Giant Killing episode 21 + 22

Perhaps the last game we’ll see in this twenty-four episode show before it ends – the Osaka Gunners are the players to beat, although I can’t imagine a comeback the way ETU has been playing lately.  Notably, Gino has been disappointing the first half since he keeps sending balls over and out – it could be perhaps a strategy to wear out the other team.

Regardless, it wouldn’t be Tatsumi if he didn’t play on conceding two goals.  Was it really planned though, because you could see him getting pissed off at the fact that his team wasn’t really doing anything to prevent the goalscoring.  Needless to say, Kuroda’s mismatch against Hauer proved to be decisive as for one second he loses his man and the Dutchman scores a powerful header.  1-0 already gone.

It was a big surprise to me to see  that Kubota was the Gunner’s ace card, receiving every important loose ball.  Sugie missed him at almost every opportunity – as a result, Kubota scores the decisive second goal starting from his very own play-making skills .  I’m really not expecting anything from ETU, but it turns out that Tatsumi wanted the entire first half for his defenders to simply enjoy the game.  As the second half begins, all of ETU’s defenders are not only doing their jobs but it’s entirely John Terrys and Sergio Ramoses on the field, blocking every ball and essentially ending every Osaka attack.

And now it seems that the problem is now with the strikers, their determination, and their communication.  Even though the defenders may be doing their job, it means nothing if the strikers can’t finish the balls.  Gino seems to be getting pissed off at the lack of effort, but the midfield seems to be doing fine.  I think – Osaka’s defense doesn’t look that great despite having national players so I guess Natsuki and Sera will have an easier time doing what they need to do.  ETU for the win.  I didn’t write ftw because that would look weird with two three-lettered acronym.