Developers World Championship: Match Report - Holland v Japan (Group E)

HOLLAND Toki Tori (Two Tribes)

VS JAPAN Street Fighter IV (Capcom)

Having recorded impressive first round wins, both Holland and Japan were justifiably bullish about their chances in today’s Group E clash.

In the orange corner cutesy platform puzzler Toki Tori, by Dutch developer Two Tribes, had been tasked with maintaining the successful rhythm generated by Pulse: The Game’s imperious performance against Denmark.

Standing more than a fighting chance in Japan’s corner, meanwhile, was legendary beat-em-up from videogame behemoth Capcom, Street Fighter IV. The ageless warrior aimed to emulate compatriot Taito’s success on Monday with another arcade classic, Space Invaders Infinity Gene.

Would Ryu, Abel, Dhalsim, and co. have too much Guile in their locker for the Orange Army, or could Two Tribes’ platformer prove the Dutch were far from chicken on the big occasion.

Kick Off: 12.30pm, 19th June

The critical view: Waddling onto the pitch first, Two Tribe's feathered line-up may not have looked terribly imposing, but having earned its spurs on Game Boy and Wii, Toki Tori’s basic control and unique gaming mechanics did for Japan in the early stages.

Between the sticks on his national team debut, Ken was caught off-guard by the host of weapons available to the cute, wee chicken, and the red keikogi-clad goalie was beaten to the punch unforgivably at his near post.

The Japanese were soon back on their feet though, counter-attacking with some lovely combos in the midfield and switching the play through captain Ryu who demonstrated the slickest multi-touch on Adidas’s official fireball.

Clearly, the pre-tournament Dojo boot camp set up by Japan’s management was having the desired effect, as the team’s wonderful graphics and customisable button placement created an opportunity for chubby frontman Eddie Honda to slap in an equaliser in the 34th minute.

Tit-for-tat, the match continued at a furious rate as Japan and Holland's very different styles clashed, exchanging seven environments and four worlds respectively. The action only paused briefly for a booking and a nasty blood injury after Blanka's animal instincts got the better of him.

Half time: Holland 1 – 1 Japan The Fans’ 45: Seemingly unmoved by Toki Tori's 80 levels and polished presentation, the normally conspicuous Dutch crowdfailed to materialise in the expected numbers.

By contrast, and despite its limited single-player mode and lack of online connectivity, Street Fighter IV's eternal appeal attracted sufficient support to conjure up one final, incisive chance.

Counter-attacking at the speed of a Sonic Boom, the Bluetooth head-to-headed a ball back across the box which was dispatched by Chun-Li's spinning bird kick into the bottom corner. Victory was Japan's.

Full time: Holland 1 – 2 Japan Latest Group Tables - Fixtures & Voting - Squads

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