The existence of Suguru-san inside Kakeru-kun:
Is it real or just imaginary?
Kakeru sometimes appears to play like a different player,
so I cannot tell.
But, to Leonardo Silva,
the only one who shared the same point of view as Suguru,
it seems like an undeniable truth.
To Kakeru, bewildered by Silva's taunts,
I couldn't find any words to say.
Seven's Rival
Tokyo Soccer Park
Sorry.
I'm happy you invited me, but I can't today.
You always say that, but you never come on a date.
Let's go!
I've booked us a great place for lunch.
Mai-chan, you'd definitely like it.
But I have an important match today.
Could you call me again later?
As many times as it takes.
Thanks. Then, later. Bye-bye.
Hey, wai—
Coach Iwaki, I've finished.
Thank you very much.
Is it about time for you, Mishima-san?
Yes. I'll be going.
We'd all like to come cheer you on,
but the Shonan match is coming up, so...
I wish I could stay
at such an important time for you as well. I'm sorry.
Seven!
You're going already?
Yep. Do your best at practice.
Nana-chan!
Seven, when practice is over, I'll definitely come.
I'm off!
Wow...
Ishiki-san?
Nana-chan! To your right.
Ishiki-san!
Look at this crowd.
I thought maybe the press had ambushed you,
so I came to get you.
Thank you.
There's far more press today than usual.
I'd like to say it's the witch effect,
but actually there have been a number of problems.
Problems?
Coach will tell you more about it.
It's doctor's orders. It's unfortunate,
but I'll be on leave for a while.
No. Coach...
Are you sick?
Coach Goto...
He has a chronic disease of the heart.
If I rest for a while, there won't be any problems.
Don't scare us like that.
You're not young anymore, so don't overdo it.
But, then, who's going to be in charge of today's match?
Coach Goto...
Right. Takeda-kun, come in.
Takeda-san was
once a forward representing Japan
and has done commentary for us, Nadeshiko Japan,
for some time...
Takeda-san?
This is my card.
Here's my phone number.
You can call me whenever you want.
Excuse me, Takeda-san.
Coach Goto...
Don't worry.
Takeda-kun, I'm leaving it to you today.
Hello, I'm Takeda!
To think that I'd be a substitute coach
for my favorite Nadeshiko Japan, I'm so happy!
Let's enjoy today together.
Sorry, I'm late!
Nice to meet you, I'm Mai Murasaki.
Let's get along.
She's here! Amazing!
Honestly...
You're Little Witch?
Nana Mishima.
Nice to meet you, Murasaki-san.
But you're the little witch.
I hope to play below top in the match.
Hey, that's Nana-chan's position.
Right, Coach?
What should I do? I wonder.
Pretty please?
Mai-chan will be playing below top.
Coach, that's so arbitrary...
That's right.
Even putting Mishima-san aside,
having the new girl play...
I'll be fine.
If anyone else has a position they want to play, let me know.
You'll have more fun if you play the position you like.
This is the send-off match for Nadeshiko Japan
against the Nadeshiko league selection.
What a surprise.
Takeda-san, who has long done commentary with me,
has taken on the role of substitute coach.
Amazing, Takeda-san.
He appears to be giving
specific instruction to each of his players.
Chi-chan! Your hair looks great!
Tae-chan! Your make-up is perfect today as well!
Play some one-on-one with me, Mi-chan!
Do your best, Takeda-san.
I'll be cheering you on from the announcer's seat.
You're all awesome!
Today, in place of Takeda-san,
we have the ex-Nadeshiko Japan striker,
Makiko Yurikawa-san.
I look forward to working with you.
You as well.
Nadeshiko Japan's starting lineup is as follows.
Below top, we have a new player, Mai Murasaki.
Yurikawa-san, what do you think of this?
Let's see. The below top player assists in goals
but also needs to be able to attack the goal themselves.
Murasaki demonstrates both speed and penetration,
but can she use her abilities in a team setting?
I believe that will be the key today.
Like I said,
I know already.
A match isn't the same as practice.
I know.
Tae-san?
Her linkage plays from practice have been a little...
Tae-san, you've played with Murasaki-san before, right?
She's an amazing player,
but she plays inconsistently.
You could say it depends on how she feels.
I can feel Murasaki-san's intensity from over here.
Nana-chan?
Murasaki-san will be just fine.
It's the kickoff.
Murasaki-san
is always facing upfield
so she can attack the goal at any time.
Murasaki leaves the two forwards behind
and penetrates by herself!
Mai-chan, don't overdo it. Give Nana-chan the ball.
Murasaki's unique play slips past the defender.
You're a ball hog!
Fast sideways movement.
Speed alternating forward and back with feints.
Amazing!
Murasaki gets past one league selection player after another.
However,
here comes the veteran league defender, Soga!
This is what happens to girls who don't listen.
Let go of me!
Murasaki-san!
Witch! This is my ball.
Take...
this!
Goal!
Murasaki scores the first goal.
The appearance of a new Nadeshiko heroine!
Mai Murasaki
Mai-chan!
Amazing, Murasaki-san.
Nice goal.
Thanks,
but do you think it's okay to celebrate your rival's goal?
What?
I know! Let's wager our position on a contest.
The one who scores more goals is the below top.
Let's aim for the next goal.
We're getting started again, you two.
Let's go, Murasaki-san.
I'm sorry, Soga-san.
That girl was so fast.
She does have speed,
and power as well.
I can't underestimate her after that performance.
Don't mark Tae or Witch
after number 18 gets the ball.
Just move where I tell you to.
The game is starting again with the league selection's ball.
Yurikawa-san, what do you think of the match so far?
Let's see.
I would say I'm surprised by Murasaki's potential as a player,
but I cannot predict the outcome of this game.
You could also say, the flow of the game
will change greatly depending on how Murasaki plays.
Pass the ball around carefully.
There's no need to rush.
Here you go.
Nadeshiko's Ishiki intercepts the ball.
She sends the ball to the Little Witch, Nana Mishima.
What are you doing passing the ball so tightly?
The ball changes over from Mishima...
to Ishiki...
Nana-chan!
and back to Mishima.
Murasaki-san!
Then,
the ball goes to Murasaki.
It doesn't matter if you double team me.
See?
This is as far as you get.
Oh no!
Murasaki stumbles and loses the ball.
What?! That's the witch's mark!
Now! Let's go!
Mina! Shizuka!
This easy pass connects.
If you attack carelessly and independently,
the spaces left behind will be attacked.
It's important to minimize spaces like this,
but it doesn't look like they are cooperating well.
If the entire midfield pushes forward,
the distance between them and the defenders expands.
The defenders should fall in, but the timing was slow.
The presence of a player in the league selection team
who would aim for that spot should have been prepared for.
I won't make it!
Let's get this!
League Selection scores!
Nadeshiko's lead disappears in just five minutes!
Are you all right, miss?
I hope you keep up that attitude.
It'll really help us out.
Nadeshiko Japan vs JWSL Selection Send-off Match
It's 1-2 at the end of the first half,
going into halftime with the League Selection team ahead.
If we let her run wild like that,
we won't be able to follow.
At least put Mishima back in below top, like usual.
Nana-chan, do you want to play below top?
I don't think changing positions will help at this point.
Why's that?
It's true that they scored a tying goal
because Murasaki-san was targeted,
but the second goal was different.
Scared of another goal,
we clumped up too much in the middle
and they attacked from the side.
Right, right.
The fact that they keep aiming for long balls
is evidence that they are
aware of Murasaki-san's ball control.
All the more reason why Murasaki-san should be a forward
and Nana-chan should be below top.
It's what Coach Goto would have done.
Jeez...
That's no good.
Why not?! Nana-chan could do it.
Let's try playing like this for a little longer.
What happens when it's too late?
What should I do?
We've had enough!
They're so scary.
Coach...
Coach, what do you want from this match?
Obviously, I want to win.
Then...
What do you think I should do, Tae-chan?
Aren't you the coach?
You're the ones who are playing.
Hey, Tae-chan...
What kind of soccer do you want to play, Tae-chan?
I want to have fun playing soccer with everyone,
but, if we don't win the match, there's no meaning in it.
So that's what you were worried about?
If we lose, all that'll happen is I'll be fired.
I want to win playing soccer
that everyone wants to play.
Let's do that.
Nadeshiko Japan versus the League Selection Send-off match.
The second half is about to begin.
There don't appear to be any substitutions.
However, there does appear to be a change of position.
Ishiki is in the below top position.
Why would they put a powerfully decisive player
in the below top position at this time?
I'm not sure what they're thinking.
How will Takeda's decision work out?
I cannot take my eyes off this game.
Nana-chan, Mai-chan,
I'll leave the attack to you.
You stole my below top!
I pestered the coach for it.
Nana-chan, as always, attack where you can.
I'll leave that decision to you.
Okay.
Mai-chan.
Yes?
Why do you go off by yourself?
Because I'll stand out more that way.
Stand out?
When I have the ball, all eyes are on me.
Then maybe I'll have you stand out even more.
Really? Can I?
Of course.
I'm counting on you in the second half.
Nana-chan, do what you always do.
Let's have fun in the second half.
Okay.
Well, if that's how it is...
Mark the forward. Don't give them any space.
Yes!
This is a chance for the selection team.
Put pressure on the sides!
They're passing the ball around and
slowly moving into the Nadeshiko area.
You won't get through!
Go through!
Nakamura reads the pass.
Tae-san!
The ball goes to Ishiki below top.
Let's go, everyone.
Ishiki goes for a long dribble.
Mishima and Murasaki
are both being marked tightly,
so this is a good decision.
Ishiki's dribble avoids the concentrated middle area
and flows to the right.
Since Nana-chan became below top,
everyone figured once she got the ball, it would all work out.
I had forgotten how to do something by myself like Mai-chan.
She's past! Ishiki takes it in herself.
Tae's holding on to the ball for so long...
Everyone, bring up the line!
We're following Tae-san!
The Nadeshiko defense is opening up
a large space in front of the keeper.
This is a safer choice
than creating a space between the midfielders and the defenders.
Had they moved like this in the first half,
they wouldn't have lost that goal.
Soga-san.
Stay on your marks.
Don't let up.
They're coming up the center line.
If they could just choose one, it'd be nice,
but there are two of them to deal with.
It looks like they're suddenly feeling better, too.
I have to show Mai-chan that we're all playing together.
Ishiki sends the ball to the center.
It's long! This might be tough!
No! Keeper! It's a shot!
Goal! Nadeshiko ties it up.
Using both Mishima and Murasaki as bait until the end,
Ishiki scores a wake up goal.
A spectacular goal.
We cannot forget that Ishiki was able to score such a key goal
because the defenders filled in the space by raising their line
and prevented a counterattack.
Soga-san, are you all right?
Of course I'm not okay.
You've already got two lively ones on your side
and if you start playing like that, too,
there's no way we'll last.
Tae-san, nice goal.
I can't believe you used me as bait.
Number 18, what's your name?
It's Mai. What of it?
Mai. I'll remember that.
That goal belonged to the three of us— no, to everyone.
Next is Coach's ace-up-the-sleeve play.
I'll tell you two what it is.
Nadeshiko Japan has tied up the game.
Nadeshiko Japan vs JWSL Selection Send-off Match
Will they make a follow up goal,
or will League Selection make a comeback play?
Nadeshiko used Murasaki and Mishima as bait
to run that last play.
League Selection won't be able to mark as tightly this time around.
And look, below top is Mishima,
the forwards are Ishiki and Murasaki in a two top.
Go, everyone. Do your best!
It's tied up. We can win!
When did that girl...
There it is.
A national level below top soccer player
is offensive, fit, athletic, defensive, and technical.
All of these attributes are necessary.
Tae-san!
Mishima demonstrates her Witch Turn
and then a one-two with Ishiki.
Murasaki-san can reach it.
A pass like that won't connect.
The player who can send out that pass,
and the player who can receive it
are both on the field in blue uniforms.
Japanese women's soccer is changing.
Goal!
Mishima's powerful pass
connects with Murasaki's bicycle shot.
An amazing combination super goal.
Nadeshiko takes the lead!
Murasaki-san, amazing!
That was an amazing shot.
Stop calling me Murasaki.
Mai is fine.
Yeah, that was amazing.
No, two. Two for two goals.
The one who scores more goals plays below top.
That's right, Mai-chan. Two.
Two!
Nadeshiko defeats the selection team 5 to 2.
I was worried for a moment,
but in the end it turned out to be a spectacular match.
Ishiki's one goal,
Mishima's two goals, and Murasaki's two goals.
Looking at how these players played,
I have no criticisms of the new Nadeshiko Japan.
Murasaki, may I take a photo?
Yes! I'd like a shot from my right diagonal!
Nana-chan!
Yes!
Yes, it's me.
I've got an interesting scoop.
What's wrong?
It's the send-off match,
so we need a commemorative photo.
Get in there.
Are we ready?
Wait a moment!
I'll take it...
Witch,
the contest isn't over yet.
Mai-chan...
Seven, where could you be?
There are so many people.
Excuse me.
Kakeru!
But I did come after all.
Kakeru.
Yes?
Kakeru, it's me.
Kakeru, I'm glad.
What? Seven?
Why are you dressed like that?
Everyone from Nadeshiko...
It'll be better if we wait here a little longer.
If you go out like that, you'll be crushed.
Oh, man...
Does anyone have any ideas?
I know. Why don't you go with them?
So that's why I'm like this...
They seem like nice people.
Yep.
Looks like I can go home now, so let's go, Kakeru.
Yeah.
So, how was the match?
About that...
Good work, everyone.
That was great match.
I couldn't have done it.
Thank you very much.
Takeda-kun, I'm thinking about leaving the rest to you.
Coach!
I can't bring out plays like that.
You saw how Mishima and Murasaki played.
I'm counting on you.
I won't let you down.
The fruit of my labor as a coach is you, Ishiki.
Thank you for everything up to now, Coach Goto.
Takeda-kun, make sure you train those two.
Coach.
Coach Takeda.
My Coach Takeda!
The fruit of my labor as a coach is you all.
I'll do it!
Look at this crowd! Hear their cheers!
We, the Enoshima Eleven, have arrived on the field.
Things sure are different when you make it this far.
There are so many fans.
He's here, Kakeru.
Enoshima Broadcasting Club
Hello, everyone.
I am the king of the announcer's seat,
the broadcasting club's Yamanashi.
I'm Momoko Fukushima.
Enoshima High has won up until now,
but now begins the challenging top 16.
Today's opponent, Shonan, has given up zero goals.
They're a team with an iron defense.
The opposing Enoshima has scored 14 goals up until now,
a powerful offensive team.
Let's take a look at the Shonan players.
Watch out for number 2, Michael Honda.
With him in the middle, it wouldn't be strange
to call the defending "four rows" the best.
And the wielder of the cannon free kick,
who has scored all the winning goals up until now,
the first year defender, Koichi Hibino.
There's no doubt that avoiding giving this man
a free kick is going to be important.
Kakeru-kun, you'll definitely be playing in this match.
Answer my hopes.
Yes.
Continuing with Enoshima's starting lineup:
First, the goal keeper: third year, Akitoshi Ri.
The defenders are, as usual, in the two back system:
second years, Horikawa and Kaiouji.
Right forward: Kaoru Matoba.
Center forward, in for the usual Hino: Kudo.
Left forward: the Enoshima Tower, Michiro Takase.
Again with the "Enoshima Tower"?
The defensive midfielders: Captain Sawamura,
in the middle, attacking and defending: Ryoma Oda,
on the right side: first year, Yakumo.
The offensive midfielders: Makoto Hyodo, a.k.a. Mako-chan,
and, of course, this man: Ryuichi Araki, number 10.
Take a look, he's arrived at the final tournament
in his best condition at last.
The genius midfielder and the pride of Enoshima High,
the magician in the second line, Ryuichi Araki!
With magic-like technique, will he lead Enoshima to victory?
Araki-kun!
Stay thin!
My body feels light.
The inter-high Kanagawa selection match to decide
the Top 8 is about to begin!
Next Episode Iron Wall!! Four Rows
Finally, the fateful face-off
against Kakeru's old friend, Koichi Hibino,
who is unable to heal from his past trauma.
Called number one
in Kanagawa, Shonan's defense,
the "four rows."
Kakeru suppresses his wavering spirit
and attempts to
break though this wall as a striker.
Against Kakeru, Hibino's special attack,
the cannon free kick, mercilessly attacks.
Next time on Knight in the Area,
episode 19: "Iron Wall!! Four Rows."
Seven, I'm going to score this time!