After a long while, Watanabe Yuta finally managed to pull himself together.
He was older and more experienced.
Now he stepped forward to encourage the players:
"We have to show our Bushido spirit. It's victory or death. Think about it: if this game gets etched into history as a disgrace, how much abuse will you face when you return home? And how much abuse and blame will your wives, children, and parents have to endure?"
"I know the China Team is very strong, and I'm not saying we have to win. We can lose, but we can't lose without dignity!"
"Even if we lose, we'll lose on our feet. Even if we die, we'll die on our feet!"
One by one, the Japanese players were roused by his words, and their sinking spirits lifted a little.
Tanaka Mitsunobu seized the moment. "Just like the second half of the second quarter, you played really well. Your momentum had already scared them. Now that you're going back out for the third quarter, just repeat the way you played then. I believe in you."
The Japan Team had rallied its spirits. Meanwhile, in the China Team's locker room, every player wore an excited expression.
Some were even joking loudly.
After all, they led the Japan Team by 47 points at halftime. The game was practically in the bag.
But Director Gong looked sternly at all the players.
"Before Wang Yi led the China Team to the championship, our goal against the Japan Team was to win. We had to win. But after winning the World Championship, our goal has changed. Against the Japan Team, it's no longer just about winning. We have to win, and we have to win big!"
"So a 47-point halftime lead means nothing. My demand is that you crush