In the 57th minute, Iraqi players were moving the ball effortlessly, stringing together sharp, calculated passes that kept Japan pinned back under relentless pressure.
Jotaro, Takezu, and Nagisa lunged in desperately, trying to break up the play, but Iraq's passing was crisp and uncompromising, as they refused to rush forward, patiently circulating the ball between their midfield and defense with quick, measured passes.
Every time Japan stepped up to press, they calmly shifted the ball, refusing to force a risky pass or surrender possession. Their backline remained compact behind the play, while the midfielders constantly repositioned themselves to provide safe passing options, slowly, methodically drawing Japan's players out of their defensive shape.
