Day 4- Gelsenkirchen		Match 9	Group E
	HONG KONG	vs.	DENMARK

Denmark is naturally aggressive to start the game, but Hong Kong seems to keep the ball and has no problem moving it downfield. He has nowhere to put it as Denmark stacks the box, but the fact that Hong Kong can keep the ball for any period of time is surprising.

Denmark has no trouble blitzing down the field and creating chances, but another surprise is that Hong Kong is covering there as well. When Hong Kong gets the ball back, same thing- he seems to have numbers both on offense and defense.

	Quite something, actually. Denmark's faster, stronger and more aggressive, so you'd think Hong Kong would have to devote himself to either offense or defense. Yet he seems to be everywhere.
	I know. It's hard to figure out, but when Denmark's got it, HK's got numbers on defense and when he gets the ball back, he's got men forward.

Mind you, numbers does not equate to talent. Denmark's still far more dangerous with the ball.

	Denmark straight up the middle, fires it into the box and finds a man! He collects it, turns around, fires and scores! Goal Denmark and he takes a quick 1-0 lead!
	All the numbers in the world can't help you when Denmark slices your defense in half like that. What a pass!

8' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 1, Hong Kong 0

Hong Kong's ability to take care of the ball and move upfield does become an interesting development, although Denmark generally has enough foresight to play defense.

	Hong Kong advancing... Denmark kicks it out for a throw-in.
	Seems like the first time Denmark's stopped Hong Kong before getting too close to the box.
	Here's the throw for Hong Kong, and it's into the box! Headed right away! Oh, over the bar!
	It's a shot. It wasn't a great shot, but Hong Kong isn't rolling over, that's for sure.

At the same time, Denmark is still on the move. Hong Kong remarkably is able put enough guys in the box to deal with it, but Denmark tries a series of quick passes followed by nasty shots just outside of the box. Nothing goes in though and Hong Kong gets it back.

That's when Cuba notices another quirk.

	Hong Kong moving downfield quickly. Passes it up and he's...! No, the offside flag is up!
	That's... wow, that's the third offside call on Hong Kong in the first fifteen minutes.
	Yes it is. Denmark's practically giving him midfield, but his defenders play up far enough to play the offside trap in case Hong Kong tries to get sneaky.
	Denmark using the offside trap against Hong Kong? Weird.

Things get a bit chaotic after that as Hong Kong is forced to play possession instead of fast breaks. This leads to a long series of quick passes and intercepts by both teams on Hong Kong's side of the field. When Hong Kong does attack, Denmark continues to be risky- not only with the offside trap but by crossing it past the goal, backwards and wherever he thinks his teammates are. Hong Kong isn't able to take advantage.

	Denmark charging up again. Another sharp pass up and into the box! He shoots- off the post and IN! A little luck this time but Denmark's up 2-0!
	No luck there, Aussie. Same thing as last time- charge up the middle and split the D in two. He might as well bring his axe onto the pitch.

19' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 2, Hong Kong 0

Hong Kong ignores the cheering, the deficit, and Denmark's celebrating. He calmly puts the ball back into play.

And Denmark steals it.

	Hey, he's going for more! Crosses it in! Header! Hong Kong knocks it away!
	But there's Denmark to put in the rebound! Shoots! Oh, how did the keeper get to that one as well?!
	Dangerous second chance and Hong Kong's lucky it's not 3-0 right now.

Hong Kong doesn't seem to notice luck.

	Hong Kong moving the ball up quickly, gets a through ball. For once, he's onside and has a breakaway! Into the box for the shot, keeper runs forward and jumps in front of it! Denmark clears it away.
	Even Denmark's keeper is aggressive!

Aggressive is the name of the game for Denmark.

	Once again, Denmark slicing up the middle!
	Man, we're calling this the Battle Axe offense from now on.
	Looking around for a man, kicking, kicking, found someone in the corner of the box! He fires! Goal into the opposite corner! Angled beautifully by Denmark and the rout is on!

24' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 3, Hong Kong 0

Hong Kong persists in trying to score at his own regulated pace. While he does manage a breakaway, Denmark's keeper saves it with little trouble. Still, Hong Kong continues to be aggressive.

	And again, Denmark does a good job clearing it out of the box.
	Not that time. Back to Hong Kong. He serves it right back in. Shot from the edge of the box... curls in, bounces off the post... FINDS THE NET! Goal Hong Kong!
	One momentary lapse is all it takes as Hong Kong's on the board! This isn't over yet.

29' - GOAL (HKG) - Denmark 3, Hong Kong 1

Now Hong Kong has some momentum and, knowing Denmark is eager to get that goal back, uses it to prevent his opponent from touching the ball. Denmark is unable to finish any possessions, and Hong Kong is able to test Denmark's defense a little. Denmark starts to get frustrated, and draws a yellow card after a tackle at midfield.

Denmark does get it back eventually, and starts to mix up his plans.

	Up the middle and no! To the side! No Battle Axe this time!
	Nope, breakaway down the side, heading into the box and hey! Hard tackle from behind! He could get sent off for that!
	Absolutely! Denmark had a clear look at the goal and Hong Kong just yanked him down. That's usually rewarded with a red card.
	*holds up a red card* Sorry, but I have to send you off for that!
	*surprisingly neutral* Understandable.
	And it is! Hong Kong's in some serious trouble now, but it's the only right call for Seychelles to make.
	Shame too. Just when Hong Kong was starting to put up a fight, he'll be a man down for the rest of the game. But you're right, Denmark had a good chance to score there and bringing him down like that's a one-way ticket to the showers.

For a game that has at times seemed arbitrary about how it gives cards out, I must credit it (and Seychelles-chan!) for recognizing a professional foul like that. Incidentally, referees are pre-assigned, usually based on not being matched up with someone from the same continent or with a clear interpersonal relationship. Today was rough as I had to keep Thailand away from Hong Kong, Cameroon away from Egypt... and like hell am I letting Seychelles anywhere near France.

Denmark is pretty dominant for the rest of the half, although nothing gets home. Hong Kong doesn't really see the other side of the field until the very end of the first half.

	Hong Kong advancing again for the first time in a while, knocked out for a throw.
	He won't have much time to work with. We're in stoppage time already and the half could end at any moment
	Throws it in for a cross and no! Denmark takes him down along the sides. Whistle blows and now Denmark could be looking at another card.
	Indeed. Seychelles holds up a yellow card.
	*grinning* I'll autograph it after the game for you.
	Another man in the referee's book for Denmark, but more importantly a free kick for Hong Kong right down the side. Kind of a short-range corner kick.
	Sort of. Denmark's forming a wall. Let's see what Hong Kong tries here.
	Kick's away and it's LOW! Worm-burner right past the wall, straight at a Hong Kong forward and he punches it in!! Goal Hong Kong!
	What the hell was that?! A little trickery there as HK takes the low road, finds an open man and sneaks one past the keeper. I don't think that ball had any hangtime along the way, but Hong Kong now goes into the locker room only down one goal.

45+1' - GOAL (HKG) - Denmark 3, Hong Kong 2

That is indeed halftime, and Australia and Cuba are surprised at the turn of events.

	So what the hell's going on? Denmark's running Hong Kong ragged, up by a man and scored three goals in the first half. And it's only a one goal game?
	Skills-wise, Hong Kong is barely keeping up, but yeah... this is a close game. I just can't believe the score is 3-2 at halftime. Can Hong Kong keep it up?
	No idea! I can't even tell who has the momentum right now. You'd think Hong Kong, but this kind of adversity gets Denmark nice and riled up. Let's see if Vietnam can get some insight as the players come out of the tunnel.
	Hong Kong!
	Yes?
	After everything in the first half, you're only down by one. What's your plan to draw even in the second?
	Score another goal.
	He runs off. Vietnam shakes her head.
	Okay, maybe they're not that different after all.

Denmark starts out with the ball in the second half. Surprise! He's attacking.

	Denmark wasting no time in the second half! Heading down the sidelines, looking for a cross this time... nope! Whistle blows. I think that was a handball there?
	You think? Hong Kong just swatted that sucker down. He's lucky he's not getting booked for something that blatant.
	Seychelles considers a yellow card, but after a plaintive look from Hong Kong, she doesn't bother.
	Free kick for Denmark, almost from the same spot Hong Kong scored from right before halftime. Denmark kicks it up and away, chested, kicked towards the far side- IN! Goal Denmark and he opens the lead right back up!
	Wow, not wasting any time! Looked like he wanted to put a little more flair into that goal than the one Hong Kong scored. Good stuff.

46' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 4, Hong Kong 2

Hong Kong isn't defeated. When he gets the ball, he moves quickly down the sidelines. So quickly that Denmark's offside trap kicks in again... and again. Early in the second half, Hong Kong is called twice.

	Once again, Denmark's offside trap is holding Hong Kong off. Surprising that he's using it, but it's really working.
	Yes, but Hong Kong's not attacking the same place twice. He's testing it for weaknesses. He remembers...
	Uh, Cuba, he's a special administrative region, not a raptor.

Maybe not, but Denmark is playing the part, peppering Hong Kong all around with shots from every direction. Even though he doesn't seem to be panicking, or breaking a sweat for that matter, Hong Kong is only barely able to clear the shots away.

	Denmark passing it around, looking for some chances inside the box.
	Good patience here, waiting for the right opportunity.
	Sees one! Kicks it into the box! Denmark shoots- SCORES! We've still got a half hour left and it's a 5-2 game!

56' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 5, Hong Kong 2

And he's not through yet!

Denmark with a cross this time! There's the header! Oh, off the post! Hong Kong clears it away.

Hong Kong is able to get an attack in and Denmark slows it down a little after that to concentrate on... well, maybe not.

	Long, high pass right up the middle, Denmark has a striker there, he heads it up... and IN! Another goal for Denmark! This guy isn't stopping!
	And he's figured how to prevent Hong Kong from stopping him too. He's scoring at will now!

64' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 6, Hong Kong 2

Denmark is still intense, trying to get Hong Kong to admit defeat.

	Had enough? Come on, who's yer Daddy?
	*unfazed* Either England or China, depending on your definition.
	Hong Kong walks away to kick the ball back into play. Denmark frowns.
	*annoyed* Bastard.

Somehow, Hong Kong is not conceding defeat.

	Hong Kong still looking for opportunities, even though this one looks just about over... good through ball and hey! Hong Kong with a breakaway! He shoots! Oh, a diving save!
	Down by four with twenty minutes left and he's still mixing it up in there. Damn.

Although Hong Kong's refusal to quit means Denmark just keeps playing harder. He still works around Hong Kong's box and still pushes to score even more.

	Chance for Denmark! Nope, cleared away by Hong Kong. Sends it up... no, intercepted by Denmark! Kicked into the box! Shoots! SCORES! Denmark with his seventh goal of the match!
	Man, 7-2! This would be a blowout in baseball!
	Kind of a sad sight, really. Game's been decided long ago, but there's no sense of killing the clock, getting some fresh faces in there and not running up the score. It doesn't feel like garbage time. This is kind of a shame.
	This is awesome!

72' - GOAL (DEN) - Denmark 7, Hong Kong 2

Again, Denmark is relentlessly trying to jaw Hong Kong into submission, but Hong Kong just keeps on playing his game. So Denmark plays his and the shots just keep on coming. At least Hong Kong is getting a few opportunities.

	Now Hong Kong playing around the box, looking for something. He passes it in for a shot! Knocked away by the keeper! Kicked in on the rebound! Goal Hong Kong! This is getting ridiculous!
	This is getting even better! Ten goals already and we've still got ten minutes left! Even though the game's over, these two are just too stubborn to stop playing!

77' - GOAL (HKG) - Denmark 7, Hong Kong 3

Yes, with Hong Kong's goal, now both teams are even more invested in scoring as much as possible in the final minutes.

	Hong Kong down the sideline, looking for something and there's a tackle by Denmark!
	Got all leg on that one. There's the whistle for the foul. Let's see if Seychelles is pulling out a card here.
	She doesn't. She's too pissed.
	Okay, guys! Hong Kong! Denmark! Get over here!
	They walk up to her to see what she wants. She angrily points to the scoreboard.
	Would someone tell me what the score is?
	7-3.
	Right, it's 7-3 with eight minutes left! Why are you two still kicking each other?
	'Cause it's fun!
	Knock it off! Ride out the clock like you're supposed to! I want to go home and eat. Germany makes really good trout.

They tone it down a little bit. Not a lot, but at least there's no more scoring for the rest of the game. Seychelles rolls her eyes as she leaves the pitch. Denmark is psyched about his victory. Hong Kong doesn't seem to care one way or the other, a surprising attitude considering his stubbornness during the game.

Day 4- Gelsenkirchen		Match 9	Group E
	HONG KONG	3:7 FT	DENMARK
29' 45+1' 77'	Akandu Lee Chan	Referee SEY	Tomasson Tomasson Jorgensen Helveg Jorgensen Tomasson Tomasson	8' 19' 24' 46' 56' 64' 72'

The guys are surprised at the score.

	I suppose it shouldn't have surprised us this much. Denmark's aggressive and Hong Kong just isn't all that good.
	Yep, that about covers it. Any final report from Vietnam?
	For some reason, she's on the phone. Let's put her on.
	No, don't put me live! I was just calling to say you're on your own to wrap it up. I left at halftime so I could get to the airport. We don't want a repeat of yesterday, do we?
	Oh. Well, see you in Hanover!
	Not much to say anyway. Hong Kong never cracked under all that adversity, but it still doesn't mean he's any good. Who's next?
	Egypt and Estonia.
	Oh, lovely. Two countries that don't give a crap.
	Yeah, that's a strange thing about Egypt. He's quite skilled and really plays his heart out in the African Cup of Nations, winning frequently. But he hasn't qualified for a World Cup in years. It's not that he can't keep up with the rest of the world... he just doesn't want to.
	And he's in the same group as Switzerland. That'll be amusing. Estonia, meanwhile, is a nerd. I'm sure he'd love to win one of these days, but it's just not a priority for him. Somehow I don't think we'll be seeing the intensity of the last match.
	There's a bit of intrigue with that though, don't you think?
	Don't bother hyping it. Let's head to Kaiserslautern to get it over with.

Day 4- Kaiserslautern		Match 10	Group F
	EGYPT	vs.	ESTONIA

Egypt kicks it off, passes sharply and swiftly down the field for an immediate breakaway.

	Hello! Egypt's not waiting for Estonia to get acclimated. He drives! Shoots! Just knocked away!
	What the hell? What happened to not caring?
	Well, while he's here, he might as well put some hustle into it.
	Guess so... hey, what's this now? Estonia heading the other way... oh! What a pass!
	Estonia's got a break now! Into the box and Egypt's keeper dives on top of it before Estonia could get the shot off. Surprising start to this one!

Despite the surgical breakaway from Estonia, Egypt keeps the ball more, looking for chances early. After some threats are put down, Estonia slows things down for a while. When Egypt gets it back, it's back to business.

	Good possession for Egypt, drives forward and finds a man! He's got a breakaway! Only the keeper to beat! Estonia charges forward, dives up and trips up Egypt! Looks like he was going for the ball, but...
	Still pretty reckless and the whistle blows!
	Foul! That's a penalty kick!
	Thailand points at the spot! Egypt will get a penalty kick!
	Yep, something like this came up during the Holland-Belgium game, but Seychelles said play on. Estonia's not so lucky this time.

Thailand clears the riff-raff out of the box. It's now Egypt against the Estonian goalkeeper, one-on-one.

	Here goes, first penalty of the tournament. Egypt shoots- IN!
	Estonia guessed wrong on that one, diving to the side. Egypt placed it dead center and drilled it into the top of the net. Daring kick, but Egypt's on the board.

9' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 1, Estonia 0

With a one-goal lead, Egypt keeps a tight rein on the ball and really works to dictate the pace. Scary thing is that although he's not playing for quick breakaways, he's still advancing the ball and getting good shots off. Estonia has to concentrate on defense to prevent a goal.

It takes another several minutes before Estonia is able to hold the ball for any decent amount of time. He slows it down when he does, not going for blind through balls.

	Estonia again looking for something, just not finding it.
	Yeah, Egypt's playing a very measured game right now. Not a lot of-
	Wait, Estonia spotted an opening there. Took a good pass, but he's got an opening! Into the box! Kick knocked away! It's loose! Egypt just got there in time to collect it.

That's the thing with Egypt. He's playing a very neutral game, neither devoted to offense or defense. He takes his time in advancing the ball and never pushes too many men forward, even in the most tempting situations.

It's the perfect strategy against someone like Estonia, who doesn't have the ability to match Egypt's solid fundamental play. All Estonia can do is wait for Egypt to stack things one way or another and hope for a mistake.

	Estonia gets it into the box... nope, Egypt gets to it. Wait! No! He lost it! Sloppy pass there! Estonia charges in, but the keeper kicks it out of there.
	Estonia's pretty much stuck waiting for stuff like that to open up. Doesn't seem to be cropping up too often. Egypt's playing a good game.

Egypt gets a few more good possessions that pressure Estonia defensively. Things get muddled in midfield for a long time after that as neither team is really able to get anywhere. Estonia breaks through first with a couple good shots, but Egypt handles them and shuts him down soon afterwards.

	Egypt moving forward again, long ball into the box, cleared aside by Estonia. Estonia sends it far forward, but right back to Egypt. Egypt with a LONG cross back into the box... there's a header... GOAL! Goal for Egypt! That found the back of the net!
	Wow, Egypt skips the small ball and just went for the homerun there! Brilliant cross to his man just inside the box and the header finds the corner of the net! Sweet goal!

39' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 2, Estonia 0

Egypt gets a few more opportunities and Estonia has enough trouble holding them off to mount an offense of his own before halftime.

	Halftime now and Egypt leads 2-0. He's quiet, he's not flashy, but he is certainly getting the job done.
	Definitely, I'm really impressed with Egypt so far. It's low-key and honestly a little boring, but it really works, especially against a weaker opponent. We saw how Spain went for style points and Latvia ended up hanging in that game a lot longer than expected. Egypt's not making that mistake today.
	Oi, he's really stifled Estonia. Taiwan with the trailing side to see what kind of comeback he's got in mind.
	Thanks, Australia. Estonia? Down two goals and not generating much offensively. What has to change?
	I assumed it would be tough goings. Egypt is not giving me a lot of openings. I just have to stay observant and find some holes. He can't be completely impervious.
	Defensively, you've been all right though. Except for the penalty.
	That was unfortunate, but I guess I can't argue. Maintaining that level of play on defense will be a priority.
	Best of luck to you then. Guys?
	Thanks a million. Let's get back onto the field!

The second half starts with Estonia kicking off. He uses this to his advantage, keeping the ball and taking stock of any adjustments Egypt may have made. You know, assessing the situation the way he expected Egypt to at the start of the game.

It pays off after a minute of kicking it around.

	Estonia heading down the side, there's a good cross. Header under fire! Off the post! Dangerous attack from Estonia!
	Yeah, Egypt applied a lot of pressure and Estonia still just narrowly missed that one.

Estonia continues to think offense when he has the ball.

	Longball into the box! Nope, Egypt clears it to a defender on the side. Estonia there to challenge and ooh, he steals it! Good position for a cross but no, he drives in himself! Takes a shot! Off the keeper and finds net! GOAL!
	Wow, no help necessary! Gets the steal, charges in and fires off a shot before Egypt's defense can react. Nice play!

50' - GOAL (EST) - Egypt 2, Estonia 1

No longer able to rest on a two-goal lead, Egypt starts to pursue the goal a little more, although again not letting his defenders get out of position. With a little more confidence, Estonia also keeps looking for opportunities. Both defenses are tested over the next several minutes, but both pass.

	Estonia knocks it out for a corner kick. Even now, not a lot of Egypt's players moving up.
	Nope. He's got his forwards and a midfielder or two in there, but that's about it.
	Shot's away and it's right to a striker! Kick is defected off the keeper to Estonia's defender. He collects, kicks, off Egypt and IN! That's a goal!
	Aw, Estonia tried to clear it away and it ricochet's off Egypt's player and goes into the net. That's almost like an own goal there.
	Hm, Estonia discussing something with Thailand now.
	Sir, didn't that go off his arm? That should have been a handball.
	Sorry, didn't look like it from where I was.
	Estonia calling for a handball?
	Eh, he might have an argument there. I couldn't tell if that was off his chest, shoulder or arm.
	No matter, the call stands and Egypt has his two-goal lead again.

You be the judge.

58' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 3, Estonia 1

Egypt is far more comfortable now, and knows that his strategy is working. Estonia moves the ball forward well, but Egypt's defense keeps up the whole way and doesn't allow very many good chances. Estonia's lack of ability comes out when he does get chances, as many of them result in a weak finish that the goalkeeper saves easily.

Egypt continues to move the ball slowly, but with purpose and continues to keep Estonia busy on defense.

	Estonia setting up for a corner now. Just twenty minutes left and he's down by two. Kick's away... no, Egypt clears it out of there... and hits his man! Speeds down the sidelines, this has possibility! Egypt gets a breakaway! Into the box! Shoots! What a save by Estonia!
	What a great position for Egypt to be in. He can stay in this slow, measured offense, but see an opportunity like that and he's downright frightening.

Estonia counters by using the offside trap a little more, throwing Egypt off a couple times. He uses the free kicks and resulting possession to search for holes in Egypt's defense, and seems to find a couple.

Searching around and there! Estonia passes into the box! Finds a man! Shoots! Caught by the keeper! All that work and he can't finish it.

Egypt moves forward again, but seems to have run out of options with Estonia playing so far up.

	Egypt looking for somewhere to pass, but nobody's onside.
	Wait, hey! He's charging up himself! Blows past the defenders and into the box! He's got an open shot! Knocked away...
	But there's his teammate to slide in and finish! 4-1 Egypt!
	Estonia was so pre-occupied with trapping Egypt offside that Egypt just stopped passing and drove ahead. Head's up goal to put this one out of reach.

75' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 4, Estonia 1

Estonia's efforts at generating offense are really stopped now as Egypt can afford to concentrate solely on defense. He gets plenty of opportunities though, as Egypt's lack of attacking means short possessions.

	Egypt kicks it up, but nowhere to go. Estonia gets it, passes up, and again! Quick pass up the middle and Estonia gets past the defenders! One-on-one, he shoots! SCORES!
	He's been looking for that all day. Surprising that he found it now and it's probably too late, but a jarring goal against what had been a pretty stout Egyptian defense.

80' - GOAL (EST) - Egypt 4, Estonia 2

Estonia tries to be as aggressive as he can, but Egypt more than meets the challenge. Despite a few sniffs, Estonia is unable to score for the rest of the game. Time winds down to the final minutes where Egypt's just playing keepaway.

	Egypt with the ball, trying to ride out the clock... the way Denmark should have. Estonia pressuring him down the sidelines. Nowhere to go so he heads for Estonia's goalline. Under pressure, there's a cross. Leaping header... GOAL! Wow! An afterthought of a cross turns into Egypt's fifth goal of the game!
	What were you saying about Denmark again?
	Oi, with a header like that, I'll let that one slide. A little flash there for Egypt in an otherwise low-key game for him.

90' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 5, Estonia 2

With that final note, Egypt seals an impressive win. A helpless Estonia shrugs and walks away.

Day 4- Kaiserslautern		Match 10	Group F
	EGYPT	5:2 FT	ESTONIA
9' 39' 58' 75' 90'	El Tabei (PK) Zidan Zidan Zidan Zidan	Referee THA	Leetma Terekhov	50' 80'

Taiwan catches up with the victor.

	Egypt, a solid win today and a good start to the campaign.
	Yes it was.
	It looked like you had a very balanced strategy today, which limited your mistakes and didn't give Estonia many opportunities.
	It's a good strategy. I like it.
	Knowing that you have Italy next, how important was it to get three points today?
	If I want to advance, I need to win.
	Right, but against Estonia it's especially crucial that you win and not draw.
	Probably. I haven't really thought about it.
	That seems to be a popular strategy too. Good game today!

Cuba is trying not to chuckle at the "interview."

	Wow, she's had some rough interviews lately. Like I said yesterday, I'm almost as excited about her interviewing Sweden as I am about his match against Poland tomorrow.
	He didn't care to elaborate, but it was a fine job all-around. A fundamentally-sound game gives Egypt three points he'll surely need in this group.
	You got that right. Italy and Switzerland are up next for him, both very tough to crack in very different ways. I can't wait to see if Egypt keeps playing like this against both of them or tries to adjust to something to match their respective insanity levels.
	That even-keel style probably won't get nearly as much respect from someone as chaotic as Italy.
	True, true. Anyway, one more tonight as France takes on Finland. What do you make of this one?
	Finland's a bit on the small side, but he's been improving recently. Think he's a mite bit out of France's league though.
	Yeah, Denmark and Egypt rolled over their opponents without a lot of drama and we might see the same thing in the nightcap. France is one of the best in the world, won the World Cup on home turf in 1998 and was a runner-up in 2006.
	But we're due for another Canada-sized surprise one of these days. We didn't get one yesterday and all three matches tomorrow are pretty even, so let's hope for some drama tonight in Hanover!

 

---

Day 4- Hanover		Match 11	Group E
	FRANCE	vs.	FINLAND

Bubi's flying around overhead, but he isn't interfering with the match. Yet. France kicks off. Finland steals it and actually holds it in French territory for the first couple minutes. Nothing bothers the net and France gets it back eventually and starts a leisurely stroll up, but it catches Australia off guard.

	Not the way we expected this one to start. I expected Finland to be very guarded, but he's holding the ball, moving forward and looking for chances. Not getting much, but France can't be too laid-back, even against-
	France just scored.
	-the likes of... whazzat?
	Yeah, while you were babbling about France letting Finland be aggressive, he scored. Headed in a corner kick. It was pretty sweet.
	Blimey, I completely missed that.
	You didn't see France dancing around in celebration?
	Oh, he's been doing that since the lineups were announced. I've been ignoring it.

2' - GOAL (FRA) - France 1, Finland 0

Finland ends up with a good share of the possession early on, but France is just a complete wall on defense, shutting down every attack the moment Finland thinks it up. When he gets the ball, France advances it up, glides past Finland's midfielders and finds a way to create a dangerous shot almost every time.

Finland does a pretty good job limiting his mistakes and trying to generate an offense, but the talent mismatch is evident early on.

	France is kicking back and forth, moving forward past Finland with little effort.
	Perfect passing, too. Everybody's in position.
	Swarming around the box now and there's the cross! Header! Saved by the keeper.
	Every man just seemed to converge right in time. It's like this is choreographed.
	Well, it should be. They do practice these things.
	Maybe that's what my team's been doing wrong all these years.

The reverse is also true. Finland continues to play a tight game to get the ball to the other side, but every cross he attempts is cleared out. France heads away everything, preventing Finland from getting shots.

	Back to France now, another great series of passes. There's a long cross! Finland collects, tries to clear. No! It falls! In comes France with a sliding kick- GOAL!!
	You caught that one, right?
	Sure did! No matter how hard little Finland tries, he can't get past France's defenses. And no matter how casual France looks, Les Bleus are up 2-0!
	Finland misplayed that just a tad and France pounced on it like it was part of the plan all along. He's making this look easy!

14' - GOAL (FRA) - France 2, Finland 0

France is hardly rushing up and down the pitch, but he continues to eye the goal. He just prefers to do it with a bit of flourish- using careful formations, elegant passes and perfect timing. He smiles the whole time.

One of Finland's clearances into France's territory becomes interesting.

Looks like France will have that. Nope, I stand corrected. Bounces past him and it's an easy ball for Finland! Finally a breakaway as he gets into the box! No! The keeper dove on top of it. No shot and Finland's still looking for a chance.

Finland keeps looking after getting the ball back.

Finland slowly developing something. Down the sidelines. There's the cross and it's a good one! Header! That's a good one! France saves it! That was good too!

Finland slumps his shoulders a little as he runs back, trying not to look too dismayed. From behind, France strokes his cheek and chin.

	Cheer up! The important thing is to have fun. It's a beautiful game!
	Right... have fun. Let's have a fun match, Mr. France!
	Yes, let's make it beautiful!

For a long time, France and Finland seem to be having the time of their lives, kicking the ball around like they were in someone's backyard. Little progress is made on either side and neither of them seem to care much.

Every so often, something would happen, waking up the announcers.

	Finland making some progress here! Into the box! Finds a striker! Shot! Great save by France!
	*cheerful* Aw, almost!
	Next time, Finland! Don't give up!

France is making this more of a graceful performance piece than a game. It looks beautiful and Finland's just happy to be a part of it.

	Feels like this match has had next to no progress in the last ten minutes. We're almost near the end of the first half with neither side doing much offensively.
	Are we at a football game or the ballet?
	France dancing around midfield and... wow! Surgical strike into the box! Hard shot! Oh, right at the keeper! That came out of nowhere!
	Shouldn't be a surprise. France is capable of that sort of attack. He's dancing around the pitch, making good passes and creating good formations. Call it beautiful, but it looks to me like he's totally destroying Finland right now.

The first half ends with France up 2-0. Finland doesn't seem to mind trailing. Vietnam catches up to him.

	Finland, a disappointing first half. What do-
	Aw, that was a lot of fun! France is so pretty out there. I just hope I can be as graceful as him someday. He's showing me so much out there.
	Yes, but how do you plan to stop him and score goals?
	Hmm, I don't know. I guess I just have to keep trying. But the important thing is not to force it! That's not graceful at all! If I lay back and let things develop naturally, I'm bound to score!
	Um... if you say so.

Back out on the field now for the second half. Finland kicks off and seems to do a little better controlling things, all while keeping it beautiful out there.

	Ah! You're learning!
	Yep! Watch this!
	There's a long, daring cross by Finland! There's a header! Off the crossbar! Against the keeper's back and in!! GOAL for-
	Offside!
	Aw, the goal's called back due to offside.
	Beautiful move by France there on defense, moving forward to catch Finland offside just before the pass. Skilled play, right there.
	Don't worry, Finland! Watch this!

France takes the free kick down the other end.

	France down the sideline and there's the cross! Header! Off the post! Loose ball on the ground; France cleans it up! 3-0!
	Disappointing turn of events for Finland. One goal called back and then he gives one up. I'm not sure if he was ever in this game to begin with, but he's certainly out of it now.

48' - GOAL (FRA) - France 3, Finland 0

The dance continues. France is kicking it around gleefully and Finland continues to get caught up in the art to notice that France is completely dominating the game. Finland gets plenty of possession and tries plenty of shots, but art applies to defense too and France is eager to put on a show tonight, stopping everything with ease. Time continues to tick, and the question isn't whether France will win- it's whether Finland will score at all.

	Finland making some good passes now. Into the box! Shot! Knocked away by the keeper and cleared away!
	France making a push to be the first team to net a clean sheet in the tournament.
	Oi, he's writing the book on how to conquer Finland.
	...which Russia just pre-ordered on Amazon.
	Here comes France again! It's a low cross... no, it goes all the way through the box untouched. But he crosses it back to center! The header! GOAL!
	Good night, everybody!

67' - GOAL (FRA) - France 4, Finland 0

Finland continues to apply pressure at the end, trying for a consolation goal. France has to dive twice, but swats two nasty shots away.

Little Finland keeps on trying and trying, but France is totally unflustered and resists all efforts. He doesn't do much offense, preferring to go into his dance again when he gets the ball. Finland keeps on plugging away, despite his fate, leading France to try for a couple goals at the end, just for show. Nothing comes out of either effort, and the curtain falls.

	It's all over here! France dominates from start to finish in a 4-0 rout.
	Yep. Four goals scored, zero goals allowed, and he didn't even need to sneak a handball behind the ref's back to do it!

Yeah, sorry to disappoint the Irish fans reading this, but France's victory was totally clean.

After the game, Finland is worn out. Bubi comes to his aid, landing on his head.

	Well... we tried...
	France rushes in and greets Finland with an affectionate hug. Bubi hovers in the air.
	What a fantastic game! Here!
	In one motion, he whips off his jersey and plops it over Finland. It's a bit big for him.
	Um... thanks.
	Oh, pretty bird. I brought mine too, but I haven't seen Pierre since the game started.
	Bubi lands on Finland's shoulder and spits out yellow feathers.
	*horrified* Pierre!
	Um... sorry. But Bubi is a bird of prey after all.

 

Day 4- Hanover		Match 11	Group E
	FRANCE	4:0 FT	FINLAND
2' 14' 48' 67'	Henry Trezeguet Zidane Henry	Referee CMR

France is with Vietnam. Even his lost bird can't shake him after that performance.

	Vietnam! Long time, no see!
	You saw me two days ago when you were harassing Austria. Anyway, remarkable performance. It certainly looks like a championship-caliber-
	You look great! Is that a new dress?
	Yes, but the network bought it. Would you please talk about your match?
	Impressive performance, wasn't it? I couldn't be happier. Finland seemed star-struck as well.
	About that... you didn't say all that stuff to him just so he'd play your style of game, did you?
	Of course I did! Everybody should play football the French way.
	Even Finland, who isn't skilled enough for it?
	Uh... enough about Finland. Let's talk about you.
	*groans* Where's Hungary when you need her?

Meanwhile, Australia and Cuba are safe and sound back in the studio.

	Hope she still has that pepper spray I gave her.
	Right... anyway... like Vietnam was trying to say, France was in top form tonight. Probably one of the best performances we've seen so far.
	You bet. That looked like somebody who can go very deep into the tournament.
	Before we go, here's an updated look at the tables:

 

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   Denmark 1 1 0 0 7 3 4 3   France 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3   Hong Kong 1 0 0 1 3 7 -4 0   Finland 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0	Group F Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts   Egypt 1 1 0 0 5 2 3 3   Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Switzerland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Estonia 1 0 0 1 2 5 -3 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

 

	See why I said not to call it a great lineup? Closest game was 5-2.
	Have to give you that one. Thankfully, tomorrow's gonna make up for it.
	Oh yeah. I'm really excited about tomorrow. We have yet to have a match between two teams that each made the 2006 World Cup. Tomorrow, we'll get to see two.
	Hell of a style clash too as Italy faces Switzerland in one and Sweden meets Poland in the other.
	And just to make sure we balance out the awesome, we'll also have Liechtenstein vs. Iceland.
	Hey, everyone loves a good minnow fight! Plus it means at least one of them will get actual World Cup points.
	I'm not sure how I feel about that.
	Anyway, that's it for day four. This is Australia and Cuba saying see you next time!

Might be a little longer to get the next episodes out as I'm going to two cons in the next three weeks. If you're at No Brand Con or Anime Central, I'll be going as Estonia... lamenting my side's sad performance against Egypt.

To Be Continued!

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