THE sun emerged early on Wednesday morning, setting the scene for a highly entertaining day of action in Round 2 of the 2014 AFL International Cup.

Under clear skies, the Pakistan Shaheens went searching for their first ever International Cup victory against a lightning quick Japan.

But after succumbing to the might of PNG in the opening Round, the Samurais set about proving their football credentials on Western Oval.

A dominant opening quarter by the fleet-footed Japanese saw them head to the first break four goals clear.

The Shaheens dragged themselves back into the contest in the second half but the damage had already been done.

Just metres away on Ransford Oval and the USA Freedom (Women’s) team hit their straps to comfortably overcome the Midnight Suns (Canada).

Canada’s Number 1 Women’s team, the Northern Lights, responded by putting the USA Development team (Liberty) to the sword in the following match.

Wrapping up the Women’s draw for the day was Ireland’s hard fought win over a bruising Tonga team.

The results leave the Northern Lights and Ireland undefeated after two matches and headed for a must-see show down on Monday.

While the two Women’s games were unfolding, so too was the competition’s best game to date.

Nauru and Great Britain appeared on paper a flip of the coin and for the best part of three quarters so it proved.

Nauru’s strength and power were put to the test but with the cheers of a large contingent of fans, the Chiefs edged ahead to claim a 21-point win.

The end-to-end contest had it all but was a mere entrée to the feast served up by USA and Canada in the final match of the day.

In the meantime, Sweden claimed bragging rights over close neighbours Finland and South Africa shrugged off Tonga.

Across the city, New Zealand put their foot down against China at the Linen House Centre in Seaford, the home of the St Kilda Football Club, while back at Royal Park Ireland proved a class above France, and Fiji and PNG enjoyed a similar dominance of Indonesia and India respectively.

But in the fading light, with the warmth of the afternoon sun all but a distant memory, the crowd gathered for the clash of the North American arch rivals.

And the wait was well and truly worth it.

In a game of hundred counter punches, the USA threw the final blow but not before one hell of a fight.

The low scoring arm wrestle was seemingly edging the USA’s way until Garrett Reynolds snared two third quarter goals, the second with the last kick of the term.

With Ronon Shaughnessy and Nathan Strom getting on top in the middle, an upset loomed large.

But the USA held firm, slamming on five unanswered goals, including one to best on ground Saleh Tyebjee and an opportunistic snap from captain Andrew ‘Tiger’ Werner.

Attention for the Revolution now turns to Saturday’s huge clash with New Zealand as part of the IC Community Round.

The pair will meet as the curtain raiser to the Eastern Football League clash between Montrose and Blackburn, getting a taste of local Melbourne footy in the process.

For the first time in International Cup history, games will be played as part of the suburban, state league and country matches at venues all over Victoria.