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Developers World Championship: Match Report - Czech Republic v Scotland (Group F)

Radiant (Czech Republic) vs The Crystal Maze (Scotland)

Developers World Championship: Match Report - Czech Republic v Scotland (Group F)
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CZECH REPUBLIC Radiant (Hexage)

VS SCOTLAND The Crystal Maze (Dynamo Games)

There was a decidedly old school battle on offer in Group F's lunchtime kick off, with Hexage's homage to a host of arcade shooters hoping to revive the memories and spirit of a golden age of gaming.

On the opposite side of the pitch meanwhile, BAFTA award-winning developer Dynamo Games’ The Crystal Maze was an even more familiar face to TV viewers of a certain age, having made its debut running the TV channels in the ‘90s.

However, it remained to be seen whether either still had the legs to secure sufficient golden tokens and scoop all three points come the final whistle.

Kick Off: 12.30pm, 20th June

The critical view: Scotland had ridden roughshod over current World Champions, Italy, in its opening Group F match, so were brimming with confidence and relishing a physical challenge as the game kicked off.

The Crystal Maze’s influential coach, Mumsie, beckoned the team forward at every opportunity into the four key zones on the pitch. Only Radiant’s three difficult settings and 12 power-ups prevented the side from north of the border opening its account.

Somewhat irritatingly for neutrals, the TV show tie-in’s theme tune was repeatedly played over the ground’s tannoy (and you thought Vuvuzela's were bad!), simultaneously disturbing the Czech players and inspiring their Scottish counterparts.

Indeed, after 19 minutes of this audible onslaught, the OpenFeint integration unlocked a score for the Tartan Army as their balding striker rose like a salmon on the penalty spot and buried a downward header.

Having been handed ear-plugs in a desperate measure to drown out the din during the goal celebrations, Radiant duly turned up the volume on their own retro action and started to attack in waves with some positively glowing play. With a Bronze Award unearthed from the kitbag, the Bohemian boys carved open Scotland’s defence and equalised at the far post with a knowing nod to arcade gaming conventions.

Half time: Czech Republic 1 – 1 Scotland The Fans’ 45: After a lively first 45, it seemed like their respective ages might have finally caught up with the teams in the second half as the game dwindled on into a comparatively dull stalemate.

Neither The Crystal Maze's 12 mini games, nor Radiant's 60-odd levels could generate excessive heat from the respective sets of supporters.

This was doubly odd considering Scotland's obvious proximity to the stadium, although rumour has it that re-runs of a certain mazy dribble from 1978 were being shown throughout the night, which served to distract the nation from The Crystal Maze's plight.

Either way it was honours even as both sides departed with reputations intact and a great chance of making the knock-out stages.

Full time: Czech Republic 1 –1 Scotland Latest Group Tables - Fixtures & Voting - Squads

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Richard Brown
Richard Brown
With a degree in German up his sleeve Richard squares up to the following three questions every morning: FIFA or Pro Evo? XBox 360 or PS3? McNulty or Bunk?