World Cup Match
Before Bulgaria Team could adjust their strategy, Ireland Team's offensive became even more intense.
Toroi received the Quaffle from his teammate and quickly advanced with Hawkshead Attacking Formation. Bulgaria Beater Volkov and Volchanov Bludger hard, slamming the runners into the Ireland Chaser in an attempt to disrupt their rhythm. However, the Ireland Team coordinated well and easily avoided the Bludger ' impact.
In a short while, Conn scored again, instantly changing the score to 30-0, with Ireland Team taking a commanding lead. Mr. Weasley loudly reminded the children around him from the stands that the intensity of professional Quidditch Match was far more brutal than Hogwarts' intramural matches, and the competition between the two sides quickly reached a fever pitch.
Bulgaria Team, not to be outdone, launched a full-scale counterattack. Chaser Ivanova broke through the Ireland defense with his agile movement and almost scored, but was valiantly saved by Ireland goalkeeper Barry Ryan.
The Beater from both sides became completely unreserved in their confrontation. Volkov and Volchanov swung their bats without any regard for whether they would hit the opposing players, committing several malicious fouls. The Bludger across the field like a cannonball, making the situation increasingly tense.
Meanwhile, the audience's attention was involuntarily drawn to the two Seeker – Aidan Lynch from Ireland and Viktor Krum, a world-class Seeker from Bulgaria.
Krum rode his top-tier flying broomstick, the Firebolt, nimbly circling above the arena. His flying skills were steady and sharp, and his eyes were always keenly searching for the Golden Snitch's trail.
Lynch was equally determined, closely following Krum. The two occasionally engaged in brief chases in the air, but neither could spot the fleeting golden light.
Midway through the match, Bulgaria Team goalkeeper Zograf committed a serious foul, and referee Mustafa immediately blew his whistle, awarding Ireland Team two penalty kicks. Toroi calmly converted the penalty, further widening the score gap to 70-0, putting Bulgaria Team in a very passive position.
A conflict also broke out among the mascots on the sidelines, with Leprechaun making exaggerated hand gestures in the air to provoke the Bulgaria Veela cheerleaders.
Enraged, the Veela instantly shed her beautiful appearance and transformed into a ferocious bird-like monster, hurling fireballs at the Leprechaun. Ministry of Magic staff had to immediately enter the arena and separate the two mascots to allow the match to continue.
After the game restarted, Bulgaria Team committed more and more fouls. Dimitrov crashed into Moran, who was holding Quaffle, and almost knocked her off her broom. The referee made another call, and Ireland Team added 20 points with the free throw.
As the game progressed, Bulgaria Team finally found their form, with their Chaser cooperating more and more effectively, breaking through Ireland Team's defense one after another and successfully scoring a goal. The score gradually narrowed to 160-10, with Ireland Team still maintaining a huge lead.
Just when the entire audience thought Ireland Team would secure the victory, Krum suddenly accelerated, and the Firebolt drew a sharp arc in the air. Lynch immediately followed closely behind, and everyone realized— the Golden Snitch had appeared.
Krum pretended to spot the Golden Snitch and swooped down towards the ground. Lynch, eager to snatch the thief, followed without hesitation.
The two pilots flew faster and faster, getting closer and closer to the ground. The Ireland supporters in the stands gasped and held their breath.
Just as it was about to hit the ground, Krum suddenly pulled the broom, nimbly climbing upwards, while Lynch had no time to react and crashed heavily onto the grass, causing an uproar throughout the arena.
The medical wizard immediately entered the arena to provide emergency treatment to Lynch, forcing the match to be paused. During the pause, Krum continued to search intently for the Golden Snitch in mid-air, without letting his guard down.
After a short break, Lynch returned to the court, and the game continued. By this time, Krum had taken a clear advantage, his flight rhythm was steady, and he firmly controlled the initiative in finding the ball.
Not long after, the Golden Snitch reappeared, and Krum and Lynch simultaneously exerted their strength, rushing towards the Golden Snitch's direction.
This time, Krum didn't hesitate at all. With his extreme speed and accurate judgment, he reached out first and firmly caught the Winky Golden Snitch!
Referee Mustafa immediately blew the final whistle, ending the match.
According to Quidditch rules, catching the Golden Snitch earns 150 points. Bulgaria Team scored 150 points thanks to Krum's key play, bringing their total score to 160. Ireland Team, on the other hand, scored 170 points thanks to their early scoring.
Ultimately, Ireland Team won the Quidditch World Cup by a narrow margin of 10 points.
The emotions of the entire audience were intertwined. The Ireland team cheered and jumped for joy, Leprechaun formed a giant clover pattern in the air to celebrate their team's victory. The Bulgaria audience, though disappointed, also applauded Krum's brilliant performance.
Even knowing his team couldn't turn the tide, Krum still decisively caught the Golden Snitch, ending the game with a dignified defeat. This courage and skill earned him the respect of all the wizards present.
"Ireland Team has won!" shouted Bagman, a fan of the Ireland Team, seemingly bewildered by the sudden end of the match. "Krum caught the Golden Snitch —but Ireland Team won—Good heavens, Merlin's beard! Nobody expected this result!"
Ludo Bagman, holding the microphone imbued with Sonorus, excitedly announced the match results, then, as if suddenly remembering something, he collapsed under the table and fainted...
The Weasley twins also fainted. They remembered how Su Yu had earned over 2.8 million Galleon at a Quidditch World Cup, while the cost was a mere 20,000 Galleon...
The Hospital Wing staff rushed into the top-floor suite, shouting, and carried the unconscious Bagman and Weasley twins out.
Not far away, the Ireland Team danced joyfully in a shower of gold rained down by their mascot, their national flags fluttered throughout the stadium, and the Ireland national anthem resounded all around.
The Veela returned to their original beautiful, lovely, and elegant appearance, but now they hung their heads, looking very discouraged and disappointed.
"We fought bravely, didn't we?" a voice suddenly came from behind Harry.
Fudge looked around and finally realized that it was the Bulgaria Minister for Magic.
"You can speak English!" Fudge was furious. "But you made me play the clown all day!!"
"Hey, don't be angry, but it looks really fun, doesn't it?" The Bulgaria minister shrugged, looking nonchalant.