The narrative hook is immediate and somewhat terrifying. We see a young Tsubasa playing with a soccer ball near a cliffside road. In a moment that sets the tone for the high-stakes drama of the series, Tsubasa runs into the street to retrieve his ball, directly in the path of an oncoming bus. What follows is a moment of suspended disbelief. Instead of tragedy, we witness Tsubasa perform a miraculous trap, cushioning the impact of the ball and maneuvering it away from danger with a skill level that defies his age.
For purists arguing about which version is better, Episode 1 of the 2018 reboot makes a strong case for modernization. Captain Tsubasa Season 1 - Episode 1