The Mellor Insurance Stadium is expected to be at full capacity when the Blouman Empire face Qazox in the most important match of the Empire's time on the international stage both before and after suspension. If the Eagles are able to win tonight it will represent a significant milestone in Blouman football history, the first time the Empire has successfully qualified for the World Cup, a loss of a draw of 2-2 or higher will see the Empire most likely participate in the Cup of Harmony should the FFB accept any invite from the hose nations.
With the hopes and dreams of millions of people who will be watching the game the team is starting to feel the pressure and experience a bout of nerves. It is understood that Robert Schmitz lashed out at fellow teammate George Cardol during a practice session over his playing style. It is also alleged that George Sinclair attacked Christopher Kovarch in the changerooms over a comment Kovarch made about George's missed tackle during the last game. Captain Baden Lakes was quick to squash these rumours "The allegations made about the team are false we are as close as we ever were while the stress of qualifying may have frayed some people's nerves there has been no players fighting amongst each other. Regardless of the accuracy of the reports the team are nervous about the game and the possibility that they may be apart of history is having an affect on players mental toughness.
In a pre match interview manager Sir Nathan Kolson spoke of his team's ability "Qazox is a strong side but the first match shows we are on the same level, we scored first and it was only by luck they managed to tie the game. While we are the underdog in this game I know that we will be able to win." On the team's apparent nervousness Sir Nathan was having none of it "Misrepresented stories by the people who should be supporting their fellow Bloumans, I expect every Blouman to be cheering us on to do so would be unpatriotic". It is expected at least 30 million Bloumans will be watching the most important game of the Empire's time, with scenes mirroring the U21 title win in the Di Bradini Cup with a number of open spaces televising the game live along with thousands expected to pack out bars all around the country. Tickets to the game sold out within 15 minutes and it is expected that the stadium will be full at 99,000 people. While odds are still showing Qazox qualifying the odds have significantly shrunk since the end of the first game giving many some hope that they are in with a chance to win.