THIRTEEN action-packed days, 60 games, and just four proud countries left standing.
The 2014 International Cup titles will be on the line today when PNG and Ireland go head-to-head at the MCG (4.50pm) and Ireland and Canada Northern Lights contest the women’s decider at Punt Road Oval (2.10pm).
Twenty one teams from 18 separate countries have been vanquished over the past fortnight with only the very best remaining.
Both the men’s and women’s Irish teams are undefeated at the Championships and appear on track to defend the titles won in 2011.
But their opponents have never been tougher.
A record nine Canada Northern Lights players were selected in the Women’s Wold Team, with midfield star Amy Legault named captain.
Forwards Kirsten Bodashefsky and Kendra Heil have alos enjoyed stellar tournaments and will need to be watched closely if the Irish Banshees hope to prevail.
The Irish charge will be led skipper Laura Corrigan who shared the Women’s Player of the Tournament award with Legault.
The Men’s decider, which is the curtain raiser to the Hawthorn v Geelong blockbuster, is tipped to be even closer with the height and aerial supremacy of the Ireland Warriors pitted against the speed and power of the fleet-footed PNG Mosquitoes.
Ireland skipper Mick Finn has already been named captain of the 2014 World Team, won the Men’s Player of the Tournament award and can add a second IC trophy with a win today.
The giant ruckman has been unstoppable over the past fortnight, as has agile key forward Padraig Lucey.
Despite dominating the highly fancied New Zealanders in the first semi-final, PNG has its share of concerns ahead of today’s clash.
Captain John James is nursing an injured hamstring and the tournament’s leading goal kicker Amua Pirika is in doubt with knee soreness.
The pair were crucial to the Mosquitoes’ victory over the Kiwis with James poised and relentless off half back and Pirika providing an endless highlight reel up forward.
Tough on-baller Gideon Simon and ruckman John Ikupu also loom as crucial players.
Speaking after the semi-final victory, James said his side was desperate to avenge the loss suffered to Ireland in the 2011 Grand Final.
“It’s a new side compared to 2011 and we’ve got a young group as well but for me it would be great a great feeling to win the title after the disappointment last time,” James said.
“Ireland are a very tall team but we know their strengths so we just need to run the ball, stick our structures and take the game on.”
James said an unexpected loss to South Africa during the preliminary rounds, the teams that ultimately lost to New Zealand in the battle for third spot, was a turning point.
“Our mindset wasn’t right and we were lucky to get a second chance but we went back and regrouped and played our best game against New Zealand.”
Members from other teams who finished their tournament at Royal Park in yesterday’s Division 1 and Division 2 play-offs will also get a chance to play on the hallowed turf of the MCG today with a series of AFL 9s game to be held at half time of the AFL match.
Follow @AFLIC14 on twitter for live updates
