2018 Quidditch World Cup

Week One Bracket

Game 1 - Singapore v. Japan

Many expected this to be a boring match, as Japan had breezed through their Qualifiers while Singapore just barely made the cut with a late win against Portugal. Despite that, Singaporian fans were in high spirits at the start of the game, trying to out-cheer the much larger group of Japanese fans in the stadium. The game was off to a quick start, with Singapore surprisingly on the offense, scoring two goals before the Japanese got into the game. It became a fast-paced match after that, the Chasers of both teams giving it their all. Japan's Beaters however turned the tide, especially the notorious Hongo slowing down Singapore's attacks. At 90 to 40 Japan's Noriko Sato's sudden dive gained her the snitch before Singapore's Seeker Liu Yi even had the chance to react. Afterwards the teams exchanged bows, with supporters of both countries cheering for the effort put in by the Singaporian Team.

Final Score: Japan wins 240 - 40.

Game Two - Ireland v. Morocco

Going into this game there was no clear favorite to win. Both teams ranked in the middle of the pack and had nearly identical records before the World Cup. Fans of both teams were present in abundance at the London Stadium, but the Irish had a clear majority due to their proximity. Sparks flew and a horn sounded to signal the start of the game as both teams fought valiantly to secure their place in the next round. The Drunken Twist, Ireland's signature attack, devastated Morocco's Seeker and it was all downhill for the team from there. It was only a matter of time before the Irish Seeker, Red John, caught the Snitch and secured victory against their foes. London's pubs were inundated with celebrating Irish as the Moroccans were sent packing.

Final Score: Ireland wins 220 - 80.

Game Three - Wales v. Kazakhstan

Wales, a seven time World Cup winner, was the clear favorite in this game against Kazakhstan, who had played a fabulous Qualifiers, but were obviously the underdog in this match-up. It was clear that it would be hard match for them, especially since only around a hundred Kazakh supporters had come to see their team play, the sport still unpopular in the country despite their Team's sudden success. A roar broke out among the Welshman when the whistle blew, Welsh Chaser Jackie Jernigan immediately taking possession of the Quaffle. Kazakh Keeper Karim Tokayev prevented a goal however, as he would many more for the next nine hours. It was the game of their lifes for the Kazakh Team, as they rose to the Welsh Team time and time again. Finally, Zhanar Aitimova grabbed the Snitch right in front of the Welsh Seeker's nose! The stadium was pandemonium for minutes after, with Officials having to call disgruntled Welsh fans to order.

Final Score: Kazakhstan wins 360 - 210.

Game Four - Poland v. Brazil

1582. Why is this number important? It's the last year that Poland won the Quidditch World Cup. No living fans from Poland have seen their team win despite centuries of history. Seers from Poland predicted that this was their year and everyone was amazed to see the team qualify for the cup this year. Their players were full of heart and the entire country of Poland seemed to be in attendance at London Stadium. Brazil was a good team and had won a few cups in recent history. Their fans were excited because Japan was supposed to be in this cup, and that was their big rival. Brazil has never defeated Japan in what many call a cursed history. As far as round one went, this was one of the most crowded games. Once the game actually kicked off, Poland seemed to have the advantage. Their chasers used the famous Polish Lance to score the first goal of the match! Crowds erupted but it was short lived. Poland did not score a single goal after that in what was a short game. Brazil's seeker quickly caught the snitch and ended the game at the 45th minute. The hope of Poland was over within forty five minutes.

Final Score: Brazil wins 190 - 10.

Game Five - Seychelles v. USA

The stadium was a loud roar throughout the Seychelles versus United States game. In Seychelles the game of Quidditch is extremely popular and the fans at this game nearly outnumbered the rival USA fans who greatly outnumber most countries in overall population. The United States took a quick lead, with Chaser and Captain, Eric Powell scoring twelve goals in a row. Luck seemed against the Seychelles team, but as the game raged on they quickly gained some footing. Nearing the end, both teams were neck and neck with no change in sight, and it was the catching of the Snitch that determined the win to Seychelles. The crowd was un-containable afterwards with crazed Americans who called cheats and amazed and proud Seychelles fans who could barely believe the win.

Final Score: Seychelles wins 230 - 90.

Game Six - New Zealand v. Burkina Faso

This game was a rather violent match as two time Quidditch World Cup winner, New Zealand, despite their over 100 year loss, played the one time 2006 winner Burkina Faso. A relatively unheard of country that appears to do rather well in the game of Quidditch. Burkina Faso started out in the lead, but New Zealand with their ravenous beaters soon gained some much needed points. During one play the Burkina Faso chaser, Alexandre Kabore had the ball and was racing towards an open goal when New Zealand Beater, Mason Scott, hit a bludger that blasted Alexandre in the temple, knocking him off his broom and straight into the dirt. He was quickly shuffled off the field and his status is yet to be known. Luckily for Burkina Faso, the snitch was caught just moments after the incident, giving them the win.

Final Score: Burkina Faso wins 340 - 200.

Game Seven - South Africa v. Bulgaria

The rumors of the Bulgarian team having some mishaps behind the scenes, seems to have been confirmed in this game. Although they made their way through the qualifiers, the daunting task of playing in the World Cup may have set the Bulgarians off. Their plays against the South African team continued to falter throughout the game with mass miscommunication between players. The Bulgarian team, though still a skilled nation, carried themselves through many hours of the game. However they were eventually overtaken by the South African team when their seeker, Imka Niadoo, captured the snitch and won the one hundred and fifty points.

Final Score: South Africa wins 440 - 280.

Game Eight - Malawi v. Moldova

The Malawi versus Moldova game broke a Quidditch World Cup record for shortest game played. It took the Moldova Seeker, Iana Russu, a shocking thirty six minutes to catch the snitch. Russu throughout the qualifiers has been a rising star seeker and has broken records for her catches within her home country. It will certainly be exciting to watch her throughout this competition. Malawi only had the chance to score one goal before the game was ended, eliminating them from another chance at the Cup.

Final Score: Moldova wins 150 - 10.

Game One - Japan v. Ireland

With Japan playing Ireland in the first match of the Quarter-Finals this game became an instant fan favourite. Cards were sold out three hours after the match-up had been announced and the stadium consequently crowded with spectators. Spirits were high with fans of both teams as well as the part of the crowd that had simply come to watch an amazing Quidditch game. Kickoff was fast, with Irish Chaser Moran - yes, he's the son of that Moran - stealing the Quaffle and scoring the first goal 22 seconds into the game. Despite the superb action happening on the field however, the stars of this match were the two Seekers, Red John and Noriko Sato. John's aggressive, bodily style of flying made it hard for Sato, who lost the advantage time and time again when he disrupted her dives. Finally, after six hours of non-stop action, John pushed Sato aside in what many call a foul, only to be knocked off his broom by a Bludger from Japanese Beater Hongo. Sato caught the snitch seconds later to end the game.

Final Score: Japan wins 370 - 230

Game Two - South Africa v. Moldova

A sure win for the South African team, as the stands assumed with the extremely differing crowds. South Africa fans we numerous and energetic, while the Moldova fans were much less, although just as excited. The game started quick with Moldova recovering the ball. The teams were back and forth before the first goal was scored with the aid of a bludger hit by the South African team hitting a Moldovian beater in the nick of time. From that goal forward, the Moldovians went downhill in their skill, and the game was won when the snitch was caught, giving South Africa the win into the semifinals.

Final Score: South Africa wins 430 - 320

Game Three - Kazakhstan v. Brazil

The London Quidditch Stadium was full and abuzz for the entirety of this exciting game. The match itself took over four hours, despite Brazil's overwhelming scoring. The Kazakhstan team seemingly had no chance against the very skilled chasers. Finally, though, Brazil caught the snith giving them an extra, and uneeded, 150 points, wnding the game. Just a second later Kazakhstan scored a final time, not that it counted or mattered, but it did give the crowd a good laugh.

Final Score: Brazil wins 870 - 120

Game Four - Seychelles v. Burkina Faso

Seychelles and Burkina Faso seemed a perfect match, as all throught the game the scores were incredibly close, with the lead switching between the teams rapidly. Such an event out the crowd in a dizzy and extremely focused, the entire stadium was near silent for the majority of the match. However, everything had to end, and it was Burkina Faso that caught the snitch, giving them the supposed win. However, unfortunately for the Burkina Seeker, he seemed to have dozed off when it came to paying attention to the scoreboard. As just before his catch, the Seychelles team had started a masterful run, scoring point after point. They ended up winning, despite the snitch points going to the other team.

Final Score: Seychelles wins 340 - 330

Game One - Japan vs. South Africa

Despite both countries being war from British soil, the stadium was packed with Japanese and South African fans for this highly anticipated match. Ever since their win over 2014 World Cup winner Bulgaria, South Africa rode on a high and spectators had huge expectations for this match-up. Despite this the game remained goalless for the first half an hour, with neither the Japanese nor the South African team giving an inch on each other. It was the Japanese beaters Nakamura and Hongo who again turned the tide. About an hour into the game it became apparent that the South Africans couldn't keep up with their constant pressure and the Japanese began to get a lead. It was Imka Niadoo who spotted the snitch first and started to race for it. Unfortunately she didn't take those beaters into account and was hit in the shoulder by a vicious bludger from Nakamura. Japanese seeker Noriko Sato easily caught the snitch while South Africa's reverse seeker made his way onto the field.

Final Score: Japan wins  370 - 150.

Game Two - Brazil vs. Seychelles

What a game this was! This six and a half hour match is already a classic in World Cup history. Brazil, the favoured team, set on meeting Japan in the finale and finally beating their curse of loosing to the Japanese, brought their best players to the field while underdog Seychelles vowed to give it their all - and give it their all they did. Their keeper Vincent Belmont was in amazing condition, blocking shot after shot of the admittably more talented Brazilians. He gave his team's chasers enough breath to actually even out the score time and time again, until the Seychelles were actually leading the game. In the end it was the seekers who decided the game in chase around the outer ring of the stadium, diving low and brushing the heads of the spectators more than once. Finally the Brazilian seeker Luiz Maia snatched the snitch from within the grasp of the poor Seychelles seeker for the Brazilian win.

Final Score: Brazil wins 540 - 400.