Giant Killing
By Masaya Tsunamoto
A truly great coach makes the game of soccer interesting! Tatsumi Takeshi is 35 and has spent the last few years coaching in England before being brought back to Japan to coach his old team. His favorite pastime? Causing giant upsets a.k.a. Giant Killing! From the genius behind U-31.
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Giant Killing Volume 1 · Chapter 1
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First Volume
Giant Killing
Volume 1
A truly great coach makes a game of soccer interesting! Tatsumi Takeshi is 35 and has spent the last few years coaching in England before being brought back to Japan to coach his old team. His favorite pastime? Causing giant upsets a.k.a. Giant Killing! From the genius behind U-31.
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Most Recent Volume
Giant Killing
Volume 60
ETU’s getting used to fourth-place Iwata’s full-pitch man-to-man defense, and it’s ready to stage a counterattack! Tsubaki breaks through opposing keeper Stoch’s wall to finally put his team on the board…but Iwata’s veteran coach Kurashige is tightening the reins on his own side. It’s a must-win match for both teams, but who will come up to win it when the final whistle’s blown?!
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All Volumes
61 Volumes Available
Giant Killing
A truly great coach makes a game of soccer interesting! Tatsumi Takeshi is 35 and has spent the last few years coaching in England before being brought back to Japan to coach his old team. His favorite pastime? Causing giant upsets a.k.a. Giant Killing! From the genius behind U-31.
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Giant Killing
It’s time to build a team! However, Tatsumi’s unconventional coaching methods threaten to break them apart before the season even begins!
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Giant Killing
The preseason match heads toward its conclusion, and the season finally starts! Coach Tatsumi brings out strong feelings in everyone.
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Giant Killing
Who could have expected five straight losses under Tatsumi’s new leadership? But what’s truly scary isn’t losing—a good coach knows how to lose! The players are tired, the fans listless, and yet Tatsumi’s eyes are ever facing forward, shining brightly!
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Giant Killing
ETU is clashing with their new coach’s style! Neither the team nor the players have made any progress, but the coach continues to have faith! And in ETU’s hour of weakness, the Brazilian trio strikes! Zelberto cuts through their lines; Carlos rushes forward; and Pepe devours! ETU is constantly on the defensive, but is it all just part of Tatsumi’s trap?
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Giant Killing
The position battle intensifies! Eleven players stand on the field! What does Tatsumi look for in a forward? With the addition of Natsuki and his bountiful expressions and personalities, Sera’s usual enthusiasm is put to the test. Meanwhile the seasoned veteran Sakai watches and waits for his opportunity. Which of these three forwards will Tatsumi choose?
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Giant Killing
The blue-eyed leader of the Gunners, Dulfer, and his unwavering faith in beautiful football makes his debut! The preparations have been made. All that’s left is to hash it out on the field! Thanks to Dulfer’s beautiful football, the Osaka Gunners haven’t lost all season. Four players take aim, and four players shoot! Will these four magnificent and heroic players crush ETU’s hopes of victory?
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Giant Killing
The match against Osaka Gunners continues. With the first half over, ETU is two points down and the atmosphere in the locker room is melancholic. But Tatsumi is certain that if they can enjoy the game, they’ll win! As expected(?), Tatsumi lays out his plan for a great counterattack!
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Giant Killing
Players who overcome strategy are a coach’s joy! ETU is quickly evening the score, shaking Dulfer’s beliefs! ETU dashes towards the point Tatsumi envisions! And after the match, the stage moves to Tsubaki-kun’s hometown in the middle of nowhere.
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Giant Killing
The Olympic team has taken Akasaki. Murakoshi and Prince have to sit out the next game! And to top if all off, Tatsumi wants to hold a curry party! The Kawasaki match is next, but the game captain is… Daisuke Tsubaki?!
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Giant Killing
Amidst torrential rain, the match against Kawasaki goes on. ETU is pressed but finds the strength to keep on fighting. The veteran players, who know best what it means to be a club, unleash their latent power! It’s their turn to answer Tatsumi’s iron faith!
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Giant Killing
The Tokyo Derby begins! But Hiraizumi remains unmoved when Tatsumi’s plans expose Tokyo V’s weaknesses. The pride of the players of a famous club is just waiting for the moment to change the team!
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Giant Killing
A one-point lead against Tokyo V! But with the king’s awakening, ETU gets stuck on the back foot! Can they endure this beating and escape with a victory? Plus, a new event—here comes the All Stars arc!
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Giant Killing
The summer festivites end in victory with Tatsumi and Sakura taking control! Now, as ETU prepares for the second half of the league, rumors of Ishihama transferring surface. And Tatsumi goes to meet a traveler!
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Giant Killing
Even in the early days, Tatsumi’s love for football was great. His striking style of play threatened even the famous Tokyo Victory, so much so that the world finally seems to be shifting favor toward him. The club’s hopes pinned on his talents, what does he think of everyone’s rising expectations of him?
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Giant Killing
Takeshi Tatsumi: 35 years old, professional soccer coach for East Tokyo United. His favorite dish? Taking down "giant" clubs, i.e. Giant Killing!
The summer mid-season break means it’s time for a training camp! This is the team’s precious time to prepare themselves for the second half of the league. Tatsumi asks the players, "What do you think I want from you?" Put on your thinking caps, boys!
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Giant Killing
ETU’s summer training camp has opened a new chapter for the club, with a completely new starting lineup and two players joining the roster. It’s ETU against FC Sapporo to kick off the second half of the season, but things quickly start to feel a little too reminiscent of the disastrous season opener...
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Giant Killing
Following a gutsy goal from Murakoshi, ETU breaks out of its slump and rides high in the second half against Sapporo! With their summer training camp clearly bearing fruit, the whole team’s raring to get on a hot streak! But there’s never any telling when a trap may catch them from unexpected places ...
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Giant Killing
In the second half of the rainy match against Wissel Kobe, Tsubaki finally steps up and performs! With the wind at their backs, ETU extends their unbeaten streak to six ... but at a potentially heavy cost. Their next opponent is Montebia Yamagata, managed by a man infatuated with Tatsumi—but despite that respect, the team proves strangely difficult for ETU to deal with ...
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Giant Killing
Motebia Yamagata is nothing but defense, defense, defense -- but camping out in front of their own goal won’t earn them any points. They need to go on the offensive, and coach Sakura thinks the time for change is right now. It’s exactly the reborn Yamagata that Tatsumi feared! And who’s the real playmaker on the Yamagata team, the one that put even Tsubaki on edge?
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Giant Killing
Sakura, coach of Montebia Yamagata, is adopting the “Komori System”—and Tatsumi was ready for it. But after an unexpected accident, the tables are turned and ETU are forced to go on the defensive! Something’s got Tatsumi’s preoccupied on the bench…but it isn’t long before he responds, with a couple of exciting new presences on the pitch!
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Giant Killing
The game against Monetbia Yamagata is about to wrap up! From start to finish, it’s been a battle of wits between Tatsumi and rival manager Sakura. How will it turn out?!
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Giant Killing
It’s ETU pitted against the Kawasaki Frontier and their powerhouse offense! It doesn’t take long for the game to turn into an extended shooting match—and the vice-president of Oedo Express is in the audience! Is ETU in danger of losing their main sponsor?
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Giant Killing
The match against the all-powerful Kawasaki nears its conclusion! When the barrage of goals finally settles down, who’s going end this match for good?!
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Giant Killing
Once upon a time, ETU all but collapsed after Tatsumi left to play in England. The United Skulls supporters group has constantly cheered for the team since, ever faithful to its players…but now a frustrated Hata and his group confront the vice-president of the team, airing their grievances. What will happen when Tatsumi, the Skulls’ sworn enemy, enters the fray?!
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Giant Killing
ETU’s chugging along, placed sixth in the standings—but Chiba manager Mirkovic’s strategy hits them like a brick wall in the first half of their showdown. Even worse, there’s signs of unrest among the supporters behind the goal. But in flies Tatsumi with some key positional changes after the half—and diehard fan Goro Tanuma’s fateful decision gives ETU a new public face to show!
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Giant Killing
After a pitched battle against JEM United Chiba, ETU moves on to the next stage! In the midst of this, the lineup for Japan’s U-22 national team is announced...and features some shocking names! Later, in the midst of the long, hot summer stretch, a mysterious visitor appears at ETU’s clubhouse door...
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Giant Killing
Tsubaki and Akasaki have been picked for Japan’s national U-22 men’s team. Between the cryptic message Tatsumi left them with and a whole litany of new teammates at training camp, Tsubaki begins to feel the pressure of representing everything Japan can do on the pitch...but a chance encounter with a former rival in the league helps him see things in a different light. And just in time, too, because the qualifying matches looming ahead will decide whether Team Japan will play in the Olympic Games!
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Giant Killing
Something wasn’t right—a small, but fatal seam. The time has come to gauge what needs to be changed…
Freed from the intense responsibility of playing for Team Japan in the U-22 Olympic qualifiers, Tsubaki and Akasaki are finally back with ETU! But the team lost both of their Japan Cup matches, and they’re still dragging that behind them. Everyone’s off their game, and even worse, Tatsumi isn’t taking any measures to address it… But even with the sketchy atmosphere in the locker room, it’s time for them to hit the road and play against Urawa!
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Giant Killing
ETU is on a worryingly unprecedented three-game losing streak. Tatsumi silently watches on, not making any major moves...but the next day, he assembles the team for a blockbuster announcement. The soccer genius whose ETU success lasted all too short a time is making a shocking attempt at a comeback! Can his legs conjure up miracles again, and if so, how will the team react?
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Giant Killing
Change needs to happen at ETU...and that change is now personified by Sugie, the new team captain. Their next match is a rainy fixture at Nagoya Granpalace, a team coached by ex-ETU manager Fuwa. He lost to them the last time around, but with their solid defense, he’s not looking to repeat history. In fact, he may just change it!
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Giant Killing
ETU ends the first half down, completely unable to shut down the opponent’s red-hot striker Pepe. Every player in the locker room struggles to fend off their depression...but as they huddle up for the second half, it’s clear they’re not broken yet! Now all they have to do is trust in Tatsumi’s plan...and keep going!
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Giant Killing
Just when things look bleakest for ETU, Natsuki’s super goal brings them to within one. The team’s regaining its momentum, and now Tatsumi’s ready to reach into his bench. It’s 3-2 in the second half, but there’s no telling how it’ll turn out yet! The thrilling match against Nagoya Granpalace reaches its finale!
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Giant Killing
After a hard-fought victory against Nagoya, ETU’s got a brand-new goal on its mind—winning the championship title! Now that Tatsumi’s said it out loud for the first time, the whole team is revved up…but their next opponent is Osaka Gunners, a team that’s already evolved themselves to the point that they’re the league’s solid frontrunners. ETU’s next mission: get psyched, score another win, and knock Osaka off of the top spot!
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Giant Killing
ETU goes into halftime with a 1-0 lead over the first-place Osaka Gunners. Everyone’s reeling with excitement, but a few choice words from Tatsumi makes the team change their expression fast... The only way to conquer experience is by changing, and growing, fast. It’s time for ETU to win and blaze a future for themselves, as the dramatic second half begins!
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Giant Killing
Fifteen minutes to go against Osaka, and ETU’s finally taken the lead! Tsubaki’s focusing all his attention on Kubota, making sure the Gunners can’t seize the momentum back—but the team’s young ace is about to launch a ferocious attack. And after the match is over, the league’s going on a quick break...as a new slate of Team Japan international friendlies kicks off!
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Giant Killing
The members of Japan’s national team playing over in Europe are finally back in their homeland—and now Tsubaki knows all too well how much he’s outclassed! He goes into their international friendly with his confidence completely shot, even though his family and ETU teammates are hoping he’ll make his playing debut for the all-ages Team Japan. It’s time for a passionate battle for pride against Scotland—even as Tatsumi grumbles that “not playing would be better for him”!
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Giant Killing
One of South America’s strongest national sides is visiting Japan! Led by team director Peña, who’s got it more than a little in for Japan boss Blanc, the starting eleven is packed with powerhouses ready to break everything out against their “inferior” opponents! Who ever heard of an international friendly like this? And will Tsubaki get his first chance to play for his country? Uruguay vs. Japan is ready to kick off!
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Giant Killing
After being overwhelmed early on by South American powerhouse Uruguay, Japan’s “A” national team is behind by a goal as they kick off the second half. Coach Blanc, trying to turn the tide, subs in two new players—Kubota from Osaka, and Tsubaki, making his Team Japan debut. His first experience with international soccer might fill him with anxiety and excitement—but no matter how it turns out, his career will never be the same!
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Giant Killing
Eight matches remain in the league season, and ETU’s still within arm’s reach of the title—and if that isn’t enough good news, Team Japan’s just come knocking on their players’ doors again! But somehow, their manager seems less than thrilled about this. When a team’s hot, after all, that’s exactly when they need to watch out for pitfalls! It’s an important lesson to remember as they face off against Kofu—and against Tatsumi’s former teammate Ishihama!
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Giant Killing
With ETU’s game against Vanguard Kofu (home of former teammate Ishihama) settled, League Japan takes a break so the national team can play! With Tsubaki joining the U-22 squad as they fly to Vietnam for a match, Natsuki—who’s made Team Japan for the first time in his career—is joining the main side as they play Honduras at home. How will each of their battles go?
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Giant Killing
The famed Kaminarimon gate in eastern Tokyo is mobbed—not with tourists, but with an unexpectedly huge throng of ETU fans! With excitement running high and Tatsumi himself making an appearance, the team’s fan rally (part of the leadup to the Tokyo Derby match with their crosstown rivals) is a major success. ETU’s hosting Tokyo Victory at home, and expectations are running sky-high. Can they win the Derby for the first time in ten years? They better, because if they want a shot at the title, this is one match they can’t afford to lose!
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Giant Killing
The third Tokyo Derby of the season is underway—and this time, ETU’s playing at home! Both teams effectively stop each other for the first twenty minutes, with no shots on goal from either side…until a key set piece from Tokyo Victory star Mochida quickly upsets the balance! But Mochida’s looking to achieve a lot more than just a win for his team this match. Can ETU avoid getting overwhelmed by his menacing presence?
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Giant Killing
The Tokyo Derby heats up—and with Mochida proving to be a monster on the pitch, the first half ends with Tokyo Victory two goals ahead! But Tatsumi fights back by subbing in Ishigami, a veteran and tough defender. It’s up to him—and the entire ETU team—to put Tokyo V off their game and seize the initiative once more!
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Giant Killing
The final stages of the red-hot Tokyo Derby match are here! After falling two goals down, ETU’s come roaring back to tie up the score—but Tokyo Victory, the champions of this rivalry, are putting their pride and faith on the line for this much-needed win. But after an intense back-and-forth, it’s Mochida—hungry for a spot on Japan’s national team—that gets the game moving anew!
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Giant Killing
The entire nation of Japan is waiting with bated breath for Blanc to announce the lineup for Team Japan at the upcoming Asian Cup…but meanwhile, there are five more league matches to go! ETU, in fourth place, is facing Shimizu next, a tough team they have yet to beat this year. The whistle’s about to blow for a tumultuous part of the season, one where thoughts about the national team share space in players’ minds with an insatiable thirst for the league title!
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Giant Killing
ETU has defeated second-place holders Shimizu! Tsubaki, the only ETU player in Team Japan’s “A” squad, is off to the UAE to play in the Asian Cup! Between international pride and local ambition, Japan’s players are bringing a ton of heat to the pitch every day! It’s time to see who’s really the best on the Asian continent!
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Giant Killing
In their first Asian Cup match against Kuwait, Team Japan deploys a side mostly consisting of players from their domestic league. This means national-team stalwarts like Alec, Kiryu, and even #10 Hanamori will start the tournament on the bench! What could Blanc be thinking? And will younger League Japan players like Kubota be able to make the most of this killer chance? Blanc’s Team Japan is aiming for the stars as it fights against its opponents…but the fight within the team is proving just as hot!
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Giant Killing
Team Japan’s kicked off the Asian Cup tournament in the best way possible against Kuwait—and Hanamori, their ace striker, is on the starting eleven against Jordan, their next opponent. Even better…he’ll be joined by Tsubaki and Kubota!
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Giant Killing
Team Japan has defeated China and earned its ticket to the Asian Cup knockout stages. Their first opponent: the United Arab Emirates, one of the powerhouses of the Middle East. And they’re not the only threats, either. The best young players in Asia, along with their coaches, are all ready to take on Japan with their world-class teamwork in pursuit of the championship!
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Giant Killing
Ismail’s free kick on goal lets the UAE score first against Japan, defending champions in the Asian Cup! Team Japan never expected to have to play catch-up this early on, and once the second half begins, they finally start to get more aggressive with their moves. The UAE, meanwhile, make full use of their killer home field advantage to dictate the pace of play. It’s a battle between obstinate players, pensive managers, and two team aces willing to put it all on the line. Can Japan find a way out of this crisis?!
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Giant Killing
In the Asian Cup quarterfinal against the UAE, Japan ties it up with a goal by Hanamori after a nimble passing sequence involving Kubota and Tsubaki. The team keeps pressing, never easing on the attack, but UAE striker Ismail and his team look for a chance fight back, buoyed by the enthusiastic home crowd. Before long, the fatigue begins to catch up with Team Japan. Can they capitalize on a corner kick earned through their erudite teamwork? Who has what it takes to move the momentum and score the next goal?
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Giant Killing
Japan’s next opponent in their quest for back-to-back Asian Cup titles is Australia! This powerhouse, featuring a litany of players with European experience, wields their formidable physical strength as their greatest weapon. Tsubaki, who scored the winner against the UAE, is in top form for this match, along with fellow Olympic squadmate Kubota and Hanamori, the team’s ace striker. What game plan does Coach Blanc have in mind for this scorching-hot contest? What tactics is he expecting the starting eleven to execute for him? Fan expectations are running high, as both teams stake their pride and determination on the start of this fierce battle!
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Giant Killing
In the Asian Cup semifinal, Japan takes an early 2-0 lead over Australia thanks to strong performances from the still-hot Olympic duo of Tsubaki and Kubota, along with team ace Hanamori. But after an early tactical change, Australia gradually begins to retake control. Koval, their young ace, creates a huge chance with his golden left foot, leading to a goal—and then the team scores again with one of their trademark aerial plays, tying things up just before halftime. Japan tries to reclaim the lead, but face formidable opposition from striker Sullivan and goalkeeper Baker… Can Japan break through this Asian wall and advance to the final?
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Giant Killing
Japan takes an early 2-0 lead against Australia in the Asian Cup semifinal, thanks to strong performances from the Olympic heroes Tsubaki and Kubota—to say nothing of Hanamori, their top star. But after an early tactical readjustment, Australia gradually regains control, tying the game just before halftime. Japan tries to swiftly retake the lead, but instead concedes a third goal to Australian striker Thomas Sullivan. Coach Blanc feels obliged to send Yotaro Natsuki, his wild card, into the match…but can Japan figure out a way through this barrier and into the final?
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Giant Killing
The clash of wills just keeps on going as the Asian Cup semis reach their climax! Tsubaki makes his team proud by scoring the go-ahead goal, but when something beyond unexpected happens to his cherished teammate Kubota, he hardly knows how to react… Meanwhile, over in Japan, ETU’s steadily prepping for the upcoming Tengu Cup! It’s their big chance to reclaim the spotlight in the final stretch of the season, but these warriors in red and black will need to fight like never before for it!
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Giant Killing
The Asian Cup break is over, and ETU’s reserve squad takes the field for the first match of the Tengu Cup. With four league games to go, Tatsumi’s leaving nothing to chance as he strives to boost team unity and considers the future of his bench players. Tsubaki, meanwhile, was behind the play that knocked Japan out of the Asian Cup semifinal, and he still hasn’t recovered much from the blow. What—or who—will be key in getting his mind back in the game?
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Giant Killing
With Oita scoring an equalizer just before the half-time whistle, the atmosphere in the ETU locker room couldn’t be much worse. The players know the opponent they’re supposedly fighting today, but for some reason, they’re all getting haunted by their past traumas. Will Tatsumi’s "exorcism ritual" snap them out of it? It better, because Tsubaki’s about to get subbed in, and he knows the only way to make up for on-field lapses is with on-field results! Can he rev up his engines again and get ETU rocketing toward the title?!
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Giant Killing
The new system ETU’s playing under is paying off, but the team will need to keep applying their tactical analysis skills as they take on fourth-place Iwata in an away match! This opponent brings up bad memories of the 4-0 blowout that kicked off the season, but as they say in Japan, a true Tokyoite never loses to the same opponent twice! It’s time to shake off the past and secure victory…but Kurashige from Iwata has some unconventional tactics to try on them!
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Giant Killing
ETU’s getting used to fourth-place Iwata’s full-pitch man-to-man defense, and it’s ready to stage a counterattack! Tsubaki breaks through opposing keeper Stoch’s wall to finally put his team on the board…but Iwata’s veteran coach Kurashige is tightening the reins on his own side. It’s a must-win match for both teams, but who will come up to win it when the final whistle’s blown?!
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Coming Soon
Giant Killing
The season’s entering its final stretch! As ETU prepares to face the first-place Kashima side in a crucial match, Tatsumi reveals a new secret strategy during a closed-door practice session! Meanwhile, Kashima welcomes back Ayrton, a club legend who’s made an emergency trip back to Japan…
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