With the sudden equalizer, Japan celebrated freely, and play resumed.
"Clearly, the opposition came well prepared. If Spain want to reach the quarterfinals, they have to do better. The players cannot afford even the slightest lapse in concentration."
On the sidelines, Hierro looked furious.
Taking an early lead should have worked in Spain's favor, but once the score was leveled, both sides were back on equal footing.
16th minute.
"Japan are sitting very deep. They're sticking to counterattack and not pressing high. They've completely handed over Ball Control to Spain."
"Spain's possession has reached a staggering 76%."
"In terms of overall play and attacking opportunities, Spain clearly have the upper hand. What they need now is to turn that dominance into goals."
"Through the middle again. David Silva moves inside to receive."
"Busquets plays it through!"
"A quick layoff finds Leo Lin. A beautiful passing sequence!"
"Leo Lin receives it at the edge of the penalty arc!"
"He shifts to create space and looks to shoot!"
"Gaku Shibasaki steps in and blocks the long-range shooting!"
"It deflects out to the left. Alba arrives from deep!"
"There's still a chance!"
"A cross into the box!"
"Diego Costa with the header!!!"
"Too straight. The goalkeeper gathers it comfortably."
"Spain's attacks are coming wave after wave. Can Japan hold on?"
"How long can they withstand this pressure?"
The fans were on edge, but Japan didn't look panicked.
They continued trying to steady the tempo. Their defense looked like it might collapse at any moment, yet it held firm.
Leo Lin kept observing. Only by identifying and breaking the core of Japan's system could Spain continue creating chances.
Although Japan lined up in a 4-2-3-1, when defending, both wide midfielders dropped back, with Shinji Kagawa also retreating. The shape effectively became a five-man midfield shield.
When Spain attacked down the flanks, the two defensive midfielders shifted wide to help. When Spain attacked through the center, they tucked back in.
This system stabilized Japan's midfield, but it placed enormous strain on the two defensive midfielders.
Leo Lin's football IQ clicked into overdrive.
He had found the weak point.
If he could disrupt the defensive structure between Gaku Shibasaki and Makoto Hasebe with off-the-ball movement, Japan's back line would be fully exposed.
26th minute.
"Spain are on the attack again!"
"Through the middle. Thiago switches it wide. David Silva on the ball."
"Shibasaki moves out to help. Two against one. Silva doesn't force it, cuts back, and returns it to Thiago."
"Thiago drives forward. Leo Lin is on the move."
"Through ball!"
"Right behind Shibasaki!"
The moment Shibasaki shifted wide, Leo Lin burst forward. Thiago immediately threaded the pass.
By the time Shibasaki tried to recover centrally, it was already too late.
Leo Lin took a long stride into the box, facing Gen Shoji, twisting his body to open up space.
He shaped to shoot, but in the next instant, he dragged the ball across his body, turning the shot into a feint and shifting it from right to left.
Shoji was beaten.
Leo Lin cut inside with his left foot, opened the angle again, and struck.
Looking far, shooting near.
His eyes locked onto the far corner, but his left foot drove the ball toward the near post.
Kawashima froze.
He had been completely sold.
"Swish!!!"
"GOAL!!!" Casillas punched the air!
"GOAL!!!"
"What a finish!!!"
"Looking far, shooting near!"
"Once Lin gets into the box and finds space to shoot, he's even more composed than a striker!"
"He never misses chances like this!"
"Two one!"
"Spain take the lead again!!!"
Japan hadn't even figured out where things went wrong.
Just three minutes later.
Right after kickoff, Leo Lin executed the exact same move again, linking up with Thiago in almost identical fashion.
This time, he swept the ball across to the far post, assisting Asensio for his first goal of the World Cup.
Spain's fans erupted.
Leo Lin wrapped an arm around Asensio as they sprinted to the sideline, celebrating in style. Diego Costa rushed over, once again showing off his loose fringe.
"Two goals in three minutes. This proves we are the stronger side!"
"We're two goals ahead, but we cannot relax. Not even for a second!"
"Leo Lin and Diego Costa's celebrations perfectly show the difference between style and imitation!"
The broadcast cut to the sidelines. Japan's coach had already identified the issue and urgently instructed Shibasaki to stop drifting wide, adjusting the defensive system to prevent further exploitation.
But Leo Lin kept targeting that exact point. He was determined to attack Shibasaki.
Japan's midfield was under heavy pressure. Conceding twice in three minutes, their priority now was to regain control.
And yet, the deeper the pressure, the more Leo Lin felt something different in them. A kind of stubborn energy.
36th minute.
Gaku Shibasaki held the ball alone.
Eyes bloodshot, teeth clenched. He had to step up for the team.
At that critical moment, he seemed to hear faint voices echoing in his ears.
Damn it.
Don't underestimate our bond!!!
"Bang!!!"
The next second, Leo Lin charged in and sent him flying with a brutal challenge.
A completely overpowering tackle.
Shibasaki felt like he had just been hit by a charging calf.
Leo Lin smirked.
Bond?
In the face of absolute power and strength...
What bond?
...
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