"Pleased to meet you." Ryōsuke shook hands with his opponent with a smile, recalling exactly who Mark Owairan was.
Mark was a Saudi Arabian prince who had grown uncomfortable with his royal treatment where servants did everything for him. During camel riding practice, he ran away.
In a distant village, he discovered people playing street football regardless of social background. Joining them under the name "Bonze", he revealed his natural talent. When his servants eventually found him, he proclaimed his newfound passion for football and his determination to become a professional player.
Mark possesses outstanding leadership abilities and tactical insight. As a libero positioned at the deepest part of the defense line, he calmly directs the team's "Antlion Larva Pit Defense", while also seizing opportunities to carry the ball forward and score with his superb skills.
The hulking man behind him, Vulcan, is Saudi Arabia's secret weapon. Because of his enormous physique, he's known as the "Genie". In the original story, he even attempted to use his intimidating presence to block Kojiro's Tiger Shot.
From the current lineup, however, it appears Saudi Arabia Youth is prepared to deploy their trump card right away.
Saudi Arabia wins through counterattacks. Their "Antlion Larva Pit Defense" involves multiple players surrounding the opponent's ball handler while deliberately leaving one opening. This forces the opponent to pass in that direction — while defending, they compel the opponent to move backward, just like an antlion's hunting method.
No matter how much the prey struggles, there's no escape from the trap!
With just one mistake, Saudi Arabia will immediately seize the opportunity and launch a devastating counterattack!
"In some ways, I'm actually very grateful for Blue Lock's emergence." Mark said with a smile.
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Because Blue Lock's appearance has motivated our country's football to improve. Our National Team has become much more driven because of it." Mark explained.
Due to Blue Lock's explosive popularity, football fever has swept across every country worldwide, with some nations even imitating Blue Lock and starting similar programs.
It's precisely because of Blue Lock's existence that the level of football worldwide has improved considerably — just as when Ryōsuke joined the U-20 Team, the average skill level at Blue Lock improved dramatically.
They all consider him to be the biggest threat in the U-20 World Cup. And that sense of crisis is the strongest motivation for people to improve.
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Meanwhile, in Europe.
The UEFA European Under-18 Football Championship was in full swing.
A young player wearing a black and white uniform lifted his head to look at the sky. He had golden hair, a handsome face, and eyes that were determined and sharp, like a lion's.
"What's wrong, Karl? You seem distracted." A teammate asked as he approached.
"No, I'm just really looking forward to the upcoming matches." the player named Karl replied with a slight smile, shaking his head.
Karl Heinz Schneider, Germany's Captain and Ace Striker, plays as a forward. Known as the "Young Emperor" and hailed as Germany's "Der Kaiser", he is one of the strongest forwards in the original story, having once pushed Tsubasa and others to the brink during the Junior Youth World Cup.
This U-20 World Cup is his chance for revenge.
However, for Karl now, the opponent to defeat isn't just Tsubasa. The recently emerged Ryōsuke Kira is the real threat.
"I'm already thinking about the opponents we'll face after the preliminary rounds." Karl turned to his companion and said, "What do you think, Deuter?"
The person he was talking to was Deuter Muller, the "Steel Giant", Germany Youth's premier goalkeeper!
Despite his large frame, he possesses animal-like reflexes, excellent judgment, and incredible strength. Together, Deuter and Karl form Germany's strongest spear and shield.
"That Ryōsuke Kira has signed with your club, right? Soon you'll be teammates — surely the whole world will be debating which of you is the true successor to Noel." Deuter said with a laugh.
"It doesn't matter. During the U-20 World Cup, that debate will be settled before it even begins." Karl replied seriously, his gaze intensifying.
"When you put it that way, I'm getting impatient too!" Deuter said while turning to look behind him, "But those two are also eager for the matches, aren't they? More than anticipation, it's a thirst for revenge. And one of them is even coveting your throne as Germany's Emperor, right?"
Behind them stood two players also wearing Germany's team uniforms.
Their expressionless faces mirrored Karl's focus — completely ignoring the current qualifying rounds.
Alexis Ness… And Michael Kaiser.
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The qualifying tournament's opening ceremony concluded quickly; after all, it wasn't the main event, so the scale was somewhat limited.
Even so, the Asian qualifying rounds attracted tremendous attention! This was Ryōsuke's first official step onto the world stage!
After brief preparations, the other teams had left the field, and the first match between Ryōsuke's team and Saudi Arabia was about to begin!
Everyone returned to the stadium locker room for final preparations.
"This is our National Team's first match. There's not much worth saying — victory is unquestionable. Every country has improved their strength, so don't underestimate any opponent. As Blue Lock's first match representing our country, perform well and let the world witness your abilities firsthand." Jinpachi declared.
"Go for it! You idiots, make sure you win!" Rensuke, now a substitute, shouted.
"Let's take this first match in one go and advance to the main tournament with a perfect record!" Kenyū cheered for the starting players.
"We must win!" Ashito raised his fist as well.
Though they weren't selected as starters, they knew nothing was more important than Japan's victory!
The team's victory came before personal interests — for these once difficult-to-manage individualists, this was their greatest progress.
"Let's go." Team Captain Ryōsuke put on the armband symbolizing his position, then raised his clenched right fist high.
Simultaneously, the other players raised their fists, pressing them tightly together.
"Let's go! Let's go get the victory!"
"Let's go!"
Everyone's emotions reached a crescendo. As the broadcast announcements began, the players walked through the tunnel and emerged into the center of the stadium!
The match officially began, and the atmosphere transformed completely from the opening ceremony.
Thanks to the U-20 World Cup, all stadiums had received significant upgrades, dramatically increasing their capacity! Even before reaching the venue, they could hear the thunderous cheers from the crowd!
Rows of cameras lined the field, with reporters from across the globe eagerly covering the match!
Despite being just a qualifying match, it had attracted extraordinary attention.
"My blood is really boiling. Even though things have deviated from the original plan, we've finally stepped onto this field." Oliver smiled as he gazed across to where the Saudi Arabian players were eyeing them fiercely.
Meanwhile, Mark maintained a confident smile. For both sides, victory was non-negotiable.
Oliver knew there wasn't a single weak player on the field. Saudi Arabia was merely the first hurdle they needed to overcome.
After the brief opening ceremony, the match was about to begin, with players from both teams positioned on the field.
"Mr. Ego..." From the coach's bench, Anri, serving as an assistant, looked worriedly at Jinpachi, who had been unusually quiet today, "Are you feeling alright?"
"Me? I'm fine." Jinpachi replied slowly, his gaze fixed on the field.
"But I noticed you've barely spoken."
"It's just because I'm a bit excited." Jinpachi answered.
"Huh?" Anri was surprised, not expecting him to say something like that. Only then did she notice that his hands were trembling slightly.
Even Jinpachi hadn't imagined that he would one day make it this far.
Although he had successfully established the Blue Lock Project and set winning the World Cup as his goal, he never truly believed he could achieve it.
Once, he was just a ghost who had failed to realize his dreams. Now, through these young players, he might accomplish what his own talents couldn't reach.
The Golden Cup, once an unreachable dream, now seemed within grasp.
"Watch, this is their moment to shine on the world stage." Jinpachi said.
Though his expression remained unchanged, his heart was racing.
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"It's about to start. Let me see what level Ryōsuke Kira is really at."
In the stands, a spirited young man looked expectantly toward the field, waiting for the match to begin.
Many eyes fell on him — his right foot was bare, filled with special silver needles — but he paid no attention to their stares.
Xiao Junguang, one of Asia's most high-profile star players, was a powerful player in the original story who had blasted through Genzō's defense from outside the penalty area during the U-20 World Cup.
In a recent match against the Korean team, he competed fiercely and injured his right foot, leaving him temporarily unable to play.
However, with acupuncture and specialized treatment, Xiao Junguang would soon return to the field.
"I can't wait for this to begin!"
On the other side, Singprasert and the Khongsawat Brothers had also secured prime positions to watch the game. As the opening match, it had drawn extraordinary attention.
Singprasert and his team could use this opportunity to assess Ryōsuke's capabilities and develop countermeasures.
"Let me see how to take you down."
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"Wasn't I supposed to play in the final rounds?" Vulcan asked Mark beside him. With his giant-like physique, he stood out dramatically on the field.
He was originally meant to be Saudi Arabia's secret weapon, but facing Blue Lock meant the team had to give their all from the start.
"Our opponent is strong — this is our first battle, and we can't afford to lose." Mark joked to Vulcan, "Do your best, our Genie. I hope you who just emerged from the magic lamp can grant me three wishes."
"You're making me laugh." Vulcan smiled, "One with the left foot, one with the right foot, and one with the head. If a genie can grant three wishes, then I'll score three goals in this match."
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The referee came to the center of the field, both team Captains approached the center circle, the coin was tossed, and Saudi Arabia won the right to attack first.
Both teams were ready, waiting for the match to begin. Everyone held their breath, anticipating the opening whistle.
At the same time, television stations worldwide broadcast the match, with viewers eager to see how Ryōsuke and his Japanese teammates would perform in their international debut.
Many players excel in their domestic leagues only to crumble under international pressure, earning the infamous label "big match chokers".
Despite Ryōsuke's exceptional talent, most of his teammates lacked international competition experience.
Experience is crucial in determining a match's outcome. Nevertheless, spectators wondered if Ryōsuke's remarkable abilities could compensate for the team's inexperience.
WHISTLE~~~!!
The referee's whistle pierced the air, officially starting the match!
Saudi Arabia took the first attack!
Japan Youth immediately settled into their practiced formation, while the Saudi Arabian team maintained possession, methodically passing the ball between players.
Unlike previous Blue Lock opponents, the Saudis adopted an unusually measured pace!
They recognized that Ryōsuke's team thrived on speed, and by slowing the game into a positional battle, they could effectively neutralize Japan's greatest advantage.
After several calculated passes, the ball arrived at Mark's feet.
While renowned as Asia's premier defender, Mark's talents extended beyond defense; he enjoyed freedom on the field and often participated in offensive plays.
Now, he decided to join the attack personally.
"Let me test them and see what Blue Lock's defense is really made of!" Mark muttered as he charged toward the opponent's half.
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