Pop World Cup 2010: Round of 16 Match 7 – Honduras 2 Portugal 1

On to match seven of the Round of Sixteen! Will it be a lucky seven for Carsmile Steve’s Honduras, making it through the groups stage with a heavy reliance on fine, fine reggaeton? Or will this match see Job de Wit’s Portugal side, much admired for the variety of dance-based styles they’ve employed so far, continue its progress? Listen, vote, find out.

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!”

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.”

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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.