Tim Hopkins

Pop World Cup 2010: Group G – Portugal 2 Brazil 1

Portugal and Brazil share a language and a complex colonial and post-colonial history. Today, however, they share a pop-football pitch, and both sides are still hoping to qualify  for the next round. Job de Wit’s Portugal need a win to be sure to progress (though a draw might do); Brazil and Chris A need a win, PLUS the other result in the group going their way. Everything is still to play for here.

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 20th April more »

Tim in FT • 20 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group G – Korea DPR 1 Cote D’Ivoire 1

We return now to Group G, where nothing is decided. Anyone could go through, anyone could go out. Cote d’Ivoire, managed by Wichita Lineman, have been muscular and impressive so far, while Mark S’s Korea DPR seem to approach us from a different pop reality entirely. We’ve been waiting for this match – will it live up to expectations?

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 20th April more »

Tim in FT • 20 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group F – Paraguay 0 New Zealand 0

Steve M’s New Zealand are through to the next round and coasting. Paraguay, managed by Talia, are very close to qualification, needing just a point to see them through. Is this a good time to play NZ? Or will Paraguay find their squad – according to the manager a very thin squad indeed – succumbing to the pressure?

This match closes at midnight on Monday 19th April more »

Tim in FT • 24 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group F – Slovakia 3 Italy 0

There is controversy afoot – controversy about the suspect timekeeping in key matches, controversy about the competence of some of the less prominent PWC administrators. It’s a fractious time. One one side of this game, Julio’s Slovakia: they have fought bravely but this is a farewell to the tournament, their tickets home have already been booked. Marna and her Italy team have a slim chance of progressing but need a stonking big win AND need Paraguay to lose in the other final group game. For reasons not fully understood by the World Pop FA, both managers have refused to speak to the press.

This match closes at midnight on Monday 19th April more »

Tim in FT • 18 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group Stage Catch-up 1 (Groups A, B, C and D)

Now, we know the Pop World Cup is the most fascinating thing in the world just now, but we are very aware that these final rounds present a flurry of activity even by our standards.

We have therefore decided to present you with a handy digest of the week’s eight matches, so you can catch up (and vote!) on any you’ve missed. Songs and polls only, if you want the chatter then the PWC link up top’s your only man. more »

Tim in FT • 1 Comment

Pop World Cup 2010: Group D – Serbia 1 Australia 1

Serbia have nothing to play for but pride, but Serbia is a proud nation and manager Tim E is a proud fellow, so their hearts will be on their sleeves. Australia still have a slim chance of qualification – Chris B and his team need to win, and win well, and hope that Germany sink to a defeat by Ghana. Then it’d be down to vote difference…

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 14th April more »

Tim in FT • 15 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group D – Ghana 3 Germany 1

Ghana have qualified for the next round with a very impressive 100% record, and we are all already sick of the press jokes about their manager living the high life. Andrew H’s Germany need to beat Ben Graham’s mighty Ghana team to have any hope of qualifying, so will be hoping to face a weakened Ghana keeping their undoubted energies in reserve for the knockout stages.

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 14th April more »

Tim in FT • 20 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group C – USA vs Algeria

This group’s as tight as anything. Any of the four could go through, any of the four could go out. This is not time for letting up or blooding the weaker squad members. This is a time for giving it everything and worrying the knockout rounds if and when it comes to that.

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 13th April more »

Tim in FT • 28 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group C – England 0 Slovenia 3

Slovenia have made a lot of friends so far in this tournament but have not secured many points: they need a win to have any chance of progressing. England are developing a reputation for versatility, but that also means that the outcome of their games depends very much on which team turns up on the day. A draw is no good to anyone – we should expect both managers to be throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition.

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 13th April more »

Tim in FT • 20 Comments

Pop World Cup 2010: Group B – Greece 0 Argentina 4

Both of these sides have a single point to show for their first two games, and both are staring an early exit from the competition square in the face. Either side could still qualify but to do so they will need a handsome victory and even then will  require a sizeable win in the Nigeria -  Korea Republic match. It’s one for the statisticians, for sure. Will it be one for the neutrals?

Wait… the Greek manager appears to have a piece of paper in his hands…

This match closes at midnight on Monday 12th April more »

Tim in FT • 34 Comments