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After various inquests, requests, formal complaints and slightly bullying, a match was arranged at the Summerhouse of Love. A Fifa match to be exact, lasting 90-minutes, with the standard 15-minute half-time break. In fact, this match had so many details that ran parallel with professional football, it was at times hard to even distinguish between fiction and reality. The atmosphere was set and although all potential members of the crowd had declined their invitations, I could tell all eyes were on this showdown - the second of its kind.

The Game
Fifa 2004 was originally intended to be the platform for us to shine on. Being the most up-to-date version of the football series, it made sense. Jack had a copy we could ~~steal~~ borrow and run on the PS2, it was all fine. That was until Ryan surprised me with the information that 2004 pretty much blowed. I'd never played it, but instead of taking his word for it, I decided to rent it from Choices anyway and take it along. Thankfully, I also decided to take 2001, which turned out to be a good decision.

I placed 2004 into the PS2/Projector setup and slipped seamlessly into an Ipswich/Norwich friendly match. The graphics were good and even crisp on the wall of the summerhouse, we agreed that it was a worthy game to play. That was until we found out those bastards at EA had chosen NOT to include a 45-minute half option, for the first time I've ever known, and I was heartbroken. However, 2001 had always served well in the past, and was of course used for the very first TON FIFA match, so after some very quick setting checks, we were away.

The Refreshments
I'm struggling to remember there being any food on offer for the big game. I'd brought round a 6-pack of Dr Pepper to address the question of thirst, but the nibbles were strangely conspicuous in their absence. Of course, this wasn't about the food, it was a test of man against man and there will be no excuses.

The Teams
Argentina Vs. Italy
Naturally, Italy were my first choice, more stylish than Brasil and more flamboyant than either England or France - classic underachievers that only the greatest manager can put right - yeah that's me. I knew with a partnership up front including Del Piero and Vieri, I wouldn't have any problems scoring goals, and the world's best keeper Buffon would do his best to stop Argentina scoring.

The 'tina was a good choice from my opponent Kenneth. They can score goals from all over the park, with midfield offensive prowess coming from Veron and Aimar as well as goalscoring legend Gabriel Batistuta starting up front, it was going to be hard to stop them. I knew my strategy had to be all out attack - stay one goal ahead if possible at all times, and that is what I went for.

The Match
The game began with the teams very even. Although I took a 2-0 lead after only 8 minutes, Kenneth was soon back on level terms. The tide really changed for the first time at 3-3. In the next 5 minutes, Vieri scored 3 times and gave me the first big lead of the game. Obviously desperate to stop me pulling further ahead, it was all out attack from Kent and Argentina. This left them weak at the back as they pushed forward, using this to my advantage I was able to maintain the 3 goal lead up to 8-5. Batistuta scored before finally feeling the referees wrath for the high tempo match, and being sent off.

Unfortunately I was unable to capitalise by quickly conceding a penalty and allowing Argentina back in the game. This was a criticial point, and I believe if it had been an Italian goal after 30mins instead of Argentina, the game may not have ended as close as it was.

It went all the way to the end, with Argentina having a second man sent off and super-substitute Veron netting 4 goals in a row. However, in the end it just wasn't enough as Vieri netting 2 goals in the last 3 minutes to bring Italy level and then to finally score the winning goal on 90mins. Man of the match? Surely Vieri after scoring 15 goals and managing not to end up in the dressing room from a red card.

Final Score: Argentina 20, Italy 21

Written by Jay