Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002

Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002 tells the story of the fictional Japanese national football/soccer team and how they came to represent Japan in the 2002 World Cup held in Japan and Korea. It combines purely ridiculous (in a good way) football with classic anime action.

The series places a strong emphasis on the progression of a few select characters- from talented middle school students to playing for top European football clubs as adults; Tsubasa Oozora, the title character's journey being most prominent.

That said, there are asides about pretty much every minor character's origins as middle school footballers, or their struggles as they try to make a pro career and break in to the national team. There is also a love interest which is very much a secondary thing in the story and feels a little trite, though I'm sure anyone who's ever fangirl/fanboy/fanwhatevered over anything: a person in their lives, sporting heroes, a TV or anime character, etc., can relate to her passion.

If you ever played a sport competitively, you should enjoy this series. Even people who don't understand the appeal of the game or sports in general will get a feel for what it's all about (or otherwise further affirm that sports are the new opiate of the masses; I understand both sides of it). Football fans in particular will probably smirk at a few football clubs, players, and managers who are clearly send-ups of the real thing.

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This series was created on the occasion of the soccer world championships that took place in Korea and Gaippone in 2002.

As you will have understood by now, this story inevitably binds and intersects with the real life of Japan, but not only.

In fact this series is full of references to real soccer players and real football teams.

It can be divided into two parts of 26 episodes each:

- 'Elementary arc' + 'middle school arc'( personally I think they cut a little too much of the story) + 'shin captain tsubasa arc' (quite good)
- first part of 'CTWY' (Tsubasa in Brazil) and the first part of 'CTRT2002' (Tsubasa in Europe): it is as if they had taken these two parts of the manga e. for some strange reason and mixed them together

The perspective is completely new, in fact the story begins with Tsubasa who is playing his last game in Brazil and remembers his football career, from the beginning.

This match continues to be present in the first part of the story, as the episodes continue.

In the second part you can admire a completely new match, Japan vs Holland, with all our beloved heroes lined up on the field.

There's only one special manga, based on this game, and, a movie, which is only found in Japanese with subtitles.

At the end of the 52nd episode it's already possible to see which challenge will await 'Tsubasa & Co.' at the end of their journey, which just seems to never end in the manga ...

The new graphics are very appealing and music is exciting.

We must admit that 'CT' we can also admire the evolution of Japanese animation and find the reflection and magic of past times.

What can I say ... I wanted them to continue where it ended ...

Nothing to say 'CT' is always the same, even if the years pass!

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Captain Tsubasa road to 2002 shows the history of the Japanese team's formation to show the world the excellence of their football and technique. In the person of Tsubasa, all the art and greatness of football are shown in a unique and fantastic way. It's an exciting sport that makes everyone who wants to play real football well. Captain Tsubasa road to 2002 is in fact the football anime.

Tradução: Captain Tsubasa road to 2002 mostra a história da formação da equipe japonesa para mostrar ao mundo a excelência do seu futebol e técnica. Na pessoa de Tsubasa, toda a arte e a grandeza do futebol são mostradas de modo único e fantástico. É um esporte empolgante que faz todos os que assistem almejar jogarem bem o verdadeiro futebol. Captain Tsubasa road to 2002 é de fato, o anime do futebol.

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The ball is my friend!

It's a fact that the original Captain Tsubasa anime has inspired many famous footballers to pursue career in this sport. I had watched this anime long back. It felt like a celebration of Japan having an opportunity to co-host the 2002 Fifa world cup. I must say that the mangaka must be having huge dreams expectations from the Japanese national football team. We see Japan beating many strong teams in this anime. Obviously, these all teams were fictional. I must say the first 10 episodes are really important as it shows the history of this fictional Japanese national team and each character has something to offer. No doubt, gradually it became mostly about Tsubasa, Hyuga and Genzo Wakabayashi. I really enjoyed the healthy(ok, perhaps not so much) rivalry between Tsubasa and Hyuga. It was interesting how for Tsubasa and Genzo, the ball was a friend but Hyuga, the forward player, would let it all out and would kick it as hard as he can. Most of the goals shown in the anime were, ahem, IMPOSSIBLE. Shaolin Soccer seems to be the closest thing to it. It was something my 14 year old self would really enjoy. The ending was bit tricky. We do witness the rise of our heroes but it wasn't about as if they have finally achieved it or finally, they are at the top. It was more about 'The drama continues. There are still things to look forward. So, keep moving.' I was also glad when the world cup was finally over. No, it wasn't bad. It was just that I used to feel guilty for feeling patriotic for Japan. Even if I decide to watch it alone. At times, I would even find myself switching the channel to avoid that awkward feeling.

Please don't skip the opening. Yes, I am literally asking you not to skip. The first anime song which made it into my playlist is really catchy. 'Dragon screamer, dragon fever. No question!!!' The second opening song is also good and totally matches with the mood(what we feel while watching a sport anime). The animation is also all right. I would consider it as good as per the early noughties standard.

So, to conclude, if you are a footballer, remember that the ball is your friend and if you decide to follow this anime, these characters could be your friends as well.

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