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Hey, kids! What time is it?

It's the latest sensation that's sweeping the globe! "Let's Play Something Else!"

America is in a small gym, wearing a Team USA jersey dribbling a basketball.

Hey, Germany, your free throw lane's a little slanted.
You do realize you have a match tomorrow, right?
Yep, that's why we're playing basketball instead of ice hockey.
And Germany, you're here too. Don't forget you have a date with me in a couple days.
I am taking a break. I'll have you know I've developed a strict training regimen. I will defeat you, Russia.
That's so cute.
So America, why basketball? I love it and all but, I mean, I can see you trying to push your silly version of football on the rest of us, but basketball's pretty popular around the world.
Exactly! How many other sports do you get to see Greece and Lithuania getting excited?

Indeed, behind them, Greece and Lithuania are stretching pretty intensely.

How are we picking teams?
Let's go Cold War this time! Me and Russia are team captains!
Excellent! I'll pick my best buddy Germany!

Germany is a little confused. He narrows his eyes at Russia.

I know you won't let your impending fall to my boots of iron stop you from being a good teammate.
Just don't pull any of that Munich business again. I'll pick Spain.
And Lithuania will be on my team, of course.
Guess I have to carry the load for you again, huh?

And America gets Greece. They get to playing. Since all six are upper-tier basketball nations (yes, even Lithuania), the game itself isn't nearly as funny as watching England and Italy play American football.

What's surprising is how into it Greece and Lithuania get. Lithuania has the ball at the top of the arc and Greece is guarding him fiercely.

Georgia! Run Georgia!

Russia runs up and sets a pick. Greece slams into Russia while Lithuania dribbles by him. When America and Spain try to pressure him, he passes the ball to an open Germany, who lays it in. Lithuania pumps a fist and goes back on defense, high-fiving Russia.

Nice play, but can we call it South Ossetia now?

Little do they know that they are being watched. On their next possession, Russia goes up for a shot and America hits him on the arm while trying to knock the ball away.

I think that was a foul there.
Agreed.

They soon forget this, as America finds himself pinned to the wall. Belarus is holding a knife to him.

How dare you harm Brother!
Hey, save it for the match!
Russia! Do something about her!

Russia's actually hiding behind Lithuania. Spain ends up pulling her away and leading her off.

Hey, chill, Seņorita. It's just a game.
You will pay for harming Brother! I will finish the job Ukraine did and destroy you!

Once they leave, the game seems to have stopped. Germany is checking on America while Russia is making doubly sure Belarus is gone.

*anxious* How about some one-on-one?
Yeah, let's go.

Hoo, where to start. International free throw lanes have used a trapezoidal key instead of the rectangular one used in America. They are in the process of switching that (you'll notice the difference at the next Olympics!).

Both Greece and Lithuania are very good at basketball, and get pretty damn excited about it. In fact, Lithuania won third place at the world championships in Turkey this year and are hosting the basketball equivalent of the Euro tournament next year.

"That Munich business" refers to the 1972 Munich Olympics, where the Soviets beat the Americans for the gold in basketball under... questionable circumstances.

Lithuania calling "Georgia" is a reference to a common basketball tactic of naming plays after colleges... or perhaps former Soviet countries. And let's not bring up South Ossetia.

Day 11
Poland vs. Iceland
Ukraine vs. China - America vs. Belarus

Time for Australia and Cuba, who wouldn't mind playing one-on-one with Belarus.

G'day everybody! Australia and Cuba here! One more set of games before we kick it into overdrive to round out the group stage.
Yep, the spotlight today is on Group H, where sisters Ukraine and Belarus each have the chance to clinch trips to the round of 16 with wins over China and America. One's a favorite, one's an underdog, but both will be in action tonight.
Our first match though is in Group G between Poland and Iceland.
On paper, this match doesn't look all that enticing. Poland is pretty good and a frequent World Cup participant. Iceland... is not. But after Poland was trounced in his first match and Iceland came from behind to win, it's the little island nation that has the high ground.
Absolutely. A draw today would likely mean goal differential decides who goes on, and with Poland already losing 6-0 to Sweden, that would be disastrous.
Not only that, but Iceland plays a tight, defensive style that is perfect for slogging the game down and turning it into an unwatchable scoreless draw. If he got that today, it could lead to one of the biggest stunners of this World Cup.
Is that in the works? Taiwan's with Iceland in Dortmund.
Thank you, Australia. Iceland, with three points you find yourself in the thick of things in Group G. What do you have to do against Poland to stay in the race?
Nothing. He's the one who has to make the move. I'll take a draw any time. He can try to score if he wants to.
So a purely defensive game from you today?
It works best for me. I don't care if we kick it around aimlessly for ninety minutes. If nobody scores in this game, I win.
Norway's been teaching you a few things about anti-football, hasn't he?
Whatever gets points.
Well, good luck.

 

Day 11- Dortmund

 Match 30

Group G
POLAND vs. ICELAND

Iceland spends a lot of the opening minutes with the ball, but on his own end of the pitch. He seems to be following through with his plans with the goal of simply keeping Poland away from the ball. He looks up once in a while, but Poland's ready to stop anything.

When Poland does get the ball, Iceland has numbers on defense and squeezes him out easily. The first eight minutes are really boring.

Poland not finding anything... quick pass forward, past the defenders! He gets a shot in! Easily saved by the keeper.
It was an opening, but a small one. Not much of a chance to put a nice touch on that one. No trouble for Iceland.

A couple minutes later, Poland finds himself in a similar situation.

Poland into Iceland territory, tries a long pass into the box. Striker's there, but so is Iceland. But a bad bounce! It gets past them! Poland gets it! Quick shot SCORES! And like that, Poland's ahead!
I thought Iceland would be all over that one, but he didn't position himself to play it well and lets one slip. Poland scores his first goal and Iceland's going to have to play offense after all.

12' - GOAL (POL) - Poland 1, Iceland 0

Now Poland has something going. He uses the momentum to push harder for a second goal, almost succeeding with a pair of quick, hard shots right after the other. Iceland doesn't show it, but it's clear he's a bit rattled from the early goal.

Iceland does move up a little bit when he gets the chance, but Poland still has him outclassed at defense. Anytime he gets near the box, Poland squeezes him back out.

Iceland pushing up now. Passes in, easily stopped. Poland takes over and moves quickly down the pitch!
Strong counterattack here, looks like Iceland's out of position!
Open pass forward! Has a breakaway! Into the box, takes a shot! Blocked by the keeper but drops in front of another Pole who slams it in!
That's why Iceland sticks to defense. He tried to attack and his back line fell apart as Poland counters beautifully and doubles his lead. Amazing what you can do when you get up early.

20' - GOAL (POL) - Poland 2, Iceland 0

Iceland has no choice but to take the ball and try again.

Iceland now giving up. Pass forward, great timing! Gets past the defense! No, Poland catches up, squeezes him out of the box and takes it back. Clears, no! Iceland sneaks in and jabs at it! Keeper can only deflect it! Defender slides into stop it, but can't! Goal Iceland!
Wow! Some perseverance there from Iceland. Squeezed out of a breakaway, but didn't give up on it, got a piece of the clearance and hit it just hard enough for it to slip in on the deflection. Weird goal, but Iceland's not picky today.

21' - GOAL (ISL) - Poland 2, Iceland 1

Now Poland's the one slowing it down and controlling possession, trying to prevent Iceland from gaining any momentum. But Iceland plays tough and gets a couple dangerous breaks, with close saves by the keeper or the defense.

One thing saving Poland is that Iceland can't sniff out offensive chances very well. Poland's defense plays well, but does have brief windows of opportunity. Iceland is at times either too slow or too hesitant to exploit these, and is unable to do anything when he has the ball. Poland gets it back, drives down and sets some things up.

Good shot by Poland! Knocked away! Gets it back, charges in to take another shot. Can't hold it! Iceland kicks it out for a corner kick.
That early goal changed this game completely. Iceland seemed to have good command of things, but giving up that first goal threw his entire strategy out the window and he's not improvising very well.
Corner kick away! To dead center, leans in, gets a head... GOAL! Corner kick header to the near post and Poland's back up by 2!
Way too easy. You gotta cover that guy better than Iceland did. Great job by Poland to get the ball up and to finish it, but that's not the defense I was hoping for.

29' - GOAL (POL) - Poland 3, Iceland 1

A misplayed ball a few minutes later gives Poland a golden chance at a fourth, but Iceland makes a good save. After that, he holds back and plays sturdy defense for a few minutes.

It takes him a while to think offense again, but towards the end of the first half, he tries putting something together. He gets a couple scares in, but Poland defends well enough and goes into the locker room with a healthy lead.

A little more scoring than we expected. It's safe to say Poland's doing his job and Iceland isn't.
Yep, Iceland can't win a firefight, but he can draw even in a defensive struggle. Without the defense clicking for him, it could be a long second half for him.
Question is does Iceland keep pushing and risk giving up more goals, or does he hold back and hope it comes down to goal differential?
Hate to say it, because it's what got Poland into trouble against Sweden, but Iceland has to attack. Goal differential won't help unless he beats Sweden in the finale. Besides, he's probably got it anyway.
Unless he gives up another four goals. Let's see what happens.

Iceland seems to follow Cuba's advice and comes out aggressive.

Iceland pushing hard right away! Gets forward, into the box but an easy stop by Poland. He shoots it forward quickly. Another quick pass and he's through! Poland on his own with a breakaway! Takes a shot- knocked away for a corner!
Don't be surprised if he scores like that next time. If he had help, that might have gone in.

Realizing that won't work at all, Iceland tries a more balanced attack method. He does a better job controlling the ball, but isn't able to make a whole lot of penetration. Poland, meanwhile, gets a couple more scary counter threats, but can't break one.

Clearly, Poland's happy with his lead and is willing to let Iceland slow things down and play a more deliberate game. He'll strike when he sees an opportunity, but it doesn't come up often. The game gets a little slow as the sides trade long possessions that don't go anywhere.

As things wear on for a bit, Poland finally gets another big chance.

Poland sees something, moving up a little bit. Good pass into the box, down the side, quick shot! Great fingertip save by Iceland but it drops! Another striker there to clean house... NO! Keeper falls on it! No shot and Iceland is spared!
Wow, Iceland pulling double defensive duty on that play. Now let's see if he can use it.

Not quite...

Poland gets it back, rushes into the box. Takes his shot! Keeper blocks it. Poland streaks in, slides in and scores! Only needed one bounce to put it back in and make it 4-1!
Feels like that'll do it right there. Two goals was maybe do-able, but three's a bit much for Iceland.

65' - GOAL (POL) - Poland 4, Iceland 1

Poland starts to dominate with the ball for a while, very content with the score and kicking it around. Iceland gradually gets back into it, but by then Poland's defense is more than capable of meeting the challenge. As the game dwindles down, Poland makes a few advancements simply because he feels like it, and because he can. Iceland's barely able to keep Poland from scoring another goal; his own efforts are turned back in kind and Poland cruises to his first win.

Day 11- Dortmund

 Match 30

Group G
POLAND 4:1
FT		 ICELAND
12'
20'
29'
65'

Frankowski
Frankowski
Zurawski
Zurawski

 Referee
THA

Helgusson

 21'

Taiwan finds a thrilled Poland.

Well, you needed a win here today and you certainly came through. Nice job.
Totally. It was a piece of cake for me.
What was the key to breaking through his defense?
Scoring. Get a goal up on him and he's totally gotta change his strategy.
He seemed to be able to keep up with you sometimes, just not enough to get any offense going.
Like, I'm not going to run circles around him all day. Gotta save something for the next game.
Right... Liechtenstein.
She's totally toast.
I really can't argue with that. Good game, Poland.
Thanks Taiwan. So a huge win for Poland and something of a disappointment for Iceland.
Yeah, this one went according to the book, but from their first games it felt like Iceland had a chance going into this one. If Poland knew that, he didn't act like it, and got three huge points.
He should be in if he wins his final match against Liechtenstein.
Unless Iceland somehow beats Sweden, which will really throw the group out of order.
Next match up is in Group H as China takes on Ukraine. Ukraine big favorites to win after taking out America in the first game. China lost big to Belarus and needs to turn things around.
This could be a possible trap here. Ukraine got her big win against America and has to be thinking about Belarus in the group finale. With China not all that dazzling in his first match, she might be overlooking this a bit.
Let's head to Hamburg to see if China has better luck against the other sister.

 

Day 11- Hamburg

 Match 31

Group H
CHINA vs. UKRAINE

Ukraine doesn't waste much time making her way downfield and setting herself up for shots. China seem to be mostly on the defensive early on, but Ukraine is still able to head a shot that clangs off the post.

China gets a quick offensive and one shot, but that's all in the first five minutes as Ukraine goes back to work. Gradually, China starts to develop more of a possession, and starts to get more shots off.

China now starting to ask some questions. Passes around the box, looking for an opening, passes in, stolen! Ukraine gets it back.
Moving quickly, too. Nice counter-attack!
Very nice! Passes across the halfway line for an open breakaway! All alone into the box! Takes a shot! SCORES! Ukraine turns it around and slams in a beaut!
Troublesome start for China. Late breakaways killed him against Belarus. Not good to see Ukraine getting them so early.

8' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 1, China 0

Cuba has no idea...

China passing around midfield, starting to look forward, pass is intercepted! Ukraine up, hard hitting again, to a striker, between the defenders! Into the box, fires, scores! Already it's 2-0!
Wow, she's picking apart China's defense. He was a little slow to react and she seems to have all the angles. Impressive start for Ukraine.

10' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 2, China 0

China tries not to react too strongly after the early setback. He stays calm and carefully keeps things on his side, making sure passes that don't go anywhere. Ukraine clearly knows what she's doing out there, but China seems to be building his confidence with the ball, which reduces hers. She falls back on defense and is very nervous when he tries his attack. He's about to get through for a cross, but the header doesn't trouble the goalkeeper.

In time, she gets it again, and China's lack of panic effectively makes her a little scared. So she wants to increase her lead.

Ukraine in Chinese territory, looking for something, but China's boxed up now.
China looking much better on defense. She's forced to the sideline.
Under pressure, ball heading out... blind, no-look cross towards the box. Just getting it away from there. But she gets a head to it, keeper slow to respond... GOAL! Somehow China let that go in!
Probably trying to figure out how she got that cross right to her striker with the rest of us. Just a desperate lob to keep it in play, but it finds someone at the eighteen-yard-box, and China is more surprised than anyone that Ukraine got a head to it. This is already looking bad for China.

18' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 3, China 0

After another breakaway is barely saved by China, he is able to generate a longer possession and set things up well for an open shot. But Ukraine's ready for the worst and makes a good save on it.

After that, nobody gets a firm grip on the game as the ball is batted around midfield, with a lot of turnovers and no real progress from either team. It takes several minutes for anyone to sustain an attack again. Turns out it's Ukraine.

Ball's kicked away and Ukraine has a corner kick.
Just what China needed... so far, not a lot to like from him tonight.
Kick's away towards the far post. Ukraine strikes it! Blocked by a defender. China can't get there to clear it! Ukraine strikes again- GOAL! Scores on the second effort and she's running away with it!
Man, everything is going wrong for China tonight. Bad corner kick coverage and he still manages to block the shot. But then he can't clear it and this game's looking to be over by halftime.

29' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 4, China 0

China earns a corner kick a minute later, and gets a head to it himself, but the shot misses wide. Goal kick.

Being the nervous type that she is, no lead is large enough for her to feel secure, so she still moves forward and looks for shots. China is pretty helpless at this point, as it takes everything he has to defend her. It takes a coordinated effort and several minutes before he gets another chance.

China finally gets it back, shoots it forward, and again... here's something! Ducks past the defense, into the box. The shot... knocked away for a corner kick!
Need to see him do that more often. Eventually we're going to need goals from him too.
China with the corner kick. It's up and headed away from Ukraine. Good clearance!
Good counter! She's trying it again!
Oi, she is! Long pass forward to a wide open striker! He's onside, into the box! Takes a shot! Deflected off the keeper, bounces... and IN! Not even halftime and she has five!
Another goal on a counter and the rout is on. I don't know if the scoreboard can handle another fifty minutes of this.

37' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 5, China 0

China manages a couple threatening moments, but is unable to score before halftime. It's an ugly sight, but thankfully the unhappy Chinese fans are being drowned out by the elated contingency from the Ukraine.

Vietnam tries to get some words from China.

China! China!
And I thought Belarus was supposed to be the nasty one...
Yeah, seriously. What the hell?
That girl is very tough. She acts like she's scared and worried about how bad she's doing...
I don't think that's an act.
Either way, she's picking apart my defense. I'm going to have to have some snacks, a little tea and work hard to figure out a way to stop her.
And on offense?
Yes, I need to start doing that too.
Better luck in the second half, China.
Thanks, Vietnam. You can see China's frustration. He's ready to blow.
I can? Looked pretty calm to me. I'd rather see him pissed off about his performance, because it wasn't one to be proud of. Unless she runs out of gas, Ukraine is too nervous to take her foot off the pedal, so it could be another long half for China.
It's been such a mess for China that you almost undervalue Belarus's win now.
Hey, Ukraine's good. That's no surprise. You'll see what Belarus can do later.
Before we get to that, let's finish things up here.

China plays progressively better to start the second half, but that only extends as far as keeping Ukraine out of the goal. She's still taking most of the shots; he's just not letting her score on them.

Ten minutes or so into the half, he starts to get the ball more and starts to get a few more looks.

China passes into the box! Looks, no shot. He passes back out to the sideline. Long cross back in, China's open for a header! Strikes! Over the bar!

Although China's offense is improving now too, Ukraine's defense is ready for the challenge.

Also, she doesn't stop attempting those breakaways. She still gets one free every so often, but he handles them better now.

China heading down, passes to the right. Angles into the box, takes a shot! Knocked away, popped into the air... China heads it home! Finally, China gets one!
That was a gift-wrapped sympathy present! China does a good job setting up the shot and Ukraine can only block it, but that went straight up. China heads it in on the fly and finally shows some life out there.

64' - GOAL (CHN) - Ukraine 5, China 1

Yeah, China shows some life. Ukraine gets a bit nervous and goes on a march.

Ukraine pushing hard, two strikers through the defense. Both into the box, one takes a shot... SCORES! Ukraine puts down any threat of a comeback!
Using the buddy system too, I like it! Keeper was so worried about knocking the shot to the second player that he didn't knock it at all. At this point, you gotta wonder when it'll end.

65' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 6, China 1

Ukraine continues to possess for a few minutes and China has to go back to a defensive mindset for a while.

Ukraine heads to the side. Eyeing a cross, and there it is! China's on this one, heads it, but misdirected right to Ukraine. Bounces off her head, and again to goal! SCORES! Great ball control for number seven!
She's making it look easy now. China can't head it to the right spot, it bounces off Ukraine's head to tee it up for a proper header and even more misery for the Chinese fans out there.

71' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 7, China 1

Now she seems content to play defense as China tries desperately to get a couple more consolation goals. But that still leaves the chance at a counter.

China moves up, stolen! Quick pass forward, feeds it to a striker and it's another break! He gets into the box! Shot to the far post- IN! Goal number eight! Not China's lucky number tonight!
What impresses me is how many of these breakaway goals are being done with one shot. We've seen a lot of scoring off second chances in the tournament, but Ukraine has done better than anyone getting it past the keeper on the first shot.

77' - GOAL (UKR) - Ukraine 8, China 1

China doesn't give up and gets a few opportunities, but even if they did go in it wouldn't matter. They don't, and Ukraine polishes off a slaughter that Russia would be proud of.

Day 11- Dortmund

 Match 31

Group H
CHINA 1:8
FT		 UKRAINE
64'

Li

 Referee
 SEY

Voronin
Voronin
Shevchenko
Shevchenko
Voronin
Voronin
Vorobey
Voronin

 8'
10'
18'
29'
37'
65'
71'
77'

Vietnam finds Ukraine after the show. She's quite happy for once.

I must say, that was amazing. You got control early and never looked back.
Oh, it wasn't that hard. I just kept working and the shots kept landing. I hope I didn't overdo it though.
A little late to be asking that after putting up eight.
Oh, don't say that. I still want to be friends!
You can hash that out with him later. This does mean you're in good shape to move on now.
That's good. I feel like I should go easy on Belarus in my next match.
Probably a smart move as a sister, but don't forget that you have a tournament to deal with. That match could mean the difference between playing Sweden and playing Poland.
Good point. I don't want to play Poland.
You mean you don't want to play Sweden. He's looking good...
No, Poland and I are hosting the next Euro tournament together! If we had to play each other in the next round, that would be really awkward!
Oh, uh, that's true, I guess. Either way, good win and I hope you figure out what you want to do against your sis. All yours, guys.
Thanks. Know what, Cuba? I'm starting to get the sinking feeling that China's not very good at soccer.
He's not, but he's not supposed to be this bad either. This has been a very disappointing tournament for China, especially when you see Liechtenstein and Hong Kong at least keeping their matches watchable.
Going in, you'd think he'd have an outside shot at reaching the group stage by taking on Ukraine. This is even more embarrassing than his first match.
By far. Look, I know Ukraine's better than Belarus, but China wasn't even close to being in this match. At least he was even with Belarus at halftime. Here's hoping he finds something to be proud of in his finale against America.
Speaking of which, that brings us to our last match of the evening as America looks to rebound from his 3-2 loss to Ukraine by taking on her sister.
And like you said at halftime, it's hard to figure out how good Belarus is. Yes, she beat China, but China looks pretty awful.
Or Ukraine looks pretty good, which makes America's loss pretty forgivable.
You know how I feel about America and even I admit that he and Ukraine are the class of Group H. Clearly, Belarus is the only thing that could shake things up. She's got her chance now.
Oi, and plenty of incentive as America and Belarus do not get along well. Belarus has accused America of messing with the way she runs her house...
*sarcastic* America? No! I'm shocked!
Indeed. In fact, it says here America once put her on a list of nations considered an Outpost of Tyranny. Not a label you want to-
Uh, Aussie? Might want to read a bit farther down that list.
  He does. Australia flares his eyebrows and looks at Cuba.
Oh, hello. Sorry there, mate.
Whatever. Point is, Belarus better win this. Let's head to Stuttgart.

 

Day 11- Stuttgart

 Match 32

Group H
AMERICA vs. BELARUS

Belarus glares daggers at America. America grins confidently as Sealand puts the ball in the center circle and whistles to begin play.

America gets going very early, driving down without wasting any time and getting a couple good shots and a corner kick in for his efforts.

America looking for an early goal here in the opening minutes.
Not letting Belarus do anything but play defense at this point.
Open look, sets up a cross. It's up, header! No, off the post! But he's back on it, slides in! Great save by the keeper. She hangs onto it.

After this initial push, Belarus is able to get down a little bit. For the next few minutes, she's able to push it into American territory. He stops her shots without a lot of trouble, but it's a little stressful and he slows things down once he gets it back.

For the most part. Amid her attacks, he's able to generate some very scary counters as well.

America passes it in... out... back in, quick fire! Knocked down! Great save but he... no, she gets there first and gets it clear! Great defense by Belarus!
Just a rock in goal tonight. America's been really forcing the issue early on, but in doing so, it's not letting Belarus charge up recklessly. So her defense is really holding up nicely so far.
Almost inclined to sit back and let Belarus stretch herself, but that's not so inviting either.

Things slow down a bit as Belarus continues to frustrate America and prevent him from getting a lot of shots off. Belarus doesn't get the ball much, but does get one scary breakaway a few minutes later. She seems to get some momentum off of this. America challenges her attacks very well, however, and neither side is able to do a whole lot. No matter how hard they try, the defenses really perform in this game.

America at midfield, stolen! Passed up, Belarus runs past the defense! Takes a shot! Easy save for America. Not a lot of power on that one.
Kinda disappointing. Belarus is getting open with these, but hasn't been able to get any of them home.

While these breakaways make America sweat, her formation attacks really go nowhere and America is eventually able to get some control again.

Crossing midfield, America looking for options. Setting something up, but dribbling in.
Belarus charging from behind, slides in, oh! That got the back of his leg. That looked painful...
Whistle blows as America's still on the ground.
Trapped his ankle on the ground, that had to hurt. Good thing it was America or I'd really be upset by this.

Sealand has the lucky task of disciplining her.

That was a dangerous tackle, miss. You're off!
You think you can remove me with a card and a whistle? You can't stop me or my love...
Uh, I think I can! I'm the referee!
My Russia will have something to say about that. Just you wait!
Heh, Russia vs. Sealand. I kinda want to see that.
Despite her protests, it is a red card and not a difficult call.
Yeah, much as I want to see America injured, that was a no-brainer.

America's player has to limp off the field. He is replaced with a substitute. And he's fired up.

Things really get intense as both sides fight harder. Belarus tries to overcome losing a player with a strong attack. America stops it easily, however, but can't get down the field to shoot either. Both sides really give it their all, but the half ends scoreless.

Belarus! Despite the red card, it must be encouraging to be level at halftime.
I will not be encouraged until he bows to me or his entire team is crippled.
Uh, that could result in a few more cards.
He does not respect me or the love between me and Brother. I will not let a few cards stop me from getting vengeance!
Okay... uh... let's talk about your defense. It's been playing very well.
I must stop him at all costs.
Well, so far, so good... and I'm going to get far away now.
Nice work, Taiwan. And you make a good point. At the end of the day, Belarus is keeping up nicely.
She is, and if she can keep this up, a draw would be a huge blow to America's chances. It's similar to Iceland's game against Poland. Belarus would have a great chance to advance with a draw, while America would have a huge hill to climb.
Funny how Iceland shoots for the scoreless draw and gets clobbered while Belarus wants to pop America but ends up deadlocked.
Best defense is a good offense, I guess.

Back to business and Belarus starts out with it. Despite not going anywhere, America gets a little hot and is booked for an aggressive tackle, but it sets the tone for the second half.

Belarus trying to cross midfield, no dice as America gets it back. Quick pass forward and he's got a break! Heading towards goal, the shot! Keeper knocks it away, but America picks it back up and fires! No, saved again!
Really bad save followed by a really good save. Belarus still not giving one up!

Belarus turns this into a little more aggression, getting through regularly and making good shots. America is able to get his as well, but it's back and forth for a long time as both sides seem capable of putting it in.

America passes into the box, through some heavy defense! Gets off a shot! It's knocked away, but right to a second striker! Has a shot... off the crossbar!

Slowly, America is able to temper Belarus and her aggressive attacking. But as her attack dies, her defense improves and he can't get through for shots.

Long battle at midfield, nobody seems to have an advantage.
The side of the pitch keeps changing, but it's always a close battle between these two. Neither of them letting up.
Ball passed over center, Belarus has it now. Quick pass up, got it and dribbling forward, past the defenders! She finds an opening, running it towards goal! No, the keeper pounces on it and keeps it safe. A blown chance there for Belarus.
Got a little too close on that one, should have fired much sooner. She's nice and aggressive, but I think the lack of goals is affecting her confidence shooting.

America gets it back and tries again.

Down the side, looking for a cross, pressured every step of the way. Finally turns and sends it off... headed to goal, knocked away! Right to another and he pops it in! Finally the deadlock is broken and America surges ahead!
Tight defense all the way, but America was persistent and got one through. This is the latest in a match for an opening goal, but the important thing is it's America 1, Belarus 0.

63' - GOAL (USA) - America 1, Belarus 0

Filled with confidence, America starts to show a little more dominance now as he searches for a second goal. Belarus is quietly furious, but it takes her a while to channel that into something productive on the pitch and even things up.

By then, America's interested in slowing things down. But Belarus continues her intensity and America is forced to keep up.

America down again and here's a cross. Header is saved, but dropped! America slides in- SCORES! Quick reaction to a mistake and he doubles his lead!
Mistake is right. She wasn't sure about holding on to that and thought letting it bounce would be all right, but man he just snuck in there and got it home before she could get it back. Big mistake and a big play there.

72' - GOAL (USA) - America 2, Belarus 0

Now America's on defense. Belarus really guns for it, but America's ready for it and repels her as much as he can, keeping her out of the box. When clears it, he sends it deep and pressures her every step back.

Unfortunately, her constant possession makes it hard for him to kill the clock effectively. She steals it frequently and keeps pushing up.

Belarus making some quick passes around the box.
I like this. Urgent, but not crazy. She knows what will or won't work.
Up top, quick one into the box. May have an opening here! Fires- SCORES! Belarus gets one back!
There we go! America's hunkered down, so she drew him out a little bit with all that passing and finally found a way to get in. Great touch and it's still a ballgame.

83' - GOAL (BLR) - America 2, Belarus 1

Belarus muscles America aside to grab the ball and rush it back to center. She wants it in play now. America takes as much time as Sealand will allow, but she takes over once he gets it back in possession. Belarus gets a hard shot, but that's about all as America is able to slow things down much more effectively.

A last-minute threat is not handled particularly well by America, but he knocks it out for a corner kick.

This could be the last chance for Belarus to draw even.
Haven't seen too much trouble from corner kicks, but everyone in the box knows the pressure is on.
Kick's away, America guarding well and the ball goes through the box, all the way to the other side! Belarus gets it back, crosses in but poorly. America clears it away! He's got it at midfield and that should be all!

It is. America raises a fist in celebration and Belarus is left to sulk away. Maybe he'll stick with this game after all.

Day 11- Stuttgart

 Match 32

Group H
AMERICA 2:1
FT		 BELARUS
63'
72'

McBride
McBride

 Referee
 SLD

Hleb

 84'

Taiwan catches up with a jubilant America.

Congrats on the big win, America. Feel like things are back together?
You bet! I'm not going to let some commie chick take me down! It was a tough match, but I came out on top and I'm already looking forward to bringing down China!
So am I. But you have to admit that Belarus gave you quite a battle. Were you surprised at a scoreless first half?
It's soccer. Nobody ever scores, right?
Actually, the number of goals in this tournament has been pretty ridiculous. But this one was surprisingly defensive most of the way through.
I know! It was frustrating sometimes, but I got through eventually and that's all that matters!
Well, a win over China and you should be in good shape. Kick his butt for me, okay?
Will do!
Thanks, Taiwan, but I'd like to see a little more objectivity there.
Says the bloke who's openly rooting against America.
She's down there. I'm up here. Anyway, she's right that America's in much better shape to advance now. I'm trying to picture a way America loses to China, but I'm not coming up with anything.
Can't dismiss the possibility, but you're right. America has been solid in both games, despite the opening loss, and he and Ukraine are clearly the best teams in Group H. Let's check the 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 2 1 0 1 3 5 -2 3
 

Poland

 2 1 0 1 4 7 -3 3
  Liechtenstein 2 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
  Group H Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 

Ukraine

 2 2 0 0 11 3 8 6
  Belarus 2 1 0 1 7 4 3 3
  America 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
  China 2 0 0 2 3 14 -11 0

And with that, let's finish it off.

Minus-11 goal differential. That's awful.
It's as if a billion voices cried out and were suddenly silenced.
Hey, a little suppression of the masses goes a long way... or, wait, was that a Star Wars joke?
Think I'm starting to see how you made that tyranny list there, Cuba.
Right, uh... anyway... tomorrow we'll start to wrap up the group stage as everybody from Groups A and B will be in action. All eight of them still alive in their hunt for the next round. The afternoon will feature Group A matches Russia vs. Germany and Hungary vs. Greece.
And we'll see a pair of Group B tilts at night- Japan-Holland and Canada-Belgium. As each group plays both matches at the same time, we'll only be able to air one of each, but Vietnam and Taiwan will be giving us regular game breaks to keep you up on all the action.
That'll do it for Day 11. Hasta maņana!

To Be Continued!

That Outpost of Tyranny thing sound like something coming out of the Bush Administration? Step up to claim your prize. Condoleeza Rice started this one, listing governments she still considered totalitarian regimes. To keep things in perspective, along with Belarus and Cuba she named North Korea, Iran, Myanmar and Zimbabwe. The rest of the world didn't care for the comments, with the best response coming from South Korea and paraphrased as, "Shh! Dude, not out loud!" Cuba didn't seem to react, not because he agreed but because he was used to this sort of thing by now.

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