poptimists | The Pop World Cup: Japan vs France (Reply)

The fourth and last quarter-final is perhaps the most eagerly awaited - two form teams with a commitment to stylish, attacking pop.

cis' Japan are tournament favourites, but

atommickbrane's France have shown they are no pushovers and this game could well go either way. This game could decide the whole tournament, some pundits are saying - we at FIPA feel that may be disrespectful to the other surviving teams, but see what you think...

Tracks can be found at http://www.freakytrigger.co.uk/popworldcup/ - if there's any problem email me at freakytrigger@gmail.com.

Japan

Kanjani8 - "Naniwa Iroha Bushi": Manager

cis said "Don't think we haven't heard people talking, Japan are nothing but copyists, no style of their own, nice teamwork but no flair up front - that's what they say, but they don't understand the Japanese style, the Japanese way. The need for wa, which is harmony, which is Japan, which is this. Traditional styles, in new ways. The old capital of Naniwa, the new megalopolis of Osaka. The old naniwabushi reciters and bon-odori dancers, the new mega-boybands. All one, all wa. All uniquely Japanese.

This seven-man squad, these boys of ours, fresh from training in the Johnny's Entertainment star factory, they all love their ancient city, they speak its language, they know its humour, they understand its ways. They might be a man down - the J-Pop League's a little ban-happy when it comes to the most minor drinking scandals, can't be helped, shame if you ask me, he's a lovely lad - but that only increases their fighting spirit. The spirit of Japan, as you can only hear it in the min'yō, the people's song, sung by the people. Like spring's cherry blossoms scattering as they fall, it touches your heart, and lifts it with a shout. Just listening, can't you feel it? Let's all work for victory together!"

France

Shemale - "Etre Une Femme": Gaffer

atommickbrane said "Le Golly and Le Gosh! What a TREAT it is for France to reach the CRACKING new Pop World Cup stadium! Yet it is a shame about our PUNY OPPONENTS earlier spotted not being able to lift wot we Fr. call 'un concombre' in the changing rooms - ZUT ALORS! Opponents!! Prepare to face the GOLLOUTINE as our cutting large-as-Spice disco girls snap their fingers and change footballs into glitterballs! Prepare to be ANNIHILATED as the French game rises oop and oop, bringing the POP back to the PWC with shine and pizaazz - eh Bobbee, what is the French for "pizzaz"? Ah "geev France all your votes"? Marvelleuse! We look forward to an enjoyable and sporting game (unless Japan starts the hairpulling, and then I am confident that my girls can more than handle the rough-housing) with our Nipponese opponents - BOF!!"

So how will this match be lost or won?

It's very simple. Listen to both the tracks, and mark each of them out of 5. You can give both of them 5 if you want, or both of then zero, or whatever you like. Write your votes in the text boxes below, and that's all. Easy! If you dont want to use the poll you can email the votes to freakytrigger@gmail.com.

From now on, also, we won't be taking into account the managers' votes, so don't bother if you're Cis or Sarah - use the comments box to scream your touchline exhortations instead.

[Poll #735870]

The deadline for votes here is NOON on MONDAY. There is still 24 hours meanwhile to vote in the Czech Republic v Togo quarter-final, which at half-time stood as a dour 0-0 draw with few chances on either side. Up to you to liven things up there!