312 Qualifier finals XXIX
After kicking the ball forward where literally no-one from either side was present, Lee Jun sprinted towards the ball while making full use of his legs. Literally it was like, he was making a pass to himself. nove(l)bi(n.)com
That scrawny looking back of Lee Jun which although wasn't huge, felt quite huge and broad to Takumi at this moment. Not only was that back obstructing his vision, it was also casting an eerie dark shadow over him.
This scene made the crowd go wild with excitement and frustration. Although his legs weren't particularly long and he wasn't taking huge leaps either yet still as both of his legs moved in quick succession, it didn't take Lee Jun long enough to reach the ball.
And all this while, Takumi who was chasing after Lee Jun could do nothing but helplessly continue his pursuit. Immediately as soon as Lee Jun reached the ball, he then took a quick peek at the opposing box and shot the ball towards the penalty box of the opposing team without any delay or hesitation. The ground rumbled as players of both the team ran like crazy while desperately charging towards the ball. But the next moment an intense feeling of joy overcame the anxiousness of the opposing fans as they witnessed an incredible scene taking place in the box. Their eyes glittered with shiny lights while their lips curled into a smile. As there's a saying, "hero's arise at times of desperation"
In similar fashion when Korean fans desperately wanted a hero, the hero which they desperately hoped for, made an appearance in the form of Park Seung-Gyu. Getting to the ball before anyone else, he kindled the hopes of both his teammate and the fans who supported his team.
South Korea got their hero, but what about Japan? Where was their hero? Had fate forsaken them?
This scene made their already bitter face even more bitter as many of the Japanese fans grabbed their head out of frustration and cried out frantically, "Urgh..."
Off the pitch, the joy of Korean fans clashed against the frustration of the Japanese fans while on the pitch, the desperation of players of both the team clashed against each other as they all made an one last attempt to change the outcome of the game.
Beeeeeeeep!!
Alas! This intense match finally came to an end as the referee sounded his whistle.
In the stands several people became expressionless as their face became ghastly pale. Perspiration continuously ran down their face but they couldn't bring themselves to move their body. With their eyes opened wide, they simply stood frozen at their place like a statue.
For an instance a collective silence engulfed the stadium. "Yeahhhhhhhh!!!"
Just after the brief silence, a victorious yell erupted in the stadium which in-turn caused the whole stadium to go wild. Sounds of cheers and applause resonated throughout the stadium afterwards. "Team Japan have finally done it.... They have finally won this neck and neck game after such a thrilling, nerve wrecking battle...."
The commentator was full of praises of Japanese players. The joy and thrill which he was feeling right now was evident in his tone. At the nick of time, luck shone on Japanese side as that last save made by Shun allowed Japan to fortify their victory over the opposing team who at the last moment was just an inch closer to take this game into extra time.
After the ball touched Shun, it's path got slightly changed causing it to derail from it's original path. And upon derailing from it's original path, it missed the post and instead hit the pole. However even after hitting the pole instead of deflecting inside the post or deflecting back, it deflected sideways; away from the box. Luck was so cruel that the opposing team weren't even awarded a corner kick to salvage themselves. If only the ball would have crossed the goal-line, be it of the post or away from the post, they'd still have chance to redeem themselves.
But the ball simply deflected sideways away from the goal-line; away from the box which in turn led the referee to blow his whistle.