The Pop City Stadium in Johannesburg is awash in white and green tickertape; the team jog around the perimeter bearing manager Matt DC aloft upon their shoulders; a continent rejoices as for the first time an African nation has won the Pop World Cup. The Germans sit in the centre circle, head in hands: boss Andrew Hickey has taken them far and can be rightly proud, but his side simply couldn’t overcome a Nigerian outfit brimming with confidence. Some said hubris, but on the night this side had destiny in their DJ booth. A late consolation goal for Germany restores some pride, but this is Nigeria’s night.

Click through for a review of the team’s winning campaign and an exclusive lap of honour track from the side your votes have nominated Pop Champions 2010.

Argentina 2 Nigeria 2

A tense start for Nigeria in perhaps the strongest group – D’Banj’s “Olorun Maje” introduces us to the upbeat modern formations Matt DC prefers, but they can’t find a way past an innovative Argentinian side.

Length: 4:52 Played: 1248

Greece 1 Nigeria 2

The Greeks deploy a strong ballad formation but Kefee ft Timaya’s “Kokoroko” overwhelm them – modern African R&B at its best.

Length: 4:26 Played: 610

Nigeria 3 South Korea 2

The Super Eagles top Group B in a high-octane clash with South Korea – Bouqui’s “Take You Away” perhaps their catchiest track of the tournament.

Length: 4:30 Played: 884

Nigeria 3 France 2

Another exhausting performance required to get past an impressive France side in the Round of 16 – JJC’s defiant “We Are Africans” saw Nigeria tap their continent-wide support.

Length: 3:50 Played: 545

Nigeria 2 Ghana 0

The first of two all-African matches saw Nigeria take on then form team Ghana in the quarter finals. An unexpected selection from Matt DC – Nigerian funky house from Dr Sid’s “Something About You” – proved a tactical masterstroke.

Length: 4:57 Played: 650

Nigeria 2 Cameroon 0

With the final in their sights, Nigeria played Sasha ft Dama Do Bling’s “Put It Down”, a meeting of two queens of African rap which gave DC the edge in a thrilling tactical battle with Weston Debevec’s Cameroon.

Length: 3:37 Played: 560

Nigeria 3 Germany 1

And finally, today’s encounter with Germany, and the triumphant General Pype with “Champion”. A prophetic choice, as it turned out. Congratulations Matt and congratulations Nigerian pop.

Length: 4:28 Played: 1918

But it’s not over yet!

Matt is mindful of the need to keep the party going for the ecstatic crowds at home. So as a special bonus, and by way of a lap of honour, he has sent out a final team for an exhibition display of the kind of pop football which has won Nigeria the cup. This is the appropriately named “This Kind Party” by Egnyte.

Length: 3:38 Played: 386

And that is that for another four years. Thanks to all the managers, all the musicians and all the readers and voters for making it yet another amazing feast of pop football. We’ve had joy and we’ve had heartbreak; we’ve had hits and we’ve had clunkers. We’ve had fun.

Here we stand at the summit of Pop Football achievement, looking back at 63 matches: some wonderful, some perplexing, some illuminating, very few boring. We’ve heard so much pop, enjoyed so many marvellous moments, and we have 30 losing managers to thank for all their research and taste.

Never mind all that, though. Here at the summit we can also look forward, forward to the Big One. Two teams remain, two managers giving it one last best shot each.  Matt DC’s Nigeria have powered through round after round; a drawn game in a tough group mars an otherwise-100% record, but they accelerated through the knockout stages and stand confident and consistent in the biggest game of all. Andrew W’s Germany have plotted an altogether mazier path to today; second to Ghana in their group, they found some form in beating the USA in the round of 16, then enjoyed winning two of the closest games in the tournament.

This match and this Championship close at midnight on Monday 14th June

NIGERIA: General Pype – “Champion” The Manager Says: “I couldn’t resist. Over the last few months I’ve come across so many terrific tracks that have sounded perfect for the Pop World Cup, but none that sound like they were written for the Pop World Cup Final itself. After all, what do you want from the final? You want a rousing brass anthem for your players to line up to. You want the crowd jumping on their seats, waving their flags. You want a touch of class, and a storming fanfare-driven dancehall banger to go with it. This isn’t premature triumphalism – win or lose, these players are all my champions. GREEN WHITE GREEN!”

Length: 4:28 Played: 1918

GERMANY: DJ Hell – “U Can Dance (Radio Edit)” The Manager Says: “I’m hoping no-one knocks points off for the Geordie vocalist here, as the rest of the track is unimpeachably German, and it’s DJ Hell who really makes the track. I’m also hoping that my continued strategy of going for tracks that sound totally different from each other will pay off here, as we play for the cup and glory.

Either way, we’ve done better than I ever imagined. The lads have given it 110%, and at the end of the day that’s what matters.”

Length: 3:59 Played: 1395

Commentary Box Analysis Here’s something we’ve learned in the tournament: the pop pundits here in the commentary box have as much chance of getting it right as our football-commentating colleagues: more than no chance, but not much more. Which is to say, no one cares what we think.

Anyway. Our collective chins bear the scars inflicted when they hit the floors the moment we saw the teamsheets – we certainly weren’t expecting Germany to draft in a veteran striker like this one, on today of all days! It’s a good tune, though, and Germany are setting out their team to soak up Nigerian pressure, to keep their shape and slowly impose themselves on the game, maybe hitting their opponents with a sly break when the opportunity presents. Nigeria, as expected, go at it hard for the full 90 minutes, inspired by a chunky great brass section set up to keep possession in midfield. A fitting Final, then, but which manager will step up to receive the Winner’s Medal from the President of the Federation of International Pop Football?

Ultimately, Pop Football will be the winner.

Coming up Some small matter of an actual football tournament. Then, well, it’s back to our national leagues and start scheming for Euro 2012…

There’s a purity about the third place play-off: winning doesn’t mean so much, it’s pop football played for its own sake. Plus, of course, it’s an amuse bouche ahead of tomorrow’s main course.

This match closes at midnight on Sunday 13th June

HONDURAS: DayZ – “My Turn To Live” The Manager Says, Tears Streaming Down His Face: “This is the proudest day for our little nation, who would have thought two months ago that we’d ever get this far, it’s a dream come true! I must take a moment to mention manotazo who have been the Peter Taylor to my Brian Clough here in this tournament, I really really couldn’t have done it without you guys. DayZ was the first spark of light I found in the slightly scary world of Honduras-related myspace pages, but I’ve not managed to get her a run out before now (partially because she’s recorded with Josh DiBrasco, Sherry y Sheyla, Acidmunky AND Los Bohemios, and I couldn’t double up on their tracks). Also this lovely heartworn ballad had nowhere to be played in the rough and tumble of the knock-out rounds, so here she is now, still hopeful and looking forward to the day when everyone has heard more Honduran.”
Length: 4:47 Played: 487

CAMEROON: Ali Baba – “Hadiza” The Manager Says: “Simon is in a taxi with the bear and Gill. They are on the way back from a party. They have been drinking. The taxi driver is playing a talk radio station. In my opinion – this is just my opinion, feel free to disagree with this, the host is saying, women should not be allowed to drink alcohol. He pauses for a long time. Think about it. What looks more disgusting than a drunk woman? Think about it. Why do men get drunk? Why do they do it? They do it to impress women. They do it to give them confidence when they’re out on the pull. Women… if women didn’t drink it would stop fights outside clubs on a Friday night. What are most of the fights you see about? I’d say nine out of ten fights. I’d say maybe ninety-nine out of one hundred fights between blokes are over some girl. If we stopped women drinking, I’m telling you, ninety-nine out of one hundred of those fights would be prevented. Hey, hey, Simon goes, change the station, man. Put something techno on. Put some house on. Simon has been talking about house music all night. Simon has a can of lager in his hand. In his other hand he has a bucket of takeaway chicken. Hold this, Simon says, passing the can to Gill, who is sitting in between Simon and the bear. He takes some chicken out of the bucket and puts it into his mouth. Simon’s eyes roll back in his head. He sits back and chews on the chicken. His mouth is all greasy. That chicken is so greasy. Simon is so high, he can barely talk. He can barely sit still. It’s a feeling, says Simon, House is a feeling. The bear looks out of the window. They are passing a place that sells used cars. There are tinsel streamers in red, blue and silver strung out across the whole place, from the roof of the office to the top of the signs. Behind, flats loom up. They drive. Simon and the girl are kissing now, Simon has his hand inside her top. They have chicken grease all around their mouths. Simon pushes her back into the seat. He rears away. He is looking at the chicken. He picks up a leg. Do you want some? Uh, do you want some of this chicken, man? He is looking at the bear. You can have some of my chicken… if you want. The bear shakes his head sadly. Here, look. Can you hold this? Simon lets the bucket drop from his hand. Chicken bones are all on the floor of the taxi. The bear leans down and picks up the bucket, which is nearly empty, only pieces of brown fried skin and grease clinging to the bottom. Simon is pulling the girl’s skirt up. She is laughing, just laughing with all that grease around her mouth, her lipstick smeared in splodges. She wipes around her chin with the palm of her hand and runs the hand up over her face and through her hair. She can’t stop laughing. Simon pulls her knickers down over her knees. He has a piece of the chicken in his hand, a chicken leg, and he stops to take a bite. He says something incomprehensible with his mouth brimming with chicken. They both laugh. The bear coughs. Simon puts his head between the girls legs, starts licking her thighs, her clitoris. She laughs more. She puts her hands in his hair and tilts her head back, her eyes closed, laughing and laughing. The grease all over her legs and stomach dimly reflects the orange light as they pass. The voice on the radio goes, People in council houses shouldn’t be allowed to smoke. Think about it. Do those people own their houses? Well, obviously they don’t, the council owns them. Those houses are council property. What happens when you smoke in a house? What happens?! The walls turn yellow, it smells nasty, it ruins the furniture. The value of the house is going to go down if a smoker is living there. The house deteriorates. And what’s with people in council houses smoking anyway? If you can’t afford a house what are you doing wasting money on cigarettes! It’s ridiculous. Simon crunches into bone with his teeth. He is leaning across the girl, his head between her legs. Now he lurches back, his hand to his mouth. Shit. He throws the bone down on the floor. He looks across at the bear. Have you eaten all that chicken?”
Length: 8:22 Played: 474

Commentary Box Analysis There’s a valedictory mood to the Honduras team here, they’re enjoying the occasion and using this game to soak up the atmosphere and fix in the memory these short weeks of glory. Cameroon stick more to the old plan with an enjoyable funky workout. The press box, even at their best a bunch of savage ugly drunk hacks, are arguing about whether some of these passages of play have been cribbed from the playbooks of the Cure and A Certain Ratio, 81/82 season. Who’ll win? Who cares?

Coming up It’s the big one, the one we’ve all been waiting for, the one you’ve all been voting for. It’s Germany – Nigeria. It’s the Final. It’s the ultimate glory and the ultimate heartbreak, played out across two pop songs.

Please note that the time for voting on this match is one day shorter than usual: the semi-finals are timed to end together at midnight on Sunday 6th June

NIGERIA: Sasha ft Dama Do Bling – “Put It Down” The Manager Says: “For a while back there we considered trying to wrong-foot Cameroon with an abrupt change of direction – an acoustic soul ballad perhaps, or one of Nigeria’s many, many excellent 10-minute afrobeat funk workouts. But at this stage it seems wrong to change a winning formation, so instead I’ve instructed them to play even faster. Rave culture has not really impacted upon Naija music to any great extent, but this track from the first lady of Nigerian rap provide a hint of where it could have gone. In the spirit of pan-African collaboration she ropes in Dama Do Bling, from the sadly unqualified Mozambique, and although I’m not sure which lady is which, this song does have an excellent video where they Hadouken one another. Cameroon are an exceptional side with tremendous technique, but if they want to beat us they’ll have to catch us first.”

Length: 3:37 Played: 560

CAMEROON: Pan-African Cosmic Tone (PACT) – “Da Fulani” The Manager Says: “The farmer stood with the others out on their lawn, watching the recruitment consultant’s house burn down. He leant heavily on his stick, feeling older. A slim rain had begun to fall and a pair of dogs were chasing each other up and down the street, alarmed and aggressive. The fire smacked and howled, scornful and menacing it reared up over them. He turned to the clown and said, Fire is always an anti-Catholic symbol. It’s a bad omen, this fire. He took the packet of biscuits from his pocket and offered it around. You’re right, said the clown. You know, he continued, Just the other day I was speaking to a guy and he told me that he’d accidentally set fire to a Catholic church with the whole congregation inside. That’s terrible! the farmer exclaimed. It is! replied the clown, But this guy didn’t seem to be that upset by it. I asked him why he was grinning at the recollection (which he was) and he said to me, You don’t understand, a Catholic church with the whole congregation inside is the name of my dog!”
Length: 3:29 Played: 190

Commentary Box Analysis Nigeria have found a formula which works and, rather than messing with it, they’re turning up the intensity, and this track seems strong right through the team, and the front pairing have some really sublime spells here. It seems that Cameroon might have to get round the back of Nigeria’s defence to even see the goal, and to do that they’re employing an amazingly fluid style, with players performing all over the pitch. Cameroon have often revelled in a complex, flexible style, and today’s match has a great example of this: their jazz substitute in the last quarter changes their shape completely. Will it be enough to fox the might of Nigeria?

Coming up: you know what comes next: third place play-off which is either (a) lap of honour for the heroic defeated or (b) bathetic display to an uninterested public fixated upon the Big One, depending on how you look at it.

This match closes at midnight on Sunday 6th June

HONDURAS Los Bohemios – “Romantico Suicida” The Manager Says: “Unbelievable scenes here Jeff, who’d have thought it, really this is beyond our wildest dreams. Now that we’ve calmed down a bit we thought we’d go for something a little more classy against such a strong team as the Germans, hence Los Bohemios, an eclectic side who like to mix up their influences and bring ska, reggae and, as you’ll hear, salsa to their reggaeton beats.  Might be a touch wobbly up front, but the midfield have plenty of silky skills and I think at this stage of the competition any team can beat any other, Brian.”

Length: 4:25 Played: 283

GERMANY: De-Phazz – “What’s the Use Of” The Manager Says: “I promised I’d have something different for the semis, and I have. Have some lounge jazz/drum and bass fusion. I know carsmilesteve has been boasting on Twitter about how Honduras are going to beat Germany but to me that kind of braggadoccio just shows insecurity. We’re confident enough at this stage that we don’t need to worry about beating the other side, just playing the best game we can…”

Length: 2:39 Played: 232

Commentary Box Analysis Both players have stylistically side-stepped again: Andrew H, while side-swiping at his opponent’s “talking, talking”,  fields a side who mix up the styles with some fizz, employing a Cuban pace and formation with an energetic, banjo-driven midfield. Have they enough upfront, though, in terms of hooks or vocal stylings? We’ll see. Carsmile Steve wrongfoots everybody by stepping away from his tried-and-tested seam of reggaeton, moving also into a loungey salsa – initially it seems that their passing formation may be so neat as to fall into syrupiness, but there seems to be a bit of grit in the spine of their team and there’s some great stuff being played in an assured back line.

So this is not the game we were expecting, and not a game we’re keen to call at this stage. The press box is buzzing with grumbly hacks who wish that either of these Cuban-flavoured numbers had come up against Castro the Destroyer – we love it when an analysis writes itself.

Coming up The second – and last – semi-final is an all-African affair, pitching Matt DC’s Nigerian steamroller against Weston Debevec’s Cameroonian rollercoaster.

And don’t forget that the polls are still open for Nigeria v Ghana and Cameroon v Spain in the Pop World Cup 2010. So go vote! And reduce the chances of another controversial result.

Update! Tom Ewing and Mike Atkinson will also be taking part!

This match closes at midnight on Thursday 27th May

CAMEROON: Eko – “Kilimanjaro My Home” The Manager Says: “The heavens moved at one hundred and twenty five bpm. Techno is everything that is potential, and it is everything that is cyclical, and it is everything that is mystical, and it is everything that is ritualistic. Techno is a religion and also an atheism. Techno is a Zen, it is a Tao, it is a mantra, it is a sutra. It’s a litany about everything and nothing in the transcendent. Techno tells people about things. It tells people all about themselves, all about their place in nature. Techno shows us that words are less than everything. Techno is what is outside the text. Techno is beyond the end of history. Techno. Techno. Techno. Techno. Techno is as empty as anything else. Techno looks back at the panopticon and gives it the finger. Techno is an incredulity towards meta-musics. Techno. Techno is the cultural logic of late nights. Techno is finding the key to the cage but refusing to break yourself out. Techno is just music. Dare to techno.”

Length: 7:31 Played: 297

SPAIN: La Mala Rodriguez – “Nanai” The Manager Says: “After failing to get out of the group in the Euros two years ago, beating CIV and reaching is a huge success for us and back home the fans filled the streets in celebration.

Here in South Africa however, we are completely focused on our next match against Cameroon (no comment therefore on the rumors linking me to the soon-to-be vacant Real Madrid job. I am honored of course, but my priorities are now with the national side).

For the quarter final we will switch to a hip-hop formation led by La Mala Rodriguez. We are confident that the flamenco flavored rap, honed with the likes of Akon, SFDK, Nelly Furtado and Julieta Venegas, in “Nanai” (loosely translated as “nuh-uh”) will help us reach the semi-final.”
Length: 3:25 Played: 213

Commentary Box Analysis We can’t believe we’ve fallen for it again, but once more the Cameroon manager has thrown us off-balance with his pre-match talk: here’s us expecting some Afrotechno monster and his team organises itself into a really slinky Afrofunk formation. Spain show yet more flexibility and hit us with an unfamiliar hip-hop style. We’ve come to expect games as strong as this at this stage, the win will depend on whose wingers can make it to be byline and whip those hard crosses into our heads.

Coming up From here, the semi finals, which start the week after next (check the minisite for the schedule, if you haven’t already). From there, the ultimate world pop prize.

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 26th May.

NIGERIA: Dr Sid – “Something About You (Silva Stone Mix)” The Manager Says: “Nigeria are in uncharted territory now, never before has there been an Africa v Africa tie at this level of world pop football. We don’t know what to expect from a very strong Ghana side, so I’ve instructed the lads to keep it high-tempo, give them as little space as possible, and use a big hefty bassline as the foundation for all-out attack. It is with this in mind that we give you Nigeria’s first, and possibly so far only, funky house smash. It comes courtesy of the brilliantly named, probably-not-a-real-doctor, Dr Sid. In Nigeria, we don’t wear Rolexes, but we still like to skank. Oyoyo!”

Length: 4:57 Played: 650

GHANA: Castro the Destroyer ft Batman Samini – “Envy” The Manager Says: “My Ghanaian side have eased through to the Quarter Finals, but the draw has been unkind to us here. Nigeria pose a very different kind of threat to our campaign, that of familiarity. It’s been a nightmare trying to work out how I should play against our West African neighbours, so rather than over-thinking things, I’ve tried to stick with what I consider has been our consistent tactic through this whole tournament – play your best players, prepare them well, and hope that they can get the business done on the pitch.

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce Castro The Destroyer, who hails from the south-western port city of Takoradi. The son of an accountant, who professes to loving fufu with palm nut soup, he’s been performing since the age of 10. His debut album was released in 2003, although this track, ‘Envy’ comes from his most recent album, 2009′s ‘Fakye’. Guest starring another of Ghana’s biggest stars, Batman Samini, it’s a more laid back approach, but I’m confident that if we defend well, and take our chances, we can continue to justify the optimism of the fans back home in Ghana.”

Length: 4:39 Played: 271

Commentary Box Analysis One of the remarkable things about this tournament has been the success of teams from that one stretch of West Africa: the whisker which came between Cote D’Ivoire and a QF spot also prevented half of the Quarter Final stage being occupied by CIV – Ghana – Nigeria – Cameroon, all direct neighbours (give or take a Togo and a Benin). What’s going on? Maybe these teams have a beguiling way of combining a local feel with pops from around the world? This game suggests so: Nigeria are rocking a pretty glorious piece of housified business, a flexible team, from which the main striker pops up from time to time to threaten the goal. Ghana, on the other hand, have adopted a more Jamaican-influenced formation, who alternate easily between a pressing game and a more free-flowing style when they have the ball. We don’t know how this will go, but we know we like it.

Coming up The final Quarter Final sees Alberto’s Spain side, never predictable, come up against the thoughtful approach of Weston Debevec’s Cameroon team. Anything could happen and the search for the semis.

This match closes at midnight on Monday 24th May

GERMANY: 2raumwohnung – “Der Letzte Abend Auf Der Welt (single edit)” The Manager Says: “During this tournament I’ve tried to ring the changes a bit, so it might come as a surprise that this is another recent female-fronted electronic-backing-track track, like my entry last round. However, this round I’m just playing to my team’s strengths against what I suspect will be a tough opponent. Expect something far more unusual for the semis, if we get that far, when I shake up the formation again.”
Length: 3:28 Played: 255

KOREA REPUBLIC: SHINee – “Ring Ding Dong” The Manager Says: “I’ve only chosen female teams so far in the Pop World Cup, because the boys generally seem to have much less personality (or maybe the girls are just getting better material). This track is an exception. I highly recommend watching the music video, in which several members of SHINee turn up dressed like characters from a latter Final Fantasy. It’s strangely fitting given the single’s winning combination of slick special effects and ludicrous melodrama. I felt like invoking “MY LADAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY” at more than one inappropriate moment during the past week.”

Length: 3:52 Played: 205

Commentary Box Analysis Both sides set up in modern, attacking, out-and-out-pop formations in an entertaining game. The Germans have a neat, attractive and flowing approach which may win them many admirers, and the manager’s enigmatic promise of “something far more unusual” may tempt floating voters. The Koreans, on the other hand, seem to be made of some supershiny alloy, and play at such a tempo you’ve to keep checking how many players they have on the pitch. It’s an amazing performance but in this tournament the goalposts are OUR HEARTS and who knows which way they will beat?

Coming up The third quarter final will be the first all-African affair to arrive this tournament, and it’ll feature two of the strongest sides we’ve seen so far: Ghana take on Nigeria.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Welcome to the first Quarter Final of the Pop World Cup 2008! First up, Iain F’s Netherlands, whose style so far has been mainly laidback pop slinkery. They take on Carsmile Steve’s Honduran reggaeton monster, growing in size with each opponent it devours. The HEAT is ON.

This match closes at midnight on Sunday 23rd May

NETHERLANDS: Wende – “The Moon Is Out” The Manager Says: “”I’ve been delighted by the success of our tactics to date. However, wary of becoming predictable, and of the folly of taking on Honduras at anything resembling their own game, I’ve decided to switch things up. More urgency, a touch more rock and a powerful striker in the shape of Wende Snijders, whose story takes in England, Indonesia, Guinea-Bissau and an unlikely period of time training in the French Chanson system.”

Length: 2:23 Played: 206

HONDURAS: Acidmunky ft Martha Bonilla- “Shake It Off” The Manager Says “Thought we’d mix it up a bit this time, didn’t want to get accused of playing one-pace pop football, so here’s a track from Honduras’s top dance wunderkind Acidmunkey. Bashing beats and a fair bit of hollering from Ms Bonilla, lets see if the Dutch like it up ‘em!!! A place in history can be ours!”
Length: 3:17 Played: 181

Commentary Box Analysis By the look of the teamtalks, both managers are intent on wrongfooting their opposition by changing up their tactics. The Dutch begin in a formation which (by consensus here in the press box) sounds like formulaic rock rubbish but degenerates into something much stranger, and oddly beguiling at that. Half of us are up and applauding by the end. the other half look bemused. Honduras, too, move in a much harder direction than their previous easygoing uptempo reggaeton; surely the manager learned the “kick – punch” tactic during his long years in the lower leagues of English football. Both teams here are flexing between styles mid-song, apparently at will. Both seem a little surprised by the final whistle. A fascinating game. Which scary lady do you prefer to have shouting at you?

Coming up In the second QF we see Chris R’s Korea Republic, purveyors of classy K-Pop in the round of 16, taking on Andrew H’s mercurial German team. No easy games at this level, and no boring ones either.

This match closes at midnight on Thursday 13th May.

SPAIN: Vinila von Bismarck and the Lucky Dados – “Where’s My Sugar” The Manager Says: “After winning our group, we are ready to face our toughest test yet this tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. Many players were called up to the squad for this match, but in the end we have decided to turn to flamboyant striker Vinila von Bismarck to wreck damage on the Ivorian defense. She will get support in midfield from her band, The Lucky Dados.”
Length: 2:42 Played: 610

COTE D’IVOIRE: Soum Bill – “Zambakro” The Manager Says: “Taking on the fast moving World Cup favourites, CIV counter their cut and thrust with Soum Bill and his loping, hypnotic Shuggie Otis-esque rhythm. A bit of a veteran after singing the CIV official 2006 World Cup anthem, Soum is on first name terms with Didier Drogba – he’s clearly more New Order than David Baddiel. AND he used to be in a group called Mini Choc. The quarter finals beckon. Chocks away!”
Length: 4:22 Played: 559

Commentary Box Analysis Spain have decided to employ a formation we haven’t seen elsewhere this tournament. Theirs is a slice of retro rock ‘n’ roll which shows considerable flair and charm. Vinila’s pronunciation, in particular, introduces an intriguing shot of strangeness into the mix which might wrongfoot an opposition. The Cote d’Ivoire play in a style closer to their group stage tactics, but this is a slinky, fluid style, with a playmaker on the Hammond popping up all over the pitch.

It’s a fittingly unpredictable end to a tremendous and unpredictable Round of 16.

Result! Round of Sixteen Match 4: Ghana 3 – Slovenia 1Slovenia’s manager, Kat, famed for her rigid 4-4-4 formation, tried to change her tactics somewhat this time, and while her team may have been a little easier on the eye, they didn’t have enough in the tank to match up to the attack of the dancehall/hip hop approach which Ben employed this time. “Once the initial rush of kangaroo goes away, the Slovenian track seems to linger more. Genuinely torn here.” “Absolutely tantalizing match here. Both sides playing with no inhibitions. Amazing.” “Easy win for Ghana here I think. Slovenia’s track is kind of beguiling and I would have voted for it in an earlier round but we’re at a different level now and this Ghanaian team just feel like an irresistable force of nature.” “KANGAROO! KANGAROO! An eternal classic.”

Coming up Results roll in for the remaining Round of 16 matches over the next week and THEN! It’s Quarter Finals time. Three songs from glory.

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 12th May.

HONDURAS: Sherry y Sheyla – “Muevete” The Manager Says: “Really It’s just a privilege to appear at this stage of the tournament, especially against such a strong squad as the Portuguese, but we’ve decided, not
unlike England in ’96 to bring on the SAS. Or, if we’re being pedantic the SYS (doesn’t quite work as well that one…).  Sherry and Sheyla are identical twins, and are appearing on what my limited spanish and google chrome’s auto-translation widget believe to be a(n official?) Honduran World Cup song.  This is not that song though (it has too many artistes on i want to use should i get further!!!), but a rather slinky drop of reggaeton, hope you all like it!”

Length: 3:00 Played: 202

PORTUGAL: Mariza – “Já Me Deixou” The Manager Says: “Thrilled to have reached the final 16, the Portuguese fans are keen for the squad to show off the depth of its play. Banging dubstep and kuduro have served us well in the tournament so far, and we’re not dismissing them at all, but there’s also a wealth of tradition and style we can draw on. Hearing Mariza’s phenomenal voice will transform this match into a slow-mo highlights reel, with each Portugal goal netting even more beautiful than another. We dedicate this one to Eusébio.”
Length: 3:49 Played: 166

Commentary Box Analysis Honduras stick with the script, with a really good chunk of reggaeton, one which gets right up in its opponents’ grill with the world’s most provocative / annoying squeaky toy noise. Portugal, on the other hand, step away from the dance-pop which has proved popular so far, replacing it with something much more traditional, poised and gloriously saudade. It’s a daring tactic and this game – and maybe the Pop World Cup itself – benefit from it.

Result! Round of Sixteen Match 3: Germany 2 – United States 0 We all know that it’s a foolhardy pundit who writes off the Germans, but we’re not used to them being underrated by their own manager! While some feel they are still finding their ideal formation in this tournament – watch out when they do, by the way – they had enough oomph to overcome a USA team rather lackadaisical on the day. It’s been an exciting ride for the US, but despite the manager’s protestations they are actually done. “Excellent play by both sides here, and both playing to their home nations’ strengths. For me the yanks just edge it though” “I thought the USA would romp this one but no, the Germans are finally playing to their strengths. Wir Sind Helden are terrific and this is a typically exuberant performance and that clattering noise right at the end may be the sound of a whole stand getting up out of their seats.” “A nervy start from the yanks allow the germans to dominate and I think that domination isn’t going to be relinquished any time soon.” “Think the [US] rapper’s got a right to hog the ball, that being what rappers do; he’s not altogether integrated with the rest of his team, but he does a nice job prowling around their landscape, amused and pleasant.” “The Germans … play more of a team game with deft, confident play up front that slots efficiently into a solid back line and assertive horn section. Germany have lost some of the idiosyncrasy that was so endearing in the early stages and seem focused on winning here – I think they will.”

Coming up – the eighth and final match in the Round of 16, and it could be a big ‘un: Spain take on the Cote d’Ivoire.

This match closes at midnight on Monday 10th May

CAMEROON: Bébé Manga – “Amie O” The Manager Says: “In March, I listened to Erik Satie’s ‘Vexations’ for eighteen hours and forty minutes. I sat entirely still, in the darkness, for the duration (I had put the Reinbert de Leeuw version on a loop). I saw nothing meditative or transcendent about the experience. In fact, the experience brings into serious question the very notion of a meditative state. Throughout, I struggled, as any of my true brothers and sisters would, in fighting off a kind of trance state that emerges when the boredom of passivity and repetition gives way to acceptance and indifference. The mistake that Satie made, a mistake then repeated by the 60s dilettantes, who took the idea to its logical endpoint, was to assume that the transcendence of boredom is a positive thing. I am edified by my boredom. I want to destroy the circumstances that lead to my boredom. Satie wants to revel in tedium, to erase through sheer force the desire to change the state of the world. Anyone who sits down to meditate is gifting time to those in power, time that could be spent fighting against them. Retreat into boredom is the death of the revolutionary spirit, it is a genuflection to power.”

Length: 7:07 Played: 162

NEW ZEALAND: P-Money (ft. David Dallas & Aaradhna) – “Say Yeah” The Manager Says: “Moonshine-based headaches following the group win are one thing but team selection for this match was a much more painful process. ‘Say Yeah’ is one of the most recent things you’re likely to hear in the PWC with P-Money’s album released on the day of this press conference. Essentially we’ve combined the winning tactics from our first two games with a rap/rnb duo with a housey sweeper system and I’m hoping Aaradhna’s catchy chorus will find fan favour. The sound of NZ is the sound of the world and imitation remains our finest flattery. Excited to hear what Cameroon have got in store (both on the pitch and in the press room) and I’ve been playing ‘Soul Makossa’ to the lads over and over again in admittedly nervous anticipation. ”

Length: 3:32 Played: 139

Commentary Box Analysis Cameroon hit a groove, they hit it hard, and they stick with it. It’s an enjoyable seven minutes and it might be powerful enough to carry them through. Equally, it may be that NZ, playing in Steve M’s trademark style, have enough pep and zip to take apart Cameroon’s by-the-book play, and to get around the back of the Cameroon defence. What we know is that we don’t know. But we’re looking forward to finding out.

Result! Round of Sixteen Match 2: South Africa 1 – Korea Republic 3It was an amazing game, played with pace and grace, but the precision and shine of the Korean team was ultimately too much for the power of the South Africans. “Korea start brightly but lack invention in front of the net. SA have pace and a rhythmic flow to their movement on the ball.” “I liked the SA number, but it stayed a bit medium-paced for me, whereas the Korean track is a total delight, and that just edges it for me.” “Korea, just. Like a hi-energy Lazytown tune you make up in a dream. DJ Cleo does a nice job channeling Kraftwerk though.” “…as it is, Korea is just too amazing, disco to the Jackson ’80s to a hook that sounds simple as breathing but is unstoppable, a score with every chorus. Crackerjack battle of the Souths, but this one is Korea’s.”

Coming up Honduras! Portugal! You know that this match, probably the less-discussed of our transatlantic tussles, will throw up some strong play, and it may turn out to be a classic. Stick with us, we’re close to finding our quarter finalists.

This match closes at midnight on Sunday 9th May.

NETHERLANDS: The Opposites & Big2 – “Licht Uit” The Manager Says: “Since we got a couple of fluke goals in the match against Japan, we weren’t able to tell if our laidback Eurorap formation would have been enough to win by normal means or not. I stand by my faith in it, though, and believe that we have the players to pull it off!”

Length: 3:11 Played: 210

PARAGUAY: Lopez – “Donde” The Manager Says: “Something a bit different…

Playing against a top scoring country like the Netherlands could rattle a team, but we’re renewed and ready to fight another battle. This time we’re taking a risk and putting forward our most modern formation yet. ‘Donde’ lays a vintage vocal over a hip wriggling bassline as one of the first releases from Paraguayan funk / nu disco outfit Lopez.”

Length: 3:21 Played: 181

Commentary Box Analysis Some strikers in the game of pop football have a deceptively languid style, and such players tend to divide fans’ – and pundits’ – opinions. The Netherlands have deployed two of these in one team, one of whom picks up the pace a little, later in the game. It’s a beguiling tactic, but will it be enough to win support from a Paraguay team with a strikingly fresh and youthful approach? The flashes of skill from the beligerent Paraguayan trombonist playing in the hole just behind the lone striker may be the key to their game.

Result! Round of Sixteen Match 1: Nigeria 3 – France 2 In a compelling game, both teams stuck to their principles in the belief that their approach had enough to overcome their opponents. It was a ding-dong battle, with goal and equaliser, goal and equaliser, until ultimately the Nigerians had the legs to run the full 90 minutes. It may well be looked back on as one of the games of the tournament, this one. “A very close thing for me – two excellent tracks. I listened a couple of times each, but the fun of the Nigerian track won out in the end for me.”;”This Poni Hoax track… AMAZING! Best thing I’ve heard in months!“;”The French striker slices through a seemingly strong Nigerian backline like so much beurre, the defenders not knowing whether to giggle at or be enchanted by her mannered moods“;”Awesome play from both teams there – but France just edges it for me because of that element of surprise, i thought i knew exactly where it was going from the first few beats but I was wrong – and delighted to be.“; “The French team played a game that’s so my style it could have been handmade in an atelier for me (it’s also totally a track that would call people ‘dollink’), but it does lack Nigeria’s call to the hips.”

Coming up Onwards into the bottom half of the Round of 16, as New Zealand, coached into funky form by Steve M, take on a Cameroon side managed by Weston, whose press conferences are always worth a look and whose teams are always strong.

We’re halfway through the round of sixteen now, the challenges are crunching and the pop football is being played as it should be played. Onwards to victory! And defeat, obviously.

This match closes at midnight on Thursday 6th May

GHANA: Tic Tac – “Kangaroo” The Manager Says: “After sailing through the group stages with 3 wins from 3, and a votes total beaten only by Netherlands and Portugal, you would think that all is harmonious in my Ghanaian camp. But it’s not – I’ve had to fire my Press Officer because it turned out I was the only manager in the tournament who had one. I think all the others are just jealous.

Length: 3:31 Played: 160

SLOVENIA: Sestre – “Aladin” The Manager Says: “The Slovenian management is happy to present three lovely ladies from Ljubljana: Marlenna, Daphne and Empera3zz. Luckily for you, dear listener, they got sidetracked on their way home from Talinn in 2002 and ended up in an Arabian Night club. They’re still in there dancing away with Antoine De Caunes as far as I know.”
Length: 3:45 Played: 121

Commentary Box Analysis Through the group stages, these two teams were probably the most certain of their preferred style, the most likely to stick to their shape. It’s something of a surprise to see both incorporating foreign styles into the template this time – Ben’s Ghana looking west, Kat’s Slovenia looking east. It makes for a fascinating match. On first listen, Ghana seem to have such quality throughout the team that they’re unbeatable, but then our second listen to Slovenia was via the youtube link above and now we’re not so sure…

Coming up: Next week, on to the second half of the Round of 16, and two of thedark horses of this tournament, as the Netherlands take on Paraguay.

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 5th May

USA: Wiz Khalifa – “We’re Done” The Manager Says: “Pleased to be out of the Group Of Death, the USA are not in the business of underestimating a team as unpredictable as Germany. But we have always played our own way in this tournament so it would not behoove us to do any different now, so we call up from our hip-hop ranks Wiz Khalifa. Whilst his smoking escapades may not endear him to the kick drugs out of competitive pop football brigade, his relaxed attitude to the beautiful game I feel may trump a Germany that may be trying too hard. We are certainly sticking to our short track policy. “We’re Done” From his new barbecue friendly mixtape Kush & OJ (hence a slightly sloppy start), and prominently featuring a sample from that most under-rated of Disney TV movies Camp Rock, Khalifa displays the quiet confidence that I hope will see us into the next round. Because We’re not actually Done.”
Length: 2:19 Played: 169

GERMANY: Wir Sind Helden – “Die Konkurrenz” The Manager Says: “This round’s been the hardest one so far, as I’ve gone past both my own knowledge and my friends now, and had to spend several days digging through every German act on Spotify before I found this one. I never want to hear any metal or German hip-hop again…”
Length: 3:44 Played: 159

Commentary Box Analysis The problem faced by anyone managing the USA team is finding tactics which don’t seem utterly obvious to all, while matching some of the quality we’ve seen in the US domestic leagues. This track shows some nice interplay but it will require a few listens before it’s clear whether it’s fannydangle or a killer pass. Germany, on the other hand, rely very heavily on the horn line they’ve deployed on the wing, but will that be enough?

Coming up We’ll be reaching the halfway point of the Round of 16, as the mighty Ghana take on the differently mighty Slovenia.

This match closes at midnight on Monday 3rd May

SOUTH AFRICA: DJ Cleo – “Wene Ng’hamba nawe“ The Manager Says: “Expect to see a fast-paced, consistent team full of energy and power. Keep your beers within reach for the whole game: you won’t want to miss a second.”

Length: 5:19 Played: 265

KOREA REPUBLIC: Girls’ Generation – “Gee” The Manager Says: “South Africa’s near-perfect record speaks for itself; they’d be up there with Ghana if they hadn’t been held to a draw by shrewd/plucky France. So I’m throwing in a star who was waiting on the bench: “Gee” is apparently one of the biggest Korean singles ever, and you can see why. Girls’ Generation (aka SNSD) have mastered the K-pop technique of incongruous, chopped-up, random-sounding English choruses.”
Length: 3:21 Played: 250

Commentary Box Analysis South Africa find their rhythm early and knock the ball about impressively without having many obvious strikers, looking for goals from all over the pitch. Korea come out of the traps looking almost unhealthily lively and are darting everywhere, with shape, hooks and precision. Then the South African manager, out of the blue, brings on an entire front line who storm around massively. The commentary box is up and dancing but we haven’t the faintest idea who’ll win.

Coming up On Thursday, the Round of 16 gives us another high-profile match-up as the USA meet Germany.

In our first game of the Round of 16 (swapped into being the first for administrative reasons, sorry for any confusion), we see a mighty clash between to much-fancied competitors: The Lex’s France against Matt DC’s Nigeria.

Fifteen more games. Thirty more songs. The excitement is growing.

This match closes at midnight on Sunday 2nd May

FRANCE: Poni Hoax – “Budapest” The Manager Says: “Dark, desperate death disco: starts ominous, gets paranoid, never loses intensity of either feeling or beats.”
Length: 5:30 Played: 215

NIGERIA: JJC – “We Are Africans (Naija Remix)” The Manager Says: “While the tournament has already seen many, many great goals, we haven’t yet seen a great team goal – a ten-man passing move (well, nine men and a woman) that ends in the back of the net. So here it comes, courtesy of Nigerian expat producer JJC and a great big rap posse featuring the cream of Nigerian MCing talent. Additionally, his is a historic day for world pop football. Never in the history of the tournament have so many African teams qualified for the knockout stages. So this is as much a match as an occasion for continent-wide celebration, one I’m sure my fellow African managers will join me in. Say it loud. Say it proud. YOU. ARE. AFRICAN.”
Length: 3:50 Played: 545

Commentary Box Analysis Neither manager is risking a weakened squad in this crucial game, and both are playing to traditional national strengths here: the French deploy simmering, building dance cool, the Nigerians rock the intricate exuberance which has served them well up to now. It feels like a close one from here.

Coming up The next game will be the game which we thought would be our first: the might of South Africa against the pop finesse of Korea Republic.

And – great news for all our readers in these belt-tightening times – we are including Roger Bozack’s amazing Weekend Update for free! (It’s also available as a podcast, is featured in the iTunes store and as if that weren’t enough airs on Resonance FM 104.4 on Saturdays in London. That’s in England, fact fans.) Here it is:

And now those songs and polls in full:

Group E

Match 5: Cameroon vs Netherlands

Length: 30:00 Played: 627

Length: 4:33 Played: 186

Match 6: Denmark vs Japan

Length: 4:06 Played: 209

Length: 3:20 Played: 245

Group F

Match 5: Slovakia vs Italy

Length: 3:40 Played: 222

Length: 3:03 Played: 247

Match 6: Paraguay vs New Zealand

Length: 4:19 Played: 199

Length: 4:24 Played: 218

Group G

Match 5: Korea DPR vs Cote D’Ivoire

Length: 4:09 Played: 208

Length: 3:38 Played: 230

Match 6: Portugal vs Brazil

Length: 5:37 Played: 210

Length: 3:53 Played: 165

Group H

Match 5: Chile vs Spain

Length: 5:01 Played: 143

Length: 4:16 Played: 214

Match 6: Switzerland vs Honduras

Length: 3:19 Played: 196

Length: 3:12 Played: 171
Length: 2:28 Played: 178

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 21st April

SWITZERLAND: Stress Ft Karolyn – “Tous Les Memes“ The Manager Says: “Having fielded mediocre results with older tracks for the previous two rounds, our young manager turns towards the present day to pull out a desperately needed win.  This catchy rap track by Stress ft. Karolyn does indeed hail from just this past year and, indeed, recently won a Swiss Music Award for Best Swiss Single of 2009.  Plus, as far as I know, it features no Senegalese-Frenchmen.”

Length: 3:12 Played: 171

HONDURAS: Bullaka Family – “Amanecer en la Playa” The Manager Says “The lads were very upset by our poor showing in the last round, Brian, but that’s the nature of this game of two halves. To finish off our group matches here are Bullaka Family. They appear to be Honduran equivalent of Roll Deep in that they’ve worked with almost everyone else on the local reggaeton scene, this is a nice slice of summery pop that’s in and out in two and a half minutes. I think we’ve made some friends so far, hopefully enough to see us sneak through into the promised land of the knockout stage (and i honestly didn’t think i’d be writing that six weeks ago!!)

Length: 2:28 Played: 178

Commentary Box Analysis: Fittingly for a tie boasting the presence of the Bullakas, this is a beefy kind of game. Steve sticks with his muscular reggaeton approach, always enjoyable. Greg, too, stays with Swiss hip hop, a choice which meant a slightly torrid time last time out, but this is a good showing. There’s nervousness on the terraces, and in the dug-outs. Everything in the groups will be clear at the end of this game!

Coming up What comes next is a little break to let the group games play out, and to let the Pop World Cup team have a little break. We’ll be back the week after next with the ROUND OF SIXTEEN!

This match closes at midnight on Wednesday 21st April

CHILE: Nicole – “Hoy” The Manager Says: “The mood in the camp has been excellent, and I can’t really fault the players, results just haven’t gone our way. Perhaps our tactics have been a little naive at times, and I take some of the blame for that. Anyway, here’s a jolly little tune, with just a touch of sadness…”

Length: 4:16 Played: 214

SPAIN: Estopa – “Vino Tinto” The Manager Says: “After securing qualification into the knockout stages, Spain were tempted to field a B-team, bit instead the manager has told the lads, ten year veterans Estopa, to go out and enjoy themselves on the pitch with their guitars while drinking some Vino Tinto.”

Length: 3:19 Played: 196

Commentary Box Analysis It’s no surprise that the Spanish manager, euphoric after qualifying for the next round, should press the fun button in this game. It’s more of a surprise to see the Chileans play with such freedom. Not, perhaps, a game which will be recalled as a PWC classic, but good fun all the same.

Results! Ghana 3 -Germany 1; Serbia 1 – Australia 1. Ben’s Ghana side power to a 100% record by sticking fairly firmly to the home ground which has served them so well. There is no shame for Germany in losing to this Ghana side, who look like strong tips to go all the way. Serbia and Australia’s very different approaches seemed eventually to cancel each other out in a game which was enjoyable enough but one which never looked like producing a winner.

Coming up Our  last group game of the tournament, Carsmile Steve’s Honduras facing up to Greg F’s Switzerland. Either side could progress!

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 20th April

Portugal: Buraka Som Sistema ft Pongo Love – “Kalemba” The Manager Says: “Boistered by a sound win in the last match, we feel ready to tackle the mighty Brazil. This is the big match, the one the players have been looking forward to all this time. We feel ready. The side Portugal is entering is made up of the children of Portugal’s former colonies, much like the 1998 (proper football) World Cup winning French team. Abro a fronteira, não digo lixo, nem digo asneira!”
Length: 3:53 Played: 165

BRAZIL: Legião Urbana – “Tempo Perdido” The Manager Says: “I have enlisted the help of Brazil’s premier rock band to make sure that Brazil go out with a bang. Go get ‘em boys!”
Length: 5:01 Played: 143

Commentary Box Analysis: The Portuguese once again play a superior kind of dance-pop, a tactic that has served them well so far. We can’t help but notice the awesome name of “Pongo Love”, too. The Brazilians, meanwhile, flushed with their capital-R rock success last time out, stick with the guitars. The most heard phrase in the commentary box is “what’s the most common surname in Brazil?” as we all scramble to make a lame joke out of the somewhat Smiths-y sound.

Coming up: Tomorrow we begin the last of the group games in this year’s tournament: Group H remains an enticing prospect with Honduras taking on Switzerland and Spain tackling Chile.

This match closes at midnight on Tuesday 20th April

KOREA DPR: Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble – “Hwiparam” The Manager Says: “Victorious Greetings from the Hermit Kingdom! Wonder now tremendously at delicacy unfeigned and mastered, in the true crafting hands and sprightly revolutionary currents of the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble — YES! Savour this name! For among the sullen milquetoast acronyms of the debased barbarian huddlings you call Western “culture”, the PEE arc and glitter boldest of all… Jaunty yet poignant, saucy yet gemlike, “Hwiparam” is a gracenote on the people’s insoucient warrior ease with all the advanced waiting world. Let the paltry outer layers vacillate and fret: they came to SNEER yet they STAYED TO LEARN. Hop la, it is an established shoo-in. OUR NAME IS FABULOUS FOR WE ARE LEGION.”

Length: 3:38 Played: 230

COTE D’IVOIRE: Tangara Speed Ghoda – “Loubard Feeling” The Manager Says: “Bringing the eccentric Abidjan reggae star Tangara off the bench provides a tactical switch, with a vocal that manages to be relaxed and tuff and bristling all at once. Loubard, for the record, means “bad boy, yob, hooligan, churl”. After a bruising game with Brazil, CIV are buoyed through the 90 minutes by some cortizone-injecting keyboards and brass. In case none of this is enough to overpower the North Koreans, the crazed blitz on their goal in the last 30 seconds should do the trick.”
Length: 5:37 Played: 210

Commentary Box Analysis: a game played entirely on the off-beat and a game which has the pundits refusing to pund – no-one can tell how DPRK’s beautifully stiff space-Morricone business will work against CIV’s excellently flex-y organ-driven African reggae. We’ve never seen a game quite like it. We’d like to see a lot more.

Results: Group C – USA 3 – Algeria 3: Pete Baran’s USA team and Martin Skidmore’s Algeria went toe-to-toe with massively varying styles and played out a high-scoring stalemate to the delight of all neutrals, the 59-41 percentage as tight a result as we have seen so far. Slovenia 3 – England 0: Kat’s melodic bosh approach completely overwhelmed an England side which looked competent and confident at the outset.  The group results are with the statisticians but first reports suggest that Slovenia have squeaked past a very unfortunate Algeria on percentages.

Coming up: The final game in Group G, and one of the great post-colonial matches – a fixture to conjure with as Portugal take on Brazil.

This match closes at midnight on Monday 19th April

PARAGUAY: Coco – “Paragua” The Manager Says: “The accompanying video is Paraguay’s secret weapon, warming up to it every match before we head out onto the pitch. With Coco wearing our kit, it was the perfect choice to launch our next challenge.”

Length: 4:24 Played: 218

NEW ZEALAND: Ladi6 – “Dark Brown” The Manager Says: “I run a tight ship at our squad camp but since the sensational win over Italy the party hasn’t stopped for the NZ fans and I’ve allowed the team to relax a little too, have a few beers and toast swift passage to the second round with the Dutch, Ghanaian and Spanish coaches – how thrilled we are to be joining them so soon. But truth be told the celebrations and aftermath have been heavy and the prospect of the Netherlands in the 2nd round is a sobering thought. We aim to continue our winning streak but feel the need to roll with something a bit more laid back now so I think this is the right moment to stick with the phat-back four while Ladi6 gets a run-out up front on her own – more stylish soul and soulful style to break down the oppo. Now if you don’t mind I could really use a hair of the dog…”

Length: 4:09 Played: 208

Commentary Box Analysis Is Talia’s unfamiliar Paraguayan take on the familiar total genius, or are those tactics outdated? Does Steve M’s choice of a loping Kiwi r’n'b formation lack the legs to compete, or is it just the job, a breath of easy-going fresh air at this frenetic stage of the tournament? No one can quite agree.

Coming up Group G, already! Tomorrow’s games are Korea DPR vs Cote D’Ivoire, and Portugal vs Brazil. Both match-ups to conjure with…

This match closes at midnight on Monday 19th April

SLOVAKIA: Robert Burian feat Zdenka Predna – “You” The Manager Says: “No comment.”

Length: 3:03 Played: 247

ITALY: Alberto Remondini ft Luca Zeta – “I Can’t Stay” The Manager Says: “No comment”
Length: 4:19 Played: 199

Commentary box analysis We don’t know why they won’t talk. There are screams of “cover-up” and suggestions of righteous indignation at some unspecified corruption within the Pop FA, but no details are available at this time. Meanwhile, what we do know is that this remains a fascinating game. Away from the sideshow of managerial non-antics, this seems to be a game of pop football the way it used to be played. Slovakia present a pleasing slice of melodic eurobosh, the Italians deploy a tune which seems a classic example of the Italian pop game – a combination of the wistful vocal line and the nearly-banging, with a vague sense of the anthemic lingering around.

Results: Group B: Nigeria 3 – Korea Republic 2; Argentina 4 – Greece 0. Chris R’s Korea Republic, needing just a point to be certain of qualification, conceded a heartbreaking goal to Matt DC’s Nigeria deep into the injury time which arose from shady timekeeping on the parts of the referees. All Korean eyes nervously turned to the result from the Argentina-Greece game, which was an absolutely stonking victory for an Argentine side decked out by manager Jonathan Bogart in their non-indie away strip. For the first time in the competition, Johan seemed to have misjudged Greece’s tactics.

Feverish calculations suggest that Korea Republic have qualified by the narrowest of percentage-difference margins.

Coming up: The conclusion of Group F. Steve M’s New Zealand (already qualified) vs Talia’s Paraguay (knocking on the door), two teams which have already pleased the crowds in the tournament face off in what promises to be another transcontinental feast of pop football.