Here's the next set of "articles", which includes a small bit of insight on American Wizardry, and the USA's magical government:
Sport
04 June 2014
BRAZIL VERSUS WALES
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Brazil 460 - Wales 300
The first quarter-final of the tournament has proved to be the most contentious game so far this tournament, one which began in bad blood and ended in a brawl that saw Welsh manager Gwenog Jones dragged from the pitch by her own Beaters.
The Brazil-Wales grudge began in the early days of the tournament when Brazilian manager José Barboza allegedly called the Welsh Chasers 'talentless hags' over a few drinks with loose-lipped veteran journalist Rita Skeeter. His insistence that he had been joking did nothing to quell the ire of Welsh manager Gwenog Jones, who threatened to 'curse the face off' him. In spite of the ICWQC’s ban on 'managerial trash talk' - a ban that many believe to have been created with Gwenog in mind - Jones has missed no opportunity to belittle and insult the Brazilians ever since learning that her team would face them in the quarter-finals. She was even prevented from entering the stadium in an 'IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HAITI' T-shirt (Brazil passed into the quarter-finals when opponents Haiti were disqualified), so missed the opening ten minutes of the match, which were notable for the ferocity of play and three brutal fouls.
Brazilian Chasers Diaz, Alonso and Flores put in a solid performance and should be commended for keeping their heads when all about them were losing theirs - in the case of Keeper Raul Almeida, almost literally. The viciousness of the Bludger sent his way by Welsh Beater Iefan Rice (the Quaffle was at the other end of the pitch at the time) earned Brazil a penalty and arguably should have seen Rice sent off.
Nevertheless, Wales’s play was not confined to fouls. Few will disagree that Welsh Chaser Jackie Jernigan scored one of the tournament’s most stunning goals from a distance of fifty yards, while it is estimated that Beater Darren Floyd single-handedly prevented at least seventeen Brazilian goals.
Wales’s chances were finally dashed by a stunning Snitch capture by Brazilian Seeker Tony Silva, who performed a spectacular dive in the 131st minute of the match to seize victory from under his counterpart Eurig Cadwallader’s nose.
Gwenog Jones is in custody this evening, having attempted to make good her promise to curse off Barboza’s face in full view of a packed stadium. Healers report that Barboza’s skin has almost regrown, and he is said to be in excellent spirits. Brazil will face the winner of the USA versus Liechtenstein match in the semi-finals.
Sport
06 June 2014
BULGARIA VERSUS NORWAY
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Bulgaria 170 - Norway 20
In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, the Bulgarian side, who many considered lucky to have qualified, has ousted one of the joint favourites. Norway now fly home asking themselves how things could have gone so wrong, so quickly.
Bulgaria, whose first match was made considerably easier for them when New Zealand’s team was reduced to six after a sending-off, showed good form straight off the whistle. Nikola Vassileva was responsible for both of Bulgaria’s early goals, but Norway’s Lars Lundekvam soon equalised.
The end came almost without warning. Viktor Krum’s sudden descent looked like simple Bludger-avoidance and Norwegian Seeker Sigrid Kristoffersen not only neglected to mark him, but was actually looking the other way when Krum raised his right hand to show that he had secured a Bulgarian victory in the 42nd minute. Few will fail to sympathise with Kristoffersen, who flew directly to the ground and banged her head on it until dragged to her feet by Keeper Karl Wang. Krum, who has been written off by many journalists as too old and slow to compete at 38 years old, was borne from the pitch in triumph by fans.
Heartbroken Norwegian coach Oddvar Spillum had no comment for reporters, but broken sobs. There can be no doubt that this has been a deeply unlucky tournament for the usually outstanding Norwegians. However irrational it may seem, many fans blame the Selma, a Norwegian lake monster that the team brought as a mascot and which caused a bloodbath at the opening ceremony. The Selma is tonight hiding in a secret location.
Sport
08 June 2014
USA VERSUS LIECHTENSTEIN
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
USA 450 - Liechtenstein 290
If Muggles haven’t noticed the celebrations currently piercing the Patagonian night, we must assume that in addition to being non-magical they are also remarkably stupid. The USA is through to the semi-finals of the Quidditch World Cup and as I write this report, Argentinian officials are storming through both the supporters’ encampment and the players’ quarters, attempting to quell the kind of jubilation more commonly associated with the final.
The US has historically put up a poor show in international Quidditch, being the only country to have embraced the (frankly odd) game of Quodpot. Today marks the US’s maturation into a true force of the wizarding world’s most popular sport.
Though some may suggest that Liechtenstein entered the match at a disadvantage, having competed in a three-day epic against Chad, the team appeared fully recovered as they entered the stadium. Early play was fast and competitive with Quaffle possession almost equal. US Chaser Quentin Kowalski drew plaudits from all commentators for his deft weaving and rolling, although Liechtensteiner heart-throb Otmar Frick ('The Rugged Man of Ruggell') was the game’s top scorer with 16 goals.
Top plaudits must go to American Seeker Darius Smackhammer, who secured the US’s place in an historic semi-final in the 148th minute. His was a daring Snitch capture that involved a breakneck dash through the cross fire of both Bludgers and risked collision with hefty Liechtenstein Chaser Willi Wenzel to tweak the Snitch hovering near Wenzel’s left ankle.
Red, white and blue sparks are currently so thick in the air that it is both difficult to breathe or see. A harried official high in the ICWQC told the Daily Prophet shortly after the match: 'if this is what they do when they get into the semis, imagine what we’re facing if they reach the final. I’m thinking security trolls.'
Sport
08 June 2014
LATE BREAKING NEWS
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
High-spirited American fans celebrating their team’s historic triumph in the quarter-finals have kidnapped Hans, the Liechtenstein mascot. Hans, a large and gloomy Augurey (a rain-predicting, vulture-like bird), has gained a devoted fan following during the tournament. Liechtenstein coach and manager Ferdinand Jägendorf has issued the following statement: 'Das finden wir nicht lustig' ('we don’t find that funny').
Sport
09 June 2014
RETURN OF HANS THE AUGUREY
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
The Liechtenstein mascot is tonight back in his customised pen, but not before negotiations for his return reached the highest levels. Highly placed sources can confirm that the Liechtenstein Minister for Magic and the President of MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) exchanged terse owls concerning the whereabouts of Hans, who was kidnapped by enthusiastic American fans following their victory over Liechtenstein in the quarter-finals.
'We are delighted to report that this prank has ended in a friendly and cooperative fashion,' announced President Samuel G. Quahog, 'and trust that Hans is none the worse for his little adventure.'
'We are very pleased that the Americans have returned our beloved mascot,' said Minister Otto Obermeier. 'Magizoologists are currently keeping Hans under close observation for ill effects. If any are discovered we will of course lobby the ICWQC for the USA’s immediate disqualification from the World Cup.'
A harried ICWQC official responded: 'Look, we’ve had to perform mass Memory Charms on about 2000 Muggles living on the edge of the desert after the American celebrations last night, and don’t get me started on the planes. I’m not telling the Americans they’re going home. Not doing it. Just feed the bird some fairies and leave me alone.'
Sport
10 June 2014
JAPAN VERSUS NIGERIA
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Japan 270 - Nigeria 100
A World Cup full of surprises yielded yet another this afternoon as the second of the tournament’s favourites crashed out of the competition, yielding to the might of a Japanese side that put in a near flawless performance.
This match ought to be remembered as the Battle of the Beaters, because these two outstanding Quidditch nations put on a veritable master class of Bludger work. The precision and creativity of shots hit by Okoye and Ojukwu on the one hand, and Shingo and Hongo on the other, framed the action, demonstrating that Beaters - so often caricatured as thugs with bats - can be artists, too.
The turning point of the game was undoubtedly the staggeringly powerful shot hit by Hongo, which smashed the tail off Nigerian Seeker Equiano’s broom. As Equiano span out of control, Noriko Sato soared through the middle of the action to seize the Snitch from the midst of distracted Nigerian players intent on saving their teammate. Japan pass into the semi-finals where they will meet Bulgaria.
The Nigerians have been riding the controversial Thunderbolt VII, a competitor to the Firebolt series, which many experts feel has sacrificed safety for speed. Professional brooms ought to be able to withstand all Bludger blows and an inquiry is already underway. Rumours that a posse of Nigerian warlocks is currently heading for the Thunderbolt Headquarters in Manchester, England, have not been confirmed.
-----
Stand between the Silver Crystal and the Golden Sea.
"Youngsters these days just have no appreciation for the magnificence of the legendary cucumber." --Krityan Elder, Tales of Vesperia.
Sport
04 June 2014
BRAZIL VERSUS WALES
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Brazil 460 - Wales 300
The first quarter-final of the tournament has proved to be the most contentious game so far this tournament, one which began in bad blood and ended in a brawl that saw Welsh manager Gwenog Jones dragged from the pitch by her own Beaters.
The Brazil-Wales grudge began in the early days of the tournament when Brazilian manager José Barboza allegedly called the Welsh Chasers 'talentless hags' over a few drinks with loose-lipped veteran journalist Rita Skeeter. His insistence that he had been joking did nothing to quell the ire of Welsh manager Gwenog Jones, who threatened to 'curse the face off' him. In spite of the ICWQC’s ban on 'managerial trash talk' - a ban that many believe to have been created with Gwenog in mind - Jones has missed no opportunity to belittle and insult the Brazilians ever since learning that her team would face them in the quarter-finals. She was even prevented from entering the stadium in an 'IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HAITI' T-shirt (Brazil passed into the quarter-finals when opponents Haiti were disqualified), so missed the opening ten minutes of the match, which were notable for the ferocity of play and three brutal fouls.
Brazilian Chasers Diaz, Alonso and Flores put in a solid performance and should be commended for keeping their heads when all about them were losing theirs - in the case of Keeper Raul Almeida, almost literally. The viciousness of the Bludger sent his way by Welsh Beater Iefan Rice (the Quaffle was at the other end of the pitch at the time) earned Brazil a penalty and arguably should have seen Rice sent off.
Nevertheless, Wales’s play was not confined to fouls. Few will disagree that Welsh Chaser Jackie Jernigan scored one of the tournament’s most stunning goals from a distance of fifty yards, while it is estimated that Beater Darren Floyd single-handedly prevented at least seventeen Brazilian goals.
Wales’s chances were finally dashed by a stunning Snitch capture by Brazilian Seeker Tony Silva, who performed a spectacular dive in the 131st minute of the match to seize victory from under his counterpart Eurig Cadwallader’s nose.
Gwenog Jones is in custody this evening, having attempted to make good her promise to curse off Barboza’s face in full view of a packed stadium. Healers report that Barboza’s skin has almost regrown, and he is said to be in excellent spirits. Brazil will face the winner of the USA versus Liechtenstein match in the semi-finals.
Sport
06 June 2014
BULGARIA VERSUS NORWAY
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Bulgaria 170 - Norway 20
In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, the Bulgarian side, who many considered lucky to have qualified, has ousted one of the joint favourites. Norway now fly home asking themselves how things could have gone so wrong, so quickly.
Bulgaria, whose first match was made considerably easier for them when New Zealand’s team was reduced to six after a sending-off, showed good form straight off the whistle. Nikola Vassileva was responsible for both of Bulgaria’s early goals, but Norway’s Lars Lundekvam soon equalised.
The end came almost without warning. Viktor Krum’s sudden descent looked like simple Bludger-avoidance and Norwegian Seeker Sigrid Kristoffersen not only neglected to mark him, but was actually looking the other way when Krum raised his right hand to show that he had secured a Bulgarian victory in the 42nd minute. Few will fail to sympathise with Kristoffersen, who flew directly to the ground and banged her head on it until dragged to her feet by Keeper Karl Wang. Krum, who has been written off by many journalists as too old and slow to compete at 38 years old, was borne from the pitch in triumph by fans.
Heartbroken Norwegian coach Oddvar Spillum had no comment for reporters, but broken sobs. There can be no doubt that this has been a deeply unlucky tournament for the usually outstanding Norwegians. However irrational it may seem, many fans blame the Selma, a Norwegian lake monster that the team brought as a mascot and which caused a bloodbath at the opening ceremony. The Selma is tonight hiding in a secret location.
Sport
08 June 2014
USA VERSUS LIECHTENSTEIN
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
USA 450 - Liechtenstein 290
If Muggles haven’t noticed the celebrations currently piercing the Patagonian night, we must assume that in addition to being non-magical they are also remarkably stupid. The USA is through to the semi-finals of the Quidditch World Cup and as I write this report, Argentinian officials are storming through both the supporters’ encampment and the players’ quarters, attempting to quell the kind of jubilation more commonly associated with the final.
The US has historically put up a poor show in international Quidditch, being the only country to have embraced the (frankly odd) game of Quodpot. Today marks the US’s maturation into a true force of the wizarding world’s most popular sport.
Though some may suggest that Liechtenstein entered the match at a disadvantage, having competed in a three-day epic against Chad, the team appeared fully recovered as they entered the stadium. Early play was fast and competitive with Quaffle possession almost equal. US Chaser Quentin Kowalski drew plaudits from all commentators for his deft weaving and rolling, although Liechtensteiner heart-throb Otmar Frick ('The Rugged Man of Ruggell') was the game’s top scorer with 16 goals.
Top plaudits must go to American Seeker Darius Smackhammer, who secured the US’s place in an historic semi-final in the 148th minute. His was a daring Snitch capture that involved a breakneck dash through the cross fire of both Bludgers and risked collision with hefty Liechtenstein Chaser Willi Wenzel to tweak the Snitch hovering near Wenzel’s left ankle.
Red, white and blue sparks are currently so thick in the air that it is both difficult to breathe or see. A harried official high in the ICWQC told the Daily Prophet shortly after the match: 'if this is what they do when they get into the semis, imagine what we’re facing if they reach the final. I’m thinking security trolls.'
Sport
08 June 2014
LATE BREAKING NEWS
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
High-spirited American fans celebrating their team’s historic triumph in the quarter-finals have kidnapped Hans, the Liechtenstein mascot. Hans, a large and gloomy Augurey (a rain-predicting, vulture-like bird), has gained a devoted fan following during the tournament. Liechtenstein coach and manager Ferdinand Jägendorf has issued the following statement: 'Das finden wir nicht lustig' ('we don’t find that funny').
Sport
09 June 2014
RETURN OF HANS THE AUGUREY
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
The Liechtenstein mascot is tonight back in his customised pen, but not before negotiations for his return reached the highest levels. Highly placed sources can confirm that the Liechtenstein Minister for Magic and the President of MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) exchanged terse owls concerning the whereabouts of Hans, who was kidnapped by enthusiastic American fans following their victory over Liechtenstein in the quarter-finals.
'We are delighted to report that this prank has ended in a friendly and cooperative fashion,' announced President Samuel G. Quahog, 'and trust that Hans is none the worse for his little adventure.'
'We are very pleased that the Americans have returned our beloved mascot,' said Minister Otto Obermeier. 'Magizoologists are currently keeping Hans under close observation for ill effects. If any are discovered we will of course lobby the ICWQC for the USA’s immediate disqualification from the World Cup.'
A harried ICWQC official responded: 'Look, we’ve had to perform mass Memory Charms on about 2000 Muggles living on the edge of the desert after the American celebrations last night, and don’t get me started on the planes. I’m not telling the Americans they’re going home. Not doing it. Just feed the bird some fairies and leave me alone.'
Sport
10 June 2014
JAPAN VERSUS NIGERIA
From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.
Japan 270 - Nigeria 100
A World Cup full of surprises yielded yet another this afternoon as the second of the tournament’s favourites crashed out of the competition, yielding to the might of a Japanese side that put in a near flawless performance.
This match ought to be remembered as the Battle of the Beaters, because these two outstanding Quidditch nations put on a veritable master class of Bludger work. The precision and creativity of shots hit by Okoye and Ojukwu on the one hand, and Shingo and Hongo on the other, framed the action, demonstrating that Beaters - so often caricatured as thugs with bats - can be artists, too.
The turning point of the game was undoubtedly the staggeringly powerful shot hit by Hongo, which smashed the tail off Nigerian Seeker Equiano’s broom. As Equiano span out of control, Noriko Sato soared through the middle of the action to seize the Snitch from the midst of distracted Nigerian players intent on saving their teammate. Japan pass into the semi-finals where they will meet Bulgaria.
The Nigerians have been riding the controversial Thunderbolt VII, a competitor to the Firebolt series, which many experts feel has sacrificed safety for speed. Professional brooms ought to be able to withstand all Bludger blows and an inquiry is already underway. Rumours that a posse of Nigerian warlocks is currently heading for the Thunderbolt Headquarters in Manchester, England, have not been confirmed.
-----
Stand between the Silver Crystal and the Golden Sea.
"Youngsters these days just have no appreciation for the magnificence of the legendary cucumber." --Krityan Elder, Tales of Vesperia.