Chapter 77 - Oman (2)

Arragon instructed Kazuki to use his ability that could exploit the gaps to find the best shooting space. The other Japanese players would give Kazuki a pass as soon as the opportunity came. With the entry of Kazuki, Arragon hoped that Japan could break into Oman's goalpost as soon as possible. At least if Oman fell behind, then they will come out of the box and try to attack Japan. Without a bunch of players in the penalty box, Japan won't have trouble scoring goals.

The second round of the 2014 World Cup Group B qualifiers between Japan and Oman has officially started. Oman did not make any changes at the start of the second half. Meanwhile, Japan entered Kazuki to replace Yuya Osaka. The spectators who saw Kazuki being on the field immediately cheered. Most Japanese football fans were well aware of the achievements that Kazuki made at Southampton. They were very excited to see Kazuki's first appearance for the Japanese national team.

After using [Dream Training] for a whole week, Kazuki had become very familiar with the left-wing position. He knew what strengths he can take advantage of and the weaknesses that will come at this position. Kazuki had pretty good skills, he managed to win the duel against the AI ​​fullbacks in [Dream Training]. The AI ​​fullback had an ability equivalent to the average fullback ability in the five major European leagues.

Oman's fullback level is far behind than fullback in the five major European leagues. Even though Kazuki admitted that the Omani right-back had pretty good physical abilities, in his ability to control the ball, Kazuki was quite confident. In the 47th minute, Kazuki made a quick dribble on the left-wing. The Oman right-back adjusted his position and tried to block Kazuki's movement. Kazuki circled the ball with his two feet, after that, he suddenly flicked the ball forward.

Kazuki rushed to chase the ball, meanwhile, the Oman right-back was also trying to catch up to Kazuki. Behind Kazuki, the other Omani players also started to catch Kazuki's movement. The Oman right-back caught up with Kazuki, but the Japanese player pulled the ball back and crossed to the right of the field. The thing that Kazuki just did was the switch. A technique of moving the ball from the side of the pitch to the other side quickly.

Kagawa received the ball with his inside foot, then he carried the ball into the penalty box. The Omani players moved to cover the shooting space for Kagawa. The Dortmund player gave a flat pass towards Okazaki. The Oman center-back tried to take the ball from Okazaki but failed, the Leicester man setting the ball with his back heel. The ball moved backward.

Kazuki who had run to the center of the penalty box immediately kicked the ball. The ball slid into the right side of the goalpost. The Oman goalkeeper jumped, he was trying to get the ball, but too bad it was too late. The ball was successfully lodged in the net of Oman. Two minutes after the second half started, Japan managed to lead 2-1 from Oman.

On the touchline, Arragon celebrated the goal with his assistant, Miyatake. Arragon expressed his admiration for Kazuki, "He is on a different level. We are very lucky to have him."

Miyatake nodded in agreement, he said, "I think he is the missing piece of Japan's success. A success higher than the Asian Cup champion."

The spectators cheered, they were celebrating Kazuki's goal. Sounds of joy and screams of laughter filled Saitama Stadium. Japan national team players celebrate together. They hugged Kazuki and congratulated him on his first goal for the Japanese national team.

As Arragon predicted, Oman, who had taken the kick-off now ventured to control the ball. Against the Japanese national team, they at least wanted to achieve a draw, of course, if possible they also wanted to win. Getting into the world cup is the very main goal of every country in the world.

Unfortunately, Oman's efforts did not produce the results they had hoped for. Overall, Japan can reduce the threat posed by Oman. The presence of Hasebe and Yamaguchi as defensive midfielders was able to cut through the passes made by the Omani midfielder going forward.

On the other hand, with the advancement of the Oman midfielder, a certain gap was created between the defenders and the midfielders. The Omani defensive midfielder also went too far, so that in the 51st minute, Japan immediately punished the mistakes made by the Omani defensive midfielder.

Hasebe provided a flat pass forward. The ball passed the Omani defensive midfielder and was well received by Keisuke Honda. The Oman defensive midfielder who realized his mistake immediately turned around and chased after Keisuke Honda. However, the Japanese attacking midfielder dribbled the ball quite fast. Before the Omani midfielder reached him, Keisuke immediately gave a long pass to the right.

Kagawa received the ball and flicked it forward. He dribbled the ball slightly sideways to the center. This made the Omani left-back leave his post to chase Kagawa. At the same time, Okazaki escaped the offside trap while running to the right. Oman's slightly empty right position made it easier for Okazaki to receive the ball from Kagawa.

Two Oman center-backs chased Okazaki and closed the shooting range for Okazaki. However, Okazaki provided a pass to the left with accuracy. Kazuki broke free from Oman's right-back and sent a powerful shot towards the goalpost. The ball shot like a rocket into the Oman goal. Japan is again ahead of Oman. The score changed to 3-1. With this score, it is clear that Oman will find it very difficult to catch up with Japan's goals.

After Japan's third goal, Oman returned to playing passively. Japan had the ball dominantly, but Oman, who had piled up players in the penalty box, made it difficult for Japan to increase their advantage. Kazuki himself was also not as free as before. Two to three players were deployed to guard Kazuki's movements.

Oman continues to play like a turtle. The counterattack they had now become extremely violent. They only sent a long pass to the striker and expected the striker to score without the support of other players. This certainly makes it easier for Japan to anticipate Oman's counterattack.

Japan only managed to increase their advantage in the 91st minute through a penalty that Kazuki executed. In the 92nd minute, the referee blew the long whistle to mark the end of the match. Kazuki's debut in the Japanese national team ended perfectly, he managed to score a hat trick on his first appearance.

Kazuki's slick appearance in the Japanese national team made Kazuki's status in Japan rise drastically. Previously, Kazuki was just a well-known athlete, but now he is a very hot Japanese football star. There are many public figures from various fields who praised his appearance.. Of course, various companies also contacted Kazuki's agent asking the Southampton player to attend in a commercial or a cameo in a TV series and others.