poptimists | OOH LA LA! FRANCE WIN THRILLER

Japan 2 France 3

"It should have been the final", said one pundit, and the low attendance aside this match would have been a fitting showcase for the Pop World Cup - two sides attacking with gusto and style, both looking for a win. Japan took first blood in an even game, only to be pegged back by France, who took the lead shortly before half time. An equaliser was not long in coming and the game looked set for extra time before a jinking French run pulled the Japanese defence out of position and sent

atommickbrane's plucky she-men into raptures.

Allez allez

For Japan and their boss manager

cis, this result will be a bitter disappointment, tempered only slightly by the warm regard and sportsmanship these two highly rated young managers displayed before and during the match. Japan were tipped as potential winners and with the field wide open it was felt this could be their year. France meanwhile find themselves approaching a semi-final against Portugal as favourites to go on and win the tournament.

Final Score

Japan - 38 points (average 3.4)
France - 41 points (average 3.7)

Semi-Finals (Monday and Tuesday next week)

Iran vs Czech Republic
Portugal vs France