The Football is my best Friend

Synopsis

Despite beginning training under Roberto, the Nankatsu squad still lacked both technical skill and stamina. 'Become friends with the soccer ball,' Roberto urges. 'Wake up at 5 AM for practice!'—Ishizaki and the others struggle to keep up with Roberto's grueling training. Meanwhile, Wakabayashi trains alone in the mountains to prepare for his showdown with Tsubasa. Even without him, Shuztetsu dominates their practice matches. Nankatsu's team steadily improves through training. As a final test, Roberto has Tsubasa stand in goal to receive shots, allowing him to understand the goalkeeper's movements and psychology. The day before the competition arrives. After pledging victory with his teammates, Tsubasa passes an unfamiliar boy. 'Who is that guy? He's got some great dribbling...'