It’s Japan versus Italy in the opening game of the tournament, and tensions are running high. Team Japan’s tempers are flared over Italy’s previous comments about how they weren’t worth their time back before the practice match that never was. Still, having been handed the position of captain from Matsuyama, Tsubasa rises to the occasion. Italy may have Tsubasa marked, but he responds with some characteristic fighting spirit.
He adds his left hand
and manages to stop it!
Avec sa main gauche,
il a stoppé l’effet du ballon !
Ha fermato la rotazione della palla
usando anche la sinistra!
Ele usa a outra mão
e controla a bola!
Левой рукой он погасил
импульс мяча!