Japan qualified for the World Cup in 1998 and then proceeded to lose every damn match in their group (Argentina, Croatia, Jamaica). This series opens up before their first game against Argentina, using it as a backdrop for the protagonist's own journey in footy. I can only imagine the country's continued losses will be used as a metaphor to ~push through~ despite the odds, because I have read many a sportsball manga and I am genre savvy.

We're introduced to Kazamatsuri Sho, a highly enthusiastic, but ultra terrible junior high soccer player. He's a transfer student to Josui, a low ranked public school - shenanigans ensue, leading him to a squad of misfits and Tatsuya, the school's best player, playing against the upperclassmen. Spoiler alert: thanks to their exhaustive practice and can-do attitude, they totes win.

I do like that Sho is cognizant of the importance of creating his own play style that befits his smaller size rather than attempting to bulldoze ahead recklessly like a typical shonen protag. Sho is a hard-worker who earnestly in love with the game, which is so endearing. Definitely a character trait I never get sick of.

livetweeting my read-through:
• ... is Sho's brother a gigolo?
• No, he works at a host club, which is basically the same thing. Also, he called it an escort service later and implies that he works as such because he didn't agree with their parents' plans for him. I sense perhaps a Level 4 Tragic Backstory.
• GIANT SOCCER RICE BALL!!!

• Sho, you haven't even been introduced to this guy and you're going to call him by his given name? I sense a deep, all-encompassing friendship awaiting you and pretty boy Tatsuya.
• I can't believe Sho legit just dropped out of school to practice all day, every day for weeks (this is Hinata Shoyo's dream). He's lucky his older brother seduced the teacher into forgiving his absences with a few smoldering looks and some slight negging.

• Tatsuya's "special skill" is making people upset, hah! I do enjoy these little tidbits.