「#05」

There’s just something about watching people desperately struggle against all odds and succeeding that I find incredibly moving. Seeing sheer unwavering determination pay off in the end tends to invoke heartfelt feelings in me as if I were sharing in the valiant attempt, which was the case in the second half of ETU’s match against Tokyo Victory. It was an emotional ride with huge ups and downs for the players as well, as things starting off on a rather promising note when Tatsumi got his team fired up with a substitution and strategy change of taking Tokyo Victory head-on in midfield. One of the focuses was of course on Tsubaki, since he felt responsible for getting yellow carded in the first half and giving Mochida a free kick to score the tying goal. Given the character development he had last episode, I was happy to see Tsubaki get re-focused fairly quickly with a few words of encouragement from Tatsumi and not let Mochida’s mind games get to him.

At the same time, I loved hearing ETU’s giant killing coach relay to his staff the winning determination he saw in the players’ eyes during the last practice and how it’s the most important thing in making a team better. Tatsumi is always calm and composed when he speaks of soccer seriously, so when he gives short motivational speeches like that, everyone just stops to pay attention. It’s a drastic change from his usual nonchalant and somewhat selfish self, which is what’s so unique about his character and why he’s so fun to watch. After a near goal by Tokyo Victory followed up by an actual one where Tsubaki felt at fault again, his observation of his players’ resolve when it was gut-check time with five minutes remaining further highlighted his exceptional abilities as a coach.

Pressed up against the wall, it was at this time that I could really sense the emotions start to swell up as I eagerly wanted to see ETU score a goal and tie the game. The key moment came when Murakoshi stepped up the bar, wondering what he’s been doing as the team’s captain all this time before, and Tatsumi yelled at him for thinking he can win by only thinking about not losing. Once that thought clicked and the music kicked in, I just couldn’t help but get goosebumps as Murakoshi charged the net with a one-two play off Gino and in an adrenaline and testosterone-filled surge of emotions, absolutely hammered the ball to into the opposing team’s net. His grunt and war-like cry of jubilation was deafening as the entire crowd was silenced in awe. Pardon my language, but that was absolutely fucken awesome. I still get chills and slightly teary-eyed watching that scene even now.

With the game ending in a draw like Tatsumi was originally hoping, it was good to see him and Murakoshi finally get back on relatively good terms with Mr. ETU reinstated as the team’s captain. The best part of that was how Tatsumi made him realize that he didn’t need the wishy-washy captain he was before, but one that would bring out the team’s true colors like when he scored his goal. With the stipulation that he has to follow Tatsumi’s instructions and understand his mindset while on the soccer field (a.k.a. pitch), report everything he notices about the players, and continue to improve himself as a player with no leeway given for mistakes, it was befitting of Tatsumi to encourage Murakoshi to try and get him dismissed if he really hates him. Next time, it looks like Tatsumi has to meet with the media after the drastic improvement seen in ETU.

 

Preview

14 Comments

  1. “Tatsumi is always calm and composed when he speaks of soccer seriously, so when he gives short motivational speeches like that, everyone just stops to pay attention. It’s a drastic change from his usual nonchalant and somewhat selfish self, which is what’s so unique about his character and why he’s so fun to watch.” >>> well said divine well said ^^

    Decoy
  2. Can’t wait to see this myself, and at this point the anime has caught up with the scanlation so from now on everything’s one big surprise for me. 🙂 And it’s good to hear they made the important moment with a lot of impact.

    Michael Chandra
  3. “”” Once that thought clicked and the music kicked in, I just couldn’t help but get goosebumps as Murakoshi charged the net with a one-two play off Gino and in an adrenaline and testosterone-filled surge of emotions, absolutely hammered the ball to into the opposing team’s net. His grunt and war-like cry of jubilation was deafening as the entire crowd was silenced in awe. Pardon my language, but that was absolutely fucken awesome. I still get chills and slightly teary-eyed watching that scene even now “”””

    Agreed, but instead of getting teary-eyed I was shaking, one of the best ‘powerful’ moments I’ve seen in any anime series

    Fate
  4. I was like “YEHHHHHH, GOL!!!” when Mr. ETU’s shot was shown in the back of the net. I’m surprised that this show made me react the same way as I do when the team I want to win in real football scores a crucial goal in a real match.

    KaraKara
  5. OOOOOH!!! Even though I knew EXACTLY what was going to happen, it still got me excited. ^___^ And I still really, really, REALLY like the slow-motion scenes and the use of music and sound to increase the impact.

    Michael Chandra
  6. I am so glad you are continuing to blog this show divine, especially after our last comment exchange made me think you wouldn’t! I’m not even a soccer fan, but after that goal was scored at the end, I was truly amazed how this show riled up my emotions. I credit the source material but mostly I credit the production staff for masterfully controlling the pace and atmosphere with music and slow-motion effects. That roar was just so….primal. It was bone-chilling.

    I’ll say it again.

    I. Love. This. Show.

    longtimefirsttime
  7. Tsubaki actually shows a lot of promise in the future. And Murakoshi does actually show promise too. So far there are only 3 players in ETU that moves the whole team. Hope they will get more player like Tsubaki, Gino, and Murakoshi

  8. Awesome episode. When Murakoshi scored the goal at the end of the game, I was like GOOOOOAAALLLL!!!!!! literally. Good thing no one was around when I did that lol.

    darkkodiak

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