"I never expected Spain Team and Japan Team to have such a hard-fought match."
In the stands, the players from various countries who had come to watch—including those from BIG4—were somewhat surprised by the strength of the two teams.
They hadn't expected Spain Team, which had always seemed unremarkable among the BIG4 teams, to be so formidable.
Both teams had Ability Resonance, yet Spain Team's two players had completely suppressed their opponents' Ability Resonance. That alone showed just how strong the pair was.
Many people were discussing how Germany had dominated for too long, and every team wanted to knock them from the top.
Now it seemed that, besides Japan Team, which had already managed to do so, Spain Team might indeed have a chance as well.
On the court, the players from both sides shook hands and left.
Back with their team, Irie Kanata and Yukimura Seiichi kept their heads bowed, blaming themselves for losing.
After all, they had done their very best in this match. They had wanted to win it right there, but Japan Team's goal of reaching the top had slipped from their grasp.
It was a terrible feeling.
Seeing the two of them with their heads down, Muneyoshi patted their shoulders as he headed toward the players' tunnel.
"Don't blame yourselves. Every opponent at the World Tournament is strong, and winning and losing are both part of the game. We lost this time, but we can win the next one."
Hearing Muneyoshi's words eased Irie and Yukimura's spirits a little.
It was true that their loss wasn't the end. In the final match, it was Saeki Muneyoshi's turn.
This guy, who had given them so many pleasant surprises, was now their greatest source of confidence.
Yukimura nodded and said gravely, "We're counting on you