As he walks away, Germany notices the huge gash on Lithuania's arm.

	Y... your arm!
	Yeah. That's Miss Belarus for you. What are you going to do, you know?
	Will you be able to play your first match?
	I 'unno. I play Turkey first. It probably won't matter.

Cue up the orchestra, play the opening chords and send in the logo. It's time to play!

Yes, we've got screencaps. We've got announcers too, sitting at their sports desk and dying to get into this episode.

	Good evening, folks! It's opening night in Germany, the stadiums are packed and the Hetalia World Cup is set to begin! Australia here on what is sure to be an exciting night of soccer! In the opening match, host Germany takes on the resilient Hungary while Greece takes on Russia later tonight. Cuba, your thoughts?
	Well, after all the babble about who the favorites are and who could surprise everybody, it's finally nice to get into some actual game action... even if it's still fútbol.
	And tonight will go a long way to answering some of the talk with Germany a favorite and both Russia and Hungary picked to be possible surprises.
	Yeah, but we also made the mistake of polling the actual players. How many of them picked themselves to win?
	Only eight of them! And we already talked about not counting out Korea!
	Yeah, well, anyway, while this is the first Hetalia World Cup, the FIFA World Cup has been going on for years. Maybe taking a look at previous 18 tournaments and their champions will help put all of this into perspective.
	Mind you, that whole 'established canon' crock came up again, so we had to fudge a bit of the data to keep things consistent. We apologize to our South American viewers.

A list of previous World Cup Champions appears.

1930	PRUSSIA!	1962	PRUSSIA!	1986	PRUSSIA!
1934	Italy	1966	England	1990	Germany
1938	Italy	1970	PRUSSIA!	1994	PRUSSIA!
1950	PRUSSIA!	1974	Germany	1998	France
1954	Germany	1978	PRUSSIA!	2002	PRUSSIA!
1958	PRUSSIA!	1982	Italy	2006	Italy

In the interest of series continuity, any former champion not represented by a Hetalia country has been replaced by Prussia.

	I am never going to hear the end of it from Argentina.
	Argen-who?
	Sorry... "Prussia."
	How do you know he didn't run off to South America after he collapsed?
	Dunno. Never saw him as a real trendsetter.
	Anyway, the big one to keep in mind is always the last one on the list. In this case, Italy's remarkable 2006 championship.
	Yep. Italy beat the crap out America in the group stages.
	I thought it was a 1-1 tie.
	I didn't say he won. I said Italy beat the crap out of him. That game was ugly. I couldn't stop laughing. Anyway, in the knockout round he beat... well... you...
	Hey, it was close!
	...Ukraine and Germany. Then there was the championship against France.
	Let's go to the tape!

Berlin- July 9, 2006. They may not be so great at war, but Italy and France are deadlocked in the biggest stage in sports. The score is tied 1-1 in extra time. They may finally be good at something related to international competition... but it's still Italy and France.

	Both Italy and France are going after the ball, Italy is tugging hard on France's jersey.
	Hey Italy! Let go of me! You can pull off whatever you want after the game, but I'm a little busy...
	Really! Can my trophy come too?
	It won't be your trophy, but I'll let you touch it.
	*still tugging* It's a date! You, me, my trophy and all of my art you'll give back after I win!
	No dice. Sick of the tugging, France grabs the only thing he can- Italy's hair curl. Italy stops immediately at the sensation of it and moans a little. Then France throws him to the ground. The referee notices.
	*blows whistle* That's a red card, France! You're out!
	France falls to his knees and goes into hysterics.

That's... pretty much what really happened in real life. More or less. Kinda.

Back to present day, Cuba's jaw drops.

	And that's how Italy won the World Cup.
	...I really hate this game.
	But now, everybody will get a chance to redeem themselves as we start fresh tonight! We're almost ready to get started, and our field reporter Taiwan is on the scene.

Outside the locker room in the stadium, Taiwan is interviewing Hungary.

	Thanks, Australia. I'm here with Hungary, who has a big task ahead of her as she not only kicks off the tournament, but does it against the host. First off Hungary, welcome back! The World Cup has missed you!
	I know! It's great to be back. It's been so long since I've been in the tournament. I forgot how amazing it feels right before that first match. It's exciting.
	That's right, you were a big force in the past. Almost took the title a couple times.
	Yes, back then I was quite the player. Those were the days. At least I had my moment in the sun, so I can't complain. Some of the kids here are getting their first taste of the World Cup. I'm happy they're getting this chance.
	Now back in your glory days, you actually were in the championship game against Germany. Does that make this match any more significant?
	Well, this is the first match, not the last one, dear. And when you hear all the people cheering out there and realize that you represent the beginning of everything, it's hard to say one game way back when makes tonight more important.
	That's true.
	Then again, I would love to beat the pants off of the guy. Of course, I'd say that about whoever I was playing.
	Well, unless you were playing a girl.
	Where's the fun in playing a girl?
	Well, good luck, Hungary. Back to you guys!
	Thanks, Taiwan. We'll be checking in with her throughout the tournament. Well, Cuba, sounds like Hungary's up for the challenge. Germany has to be considered the favorite, but she's always matched up well against him. Their head-to-head record is about even. Your thoughts?
	Can we start playing already?
	Now that I can agree with completely! Let's go down to Gelsenkirchen for the start of the Hetalia World Cup!

Day 1- Gelsenkirchen		Match 1	Group A
	GERMANY	vs.	HUNGARY

After all the formalities, Germany and Hungary take their positions, with Germany getting ready to kick off.

	All right, the lineups have been announced, the anthems have played and it's time for some football!
	The ball is placed at half-court, Germany puts it in play and away we go.

Unsurprisingly, both sides are hesitant to rush out and do something crazy right off the bat. They're sizing each other up, getting a feel for each other's initial strategies and taking in everything. It's a 90-minute game: there's time.

It's not long before Germany starts to attack, playing forward, keeping possession and taking the first shots of the game. Hungary has to hold back and play defense for now, sacrificing midfielders and her own offense.

Seven minutes in and it seems like the ball's been on Hungary's end the whole game. Germany's setting up a corner kick here. It's away and into the box...

Hungary heads it away. Cleared once again, but right back to Germany at midfield. Here we go again!

This goes for a good ten minutes before Hungary is finally able to get the ball long enough to move forward. She doesn't get very far before she runs into Germany's defenses, but at least the ball's away from her goal.

	Germany clears it once more, but Hungary intercepts at midfield.
	Hey, better than doing it with the goal at her back.
	Hoo, daring kick into the box, ball drops past the defenders, striker dives, heads it IN! Hungary's on the board with a suicidal dive!!

14' - GOAL (HUN) - Hungary 1, Germany 0

	She couldn't have placed that any better- just past the defenders, just in front of the keeper, and with just enough room for her man to dive forward and punch it in.
	Brilliant timing on Hungary's part and a disaster scenario for Germany. The crowd's stunned, he's stunned... the only one who's not stunned is Hungary herself, who's grinning ear to ear.
	Retreating back, she turns to the sidelines and finds one friendly face.
	How's that, dear?
	*No response. He's stunned too.*

The momentum doesn't last long. Hungary plays a little more evenly for a little while, but Germany finds his rhythm once more and dominates the possession, just as he did earlier.

	Germany's free down the right side, looking to set up a cross. There's the cross! Germany kicks it, but it goes... no way! Did that go IN?!
	That went in all right! Looked like that was off target but somehow it found the net and Germany equalizes in a hurry!
	Coulda sworn that was going wide!
	You know something, I think Hungary did too. She wasn't bothered by that as much as she should have been. That sure as hell started out wide, but curled just enough at the last second to get home.

17' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 1, Hungary 1

Now the crowd's back into it, a huge weight is lifted off Germany's shoulders and it feels like the game has begun in earnest.

Things settle down a bit after that. Ten minutes pass with little progress.

	After those two goals ten minutes ago, both teams have settled in a bit. Most of the game's at midfield now.
	Right, Hungary's doing much better in that regard. She's still not mounting much of an offense though.
	Yeah, when Germany gets the ball, he wants to score. When Hungary gets it, she catches her breath.

Around the 35-minute mark, Germany sees an opportunity.

	Germany moving forward quickly, passes and finds a man open! He speeds past the defense, it's one-on-one, he shoots... knocked away by the keeper!
	Huge chance there for Germany, but Hungary's just able to get a peace of it. It's a corner kick, but not a goal.

This pace continues for a while- Germany attacking, Hungary doing what she can to defend.

	Hungary's defense stops another attack, clears it, but it ends up right back to Germany. He's not wasting any time now, charges in from the corner of the box and fires... knocked down by the keeper, right to a defender. Wait, he can't hold it, it's right back to... GOAL! Hungary's defender couldn't handle the loose ball, it ends up right back to Germany and he finishes the job and takes the lead!
	Stay aggressive long enough and you will be rewarded. 2-1 Germany!

40' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 2, Hungary 1

That brings us to the waning moments of the first half. Germany is still looking for more. Hungary just wants to get to the locker room with only a one goal deficit.

	Germany takes a long, hard shot. Hungary knocks it into the air, but it drops right in front of the net! Germany heads it in! Another goal right before halftime!
	She tried to punch that over the net but it fell just short. Easy pickins for Germany who now has a two goal lead!

44' - GOAL (GER) - Germany 3, Hungary 1

That does mark the end of half. Germany is pleased despite the early setback. Hungary is downright exhausted.

	Halftime now and two late scores gives Germany a 3-1 lead. Your thoughts?
	It looked for a while like Hungary was going to keep it even, but a couple bad bounces and now Germany has a commanding lead. She's gonna really need to reach back to her glory days to pull out a miracle here.
	Well, if anyone can do it, it's Hungary. Let's go down to the field for the second half.

With a chance to catch her breath, Hungary looks refreshed and energized. Despite the deficit, Hungary smiles right before she puts the ball in play.

	Okay, are you ready for me?
	Hungary, I am prepared for anything!

Hungary is a little more aggressive to start out the second half, but Germany isn't conceding anything yet. While the game is still mainly in midfield, unlike the middle of the first half, Hungary isn't afraid to push her team forward. This... has its drawbacks.

	Hungary passes it up, stolen by Germany! He passes it right back up, but is he onside?
	There's no flag up, he's onside with only the keeper to beat...
	Knocked away! Her defender's there to clean things up. Close call there...

As time passes, Hungary gets more and more aggressive. Germany realizes that she's left herself open to these breakaways, and with so many of her players forward, that's all he can really afford to do offensively. He hangs back to meet her threats, taking advantage of quick counter-attacks whenever possible.

	Just over twenty minutes left in the game and Hungary is really lighting the fire now. She already has three times as many shots as she did in the whole first half.
	Germany's not cracking though. He's got a stiff defense and a world-class goalkeeper determined to stop her.
	She crosses it into the box, knocked out. She gets it back though and oh! Hard tackle from Germany!
	Looks like that got the ref's attention.

A tackle from behind draws a whistle from our referee, Cameroon.

	That's a yellow, Germany!
	Our first booking of the night, and a fair one at that. Could he be cracking a bit after all?
	Hard to say. Gotta like how Hungary pops right back up, eager for her free kick. Germany's getting a wall in front of the net...
	She fires over the wall, but it's knocked away! No trouble at all for Germany's defense.

The less time on the clock, the more things intensify. Hungary gets more and more aggressive, while Germany concentrates more and more on defense, but gets more and more breakaway opportunities. Nothing finds either net.

Despite some pretty impressive and creative shots, Hungary's still down two.

	Once again, Germany clears it away. Ball's in the air at midfield... Germany wins it. And he's brought down from behind by Hungary.
	Cameroon's reaching into his pocket. This time the card's for Hungary. Can you tell we're getting down to the wire?

It just keeps on ramping up, but Germany calmly turns away each of Hungary's attacks in succession.

	Let's see what she tries this time. Oh, no cross here- back to the top of the box. She kicks it forward and REDIRECTED IN! Hungary finally gets her goal!
	Whoa, it's like a hockey play Canada showed me once- the one-timer! Kicked up to a teammate, then BAM! Shot in a different direction. Gotta love that one.

79' - GOAL (HUN) - Germany 3, Hungary 2

Germany takes a moment to shake it off, then puts the ball back into play.

	Question now is if there's enough time for Hungary to tie this one. This one took her 35 minutes to get. She's only got ten left to get another.
	Well, she's got it back though. Looking to cross. There it is... the shot... Germany's in front of it and hangs on. He's determined not to let anything get by now.

Indeed he does. He takes a sigh of relief and punts it downfield. From here on, Hungary doesn't get nearly as many chances as she did as Germany tightens his defenses even more.

	Five minutes left, she's got to try again. She pushes it forward and she's through! She shoots, it's off the keeper and trickles in!
	Nope, offside!
	Oh, you're right... Cameroon had the offside flag up. It was close, but no goal for Hungary.
	Hungary seeks an explanation from Cameroon, but the call stands. She's not happy about it, but shrugs it off.
	Damn, déjà vu...

No kidding. Tying goal disallowed by a close offside call late in a 3-2 game against Germany? Maybe Hungary didn't agree with all that stuff Taiwan said about her last championship game holding significance, but it haunted her in the end.

Another, far more obvious offside call and Germany's stout defense eat up the rest of the clock.

	Hungary gets it back, crosses midfield but there's the final whistle! Germany holds on to win the first game by a final of 3-2!
	Hungary really poured it on in the end, but Germany didn't give and he gets out of here with three points. It wasn't a perfect performance, but it was a strong one. He lived up to his rank on top of the group.

Both players are completely out of breath as they walk off the pitch. Germany's celebration amounts to a wave to his countrymen, all cheering in the stands. He and Hungary hug as they head back to their locker rooms for a much-needed shower.

Day 1- Gelsenkirchen		Match 1	Group A
	GERMANY	3:2 FT	HUNGARY
17' 40' 44'	Podolski Podolski Podolski	Referee CMR	Torghelle Torghelle	14' 79'

Before Germany can get there, there's a little Asian nation waiting for him.

	Before we close the books on this one, Taiwan's with Germany.
	Well, Germany, the first match, your backyard and you come away with the win. Must be good to get that off your shoulders.
	Indeed it is. I know Hungary is a very tough competitor and I couldn't overlook her. It's a win and now I can focus on being a proper host for a couple days before I start preparing for Greece.
	Towards the end of the game, it looked like she was starting to find holes in the defense. After she scored that late goal, were you worried about giving up a third one?
	No, I was prepared for her attack and even after her second goal, I never doubted my chances of victory.
	Well, once again- great win and we'll see you next time when you take on Greece!
	Taiwan hands her microphone back to the videographer. Germany slumps over.
	*mumbling* God, that was close...

Back to the studio, Australia and Cuba are still buzzing, but the night's only halfway over!

	Well, a rousing start to this tournament, but we've got one more game tonight!
	Yep, in the nightcap, we've got a hell of a game lined up between Greece and Russia. Only thing I can say about this one is that it'll be unpredictable.
	These two are best known for their ability to play some heaps good soccer some of the time, but are terribly inconsistent and can easily fall asleep at the switch.
	So why bother trying to guess what'll happen?
	'Atsa good point. Let's go to Munich and get things started!

Day 1- Munich		Match 2	Group A
	GREECE	vs.	RUSSIA

Both Greece and Russia are awake. In an idle moment between the fanfare, they chit-chat.

	This is very exciting, da? I can't wait to start playing.
	Hm? Yeah, definitely. Kinda like Euro only with... Japan and America and all them.
	Oh yeah, Euro. I remember that.
	I won that a few years ago. That was fun.
	Oh, right! You must be pretty good then. Well, let's have a good match then. Good luck.
	Yeah... thanks.
	Greece starts to walk away.
	Oh, Greece! One more thing!
	Hm?
	Russia smiles brightly. A little too brightly.
	I must break you.
	Wha??
	*blows whistle* Ready when you are, Greece!

Greece puts the ball in play, maybe just a little more hesitant than usual. Early on, not much develops. Both teams trade possessions and the occasional shot. Greece mostly hangs back and waits for the game to come into focus. His first big opportunity comes ten minutes in.

	Now Greece seems to be moving forward nicely, crosses it in... headed backwards by Russia, but right to Greece's striker. He heads it... over the bar!
	Ooh, close call.

A couple minutes later...

Greece in from the side again, looking for another cross? No, takes it in himself, shoots! Knocked away!

They continue to spar back and forth for a large portion of the half. Greece soon realizes why.

Russia clears that attack up to midfield and he's... he's charging right down the sideline untouched. Crosses it into the box. He heads it... OVER! Scary moment for Greece as Russia's unmarked down the sidelines, but it's a goal kick in the end.

Again, a couple minutes later...

	Russia's going down the side, but this time Greece is on him. Russia can't go any further. He fires a blind shot just shy of the box. Greece knocks it down, but Russia's striker is waiting. Gets past his man, turns, fires, SCORES! Just an incredible shot!
	The cross was too far out of the box, but Russia got past one guy and fires an absolute rocket! Greece is stunned!

17' - GOAL (RUS) - Russia 1, Greece 0

No chance to breathe as two minutes later...

	Oh, just an awful cross there by Russia. Goes right through the box untouched. Greece didn't even bother with it.
	Well, Russia gets to it first on the other side and crosses it right back in. Greece chests it down... Russia comes sliding in, gets a piece of it- GOAL! Russia makes it two-nil!

21' - GOAL (RUS) - Russia 2, Greece 0

	Hate to say it, but Greece got lazy on that one. He let Russia get a second opportunity and didn't clear either cross when he had the chance.
	Greece has got to get his head back in this game. It's an even game everywhere except the scoreboard. He can still turn it around, but not with that kind of defense.

But Russia has no intention of falling back. His formation is very midfield-heavy and it starts to pay off as Greece finds himself unable to get past. Russia is starting to dominate this game.

	Russia crosses it in again, but Greece is there and kicks it away- no! Intercepted by Russia, he fires- SCORES! Oh, another clanger on defense gives Russia a third goal!
	Nothing you can say about that one other than Greece looks lost. Russia's right there; how could he not see him?
	This is turning ugly fast. How can Greece turn it around?

29' - GOAL (RUS) - Russia 3, Greece 0

The next ten minutes are more of the same, with Greece struggling to advance the ball, with Russia getting opportunistic shots.

The sad thing is that throughout, Greece shows some impressive ball-handling and passing skills, making his potential talent clear. Towards the end of the half, he does get a breakaway on Russia, forcing a diving stop and a corner kick. In stoppage time, Greece even puts together a scary offense.

	Time running out in this first half and Greece wants something out of it. He's stacking the box, getting some great shots out of it.
	Russia's back is to the goal, but he's been taking care of it. Clears it out there.
	And there's the halftime whistle! Russia goes into the locker room with a 3-0 lead. Let's see if Vietnam can catch up with one of them before they go inside.

On the field, our other reporter, Vietnam, catches up with Russia.

	Russia, all around a nearly-flawless first half.
	Russia smiles back at her.
	Da! That was fun!
	With Greece starting to put pressure on at the end there, do you plan on focusing on defense to deal with it or will you continue to stay aggressive?
	Hmm... good question. Guess it depends on what I'm in the mood for. Bye!

In the studio, Australia and Cuba are trying to make sense of it.

	Well, we said it'll be unpredictable. Nobody expected a blowout here.
	Greece is a good player, but Russia just has his number today. If he had any idea what to expect in the second half, he might be able to prepare but... it's Russia.
	Oy, nobody knows what Russia's thinking, least of all Greece. It'll be an uphill battle, that's for sure. Let's go to the second half!

As the second half begins, Russia makes it clear that he isn't hanging back. They're sparring back and forth, so he's not completely running the show, but he's not going into lockdown.

	Russia's charging again, crosses it in, Greece is over it... and loses it in the box! Oh, the keeper dives on top of it.
	Another scary moment there for Greece. He covered it up eventually, but not an encouraging start.

Greece is able to move the ball more effectively, generally keeping the ball a little more and getting shots in. Russia's still able to create challenges at midfield and generate some offense, but it looks a little more even now.

No damage is done for a long time, although Greece makes Russia sweat a little more.

	Greece tries a cross, but Russia clears it... off of Greece's head! It's a free ball in the air. They both go up for it, Greece heads it, it's over the keeper... and... IN! Greece is on the board!
	Greece is more relieved than excited. He got a good break, but he executed. Baby steps!

68' - GOAL (GRE) - Russia 3, Greece 1

Things don't change much in spite of the goal. It's back-and-forth, with Greece getting slightly better chances. Russia's able to save everything though, and isn't afraid to keep trying to add to his lead.

	Corner kick coming up here for Russia. Everybody in the box... and Russia taps it in lightly, THEN crosses it inside! Greece is there and chests it. Oh, Russia sneaks around him, gets the ball, shoots, SCORES!
	That's going to be the dagger. You could say Greece screwed up another one, but corners are always dangerous. No sense analyzing this one. It's over.

73' - GOAL (RUS) - Russia 4, Greece 1

Indeed it is. Greece is pretty much deflated now. He continues to be more aggressive on offense, if only because Russia's letting him. But his shots aren't as sharp, Russia defends just fine, and they begin to hear the crowd start to chant, "Kol! Kol! Kol!" There's no sense discussing the rest. As the final whistle blows, Greece slumps off the field. Russia smiles and waves.

Day 1- Munich		Match 2	Group A
	GREECE	1:4 FT	RUSSIA
68'	Katsouranis	Referee THA	Sytchev Sytchev Loskov Loskov	17' 21' 29' 73'

While Vietnam chases after Greece, the guys cover for her.

	Definitely a disappointing result for Greece. The way Germany looked tonight, you get the feeling only one of these two was going to advance. Greece has a lot of ground to make up, and he'll have to deal with the hosts next.
	At the same time, Russia's in a good spot now. Three points in the can and can clinch a trip to the knockout stage next time against Hungary. He played a solid game and it puts him in the drivers seat in Group A.
	Well, Vietnam tracked down Greece. Let's see how he's doing.
	Well... that didn't go at all according to plan, did it?
	Yeah, uh, I'll be honest... that kinda sucked. My head wasn't in the game and he knew that. Not much else you can say about it.
	The road doesn't get any easier with Germany up next.
	No, guess not.
	What needs to happen for you to do that?
	Well, I'm just going to take it easy tomorrow. You know, sleep this off. Then I'm just going to have to play better and, you know... beat him.
	Um... sounds like a plan. Better luck next time. Back to you guys!
	Nothing much left to say here, Vietnam, but let's take a look at the tables before we go!

It's only two matches, but here are the current standings:

	That's all for the first night of competition. But we'll be back tomorrow for Group B action! We'll have Japan vs. Canada and the much-anticipated Holland/Belgium tangle!
	And in the nightcap, Group C kicks off with England vs. Austria. Adios until next time!

As you can see, there's a lot of offense. The game was made for people with short attention spans and ten minutes halves. If I did that, we'd have almost no scoring and the better teams wouldn't get a chance to show it. If I had to pick a flaw in the simulation, I'll take "moar offense" over "no goals" and "Liechtenstein draws Italy 0-0."

Although it was nice of the game to honor Greece's lethargy. His stats in the game says he's strong, defense-minded, and ranked several spots ahead of Russia. And of all the ad boards to get a pic of (I need to get more stadium shots; the arenas in the game are beautiful), I show an ad for sharp, bladed objects directly below Russia's supporters. Now I have to get the Team USA fans over a McDonald's ad.

To Be Continued!

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