The Pop World Cup: Group G

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

The penultimate games of the group stage throw up some intriguing clashes. Hotly tipped France will be looking to win through in relative comfort, though rumours of last-minute selection wrangles point perhaps to a camp in turmoil! Switzerland will be hoping its tidy game sees it through, South Korea will be taking inspiration from fellow Asian qualifier Japan's fine Group Stage performance and finally the minnow's minnow, Togo, will be hoping to cause a major upset. Intriguing, to say the least!

You can find all PWC entries here. If you can't download or are having trouble let me know either in the comments box or at freakytrigger@gmail.com.

So are here the four Group G contenders, with exclusive team talks from their managers.


France

Saian Supa Crew - "La Patte": Outspoken manager atommickbrane had this to say - "Bonjour tout le monde! From four corners of Paris we have a DEVASTING team of veteran strikers who have been bouncing restlessly from divers ragga to zouk (pay note, zoukrat readers) to beat-box and now BOUND onto the pitch in overwhelming form with La Patte from the 2005 album 'Hold Up'. I have read scandalous allegations in the so-called POPULAR PRESS that that members of the Saian Team have been spotted in les cafes mangent le beouf and drinking le vin whilst wearing red berets before this all important first round - let me take this opportunity to tell you that IT IS ALL LIES. They had les oignons as well. Any more of these scandals from CERTAIN MANAGERS and we'll tuff you up with an accordion. DO YOU HEAR?? Vive LA FRANCE!"

South Korea

Shinhwa - "Oh (Remix)": Cosmopolitan boss darkpigeon told us - "In the 2002 Football World Cup, Guus Hiddink led South Korea to a remarkable semi final run. I am hoping that if I can embark upon a similar run, good ol' Guus will come to England and formally vanquish Sven's reign of terror tedium.

To begin the campaign, I have tried to capture the high NRG dynamics of the indigenous genre known as K-Pop. I have attempted to flummox my opposition by turning to that unpredictable warhorse to lead my line -the live track (at least, I think it is live...).

Representing South Korea will be Shinhwa - a boyband consisting of 3 "vocalists" and 3 "rappers" (at least according to Wikipedia. Apparently, Shinhwa has released seven regular albums, one 'best of' album, and two special albums. I've no idea what a special album is but it sounds ominous for the opposition. And in case you needed any further swaying, just listen to those teenage screams - they love it. So will you. Go Republic of Korea! Go!"

Switzerland

Seelenluft - "Pleasure Boy": Cultured supremo braisedbywolves described it as "An textbook perfect team, serious yes, also studious - but capable of playing precision football. Observers at the practice sessions tend to remark on the eerie silence, broken only by occasional faint ticking."

Togo

Afia Mala - "Fever": Confident gaffer stevem78 told us - "Welcome, brothers and sisters, to Togo! This team plays not only with feet but with hearts and minds. It will touch you in every place! It knows when to pass and when to move and what can be achieved when passion and urgency are matched with elegance and sheen. We believe we can both surprise and tantalise people with an alternative take on a classic, recognisable style of play. As you will hear, Togo is united, committed, upbeat. Hot yet cool. Strong yet light. Catch the fever!"


So how will matches be decided? HERE'S HOW.


You have 20 points to divide between the four teams, based on how much you enjoyed their tracks and on any other criteria you like.

No team can be given less than 1 point, no team can be given more than 10. If you fail to mark a team they will automatically get 5 points.

If that leaves a points total other than 20, or if you simply can't add up to 20, then the FIPA authorities will add or deduct points according to a highly complex system which can be explained in the pub by request.

Your votes should be in the following format:

"France - 5. South Korea - 5. Switzerland - 5. Togo - 5."

With the "5"s replaced by the points you allot to each team.

You can submit votes in one of two ways. In the poll below, or by email to freakytrigger@gmail.com if you can't vote in LJ polls. Any votes in the comments box will be disqualified. Voting closes at midnight GMT on Monday.

The top two tracks, decided on total points, will go through to the next round. In the event of a tie the votes from the first 10 ballots received will be used to determine positions.

[Poll #682433]


A Special Note on Ticket Allocation: Managers and spectators are encouraged to promote the Pop World Cup event wherever they see fit. HOWEVER managers who are found attempting to influence the PWC votes outside the poptimists community may be subject to a points penalty!

Interim results up tomorrow!

Comments

[atommickbrane.livejournal.com]

PFFT! TELL THAT TO IRANMUG!

France has such strong contenders that everyone's chomping at the bit to do their bit for their country, but in the end the Saian Boys won through, despite a very tempting waver between the extremely well named "Bumcello" group.

[atommickbrane.livejournal.com]

Not to mention "Birdy Nam Nam".

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

I am unaware of any vote-influencing shenanigans. I would like to know more!

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

There haven't really been any. I'm just being 1x control freak!

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

just to confirm: I am allowed to give myself 10 points yes?

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

that would be between you and you POP CONSCIENCE

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Yes, totally!

Training Ground Report

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

France - well I never, last time I saw this lot play I thought they were a right bunch of cloggers, my scouting abilities let me down as this is great football, some free flowing play, crowd-pleasers with a cutting edge upfront. Could this be their year?

South Korea - The Koreans will be hoping these fans can act as a 12th man here, but they'll have their work cut out. What passes for a high-tempo game back in the K-League may not cut the mustard against tactically superior sides here.

Switzerland - a very interesting team: tactically reminiscent of the Brazilian team, though with some more typically European touches too. A fit, well-drilled outfit who've clearly benefitted from the application of the latest nutritional and sports science thinking. But does it hang together well enough on the pitch?

Togo - stylish and unpredictable updates on a familiar formation, and not what we were expecting from this team. Bags of flair and I'd love to see them pull off a shock here.

JE JUGE QUE...

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

... la soi-disant CERVEAU ATOMIQUE ne sais pas ses oignons

BOF = Fr. for WHATEVS

[atommickbrane.livejournal.com]

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

What a group! We are honoured to participate and compete with such strong teams. I must hand it to the French, a magnificent effort that I look forward to experiencing again and again. The Swiss have acquitted themselves very well with a PERT hypermodern striking partnership. Top defending from the Koreans, a most worthy foe indeed, and quite charming they were in the players bar too. Our heartfelt congratulations to you all.

Ourselves we are thrilled. I think we have given it 100% and by definition that is the most that we can give. Whatever happens in this group we will be having the time of our lives, and we owe it all to you.

[martinskidmore.livejournal.com]

Hang on, this is football, 100% is slacking! 110% is the bare minimum any footballer gives, and they are suspected of not loving their team sufficiently if they give less than 200%.

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

HANG ON I RECOGNISE THAT SWISS MANAGER. i thought he'd LOST! ALREADY!

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

My apologies to braisedbywolves (all these managers look much the same huffing away on the touchline in a donkey jacket)

[braisedbywolves.livejournal.com]

To have lost before you set foot on the pitch is the path to success! (this is a lie)

[katstevens.livejournal.com]

The Swiss tune is making me feel slightly queasy. Like I'm on the Seacat betwixt Poole and St Malo. Ooo-er.

[katstevens.livejournal.com]

V impressed with all the tracks here - glad France decided to put its trust in safe hip-pop hands to hopefully ensure their progress into the next round.

Although I've seen the Swiss team in action many times before, they are a totally different side since the last tournament and have played above expectations here. Even if this particular tune makes me seasick it's still top notch.

Rousing stuff from the Koreans there - perhaps a little bogged down in midfield at times but has the striker's punch where it counts. A worthy opponent for the other teams!

And a round of applause to Togo for pulling a brilliant rabbit out of the surprise hat. I think this is my favourite. Actually maybe France. OH I DON'T KNO!

[martinskidmore.livejournal.com]

I would note that I don't even know with any confidence how I am supposed to pronounce the names of any of the acts here. I'm not sure why this is a bad thing, but it clearly is.

[braisedbywolves.livejournal.com]

You can't pronouce Saian = you have never seen Dragonball Z = definitely a good thing.

ZUT ALORS!

[awesomewells.livejournal.com]

This is truly the Groupe de la Morte!

These are all cracking. I have absolutely no idea which ones I'm going to vote for.

[darkpigeon.livejournal.com]

south korea is most gracious for participation, and for all votes received. may the best team win

[jeff-worrell.livejournal.com]

France = I told you so! (OK so did some other people as well)

Korea = hmmm, blew a bit hot and cold. Could struggle in this tough group despite their, erm, very enthusiastic fans.

Swiss = do we really need a Miss Kittin Mark 2? Apparently we do hurrah!

Togo = made me laff. But a very well executed classic Stanley Matthews dribble, feint and send the defender the wrong way move here. stevem78 might well be the toast of Africa by the end of the group stage.