"Chigiri, you're amazing! You're running so fast!"

"Kira is the most amazing. He's completely shut down Okawa, who is the opponent's ace player!"

"It seems that Team Y is completely done. If it continues like this, there shouldn't be any problem for us to win the game!"

Inside the locker room of Team Z, the morale was high. The opponent's attack had been completely shut down, and they had a two-goal advantage. Victory was within their grasp.

"We can't let our guard down yet."

Unlike the cheering crowd, Kira remained calm.

"Basically, we've already won, right? We're leading by two goals in the first half. It should be very difficult for the opponents to make a comeback, right?"

Raichi expressed his partial incomprehension.

"With their defensive tactics and formation, even if we don't score further in the second half, they won't be able to score!"

"For now, we do have a significant advantage, but there's one thing we shouldn't forget: how much energy people can unleash when they are in an underdog position."

Kira explained.

"Team Y can't afford to lose anymore. If they lose this game to us, it basically means they're out. So they will definitely launch a desperate attack."

"Are you saying that they will completely shift their focus to the offense in the second half? Completely change their tactics?" Kunigami Rensuke asked.

"It's very likely."

Kira knew that in the original work, Team Y had a desperate tactic called "One Point Kill." If they were tied in the score, they would use this tactic in the final moments, with the entire team participating in the attack and overwhelming the opponent in one minute.

Although it wasn't a tied game at the moment, if Team Y continued to solely defend, they would undoubtedly lose.

So they would definitely burn the boats and choose an all-out attack.

Although it was a complete opposite to the first half, with almost zero defense.

The closer the enemy was to the edge of danger, the easier it was for them to unleash their potential beyond limits. Because if they were eliminated, their professional careers would basically be over. In a way, it was the eruption of survival instinct.

"So what's our tactic for the second half? Full defense?"

Isagi Yoichi asked in confusion.

Normally, as long as they maintained their defense and prevented the opponent from scoring two goals, they would win.

But Kira just smiled.

"It's enough if we can defend against the first goal. If they score in their first attack, the score difference narrows to one point, and their morale will be greatly boosted."

At the same time, he raised a finger.

"But conversely, if we successfully defend against the first goal, we can get a chance for a counterattack. Their entire focus is on the offense, and they won't have the ability to defend. If we can score the third goal, then the balance of victory will truly tilt in our favor."

"Understood."

"Let's go! Let's strive for the second victory!"

...

A few minutes later, both teams returned to the field.

After adjustments, every player on Team Y had a serious but determined expression on their faces. They were aware that they were deeply trapped in a desperate situation.

The more desperate it seemed, the more one's potential could be unleashed.

The formation of Team Y had changed. Okawa returned to their own half.

"Okawa, let's break through Team Z's defense together."

Niko waved his hand and said,

"Kira Ryosuke may have strong individual defensive abilities, but his teammates might not. Let's focus on breaking through the weaker defenders of Team Z."

"Okay."

Okawa nodded. The disappointment and frustration from his defeat against Kira Ryosuke had dissipated, replaced by a resolute determination.

In this game, they had no turning back.

"Indeed, they changed their formation..."

Kunigami Rensuke carefully observed the opponent. Just as Kira had said, it seemed that the opponent was prepared to go all out.

"They're coming!"

As the second half whistle blew, Team Y immediately charged towards Team Z's half after the kickoff.

They were already trailing by two goals, and they had to give their all in every minute that followed.

All ten players, except for the goalkeeper, rushed towards the goal.

It was an incredibly sharp double-edged sword. If they could score in the first moments of the second half, Team Y would still have a chance to turn the tables.

On the other hand, if their attack failed, Team Z might find an opportunity for a counterattack.

If they fell behind by another goal, Team Y's chances of winning this game would be almost completely extinguished.

It could be said that this round of attack was the key to victory or defeat in the game!

At that moment, Niko was in control of the ball. His eyes, like satellites, overlooked the entire field, observing every movement of the players on the field.

"Try to avoid a direct confrontation with Kira Ryosuke in the middle!"

"Although Okawa may not be able to bypass Kira Ryosuke directly, he should have more than enough ability to deal with the others!"

"We must create a situation where Okawa confronts the others!"

After a moment of contemplation, Niko raised his hand and made a special gesture. He had designed several tactics specifically for Team Y, and these hand gestures were signals to communicate those tactics!

Upon seeing the signals, Okawa immediately moved towards the sideline, rushing deep into the opponent's half at a lightning-fast speed.

Kira Ryosuke prepared to defend and block his path, but at that moment, three players appeared directly in front of him, blocking his way. These three players had the strongest physique in Team Y.

This was Niko's tactic, using the other players as cover for Okawa!

Even though Kira Ryosuke was a defender, they absolutely had to shut down his movements!