The International competition for Japan is steep, a self-evident truth to fans and players alike as Japan and Argentina clash on the pitch. But Tsubasa’s head isn’t in the game, thanks to a figure from his past. A preoccupied Tsubasa and a high-pressured match are just the ingredients for genius midfielder Juan Diaz and his childhood friend Pascal to seize the opportunity to show Japan what they’ve got. And Team Japan knows they need a victory to move forward. Later, with Jun Misugi stepping onto the pitch, Japan launches the first of a multistage comeback. Meanwhile, formidable and lightning-fast European and South American teams continue to duke it out. But it’s not long before Japan’s true battle begins: first is a yellow card, then an ejection with torrential downpours. Injuries plague Japan. It’s just what they’ve feared—penalty kicks, blood, sweat, rain, and tears.