Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 53

──Thursday, November 16, 2028

World Cup Asian Qualifiers: Round 5

vs Qatar (@Saitama Stadium 2002)

The echoes of the national anthem echoing through the stadium still hung in the air.

Saitama Stadium 2002 – a packed house.

Ren, dressed in the pure white Japan national team uniform, gently clenched his fists.

(Just a few more steps and we’re there. The World Cup will become a reality.)

Qatar. In this group, they are just behind Japan in the FIFA rankings.

They have proven skills even among Asian teams, and also carry the pride of having hosted the World Cup.

Nevertheless, the Japanese team went on the attack without hesitation.

On the front line were Mihara, Ando, ​​Kusaka, and Onizuka.

From behind him, Ren delivers pinpoint-like passes into space or at the player’s feet.

🟦【17 minutes into the first half】

Ando cuts in on the right side and passes to Ren.

He sent his eyes to Mihara on the opposite side, and as the opposing defender was lured in, Ren took advantage of that moment and made a ground-level pass.

Hisaka received the ball and finished directly.

To the bottom right of the goal.

“GAAAARRRRR!!”

🗣【Commentary: Former Japan National Team Midfielder】

“That pass wasn’t just ‘seeing’ the ball, it was ‘in sync’… Naoe-san, you’re already becoming a key player for the national team.”

Ren also shone on defense.

In the 20th minute of the second half, he slid his body in front of the opponent to cut off a sharp vertical pass from Qatar, then lost his balance and handed the ball over to his teammate.

A roar arose from the audience.

(I could read it. I wasn’t confused.)

At that moment, Ren’s expression was calm, but deep down, he had a definite feeling.

🟩【End of the game】

The front line scored the second and third goals, and Japan took the lead.

In the final minutes, Ise was brought on to replace Kai and solidified the midfield alongside Ren.

Seen from behind, the field looked spacious and illuminated, and it felt like I could go anywhere.

🌑【Ren: Voice from the heart】

“The world is not far away”

Just a few years ago, playing on the national team pitch was just a dream.

It’s different now. I feel like I’m supporting them.

📄【Match Results】

Japan 3 – 0 Qatar

📣【National team evaluation (next morning sports paper)】

“Naoe Ren sinks Qatar with world-class through passes and reading.”

“While Onizuka and Mihara are producing results, don’t forget that the ‘shadow ruler’ is the number 8.”

🗣【Director’s comment】

“Ren is one of the few players who can see the balance. His perspective is becoming indispensable to the national team.”