poptimists | CZECH FIGHTBACK STUNS BRAZIL

Brazil 1 CZECH REPUBLIC 2

Brazil's defense of its Pop World Cup crown is over tonight after they fell to a Czech Republic side most commentators had expected them to brush aside. As the recriminations begin in the beaches and favelas of Rio, rookie manager

mostlyconnect is living the dream - and preparing to face Ukraine or Togo for a place in the semis.

"No, Nipper! Not the mixer!"

In truth Brazil looked to have earned at least a draw in a fiercely contested game, dominating much of the match with their physical play but unable to get the ball in the net until a headed goal shortly after half time earned them the lead. The match should have been over, but ten minutes from time the Czechs scrambled in an equaliser, and Brazil's frustration turned to agony in the 89th minute, as a soft free-kick led to a second Czech goal. Brazil pushed forward and went close in injury time but the Czechs held on for a victory which will surely rank as one of the shocks of the Pop World Cup.

The post-mortem may focus on Brazil's overconfidence, with under-fire boss

thenipper apparently claiming in private that he expected a walkover. A Czech spokesman refused to comment on these claims, simply commenting that "there are no easy games at this level, and Brazil learned that today."

Final Result
Brazil - 79 points
Czech Republic - 81 points