Day 3- Leipzig		Match 6	Group C
	NORWAY	vs.	KOREA

Nobody is surprised how this one starts off. Korea gets the ball and looks for a score. Norway is well-prepared and begins the game with a heavy emphasis on defense. Practically all of the first ten minutes are spent on Norway's half of the field with Korea either trying to get a shot or Norway trying to prevent one.

	Quick pass to the sidelines, Korea crosses it right away but there's nobody home! Norway clears it.
	A little ahead of himself there, crossing it in before he's got anybody to receive it.

This actually becomes a recurring theme for Korea, as he frequently heads the ball in before his strikers are in position.

	Back at midfield now. Korea takes a LONG pass into the box, but is he onside?
	Guess so, it's an open shot! Knocked away! Tight defense and Korea still almost broke through for a score.

Usually, once Norway gets the ball, he tosses it around, keeping it away from Korea as long as he can. Eventually, he tries moving forward. This doesn't work, as all of his players are on defense. Korea, meanwhile, has had his defenders in position the whole time.

So the next time he gets the ball, Norway tries something different.

Norway's only pushing two men forward, tossing it back and forth to each other. It works! One crosses into the box to the other. Header! Keeper falls on top of it!

Korea smiles, happy that Norway's trying some offense too. It inspires him to work harder to fight back.

It seemed for a bit like Norway had found something, but Korea keeps his attack up and Norway doesn't seem too interested in another run for several minutes. Then it starts to develop. After another cross into a box with no strikers, Norway starts his move. He travels in a pack of five midfielders, passing back and forth between each other slowly, going backwards when necessary. He carefully escorts the ball to his strikers.

	Took a while, but Norway's in business now. Kicking it around the box. There's a cross! Header! It's wide left for a goal kick.
	I think we're starting to see Norway's plan of attack here. Very patient.

Korea strikes back, but doesn't put it in. Norway does the exact same thing, plodding down the field, carefully waiting for opportunities and striking at precise moments. When Korea gets it back, he again fails to find anyone in the box.

	Again! Korea is not in rhythm with his crosses.
	It's the bread and butter of the modern offense. He's gotten some shots elsewhere, but he's got to start connecting on these more often as Norway starts to think ball control.

Eager to get the ball back, Korea slams into the midfielder posse.

A little hard there, Korea! That's a yellow!

Korea smiles sheepishly, raises his hand to acknowledge it, and awaits Norway's free kick.

	And a booking for Korea? Is he still anxious with the game scoreless?
	Maybe. It could just be his playing style. If somehow came up with the ball there, it would have been big.

Norway's attack stalls and Korea moves again.

Korea looking for something up the middle, but Norway gets a foot on it and it squirts away... into the box! It's a footrace and Korea wins it! Shoots right away but the keeper's there to keep it out.

Despite Norway's time-chewing technique and precision shooting, Korea's still aggressive.

	Korea going to try another header here. This time there's somebody to receive it! Shoots! Diving save! Norway just got a finger on it and his defender will kick it to safety.
	That was a lot better! Either he worked things out or Norway gave him space on that one.

Indeed, Korea's persistence on goal has tested the Norwegian defense, no matter how dedicated he is to it. Outside the box, an aggressive tackle draws a yellow card against Norway.

	Free kick now from just outside the box. Going to try for a goal here?
	I hope not. There's a lot of possibilities if he finds a good target to kick to and builds from... or he could just try for a goal and miss it completely. Goal kick for Norway.

Norway's attack, meanwhile, continues as his shot selection nets him a corner kick.

	Let's see what Norway can do with a corner. It's up and he heads it! Bounces off the keeper, right at a Norway striker! The shot is deflected off Korea's defender! Another shot is kicked away and Korea clears it! Wow!
	Korea's lucky, but it also shows his defensive chops. Sometimes attack-minded teams lose sight of good defense, but Korea doesn't seem to sacrifice anything. He's attacking with spirit and not numbers.
	Which explains why he was outgunned on his cross. Cleared easily by Norway.

Korea is exciting and Norway is functional, but neither side scores in the first half. Taiwan doesn't have to work hard to get a halftime interview. She just stands there and waits for Korea to fly in and give her a bear hug. She pulls away before he can start groping and claiming he owns her. She gets enough of that back home.

	Hey, what's up?
	Watching a good game so far. No surprise to see you attack the net, Korea, but are you disappointed that you haven't scored?
	Not at all! I love a good challenge and I'm going to keep fighting and attacking until I come out on top!
	It is a challenge. Norway doesn't seem to be making too many mistakes, and had a few dangerous shots already. Any plans to deal with that?
	My defense is the best! I couldn't be going for the goal all the time if I didn't take care of my own. I just have to keep it up and win this!
	Well, good luck to you in the second half.

In the studio, Australia and Cuba are impressed with what they've seen.

	For the first time in the tournament, no score at halftime. Hard to say who the better team is.
	Not really. The way Korea's been pushing all game, the fact that he hasn't found paydirt yet means Norway's doing exactly what he wants. He's taking advantage of Korea's impulsiveness by shutting down better options and making him try for the shots Norway wants him to.
	Good point. Could be a low scoring game here.
	Which again fits into Norway's strategy. A 1-0 win's as good as a 3-2 win.
	Until you hit the second tie-breaker, which is goals scored, but that's a story for another time. Let's get back onto the field for the second half.

For all their talk about Norway's emphasis on ball control, he still controls the ball forward when the second half starts. Korea's defense stays focused and holds him off. His offense continues to come up empty though.

	Out of bounds at midfield. It's a throw-in for Norway.
	You have to admire how Korea is still undaunted and still fighting on despite not scoring.
	Still, he won't win unless he finds a way into the net.
	I find that's true for everybody, actually. Unless you're playing tennis.
	Norway throws it in and kicks it WAY downfield!! Korea wasn't expecting that, but Norway's striker was. It's a breakaway! He shoots- SCORES! Goal Norway!
	Where the hell did that come from?! After a half of keeping it close, Norway goes deep, finds the open man and scores on a sudden breakaway!

50' - GOAL (NOR) - Norway 1, Korea 0

Not bad, Mr. Norway, but watch this!

It's not instant. It takes a few possessions, but Korea gets a breakaway of his own thanks to a great through ball.

	Korea's got it on the corner of the box! It's one-on-one and he... no, he kicks it back out. Looks for something else, but Norway intercepts and gets it away. What happened there?
	You can't see what he does. Might have been a bad angle. If there's no way you can score from there, you might as well hang onto it. Either Korea's showing some maturity or Norway's getting into his head after all.

Down the field, Norway's on the side of the box, but not quite in.

	Is he thinking a shot or a cross from there? It's a high cross and a good header off the goalkeeper. Ball's on the ground, Norway slides after it... GOAL! Puts it back in after the first one was denied!
	All that work testing Korea's defense and he's broken through now- a two goal lead. Korea's going to have to figure something out on offense. Lord knows he'll try.

55' - GOAL (NOR) - Norway 2, Korea 0

Indeed, Korea starts to open things up a bit, using long, flashy passes and hoping to outrun Norway. It succeeds to some extent.

All the way to the sidelines now, setting up a cross! Striker's there to head it! Off the crossbar!

Despite Norway's continued defensive effort, Korea seems to be having a much easier time finding good shots. Even if he doesn't show it, Norway's starting to feel pressured.

	Korea crosses midfield now and kicks it straight up the middle! He's got a man in the box! Past the defense! Wide open and he SCORES! Korea sees the opening and gets on the board!
	It was just for a split second there, but Korea found a hole and pounced on it! No chance for the goalie to save it from that short a distance.

63' - GOAL (KOR) - Norway 2, Korea 1

Korea is as jubilant as ever about the goal, even though he still trails. Norway remains icy, but his eye tics slightly at the celebration. He kicks the ball back into play.

	Norway pushing up the field, not content with just a one goal lead. Looking for a cross, stolen by Korea! Heading back up and he's taken down from behind! Norway with a hard tackle and there's the whistle.
	Seychelles definitely reaching for a card. Only question is what color is it.
	It's red.
	We can't be playing like that now. You've gotta go.
	A red card! Norway's man is sent off and he'll have to play down a player!
	That's terrible. Norway's been playing such a disciplined game. How the hell could he lose it there? Now Korea has a man advantage.
	Clearly a dangerous tackle though. You can't argue with that call.

Korea uses the advantage to push up the field. With one less player, it seems to have opened up a bit for him. He gets a breakaway out of it, but Norway's keeper is able to get a hand on it. Norway isn't able to get very far before Korea gets it back.

	Norway loses it, back to Korea, across midfield... great tackle there by Norway to steal it!
	Now that's how it's done. No contact, just a good clean steal. Oh! But there's a hard tackle in response!
	Korea tried to steal it back and practically dragged Norway down. And he's sent off! Seychelles holds up the red card and we're back to even!
	That wasn't as clear-cut as Norway's. I thought he might have gotten away with a yellow there but once that red comes out the first time, both teams know it could come out again if they don't play nice.
	*mumbling to herself* How come I get stuck with these kinds of games?

It's back to even, but with one fewer player on both sides, everything's wide open. Korea remains relentless and Norway is able to keep possession without too much danger. The more Korea fights for the equalizer, the more Norway stays aggressive when he gets the ball. Quite simply, he no longer believes he can keep Korea from scoring for the last twenty minutes.

	Norway at midfield, over to the side. He's got it and flies unmarked down the side! Good cross! Good header! GOAL!
	Norway tried a two-man attack early in the game and it didn't work, but now he pulls it out again for his third goal!

74' - GOAL (NOR) - Norway 3, Korea 1

Despite common logic, Norway does not hole up on defense. He remains just as aggressive as Korea in trying to score. Korea's surprised and has to react and step up in order to stay in the game.

	Wow, Mr. Norway! Haven't you had enough?!
	No. I'm sure you haven't.

Good point. When Korea has the ball, it's the exact same scenario. Although it's more forgivable given his deficit, Korea too is ferocious. With ten minutes left, Norway gives in and focuses on defense the way he's supposed to.

	Korea circling around, looking for a good shot.
	Time's running out, but Norway's almost forcing him to be patient. Not sure if he's used to it.
	There's a cross from the side, header and a diving save! Ball gets away, Korea tries to finish but the keeper's there to knock it down! It rolls towards the line! Norway gets there! Clears it away but did he get there in time? Did it cross??
	Over the line! Goal Korea!
	Oh, it's a goal!! By the narrowest of margins, it snuck across and it's back to a one goal game!
	Hmm... scorers are saying the defender touched it before it crossed the line and saying it's an own goal. Nuts to that- give Korea full credit for that one. His persistence paid off.
	Even so, only seven more minutes to equalize. Can he do it?

83' - GOAL (KOR) - Norway 3, Korea 2

Perhaps this was the reason Norway was trying to be so aggressive. After taking care of another Korea attack, Norway gets it to midfield.

	Back up to midfield for Norway. Not sure if he's trying to score or keep it away from Korea.
	At this point, those you might say that's the same thing.
	Norway's got a man loose, tries to hit him! Connects! He's onside with a breakaway, angling to the box... shoots... SCORES! Korea dove with all his might but Norway put it in no man's land and gets the goal right back! That could be the clincher!

84' - GOAL (NOR) - Norway 4, Korea 2

Korea gets in several more harrowing shots that we probably could dwell on, but none of them go in. This proves to be a final score, which after the first half is more than enough offense for one game.

Norway greets Korea for a post-game handshake. Instead, he's glomped.

	Man, great game Mr. Norway! I'll get you next time!
	Um, yes... good game.
	Korea whips off his jersey, startling Norway.
	Wanna trade jerseys?! You know, keepsake for playing against me?
	It's not a foreign concept, but Norway acts like it is.
	Um... maybe back at the village. After it's washed. I'll talk to you later.
	It's a date!

Norway rolls his eyes and heads in. Outstanding a victory as it was, he still couldn't deflate Korea's spirit.

Day 3- Leipzig		Match 6	Group C
	NORWAY	4:2 FT	KOREA
50' 55' 74' 84'	Carew Grindheim Carew Carew	Referee SEY	Lee Harstad (OG)	63' 83'

Unfortunately for Norway, Korea isn't the only Asian country that would like a word with him.

	Norway! Congratulations. A win over Korea puts you in first place in the group.
	Yes. Yes it does. Excellent.
	It seemed like you were in control for almost all of the game, but your playing style changed several times throughout the game. Did you have to make adjustments?
	Not really. Korea's tough, but pretty predictable. First half worked out, but I knew he'd score a couple goals eventually. I just had to score a couple more, that's all.
	Looking forward to England next time?
	No, but I might as well beat him. Can I go now?
	All right. Good job today.
	And good job Taiwan for getting that much out of him. Not a big talker, that one.
	I can't wait for her to interview Sweden. But I tell you what, social skills aside, Norway played a hell of a game today.
	That he did. Looking at the groups before the tournament, we saw that Norway certainly had a chance to move on to the knockout stages, but he took a strong opponent and took care of him the way champions do.
	Yeah. Korea didn't implode the way Greece did or have a bad day like Japan. He just got owned out there. Give him credit for getting a couple goals and making it interesting, but Norway had things planned out and played like the better team.
	Well, there's little doubt who the better team is in the next game. Question is will Latvia be able to put up a fight against Spain.
	Gotta feel sorry for Latvia here. His first match is against one of the hottest teams in Europe. Spain won the Euro tournament in 2008 and I'm sure he'd love to keep it up with the Hetalia World Cup trophy. Latvia's been known to rise to the occasion, like when he qualified for Euro '04. But being lucky enough to qualify and winning the damn thing tells you the talent difference here.
	Let's go to Nuremberg and check out the damage!

Day 3- Nuremberg		Match 7	Group D
	SPAIN	vs.	LATVIA

Latvia... isn't so sure about this.

He takes a deep breath, assures himself that it will all be over in two hours, and watches as Spain gets ready to kick off.

	Uh... Spain? About that whole archrival thing...
	Don't sweat it! I'm not going to treat you like an archrival just because Russia tells me to.
	Oh, that's good.
	Everybody's an archrival when I play them in football! Let's go!
	Oh dear.

Spain kicks the ball off and just starts passing randomly up and down the field. High passes, low passes, anything that Latvia can't touch. He's just getting a feel for the ball, much to Latvia's chagrin. After about two minutes, Latvia finally intercepts it and carefully moves downfield. The inbounds cross is knocked away for a corner kick, but that goes nowhere. Spain continues to pass up and down at will. When Latvia does get the ball, he's somehow able to get into the box, but doesn't do anything substantial with it.

	Spain gets it back now and he's just dancing around the pitch. Won't let Latvia near the ball.
	He's world class, that's for sure, but I wouldn't mind seeing him try to score one of these days.
	Latvia trying to put some pressure and oh, there's the through ball! It's a breakaway for Spain! Knocked away and Latvia clears it!
	Oh, that's much better. Thank you.

Spain crosses it in and heads it off the mark. Latvia loses possession immediately.

	Throw-in for Spain at midfield. There's the throw and a quick cross, just into the box... long header... GOAL! Spain makes it look easy from long range!
	Wow, if he can score from the corner of the box like that, no wonder he's been so chill! High header goes over the keeper's head and finds the other side of the net. Nice.

12' - GOAL (ESP) - Spain 1, Latvia 0

Thing is, Spain's not done.

	Spain gets it back into the box- no, Latvia clears it. Heading out for a corner.
	Wait, no, Spain retrieves it, crosses back into the box! Headed over the bar! Hey, why wait?
	Surprised Latvia, that's for sure.
	I'm gonna have a heart attack before this is over...

Latvia sucks it up and loads up defensively. Spain isn't able to penetrate far into the box... so he just drills shot after shot from the perimeter. The shots are too far to actually go in, but Latvia has to constantly throw himself in front of speeding balls to stay alive. He's not enjoying himself.

	Another shot- caught by Latvia! He kicks it far downfield and has a man open! Kicks forward and hey! Latvia on a breakaway! He shoots! Knocked away for a corner!
	He may not be as tough as Spain, but Latvia still has legs and he can still use them. He ain't completely helpless.

 Latvia takes his licks and counter-attacks whenever he can get the ball back. Spain is able to get breakaways because he's frickin' Spain.

Eventually, Spain realizes that if he keeps letting Latvia get counter-attacks, he might score on one of them. So he starts to hang back for a while, relying on speed to push a few men forward and go for breakaways that way. Spain doesn't get anything out of it, but Latvia is completely stymied offensively.

Latvia does get the ball a couple times and manages a good shot attempt and a corner kick, but still no goals.

When Spain resumes kicking the ball around, looking for a corner, Latvia's trying to pressure each pass and relying on double-teaming and tackling.

Are you trying to mark me? That is so cute!

Cute, perhaps, but it works. Latvia is able to get the ball and heads towards the box.

	Latvia crosses it in, but Spain knocks it away... but back to Latvia! Another cross and another clearance, but Spain can't get it out of there! Latvia has it back! Tries to cross and he's taken down hard!
	Yellow card!
	Cameroon books Spain. Maybe he felt some pressure on that one. Latvia will get a free kick from close range.
	Kick is up, towards the goal! Easy save for the keeper.

Moments like those are rare though, as Spain is able to handle Latvia inside the box.

In spite of the momentary distractions, Spain is again able to generate his offense.

	Latvia back on defense, but Spain crosses it to the edge of the box. Another header! Keeper just knocked it over! Close play!
	Don't look now, but it's almost halftime and Spain only has that one goal.

It isn't over yet, though.

Spain's flying towards the box. Latvia dives into stop him but oh! Spain jukes past him! It's a one-on-one! The shot! Diving save by the goalkeeper! Latvia's determined not to let anything else get by before halftime!

He doesn't, although he's already pretty shaken as he heads to the locker room. Vietnam catches up with him.

	Halftime, Latvia, and you're only down by one. That has to be a positive to still be in this match. Plus you've had some opportunities. Are you liking your chances in the second half?
	What?! We have to do that again?! Oh God, I'm gonna die...

Cuba's trying not to laugh in the studio.

	Hey, you gotta hand it to him. He's hanging in there.
	No, but he doesn't have much left in the tank. Spain is running circles around him and Latvia was in survival mode the entire half.
	Can't wait to see what Spain does in the second half.
	I know. If he holes back and plays defense the whole time, it'll probably work. But Latvia has broken through a couple times. If you're Spain, you've gotta be thinking about building a cushion, even if it means giving Latvia the chance at a counter-attack. A couple of 'em looked pretty darn dangerous.

Back onto the field, Latvia gets to kick off to start the second half. He does so, trying to pass it around and find an opening.

	Latvia trying to get across and... stolen by Spain! How far can he get?
	Not very. Nobody else from his team is with him. Latvia gets it back...
	...and immediately pushes upfield, past the Spain players who thought they were on offense! Latvia connects! Gets a shot! Diving stop by the keeper!
	Like I said, if Spain gets too aggressive, Latvia finds holes. Spain can't get too reckless here.

He doesn't. In fact, he marks Latvia, forcing him to earn every pass and trying to pressure him into a mistake. Latvia is frantic the whole time, but gets close enough to Spain's box to force Spain to commit a foul to stop him. Again, Spain's keeper catches the free kick and boots it back to midfield.

	Nothing going there. Spain tries to push up, but nobody home. Latvia takes over and kicks it hard downfield! Oi, he's got a man there! He's onside somehow, it's a one-on-one! He shoots! SCORES! LATVIA TIES IT UP!
	See, what'd I tell ya? It's about all Latvia can do and he pulls it off here and ties it up. Spain's gotta be kicking himself for losing it while in transition. Caramba.

51' - GOAL (LVA) - Spain 1, Latvia 1

Well after the fact, Latvia is still standing there, stunned.

	I scored... it's tied!? I'm tied with Spain?
	Uh, Latvia? We'd like to start playing again.

Spain seems to get the message and slows things down for a bit, looking for a good shot. He ends up dancing around Latvia's box too long, shaking his concentration enough to draw a hard foul and a booking.

Yellow card for Latvia and a free kick for Spain. He's been very patient since Latvia's goal... but not there! Takes a shot! Caught by the keeper.

Things get bogged down for a bit after that, as both sides mark heavily and prevent the other from getting any sort of rhythm. This bogs down the game for several minutes, until one of them is able to get something through.

	Oh boy, Latvia's in position for a cross! It's into the box and headed... aw, right at the keeper! All that and he couldn't finish the job.
	Still though, it's the first time anyone's come close to scoring in ten minutes. Fact that it's Latvia has a lot of Spain's fans nervous in the seats. It hasn't been this quiet since everyone got up to use the bathroom at halftime.

Finally, Spain's able to return the favor and get his offense going again.

	Latvia still pressuring at midfield. But Spain gets a kick through! Man's open and gets it! Side-by-side with the defense! Shoots and it's off the keeper! Then off the defender, right back to Spain and he FINISHES! Spain retakes the lead!
	Man, Latvia sure didn't make it easy for him, but he finally finds an opening and puts it in on the second attempt. There's a lot of relieved folks back in Madrid right now.

66' - GOAL (ESP) - Spain 2, Latvia 1

With a lot of the pressure off, Spain loosens up and continues to focus on offense.

	Spain's fighting to grab one more goal while Latvia's on the ropes. He's got a corner kick now, it's up... and headed! Gets past the keeper and a defender and bounces in! GOAL!
	Wow! What a header by Spain! Latvia had two guys right there and Spain gets it past both of them. He couldn't have placed it any better if he was standing two feet away and throwing it.

69' - GOAL (ESP) - Spain 3, Latvia 1

Now Latvia is starting to look beat, both mentally and physically. Spain generally stays aggressive while his mojo's working, but nothing comes out of it other than killing time. Latvia gets a couple failed potshots, but it's another ten minutes before he's able to generate a sustained offense. And that's only because Spain has fallen back to play more defensively in the final minutes.

	Into the box... and Spain clears it out. Goes up the middle, then right to the sidelines! He's flying down the sides towards Latvia's box. Past the defense! He angles in! Fires! Knocked away, but right to another Spanish forward! He finishes the job! One more for La Roja!
	You know, that's what Latvia had been trying to do all game. Shut down a possession and just hustle up the field before the other team can get back on defense. Spain just showed us how it's done.

81' - GOAL (ESP) - Spain 4, Latvia 1

Now Spain just kills time whenever he gets the ball. Latvia doesn't fight too hard to stop him, although he does try an attack if he does end up with the ball. They both know this one's over.

	Final minute now and Latvia tries a cross, but Spain's there to clear it. Gets it up and it's... stolen by Latvia. Wow, he fires it into the box again! Connects, the kick- SCORES! Hey, Latvia gets one back in the final minute!
	It's a defensive lapse if I ever saw one. Latvia snuck in there and happened to have a striker still in position. But hey- it counts. Spain better hope that doesn't come back to bite him in a tie-breaker.
	Either way, it's too little, too late as the clock expires and Spain prevails.

90' - GOAL (LVA) - Spain 4, Latvia 2

Yep, that's how it ends. Despite the last-second goal, Latvia's practically crawling off the field. Spain takes a moment to savor the victory before heading in for an interview and a shower.

Day 3- Nuremberg		Match 7	Group D
	SPAIN	4:2 FT	LATVIA
12' 66' 69' 81'	Raúl Raúl Albelda Torres	Referee CMR	Verpakovskis Verpakovskis	51' 90'

Here's that interview for you.

	Spain, you came on strong there and put up a solid victory, but for a while there, it was a pretty close game.
	I know! Wasn't that sweet? He was holding on there for most of the game. It was adorable.
	What made it so difficult to get past him?
	Well, he reacted to everything I did pretty well. When I stacked the box, he threw everything on defense. When I kicked it around, he marked me. I was having a blast trying to stay a step ahead.
	Was there ever a point where you were afraid he'd force a draw with you?
	That's the fun part! If I don't step up and figure something out, he gets a point off me. Can't let that happen against my archrival!
	Sights set on Lithuania now?
	You bet! Gonna take a shower and watch him play Turkey. That should be fun.
	You do that. Congrats on the win, Spain.

Australia and Cuba try to analyze.

	Well, it wasn't the complete victory some were expecting, but Spain got the job done.
	Yeah, even though Latvia tied it up at one point, Spain dictated all game. He could have done a better job with the way he dictated, but there was no doubt who was in charge of that one.
	Meanwhile, you gotta hand it to little Latvia for hanging in there as long as he did.
	You bet. He ran out of gas in that last half-hour, but as far as "not freaking out and getting clobbered" strategies go... he's solid. Turkey better not take him lightly in the next game.
	Well, Turkey's got a Baltic of his own to deal with in the night game. What are Lithuania's chances?
	Well... better. He's kinda in the same boat as Latvia. But the thing with Turkey is that he does have a bit of an inconsistent streak going. Third place in the 2002 World Cup! Knocked off host Korea! Great job... but guess who Latvia beat to qualify for Euro '04?
	He also missed out on the 2006 World Cup when he lost a playoff to Switzerland. Then he came back and finished third in Euro '08. There again he beat the hosts... Switzerland.
	It's up and down with this guy. Very unpredictable.
	Well, let's get to Cologne to see which Turkey shows up.

 

---

Day 3- Cologne		Match 8	Group D
	LITHUANIA	vs.	TURKEY

The match starts and Lithuania goes on the defensive! Turkey is casual with the ball, dancing past defenders and looking for openings. He doesn't find very many as Lithuania is devoted to defense. So much so that when he does get the ball, he has so few men forward that he can't advance it. It's a small sacrifice as it means that Turkey can't get many shots off.

	Turkey gets it into the box, but Lithuania gets it. No! He lost it in the box! Turkey picks it up! Fires! Saved by the keeper!
	All the defense in the world can't help you when you lose the ball like that.

A few minutes later, Turkey's still threatening.

	Turkey kicks one through! Finds a man, but he's all alone surrounded by three defenders. Just trying to keep it in all that traffic.
	Oh oh! Nice move there to get past two... and a third!
	Only the keeper to beat... he jukes right past him! Empty net and a GOAL!
	Incredible footwork by Turkey! Dances around three players and the goalkeeper, leaving him with the whole net in front of him. A three-year-old could have kicked it in from there!

7' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 1, Lithuania 0

Lithuania gets the ball and at least holds it long enough to get a couple tries off Turkey.

Lithuania wins his first corner of the day. Has a couple guys forward. Kick is away! Bounced, the shot! Off the post! Turkey gets it out of there but Lithuania almost equalizes!

For the most part though, Turkey continues to dominate. Lithuania doesn't get any sort of offense until minutes later, but Turkey's defense provides so much pressure he can't even get a shot off.

Meanwhile, Turkey pulls all sorts of offensive strategies on Lithuania, whatever suits his mood at the time. He crosses, he charges in, and he steals and rushes it into the box. This is most frustrating as it's usually after Lithuania just finished clearing.

	Lithuania gets it out again, but Turkey steals it before getting to midfield! He kicks it into the box! Shot's away... off the crossbar! Who'll get to it first... TURKEY! GOAL!!
	Keeper couldn't get that rebound and Turkey flies in and hammers it home for his second goal! This is starting to get ugly.

17' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 2, Lithuania 0

Turkey's still not finished. After Lithuania can't advance, Turkey does.

	Long cross down the field, headed from the top of the box- saved by the keeper.
	Didn't hang on though! Turkey dives! Connects! SCORES! Another goal for Turkey!
	Lithuania's keeper couldn't hang on after the save and Turkey swoops in to head in the third goal of the night. We're not even twenty minutes in.
	Well, boys and girls- it's gotten ugly.

18' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 3, Lithuania 0

So ugly, in fact, that we're going to buzz right through the next twenty minutes. Turkey's pretty much just dancing around with the ball anyway. He takes a few shots here and there, but now he's just having fun with it.

	How 'bout this? Give me a shot to try. Bet I can hit it before halftime.
	Um, I don't know. Um...
	Too late! I'm off!

Lithuania is able to get a few more chances in all this, but even on what looks like a breakaway, Turkey smothers him and prevents a shot. Turkey really slows things down and not much happens.

	Turkey just fires a longball into the box. It's a fifty-fifty... Turkey chests it but right to Lithu- no! Turkey stole it back! He fires! IT'S IN! Another goal and the rout continues.
	At some point you run out of things to say. I can't tell if Turkey's that good or Lithuania's that bad. Scoreboard says it could be both.

36' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 4, Lithuania 0

This looks to be the score going into halftime, but...

	Lithuania kicks it through and connects! Finally a promising breakaway! He shoots! Aw, saved by Turkey.
	That may have been his best chance for a goal all game. Would have been a nice confidence-booster right before halftime, but Turkey won't be denied.

The half ends. Poland and Estonia have to drag Lithuania off the field.

	Wow, Liet, you like... really suck.
	Do I have to play the second half?
	According to the rules, a forfeit would result in an automatic 3-0 win for Turkey. So if you think about it...
	That's tempting...
	That totally wouldn't work. That's only when you don't show up for the game. Estonia should know that. He's the expert on not showing up for games.
	*defensive* It was only that one time! And with good reason!

Yes, in protest of a last-second time change, Estonia once did not show up for a home game against Scotland. Oh, the things you find during random Wikipedia research on the national teams of random Hetalia nations.

	Where the hell's Taiwan?
	Her flight from Leipzig was delayed. We really need to splurge for a third sideline reporter. But that's okay- the less said about this one the better.
	True. Turkey's running circles around Lithuania. Only question is whether Turkey keeps fighting in the second half or if he shuts it down.
	Oi, it's a question of whether he wants to save strength for his next matches or try to build up a nice goal differential so he's ahead on a tie-breaker.
	Both of those sound pretty shrewd and tactful. So I don't see Turkey doing either of them. He'll probably just do what he did for the last part of the first half and just kill time and jump at any opportunities.
	Well, let's get it over with.

Lithuania does show up for the second half. In fact, he tends to be a little more competitive as Turkey is more relaxed with the game virtually in hand. Still, not much happens for a long time.

Lithuania trying another longball! Hits his striker! He shoots! Over the bar!

But Turkey continues to get opportunities to shoot. To answer Cuba's question at halftime, Turkey really isn't playing with any strategy at all. He's just going out and enjoying himself, doing whatever comes to mind.

Lithuania is still frantically trying to keep up and generate anything resembling an offense.

	Lithuania's going around the side now. No cross, he shoots it from there! Knocked away by the keeper, but right to another forward at the edge of the box. Lithuania shoots! SCORES!
	Hey! There we go! Two good, hard shots finally turn into a goal as Lithuania gets something to build on.

69' - GOAL (LTU) - Turkey 4, Lithuania 1

A few minutes later, Lithuania gets it back and tries again.

	Moving forward again, Lithuania passes up, looking for a way to break Turkey's defense. Passes into the box... and over to his side! Gets an open shot! Scores! Lithuania drills it into the net for his second goal!
	Nice teamwork there and some great passing. He puts a good finish on that one and suddenly it's a two goal game. Still probably too late for a comeback, but it's a big improvement.

72' - GOAL (LTU) - Turkey 4, Lithuania 2

Turkey steps things up again the rest of the game, but Lithuania still has the momentum. They manage to trade shots back and forth, both getting looks. For a while, it's unclear whether Turkey would lead by three or if Lithuania could cut it to one. It even gets intense enough for both teams to get players booked for hard tackles on defense.

At the end of the game, however, despite Lithuania proving to be a late nuisance, neither team scores again and it still amounts to a pretty easy win for Turkey.

Day 3- Cologne		Match 8	Group D
	LITHUANIA	2:4 FT	TURKEY
69' 72'	Cesnauskis Jankauskas	Referee THA	Ateş Ateş Baştürk Ateş	7' 17' 18' 36'

Taiwan's plane finally has landed and she catches up with the victor. She's a little stressed out after all that.

	Great win, Turkey. Sorry I'm late, but my plane had a mechanical issue pre-flight. I almost didn't make it at all. I'm still a little on edge right now... anyway...
	*laughs* So much for German efficiency!
	Heh heh. But wow, what a dominating first half! You seemed to have Lithuania's number.
	Attack early, attack often. That's how you disrupt him. Best of all, he was ready for it and still couldn't stop it.
	It seemed more even in the second half. He scored a couple goals and almost got it to within one.
	He did, and perhaps I underestimated him later on. But I was ready to turn the jets on again if things ever got heated.
	Another Baltic next time in Latvia. Did you get a chance to watch his match against Spain? I sure didn't.
	Yes, I watched a bit of it. Latvia looked all right. I look forward to seeing him in battle.
	Well, anyway, it's a good way to start off your tournament. Thanks, Turkey.
	You bet! You go get some sleep now.
	I will do that. Australia? Cuba? It's all yours.
	The benefits of calling matches from the studio.
	Germany should have sprung to let us do this from Havana. But anyway, Turkey will sleep well tonight, even after Lithuania's late goals.
	He sure will, but goal differential is an important tie-breaker. Assuming Turkey and Spain both win again next time, whoever has the best goal differential wins in case they draw against each other.
	Yep, they're both +2 right now. Let's peek at the tables.

After Day Three, these are the standings:

Group A Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Russia 1 1 0 0 4 1 3 3   Germany 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3   Hungary 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0   Greece 1 0 0 1 1 4 -3 0	Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Canada 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3   Holland 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1   Belgium 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1   Japan 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Group C Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Norway 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 3   England 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1   Austria 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1   Korea 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0	Group D Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Spain 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 3   Turkey 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 3   Latvia 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0   Lithuania 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0
Group E Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   France 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Denmark 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Finland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Hong Kong 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	Group F Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Switzerland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Egypt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Estonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Group G Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Sweden 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Poland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Iceland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Liechtenstein 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	Group H Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   America 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Ukraine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Belarus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   China 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 

	Well, three games today and three 4-2 results.
	They all looked very different too. Norway and Korea battled all game, Spain pulled away late and Lithuania tacked on a couple to look respectable.
	And after today, we've now seen half of the 32 teams in the tournament. Who's impressed you the most?
	You know, I gotta say Norway had the most complete game from start to finish. Took care of things all game against some tough competition.
	All three of today's winners looked very good, especially Norway and Turkey. Gotta also go back to the opener and point out Germany's performance. Didn't panic after trailing early, stormed back and held off a determined Hungary.
	On the other side of the coin, which losers aren't completely screwed?
	Me, I think Japan still has a shot at advancing. Losing to Canada was bad, but Holland and Belgium playing to a draw helps him. If Japan can beat Belgium and Holland cools off Canada, Group B is ripe for the taking.
	That one's turning out even better than we had hoped for. Looking ahead to tomorrow, the last of the Baltics will try for better luck as Estonia meets Egypt.
	And Group E play gives us a couple more Nordic nations as Denmark takes on Hong Kong and Finland tries to figure out France.
	That's it for us. Adios until next time!

As we progress through the tournament, some of the matches won't be covered as thoroughly as others, particularly ones that turn into a rout early like Lithuania-Turkey. I want to try to get enough character moments for everybody, but not every game's a thriller. This is good to keep in mind with Hong Kong-Denmark next time. I don't have high hopes for that one. In fact, they all look like blowouts on paper, but the game's delivered surprises before and one of the underdogs has a secret weapon...

To Be Continued!

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