One hour after the U-17 World Cup quarterfinals ended, the four teams advancing to the semifinals had already been announced by the organizers.
As nine-time consecutive champions, Germany Team's advancement to the semifinals had been expected by everyone.
Spain, another member of the BIG4, had also advanced, and few people had much to say about it.
But the other two teams came as a huge surprise.
Japan Team and America, who had been placed in the same group during the group stage, had somehow taken down all their opponents and advanced to the final four together.
It all seemed a little surreal.
But as people rewatched their matches, they gradually came around to it.
After all, both teams had overcome formidable opponents on their way to the semifinals, and they had unquestionably earned their places.
Now, most spectators wanted to see whether Japan Team and America could achieve even more and topple every member of the BIG4—that is, Germany and Spain.
Japan Team in particular had drawn high hopes. Thanks to their exhibition match victory, many people were eager to see them knock Germany Team off its pedestal.
Of course, there were just as many people who looked down on them for thinking that.
After all, Germany's legendary history and undefeated record had most people convinced they would defend their title once more and achieve ten consecutive championships.
With the latest four semifinalists confirmed, the U-17 World Cup entered a brief lull. All four teams were given three days to rest.
Three days later, the four semifinalists would compete at the Australian Open courts in Melbourne.
Everyone had gathered in the meeting room at Japan Team's hotel.
As soon as the group-stage results and tournament bracket had been announced, everyone on Japan Team had known that their next opponents