Giant Killing 05 – The I in Team
I know what you’re thinking, the traditional saying is, “There’s no I in team.” We spout the axiom to teams in an effort to curb selfishness in their individual playstyles. If you attempt to do everything by yourself, or perhaps even worse show off all the time, the team will suffer from it. However, the other extreme may be equally dangerous. If you put all your effort into selfless play for the sake of the team, you might never utilize your key abilities on the field. The episode pivots on whether or not Murakoshi learns this vital lesson.
YEAH! Get PUMPED! Let's WIN this game!
The team plays exceptionally well for most of the second half. However, in the final minutes of the game, Tsubaki makes a vital mistake. ETU suddenly finds itself on the losing end of a 2-1 game. Murakoshi’s mind immediately springs into action, but he thinks in the entirely wrong direction. All of his strategies involve sacrificing offense for defense to cover for Tsubaki’s traumatized state. Perhaps worse still, he considers sacrificing himself for coverage, even though he can clearly make great offensive plays. This is the root problem Tatsumi has harped on all this time. Mr. ETU overanalyzes the conditions to carry his team to victory. He also errs far on the side of caution while making these decisions. The game only has five minutes remaining, yet he wants to turtle up a bit. How can you win a game with his mindset?
I am disappoint, son.
Tatsumi rightfully calls him out when he tells him you can’t win if you worry about losing. Better yet, you can’t win if you spend all your time worrying about how your teammates fare, while leaving no time to focus on yourself. Each individual player has to determine whether he has the resolve to continue playing, and if so, to perform at the best of his abilities. Murakoshi can’t simply force them to play well, and he shouldn’t baby them by picking up the slack. They must learn from their mistakes on their own.
He is not you Murakoshi. Quit worrying so much and play!
In a very odd way, Gino makes this point. He lets the opposing team run straight past him without lifting a finger to stop them. It’s a jerkass move, which Tatsumi immediately criticizes, but it makes a clear statement. Gino could have stolen the ball, ending the charge and pushing right back into enemy territory. However, he spent the entire first half carrying the game with those double team plays. No more. If they want to win, they have to want victory as well and pour all the effort they can into achieving it. Yes, he could have chosen a far better time and place, but it wouldn’t suit his egotistical style.
I'm a bit too smug to play today. You understand, right?
Now let’s return to Murakoshi. Tatsumi’s remark bites deep into his thoughts. What can he do to win the game? He immediately notices his opportunity, a straight lane right to the goal. He pushes through as fast as his legs can carry him. Gino even takes it upon himself to assist on his brute force charge to the goal. When he’s in shooting distance, he doesn’t try and fake out the goalie. He kicks it straight in with all his might, and ties up the game. The crowd and his teammates go absolutely wild. Tatsumi continues to criticize him for his stubborn stupidity. However, he tells Murakoshi to never forget what he did. He made the play and he tied up the game against a much stronger team. So long as he agrees to take orders from his manager, never loses sight of his own strength, and never forgets how the team and its fans love him, Tatsumi agrees to give him back the captainship. They still don’t see eye to eye, but lesson learned, there is an I in team.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
