Goalkeeper Cole MacGrath suffered a World Cup nightmare as the MediaKick Gaming Squad were forced to settle for a disappointing draw in the opening game of their campaign against Dreamworks. Gordon Freeman gave manager Mario the perfect start to this South African mission when he slid Tag’s pass beyond Master Shifu after only four minutes. Nathan Drake’s pass was out of Chun-Li’s long-legged reach, but Tag played in Freeman to score with the outside of a crowbar. While MediaKick rarely hit the heights that perhaps they were expecting, they maintained their advantage until the 40th when InFamous’ MacGrath had a rare moment of madness. Master Tigress took a shot that should have been an easy claim for the keepter, but MacGrath, rather than getting his body behind the ball as usual, attempted to shock the ball using his unique talent. However, he not only hopelessly missed the ball, but also charred the pitch – and thus receiving a fine from FIFA – before watching the ball to roll agonisingly over the line as he tried to recover.

MediaKick had opportunities to repair the damage, but Tag once again illustrated his limitations of his short stature by shooting poorly at Shifu on numerous occasions. However, utilising his ability to switch kits and therefore constantly confusing the opposition, Tag justified his inclusion in the starting line-up with some great connecting play. Chun-Li, who had a poor game by her own high standards, shot just wide, while substitute Dante, on for the under-par Sevchenko after only 30 minutes, saw his angled drive saved by Shifu.

MacGrath got the nod in-goal but must now fear for his place against Pixar, while Tomas Sevchenko looked far from fit following a recent bust-up with some Helghast. Heihatchi Mishima, whose fitness and age was the subject of extreme debate after his late inclusion, lasted only 45 minutes before bumping into an old Iron Fist opponent at half-time, which turned rather unsavoury and forced him off for the second half. It exposed a glaring lack of pace in MediaKick’s central defence, which was almost punished when The Missing Link, dodging his attacks, raced past substitute Bowser with embarrassing ease only for MacGrath to begin to piece together his career with a stunning save.

Mario, unconvinced by Donkey Kong’s fitness after a weekend of barrel tossing, chose MacGrath ahead of the inexperienced Sackboy. Questions will surely be raised of the Manager after several key tactical mistakes before and during the game. MediaKick’s first-half performance was undistinguished, failing to build on Gordon Freeman’s fourth minute goal. Dreamworks were allowed the luxury of plenty of possession, and MediaKick almost paid for their generosity when Master Monkey’s inviting cross was headed tamely wide by The Missing Link. Sev, given his chance despite being his midweek confrontation, was off the pace and picked up a booking for drawing a weapon on Alex before being replaced by Dante on the half-hour.

MediaKick simply ran out of ideas as they tired – leaving Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks side to celebrate a hard-earned point.

MediaKick: 12 Cole MacGrath, 02 Marcus Fenix,03 Cloud Strife, 06 Kratos, 05 Master Chief, 04 Gordon Freeman (C), 07 Sonic, 08 Nathan Drake, 16 Sev, 10 Chun-Li, 21 Tag.

Dreamworks: 01 Master Shifu [C], 03 Po, 05 Puss in Boots, 06 Alex, 15 Wallace, 04 Skipper, 08 Master Tigress, 13 Shrek, 10 Master Monkey, 17 The Missing Link, 20 Toothless.