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It was a situation he was lucky to be in to begin with, but that late goal haunted Finland all night. He was so close to having a real shot at advancing, and blew it.

Eager to clear his head and not sleeping much, Finland gets in an early morning walk with Sweden and Estonia before they leave for today's matches.

You got a draw against Denmark. That's amazing. You should be proud of that. I would be.
I know, I know... but if I had beaten him, I might have a shot at the next round.
And then you'd get torn apart by Italy. That's my job next week. I'll tell you how it goes.
Hmm...

Sweden has stopped. He's staring straight ahead at a field in front of them. There's a couple people practicing on it.

Looks like someone wanted to get some early practice in. Wonder who it is.
Yes. Get closer.
Okay, but it's not like we're spying on them or anything.

Finland sneaks in for a closer inspection and smiles when he sees who it is.

Big Brother, do you really think I have a chance tonight?
I don't care! We're going to practice this until we get it right!

Switzerland seems to have Liechtenstein in some sort of footballer boot camp, giving her pointers on offense as they run through a practice match. Switzerland steals the ball away from her, then stops to show her how he did it.

Oh, that's so sweet.
Yes, I should watch for that move today.
Estonia!!

Estonia is watching Switzerland intently and making notes on his smartphone.

He's just trying to help Liechtenstein. You shouldn't be scouting him.
At this point, I need any advantage I can get.
*nodding* Hmm. Hmm.
  Sweden is also taking notes on Liechtenstein's play.
Su-san!! It's Liechtenstein! Do you really need any help?

Sweden continues to watch Liechtenstein and doesn't respond. Finland buries his head in his hands.

Meanwhile, Liechtenstein tugs on Switzerland's jersey.

Big Brother? Sweden and Estonia are spying on us.
They are?
  He glances at them quickly. They are.
I'll take care of it.

Switzerland walks calmly to the goal. Leaning against one of the posts is his shotgun. He grabs it, whips it around and fires two warning shots into the air.

Get the hell out of here while we're practicing!!

Finland and Estonia certainly do, running away frantically, Estonia dropping his phone. Sweden stares at Switzerland for a while, then notices that his companions have run off. Sweden looks down, picks up the phone and slowly walks after them.

You dropped your phone.

Day 10
Estonia vs. Switzerland - Italy vs. Egypt
Sweden vs. Liechtenstein

Australia and Cuba are ready for action.

G'day everybody! We've reached Day 10 and we've got some scores to settle in Group F today.
Yep, after the two seeded teams drew last week, they'll both be fighting for position while Egypt tries to sneak in there with a spot in the next round.
To do that, he'll need a big game against Italy this evening. But we start things off with Switzerland and his match against Estonia.
Switzerland's normally stingy defense let him down against Italy, but he rallied from a three-goal deficit to earn a draw. He shouldn't get nearly as much of a challenge against Estonia, but needs three points in this one.
Estonia was solid in his first match, but unable to keep up with an efficient Egypt side. A loss eliminates him, so his back's to the wall here.
It'll be a tall task for Estonia. Switzerland has a nice, well-oiled style of play much in the way Egypt did. Italy was able to get past it, but I don't think Estonia has the flair for it.
Vietnam's in Nuremberg and had a chance to chat with Switzerland before the game.

Switzerland is rarin' to go.

Switzerland, an emotional come-from-behind effort to earn a point off Italy. Now it's back to work against Estonia. How do you get excited for this one?
Oh, don't worry. There's plenty of reasons I'm thrilled to be beating Estonia.
It is definitely crucial in your bid to the Round of 16.
Uh... yeah. That's it.
I know you're particularly proud of your defense. How do you feel it will hold up today after giving up four goals to Italy?
There's no way in hell I'm letting four-eyes get that many goals on me. That much is certain. I'll be pissed if he gets anything through.
It sounds like you're pissed already.
Damn right. Let's do this!

He storms onto the pitch before Vietnam has a chance to say anything else.

Day 10- Nuremberg

 Match 27

Group F
ESTONIA vs. SWITZERLAND

For all his talk, Switzerland allows Estonia to be the early aggressor when this one kicks off. And for good reason: anytime Estonia gets anywhere near the box, Switzerland chews him up and spits him out. While Estonia holds the ball for most of the first few minutes, he gets nowhere near a shot.

Whenever Switzerland gets it, he tends to make a more dangerous go of it. Estonia is able to take care of it, however, and goes back on offense.

Estonia up along the sideline, heavily pressured and kicked out by Switzerland. It'll be a throw-in.
So far Estonia taking what Switzerland's been giving him, but that's not enough so far.
Short throw and under immediate pressure once again. Turns, gets off a cross, but nobody home. Switzerland heads it clear- missed the header! Ball bounces free! Estonia's on the other end, header, GOAL! Switzerland misses the easy clearance and it costs him dearly!
Oh, man! Switzerland's riding a lot on being untouchable in the box and, well, he just didn't get this one. Whiffed what should have been a simple play and Estonia's right there to take the early lead.

8' - GOAL (EST) - Estonia 1, Switzerland 0

After the initial celebration, Estonia doesn't seem to change anything about his gameplay. Despite the extra grit in his teeth, Switzerland doesn't either, continuing to allow Estonia to possess while keeping him out of the box.

It isn't until later on that Switzerland begins to bring it out more. When he does, he has far more penetration than Estonia had been getting, and really testing Estonia's defense. Estonia barely passes.

Midway through the first half, Switzerland really steps up his efforts and Estonia is backed up and unable to do anything on offense.

Switzerland crosses midfield quickly, long pass towards the box! Dribbled in, takes a shot! Off the crossbar and bounces over! Goal kick!
You can see the fear on Estonia's face now. Switzerland is really looking scary on offense. You can only wonder how long Estonia can hold this lead.

The Swiss attack continues on, with Estonia just trying to block shots and get it clear.

Switzerland looking for another opening. Passes up, around, into the box! Good shot, tipped away by Estonia! Defense has it, passes up but Switzerland blocks it and deflects it in! Goal!
Another sloppy clearance, but credit Switzerland for sticking with the play. Estonia tried to get it clear, but Switzerland jumps in, gets a leg on it and it bounces into the goal. That one seemed inevitable.

25' - GOAL (SUI) - Estonia 1, Switzerland 1

Now that Switzerland has things evened up, he's more inclined to sit back once in a while to give his players a break and watch Estonia's attempt to get back into the box. His only notable success was when Switzerland dragged him down in the corner for a yellow card. Switzerland has no trouble clearing the free kick.

Switzerland going high with this one. Gets a cross off. Estonia lunges to clear it... can't! Switzerland brings it down and fires! Off the keeper's fingers... not enough! Ball lands behind him and bounces in!
Man, now Switzerland's really bringing out the holes in Estonia's defense. A better team probably gets to that ball, both on the clearance and in the net. Despite Estonia's early goal, this is looking more and more one-sided.

33' - GOAL (SUI) - Switzerland 2, Estonia 1

Estonia is able to regroup and get a little more offense going, including chances at some pretty good shots. However, his closest attempt results in a weak header that goes over the crossbar. Switzerland survives and keeps churning along.

Quick passing along the sideline by Switzerland. Getting close to cross range and he fires one into the box! Can his striker get there! Yes! Dives in and heads it! GOAL!! Brilliant diving header makes it 3-1!
Switzerland's offense is in full swing now! There were some clear defensive mistakes with his first couple goals but this one was just pretty! The match favorites are starting to pull away now.

38' - GOAL (SUI) - Switzerland 3, Estonia 1

Switzerland keeps on threatening, which almost backfires for a moment as Estonia gets a freak breakaway. But a diving save takes care of it. Estonia's keeper has plenty of heroics as well and the half ends.

Estonia asked some questions early but at halftime I think the story is simply that Switzerland has the better team.
Yeah, ever since Estonia's lucky goal, Switzerland has pretty much been in full control. I see him getting more conservative in the second half and focusing mostly on defense. If he does, I can't see Estonia coming back from this one.
Seems like it would take another Swiss error on defense.
And even then, now that we've seen him take care of business on offense, Switzerland can turn on the jets whenever he needs to. Estonia's in some real trouble here.
Let's go out to the second half then.

To Estonia's credit, he doesn't come out dreading the second half. Switzerland does take a more defensive stance, but this time Estonia is able to do more with his possession, setting up better shots and really giving the Swiss keeper a challenge.

After a few minutes of this, Switzerland begins to get leery. Sensing that Estonia is getting too close, he opens things up more and moves downfield, trying to get another goal or at least shave some time off the clock. Both sides are pushed on defense and almost give up goals.

At midfield, Switzerland passes, stolen by Estonia. Passes up, man open! Might have a breakaway... no! Dangerous tackle from behind.
He didn't get any of the ball on that one. Not a good play.
  Once again, it's red card time. Seychelles is not happy to pass this one out.
Switzerland sent off! And the sorry streak of red cards extends to five matches.
Much as Switzerland's arguing this one, Estonia had an opening and that was clearly a dangerous tackle. I gotta side with Seychelles on this one.
It's nice to see the energy and emotion in this tournament, but something has to be done about the dangerous play. It's amazing we've had so few injuries with these kinds of tackles.

Switzerland takes the obvious response... he steps up his attack to keep Estonia away from the ball. However, his anger seems to be getting the best of him and the shots he gets either sail wide or no trouble for Estonia's defense.

Before long, Estonia starts to take advantage of the extra man.

Estonia rushing down, has some room to breathe. Gets off a cross! Striker's there to head it! Switzerland gets hands on it, but drops it! Oh, he dives on top of it as Estonia slides in for the second chance!
That could have been a foul on Estonia. Switzerland's keeper really gave himself up to protect the ball that time, falling on it a split second before Estonia slid in. Took a shot in the process. Maybe next time he'll catch that one.

Switzerland still looks on offense, but isn't able to hold the ball for very long. He gets his share of shots, but isn't as effective at killing the clock as he probably should be.

Switzerland forward now. Good pass! He's got some room and gets past the defense!
Oh, here comes Estonia right behind him! Slides... brings him down! There's a whistle.
Seychelles goes to her pocket... another red card! Eye for an eye as Estonia's sent off in similar fashion.
That didn't seem nearly as intentional as Switzerland's, but you almost have to send him off for consistency's sake. That really puts a hurt on Estonia's chances in this one.

Estonia makes a weak attempt at pleading with Seychelles, but she's already trying to reset the ball.

This red card kills Estonia's offense for the next ten minutes, while Switzerland continues to get turned back as well. By the time Estonia is able to generate an attack again, it's too late for him to mount a comeback. After a couple of close calls, Switzerland ends up stalling in the final minutes and the game ends without another score. Switzerland pumps his fist, nods to himself and rushes out of there after a job completed to satisfaction.

Day 10- Nuremberg

 Match 27

Group F
ESTONIA 1:3
FT		 SWITZERLAND
8'

Oper

 Referee
 SEY

Frei
Vonlanthen
Vonlanthen

 25'
33'
38'

Vietnam finds Estonia, resigned after the loss.

A second loss, Estonia, and a fatal one as it eliminates your shot at making the next round.
I knew it was an uphill battle against some very talented nations. I did what I could, got a few scores in there and was satisfied with my effort.
Both halves started with a strong offensive push. Trying to catch him off guard?
Technically it worked; I scored off it in the first half. Generally, I attacked when he let me. Which wasn't very often as it turned out.
Upset at all about the red card?
At myself a little. Not at the officials. It was probably a fair call. It didn't seem to matter. I wasn't able to do much when I had the man advantage.
Thank you, Estonia. Better luck in your final match against Italy.
Thank you.
So the Estonian dream ends and Switzerland comes away with three much-needed points.
Yep, Switzerland did his thing and just outclassed Estonia all over the pitch. He was the better team and played like it the whole way. Not much else you can say about that one.
Other than pointing out that the better teams yesterday often didn't play like it.
That's a good point. After Turkey, Denmark... and even France to an extent, let their weaker opponents hang around, Switzerland took charge, even after surrendering the early goal.
So Switzerland now has four points and sets the stage for a doozy between Italy and Egypt.
This one should good. Italy has some serious talent, but blew a three-goal lead in his last match. And Egypt's really quiet, but he plans very well for his opponents and doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
Worth pointing out that Egypt beat Italy in the Confederation's Cup last year, and a win for the Pharoahs would put them through to the Round of 16.
And it would really put Italy on the ropes. Wouldn't that be a story?
Taiwan is in Leipzig with the scoop.

Let's see if Taiwan can get anything usable from Italy.

After a draw in your first match, your second is not an easy one. Egypt is hard to crack and somebody who beat you last year.
He did? When was that?
Confederation's Cup. The practice tournament before the World Cup?
I don't remember that. I just remember playing lots of football and eating pasta.
Well, let's go to more recent history then. Last time, you blew a three goal lead against Switzerland. What steps have you taken to make sure your defense improves tonight?
Germany says when Egypt tries a shot, that I should dive in front of the ball to stop it. It sounds like a good idea, but...
It sounds like basic goalkeeper tactics. But what?
The other countries kick the ball really hard. I don't want to get hit!
Hmm... now that I think about it, you've been accused in the past of flopping. You know, falling down without actually getting hit to draw a foul.
I don't mean to! I trip very easily and I don't like it when someone tries to tackle me.
Did you really win the World Cup in '06?
Yep! The trophy's back home with all the others!

Taiwan shudders and leaves it at that. We should too.

Day 10- Leipzig

 Match 28

Group F
ITALY vs. EGYPT

As much as Egypt wants to be methodical about this one, Italy's not going to let him. Egypt is forced to play faster and advance the ball before he's ready. He seems to progress well enough, however, keeping pace in the early goings.

Italy, in return, really guns it down the field, setting up a few dangerous spots early. This gives Egypt a chance to buckle down and play some simple defense. Once the threat subsides, Egypt is able to move things again.

Egypt crosses the halfline, shoots a long pass forward! Shot from the top of the box! On target! Goal! Egypt out in front in a hurry!
Well placed shot, but what was Italy's keeper doing there? Seemed slow to react to that one, and Egypt is able to jump on it and grab the early goal.

6' - GOAL (EGY) - Egypt 1, Italy 0

With the early goal, Egypt switches to a defensive mindset, countering Italy's wild offense with a well-executed offside trap. Italy gets called for it... and called for it... and called for it...

Offside again, Italy!
Aww... Egypt! What are you doing all the way back there? I want to play!
...

Egypt isn't trying to rock the boat much, holding the ball when he can and playing organized defense when he can't. Doesn't stop Italy from trying.

Italy's shot is knocked out, sets up a corner kick. It's away! Egypt heads it clear and starts moving upfield.
Boy, is he! Charging up quickly, making some good passes. We have a counter-attack!
And he gets it up for a breakaway! Has a chance! Nope, shot's blocked. Italy's keeper is on this one.

And so Italy goes back to work.

Italy working through this defense, not seeming to find much of anything.
Not sure if he's looking...
Quick pass into the box- here's something! One-two kick from a distance... GOAL! Untouchable ball curls into the corner and we're square.
What a touch on that ball! Starts out wide and curls just into the net. Egypt didn't have a chance of getting his fingers on that one.

17' - GOAL (ITA) - Egypt 1, Italy 1

Both sides are able to get strong pushes on offense, and shots that the keeper barely gets hands on or goes off the post. Not much defense in sight over the next few minutes.

Italy takes a break from the offensive flurry to take a corner kick...
No time to catch your breath though. Not with Italy's attack... and Egypt's counterattack from the earlier corner.
Here goes, hard shot right to the six-yard box! Deflects off Egypt, drops right in front of Italy! Easy score!
Hard shot indeed! He just slammed that one right in there and gets a great bounce off Egypt to drop right in front of his striker standing right in front of the goal! A bit of skill, a bit of luck and Italy has the lead.

23' - GOAL (ITA) - Italy 2, Egypt 1

Both sides continue to play aggressively, with plenty of scoring chances to go around. On defense, they each get a little rough in an effort to slow things down. Sealand calls a couple fouls, but nothing dirty enough to warrant a card yet.

Italy moving forward again...
So's Egypt, returning to the offside trap.
Quick rush! Italy passes forward... he's onside! Open shot! Egypt gets a glove on it! Is it enough... no! It still falls in for a goal!
It's the biggest downside to the offside trap. Italy rushed forward and the timing was perfect. Only the keeper to beat and kicked it just hard enough to go in after the deflection.

30' - GOAL (ITA) - Italy 3, Egypt 1

Egypt narrows his eyes at Italy, who celebrates blithely before returning to action. Hell, even while returning to action.

Italy gets the ball at midfield, crosses in to Egypt territory.
Good mark by Egypt. Really pressuring here.

So much pressure that their legs get tangled up during the play. Amid the deadlock, Egypt stares at Italy.

Ve?

And then Egypt whaps him on the head. Italy clutches his head and falls to the ground.

Ow ow ow ow ow! He hit me!
*holding up a red card* Hey, that was intentional, Egypt! You're off!

Egypt looks around. He wasn't sure what just happened, but boy did he get it.

Australia and Cuba aren't sure what happened either.

Uh... guess that's six straight matches with a red card.
Do we really have to count that?! That was... that was...
Red's a red's, Cuba.
I hate this game. I probably woulda hit him too...

The game has a stubborn habit of not letting me view replays on carded fouls, so I'm not sure what really happened. A routine challenge ended with Italy falling to the ground and Egypt getting sent off. This seemed to be the only logical course of events.

With the man advantage, Italy is able to get shots even more easily. Somehow Egypt is able to stop them. It takes a while before he's able to do anything himself, but eventually he gets a decent counter attack, even if it's stopped.

Italy clears it, no problem. Shoots it downfield. Passes up... stolen! Egypt gets it back, quick pass forward! Gets it in the box, shot, GOAL! Egypt cuts the deficit in half!
Great play by Egypt not to retreat to defense too quickly but again, Italy's keeper asleep at the switch. It's like the shot went right through him! Gotta get a glove on those!

36' - GOAL (EGY) - Italy 3, Egypt 2

Now it's just a free-for-all as Egypt is able to figure some things out to get a few more strikes in, while Italy continues to go crazy.

Egypt gets up to the box, starts looking around.
Great offensive effort here by Egypt. It was a midfielder that was sent off and it doesn't seem to have hurt him on either end.
Passes up to the top of the box. Quick shot! Blocked by Italy! Loose ball, Egypt slides in, gets a shot off... scores! Somehow, he's tied it up!
Two shorthanded goals in ten minutes?! That was a good one too. Egypt's been really motivated after the red card, but how is Italy letting this happen again?

40' - GOAL (EGY) - Italy 3, Egypt 3

Both sides play aggressively until the halftime whistle. No more goals, which seems like a miracle.

Egypt! Really impressive job after the red card. It looked like you lost your concentration when your player got sent off, but you look really motivated now.
He has a face that you just want to punch. I plan to keep doing so.
Figuratively, right? On the pitch?
Either way. I am not picky.

Back at the studio, Cuba shakes his head.

Well, it's become very clear that Italy has absolutely no idea how to hold a lead.
He does a great job out of the gate, but he seems to forget about his defense entirely. He blew a three goal lead against Switzerland and now a two goal lead against Egypt.
It's hella sloppy, but makes for some entertaining football at least. And it looks like we could get six more goals in the second half. They ain't stopping!
Let's return to Leipzig and find out!

Out of the gate, Italy really dominates the possession. He gets one breakaway early that Egypt is barely able to get a hold of.

To Egypt's credit, he seems to have abandoned the offside trap to put more pressure on Italy and not let him dance around with the ball. It doesn't get him the ball back much, but Italy is stifled on offense for a while.

This turns into fifteen minutes without a score, which is remarkable after the first half. Egypt starts to get a few things back together, but Italy is able to handle it, and resume his attack.

Italy passes forward... is he onside?
Yes he is! Open man gets in the box!
Egypt's keeper rushes up to fall on it... can't get it! Italy with a clear shot from six out! Off the right post! How did he miss that shot!?
What the?! Six yards away in dead center and a little lob over the keeper gets you the lead! And it flies off his foot and clangs off the post! No wonder everyone says he's an idiot!

But Italy gets another shot.

Italy with a long pass to the top of the box. Headed right to goal, knocked away by the keeper. Past the defender.
Weird angle. Didn't expect it to go off to the side like-
Italy charges in, slides and strikes! Off the keeper and IN! How did he make it from that angle?!
Misses it from dead straight and hits it from a bad position way off to the side. Makes perfect sense.

61' - GOAL (ITA) - Italy 4, Egypt 3

Italy continues to persist, but Egypt does a better job resisting him. There aren't many shots over the next few minutes, as Egypt doesn't get anywhere either. It takes about ten for him to start to recover.

Here comes Egypt now! Good pass into the box. Can't get clear for a shot. Passes back out and shot hard from a distance! Curling... IN! Egypt shows a bit of power to draw even once more!
That's nice... so far all of Egypt's goals have been pretty opportunistic and took advantage of iffy defensive plays by Italy. That was a nice bit of passing there and a hell of a shot to equalize.

71' - GOAL (EGY) - Italy 4, Egypt 4

But we're not through yet!

Italy puts it back in play and goes way down the pitch! Charging forward, some good passing, finds an opening to shoot! It's off the post! Egypt has it, looks for room to clear.
Grazie!
Italy steals it from out of nowhere and puts it in! Goal!
Love the offensive rush after giving up the goal. Can't believe it caught Egypt napping and where the hell did he come from to pick up the rebound! We're beyond crazy here tonight.

72' - GOAL (ITA) - Italy 5, Egypt 4

As Italy continues to push, Egypt makes good use of counter-attack strategies, but isn't able to muster anything up. As Egypt is forced to dedicate more to offense, Italy sneaks in with a few run. Thankfully, Egypt's defense is able to cut him down before they turn into breakaways.

Egypt with it back now, looking like a good possession here. Passes in- the shot! Good save by the keeper, but Egypt gets it back! Passes, and again! Another shot is IN! Egypt ties it again! What an unselfish play!
Great stuff! He got the ball after the keeper knocked it down, but saw that he didn't have a clear shot. A couple passes later and he's in with the equalizer! Let's see how long this one sticks!

77' - GOAL (EGY) - Italy 5, Egypt 5

Both Italy and Egypt are trying to make sure it doesn't, and seem to abandon all midfield defense to get the go-ahead goal. Both get lots of chances over the next ten minutes, but now the keepers do a better job hanging onto their saves and not allowing rebounds. With only two minutes left, it's looking an awful lot like a draw, until...

Italy with a throw-in and not much time left.
Not too many chances for offense, but he's in a good location. Almost like a corner.
Throws in to the side, not to the goal! Dribbles and crosses! He's up for header... off the crossbar! Egypt gets it back, and it remains level by inches!

Egypt gets a couple close ones as well, but the game finally ends with the score even. Egypt is able to walk off quietly, masking just how exhausted he is after all that. Italy raises his hands and runs around like he's won, despite another 1-point effort.

Day 10- Leipzig

 Match 28

Group F
ITALY 5:5
FT		 EGYPT
17'
23'
30'
61'
72'

Toni
Totti
Totti
Giardino
Pirlo

 Referee
 SLD

Zidan
Zidan
Zidan
Sabry
Halim Ali

 6'
36'
40'
71'
77'

Australia and Cuba try to catch their breath after all that.

Looked for a moment there like we'd have a reprieve from the offense, but they trade more goals and wind up with a ridiculous 5-5 draw.
It was fun though. How can you not be impressed with Egypt after this game? Down a man and two goals, he just steps up and plays the crazy Italian way. He's surprisingly versatile and sets up a great finale with Switzerland.
Especially as it could be a winner-take-all match. Assuming Italy beats Estonia, whoever wins between Egypt and Switzerland takes the group.
And if they draw, the three of them are all tied with 5 points and it comes down to a game of who beat up on Estonia more. That's always fun.
Hopefully Italy's smart enough to run up the score in the event that happens.
Hopefully he doesn't give up five goals next time.
Speaking of blowouts, our final match of the night is between Sweden and Liechtenstein.
Yeah, there isn't much to say in this one. Underdogs have been graciously competitive lately, but this might be too tall a task for Liechtenstein. Sweden thoroughly dominated Poland, running away with a 6-0 win... and Poland's actually pretty good.
While Liechtenstein fought hard and scored first, but fell to Iceland 2-1.
That may have been her only chance at points in this tournament. Don't count on any surprises tonight.
Well, let's go to Munich and get it over with.

 

Day 10- Munich

 Match 29

Group G
SWEDEN vs. LIECHTENSTEIN

While Liechtenstein is still standing in awe of Sweden's height and demeanor, he doesn't waste any time in taking advantage and testing her defenses. It's not a crazy, relentless attack, however. He takes his time to set up persistent shots designed to rattle her. Nothing goes in, but it's certainly an unwelcome greeting.

Liechtenstein does get the ball for a little bit and tries to get downfield. She gets the ball into the box a couple times, but is never able to get it to anybody open enough for a good shot.

Then Sweden takes over again and gets a narrow header over the bar, followed by a series of shots that end in corner kicks. It takes forever for her to clear out.

At least she has room to try again on the other side.

Liechtenstein under pressure from Sweden's defense, going up high. Trying to crowd her out there too.
He's not letting up on defense, that's for sure.
She turns, gets a cross off. Header... off the defender! Keeper there to clean up, striker dives in front of him! Gets a piece- GOAL! Liechtenstein dives forward in a prayer and finds the net!
Wow, I don't think Sweden was ready for that! One thing Liechtenstein has not been in this tournament is tepid and she leaps in front of him, closes her eyes and hopes she gets to the ball first. What a goal!
First goal allowed by Sweden and you can't say she didn't earn that one. This one might have some drama after all.

14' - GOAL (LIE) - Liechtenstein 1, Sweden 0

Sweden responds with another measured attack, although he doesn't seem particularly bothered by the goal. Liechtenstein has a little more confidence, and has the added bonus of timing her defense better to draw Sweden offside. Previously he had been able to time his runs to get past her.

It takes a while for Liechtenstein to get the ball back, but she doesn't do much with it when she does. Killing time is fine by her, especially against a defense unwilling to give her much more. She burns a little time and gets one really good shot off, but a diving save takes care of it and Sweden gets it back.

Sweden passing around, takes it to the right side...
I love how he's not panicking. Still sticking with his game despite trailing.
Hard pass through the box, all the way to the other side, quick shot- DRILLED IT IN! Keeper got a glove on it and it still finds the net!
What a way to draw even! Just pure firepower from Sweden on that play. Keeper was in position, but Liechtenstein couldn't do a thing about that one. By the time she got her hands up it was too late.

25' - GOAL (SWE) - Liechtenstein 1, Sweden 1

Things start to go back and forth for a bit as neither side wants to really show much aggression. Liechtenstein doesn't want to spread herself too thin while Sweden's more than willing to wear her down before finishing her off later.

They play evenly for ten minutes, with Liechtenstein getting a couple shots off, although most of them are fairly weak. Then Sweden starts to turn it on some more.

Sweden crosses midfield, passes... onside! Rushes past the defense! Has an open look, takes the shot! Knocked sky high by the keeper! Liechtenstein's defense gets back and gets clear. We remain even.

More opportunities like these tell Sweden's story. After ten minutes of near misses, he slows things down to prevent Liechtenstein from gaining any momentum before halftime. They head into the locker room even at 1-1.

Halfway home and it's not a massacre yet. How are you feeling so far about the match?
Very exhausted. But no matter what happens, I'm happy I was able to get a goal.
Talk about that goal. Nerves of steel, girl!
Sweden puts a lot of pressure on defense, so I knew I had to do something to have any hope of scoring. It was scary, but I just went for it and luckily it went in.
How do you like your chances in the second half?
If I keep doing my best and not get too worn out, I might be able to hold him off for a while. I have to think positive.
Good luck, Liechtenstein.
Thanks, Vietnam. Well, Liechtenstein's not broken yet and the score's even. Should Sweden be more concerned than he looks?
No way, I love how calm Sweden is about this. This is a guy who knows Liechtenstein can't hang with him for the full ninety minutes and is playing that way. He just has to keep doing his thing and play solid defense to make sure she doesn't get a chance to do something awesome again.
Gotta hand it to Liechtenstein for rising to the challenge though.
She's playing her heart out, just like she did last time. I just don't see it as being enough against Sweden. He's not one to go out and do something risky just because of the halftime score.
All right. Let's get back to Munich then for the second half.

After an early, dangerous breakaway from Sweden, Liechtenstein opens up the half with the possession advantage. She's very careful about limiting turnovers and Sweden's content with letting her hold the ball. She is able to get downfield and set up some shots, but Sweden's defense is well-prepared to keep her out of position and prevent her shots from threatening. He turns her away calmly and easily.

Sweden takes over at about the 50 minute mark. He looks for holes in her defense and finds several, but she is able to close them before any serious damage is done, or make the big save when she can't. His movement allows her to spread things out a bit and generate her own attacks, but both defenses seem to be on their game now.

Sweden has it back, moving down quickly, over to the left side. In the corner, lets loose a cross, has a man in the box, headed to the far post- GOAL! Sweden breaks through for a second time and seizes the lead!
Yep, great goal! Just as people were starting to wonder if we were looking at a 1-1 final, Sweden is able to set up a nice cross and deliver it into the net. Took a bit of time, but great job.

60' - GOAL (SWE) - Sweden 2, Liechtenstein 1

Knowing she needs to score again, Liechtenstein starts to really focus on possession and setting up good shots. But Sweden's defense really starts to earn their reputation in repelling her, and she only gets one hard shot in before they shut her down.

Liechtenstein at midfield, with the pass... stolen! Sweden has it! Two attackers side by side, dribbles into the box, hard shot! Oh, a diving catch by Liechtenstein! Thought that was 3-1 there.
Anything less than a catch on that would have made it 3-1. If she just knocks it away or tips it, Sweden was right there to put in the rebound. Liechtenstein knew what she had to do and pulled a miracle there.

But Sweden isn't to be stopped yet.

Sweden passes, deflected off Liechtenstein, loose ball into the corner. Sweden runs after it and gets there first. Quick cross into the box. Striker rushes in, heads it, SCORES! A little improv gives him a 3-1 lead!
Now that was something. Play breaks down and Sweden pops it up into the box to see what he can do with it. And there he comes, charging in, gets to the landing pad and heads it straight on into the net.

70' - GOAL (SWE) - Sweden 3, Liechtenstein 1

But we're not through yet!

Liechtenstein searching... long, high pass into the box. Sweden clears it away to the side and... corner kick. Ball chose the end line over the sideline.
Good, quick response from Liechtenstein after giving up the goal. She has to hit something quickly to have any hope of getting back in this one.
She kicks it up, in close to the net, she just gets a head to it, off the keeper- IN! Liechtenstein back within one on a corner kick!
Well now! She has life yet. I think Sweden was a little too trusting of his defense not having the keeper punch that one out. He got a hand to that header, but there was really no way he was stopping that one. Guess we have a game again.

71' - GOAL (LIE) - Sweden 3, Liechtenstein 2

Sweden narrows his eyes a bit at Liechtenstein, who blushes and turns her head. He resumes his attack once more.

The only catch is that Liechtenstein continues her attack. Now she's playing with a bit more confidence and sees ways to thin Sweden's defense. She gets more shots, but nothing that Sweden's keeper can't handle.

But that works both ways.

Sweden moving quickly, looking to get back up to two goals. To the side, here's another cross! Header is swatted down by Liechtenstein! Tries to clear it... a little slow. Sweden shoots it, through the defenders legs and IN! That could be the end of this one!
Yeah, it's the first time in the game Liechtenstein actually looked tired. Keeper made a nice save, but the defender didn't respond in time and Sweden got one through her legs and found the net. I don't think she has enough time to come back now.

76' - GOAL (SWE) - Sweden 4, Liechtenstein 2

She certainly tries to, but Sweden's defense steps up to prevent any attack in response. Despite her continued focus, the defense plays well and holds up. When she's worn down, Sweden plays the possession game, feigns a couple attacks to keep her honest, and makes enough plays to wind down the game and clinch the victory.

Day 10- Munich

 Match 29

Group G
SWEDEN 4:2
FT		 LIECHTENSTEIN
25'
60'
70'
76'

Ljungberg
Svensson
Ibrahimovic
Svensson

 Referee
CMR

Burgmeier
D'Elia

 14'
71'

And Vietnam is with the victor.

Sweden, what was the attitude in the locker room when you were even at halftime?
Calm.
So you weren't at all worried about being level with Liechtenstein?
No. We still planned to win.
Was there any point in this game that you weren't sure of your chance of getting the win?
No. We knew what we had to do.
And that was...?
Win.
Well... with that, things are shaping up pretty well for finishing on top of Group G. How closely will you be watching Iceland tomorrow?
Finland is going to Dortmund to scout.
*from offscreen* Wait, I'm doing what?!
All right. Congrats on the win, and I'll send it back to you, Australia.
Thank you, and I guess you were right on this one, Cuba. He didn't freak out and got enough goals late to seal up the victory.
Yep. Liechtenstein made this a better game than we expected, but I don't think Sweden ever felt like he wasn't in control of it. That's what good teams do, and he could really be a factor in the knockout stages.
He hasn't officially clinched it yet, but from the tables it's hard not to see him getting through.

Let's see those tables...

  Group A Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Russia 2 1 1 0 7 4 3 4
  Germany 2 1 0 1 6 6 0 3
 

Greece

 2 1 0 1 5 7 -2 3
  Hungary 2 0 1 1 5 6 -1 1
  Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Holland 2 1 1 0 7 4 3 4
 

Japan

 2 1 0 1 6 3 3 3
  Canada 2 1 0 1 6 7 -1 3
  Belgium 2 0 1 1 1 6 -5 1
  Group C Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  England 2 1 1 0 6 3 3 4
  Austria 2 1 1 0 6 5 1 4
  Norway 2 1 0 1 5 6 -1 3
 

Korea

 2 0 0 2 5 8 -3 0
  Group D Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Spain 2 2 0 0 6 3 3 6
 

Turkey

 2 1 1 0 7 5 2 4
  Latvia 2 0 1 1 5 7 -2 1
  Lithuania 2 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
  Group E Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  France 2 2 0 0 9 3 6 6
 

Denmark

 2 1 1 0 9 5 4 4
  Finland 2 0 1 1 2 6 -4 1
  Hong Kong 2 0 0 2 6 12 -6 0
  Group F Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Egypt 2 1 1 0 10 7 3 4
 

Switzerland

 2 1 1 0 7 5 2 4
  Italy 2 0 2 0 9 9 0 2
  Estonia 2 0 0 2 3 8 -5 0
  Group G Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Sweden 2 2 0 0 10 2 8 6
  Iceland 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
  Liechtenstein 2 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
 

Poland

 1 0 0 1 0 6 -6 0
  Group H Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Belarus 1 1 0 0 6 2 4 3
 

Ukraine

 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
  America 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
  China 1 0 0 1 2 6 -4 0

...and let's wrap it up.

Well, another day draws to a close and we're poised for a heated Egypt-Switzerland contest in a few days.
We kinda figured it would come down to those two in the end, although the surprise is that they're playing to win the group and leave Italy in second place, which could see him up against France in the Round of 16.
A World Cup final rematch in the first round. That would be something else.
No surprises, however, in Group G, although if we're going to see anything there, it'll happen tomorrow afternoon.
Right. We'll see how Poland responds after his drubbing against Sweden, with an interesting opponent in Iceland, who would clinch with a win and be in great shape with a draw.
We'll also feature Group H play as Ukraine tries to punch her trip to the next round against China.
And America will try to rebound from his opening loss. He'll be up against a dangerous and determined Belarus.
That's all we got tonight. This is Cuba and Australia signing off. Adios!

I mentioned how Latvia was quietly improving his game. Estonia... not so much. At least we thought. This week in Euro qualification, Estonia upset 2010 World Cup participant Serbia 3-1 in Serbia. By the way, if you haven't been following the qualifying for Euro 2012, look into it. Everybody in Europe is playing to earn a trip to the finals in Poland and Ukraine, and we've already seen some crazy results like Belarus beating France and Liechtenstein coming seconds away from a shocking win in Scotland.

I have created a group on Facebook for updates on Hetalia World Cup! Feel free to stop by to discuss everything from these matches to Euro qualifying to Hetalia itself.

To Be Continued!

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