The match had become a brutal war of endurance, tactics, and skill. EOS Team 2, without their top 10 players, was giving it everything against the Old Legends, proving that the new generation wasn't just there to watch—they were here to challenge.
1-1.
Both teams were relentless, refusing to back down.
The ball was in possession of Hiroshi Takeuchi, the iron-willed center-back of Osaka Vortex. His vision was sharp, scanning the field for weaknesses.
Seeing an opening, he sent a precise long pass to Ryohei Sakamoto, the midfield general.
Sakamoto instantly controlled the ball and, with a single glance, found the perfect route.
A low-driven through ball cut through the EOS defense like a knife—straight to Eiji Kobayashi, the Kyoto Flames' legendary long-range shooter.
Without stopping, Eiji launched a rocket of a shot from outside the box.
Boom!
The ball blasted toward the top corner of the goal.
Jin Kazama reacted instantly, diving at full stretch—
But the shot was too powerful!
Goal!
2-1!
The Old Legends took the lead again!
The EOS Team 2 players were breathing heavily, sweat dripping down their faces.
From the sidelines, Renji clenched his fists. "They can't let this shake them."
Sunil smirked. "Well, let's see how your juniors handle pressure."
Time was running out. The pressure was suffocating.
The Old Legends had switched to a defensive approach, controlling the game and shutting down every attacking route.
But EOS Team 2 wasn't giving up.
Isamu Oda, one of EOS's most physically dominant players, received the ball near the midfield. Instead of passing, he bulldozed forward, using his sheer strength to push through two defenders.
He powered his way into the attacking third, drawing defenders toward him.
Then, at the last moment—
A perfectly timed pass to Shohei Kuroda!
Shohei, known for his speed, didn't hesitate—
A rapid turn. A burst of acceleration. A direct shot!
Shogo Mizuki dived—
But the shot was too precise!
GOAL!
2-2!
The EOS players roared in triumph.
The Old Legends smirked, nodding in acknowledgment.
The referee blew the whistle.
"Time's up! The match ends in a draw!"
The players were panting, exhausted from the intense battle.
But it wasn't over yet.
The EOS coach stepped forward. "Since we have a tie, we'll settle this with a penalty shootout."
A deathly silence followed—then excitement exploded through the stadium.
Everything would now come down to one-on-one duels.
From the sidelines, Renji smirked. "Now we'll see who has the strongest nerves."
Sunil chuckled. "This is where real players shine."
The players took their positions.
The penalty shootout was about to begin.
To Be Continued…