While the players of the qualified teams spent their time leisurely, the players of the third-placed teams found themselves locked in a fierce battle for survival.
With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, each match became a desperate bid to secure a coveted spot in the knockout stage.
Even for Hiro and his teammates, the stakes had never been higher since it was their only chance to salvage their journey.
Yet, even on the brink of elimination, they remained calm and composed as they tackled the obstacle with determination and confidence.
The match against Senegal proved to be a turning point for the Japanese side as they won all of their games to qualify for the knockouts, finishing top of the league.
Alongside them, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela also qualified for the knockouts while Burkina Faso and the host Indonesia's journey came to an end.
☼☼☼☼ ☼☼☼☼
