Historic Achievement

Immediately after the final whistle, the reserve players sprang on the field, their faces illuminated with jubilation. 

They had broken through the shackle. It was the first time in their history that they had gone past the round of 16. 

As unreal as it felt, they had done it. They had made it to the quarter-finals. 

Only three more hurdles lay before they could wrap their arms around the much-coveted award. 

The entire stadium celebrated this moment, signing and cheering. Some were in tears of happiness, and some were hugging their fellow supporters. 

Finally, their team made it to the quarter-finals. 

Going past the round of 16, it happened for the first time in their history. Thus, this advancement meant a lot to the Japanese supporters. 

Their happiness knew no bounds. With them celebrating, the entire atmosphere of the stadium had turned festive.