-Quidditch World Cup International Match – Italy vs. Greece-

Fans were especially excited for this match, as these two teams have a historic rivalry (which I believe began when long ago Seeker Cavallo insulted the Greece’s mascot’s garment in order to distract Seeker Dellis and capture the snitch) and was certain to be a very exciting game. Both sides of the stadium were spectacularly decked out in the two team’s colors, and it appeared that a couple  of the more enthusiastic fans of Italy had upside-down hats filled with spaghetti for the occasion, and a few Ministry wizards on hand had to confiscate them when they started to shoot meatballs at the Greek team.

The match  started out extremely well matched, with both teams playing their hardest, and superb flying on the part of both teams. Notably, Greek Beaters Alex Anastos and Dimitris Delis were incredibly accurate and struck hard and fast multiple times, causing Italian Chasers Paolo Ricci, Mariana De Luca, and Antonio Costa to execute a number of fancy loop de loops and sudden swerves to avoid the speeding bludgers directed at their heads. The Chasers had been playing a very even game, with the Quaffle changing hands too rapidly for either team to score, so the Keepers hadn’t needed to do anything yet. One particularly well-aimed hit by Beater Anastos managed to glance off Costa as he dodged, and he was almost knocked off of his broom, but managed to hold on with a quick execution of the Sloth Grip Roll.

This, however, fired up the Italian Beaters Marino and Rossi, and they began to aim with renewed energy, Rossi hitting one straight at Greek Chaser George Andreas, who was forced to leave the field for the medics tent with a couple broken ribs, and a reserve player went on for him. This, however, messed up the Greek Chasers’ strategies and teamwork, the the Italian trio continued to work together seamlessly, weaving through the opposing team and scoring five times, only one of which Keeper Vasilis blocked. From then on, the Greek team’s game fell apart, and Seeker Catherine D’Angelo caught the snitch before Seeker Anthony Michaels even noticed it had been see, preoccupied with dodging Marino and Rossi’s continued attempts to knock him off his broom.

Beater Anastos, captain of the Greek team, had this to say at the end of the match:

“We could have played better, and Italy took advantage of our being down a player. We’ll win next time.”

Seeker D’Angelo, captain of the Italian team, had a slightly more sporting message at the end of the game:

“I’m glad our team was able to be rewarded for all of our practicing, I’m very proud of all of my teammates. Good game, Greece!”

All in all, it was an exciting match, with talented flying and plays all around. Good game, indeed.

-Misty Swanson