Shooting Trajectory is Visible - Chapter 247



Only Krnovel

Episode 247: Aftereffects

‘It was dangerous.’

I almost got eaten even though I knew it because my view was blocked by a wall of players.

Fortunately, the final evolution of Yasin’s Eye was able to block it because it was faster at generating trajectories than before, and it was much more intuitive to see when the shot would come.

“KIM!

“YOU MONSTER! YOU MONSTER!”

The effect of blocking a deflected shot that one could only look at in vain even though one knew it was coming was great.

My teammates treated me like I was some kind of national hero, while the opposing team players all sighed and lowered their heads.

Just with that one save, the morale of our team was absolutely shattered, and the shadow of defeat was cast upon the enemy.

“Everyone calm down and prepare for what happens next.”

Fortunately, the ensuing corner kick situation was resolved well. And then the game returned to a battle for control.

Score 1:0.

Both teams had crucial chances, but one team failed to score and the other team succeeded.

In this situation, it is obvious which team is going with the flow and which team is going to lose steam.

‘It looks like we’ll get another goal soon.’

After a brief moment of tension, Brentford began to push back endlessly. This was because our players were so confident that their shoulders were high, while the opposing players were buried in the basement.

Naturally, Manchester United’s offensive continues.

The opposing coach was clearly visible here, shouting and urging his players on or pointing out things.

It must be frustrating because the game doesn’t go according to plan. That’s how the world works. Nothing goes as planned.

It is the law of the world that even war heroes who symbolize the times die from blind bullets.

‘I need to be careful too.’

We’ve kept a clean sheet for now, but we might concede a goal at any time.

If the opponent was a top striker like Mbappe or Holland, it would be less of a blow to pride, but if you concede a goal to an unknown player… … huh.

‘Do I give my first goal to a noble man, or to an unknown player I never expected to see…?’

Or maybe he’ll keep a clean sheet until the end and then retire?

… But if you don’t concede a goal until right before retirement, isn’t that something you shouldn’t retire for? It’s unlikely, but if it does happen, let’s think about it then.

“oh.”

While I was absentmindedly thinking about something else, another war-like fight broke out up ahead.

A physical fight between Kim Jun-young and Kim Ji-seok.

To the delight of the Korean viewers, the two players engaged in an unusually frequent close match.

Since we are teammates, I wanted Kim Jun-young to win, but since Kim Ji-seok is the one who has to work with me often on the national team, I hoped he wouldn’t lose easily.

And the second match between the two seemed to be a victory for Kim Ji-seok. Kim Ji-seok, as if possessed by Kim Min-je, knocked Kim Jun-young down, and the ball that was in Kim Jun-young’s possession fell back.

The ball that fell behind was picked up by Captain Bruno, and as soon as he picked up the ball, he hit it from mid-range as if there was nothing more to see.

Crash!

“…what.”

And then I went in.

At that moment, I remembered that Bruno Fernandes was also one of the players who benefited from my running mate effect.

I was so focused on Kim Jun-young that I forgot, but Captain Bruno was also my running mate.

The captain, excited about scoring a goal for the first time in a long time, runs around the field while turning the windmill with his right hand.

On the other hand, Brentford were in a state of mourning after conceding an additional goal.

“It’s finished.”

I expect Kim Jun-young to secure a starting spot in the not-too-distant future, and that’s one of the reasons. Luck.

The guy was really lucky, maybe he had some hidden talent that I didn’t know about…

* * *

The 21st round against Brentford ended with a score of 3:0. It was a clean victory that took the momentum from the beginning.

I didn’t get a POTM in this match, but I was stopped by the reporters for an interview because of the many saves I made early in the match.

“Kim. I want to talk about the scene you showed in the first half. If it were another goalkeeper, it would have been a situation where they would have been caught in a counterattack, but Kim blocked that decisive shot and completely broke Brentford’s momentum. Starting from that scene―”

The reporter asked him to explain the situation, saying that it seemed like Manchester United began to dominate the game starting with that save, and what effect it has on the team when a goalkeeper makes a save like that during a game.

… Do I really need to say this?

“It was a very difficult type of attack for me. I was barely able to block it… … .”

He emphasized that although it may look easy, it is by no means easy. He ended his speech with the very obvious story that when a goalkeeper makes a good save, the team’s morale goes up.

After that, many questions came in, but I kept giving general answers. I was tired.

“I know it might be rude to ask about other players, but Kim, Erling Haaland has been struggling since the 19th round when he first met Kim. Do you have any comments on that?”

It was true.

Holland has not scored a point since that match.

It may be true that there were no scoring points, but judging from the reviews and ratings coming from the world, the content of the game did not seem to be very good.

I hit a real wall, felt the wall, and fell into a slump.

Deep inside, in the abyss, something tells me to shout, “You damn bastard! You look so good!” But… … .

‘If you do that, you’ll be in big trouble.’

In society, there are times when you have to wear a mask and say things that are completely different from what you think.

I answered with a worried expression.

Holland is this and that, the best player is this and that, Ballon d’Or is this and that, I believe he will overcome that and that…

After the interview, I was on my way to the club bus, chatting away without anyone knowing.

‘The striker who won the Ballon d’Or is in a slump after meeting me.’

Mbappe, on the other hand, is burning with fighting spirit.

… No, no.

If Mbappe met me now, would he experience a slump? Hahahaha!

* * *

22R, Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur match.

This match was between Tottenham, who are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League, and Manchester City, who are trying to catch up with the league leaders.

A showdown between the top tiers.

It was a must-win match for both teams for their own reasons.

If Manchester City lose or draw here, they will lose the momentum to chase Manchester United, and Tottenham will have to play the role of goalkeeper for a Europa League ticket, let alone the Champions League.

This is a showdown where neither side can compromise due to their own circumstances.

The match was set ablaze by Tottenham’s first strike.

[Sonny runs fast! Even at 33 years old, he’s still lightning fast!]

Son Heung-min was playing in a slightly lower position than the defenders, but he changed positions with his characteristic speed.

Suddenly, the Manchester City defender was behind and Son Heung-min was in front.

And he took a shot from that position, where the angle of the shot was ambiguous. Son Heung-min’s shot went in past Ederson’s defense.

Although it was clearly blocked, the shot was strong and went past the goalkeeper and into the goal.

[Son Heung Min! Tottenham scores first goal!]

It was a shot worthy of the EPL’s top striker. And, Manchester City has a monster striker who can be considered a ‘noob’ like Son Heung-min.

The striker with blond hair running around is Erling Haaland.

An opportunity came quickly for Manchester City.

A set piece situation that started with a foul by Tottenham.

As it was a free kick on the far right flank of the box, the kickers prepared to cross. And… … .

[Holland!]

Erling Haaland floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee.

Holland’s header deflected off the post and appeared to be headed into the net.

[Ahhhhhh! That hit the goal post!]

[With a cheerful sound, the goalpost prevents Tottenham from scoring! Holland’s attack point is still there!]

“FUCK!”

Holland, who ate a sharp header, swings his fist in the air in regret.

After that, Manchester City continued to create attacking opportunities.

They stole the ball from Tottenham and quickly counterattacked, entering the box. Winger Grealish could have tried to score directly, but his marker passed the ball to Haaland.

[Holland! This has to be included!]

Holland is positioned slightly away from the goalkeeper, but also quite far from Tottenham’s defenders. Since he was in the box, it was a chance that a striker of Holland’s level could have easily scored.

Tae-aeng!

And again the cheerful sound rings out.

[Holland, Shoooooooooo! Aaaah! This hit the goal post again! This should have gone in!]

[He is not a striker who misses opportunities like this. He hasn’t scored since he met Kim from Manchester United!]

[Erling Haaland confidently credited Kim with the first goal at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, but his confidence has been waning since missing two crucial chances – and that’s without Kim in the game!]

Holland has since squandered several opportunities.

A one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper was created with a killer pass from his teammates, but he failed to score again as he shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Next was a solo dribble chance.

They had one defender, but he was just there to prevent them from creating space, and Holland is a striker who is good at scoring in those situations.

[Hollan, I’m looking straight at you!]

[Hit the goalpost again! How many goals has this game already been hit!?]

He just hit the goal post so hard.

Or the goalkeeper’s center, or out of bounds on the goal line.

Pep, who was watching, was so frustrated that he almost fainted. Pep knew. There was nothing wrong with Holland’s skills. The fact that he kept missing goals like that was 100% a psychological issue.

The match against Manchester United is over, but Kim’s specter continues to haunt Holland.

Holland was also dying.

‘Fuck! Why won’t it go in!’

Holland, who seemed to be going crazy, cried out loud.

Goal!

“Why are the standards so strict only for me?”

I’m human too! Just let me in once? Just once… .

It seems like if it goes in just once, the scoring machine will start working again, but damn, it doesn’t go in that one time!

Including this game, this has been going on for four games already.

Manchester City finished the first half 0-1 as Holland had numerous scoring opportunities but squandered them all.

And at halftime, in the locker room… .

“Hollan. What are you going to do? The coach thinks you’re not in top condition right now. Would you like to rest for the second half?”

Pep politely advised him, barely holding back the urge to throw his boots away.

But Holland, who seemed to be caught somewhere in between, refused the offer.

“No, Coach. If you let me play in the second half, I will definitely lead the team to victory. I am confident that I can score!”

“…Are you sure?”

“That’s for sure!”

Pep decided to give Holland one more chance, despite his doubts and full of confidence.

And the second half begins.

Holland’s confidence was not empty, as he showed good form from the beginning of the second half.

A mid-range shot with a one-two pass.

It was a scene where a goal could have been scored if not for the goalkeeper’s save.

“Okay, Holan! Just do that!”

Encouragement from fellow players.

Manchester City was following along steadily, but bad news was heard.

Son Heung-min received a short pass in front of Manchester City’s penalty area, avoided the defender, turned slightly to the side, and attempted an incredible curling shot.

And that attempt resulted in a goal.

[Son―! Tottenham’s captain does it again!]

[Ah, unlike Holland, Son’s shot deflected off the post and went in! It was a lucky goal!]

Today, Son Heung-min attempted two shots on goal, both of which resulted in goals.

If things continue this way, Tottenham will win, but there is still a lot of time left.

And Manchester City is a team that can turn things around at any time, even in situations like this. They have had many experiences like that.

After that, Manchester City had many more opportunities. Although Holland did not kick them himself, Manchester City players unfortunately missed those attacking opportunities.

And then the counterattack again.

Holland passes to Foden, who then comes into the box and passes back to Holland.

I had to include this.

The defenders who are supposed to block the ball are also distributed to other players, making it a situation where there is enough room to score.

Holland took a shot without delay.

[Holaaaa …

It took even a second for the announcers’ cries to turn into screams.

[Why, Holland! The defenders and the goalkeeper miss Holland, but Holland sends the decisive shot over the goal!]

I was able to get in when I stepped on it, but my feet were slightly lifted.

And the shot just missed the crossbar. Another missed opportunity.

“Hey! Get that kid out of here right now!”

As soon as he saw that sight, Pep’s displeasure was heard.

Holland was substituted without saying a word, and Pep was so disappointed that he didn’t even look at Holland, just patted him on the shoulder and sent him to the bench.

‘Fuck… .’

Holland, who was substituted, could not control his anger.

Holland, whose magma was boiling inside him, expressed his anger by throwing his fluorescent uniform and kicking a water bottle, and then he ran towards the stadium entrance.

[Ah, what the hell is that?]

[The ones who are upset are the fans who watched the horrific performance and Pep, but the one who is upset is Holland.]

If it had been the Korean commentators, they would have protected him somehow, but the British commentators were cold.

They hurled harsh criticism at Holland, and the fans in the stadium also joined in with jeers and curses at his actions.

Holland left the stadium like that.

And a fierce roar is heard from the doorway.

“Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim―!”