Hetalia World Cup - Round of 16


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The Knockout Stage. Some say this is when the Cup truly begins. This is when it gets serious.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Germany's a little stressed over it, but given who he plays...

There you are, Germany! I was looking all over for you!

Germany is in a dark room, watching tape of Canada's match against Holland.

	What are you doing?
	Can't you see? I'm watching film of my next opponent. No matter who it is, I can't take him lightly. What did you want?
	Ve?
	You said you were looking for me. What do you want?
	I want to see what you were doing!

Germany turns back to the television, ignoring Italy.

	You seem worried. Who do you play? Holland?
	Somehow I'm playing Canada.
	Who?
	Precisely. How am I supposed to craft a game plan against I country I know nothing about?
	Have you ever played him before?
	FIFA says I played him in a friendly a couple years ago... but I don't remember anything about that match. Hungary, Greece and Russia are easy. I play them all the time.
	You'll be fine! You're Germany! We're in Germany! You'll win for sure.
	I can't be over-confident. Canada beat Japan so he must do something right.
	But I'm sure you'll win. Hey, if you won't take my word for it, why don't you ask Paul?
	The octopus? That's a fantastic idea!

Finland's not the only nation with a football-following animal friend. Paul the Octopus gained fame in 2010 for correctly picking the winners in all seven of Germany's matches in the FIFA World Cup, as well as Spain's win over Holland in the final.

Germany preps two feeding boxes, one with a German flag and one with a Canadian flag.

	You'll have to feed him. I don't want him to pick me just because I'm standing here.
	No problemo!

They walk to the tank, but he's not there. After poking around, they smell something nearby. Something awfully delicious... they run to the kitchen.

	...and if you wanted to, you can even top it with katsuobushi.
	That's dried tuna, right?
	Indeed.
	Wow, I've always wanted to try takoyaki! I like all kinds of seafood, but I haven't even thought of eating octopus too!

Germany is stunned, Italy is slowly backing towards the door.

	Ah, hello Germany. Did you need something?
	...
	Is something wrong?
	...how on Earth did you lose to Canada?
	Who?

Paul the Octopus died last October.

Round of 16
Germany vs. Canada
Austria vs. Turkey

Paul's first victim in the 2010 World Cup? He's in the studio with Cuba.

	G'day everybody! Time to get serious! It's the start of the Knockout Round: 16 teams remain and will be whittled down one at a time until a single champion stands.
	There's no more room to have an off day. If you lose now, you're all done. Should be interesting as not even our host got through the group stage unscathed.
	Only six of the sixteen left have, and one of them plays tonight. But our first match is a compelling one as tournament dark horse Canada has a tall task against host Germany.
	It's a tough draw for Canada. I really feel for him. After an early upset against Japan and a thrilling last-minute win over Belgium, Canada earned a ton of supporters, especially after a certain other North American team failed to advance.
	Those ton of supporters may find themselves drowned out by the hometown crowd.
	For all we know, that ton of supporters may have been the hometown crowd. But they won't be changing sides today, that's for sure. I sat down with Canada earlier today to get his thoughts.

That's right- in-studio interviews! If anyone's going to survive an interview with Cuba, it's Canada.

	Well, for someone with next to no World Cup experience, you're sure making a name for yourself.
	I hope so. This is something where I really hope they don't confuse me for America.
	No way! Sounds like everyone's on your side for this one. With America, everybody hopes he flames out early.
	Looks like he did.
	Always the crowd-pleaser, him. Take us through that moment now that you've had some time to dwell on it.
	It was one of those all or nothing things. I never let myself get frustrated, because even though Belgium kept taking the lead, I stayed in it and kept on pushing. Then I got one through and... wow.
	The good news is you're still playing. The bad news is you have to go up against Germany.
	I know, eh? But I wasn't expected to beat Japan, so you never know. I'm just going to play my game and hope for the best. No matter what happens, I feel like being here is enough. The entire country will be watching me play.
	Well, best of luck to you. Show 'em what our continent's capable of!

Through the magic of television, Cuba's back in the studio!

	Advancing may be enough for Canada, but it certainly is not for Germany. He has his eyes on the trophy and this is but the next step.
	Absolutely. After losing the 2002 Final in Japan, Germany is dead set on winning this time around. Vietnam's with our host in Leipzig.
	Germany, you're known for meticulously preparing for each opponent. What challenge does having a surprise like Canada pose for you?
	It's a terrible challenge. I had expected to be playing someone like Holland or Japan today. Canada must be a strong competitor to get this far. I must be ready for him.
	Did you come up with a strategy you're satisfied with?
	I hope so. He has a dangerous attack, especially from midfield. I'll have to attack harder and be ready for him to strike back.
	Good luck today Germany. I'll talk to you after the match.

And away we go!

Day 16- Leipzig		Match 49	Round of 16
	GERMANY	vs.	CANADA

Germany jumps out of the gate, hoping to overwhelm Canada early.

	Germany attacking hard, not letting Canada get a word in. Gets into the box, shoots from an angle, tipped up into the air! Bounces right in front of him and he taps it in! Germany strikes early!
	That's how you set the tone early in the game. I'm sure Germany would have been happy scaring Canada into submission. Actually getting a goal is outstanding!

2' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 1, Canada 0

That summarizes Germany's strategy- dominate with the ball, keep Canada on his toes and prevent him from advancing with it. What Germany really excels at is defending Canada's side of the field. His strikers pressure defenders and prevent Canada from clearing it upward.

Germany can't keep this up forever. Canada starts to find some openings and at least gets it downfield. He gets a couple shots at around the ten minute mark and starts to get a bit comfortable down there.

	Canada's getting a lot more opportunities now. Twelve minutes in and already he might be figuring some things out.
	Passes up, but Germany gets a steal! Passes forward, looks like a breakaway... no, Canada gets there in time and kicks it out. Germany will have a throw-in.
	Both sides sending men over to that half.
	Short throw to the side. Canada trying to prevent a cross, a little too aggressive and he's whistled with a foul. Free kick for Germany.
	Doesn't really have an angle to take a shot, but he can try some other things.
	Sets it up... shot along the ground hard into the box. Quick kick towards goal, clang! Off the post! Canada gets it back and survives a scare.

Both sides get some pretty good opportunities as Canada starts to feel a bit more confident about staying competitive.

	Canada gets it back deep in his territory, sends it to midfield, stolen! Germany runs forward, right past the defenders! He gets an open look! Keeper gets a piece of it, sends it off the post. Germany rushes in, gets there and cleans it up! It's 2-0!
	Right when Canada was starting to feel like he was in this one. Definitely a defensive lapse there. It was a heck of a steal and a great run for Germany, but Canada has to be more on the ball that that if he wants to hang around.

18' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 2, Canada 0

Germany effectively kills any Canadian momentum. He dominates ball possession again, getting off a number of threatening shots. Canada is shell-shocked for several minutes, and even when he does recover and start getting downfield, he's too fast and whistled offside.

By that time, the defenses are starting to pick up, especially around midfield. Several minutes go by between shots, giving Germany even more confidence.

	Germany again fouled along the side of the box. He had a free kick from about the same spot twenty minutes ago.
	Last try clanged off the post. Let's see if he tries something different this time.
	No, sir, it's a low shot, one-timer to the near post- IN! This time his aim is true and Germany leads 3-0!
	That takes some cajones! The exact same set piece he barely missed before works this time! Canada did not correct his defense and things are getting out of hand now.

30' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 3, Canada 0

While Germany tries to slow things down, Canada does get a few scares.

Canada down the side, gets off the cross, off a defender but the keeper dove for it! He's out of position, ball bouncing to the net! No, Germany gets to it first and clears it away in the nick of time!

He doesn't give up.

	Canada holding the ball for a while as the first half draws to a close. Settles for a long shot, Germany jumps in the way of it, bounces away. Canada slides in with the shot, curls past the keeper and IN! Canada's on the board on a surprise effort late in the first half!
	Kinda sloppy defense in an otherwise solid first half for Germany. Either way, good on Canada for trying that one and it's something to build on as he goes into halftime.

43' - GOAL (CAN) - Germany 3, Canada 1

That does it for the half. Canada is somewhat reassured as he goes in. Germany answers to Vietnam.

	Great start to the match Germany... not a great finish. Any worries after giving up that late goal?
	Bad positioning all around on that, but otherwise I'm content with the effort. I do not plan on slowing down my attack though. That seems to be the best way to hold him off.
	Good luck in the second half. Australia?
	Thanks, Vietnam. Does that late goal play into Germany's strategy at all?
	If anything, it proves that he's right. When you're gunning after Canada, he falls apart well enough. It's when you let him shoot forward and sneak the ball through that he becomes dangerous. This is exactly why Holland struggled against him early, and then beat the pulp out of him.
	As for Canada, what can he do?
	He's gotta play for more breakaways. I know it's exactly what Germany's expecting, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more of an offside trap, but it's worked the best for Canada and he can't afford to plan too many men around the box.
	Well, let's return to Leipzig to see how this plays out.

Germany gets it back quickly and heads right back down.

	Germany trying to reestablish his head, gets into the box, stopped by Canada's defenders. Canada passes back, misplayed! Keeper sets things straight before Germany gets back and they clear it downfield.
	Uneasy moment there for Canada. A little faster and Germany may have pounced.
	He does pounce on the clearance, stealing it away. Canada runs after him, gets there, kicks it ahead and out. It'll be a corner.
	Sloppy stuff there for Canada. Bad way to start a half.
	Corner's away, Germany heads it off the keeper, gets a second shot- GOAL! Germany does capitalize and makes it 4-1 quickly!
	Should never have happened. That's a chance Canada should never have given up, especially this early in the half.

46' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 4, Canada 1

Germany tries to slow things down while Canada tries to speed things up. Canada gets a couple shots, but Germany is ready for it and deals with it calmly.

He keeps this up for several minutes, advancing very slowly most of the time. One time, he charges ahead and gets a breakaway that Canada just barely gets in front of. Once in a while, Germany pushes forward to assert himself. One time Canada even uses this to his own advantage, getting a cross off on a counter-attack that is headed off the crossbar.

Things play out this way until midway through the second half when both sides are creating chances about equally.

	Germany's turn to threaten now. Good pass down the side of the box. Draws a defender over, passed into the box, got it, chips it around the keeper for another goal!
	Nice teamwork and great positioning from Germany. That was a well-organized attack and Canada just fell right into it. Germany looking increasingly untouchable as the game goes on.

67' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 5, Canada 1

Canada doesn't give up.

	Germany trying to get up to midfield, Canada in with the steal! Passes, and again! Up to the edge of the box! Shoots from long range, tipped by the keeper... not enough! Goal!
	Very nice! Probably too late now, but it was a nice way to generate an opportunity and caught Germany off guard. Who knows what that can do?

74' - GOAL (CAN) - Germany 5, Canada 2

Germany remains undeterred even as Canada continues moving forward. He seems to be in a shell for the longest time...

	Canada's attack stalls and Germany gets it back. He charges ahead! Wow, he's moving now, down the side into Canada territory, hard pass into the box, gets off a shot! Off the keeper and in! Germany adds one more in the closing minutes!
	Heh, guess he just wanted to send the crowd home with a smile. We're well past the point where Canada can come back.

84' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 6, Canada 2

The more Canada tries to score, the more Germany gets these chances as well. He gets a late corner kick.

	Germany with a corner kick in the final minute of play. Short corner crossed in, header toward the back of the net, keeper dives... can't get to it and Germany will add a seventh as we head to stoppage time.
	Doesn't matter what you put on, it won't be enough. Germany adds one more to close out an impressive, dominating victory!

90' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 7, Canada 2

As the whistle blows, Canada slumps his shoulders. As thrilling as the ride was, and as exciting as it was to get noticed, it just came to a pretty quick stop... and the crowd goes wild.

Day 16- Leipzig		Match 49	Round of 16
	GERMANY	7:2 FT	CANADA
2' 18' 30' 46' 67' 84' 90'	Klose Podolski Podolski Podolski Klose Klose Ballack	Referee THA	Radzinski Hume	43' 72'

Vietnam finds Canada in the tunnel.

	Well, you turned some heads in the group stage, but you looked pretty outmatched by Germany. Did you feel like you could have performed better or was he just better?
	Germany is really good and I knew playing in his country would be difficult. I guess I'm not entirely surprised by the result.
	Do you still feel like it was a successful run?
	Absolutely. I was happy to get this far, and I hope people saw that I can play soccer. Maybe I'm not as good as Germany, but I think I did my part to make the tournament interesting.
	And you got farther than America.
	I can't complain about that.
	Thank you. Back to you, Australia.
	So group stage surprise Canada drops right off the bat in the Round of 16.
	And that should come as a shock to nobody. It's fun talking about surprise teams like Canada and Belarus in the group stage, but when we get to the knockouts the better teams usually show up and dominate.
	As was the case here. Germany played well in a tough Group A, but we haven't seen him on his game like this.
	Part of that's the level of competition. He could have played better against Greece, but Hungary and Russia both are capable of giving him fits. The fact that he held them off should tell you how good Germany really is, and it really showed when up against a lesser opponent.
	Germany certainly poses a threat to win it all.
	You bet. He'll play the winner of our next match between Austria and Turkey, but neither of them should pose much of a problem if he plays like this.
	But there's certainly some intrigue with tonight's Austria-Turkey match.
	Here we have a team that overperformed in the group stage and a team that underperformed. Austria is solid, but ranked far below England, Korea and Norway. Yet he played solid, mistake-free football and got through it with seven points.
	Two wins and a draw with top seed England. Turkey was not as successful.
	No, Turkey just barely advanced out of Group D, which had two Baltics in it. After a strong win against Lithuania, a critical own goal late cost him a win against Latvia. Had the last set of matches turned out just a bit differently, Latvia could have been playing tonight.
	Both Wy and Taiwan are in Munich and they spoke with our combatants before the match.
	Turkey, what is your mindset going into this next match? There have been times when you've been well, but mistakes almost cost you the tournament.
	I'll be more careful when heading the ball around my goal if that's what you're asking. I think a lot of folks have written me off after that, but I'm ready to make up for it tonight.
	What are your thoughts on Austria?
	Oh, we go way back. Puts up a better fight than you think. Back in our heydays, we had some pretty epic battles. Guess he's okay at football too.
	He doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
	Guess I can't either then. Should be fun!
	Thanks, Turkey. Taiwan, what's the report on the other end?
	Austria, advancing from your group is certainly a positive for you, but how far do you think you can go?
	There is no limit to how far I can go. Turkey is strong, but a disciplined defense should be able to stop him. And if I get past him, I've handled Germany before.
	You sound pretty confident. While your matches against England and Korea were close, you dominated Norway very well. Are you gaining more confidence on the pitch the more you play?
	I always play confident. I go out there expecting to win and I won't settle for anything less.
	Well, good luck out there. Anything else, guys?
	That'll do it. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to this one.
	Absolutely. Let's get things started in Munich.

Day 16- Munich		Match 49	Round of 16
	AUSTRIA	vs.	TURKEY

Austria gets an early breakaway and puts Turkey on his toes right off the bat, but Turkey is able to stop it and his other advances. Actually, Turkey is pretty quiet in the early minutes, using a more defensive-minded approach. He moves up slowly, gets up for a shot here and there and is more careful with the ball than he has been in previous games.

Not that he doesn't get chances.

	Austria trying to get into the box, stolen by Turkey, who passes up quickly, and again to midfield, runs right through the defense! Turkey all alone all the way to the box! Gets in and Austria's keeper pounces on it... gets away! Austria's defenders get there before Turkey can.
	Conservative as Turkey's been so far, he still knows what to do when he smells blood. Close call there.

Austria slows things down as well to prevent any future sneak attacks, so the next several minutes go by without a lot of action. Both sides plan and get off a pretty good shot, but it takes a bit for anything big to happen.

	Turkey goes down the side, finds an opening and shoots in a cross. Gets a head to it, off a defender... GOAL! Austria's defender got a piece of it but the sharp header still gets inside the far post!
	Totally different strategy for Turkey this time around and we're seeing the results of it. He knows a relentless attack won't work against Austria. Heck, it didn't work against Latvia. By playing close to the vest he avoids mistakes and sets up solid goals like this one.

16' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 1, Austria 0

Austria responds with a bit of a push, but Turkey is back and ready for it. He anticipates, takes care of it and pushes back a little bit harder than he had before.

Still, Austria continues to persist.

Austria searching, several men forward. Turkey supplying good pressure. Austria passes, good move around the defender gets an open shot... DIVING SAVE! Turkey's keeper makes the catch and shuts down the threat!

Some scary stuff keeps Turkey from pursuing anything. He holds back, only making a quick counter-attack when the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, he's patient and runs down clock frequently.

Austria later tries a similar strategy, but Turkey supplies additional pressure and prevents Austria from even getting close to the box. This lets Turkey get a couple turnovers and set up a couple good shots. Austria switches to something with a little more luck.

	Austria picks up the pace, passes across midfield, may have some room, no! Brought down hard. This may draw a scolding from the official.
	holding yellow card Too rough, Turkey. That's a booking!
	Good call. Things have been pretty mellow so far, but from what we've seen of Turkey and the way things have been going, this match could really explode soon. Seychelles trying to diffuse anything early.
	It's a long free kick for Austria. Kicks off to the side. Quickly crossed in, headed... off the crossbar! Turkey gets it out of there, lucky break for him as Austria nearly equalizes.

Turkey smiles at his good fortune and tries to capitalize.

	Turkey with a long pass forward, Austria's not ready! Turkey with the breakaway! Shot is saved! Austria gets it back, loses it! Turkey with another shot, another save!
	Scary moment there for Austria. Turkey caught a couple breaks in the last couple minutes and while he's not showing it, Austria's getting flustered a bit.

Turkey continues to dog Austria while the dogging's good.

	Turkey passing around quickly, looking for something, passes to the corner, charges to the box, has Austria beat... Austria swoops in with a hard tackle! Whistle blows!
	He wasn't in the box yet, was he?
	Don't think so, but he would have had a clear shot!

Turkey winces at the strike to his leg, but pops up and quickly turns to the official. Seychelles charges in and pulls out a red card.

	Taking down an open shooter: that's a red card!
	Oh, Austria loses a man after interfering with a breakaway!
	Clearly a moment a panic from someone usually so collected. Austria's not even arguing the call, just gritting his teeth as his job becomes that much harder. What a turn of events and Turkey is loving it!

Austria tries to push ahead with a strong attack, but Turkey turns him a way and responds with a stronger one. Clearly, Austria is getting more frustrated as the half comes to a close.

	Austria, only down by a goal, but the red card is going to make it difficult in the second half. What do you do to regroup?
	It was a bad ending to the half. I have to stay calm, think about it and hope I can come up with a response.
	Was the red card out of frustration?
	Possibly. It was unexpected seeing him playing so cautiously, but it had worked and I wasn't going to let him attack just as successfully.
	Better luck in the next half. Australia?
	Thanks, Taiwan. Not at all the match we expected but I think Turkey deserves a lot of credit in this one.
	He's a bit rambunctious but he's not stupid. He knew his performances against Latvia and Spain weren't going to get the job done, took a hard look at his play and came out with a fresh plan. It's working great and Turkey seems to have a new lease on things.
	Most importantly, it has Austria flummoxed.
	Austria has been a cool customer all tournament, twice overcoming deficits against really good teams. Turkey's played him just right.
	You might say he's played him like a violin.
	You might. I wouldn't, though. But with the man advantage, Turkey can just keep on doing this in the second half. He should probably get one more goal, but he could even get out of here with a 1-0 win.
	Let's send it back for the second half.

Turkey jumps out to a hot start, but Austria toughens up, shuts it down and sends it right back down the pitch. He sustains an offense for a few minutes, but Turkey is able to handle it and go right back down, earning a corner kick.

	Kick's away, Turkey gets a header, off the post! Right back to another man who walks it in! Turkey gets some breathing room!
	With Austria at least threatening a little bit of offense, a second goal is a good idea. With his advantage, it felt like only a matter of time.

49' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 2, Austria 0

Austria keeps trying to get down and get something going, but Turkey is always there to stop him from getting close to the box. The game gets pretty quiet as Turkey is content nursing his lead and preventing Austria from getting anywhere.

It doesn't last forever, as Austria is eventually able to get a great shot off, but Turkey makes another diving save to stop it.

Slowly, Austria begins to get things going a little. Once he shuts it down, Turkey rushes back down, using his man advantage to set up some good shots.

	Turkey has a few around the box.
	Not spreading too thin, but this is more than he's put on offense than he has earlier in the half.
	Attack's stalled, Austria takes over, long pass to midfield. Connects and he rushes through, past the defense! Austria with an open shot- what a save! Spectacular save by Turkey to save his team.
	Turkey plays with fire just a little bit and it's nice to see Austria nearly punish him for it. It's looking bad for Austria but it's definitely not over.

Austria isn't in a panic mode, but he turns some decent shots. As the half goes on, Turkey goes downfield for some speculative shots just to keep Austria honest. He gets a few off and Austria is lucky to stop them.

As time winds down, Austria gets more desperate.

	Austria building up troops outside Turkey's box. Passes in, nothing there. Turkey gets it back and sends it long. Gets past the defense. Quick counterattack and Turkey has a breakaway! Gets into the box, shoots! Knocked away but Turkey cleans it up and adds one more!
	That's the finisher! Austria stacks the box a bit more and Turkey punishes him. Feels like Turkey's been waiting for that to open up all half. It was only a matter of time...

83' - GOAL (TUR) - Turkey 3, Austria 0

Austria tries again...

	Austria still trying to get one to head home with. Turkey shuts him down again, goes down the pitch again! Finds another breakaway, takes another shot! It's knocked away, Turkey with a diving header to put it back in! Four-nil!
	Pretty much an identical goal to the one twenty minutes ago. Just an all-around dominating performance for Turkey! The red card helped but Turkey executed brilliantly!

Turkey ends up possessing the ball the rest of the game, pushing forward only once to rub it in. The clock runs out and Turkey is ecstatic to advance to the quarterfinals.

Day 16- Munich		Match 50	Round of 16
	AUSTRIA	0:4 FT	TURKEY
		Referee SEY	Sukur Ates Ates Ates	16' 49' 83' 85'

Wy finds Turkey celebrating on the pitch.

	Turkey! Incredible win today. It looked like you really changed up the game plan for Austria.
	A little bit! Austria's a smart guy. I knew I couldn't charge in blindly. I held back, waited for chances and tried to disrupt his attack a lot. Obviously, I can't complain about how it turned out.
	Now you face Germany next in Berlin. What kind of mindset will you have for that?
	For him, I may need to cause a little more trouble. I've got a pretty good fanbase in this country, they've supported me the whole way and I'm looking forward to a shot against the hosts.
	Good luck with that and we'll see you in the quarterfinals.
	Sounds great!
	Thank you, Wy. Oi, what a performance from Turkey! Played it cool, didn't make mistakes and earned a clean sheet for his efforts.
	It's everything we didn't see out of him in the group stage. I don't know if playing back like that will do the job against Germany, but if he can add a little more of the flair he showed us against Lithuania, this is a scary opponent for Germany to be facing.
	For Austria, it's a bitter way to go out. The red card certainly hurt his chances, but this game seemed to be Turkey's all the way.
	Austria had to fight to get here. He should be proud to make it this far but it felt like he let Turkey get the better of him this time.
	Well, with no group standings to worry about, we'll be back here again tomorrow for two more matches to crown two more quarterfinalists.
	Some fun ones too. Japan and Greece are great friends, overcame tough opening losses to get here and now face off against each other in the Round of 16.
	And if you thought Austria-Turkey was a fun throwback, how's Spain-England suit you? Two teams used to going far in the tournament will square off tomorrow. One of them is going home.
	That'll do it for today. Congrats to Germany and Turkey and we'll see you tomorrow. Adios!

To Be Continued!

Got a bit convention rush in April, so I'm going to try to get one more episode done before then. Here's hoping!

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