Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 41

──Thursday, October 12, 2028

World Cup Asian Final Qualifiers: Round 3 (Away vs UAE)

Four days after the match against Dortmund, Ren is in the United Arab Emirates.

It was at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

A dry wind blows across the pitch.

Abu Dhabi at night. The illuminated grass looked somehow white.

(Here too – fight)

Ren took a deep breath and stood in the center of the pitch next to Kai.

Immediately after the kickoff, the Japanese team quickly took the lead.

Kai’s interception, Ren’s move, and Hisaka’s floating ball.

The opponent was unable to raise their line and was pushed back.

17 minutes into the first half.

Ren pulls the ball out in the midfield,

A beautiful long pass to Mihara on the left wing.

From there, Mihara cut in, Ando passed it back, and Onizuka sunk it.

1-0.

Japan maintained its rhythm, and just before the end of the first half,

Ren intercepts the ball, and Hisasaka gives it a one-touch, allowing Mihara to add another point.

2-0.

Second half.

The UAE counterattacked, but Japan’s final line remained strong.

Ren repeatedly filled the gap between Tomita and Takaguchi,

Kai was on the ball throughout the 90 minutes, reaping every second ball.

And then the 83rd minute of the second half.

Ise, who replaced Kuze, received a pass from Ren and took a mid-range shot.

The shot goes into the right side of the goal.

3-0. A complete victory.

After the match, Ren stopped in the interview area to answer questions from reporters.

“What was the reason for today’s victory?”

“…There was no hesitation on the part of the team.

Every decision was based on “common understanding.”

I think that’s the difference in the results.”

“Common understanding” – those were the most valuable words to Ren right now.

Hotel room at night.

Ren was quietly looking through today’s media articles about him.

📰 “Midfield ruler, Naoe Ren. Dominating the game in three consecutive national team matches.”

📰 “The true value of a ‘thinking midfielder’. Naoe, the man who holds the key to the World Cup”

📰 “Has the problem of a lack of depth in the defensive midfielders been completely resolved?”

But then he put his phone down and stood up.

(Still not satisfied)

What’s on our mind is the next game – playing an even more perfect match.

And then, go back to the club and don’t give up on “getting the message across.”

Next → Episode 42 “The Next Step”

The team is showing stability amid consecutive matches. They are on track to win four games in a row. The future is starting to take shape.

—————

Keito Ise

Age: 25

Position: Central midfielder/attacking inside half (main position is number 8, but can also play number 10 and number 6)

Height and weight: 176cm, 67kg

Playing style:

He excels at making an appearance thanks to his excellent positioning.

Maintain a middle position to create rhythm

He doesn’t have a strong personality, but he’s the lubricant of the attack.

Although he is sometimes weak in defence, he has a lot of energy.