Developers World Championship: Match Report - Hong Kong v Australia (Group D)

HONG KONG Alive 4-ever (Meridian)

VS AUSTRALIA Fruit Ninja (Halfbrick)

In a similar (bloody) vein to Canada’s squad player Zombie Attack!, Meridian’s top-down, two stick shooter, Alive 4-ever, was spotted drifting aimlessly along the corridors of Pocket Gamer’s iconic arena in the hours leading up to kick off.

Bemused stadium staff questioned whether the Hong Kong side had bitten off more than it could chew in the shape of Australia’s slice ‘em up, mini-game, Fruit Ninja.

Until Halfbrick launched its lethal finger slasher onto the iPhone recently, the world had assumed that Google was the sworn enemy of Apple. Not so now, for on this evidence, at least, shaolin masters have it in for every fruit of the loom, including your Mum’s prized Granny Smiths.

To be a survivor today and therefore last longer than The Karate Kid’s fruit bowl, the Hong Kong hero would need more than just the Eye of the Tiger.

In fact, if Alive 4-ever was to stand any chance in this Group D face-off, one or two meaty challenges would probably be needed from the outset.

Kick Off: 3pm, 19th June

The critical view: And so it transpired. Meridian’s four-pronged attack worried the life out of Australia’s fragile full-backs for the majority of the first 45, fashioning and finishing a wonderful chance thanks to the smart co-op mode over Bluetooth and wi-fi. 1-0 then to the Asian zombie survivors after 17 pulsating minutes.

If anything, the game became even more physical after that.
Borderline X-rated tackles and bullets from Alive 4-ever's wide arsenal were judiciously aimed at the fleshy parts of Fruit Ninja.

The Italian officials were struggling to maintain effective control of this bloodbath, med kits supplied by the Hong Kong physio often being thrown on willy-nilly mid-game to treat injuries.

Amidst the mayhem, the Hong Kong elect roamed free and unopposed along the inside right channel, and clutching its Gold Award in hand, launched a rocket into the onion bag.

The Australian bench remained calm throughout and, under the watchful and imploring eye of their Ninja Sensei, began to work their combos and achievements in midfield.

Yet another brutal challenge from Meridian's zombies left the Aussies with a free kick in a dangerous position and up-stepped the nimble ninja to smash home a sensational banana shot. This was still anyone's game.

Half time: Hong Kong 2 – 1 Australia The Fans’ 45: The Asian island had approached the contest like a team possessed, and its fans followed suit urging the team forward from the second half whistle.

The players responded in kind and just 30 missions after the restart Alive 4-ever had extended its lead by no less than three stunning goals. Left leg, right leg, head - all were employed by the Hong Kong striker for a classic hat-trick and indeed several were actually left behind in the goal-mouth.

Meridian's app had literally given its all, spilling blood and guts for the cause and Halfbrick's heroes ultimately had no answer but to return to camp and lick their (multiple) wounds in preparation for the decisive final match-up.

What a game. What a tournament.

Full time: Hong Kong 5 – 1 Australia Latest Group Tables - Fixtures & Voting - Squads

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