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キャプテン翼
The passionate story of an elementary school student whose thoughts and dreams revolve almost entirely around the love of soccer. 11-year-old Tsubasa Oozora started playing football at a very young age, and while it was mostly just a recreational sport for his friends, for him, it developed into something of an obsession. In order to pursue his dream to the best of his elementary school abilities, Tsubasa moves with his mother to Nankatsu city, which is well-known for its excellent elementary school soccer teams. But although he was easily the best in his old town, Nankatsu has a lot more competition, and he will need all of his skill and talent in order to stand out from this new crowd.
The deciding match of the All Japan Junior Youth Soccer Tournament ends in an unprecedented twist. Now, with Tsubasa Ozora out, it’s Kojiro Hyuga’s turn! An intimidating match of formidable high school students awaits. Will they step up to the challenge?
The team to travel to Europe has been announced! Hyuga is captain, but Tsubasa is determined to play in the French tournament in two weeks. In Germany, a practice match reunites the team with Wakabayashi, who shocks the team with his unusual comment.
Team Japan and Hamburg have a practice match, and Wakabayashi shows off his iron defense. Schneider initiates a fierce attack and makes scoring impossible. Hyuga meanwhile is furious. Then there’s Tsubasa…
While the practice match against Hamburg has proven disastrous for Japan, they vow to start afresh. Captain Matsuyama desires his teammates’ trust, while Hyuga focuses on overcoming Schneider. Meanwhile, Wakabayashi makes a surprising announcement.
Taro Misaki, now in France, has received a request to join Japan Junior Youth. The three years he’s spent away hasn’t helped his confidence, but playing with Tsubasa again appeals. Now Misaki challenges Team France to prove he’s still got it!
Tsubasa returns to the field in style! Early in the match against Munich, he makes a decisive move. With Tsubasa back in action, his teammates play like completely different athletes. Then Hyuga and Tsubasa decide to make things even more interesting.
The team lands in France, with games starting soon. Coach orders a rest day, but Tsubasa can’t sit still. As he dribbles around Paris, he passes someone practicing just like him. The boy, it turns out, is a familiar face with amazing skills.
It’s the opening ceremony of the International Junior Youth Tournament. As players from twelve participating countries gather, Misaki thinks back about his time in Japan and how far he’s really come. But the memories aren’t all happy. He remembers not only how his father’s career has had a major impact on his life and his soccer, but also how his father’s complicated life as an artist has pulled him into a situation where he is faced with a seemingly impossible dilemma.
It’s Japan versus Italy in the opening game of the tournament, and tensions are running high. Team Japan’s tempers are flared over Italy’s previous comments about how they weren’t worth their time back before the practice match that never was. Still, having been handed the position of captain from Matsuyama, Tsubasa rises to the occasion. Italy may have Tsubasa marked, but he responds with some characteristic fighting spirit.
Italy's goalkeeper, Zino Hernandez, makes incredible saves. So much so that his perfect record has earned him the reputation as Europe’s best goalie. His skill puts Japan on the offensive, but Misaki is watching. Then the coach makes a surprising move.
Thanks to Tsubasa and Misaki, Japan manages to tie with Italy, leaving the Europeans to tighten their defenses in the hope achieving a draw. Meanwhile, the crowd is in thrall to Japan and cheers them on with only one minute to go. Tsubasa then makes one final gamble…
The host country, France, has its first match against England, and the stadium is buzzing with excitement. Elle Sid Pierre, France’s captain, wows with his elegant dribbling. Meanwhile, Tsubasa and his friends take note and are impressed. But as host, Team France is feeling the pressure. Will France be able to come through?
Former Brazilian soccer player Roberto Hongo makes a visit to a soccer stadium in the outskirts of Paris where he speaks with Katagiri of the All Japan Soccer Association. Roberto makes himself clear; he does not want Tsubasa knowing he is merely miles away in the same city. As Tsubasa's former coach, Roberto still regrets breaking the promise he made to Tsubasa to take him to Brazil. He deeply admires Tsubasa and will never forget the days he spent as his coach.
It’s Japan versus Argentina, and the winner progresses to the finals. Tsubasa, however, is preoccupied. While on the pitch, he learns that his former coach, Roberto, who has since remained incognito, is now in the stands somewhere watching.
While Japan reels from Diaz’s latest soccer feat, Tsubasa and Hyuga join forces for a special attack. Tsubasa has got his groove back. Taking the opportunity, the Tachibana Twins and Jito dash toward the goal. The time to strike back is now!
Misaki makes a miracle shot, tying the score for Japan. But a tie isn’t good enough if they want to make it to the semifinals. With both teams unwilling to give an inch, it’s anyone’s guess who will walk away the victor.
It's the second half, 4 to 4. To break the impasse, Japan puts in Jun Misugi, an amazingly skilled player who also has a heart condition. It’s been three years, but finally, Jun can stand on the same field as Tsubasa. Argentina is in for a fight!
Thanks to Misugi’s overhead, Team Japan manages to take the lead, a first for this match. But the self-declared genius is ready and launches his infamous Banana Shot over everyone’s heads, etching a giant arc in the sky. Who will make it to the top four?
It's the first match of the final tournament. Uruguay begins with some lightning-fast attacks, which achieves a goal in just the first fifty seconds. But Germany’s Schneider manages to even the score. Which ace striker will dominate is anyone’s guess…
In the second match of the finals Japan faces host France in a stadium filled with fans for the home team. Still Japan pulls off a three-way attack, stealing the ball back from a furious French captain, Pierre, who now seems to be planning something…
