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#51
Well, it's good to see that the governments of the Wizarding World are still jealously guarding their reputation for competence and capability -- so much so that they're not letting any of it out in the open where it might get lost.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#52
This may be a nod to the Hillsborough Disaster, where 96 Liverpool football fans were crushed during a riot, six minutes into the match. It happened 25 years ago, on April 15. I remember seeing footage of the riot on the news. It was ugly.
Ebony the Black Dragon
http://ebony14.livejournal.com

"Good night, and may the Good Lord take a Viking to you."
Reply
 
#53
And the followup:




Sport

13 April 2014


NORWAY VERSUS IVORY COAST








From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Norway 340 - Ivory Coast 100

Joint favourites in this year’s tournament, Norway today made short work of Ivory Coast, who were not playing at their often impressive best.

The last time these sides met, the game lasted for five days. Today, the final whistle was blown in a little over two hours.

Norway’s resolve and discipline was impressive given the level of hostility they faced from the crowd, many of whom were still bandaged following the Norwegian mascot’s behavior of yesterday. The match was twice halted whilst security wizards entered the stands to discover the source of jinxes sent at celebrated Norwegian Chaser Lars Lundekvam.

Ivoirian Chaser Elodie Dembélé, aged only 18, scored seven of Ivory Coast’s ten goals. Norwegian Seeker Sigrid Kristoffersen out-raced her counterpart Sylvian Boigny to take the Snitch in the 128th minute.








 
-----
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.
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#54
Here's some more:
NIGERIA VERSUS FIJI






From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Nigeria 400 - Fiji 160


Pity Fijian Seeker Joseph Snuka as he tries to justify his side’s bruising 400 - 160 defeat at the hands of tournament favorites Nigeria.

In the early stages of the game Fijian Beaters Quintia Qarase and Narinder Singh lacked the ferocity of their Nigerian counterparts Aliko Okoye and Mercy Ojukwu. The Bludgers did serious damage to the Fijian Chasers, who managed only a single goal during the first hour, compared with Nigeria’s forty.

To the bewilderment of commentators, the fury of Fijian supporters and the jeers of the Nigerians, Seeker Snuka chose to capture the Snitch in the 141st minute, when his team was trailing 400-10. While there is precedent for a Seeker choosing to catch the Snitch if so doing will minimize the margin by which their team are about to lose (the most famous recent occasion being Viktor Krum’s Snitch capture in the 1994 final), Snuka’s counterpart Samuel Equiano was some distance away when he chose to snatch the Snitch from the air. Snuka has previously been dubbed an egoist by teammates and today’s actions will do little to change his reputation.

Fijian manager and trainer Hector Bolobolo’s only comment after the match was 'I’m going to kill him.'

Nigeria will face the winner of the Japan versus Poland match.





BRAZIL VERSUS HAITI







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Brazil 100 - Haiti disqualified (90 + illegal capture of Snitch)

One of the oldest rules in Quidditch was violated in Haiti’s match against Brazil, resulting in the first disqualification of the tournament.

Haitian Keeper Lenelle Paraison (one of only three female Keepers flying this tournament) was forced to justify her selection again and again during the early hours of the game as Brazilian Chasers Diaz, Alonso and Flores made as many as thirty assaults on the hoops. That they scored only ten goals is testimony to Paraison’s agility and courage. Her nose was twice broken during the first sixty minutes, once by a ferocious Bludger mis-hit by her own teammate, Beater Jean-Baptiste Bloncourt.

At the other end of the pitch, star Haitian Chaser Clairvius Hyppolite was responsible for eight of his side’s nine goals. In spite of Brazil’s narrow lead in the fourth hour, many felt that the Haitian side was outplaying the Brazilians when Bloncourt made his second devastating mis-hit. The Haitian Seeker Sylvian Jolicoeur was within inches of capturing the Snitch when he was hit by another of Bloncourt’s poorly aimed Bludgers and knocked out cold. The Snitch then flew up Bloncourt’s sleeve, a rare but not unknown accident. 'Only the Seeker may capture the Snitch and any other player catching it will forfeit the game' is a tenet drummed into every schoolboy or girl who plays Quidditch, but Bloncourt appeared to lose his head at this point, wrestling the Snitch out of his undergarments and holding it up triumphantly as though this would indemnify him for the blunders he had made. Haiti was instantly disqualified.

Haitian Seeker Jolicoeur is making a good recovery. Beater Bloncourt is currently in hiding at an undisclosed location.

Brazil will face the winner of the Wales versus Germany match.



USA VERSUS JAMAICA







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



USA 240 - Jamaica 230 (under investigation)

Yet more controversy in Patagonia: the outcome of the USA versus Jamaica clash is under investigation due to the sudden collapse of Kquewanda Bailey, the Jamaican Keeper, who toppled from her broom shortly before US Chaser Quentin Kowalski scored their ninth goal.

Seconds after the referee successfully halted Bailey’s groundwards plummet with a well timed 'arresto momentum!' US Seeker Darius Smackhammer caught the Snitch ahead of Jamaican counterpart Shanice Higgins, resulting in a narrow victory for the United States.

The timing of Kquewanda’s sudden unconsciousness was so convenient that authorities are examining the possibility of crowd interference. Omnioculars from all over the stadium are being scrutinized for recorded evidence. The ICWQC has intimated that they will not be in a position to rule on the validity of the result until tomorrow.

An amendment to the rules of Quidditch in 1849 stipulates that if a member of the crowd casts any jinx or spell on a player, their team will automatically forfeit the match, whether or not the team ordered or approved of the magic performed.




USA VERSUS JAMAICA







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



USA 240 - Jamaica 230 (result officially confirmed)

Following an inquiry into the sudden (and, many felt, suspicious) collapse of Jamaican Keeper Kquewanda Bailey at a crucial point in yesterday’s match against the USA, Kquewanda is now confirmed to be suffering from an infected Sasabonsam (vampiric Nigerian mascot) bite, sustained during the opening ceremony. No crowd interference has been uncovered and therefore the USA will pass into the quarter-finals, where they will play the victor of the Chad versus Liechtenstein match.





LIECHTENSTEIN VERSUS CHAD







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Chad 140 - Liechtenstein 120 (on-going)

The longest match of the tournament so far is in its eleventh hour and players have broken for a short sleep. The two teams seem evenly matched, and every goal has been hard won against Beaters who on both sides are showing superb precision and power. The Snitch has been within catching range on three occasions but on each, well-hit Bludgers have prevented a resolution. Man of the match so far is undoubtedly Liechtenstein Chaser Willi Wenzel, who took two Bludgers to the head in the early stages of the game and still managed to score the third goal of the match from a distance of sixty yards.




LIECHTENSTEIN VERSUS CHAD







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Liechtenstein 260 - Chad 250 (on-going)

As the second day of this match limped to a close, players were beginning to show signs of severe fatigue. The Snitch was literally hovering above Chadian Seeker Jacques Miskine’s left eyebrow for five minutes before he noticed it, and even then his reactions were so slow it managed to make an escape. Liechtenstein Chaser Otmar Frick is believed to have literally fallen asleep on his broom shortly before play was stopped for the evening. Still too close to call, this match is turning into a true epic of the 2014 Quidditch World Cup.





LIECHTENSTEIN VERSUS CHAD







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Liechtenstein 470 - Chad 330

The end, when it finally came, was sudden and brutal. In the third day of the gruelling match, and with Chad just ahead on goals, exhausted Liechtenstein Seeker Bruno Bruunhart managed to grab the Snitch inches from the outstretched hand of Jacques Miskine. Both teams wept and embraced as they finally reached solid ground. All are now receiving medical treatment.
Liechtenstein will now face the USA in the quarter-finals.






BULGARIA VERSUS NEW ZEALAND







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Bulgaria 410 - New Zealand 170

New Zealand manager Charlie Baverstock proclaimed himself 'madder than a bloke who’s been locked in a box of Fwoopers' after Dennis Moon was sent off in the 106th minute. This loss was undoubtedly a crucial factor in New Zealand’s 410 - 170 loss to a Bulgarian side that many feel was lucky to qualify at all.

The mid-air collision of Chasers Moon and Bogomil Levski appeared accidental from many parts of the stadium. However, referee Georgios Xenakis was better positioned and judged that Moon had deliberately caused the crash. Whether or not Xenakis was influenced by rumors that Moon and Levski have a long-standing feud, his decision undoubtedly turned the match in Bulgaria’s favor.

Twice runners-up in the last fifty years, the current Bulgarian side showed flashes of inspiration as they racked up an impressive score against the six-strong Kiwis. Two players - Levski and Vulchanov - had fathers on the 1994 side that introduced an eighteen-year-old Viktor Krum to the world. One of the headline stories of the current World Cup is, of course, Krum’s re-emergence from retirement. At thirty-eight he is the oldest player in the competition, and has faced stiff criticism for taking the place of a younger player on what some have called 'sentimental' grounds. However, Krum’s capture of the Snitch ahead of twenty-one-year-old Ngapo Ponika unquestionably showed traces of his old brilliance, and delighted the Bulgarian supporters.

Bulgaria will play joint favorites Norway in the quarter-finals.






JAPAN VERSUS POLAND







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Japan 350 - Poland 140

A tight, well-fought game of Quidditch resulted in a well-deserved win for Japan, who emerged the victors with 350 points to Poland’s 140. The final score does not reflect Poland’s spirited and dynamic play, but the inexperience of this young side showed as they were put under considerable pressure by veteran Japanese Beaters Hongo and Shingo (recently voted second only to legendary 1994 Bulgarians Volkov and Vulchanov as all-time best Beater duo). Polish Seeker Wladyslaw Wolfke is one to watch: a daring and graceful flier, he was unlucky to miss the Snitch early in the game, and was only narrowly beaten to it in the 59th minute by the gifted Noriko Sato.

Japan will play joint favorites Nigeria in the quarter-finals.





WALES VERSUS GERMANY







From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Wales 330 - Germany 100

Germany versus Wales today gave a horrible reminder of the perils of Seekership. The Wronski Feint is a dangerous move whereby the Seeker pretends to have spotted the Snitch and performs a vertical dive, attempting to lure his or her counterpart into imitating them, pulling out at the last moment and leaving their opponent to crash. German Seeker Thorsten Pfeffer today attempted the life-threatening Feint with awful consequences, failing to pull out in time and colliding with the ground at what onlookers estimated to be sixty miles an hour. Healers flooded the pitch and Skelegro was administered at the scene. Thankfully, Pfeffer survived the match and manager Franziska Faust later told the assembled reporters that he is likely to make a complete recovery, although he has broken most of the bones in his body and currently believes himself to be a budgerigar called Klaus.

Welsh Seeker Eurig Cadwallader caught the Snitch eleven minutes after Pfeffer was stretchered off the field, but neither players nor crowd were in a celebratory mood, and only once she had heard that Pfeffer would survive did manager Gwenog Jones pronounce herself to be 'bloody delighted.' Her team will face Brazil in the quarter-finals.
-----
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.
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#55
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.
Reply
 
#56
Magical Congress of the United States of America, eh? Interestingly enough, chapter 4 has a little tiny bit of interaction with the American magical government, but in just rereading the passage I already have written, I'm not seeing an easy way to namedrop this new bit of canon, much as I want to.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
Reply
 
#57
There's also the rather interesting note that there is a President of the Magical Congress, something the current real Congress does not have, but that the Continental Congress did.
-----
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.
Reply
 
#58
I noticed that. I suspect that the Magical Congress is a direct descendant of the Continental Congress, and the Magical USA still runs under the equivalent of the Articles of Confederation, along with whatever extensions, tweaks and revisions have been added over the subsequent 2.4 centuries.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
Reply
 
#59
I have nothing to add to the political side of the discussion. I just wonder if Noriko Sato is any relation to the Noriyuki Sato who, according to the Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup videogame, was one of Japan's front three at the '94 Cup. My headcanon is that she's his daughter, but it'd be nice to have official confirmation.
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#60
Also, I assume "Welsh Beater Iefan Rice" is a hat-tip to Welsh Muggle actor Rhys Ifans (who, of course, played Xenophilius Lovegood in the Deathly Hallows movies).
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#61
Quote:Bob Schroeck wrote:
Magical Congress of the United States of America, eh? Interestingly enough, chapter 4 has a little tiny bit of interaction with the American magical government, but in just rereading the passage I already have written, I'm not seeing an easy way to namedrop this new bit of canon, much as I want to.
"I've just been on to the President of the Magical Congress.  Surprisingly pleasant chap, for a Yank.  He assures me this Sangnoir is not a member of the Secret Sorcery Service -- in fact, they've no record of him at all."
-----
Big Brother is watching you.  And damn, you are so bloody BORING.
Reply
 
#62
You're surprisingly close...
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
Reply
 
#63
Here's the three newest updates on the Quidditch World Cup:
Sport

02 July 2014


PLACE YOUR BETS WITH LUDO BAGMAN

The shock elimination of both favourites, Norway and Nigeria, has given the bookies plenty to smile about. Now Ludo Bagman, former England Beater and enthusiastic gambler, rates the chances of the semi-finalists still in with a chance of lifting the coveted trophy.

Brazil

Brazil has won the Quidditch World Cup five times, but the nineties and early noughties were generally considered wilderness years for this once great side. Manager José Barboza has reinvigorated the national game, bringing in younger players from every corner of the country. With an average age of only 22, this is the least experienced side remaining in the tournament.





Brooms: VarápidosTotal number of goals, first 2 rounds: 41Average time for Snitch capture, first 2 rounds: 131 minutes*Outstanding player, first 2 rounds: Alejandra Alonso (C)



Ludo's rating: 9/1

Their relative inexperience has not hampered the high goal scoring Brazilians thus far, but these young players may crumble as pressure mounts. They have plenty of talent, but might it be more realistic to expect a win in four years' time?

*Only one capture, due to Haiti's illegal capture in the first round.





USA

Nobody expected the USA's explosion into the final stages of the Quidditch World Cup. While they may have been lucky in the first round, where the collapse of Jamaica's Seeker allowed them to sneak a win, they showed their mettle in beating the well-favoured Liechtenstein team in the quarter-finals. Could this be the USA's moment?





Brooms: Starsweeper XXITotal number of goals, first 2 rounds: 39Average time for Snitch capture, first 2 rounds: 100 minutesOutstanding player, first 2 rounds: Darius Smackhammer (S)



Ludo's rating: 12/1

While impressed by the Americans' form against Liechtenstein, seasoned Quidditch-watchers remain unconvinced as to whether they have what it takes to lift the Cup. Their primary weakness is in defence. Keeper Susan Blancheflower let 23 Jamaican goals past her in the first round, and Beaters Pringle and Picquery will need to find better form if they are to beat the talented young Brazilian Beaters, Santos and Clodoaldo, in the next round.





Japan

Japan were widely expected to do well in this tournament, but the flair and attack they showed in dispatching joint-favourites Nigeria impressed all who witnessed it. Riding racing brooms developed in their home country and unveiled for the first time during the tournament, Japan boasts talented players in almost every position, but it is in defence that they are virtually untouchable. Hongo and Shingo replica Quidditch robes are now the fastest-selling pieces of merchandise at the tournament.





Brooms: YajirushiTotal number of goals, first 2 rounds: 32Average time for Snitch capture, first 2 rounds: 61 minutesOutstanding player, first 2 rounds:
Masaki Hongo (B) Shintaro Shingo (B)



Ludo's rating: 4/1

Japan must now be tournament favourites, dispatching opponents with a combination of ruthless efficiency and exquisite artistry.





Bulgaria

Nobody expected Bulgaria to proceed past the knockout round. While they have twice reached the final in the last twenty years, Bulgaria entered this tournament as outsiders, their team having narrowly scraped into the final sixteen. The selection of 38-year-old Viktor Krum was widely seen as made out of sentiment rather than on merit. Luck may have played a part in Bulgaria's first round win against New Zealand, but when Krum's early capture of the Snitch sent joint favourites Norway home from the tournament, many commentators were forced to eat their scathing words.





Brooms: Firebolt SupremeTotal number of goals, first 2 rounds: 28Average time for Snitch capture, first 2 rounds: 88 minutesOutstanding player, first 2 rounds: Viktor Krum (S)



Ludo's rating: 50/1

Bulgaria is attracting a lot of international support; partly for their underdog status and partly for the fondness Quidditch fans everywhere feel for a talented man who never achieved his life's ambition. But do Krum and his teammates really have what it takes to beat Japan in the semis? The answer, I fear, is probably not.





























Sport

04 July 2014


USA VERSUS BRAZIL










From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



USA 120 – Brazil 100 (on-going)

For the second time in this tournament, it looks like a game will run through the night – and possibly beyond.

If one word summarises this semi-final so far, it is: nerves. Careless errors have littered the match, undoubtedly because a place in the final means so much to both sides. The USA has already climbed higher in the tournament than they have ever managed before, and 2014 will mark their emergence as a major force in the sport. Meanwhile Brazil, a once-great side who have lost their way in recent years, are fighting for their first final since 1982. The stakes are high and it is perhaps not to be wondered at that players are showing signs of pressure.

We have seen more Quaffle drops than in any match so far, with US Chaser Mercy Wardwell so frustrated by her fifth fumble that she beat her head repeatedly against her broom handle until restrained by Seeker Darius Smackhammer. Yet Wardwell was not alone: even Fernando Diaz and Alejandra Alonso, two of Brazil’s finest, allowed the Quaffle to slip through their fingers twice apiece.

Several mis-hit Bludgers have injured the Beaters’ own teammates. When Lucas Picquery sent the Bludger into the face of Keeper Susan Blancheflower in the fourth hour of the game, she risked further injury by attempting to jump onto Picquery’s broom to remonstrate with him. Cautioned by the referee, Blancheflower was the next to make an elementary error when she came too far out of the scoring circle, allowing Alonso to slip past and sneak a goal that took Brazil ten points ahead, although not for long. Quentin Kowalski scored twice as night fell, giving the US a narrow lead, but this is still anyone’s game as darkness thickens.









 







Sport

05 July 2014


USA VERSUS BRAZIL









From the Daily Prophet’s Quidditch correspondent in the Patagonian desert, Ginny Potter.



Brazil 420 – USA 310

As the sun rose in Patagonia, two tired but determined teams seemed more focused and disciplined after a night of gruelling play. Here we saw the reason that both teams reached the semi-finals. Dynamic Quaffle play between two exciting Chaser trios could still have swung the match either way, but Brazilian Keeper Raul Almeida made all the difference, repeatedly repelling American assaults on the goal hoops.

Darius Smackhammer spotted the Snitch in the twentieth hour of the game, but a pair of precision hit Bludgers courtesy of Brazilian Beaters Santos and Clodoaldo drove him off course. The crowd rose as one as Smackhammer and Brazilian Seeker Silva raced each other, both sliding to the very handles of their brooms. As the pair spiralled towards the ground it was initially hard to see who had triumphed – Silva’s subsequent breakneck dash towards the scoreboard could have been suicidal or triumphant – but it was swiftly apparent that Brazil had won.

An epic semi-final has ended in thrilling style. Brazil will face either Japan or Bulgaria in the final, while the USA will play the loser to decide third place.









 
-----
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.
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#64
I want art of a Yajirushi; fan art will do nicely, thank you. (The name means "arrow" and I imagine it looking hella sleek.)
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#65
Rita Skeeter is still enchantingly nasty and still making "It would be irresponsible not to speculate" her watchword.
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#66
Yeah, I heard about that article -- it's been top-page news over on the CNN website for a couple days now. I really should finally mosey on over to Pottermore to read it.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#67
You can read in places other than Pottermore now.
Here is a link at Today.com
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#68
Cool. Thanks.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#69
For those of you who don't have the Daily Prophet open in a tab: eighteen or so minutes in, Ginny is reporting events on the pitch (Brazil have the Quaffle, but Bulgaria's Beaters are keeping them off the goal hoops) while the Beetle focuses on the human drama in the VIP box (Luna Scamander née Lovegood is passing out snacks to the rest of the DA).

EDIT, 37 minutes in: "And it's first blood to Brazil with a spectacular goal from [Gonçalo] Flores!" - Ginny
"Albus Potter has almost toppled out of the VIP box cheering his Quidditch hero. His uncle Ronald seized the back of his robes and saved him from what  would surely have been a death of international significance, spawning news stories across the wizarding world." - Rita, focusing on the important stuff as usual

EDIT 2: At 59 minutes in, "Bogomil Levski breaks through the Brazilian defence and equalises!"

EDIT 3, 83 minutes: "A sudden burst of quick-fire Quaffle passes has resulted in a brace of goals for Brazil, whose Chasers are tearing up and down the pitch. Gonçalo Flores has scored twice more and Fernando Diaz once, taking the score to 40-10."

EDIT 4, 103 minutes: "THE SNITCH HAS BEEN SIGHTED! With the score standing at 50-20 (following goals one minute apart from [Alejandra] Alonso and [Nikola] Vassileva) a flash of gold near the Brazilian hoops leads [Tony] Silva and Krum into a breakneck chase - Beaters and Chasers scatter - Krum is ahead but narrowly misses a capture - as the Snitch soars upwards, both Seekers appear to be dazzled by the brilliant Argentinian sun - the Snitch has disappeared again."

EDIT 5, 123 minutes: "Moments after Diaz lengthens Brazil's lead - 60-20 - Beater [Rafael] Santos hits Viktor Krum hard over the head with his bat. The referee is examining Omniocular footage to determine whether a foul has been committed. The game has been paused." Ginny explains to Rita that, no, the crowd are not groaning "in response to Ronald Weasley flagrantly and openly kissing his wife on the cheek." After 18 minutes, Quijudge Herman Junker rules no foul, Krum confirms no harm, and play resumes.

FINAL EDIT, 165 minutes: "KRUM'S GOT THE SNITCH! BULGARIA HAVE WON!" Final score: 170-60. "Rita Skeeter has been taken unaccountably ill with what some are calling a jinx to the solar plexus." ^__________^

REALLY FINAL EDIT to include some players' forenames and at least one more direct Skeeter quote than was strictly unnecessary.
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#70
(after reading the DA article) It's such a shame Doug won't be meeting Rita Skeeter. Terrible shame.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#71
Unless Doug has Granny Weatherwax's "know yourself" spell, it wouldn't make any long-term difference...
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012
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#72
Oh, there are things Doug could do that would make major long-term differences...
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#73
Quote:Bob Schroeck wrote:
(after reading the DA article) It's such a shame Doug won't be meeting Rita Skeeter. Terrible shame.
Awwww, and I was just about to beg for an assurance, even if it was a spoiler, that Doug would swat the Skeeter in some suitably humorous manner.
  
-----
Big Brother is watching you.  And damn, you are so bloody BORING.
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#74
Nah, Doug has a closer and much more visible toad-shaped target.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
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#75
That'll definitely and bodaciously do, chief. There is very little that can happen to Umbridge that she doesn't deserve. (I say "very little" because I'm not sure she specifically deserved being... shall we say "stampeded"? ...by the centaurs, but some comparable humiliation was very much in order.)
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