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Dave Kempshall And the knockouts are here. I’ll keep things moving now to make sure we keep up. Please try and get your games played asap (for R16 that means 8th August at the latest) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15JEeQvJc6A7UWhlBat680cqKPrbYwgDb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109908957985244915222&rtpof=true&sd=true

Dave Kempshall As expected GER (Matthew B) v BRA (Matthew T) was very closely matched. The deadlock persisted all the way until stoppage time when Brazilian hearts were broken as Germany grabbed a late winner to progress. wp both and congratulation Mr Brockwell on winning the Matthew derby and advancing to the QFs.

Dave Kempshall SWE (Tom) v USA (Adam) was an action-packed clash between two heavily fancied teams and the game didn't disappoint. Sweden led early, but the USA struck either side of half-time to turn the match on it's head. Their lead didn't last long though as Sweden struck back immediately to leave things level entering the dying minutes. A fantastic numbers solve edged Sweden in front again before an injury time conundrum settled the clash of the tournament so far. 4-2 Sweden, T-Cap advances into the Quarters. wp both.

Dave Kempshall Next up, we saw the El Davico between NED (Dave R) v ARG (Dave K). A first half numbers solve gave Netherlands the lead and they doubled that early in the second half by spotting a 9. That goal kicked Argentina into unlikely life as they smashed a quick fire double to level the score at 2-2 heading into the last 10 minutes. Argentina switched off again though straight from kick-off as Netherlands made it 3-2 heading into stoppage time. With the Argies desperate for a late equaliser, Netherland broke clear and put the game to bed for a fine 4-2 to advance to the Quarter Finals. wp.

Dave Kempshall Billed as one of the games of the round, the teacher derby - NOR (Steven) v JAP (Stu) - didn’t disappoint. A couple of early defensive errors apiece left the scores at 1-1 leading up to half-time, before Japan exploded into life with goals either side of the break to give them a comfortable 3-1 lead. Nerves kicked in though and Norway pulled one back on the numbers to make it yet another nail biting last 10 minutes. With the Norwegians pushing for an equaliser, Japan cleared long, rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net to secure a 4-2 win. With emotions high, there was just enough time for both our teachers to miss the conundrum, which was TEACHERLY. Japan progress to play Netherlands in the QFs. Wp both.

Dave Kempshall Hosts Australia (George) took on the dangerous China (Mike) in a game that was much closer than the final score suggested. Australia led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a fine numbers solved, and numbers proved to be China’s undoing again as, despite some strong defending to keep themselves in the game, it was another fine numbers solve that gave Australia a 2-0 lead and some breathing space, which they impressively saw out. In stoppage time, with the game decided and Chinese spirits broken, Australia scored a third to send the home fans home delighted and looking forward to a Quarter Final against France of Colombia. Wp both.

Dave Kempshall ESP (Florence) v SWI (Joe) - the heavily fancied Spanish started strongly with two quick-fire goals on an opening letters sequence of 9, 8, 8. Swiss hopes were raised as they pulled a numbers goal back right on half-time, only to concede a third to Spain early in the second half courtesy of another 8. Spain then wrestled the life out the Swiss impressively keeping possession for much of the second half to run down the clock. The Swiss did manage a late conundrum consolation goal, but it was too late and Spain emerged 3-2 victors and will now take on Sweden (T-Cap) in the QFs. Wp both.

Dave Kempshall FRA (Hazel) v COL (Adam) - heavily fancied France backed up the optimism with a very professional performance against surprise outfit Colombia. A goal inside two minutes settled French nerves and they controlled large parts of the game only offering up any hope to the Colombian’s in the numbers rounds. But, at 1-0, you are always still in the game and Colombia pushed hard and took the match to a crucial. But, just as the Colombian’s were planning to throw the kitchen sink at France, it was the French who produced a moment of quality to make it 2-0, settle the game and advance to the QFs where they will meet hosts Australia (George). Wp both.

Dave Kempshall Last day for the R16s today please Dan and Johnny. I will potentially offer an extension if a time is agreed to play the match before deadline. 3 out of 4 QFs are now scheduled - if you could try and get these played by 12th August that'd keep us on track. Tournament page again here - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15JEeQvJc6A7UWhlBat680cqKPrbYwgDb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109908957985244915222&rtpof=true&sd=true

Dave Kempshall Sadly our final R16 has been declared a walkover due to a missed deadline. ENG (Dan) tried several times to arrange the fixture without a response, so will be progressing to the QFs.

The QF line-up is as follows:
JAP (Stu) v (Dave) NED
ESP (Florence) v (T-Cap) SWE
AUS (George) v (Hazel) FRA
GER (Matthew) v (Dan) ENG

Surprisingly, in a real World Cup full of shocks, it seems we’ve had the same upsets which sees three fixtures matching real-life. Only Germany (instead of Colombia) differ from the real World Cup.

If you could try and get games played by midnight on 14th August, that’ll keep us on track.

GL everyone.

Dave Kempshall ESP (Florence) v SWE (T-Cap) kicked off the quarter finals with an evenly contested that was settled in extra time. With both defences dominating the score remained 0-0 until the final few minutes when Sweden finally broke the deadlock with REMITTED. That looked like being the winning goal until, right at the death, Spain struck a conundrum equaliser to give the tournament its first match decided outside of normal time. Sadly for the Spanish, it was settled courtesy of the R3 invalid risk of GOODLIVES. This saw them lose what turned out to be a crucial round allowing a more cautious Sweden to win the round with GOODIES and therefore progress to the Semi Finals after extra time. WP both, UL Florence and GL in the Semis Tom.

Dave Kempshall The hosts Australia (George) took on the so far impressive France (Hazel) in another mouth-watering and action-packed QF. A chaotic first half saw both teams taking plenty of risks, but it was Australia who headed in at half time 1-0 ahead thanks to an impressive numbers solve. The standard remained high in the second half and France levelled matters with an arguably even better numbers solves midway through the second period. But - as the game entered the dying minutes, Australia sent the stadium into bedlam with a quick-fire double to take a 3-1. France then hit back in injury time, but it proved too late. AUS 3 v 2 FRA - the hosts move into the SFs. Wp both, ul Hazel and gl George.

Dave Kempshall JAP (Stu) v NED (Dave) was a cagey affair with a fine numbers solve giving the Netherlands the lead on the stroke of half-time. With both team matching each other through the 2nd half, the game ticked into stoppage time with the score still 1-0 to Netherlands. It was at that point a stunning Japanese equaliser (EQUIMOLAR) levelled the scores at the death forcing the game into extra time. Sadly for Dave, the Netherlands invalid R4 declaration of ADIOSES proved to be their undoing as Japan prevailed 2-1 to set up a Semi Final clash with Sweden (T-Cap). Wp both, ul Dave and gl Stu.

Dave Kempshall GER (Matthew) V ENG (Dan) - a huge footballing rivalry resumed with England expectant. Expectancy however turned to terror as the rampant German’s demolished England in a stunning first half display scoring 4 goals in the first 5 rounds. A shellshocked England managed to regroup and tightened up in the second half and even managed a late goal themselves. It was no consolation for the much-fancied English though as they exit the tournament and Germany - on this 4-1 showing - took their place as favourites. It’s into the SFs for Germany where they meet the hosts Australia. ul Dan and vwp Matthew and gl in the semis.

Dave Kempshall So, the Semi Finals:

JAP (Stu) v (Tom) SWE
AUS (George) v (Matthew) GER

We have new nations and four new players in the Semi Finals compared with the Men’s 2022 World Cup.

If you could get the games played at the earliest to keep us on schedule (no later than 17th) that would be appreciated.

GL everyone. The final awaits…

Dave Kempshall With glory in sight Japan (Stu) took on Sweden (Tom) in our first semi final. The truly great teams step up at big moments and that is exactly what Sweden did this evening to demolish their opponents with a max game. A slow start for Japan proved fatal with Sweden scoring 3 goals in the first 3 letters rounds to lead 3-0 at half time. Japan improved greatly in the second period, but the damage had been done and a faultless Swedish back line kept the door firmly shut on any chance of a comeback. With fans already celebrating, Sweden added the icing on the cake to make it 4-0 and will now contest the final against either hosts Australia (George) or Germany (Matthew). Great tournament Stu, UL. VWP Tom and GL in the final.