Sensing the build up, Koujin then slowed his tempo for half a step, drawing Davies closer before nudging the ball toward the outside. Davies reacted immediately, shifting his weight to cut off the touchline path and refusing to let Koujin turn the corner.
Koujin pulled the ball back sharply under his sole, his eyes locked onto Davies. He shifted his weight to the inside, baiting Davies into planting his boots to block the cutback.
The moment Davies committed, Koujin exploded. He pushed the ball toward the outside, accelerating past the right-back before Davies could reset his footing.
Davies lunged across to recover, but Koujin had already snatched that critical fraction of space. He wasn't fully clear of the defender, but he had enough room to lift his eyes.
Feeling the Australian pressure closing back in, Koujin didn't hesitate. His gaze whipped across the penalty area.
There he was.
