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Posted by: Krytenia Jun 8 2004, 06:14 AM

Krytenia welcomes you to the Draw for the First AOCAF Cup!

Group A will have the Seeds VILITA, and play their group games at People's Stadium, Avid-Diord (cap 72,000) and Green Street, Westleigh (cap 51,000).

Group B will have the Seeds CRYSTILAKERE, and play their group games at Atterbrook Way, Elliston (cap 62,000) and Tribeca Park, Remires (cap 42,000).

There are two pots for the draw. Pot A contains the two other NS Ranked Teams, Krytenia and Turori, with one team in each group. Pot B contains the four unranked teams: NEWI Cefn Druids, Xile, Nojika, and Sarzonia. Two of these teams will be drawn in each group.

And now, to the draw!

And the first team to be drawn from Pot A - going into Group A - will be.....TURORI!
Which leaves, to go in Group B.....KRYTENIA!

Now to Pot B. The first team drawn, going into Group A, is.....XILE!
The next team, going to B, will be.....SARZONIA!
The final team for Group A will be.....NEWI CEFN DRUIDS!
And rounding off the draw, into Group B, is, of course.....NOJIKA!

So, to recap:
GROUP A (Avid-Diord/Westleigh)
Vilita
Turori
Xile
NEWI Cefn Druids

GROUP B (Elliston/Remires)
Crystilakere
Krytenia
Sarzonia
Nojika

Fixtures will be announced later in the week.

Posted by: Vilita Jun 8 2004, 08:47 AM

Vilita/Turori Happy with Group Draw.

The Vilita and Turori National teams today departed for Krytenia to begin warmups for the AOCAF. They were surprisingly pleased to be drawn against each other, which will be the first time the Nations have faced each other despite their proximinty. Powerhouse nation Xile, and controversial nation Soul Expression were also drawn in the Group of Excitement, Group A. Group B looks to be a less exciting affair, with the underspoken Crystilakere & Nojika joining the hardly spoken Sarzonia in the hosts group.

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 8 2004, 11:38 AM

FIXTURES FOR THE AOCAF CUP

Matchday One - Saturday 12th June
Vilita - Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
NEWI Cefn Druids - Turori (Green Street, Westleigh)
Crystilakere - Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Nojika - Krytenia (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Matchday Two - Monday 14th June
Xile - NEWI Cefn Druids (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Turori - Vilita (Green Street, Westleigh)
Sarzonia - Nojika (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Krytenia - Crystilakere (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Matchday Three - Wednesday 16th June
Turori - Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Vilita - NEWI Cefn Druids (Green Street, Westleigh)
Krytenia - Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Crystilakere - Nojika (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Semi-Finals - Friday 18th June
WINNER A - SECOND B (Green Street, Westleigh)
WINNER B - SECOND A (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Third Place Playoff - Sunday 20th June - Atterbrook Way, Elliston
Final - Sunday 20th June - People's Stadium, Avid-Diord

Posted by: Vilita Jun 8 2004, 11:43 AM

Jungle Cats prepare for Xile Test

The Tropics of Vilita Jungle Cats began training today in preparation for their opening match of the First Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. The opening match of the tournament, played in Krytenia, will see the Jungle Cats go up against diplomatic sidehands and regional powerhouse Xile. While Xile's inexperience favors a Vilitan Victory, many pundits believe that if Xile can hold on for a point, they may be able to progress through to the Semi Finals.

Xile will be boosted by their ability to train at home in the build up to the match, as their recent mass migration sees them just across the river from where the match is being played in Krytenia.

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 8 2004, 11:51 AM

Coach Bryan Marshall looked at the matchups grimly. His inexperienced Sarzonians would be taking on the top-seeded Crystilakere side in the first international match in Sarzonia's history.

"Well, we sure get to start off with a bang, don't we?" Marshall quipped when asked to discuss the draw. "We can't go into this match hoping and praying for one point or even a competitive result. We have to go in there and throw everything we have at them."

Marshall said the team would employ a 3-4-3 formation in the first match with the possibility of adjusting depending on the opponent.

"We wanted to get our best attacking players on the pitch to start the match," Marshall said.

A minor controversy still surrounded the decision to start rookie Troy Perkins in goal, but Marshall dismissed the debate forcefully.

"To put it bluntly, Troy was better in training and he played better in the postseason. That's why he's starting."

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 10 2004, 05:09 PM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST

Bye Anticipates Nojika Test

Krytenia take a break from their World Cup qualifying campaign to participate in the AOCAF Cup. First up are rookie team Nojika.

Ed Bye commented: "We need to win this game. There will be much pressure on us as hosts, and hopefully we can get off to the best possible start. Watch this space people!"

Much confidence from the Celestials' camp then.

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 12 2004, 09:45 PM

Matchday One - Saturday 12th June

Vilita 2-1 Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
NEWI Cefn Druids 3-2 Turori (Green Street, Westleigh)
Crystilakere 2-3 Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Nojika 2-2 Krytenia (Tribeca Park, Remires)

CODE

GROUP A
Pl F A Pt
NEWI Cefn Druids 1 3 2 3
Vilita 1 2 1 3
Turori 1 2 3 0
Xile 1 1 2 0

GROUP B
Pl F A Pt
Sarzonia 1 3 2 3
Krytenia 1 2 2 1
Nojika 1 2 2 1
Crystilakere 1 2 3 0

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 13 2004, 01:56 AM

Sarzonia Wins Shocker 3-2

Despite playing their first international match in the history of Sarzonian football, the Stars pulled off a last-second 3-2 win over top seeded Crystilakere in injury time as midfielder Bobby Convey made his first shot on goal count.

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins made up for a shaky backline by making seven saves out of 19 shots by Crystilakere. Forwards Wilson Jordan and Brian Wilson also scored as Sarzonia took full advantage of its attacking formation to pull off the dramatic win.

"We knew going in that playing negative football wouldn't give us a chance to win," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We had to throw everything we had at them since they were the top seed in our group and you saw the result.

"I have to give a huge salute to our side and the players for fighting hard for over 90 minutes and getting us a three point result."

"I just shot the ball," Convey said about the match winner that came with just seconds before injury time ended. "I knew if I didn't get it on goal, we wouldn't have much of a chance to get another shot, so I just went for it.

Jordan scored the first goal in Sarzonia's history in the 23rd minute, drawing the match even 1-1 after an embarassing breakdown in the Stars' end.

"There was no excuse for that," Perkins said. Despite the fact the defense broke down in front of him and he saved two point blank shots, Perkins still blamed himself for the Crystilakere goal in the 18th minute.

"I don't know what Troy's talking about," Convey said. "If we didn't have him in there, we wouldn't have had a chance to win the match."

Marshall agreed.

"Our defense was shaky, especially in the first half. We tightened things up in the second half, especially after the goal five minutes into the second half, but we need to do a better job defensively if we expect to move into the next round."

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 13 2004, 10:26 AM

After Sarzonia's 3-2 upset win over Crystilakere in the opening match of the AOCAF tournament, Coach Bryan Marshall surprised beat writers covering the national side by announcing a lineup change.

Forward Brian Wilson will be sent to the bench while defender Taylor Williams steps into the starting 11 for a 4-4-2 formation.

"Our defense against Crystilakere was shaky and we need to solidify the back line," Marshall said. "Wilson played well for us and getting a goal in international competition is not something to be quiet about. But we need a little more experience out there. We really want to get the full three points in this next match against Nojika with our last match being against the host country Krytenia. If we get the full three points, we're through to the next round no matter what happens."

"It's the coach's decision," Wilson said. "Sure, you're disappointed when you're not out there, but Coach told me he would put me in if we need an offensive substitution."

"He'll have many days ahead when he'll start matches for our national team," Marshall said of Wilson. "Right now, we need more experience on defense. If we can win, he'll start the next match."

Posted by: Vilita Jun 13 2004, 11:15 AM

Vilita 2 - 1 Xile
(Cairns 17, DuPont 36) - ( Minoa 20p )

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilitan striker Serge DuPont scored his first Regional goal with the winner against Xile, and Elekim Cairns was also on target in a 2-1 win - the best possible start for the Founding Nation in the first AOCAF Atlantian Oceania Regional Championships.

Much had been made recently about DuPont's youth and whether he would be able to perform regularly for the national team - particularly after in-form striker Carmine Mbidzo was called in to the Regional squad for support - but the http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita striker answered his critics by setting up one goal and netting another.

It took just seventeen minutes for DuPont to help the favorites on their way against an insecure Xile side, heading goalwards from Tanner Nerni's right wing corner, Xile keeper Iris Blueleaf making the save, only for Cairns to turn home the rebound at the far post.

The Jungle Cat's early lead lasted barely a minute however as from the restart Metteo Ollirg was harshly ajudged to have impeded Xile frontman Vintage Jackson, Kari Minoa stepping up to sweep a left footed penalty into the bottom corner.

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita Coach Baron O'Toole had been a more animated than normal figure on the sidelines, clearly not completely happy with his teams approach, and after little more than half an hour captain Nigel Chapman made way for playmaker Sublé Tonic, making his Senior National Debut.

That paid almost immediate dividends, as nine minutes from half-time DuPont stole in to power home a header from Esemar Aliana's right wing cross to put the Jungle Cats back in front - the relief on the strikers face tangible after his recent critiques.

The second half produced no further goals as the favorites stoutly defended their lead, although Tanner Nerni was denied after a strong run past defenders and in on goal, whilst at the death Marasent Sioane teamed with sub Carmine Mbidzo to go close with a curling effort.

Vilita Lineup:

CODE

#82- Rory Issah [GK]

#1 - Elekim Cairns [D]
#5 - Emarka Laniora [D]
#6 - Matteo Ollirg [D]
#0 - Esemar Aliana [D]

#26 - Nigel Chapman [M]{CAPT}
#43 - Umberto Melli [M]
#41 - Marasent Sioane [M]
#44 - Tanner Nerni [M]

#18 - Jim Vella [F]
#12 - Serge DuPont [F]

SUBS:
#11 - Carmine Mbidzo [F]
#93 - Sublé Tonic [M]
# 9 - David Leacock [D]
# 8 - Baron O'Toole [U]
#85 - Jimmy Kater [GK]

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 14 2004, 03:58 AM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST

Nojika No Joke

TRIBECA PARK, REMIRES - Krytenia spluttered into life on Day 1 of the championships, drawing 2-2 with inexperienced Nojika.
Ari Smith and Roger Celsen put the Celestials in front in the first half, but a commendable Nojikan fightback saw their co-captain Andrew Beat and winger Carlos Amoa score late on.
More is needed against Crystilakere.

KRYTENIA..........2 (Smith 22, Celsen 37)
NOJIKA..............2 (Beat 74, Amoa 82)

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 14 2004, 04:03 AM

Matchday Two - Monday 14th June

Xile 1-2 NEWI Cefn Druids (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Turori 1-6 Vilita (Green Street, Westleigh)

Sarzonia 3-3 Nojika (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Krytenia 0-0 Crystilakere (Tribeca Park, Remires)

CODE

GROUP A
Pl F A Pt
Vilita 2 8 2 6 Qual
NEWI Cefn Druids 2 5 3 6 Qual
Xile 2 2 4 0 Elim
Turori 2 3 9 0 Elim

GROUP B
Pl F A Pt
Sarzonia 2 6 5 4
Nojika 2 5 5 2
Krytenia 2 2 2 2
Crystilakere 2 2 3 1

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 14 2004, 08:38 AM

Draw leaves Marshall, Stars Fuming

Coach Bryan Marshall tinkered with his lineup after Sarzonia's 3-2 upset of top-seeded Crystilakere Saturday. Marshall said he hoped to solidify a defense left exposed in the win. However, the Stars defense conceded three goals in the first 35 minutes and a tying goal by second half substitute Brian Wilson only drew the match even 3-3.

"Very disappointing," Marshall said in a press conference marked by the coach's somber mood. "Our offense has been putting the ball in the back of the net, but the defense isn't up to international level. We're now in a must-win match against the host country.

"I can't fault [rookie goalkeeper] Troy [Perkins] for all of that," Marshall said when asked if he'd consider making a change at goalkeeper. "I still have a lot of confidence in Troy. Our defense let him down by allowing 27 shots, 18 on goal. Remember he made 15 saves and one of the goals was a penalty kick [in the 35th minute]."

"I'd definitely like to have that penalty kick back," Perkins said. "I thought I gave up a bad goal in the fourth minute, though I thought I did a decent enough job in the goal in the 10th minute."

"We're probably not going to do anything drastic," Marshall said. "But Brian Wilson definitely will get a start in the last match. He made a difference from the moment he set foot on the pitch."

The Sarzonians climbed back into the match with goals in the 28th minute and the 47th minute, then Wilson struck a brilliant volley off a Bobby Convey free kick in the 79th minute that drew the match even.

"We have a habit of playing inspired football for 45 minutes, but we need to play a 90 minutes," Convey said. "Otherwise, we're going to go home early."

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 14 2004, 09:50 AM

Coach Bryan Marshall announced two lineup changes:

Antonio Bresco was inserted into the starting 11 in place of midfielder Barry Owens. The team would continue to play a 4-4-2. Marshall said the move was made to address a defense that has conceded six goals in two matches.

"We've been very shaky defensively, especially in the first halves of the two matches," Marshall said. "That has to improve. Our communication on the back line has to improve. Our communication between our backs and our midfield has to improve." Marshall said Bresco would be replaced in the second half by a defender if the team is leading the match or by an attacking midfielder if the team is trailing.

"We know we're likely going to get 60, 65 minutes tops out of Bresco," Marshall said. "Hopefully, he can set the tone to steady our defense until the second half, when we seem to get our legs."

Also, forward Brian Wilson returned to the lineup, sending Anton Gregor to the bench.

"Our creativity really improved in the second half when Brian was in there. I know he's young and he's inexperienced, but he has an instinct for playing that really added to our ability as a team," Marshall said. "Our ability to play Sarzonian football was non-existent for the first half and when I sent Brian on in the second half, our offense really picked it back up.

"Getting one point in the host nation would probably be a realistic goal," team captain Bobby Convey said. "But we're going to go out there trying to get the full three. That's the only way we're going to be sure that we'll go through to the next round."

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Jun 14 2004, 10:53 AM

DSR
Druid
Sports
Review

DRUIDS PROGRESS TO AOCAF SEMIS
By Wayne Ottgunn-Irwin in Krytenia

After being accepted as a late replacement for the departing Soul Expression side, NEWI Cefn Druids have come into the regional championships of their new region, Atlantian Oceania, and given a reasonably good account of themselves. Despite being regional champions before, this was in their former region of Axis of Absurdity, where they were only one of two footballing nations, and the other one, Carpet, would only get into the Druid third division.

But now they have moved on. They are in a new location, and one that already seems more homely. This has also shown on the football field, where the Druid National Team are unbeaten in all competitions since the move. Here in Krytenia, the Druids have gotten themselves two wins, one against Vilitan colony Turori, the other against footballing newcomers Xile.

The two Druid performances were less than convincing, but their opposition were much more challenging than they have faced in any previous regional finals. First up were Turori, who started up slowly, but rallied towards the end and almost caught the Druids out. Firstly, Frederiksson, Gessemschmitthaagen-Po and Holmes put the Druids into a 3-0 lead, and a seemingly unbeatanble position. But then the Druids became complacent. Amos Hinton tried to stop a Turori counter attack by slicing down Vumaou, getting sent off for his efforts. From the resulting free kick, Banda had his effort palmed away by Garth, but only to Tbaiao, who but a simple header into an empty net. Soon afterwards, Banda found himself one-on-one with with the keeper, and an unlikely comeback looked possible. But, somehow, after no less than three goalline scrambles, the Druids came away with the three points.

Next up were an unknown quantity in Xile, who put in a brave performance but just didn't have enough on the night. A double for Trevor Belmore saw off their opponents, but not before Vintage Jackson put Xile ahead with an absolute rocket from 35 yards out that Garth had absolutely no chance with. Belmore's goals weren't in the same class, but he is effective at what he does, and in scoring from a rebounded Posters effort and heading home a corner, he did his job well and got the Druids through to the semis.

Before then, though, is the toughest game of the group stage, against Vilita. The last game between the Druids and the Jungle Cats ended up with a pretty convincing Vilita win, but that was in Vilita in another tournament game where both were already in the next stage. But it was a longer journey back then, now they're our neighbours. Oh, and it's a neutral venue, not in Vilita. So the Druids will fancy their chances of revenge. However, there is still top place in the group to play for, and it will be interesting to see how much Vilita want that place, and whether the Druids are actually that bothered. One things for sure - I wouldn't like to pick a winner!

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 14 2004, 03:07 PM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST

Progression Not So Crystil Clear

TRIBECA PARK, REMIRES - A disappointing goalless draw was the result as both Krytenia and Crystilakere played a cagey game of football, each knowing defeat could be the end.
The point leaves the Celestials third, and only victory or a very high score draw will get them to the semis. Crystilakere, meanwhile, are hoping for the hosts to fail against Sarzonia, or otherwise to give the Nojikans a two-goal victory.

KRYTENIA............0
CRYSTILAKERE.....0

Posted by: Vilita Jun 14 2004, 06:22 PM

Consider This A Dual http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita & http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori RP

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita Jungle Cats 6 - 1 http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori
(DuPont 16, 40 Nerni 45, 61 Mbidzo 66, 82) - ( Tuirma 40p )

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita stormed into the semi finals of the AOCAF after recording the biggest win of their sporting history. Teenage Trio Serge DuPont, Tanner Nerni and Carmine Mbidzo all scoring twice in an emphatic 6-1 victory against local rivals http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori. Cuolia Tuirma was on target from the penalty spot for http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori as the Baron O'Toole led Regional Jungle Cats brushed aside their Colony opponents at the Krytenia's Green Street ground, although the win was marred after striker Jim Vella was stretchered off in a neck brace. But there was no disguising celebrations at victory over the Eels - http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita's stunning demolition of the former http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilitan Territory side, surpassing a 5-2 U21 win against Corrupt Federal States as the Highest Scoring, Largest Margin of Victory and Most Goals For the National Team on Neutral ground, or Any Location.

There was no suggestion of the one-way traffic to come when coach O'Toole showing his opponents little respect by naming an unchanged lineup of Youth and Reserve National players that had beaten Newcomers Xile by a slight 2-1 Scoreline on Matday 1. Indeed the Eels started by far the brighter of the two teams, and young former http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilitan Prospect Jualiar Vumaou cut in from the wing and flashed a shot beyond Rory Issah and onto the post in the opening minutes before http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita could settle. http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori Captain and Target Man Maritus Banda provided leadership for the Eels, skipping past two http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita challenges before testing Issah with a fierce effort from distance which the keeper claimed at the second attempt.

But just after the quarter hour mark it was the Atlantian Oceania founders who went in front, http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita captain Nigel Chapman feeding the overlapping Aliana on the left, the full back delivering a dangerous cross which http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori defender Moiba Linaian appeared to handle before DuPont fired home. Coming against the run of play, the opener was tough on the purposeful colony, but once in front the Jungle Cats superiority began to tell, and Emarka Laniora headed over from a Tanner Nerni corner whilst Chapman sliced a shot high and wide minutes later.

Delight at the all important early goal was tempered however when http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori's Marlian Hunial, stretching for a ball, clattered Vella's head. The striker required lengthy attention before being stretchered off in a neck brace - with suspected concussion and an ear split open. Back from an ankle injury, and working on little recent international action, Lorenzo Mumamba entered the fray for http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita and wasted little time making his mark. Mumamba flicked the ball beyond the keeper only to see his effort go just wide. Five minutes before the interval, the second goal appeared to break http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori hearts, with DuPont collecting a long ball and shooting under keeper Milauo Slietah from a tight angle.

Frustration for http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori and their travelling fans was lessened as Yabaiy Tbaiao appeared to be wrestled to the ground by Matteo Ollirg, with referee giving in to the strong penalty appeals from the Eels players and supporters. Tuirma quickly and confidently stepped up for the Eels to make it 2-1, just moments after the apparent killer second goal. However, the cheer would be short lived, as Nerni piled the misery on in lengthy first half injury time, turning a defender on the edge of the area before crashing a shot into the top corner, for his first http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilitan National Goal, making it 3-1 and sending http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita in at the break with their passage to the AOCAF semi finals effectively sewn up.

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori, to their credit refused to give up after the restart however, andmidfielder Boaibou Houabou flashed a dipping free-kick just over Issah's crossbar to give http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori some rare excitement. But just after the hour mark, impressive new winger Nerni - who had fired wide minutes earlier - scored his second and http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita's fourth, making no mistake with just keeper Slietah to beat having been sent racing clear by the masterful Sioane.

Fifteen year old striker Carmine Mbidzo replaced the tireless DuPont soon after, and the highly rated youngster wasted little time getting in on the goal feast, speeding through onto a long clearance three minutes after coming on before finishing emphatically from the edge of the box for his first goal in a Jungle Cats jersey. Even at 5-1 the Eels refused to give up, and http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita's Issah had to make a smart double save, denying Vumaou's flicked effort with a reflex stop, then blocking a Banda follow-up, whilst at the other end Slietah was brilliantly off his line to deny Nerni following good work by Mbidzo.

The young substitute had an effort hit the post after a deft touch threatened to steer Aliana's cross goalward, but as http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita poured forward Mbidzo was rewarded with his second and the Jungle Cats sixth, fellow sub Sublé Tonic crossing from the left for the striker to fire home. In the closing minutes Mbidzo was sprinting upfield at every opportunity in search of a first ever senior hat-trick, and from a Melli cross the teenager headed straight at keeper Slietah with the final real chance of a one-sided cup tie. The full time whistle confirmed http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita's place in the AOCAF Semi Finals - and Baron O'Toole and his players own little bit of club history, setting multiple records with their impressive 6-1 performance

CODE

VILITA JUNGLE CATS TURORI EELS

#82- Rory Issah [GK] #88 - Milauo Slietah [GK]

#1 - Elekim Cairns [D] #92 - Kiatin Likao [D]
#5 - Emarka Laniora [D] #23 - Moiba Linaian [D]
#6 - Matteo Ollirg [D] #25 - Linoai Niabula [D]
#0 - Esemar Aliana [D] #74 - Marlian Hunial [D]

#26 - Nigel Chapman [M]{C} #42 - Makaus Likao [M]
#43 - Umberto Melli [M] #12 - Yabaiy Tbaiao [M]
#41 - Marasent Sioane [M] #79 - Boaibou Houabou [M]
#44 - Tanner Nerni [M] #89 - Cuolia Tuirma [M]

#18 - Jim Vella [F] #29 - Jualiar Vumaou [F]
#12 - Serge DuPont [F] #36 - Maritus Banda [F]{C}

SUBS:
#11 - Carmine Mbidzo [F] >> (DuPont 63)
#93 - Sublé Tonic [M] >> (Cairns 67)
# 9 - David Leacock [D]
#19 - Lorenzo Mumamba [F] >> (Vella 31)
#85 - Jimmy Kater [GK]

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 15 2004, 07:33 PM

QUOTE (Vilita @ Jun 15 2004, 12:22 AM)

Consider This A Dual http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita & http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=turori RP

Will do - not that it'll do the Eels much good!

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 16 2004, 04:00 AM

Matchday Three - Wednesday 16th June

Turori 1-0 Xile (People's Stadium, Avid-Diord)
Vilita 0-0 NEWI Cefn Druids (Green Street, Westleigh)

Krytenia 2-0 Sarzonia (Atterbrook Way, Elliston)
Crystilakere 2-2 Nojika (Tribeca Park, Remires)

CODE

GROUP A
Pl F A Pt
Vilita 3 8 2 7 Qual
NEWI Cefn Druids 3 5 3 7 Qual
Turori 3 4 9 3 Elim
Xile 3 2 5 0 Elim

GROUP B
Pl F A Pt
Krytenia 3 4 2 5 Qual
Sarzonia 3 6 7 4 Qual
Nojika 3 7 7 3 Elim
Crystilakere 3 4 5 2 Elim

Semi-Finals - Friday 18th June
VILITA vs SARZONIA (Green Street, Westleigh)
KRYTENIA vs NEWI CEFN DRUIDS (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 16 2004, 08:03 AM

Despite loss, Stars still shine

Coach Bryan Marshall looked crestfallen as he addressed the media following Sarzonia's 2-0 shutout Wednesday at the hands of the host Krytenians. The loss cost the Stars first place in the group, and the semifinal berth.

Or so Marshall thought.

A reporter asked Marshall about preparations for the next round and Marshall looked incredulous until she told him Crystilakere drew 2-2 with Nojika, putting Sarzonia through to the next round.

"Wow. That changes everything," Marshall said with a faint smile. It took a while before it hit him, he admitted later.

"Now we have our work cut out for us," he said. "We conceded seven goals in three matches. We scored six goals. That's not getting the job done."

"We're definitely pleased to go through to the next round," team captain Bobby Convey said. "We need to tighten things up against an outstanding Vilita side, but we also need to play Sarzonian football."

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins made six saves but was foiled by a ninth minute tally that was the only bad goal he conceded all tournament.

"I misplayed that through ball into the box. There was no excuse," Perkins said. "You have to give credit to them for finishing their chance, but I still should have done better on that."

The second Krytenian goal came on a penalty kick in the 66th minute after midfielder Antonio Bresco was sent off for a handball in the six yard box. Bresco will be unable to play in the match against Vilita. Marshall said the Stars would return to their starting lineup from their match against Crystilakere, playing a 3-4-3 formation.

"I think that was our best lineup. We faced down a top seed with World Cup experience with that starting 11. That gives us our best chance to go through to the finals."

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 16 2004, 07:05 PM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST

Starry Starry Night As Hosts Progress

ATTERBROOK WAY, ELLISTON - Krytenia wan a finals game for the first time in a senior tournament as they defeated Sarzonia by two goals to nil. A bizarre error from Troy Perkins allowed Celestials captain Will Guarado in on nine minutes, while a cynical challenge on Celsen saw Byers net from the spot.
Both sides though, did enough to progress (as it turned out, all the Sarzonians needed to do was actually turn up!) - Krytenia face gatecrashers NEWI Cefn Druids, while Vilita are the reward for Sarzonia.

KRYTENIA............2 (Guarado 9, Byers pen 66)
SARZONIA...........0

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 16 2004, 08:25 PM

QUOTE (Krytenia @ Jun 16 2004, 07:05 PM)

while a cynical challenge on Celsen saw Byers net from the spot.

Wouldn't a "cynical challenge" be more like if Bresco fouled one of your players in the box?

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 17 2004, 07:40 AM

QUOTE (Sarzonia @ Jun 17 2004, 02:25 AM)

QUOTE (Krytenia @ Jun 16 2004, 07:05 PM)

while a cynical challenge on Celsen saw Byers net from the spot.

Wouldn't a "cynical challenge" be more like if Bresco fouled one of your players in the box?

No prizes for guessing who read your report a little too quickly.

Oops.

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 17 2004, 08:04 AM

QUOTE (Krytenia @ Jun 17 2004, 07:40 AM)

QUOTE (Sarzonia @ Jun 17 2004, 02:25 AM)

QUOTE (Krytenia @ Jun 16 2004, 07:05 PM)

while a cynical challenge on Celsen saw Byers net from the spot.

Wouldn't a "cynical challenge" be more like if Bresco fouled one of your players in the box?

No prizes for guessing who read your report a little too quickly.

Oops.

Stuff happens. Both in real football and make-believe.

Posted by: Vilita Jun 18 2004, 01:46 AM

Regional Cats prepare for Sarzonia

The Vilita Jungle Cats will have a slightly more competitive training session this week for their upcoming World Cup Qualifier against the East Asian Empire. The Jungle Cats 'Regional' Team has progressed through the group stage of the AOCAF Atlantian Oceania Regional Championship. Select Members of the Senior Cup squad will be meeting up with the rest of the regional squad in preparation for the match against sporting newcomers Sarzonia. While Goalkeeper Massimo Corsi, as well as Enzo Ahat, Jürgen Ramzi and forwards Callum Banda and Germán Salomón are not expected to participate, National Captain Santo Kecker, as well as impressive defensive trio Liguori, Ollirg and Akida are expected to lineup alongside starlet Serge DuPont and the rest of the non-travelling Jungle Cat squad. Former Vilitan National Baron O'Toole, who retired after scoring his first ever internationstatal goal against Aserjin on the final day of World Cup 13 qualifications, has been coaching the regional side while regular National Team coach Helmut Vilkaus studies the teams next opponents in Group 8 of WC15q. In-Form midfielder Jonathon Stott will also miss out on the Sarzonia match as he will be in Liverpool England negotiating a possible transfer to FC Schimpol, who finished 3rd in last seasons LE Premier Division.

CODE

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

[GK] Rory Issah

[LD] Danilo Liguori*
[CD] Matteo Ollirg*
[CD] Giacomo Adika*
[RD] Elekim Cairns

[LM] Santo Kecker* ©
[CM] Umberto Melli
[CM] Alexander Östling*
[RM] Tanner Nerni

[ST] Lorenzo Mumamba
[ST] Serge DuPont

--------------
[GK] Jimmy Kater
[UD] Esemar Aliana
[UD] Emarka Laniora
[UM] Jonathon Baledrokadroka*
[CM] Nigel Chapman
[UM] Marasent Sioane
[ST] Carmine Mbidzo

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 18 2004, 10:13 AM

Stars shooting fiercely in final tuneup

Coach Bryan Marshall concluded the final practice before Sarzonia's matchup against region pacesetters Vilita with his eyes bulging wide.

"That was easily the most intense practice our lads have had before or during the tournament," Marshall said. "It looked like an American football game it was so fierce."

Two fights erupted during the training sessions, which players and coaches both attributed to the competitiveness of the practices. The intensity even got the better of reserve goalkeeper Kerry Tanner, who challenged starter Troy Perkins to a fight.

"I was frustrated by not playing," Tanner said. "I apologized to Troy after practice. I'm not going to let that happen again."

"That situation was resolved before I got back to the locker room," Marshall noted. "I just reminded Kerry that we'd need him too. I also told him he'd get his opportunity to play sometime."

"I understand where Kerry's coming from," Perkins said. "I just have to get in there and do my job and not worry about what the coach thinks."

Despite allowing an average of 2.33 goals per game in the first round, Marshall said the team would employ a 3-4-3 formation against Vilita intended to maximize the attack.

"We could end up conceding 10 goals or we could score 10," team captain Bobby Convey said. "We're going to take our best shot and whatever happens, happens. You can't go in facing the biggest dog on the block and leave any bullets in your holster."

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 18 2004, 11:20 AM

Semi-Finals - Friday 18th June
Vilita 1-0 Sarzonia (Green Street, Westleigh)
after extra time: 90 mins 0-0
Krytenia 1-3 NEWI Cefn Druids (Tribeca Park, Remires)

Third Place Playoff - Sunday 20th June - Atterbrook Way, Elliston
SARZONIA vs KRYTENIA

Final - Sunday 20th June - People's Stadium, Avid-Diord
VILITA vs NEWI CEFN DRUIDS

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 18 2004, 12:21 PM

Sarzonians stalled in AOCAF semis

Ninety minutes came and went with neither the battle-tested Vilita Jungle Cats nor the novice Sarzonian Stars giving an inch or a goal. However, Vilitan forward Serge DuPont scored in the 24th minute of golden goal overtime to give the Jungle Cats a 1-0 victory and advance to the finals of the AOCAF tournament.

"We gave it everything we had, but it was just not good enough," goalkeeper Troy Perkins said. "I made the initial save and the save on the first rebound, but DuPont got to the second rebound before I could get it." Perkins made nine saves in the match, including thwarting DuPont in the 38th minute on a breakaway.
"We're devastated to lose this match," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "But I think we announced to the world that we belong on the international stage. This was the best match we've played and we played a great match against Crystilakere to open the tournament."

The Stars face a rematch with the host country and group winners Krytenia, who lost their match against the NEWI Cefn Druids 3-1. The Druids face Vilita in the championship finals.

"That will be interesting," Marshall said. "It may develop a rivalry between our two countries."

Posted by: Vilita Jun 19 2004, 04:16 PM

http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita 1 - 0 Sarzonia (AET)
( DuPont 114 ) - ( none )

The Stars, the only Un-Ranked team in the Semis, and the Jungle Cats, The top team in the group stage, provided little action in the first half. A mainly defensive affair, no team would find themselves with any real opportunity to open the scoring. http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita keeper Rory Issah came closest for either side when his Goal kick in the 39th minute was carried astronomically by the high winds inside Green Street, in Westleight, Krytenia, and clipped the top of the Sarzonia netting before going into the stands. 3 minutes later, Midfielder Alexander Östling was yellow carded for a late challenge on one of the Stars. The Match entered the half notched up at 0-0.

The second half started much brighter, with Sarzonia twice going close through striker Anton Gregor. A somewhat quiet day by former National Team favorite Lorenzo Mumamba, on new legs in his striking role in the absense of Jimmy Vella, was enlightened on the hour mark as he rounded the keeper and easily side footed home, only to see the assistant referee raise his flag for offside. That would prove to be the last real action of the half, and it appeared both teams had settled for deciding this one in extra time. Full Time 0-0.

Neither team made any real attack in the first half of extra team, but http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita coach Baron O'Toole did make two changes, sending youthful midfielder Marasent Sioane, a recognized penalty taker, in for the cautioned Östling, and 15 year old Strike prospect Carmine Mbidzo in for the tiring Mumamba. No team could claim the advantage going into the final 15 minutes.

Sarzonia made two defensive substitutions to start the second half of added time, seeming content to take the match to penalties. However, this allowed http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=vilita to push defender Giacomo Adika into a more attacking role, creating lots of space for the impressive U-21 striking duo of DuPont and Mbidzo to trouble the Stars Defense. 5 minutes from time they Tanner Nerni's staggering one-two play with Mbidzo down the Right opened space for an inch perfect pass to DuPont who was able to tap the ball home from just two yards out to send the Jungle Cats into the Final of AOCAF Atlantian Oceania Regional Championships against NEWI Cefn Druids.

CODE

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

[GK] Rory Issah

[LD] Danilo Liguori*
[CD] Matteo Ollirg*
[CD] Giacomo Adika*
[RD] Elekim Cairns

[LM] Santo Kecker* ©
[CM] Umberto Melli
[CM] Alexander Östling*
[RM] Tanner Nerni

[ST] Lorenzo Mumamba
[ST] Serge DuPont *

--------------
[GK] Jimmy Kater
[UD] Esemar Aliana
[UD] Emarka Laniora
[UM] Jonathon Baledrokadroka*
[CM] Nigel Chapman
[UM] Marasent Sioane << [Östling 96]
[ST] Carmine Mbidzo << [Mumamba 102]

* - Indicates Player has featured in at least half of the Jungle Cats World Cup XIV Qualifying matches this season

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Jun 19 2004, 05:45 PM

The Daily Druid

Latest from the AOCAF Cup
DRUIDS MAKE FINAL!
By Ian Question-Mark

The Druids have made their first final in anything resembling a competition here in Krytenia by beating the host nation by three goals to one. A full strength Druid team hinted at the form that made them formidable opponents at the start of World Cup Qualifying, as Krytenia had the energy, but not quite as much quality, as the vastly experienced Druids side, for whom Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po rifled in a hat-trick.

It means that the Druids will move on to face Vilita once again in the final. In two previous meetings, the Druids have not beaten the Jungle Cats, so we'll have to wait and see whether or not they can lift this curse when what is likely to be an unchanged line-up will go out to bring honour to their nation and its people.

Final score:
Krytenia 1 [Smith 46]
NEWI Cefn Druids 3 [Gessemschmitthaagen-Po 17, 22, 76]

Druids team ( 4-3-3 ): Garth; Griffiths, Hinton, Lambealle, Groves; Posters, Orange (Welsh 62), Holmes; Greaves (Frederiksson 66), Belmore, Gessemschmitthaagen-Po.

Posted by: Krytenia Jun 20 2004, 08:03 PM

Third Place Playoff - Sunday 20th June - Atterbrook Way, Elliston
SARZONIA 3-1 KRYTENIA

Final - Sunday 20th June - People's Stadium, Avid-Diord
VILITA 0-1 NEWI CEFN DRUIDS

Congratulations to NEWI CEFN DRUIDS!

Posted by: Sarzonia Jun 20 2004, 09:01 PM

QUOTE (Krytenia @ Jun 20 2004, 08:03 PM)

Third Place Playoff - Sunday 20th June - Atterbrook Way, Elliston
SARZONIA 3-1 KRYTENIA

Stars streak to 3rd place in AOCAF, 3-1

It wasn't the AOCAF title they hoped for coming in, but in the first international tournament in Sarzonia's history, the Stars captured the third place match and revenge against host country Krytenia, 3-1 in Atterbrook Way, Elliston.

Anton Gregor, Barry Owens, and Brian Wilson all tallied within 10 minutes of the start of the second half to give the Stars a better taste in their mouths after a "deflating" goal to close out the first half when forward Roger Celsen split the Stars' defense and beat goalkeeper Troy Perkins with a low drive to his right.

"[Celsen's goal] could have killed us," Wilson said. "You play tight defense for 45 minutes plus the first two minutes of stoppage time and you give up a goal like that with time winding down, it could have been awful hard to come back from that. Luckily, we responded."

And how.

Gregor scored on a free kick in the 47th minute after Kelvin Muniz fouled midfielder Jeff Conley just outside the 18 yard box. Barry Owens talled just two minutes later after stealing the ball from Will Guarado and drilled the ball past goalkeeper Alan Munitis. Wilson wrapped up the scoring explosion with a goal from the spot after defender Michael Lewison fouled Gregor in the box.

"We didn't win the prize we wanted, but we gained valuable experience," Coach Bryan Marshall said. We came in with zero international experience and we came away with wins against three outstanding sides and third place in a tournament we weren't expected to challenge for. We have to be proud of what we've accomplished for ourselves and for Sarzonian football."

Posted by: NEWI Cefn Druids Jun 21 2004, 04:47 AM

*We join the DruidSport commentry team of Trevor Willson and former Druids captain Trevor Kallins deep in injury time at the AOCAF Cup final.*

Trevor Willson: "We're into the last minute of stoppage time, and Serge DuPont is serging at the Druids' defence, he's gone past Phillipson, and it's a... no! Amazing save from Reg Garth! That looked a goal all the way."

Trevor Kallins: "The way the Jungle Cats are going here, they might not need extra time."

TW: "Well, Nerni is behind the corner, punched clear by Garth, and it's staight to Gessemschmitthaagen-Po, who's found himself one-on one with Cairns... What pace the young Druid has, he's past him, and now there's only Rory Isiah to beat... Isiah comes out... He's slid it underneath him, AND IT'S IN!!! ONE-NIL TO THE DRUIDS, WITH WHAT MUST BE THE LAST KICK OF THE MATCH!!!"

TK: "Well, that wasn't exactly expected, was it. Vilita have dominated, how they've lost this is beyond me. But it's a great run by Liam, and a cool finish considering the circumstances."

TW: "And there goes the final whistle, THE DRUIDS HAVE WON THE AOCAF CUP!"

*At this point, teh broadcast stops as everyone in the nation, including the producers, go off to celebrate this momentous day*