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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > A. O. C. A. F. 6 - Roleplay Thread

Posted by: Cockbill_Street Jan 20 2005, 05:16 PM

The draw was made in a nasty old cupboard in Cockbill Street, well out of nasty people's sights - just so we could fix a dead hard group for ourselves. Group 1 Sarzonia (4) Xile (10) Pedriana (12) South Ossetia (NR) Royal Engrand (NR) Group 2 Starblaydia (3) Crystilakere (6) Nova Britannicus (13) Cockbill Street (NR) Fmjphoenix (NR) Group 3 Turori (5) Druida (9) Legalese (11) Nojika (15) The Lowland Clans (NR) Group 4 Vilita (2) Lamoni (8) Krytenia (14) Chacor (20) Florianopolis (NR) The schedule is as follows: MD1: 1v5, 3v4 (Saturday) MD2: 1v4, 2v5 (Sunday) MD3: 1v3, 2v4 (Monday) MD4: 2v3, 4v5 (Tuesday) MD5: 1v2, 3v5 (Wednesday) The group winner qualifies directly for the quarter-finals, the second and third team will go to the second round (where the second team in group 1 plays the third in group 2). The second round and onwards is direct knock-out (play-off for you Yanks). Stadium information may be found here: http://www.3wideracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=451 The first matchday will be in about 4 hours. Full match schedule: Matchday 1: Sarzonia v Royal Engrand - Harewood Ground Pedriana v South Osettia - Roegrow Grass Patch Starblaydia v Fmjphoenix - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Nova Britannicus v Cockbill Street - Vimesbairn National Stadium Turori v The Lowland Clans - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Legalese v Nojika - Thatcher Road Vilita v Florianopolis - Northset County Cricket Ground Krytenia v Chacor - Jotneheim Park Matchday 2: Sarzonia v South Osettia - Northset County Cricket Ground Xile v Royal Engrand - Roegrow Grass Patch Starblaydia v Cockbill Street - Vimesbairn National Stadium Crystilakere v Fmjphoenix - Thatcher Road Turori v Nojika - Harewood Ground Druida v The Lowland Clans - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Vilita v Chacor - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Lamoni v Florianopolis - Jotneheim Park Matchday 3: Sarzonia v Pedriana - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Xile v South Osettia - Roegrow Grass Patch Starblaydia v Nova Britannicus - Jotneheim Park Crystilakere v Cockbill Street - Vimesbairn National Stadium Turori v Legalese - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Druida v Nojika - Thatcher Road Vilita v Krytenia - Northset County Cricket Ground Lamoni v Chacor - Harewood Ground Matchday 4: Xile v Pedriana - Harewood Ground South Osettia v Royal Engrand - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Crystilakere v Nova Britannicus - Northset County Cricket Ground Cockbill Street v Fmjphoenix - Vimesbairn National Stadium Druida v Legalese - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Nojika v The Lowland Clans - Jotneheim Park Lamoni v Krytenia - Thatcher Road Chacor v Florianopolis - Roegrow Grass Patch Matchday 5: Sarzonia v Xile - Jotneheim Park Pedriana v Royal Engrand - Thatcher Road Starblaydia v Crystilakere - Vimesbairn National Stadium Nova Britannicus v Fmjphoenix - Roegrow Grass Patch Turori v Druida - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Legalese v The Lowland Clans - Northset County Cricket Ground Vilita v Lamoni - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Krytenia v Florianpolis - Harewood Ground Second Round: Match 1: Second Group 1 v Third Group 2 - Vimesbairn National Stadium Match 2: Second Group 2 v Third Group 1 - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Match 3: Second Group 3 v Third Group 4 - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Match 4: Second Group 4 v Third Group 3 - Harewood Ground Quarter-Finals: Match 5: Winner Group 1 v Winner Match 3 - Northset County Cricket Ground Match 6: Winner Group 2 v Winner Match 4 - Jotneheim Park Match 7: Winner Group 3 v Winner Match 1 - Vimesbairn National Stadium Match 8: Winner Group 4 v Winner Match 2 - Vimesbairn Cricket Ground Semi-Finals: Match 9: Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 8 - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh Match 10:Winner Match 6 v Winner Match 7 - Northset County Cricket Ground Third Place Play-off: Match 11:Loser Match 9 v Loser Match 10 - Jotneheim Park Final: Match 12:Winner Match 9 v Winner Match 10 - Vimesbairn National Stadium

Posted by: Vilita Jan 20 2005, 07:48 PM

Rivalry with Lamoni gets stronger with AOCAF VI Draw The Vilita Regional Cats will face off yet again with the Lamoni Hawks in the group stage of the AOCAF Cup. It was a pair of uncharacteristic group stage defeats that sent Vilita crashing out of Legalese, and as a result a leadership change has been made. Former Yeaddin Owls AFC and Vilitan National Team goalkeeper Massimo Corsi has been named new head coach of the Regional Vilitan squad. Corsi, who had previously been linked with an opening in the Cockbill Street national team, inked a deal late last week and will work side by side with National Team head coach Helmut Vilkaus. Corsi plans to field a stronger team than his predicessor's in an attempt to bring AOCAF success to Vilita for the first time. The team will be a mix of experienced veterans and youthful prospects, and Corsi has not counted out a cameo appearance in goal against Florianopolis. Vilita (2) Lamoni (8) Krytenia (14) Chacor (20) Florianopolis (NR)

Posted by: Krytenia Jan 21 2005, 01:21 AM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST Lamoni Again. Oh, And Those Guys In Green Krytenia's return to AOCAF competition pits them in an interesting group, which also contains powerhouse Vilita, and a Lamoni side out for revenge for their recent three-nil defeat in World Cup qualifying. Chacor and Florianopolis are relative unknowns to the Celestials, who will be raring to go after a sixteen year absence in the competition. Of the current side, only striker Acienko Rimmer remains (Adam Vernazza being sidelined with an injury sustained in WCQs). Krytenia will be hoping to erase their embarrassing performance way back in AOCAF II, when they gained just four points and were eliminated with a game to spare in the group phase. The Draw: Vilita (2) Lamoni (8) Krytenia (14) Chacor (20) Florianopolis (NR)

Posted by: South Osettia Jan 21 2005, 04:27 PM

SO KO'd? Hell, no! South Osettia's first ever AOCAF is set to be a roller-coaster ride, as the draw threw up some tantalising games. Fourth seeds Sarzonia are the highest ranked team in the group, and wiht no previous history between the teams, it should be an interesting first-time experience. Xile, the tenth seeds, and Pedriana, the twelth seeds, will be close games, and these will hopefully be the games that SO sneak some points in. The final member of Group A is fellow unranked team Royal Engrand. South Osettia beat them in the BoF on the way to the ttle, but expect this match to be a lot closer. Predictions Sarzonia Should easily win this group. No competition. None whatsoever. Not even a sausage. Or a bratwurst. Prediction - 1st Xile Will be expected to shine, but a few points dropped here and there may prove costly in the end. Prediction - 3rd Pedriana Another team that SO may nick some points from, but some high-level wins will propel them into the latter stages. Prediction - 2nd South Osettia In their first tournament, little is expected. However, some good solid foundations can be built here, and expect them to be well structured. Prediction - 4th Royal Engrand Another eam in their first tournament, little hope can be held out for them. Will sadly be the whipping boys of the group. Prediction - 5th

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 21 2005, 06:18 PM

Hawks match-up against Vilita, AGAIN Another AOCAF, another shot at getting past the first round of the knockouts. With the A squad being knocked around in the WC, Lamoni's B squad will be called into action for this AOCAF. The Hawks are predicted to do well in this group, with only Vilita being seen as a real threat, and Krytenia as a spoiler. This group includes: Lamoni, Vilita, Krytenia, Chacor, and Florianopolis. PREDICTIONS Vilita: Will be fighting with the Hawks for the first place spot in the group stage, seen as the only real threat in the group. Krytenia: The spoilers, they'll come close, but probably not close enough. 3rd place seems likely for them. Chacor: Chacor will have a time of it with Krytenia, but will have a tough time against Vilita and the Hawks. 4th is likely for them. Florianopolis: An unknown, it is not expected that this team will fare well in it's first AOCAF, unlike the Hawks own laudable (almost unheard of) record in their first AOCAF.

Posted by: Nojika Jan 22 2005, 12:29 AM

Race for the Cup, Panthers Are Ready AOCAF VI is looking to be a definete competition for the Panthers. Being thrown into a group with some of the top teams and an unranked fairly unknown team, Nojika expects to be fighting hard for every minute of possesion and every point. The Panthers however are hopefull and confident that their hard training over the past few months will allow them to place high in their group, or at least make all the opponents struggle to place high themselves. The Panthers are definetly ready to get started for the race for the AOCAF VI Cup and hope to have a better record than all previous competitions... Predictions The Lowland Clans are definetely not being ruled out of the run for the Cup, but because they have never been seen competeing in the AOCAF before, they are predicted to place 5th in the group. Though, some surprised are expected. Legalese beat Turori during the last Cup Championship for 3rd place. This year, Legalese are expected to be beat out by a revengeful Turori regional team. Legalese is predicted to place 4th in the group stage. Turori placed 4th behind Legalese behind AOCAF V. This time around however, it is predicted that Turori will come out on top of Legalese, as payback for a 4-3 loss, forcing Turori into 4th place. Turori is expected to place 3rd in the group. Druida is most definetly the team to beat in this group. Surprises are expected from this team but the Panthers are confident that they will come out on top of Druida, but barely. Druida is predicted to place 2nd in the group just behind Nojika. Nojika is predicted to place 1st in the group stage, with the best regional team to have ever been put together by Nojika, with the inclusion of many domestic club all-stars.

Posted by: Florianopolis Jan 22 2005, 12:30 AM

Helder Ratones walked into his ‘field office,’ as he liked to think of it. The hotel suite was set up to the specifications of the Florianopolis Crab Cats’ head coach, the room arranged with 3 tables functioning as desks, a pile of computer equipment and fax machines, and surrounded by select memorabilia to keep the focus. Helder picked up the pile of fresh sport’s sections left at his table, scanning articles. One of his staffers looked up and recommended he read the lead in article in Lamoni’s national paper. “Indeed…” was Helder’s comment in his thick Portuguese accent. He chuckled, “sometimes simply being an unknown can be the best tactic. Unfortunately it’s an advantage that we’ll lose after the first couple rounds, but we can make the most of it.” “With Rudolph and Heinz starting…” the staffer began. “Hopefully they’ll never know what happened. That was a stroke of genius signing them when we did, and I have to admit I’m impressed by the operating level of the team recently. Even with Pedro's groin problem still keeping him out." His staffer looked up sharply. That was a big admission from the usual attitude of never acknowledging how good things were going, always pushing for better. The team was currently using their allocated practice time on the field, under the skilled eye of Hercilio Luz, the Crab Cat’s lead assistant coach. “Hopefully Lamoni’s guard will be down; regardless, I feel good about our first competition.” Ratones’ eye passed over the wall recording a half-dozen championship titles from his previous career before he came to AO. He had been working hard at putting together his team; recruiting from around the base of players and coaches he had come to know from his previous successes and Florianopolis’s top regional teams. Many were hesitant at first coming aboard a brand-new operation, but he made a hard pitch, promising rewards for hard work. The last year and a half was filled with intense practice and adjustments, and Ratones’ felt it would pay-off. As much preparation that could be made against tomorrow’s match with Vilita has been made; now only game time will give the results. He allowed himself a moment’s relaxation as he sipped the coffee that was brought in, and scanned the latest developments in the Lamoni – NA conflict that dominated the front page.

Posted by: Turori Jan 22 2005, 12:58 AM

Eels ready for Clans test The Turori Eels regional reserve squad will be ready to pick up where the senior squad left off in Turori by beating their new region-mates and long time rivals 2-1. The win at the Cednia Beach Center propelled the Eels to the top of their World Cup Group 5 table, which they continue to lead with an unbeaten 6-2-0 record, 6 points clear of Tadjikistan and Oaker. Second choice Turori goalkeeper Jarod Dreka will continue to fly with the senior squad to important non-regional away matches ( Oaker & Tadjikistan), but will start for the Regional Eels in Cockbill Street when these two matches are not in conflict. Another Starblaydia-Based player, Nikki Inostraza, will be seeing first choice action for the first time under the new leadership of Boaibou Houabou. The former national team midfielder requested full backing of selection from the Turori FA, as opposed to past AOCAF's when a representative would lead a squad full of youth players to a dismal AOCAF performance. Houabou would like to build on Turori's first Semi-Final appearance in Legalese, and take the new-look Eels all the way to the AOCAF VI final. The playing squad will be led by the highly-experienced Kaboafo Iobabao. Iobabao was originally offered the coaching job for the regional Eels, but turned it down in hopes that he could prove to his peers that he could still earn his place in the squad without having to choose himself, and he has done just that. Touted as a future coach for the National Team of any nation, Iobabao has been the shining star of Mliona-Lpaka FC, a Non-League Turorian side that made a cinderella run behind Iobabao's leadership to the Vilitan Cup Semi Final. Iobabao will wear the captains armband for Turori.

Posted by: South Osettia Jan 22 2005, 05:17 AM

Pedriana vs. South Osettia: Preview With the formalities over, the competition gets in full swing today, as the first round of matches take place. SO's first opponents are twelth seeds Pedriana, the lowest ranked seeded team in the group. This could be an opportunity for the team to pick up some early points, and coach Bozwell is expecting some class performances today. "It's our first ever AOCAF game, and I would hope that the boys can give the fans something to shout about today. It'll be tough, and it'll be tiring, but I promise you, we will not admit defeat until that final whistle is blown." And with some of the talent in the squad, who could blame Bozwell for being optimistic? There are undoubtedly a few future World Stars in this team, including winger Nolan Saletta, famous for his pinpoint accuracy for Zimbru Ts'khinvali, Raphael Nist, the youngest ever player to score a goal in SO football, netting for Dinamo Tblisi against local rivals Lokomotivi at the age of 16 years 152 days, and captain Hal Divirgilio, a wall in the defence and the backbone of the team. One thing's for sure. This AOCAF experience won't be over until it's over. Predictions Pedriana vs. South Osettia In their first ever AOCAF game, SO will be hoping to impress. However, lack of experience against an established team may be their downfall. A point is doable, a defeat is likely. Pedriana 2:1 South Osettia Sarzonia vs. Royal Engrand Not expected to be a particularly tough match for Sarzonia. May just be used as a training match for later, more difficult games. Nevertheless, expect RE to try hard, but with ulitmate failure. Sarzonia 3:0 Royal Engrand

Posted by: Crystilakere Jan 22 2005, 10:38 AM

Alcir Barbara becomes a forward Crystilakere 3rd choice goalkeeper Alcir Barbara has been forced to play as a forward in the AOCAF tournament and Crystilakere will have no subs. A lot of the Crystilakere players left to join the rugby team during World Cup 19 and with the starting 11 already playing abroad in the world cup qualfying, Barbara was the 11th and only choice to fill out the Crystilakere lineup for AOCAF VI in Cocbill Street. Crystilakere will have no subs, so please be nice to them.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 22 2005, 11:19 AM

Inexperienced Team for the AOCAF Young Guns given their head to fight for glory With the usual 23-man squad being wrapped in cotton wool for the World Cup Finals, Starblaydia have picked an entirely different 23-man squad for their 4th shot at the AOCAF and hoping for a third-straight Semi-Final. If these boys can do well in the cut-and-thrust of AOCAF, then we're sure to see them strutting their stuff in the 21st World Cup Qualifiers The fact that Starblaydia are the second-seeds for this edition of the AOCAF. This time they will once again be facing jinx-team Crystilakere, who always seem to beat us in the AOCAF, along with Fmjpheonix, the young Navy-Blues of Nova Britannicus and the mixed-bag of host Cockbill Street, who we've had a poor history against, but recently been not too shabby. Starblaydia should really finish top of this Group, though as long as they can keep the slip-ups to a minimum, it'll be the final day's match against Crystilakere that will decide if Starblaydia can go straight to the Quarter-Finals, or have to go through an extra Second Round game to progress.

Posted by: Krytenia Jan 22 2005, 09:33 PM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST Chacor Rattled 'N' Rolled Krytenia 3 Chacor 0 THEY say the winner takes it all, and in the case of this game they took it with both hands. Chacor were obliterated three-nil as the Celestial B Side roared its nation's return to the AOCAF Cup in spectacular fashion. Peter Ibaraki grabbed a brace in the first half, with Keith Xousa adding a clincher just after the hour mark. Vilita are next up on Matchday Three, and though the Jungle Cats are group favourites, Krytenia will have the advantage of being well rested, with no game on Matchday Two. NEXT GAME: VILITA v KRYTENIA Northset, Cockbill Street

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 22 2005, 10:46 PM

Stars get off on wrong foot, draw 2-2 Talceckia's colonial football team was expected to have trouble against Royal Engrand, but not a Sarzonian football team that appeared in the semifinals in each of the first five AOCAF tournaments and not a team that lost the championship match to the now-former nation NEWI Cefn Druids. Not a team that is currently dominating World Cup qualifying. But struggle they did, needing two goals by Kevin Wilson to salvage a 2-2 draw to open the sixth AOCAF tournament. "We never seem to do things the easy way here, do we," Coach Bryson Juergens said. "We've got a lot of work to do to get back on track." The scoreboard said 0-0 at the opening kickoff, but fans in the stands could be excused for thinking the Stars were down 2-0 right then. Royal Engrand jumped out to a 2-0 lead just six minutes in on twin strikes by the team's leading goalscorer that forced Juergens to send goalkeeper Marco Taglianetti to the bench in favor of Horace Sandt. Taglianetti will start the next match. "I just had to get Marco out of there because he was looking shell-shocked," Juergens said. "It's not a reflection of his effort. I just don't want to lose him for the tournament." The team seemed to steady itself after Sandt entered, holding Royal Engrand to five shots on goal after giving up the first two shots on goal that Taglianetti conceded. Wilson repeated the trick for the Stars in the 80th and 87th minutes to get the Stars the draw. "I'm happy to have scored two goals, but I'd rather win the games," Wilson said.

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 22 2005, 11:55 PM

Lamoni waits for game-time After a full day spent practicing, the Hawks filed into the locker room to watch Florianopolis' first AOCAF match; the better to get a feel for the opposition. Even though Florianopolis lost the match, (by a lot) the Hawks still were not going to take them lightly. Team Captain Hugh Desper knew that his squad was a young one, but he thought; a good one. They were young enough to still have the strength, stamina, and will to win, but not so young that they wouldn't be able to compete. His team regularly practiced against the Lamonian 'A' squad, who were currently getting creamed (6th place in group) in the World Cup. Fortunately, the AOCAF was traditional Lamoni soccer hunting grounds. He was confident that the Hawks would win as long as they stayed focused on the game, made fewer mistakes than the opponent, and scored at least twice. Coach Neil Gilbo knew that this would be the first real international competition for the 'B' squad, but they would have some tricks up their sleeve. He thought that it was a shame that Novvs Atlantis hadn't sent a squad to the AOCAF, it would've been a morale booster to defeat them on the soccer field while they fought against the Lamonian homeland. On the other hand, the AOCAF rivalry with Vilita should make things interesting, and Krytenia had returned to send a squad as well. This will be an interesting group, he thought; but one that the Hawks can win. After all, they had helped keep Vilita out of the knockouts in the last group stage, so who knew what they could do this time around? The team would also be looking for revenge against Krytenia for the 'A' squad's loss to them in the World Cup, so morale wouldn't be a problem for that match either. No, the AOCAF future looked bright for the Hawks.

Posted by: Nojika Jan 23 2005, 12:37 AM

Panthers Start With A Win Follett Scores Late Earlier today, the Panthers faced off against Legalese, who placed 3rd in the last Cup championship. Both teams fought hard and made numerous attacks on goal, but Nojika's young new Keeper Kahn proved he was, in the end, the better of the two keepers. Late in the second half, the game was scoreless. Nojika recieved a corner kick, taken by Denardis and cleared by a defender to the half, where Nojikan defender Brice Delce placed the ball back into the box where striker Shane Follett seemed to be waiting. Follett gained control of the ball, took two touches and made a quick turn to face the goal and let off a powerfull shot placing the ball in the left side net, just out of reach of the Legalese keeper. 17 minutes later, the Panthers had their first win in the 6th AOCAF Cup. It will be just a short time before we see if this win is going to become a trend for the Panthers. Final: Nojika 1 - 0 Legalese (Follett 73)

Posted by: South Osettia Jan 23 2005, 06:03 AM

Pedriana Review/Sarzonia Preview The SO team were left feeling hard done by, as a late goal from Pedriana striker Zero Dandilo meant the match ended 1-0 and the team sitting bottom of the group. The performance left little to be desired, and many will be thinking that a lot more was deserved by the team. Indications were that this could have been a dream start for South Osettia, as Fidel Britson cracked a shot against the crossbar after just five minutes. The Pedriana pressure was soaked up, and it seemed that the team could pull off a major shock. However, the tide turned in the second half, and SO took forty minutes of defending before the heart-breaking strike saw them leave Pedriana with nothing to show for their efforts. Tomorrow is another day, as they say, and the team will be looking forward to their next match against fourth seeds Sarzonia. They may have been held to a 2-2 by Royal Engrand, but it is expected that the backlash will be swift. A second successive defeat looks to be on the cards, but coach Bozwell reamins optimistic. "We were unlucky yesterday: we should have got at least a point from that game, if not more. Today, we're playing one of the best in the game, and we will have to pick ourselves up quickly if we are going to be able to get anything out of it. I think that we can expect a good gam, with hopefully something to smile about at the end." Predictions South Osettia vs. Sarzonia Don't put a lot of money on SO winning this game. After their disappointing draw yesterday, Sarzonia will be looking for some revenge, and where better to get that than fresh meat. It'll be difficult to contain them, and in then end, the might may prove too much. South Osettia 0-2 Sarzonia Xile vs. Royal Engrand RE will be on a high after their last game, but will they be going into this a little complacently? Xile will be fresh after their first day bye, and will be looking to draw blood here. Xile 2:1 Royal Engrand

Posted by: South Osettia Jan 23 2005, 03:24 PM

Sarzonia Review/Xile Preview The defeat was expected, and indeed the defeat cometh, as South Osettia went down 2-0 to Sarzonia. The only good thing about the game was the correct prediction on our part. Everything that could have gone badly went badly, and the team were lucky to come out only two goals down. The match started off as expected with concerted pressure from the fourth seeds. The first goal came on 15 minutes, after Bruce Badger deftly pummelled the ball into the back of the net with his shoulder. Despite the poor manner in which the goal came, it was deserved, as was the second on 16 minutes, when Darrell Bennett saw the keeper off his line and chipped him from the halfway line. Perfect. The rest of the match was about damage limitation, and SO were able to hold the Sarzonians for the rest of the match. The team's next match is against tenth seeds Xile. After the narrow defeat by Pedriana on Saturday, SO will have a feeling that they could get something from this game. Coach Bozwell is feeling confident of something from the match. "After two defeats, I think tomorrow will be our day. We will practice hard, and I think that we could get something from the game tomorrow." Predictions Xile vs. South Osettia SO are in desparate need of the points here, but there could be light at the end of the tunnel in this game. With some careful planning, the points are possible. Xile 1:1 South Osettia Sarzonia vs. Pedriana Sarzonia will be feeling a lot better after today's result, and will surely be on top of their game now. On the other hand, Pedriana will be fresh and up for this game, so expect something interesting. Sarzonia 2:1 Pedriana

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 23 2005, 05:46 PM

Hawks win their first match of AOCAF VI In a result that was admittedly not unexpected, the Lamoni Hawks soundly defeated Florianopolis 4-1, and moved to second place in group 4. Coach Gilbo was pleased with the result. "We may not be the 'A' squad, but by no means should anyone count us out of ANY game. Our guys played as well as anyone could have expected, and probably even suprised a few people. While we did think that a win in this game was likely, we never took it for granted. Our guys are ready and willing to play against the Chacorian team next." Indeed, the game was mostly a Lamoni show. Florianopolis scored early on, but that was to be their only taste of success in the entire game. The Lamonian answer was as effective as it was expected. Niel Silvis supplied the first Lamonian goal, followed by Lance Sweigart and Team Captain Hugh Desper; who scored twice. Desper's second goal, however; was controversial in that it bounced it's way in. It hit the ground in front of and to the left of the Florianopolis goalkeeper, and went into the net up high. The next match for the Hawks will be against Chacor. Lamoni has had a good record against this team, and will be looking to add to it with another win. Lance Sweigart put it this way: "Chacor is a good team, but we normally come out on top against them. We NEVER let our gaurd down against this team, and it has served us in good stead. We don't intend to start letting our gaurd down against them now, either." Lamoni - 4 Niel Silvis (5), Lance Sweigart (6), Hugh Desper (20, 73) Florianopolis - 1 Someone (2)

Posted by: Druida Jan 24 2005, 07:14 AM

OOC: I started this before the MD2 results, so sorry if it's a bit out of sync. The Daily Druid ANOTHER AOCAF BRINGS A NEW CHALLENGE Can Druida start where NEWI Cefn Druids left off? Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports It's AOCAF time again ladies and gentlemen! This time we're in Cockbill Street, who've only come to the region during the last decade, nad this time we're Druida. Because of this, we start off in the rankings where Druida left off last time (a lowly ninth place), despite having much of the same squad that won the competition in Legalese. So, can Druida make it five wins out of six for nations in the Druidish Lands? Well, it seems unlikely. All the rest of the usual suspects are there, including World Champions Crystilakere (interestingly only ranked sixth in the region), plus a few new, yet vastly experienced, nations who haven't even got a ranking in the system. So who will Druida be facing? Well, the other four teams in the rainbows' group kicked off last night, and whichever way you look at it, it doesn't make for good reading. Turori, The Lowland Clans, Legalese and Nojika. Translated into non-footballing terms, that means "Oh, bugger." However, there is one factor that could help Druida. They have a full strength side out here, and a fresh one too. Not even fellow World Cup hosts Starblaydia have done that. Results so far have been a convincing 3-0 win for Turori over a Lowland Clans team that seemed a bit lost bey the whole event, while Nojika, who've been coming to the AOCAF for many a year now, beat Legalese in what might be considered a surprise result.

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 24 2005, 09:19 AM

Stars snap back to form, win 2-0 Bruce Badger may not have earned a spot on the first choice national team, but he's sure making the most of his opportunities with the second team. Badger scored a controversial goal 15 minutes into the match, followed by a Darrell Bennett strike one minute later and the Sarzonian national team defeated South Osettia 2-0 to pick up their first win of the sixth AOCAF tournament. Goalkeeper Marco Taglianetti rebounded from a rough outing in the first match by making five saves for the clean sheet. The Stars' defense also played a much stronger match according to Coach Bryson Juergens. "We finally provided Marco support along the backline," Juergens said. "We need to make sure to get all the points we can against the teams we should beat because we don't want to have to play in the quarters." Sarzonia put the match away early with pressure almost from the opening kickoff. The first shot of the match came just 80 seconds in off the boot of midfielder Carlos Escandela. It went wide, but it set the tone for the frenzied first part of the match. Midfielder Josh Bentley sent a through ball into the box looking for Badger to trap it with his chest, but Bentley's service was a bit too high. The referee didn't see the ball carom off Badger's shoulder and counted the goal for a 1-0 Stars lead 15 minutes in. "I think that goal may have deflated them a little," Badger said. "They were arguing but the referee wasn't listening." Bennett made it 2-0 just moments later after winning the ball in midfield. He saw goalkeeper Ali Felkel (six saves) off his line and sent a long ball hoping to catch him napping. Felkel raced back desperately in an attempt to save the shot but couldn't reach the ball in time and the Stars doubled their lead after arguably the cheekiest goal in team history. "You've gotta take chances once in a while and sometimes they work out," Bennett said. "I just tried that and it worked." The Stars face Pedriana with memories of the AOCAF tournament they hosted still in the back of their minds when the then-nascent side beat the Stars in the opener. Sarzonia swears it will not let the same thing happen again. "We've got motivation going in," Bentley said. "We know they can beat us if we don't play the full 90."

Posted by: Nojika Jan 24 2005, 10:56 AM

Next For Nojika, Druida Next for Nojika is Druida, a team that they must beat in order to continue on in the race for the AOCAF cup. The Nojikan coaching staff has been preparing the Panthers both physically and mentally for this game for a some time now. Young star, Shane Follett said this earlier today about the game against Druida; "We know that we need this win, it's important and we are all confident we have the skill and discipline to take another 3 points. Everyone knows that we need it, and everyone knows that this is important." Now it's just a matter of time before we see how well the Panthers have prepared themselves for this game...

Posted by: Cockbill_Street Jan 24 2005, 01:24 PM

Street "A" Team Give Good Competition Kansu Lyku On The Zeppelin A weak Streetian "A" side, with old U-21 regulars, half-Eauzians, and an average age pulled up by about three years with the entry of Rikki Stone into the squad, still managed to pull off a 2-2 draw with Nova Britannicus U-23 in the Street's very first match in the AOCAF tournament. Of course, everyone else is fielding their reserves or third-choice players too, that being the nature of this tournament, but it was still an all right result in front of 20-odd thousand in the National. More turned up for the meeting with arch-rivals Starblaydia, but it was still obvious that this was a second-team tournament, as fewer came to this game than to the second-round Cup game between Vimesbairn United and FC of 1698 two days before. Maybe that was just as well. Because the Streeters did not by any stretch of the imagination play up to the Karela-ideals, they struggled in attack, and it was a luck that they came away with 1-2 against a Starblaydi side equally full of rejects - but Starblaydi rejects play in a tougher league. Perhaps it says something that the highest a Streetian ever got in the Starblaydi league was the Gamma Division (which equates to the top of the Human Premiership). Syku Lyku-Ayegbeni, or "Slani" as witty Starblaydi fans dubbed him early on, scored the first goal from a free-kick, and Ilias Provatidis added to the scoreline just before half-time. Even Haemimorphite's header couldn't save the Street, as they crumbled to a 1-2 defeat, and are looking unlikely to qualify from their own cup. Still, they're looking to take some positives - namely that they scored three goals in two matches despite playing System Karela. Cockbill Street 2 (Kerr 18, Gwyddich 67) Nova Britannicus 2 (Pompey 44, 60) Cockbill Street 1 (Haemimorphite 51) Starblaydia 2 ("Slani" 11, Provatidis 41) In other news, matchday 3 is coming some time during the day. Please be patient, we are working on clacks transmission out of the Street.

Posted by: Vilita Jan 24 2005, 05:26 PM

Regional Cats Brace for Playoff match The Vilita Regional Cats are preparing themselves for a playoff match to take them through to the AOCAF Quarter Finals, after failing to beat Krytenia. Failure against Krytenia means the Vilitans must over come their bogie side, Lamoni, in order to avoid the extra two legged playoff round. Vilitans are not optimistic about their chances, and are left wondering whether they would be facing a team from their group, or another group, in the playoff. Either way, Massimo Corsi will be fielding a strong lineup for the match that could see one or two World Cup 20 Players filling in after the Vilita entry in the World Cup 20 Finals was confirmed.

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 24 2005, 05:53 PM

Hawks draw with Chacor, remain in second spot The Hawks have yet to lose in AOCAF VI, but they were lucky that Krytenia got into a draw, or the Hawks would be in third place. The Hawks got into a 2-2 draw with Chacor in a hard fought game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Lamoni scored 25 minutes into the match, and the hushed crowd seemed to think that Lamoni had this game in the bag. When Chacor scored twice at 30 minutes and 35 minutes, it looked as if they might carry the game away with them; but a Lamoni goal at 73 minutes changed all that, and as time ran out, the game ended in a draw. The Hawks face Krytenia next, and this match will determine who gets to face off against number one seed Vilita in a playoff match. Both Lamoni and Krytenia have identical records in this AOCAF, but the Hawks have a better rating, and Lamoni will want revenge for the two losses that the 'A' squad suffered at WC20. This match is expected to be watched by a lot of Lamonians, who will get a morale boost from the match after watching so many war scenes. Indeed, the 'B' squad is being seen as soccer heros by a nation that has been unjustly invaded for no real reason. Regardless of the outcome against Krytenia, the Hawks will still have a chance to defeat Vilita in the group stages of the AOCAF, but it would be sweet indeed to defeat Vilita while also defeating Krytenia. Lamoni - 2 Niel Silvis (25), Hugh Desper (73) Chacor - 2 Someone (30, 35)

Posted by: Nojika Jan 24 2005, 08:26 PM

Second Loss For Nojika Chance For A Second Round Appearence? "We are devastated.", said Nojikan midfielder Carlos Amoa. there is nothing more embarrasing to have two straight loses. And we would love to have beat Druida, but now it seems like not much else could go wrong for us, we may very well already be out of the race for the cup championship. That aside, we are still doing what we can to remain strong so that we can win our next game and move on, this is the best group of guys I've ever played with." The feelings Amoa expressed were not just his, but they were the same feelings the entire Nojikan squad was feeling. "We have a damn good team here, better than most of the others, things just aren't going our way right now. We need to remain positive and hope for the best and soon we will show all of Atlantian Oceania just how good the Nojikan football program is." Said head coach Randy Mulder. Since their lost against the Druida squad, the team has been watching film endlessly to observe each of their mistakes and to take note of the mistakes made by the Druida players, in hopes to better focus themselves for the games ahead. The next team the Panthers face is The Lowland Clans, an unranked and fairly unknown team. When asked what the squad will do in their next game, Mulder said "We arent going to take our opponents lightly in this one, we don't know their style of play, so what we are going to want to do is play the game safe duing the first 45 minutes, learn their technique and then come out in the second half and exploit their problem areas and finish the game with a win. I'd love for our boys to win this game 10-0," he laughed, "if only we could do that every game." The Panthers must win against The Lowland Clans, if they don't, they may not be able to move on to the second round. If Nojika does win, then they can only expect tougher opponents and more important games; A single loss could mean they would be done for good. Can the new Nojikan squad go all the way? Can they do what past Panther teams could not? The answer will lie within the outcome of their next match... Final Nojika 1 (Follett, 31) Druida 3 (Rodgers, 56; Law 71, 83)

Posted by: Pedriana Jan 24 2005, 08:28 PM

That was unexpected We're actually doing somewhat well Poor South Osettia. They've already been having to deal with a heavily disappointing record in World Cup 20 qualifying, but surely nobody expected they would stoop so low as to actually get beaten by Pedriana. Widely known (by the Pedrian people, at least) to be the laughingstocks of the football world -- heck, they finished dead last in their group when they hosted AOCAF III! -- they started off this AOCAF campaign with a win. Then, after a break for matchday 2, the Alpacas (Pedriana's B-team; the name "Llamas" now applies only to the A-team) were to play Sarzonia, one of the most successful nations in the ongoing WC qualifiers. It was expected to be a slaughter, surely at least four-nil in favor of the Stars. Once again, Zero Dandilo was the man of the match, giving Pedriana the lead in the 25th minute. It didn't last long due to Sarzonia's quick equalizer, but it was enough to miraculously secure a point. Many English-speaking fans have probably noticed the irony that a man called "Zero" has scored both goals for the team so far. In actuality, his name is not derived from English at all, but it's still pretty interesting.

Posted by: Krytenia Jan 24 2005, 11:25 PM

THE HERALD SPORTS DIGEST Good Ties E-Vil Krytenia 1 Vilita 1 ONE in the eye for the Regional Cats, as the Krytenians upset the applecart by denying Vilita two points in Chesham. Carmine Mbidzo put the Vilitans in front, but Andy Tay was having none of it and cracked home a second half equaliser. The B-Celestials will have a tough task of it next game, but a win against Lamoni will leave the group deliciously poised...and would also mean that Vilita's qualification hopes would no longer be fully in their own hands (ie they could defeat Lamoni and still not finish top). Mwa ha ha! NEXT GAME: LAMONI v KRYTENIA Upperborough, Cockbill Street

Posted by: Druida Jan 25 2005, 07:37 AM

The Daily Druid WHERE'S ALAN BELMORE? Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports Two games into AOCAF 6, and the Druida Rainbows are doing just fine. The only thing that has surprised anyone is that the team's star player for it's last eight years as NEWI Cefn Druids, a certain Alan Belmore, has been conspicuous by his absence. Belmore, who fired NEWI Cefn Druids to the World Cup Quarter Finals almost single-handedly, has not only been left out of the team for the Rainbows' victories against The Lowland Clans and Nojika, but he hasn't even been seen at any of the stadia here in Cockbill Street. Of course, rumours have started that a rift has occured between himself and his father/national team coach. However, in interviews after the Nojika game, these rumours were quickly scorched. "I know about as much as you as to Alan's whereabouts." Druida boss Trevor Belmore told us. "Not only is it worrying as coach of a national side that I have lost one of our best players, but the most worrying aspect is as a father. Alan is my son, and if anyone out there could possibly help as to Alan's whereabouts, it would be most helpful."

Posted by: Fmjphoenix Jan 25 2005, 06:36 PM

Snipes draw Starblaydia, get routed by Crystilakere After earning a hard fought draw against Starblaydia to the tune of 2-2, the Snipes were stomped on by Crystilakere 4-1. Not much action for Fmjphoenix's regional team, as they have only gotten 3 goals to allowing 6. Bad numbers so far, but its only their first trip in the A.O.C.A.F. And its not over yet. They still have to play Cockbill Street and Nova Britannicus. Its not over for them yet!!!!! [ooc]i meant to do more, but my computer is being stupid!!!!!![/ooc]

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 26 2005, 04:09 AM

Seven from Nine not Quite Good Enough Star Trek Pun resisted as Starblaydia await Crystils Starblaydia's "second" team, composed mostly of youngsters, opened their Tournament with a two-all draw with Fmjphoenix's team, the Snipes. Whether they're named after some kind of animal or the military action is beyond our knowledge, but they stunned Starblaydi fans by holding the former-Champions to a draw. Zachariah Loze's height allowed him to score Starblaydia's first goal of their Group Campaign, a free header aimed down into the goal that 'keeper Fundel Near had no chance with. The Snipes' highly attack-minded 3-4-3 formation caused Starblaydia problems, however, as Carlos Delgado (probably no relation to 22 year-old Hallad Reavers and World Cup 20 Reserve player Raphael Delgado) and then Brian Bay put the South-Westerners into a shock Two-One lead. Some quick thinking led to veteran striker Eomer Hall being brought on for the ineffectual Ilias Provatidis, and it was a stroke of genius as Hall started and finished a sweeping team move that allowed him to slot home from around eight yards, drawing Starblaydia level with just minutes to spare. Then it was hosts Cockbill Street who faced the valiant men in white and purple. Syku Lyku-Agbayani gave Starblaydia an early lead as he whipped a free-kick around the wall and beyond the grasp of young troll Obsidian after around ten minutes. Ilias Provatdis scored his first ever goal for Starblaydia before half-time, quite fittingly it was Starblaydia's winner, as although Haemimorphite the Troll (dubbed by the Starblaydi fans as a 'Hermaphrodite Troll') managed to dive past Loze for an equaliser after half-time, Starblaydia were not caught and chalked up three points for a win. Though Spearthrower went close late on, De Marco was on hand to tip the ball around the post, showing off the command of his area by plucking the resultant corner out of the air. This win kept Starblaydia above World Champions Crystilakere in Group 2 who recorded a win in their first match, having rested on Matchday One. Then came a North-Eastern derby as Starblaydia faced friends and neighbours Nova Britannicus, who's "first" team so recently qualified for the Starblaydia/Drudia World Cup 20 in a week or so's time. Though the Navy-Blues were on a high, Starblaydia recorded a fabulous Six-Two win, equalling the demolition of Big Pimento four years ago. Twenty-One year-old Captain Thanh Madray blasted two goals past Jeremy McFarland in the first half and set up the third, playing a defence-splitting pass between Johnson and Ximbod, allowing Lyku-Agbayani to net his second of the tournament. The second half was a different matter as Iskara Daii's Frederic La Salle nicked a quick equaliser and Akira Jones volleyed into the top corner from around twenty-five yards. At Three-Two, Starblaydia had to re-double their efforts which allowed Julio Matis to get his Seventh International Goal. With a two-goal barrier reinforced, Starblaydia threw men forward and Zak Loze again scored from a Kovac corner for the fifth. Finally, young dwarf Zhorin Tumunzahar came on and scored on his international debut at the age of just sixteen. With a more-than-healthy Six goals on the scoresheet, Starblaydia now look forward to their rest-day as they prepare to face Crystilakere in the match that should decide who progresses to the Quarter-Finals, and who has to undergo the strain of a Second-Round match.

Posted by: Chacor Jan 26 2005, 05:51 AM

OOC: Sorry for the lack of RPs so far... will try to get one in soon, even if they come after the Group Stage.

Posted by: Xile Jan 26 2005, 04:40 PM

A break in the war coverage on XNN drew quite a bit of attention. Something actually not pertaining to the war was being covered by the government controlled news crew! ...Xile started off well in the sixth AOCAF championship, routing Royal Engrand and South Osietta in close matches. They lost their most recent match to Pedriana, but coach Cy Maxelli believes that the team will continue to play strongly. --- cuts to coach Maxelli --- "We've been dissapointed in the previous championships, we managed to hold on to a decent rank, but never managed to get ahead. We took a break from competitive play for a while, and got back to the basics. It seems to really have helped. Besides that, the fans here in Cockbill Street have been really accomodating... I have even been able to relax on some of my rules." A drunken player runs in front of the camera, "I LOVE COCKBILL STREET! GO BULLET WOUNDS! WOOO!" Coach Maxelli sighs, "Yes, I have allowed them to drink again. Ever since that brawl at a previous competition I had to set up some rules or face jail time. Yeah... anyways, the players seem to play a bit better with some booze in their systems." --- cuts back to the anchorman --- ::snicker:: Well, that seems amusing. Now back to coverage of the situation in Novus Atlantis and Lamoni...

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 26 2005, 05:05 PM

Hawks handily defeat Krytenia, await match against Vilita The Hawks gave Krytenia a 5-0 smashing in an important match for Lamoni. The win means that while the Hawks are still in second place (due to goal difference), they can claim first place with a win over Vilita in their next match. Such a win would put the Hawks in an excellent position for the knockouts, and hopefully allow them to make it past the first round for the first time in AOCAF history. It really is a shame that the Lamonian WC ranking was not used in this AOCAF, but it will mean that the Lamonian team that plays in the next AOCAF will be stronger than ever. The Lamonian group stage record against Vilita is impressive, with many Lamoni wins, and the Hawks will be looking to add to it with another win in the upcoming match. Getting back to the match against Krytenia, the Hawks were scoring all the way through the match, and even scored one goal on a headbutt. Neil Silvis and Hugh Desper were the first two to score for the Hawks, followed by Guy Alejandre, and two goals by Fernando Reddin. The Hawks also had excellent goalkeeping from Mccaa, who did not allow a shot to get past him in the match. Lamoni - 5 Neil Silvis (5), Hugh Desper (9), Guy Alejandre (12), Fernando Reddin (17, 73) Krytenia - 0

Posted by: Pedriana Jan 26 2005, 05:36 PM

And We're....Through? Pedriana 3-1 Royal Engrand ATHTAI -- Finishing the group stage with a solid 3-1 win over Royal Engrand, the Alpacas find themselves in a waiting game. But the reason for the wait is, strangely enough, a positive one. With the fourth best record in the group stage (a 4-way tie for first on points, but last of those on GD), Pedriana has finished top of Group 1 and earned the right to completely skip the second round altogether and go straight on to the quarterfinals. Team coach Oleo Retagumo* announced that he was exceedingly pleased with the team's performance, and that he expected Emperor Pedro IV to be just as pleased. *Formerly known as Olé Retaguma, he coached past AOCAF sides as well. His name has been altered due to ongoing changes in the structure of the language of Pedriana that forces all men's names to end with "o" and all women's names to end with "a".

Posted by: Xile Jan 26 2005, 10:53 PM

There were riots in the street in New Babylonia. Not the usual handful of anti-war protestors but soccer hooligans, alcoholics, and other types of fanatics. Due to the increased coverage of the AOCAF on XNN, the residents of the capitol city had witnessed its first full soccer match in years. The team did not disappoint, defeating their rival Sarzonia for the first time in three tournaments. President Lauir was even expected to broadcast a speech to the team via sattellite. The team definitely saw this as an improvement to former President Cannonite's death threats. The team was parading around Cockbill Street, turning back bottles of Abattoiran whiskey and singing loudly. Every now and then a disgruntled fan from the Sarzonian team would try to vent his anger, but he was quickly consumed by the ravenous Bullet Wound fans. Then back at home, coverage once again returned to the war effort in Lamoni. Fans eagerly awaited another break in the normal coverage for more news on the soccer front. Attention was just where the government wanted it. They just hoped the team wouldn't dissapoint. Coach Maxelli grabbed a bottle of the penguin labeled spirit and began dousing himself as well. Things looked good for the team... for a change.

Posted by: Florianopolis Jan 26 2005, 11:42 PM

[ooc: sorry about the lack of activity, this has landed on my weekend to work and a busy week as well.] Rolf, Ratone’s clerical assistant, was grateful of the recent wins. He wasn’t sure he could take any more of the head coach’s despairing rampage anymore, and seeing him in a good mood again has been a massive relief for everyone in his contact. The headlines of the recent wins against Chacor and Krytenia were lined up across one of the suite’s couches. Ratone was reading a snippet from the Florianopolis Times: “…after an embarrassing entry in AOCAF VI, the Crab Cats have demonstrated a potential desperately needed after their initial pummeling at the hands of Vilita, and their sad, long struggle with Lamoni. With cannon-like goal shots and a revitalized defense made possible by the return of Pedro Marcos from his groin injury, the Crab Cats have raised the eyebrows of the match elites, as well as stirred a frenzied level of support from Florianopolis fans, both at home and abroad.”

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 27 2005, 08:54 AM

"...and that's the second time we've ever beaten Crystilakere in the six AOCAF meetings we've... uh... met, in. Yes." Starblaydia's convincing 3-1 victory over World Champions Crystilakere saw Syku Lyku-Agbayani net a brace of goals and Fernando Branco score a third as Starblaydia made sure of a passage straight to the Quarter-Finals, along with Vilita, Turori and... Pedriana? Somehow, Sarzonia have slipped to fourth in Group 1, meaning they have to face the Crystils, while Nova Britannicus face the Hooligans and Drunkards of Xile at the Vimesbairn National Stadium. Lyku-Agbayani has now netted four goal in his last three matches, showing just how effective he is in a withdrawn role behind the two front strikers. Who will we play next? Well, we'll just have to wait.

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 27 2005, 10:23 AM

Stars livid over loss to Xile For the first time in five meetings between two countries that shared nothing but unadulterated hatred toward one another, evil overcame good as the Stars lost to Xile after winning three and drawing one match against the country Coach Bryson Juergens dismissed as "barbaric savages" before kickoff. "That was absolutely the most revolting experience I've ever had in my life," Incorporated Football Federation Chairman Terry Mangione said. For Mangione, that's saying something. He was unceremoniously fired after the eighth Under 21 World Cup after a last place finish and only assumed the job of chairman after his predecessor Buddy Landry was forced out. "We never should have lost to that bunch of uneducated rednecks." Like each of the four matches prior, the match started out with the two football teams representing war-torn countries staring each other down before the kickoff. While Sarzonia is not involved in the regional war that Xile is fighting, it too is involved in a brutal war. The only war between Xile and Sarzonia thus far has been on the football field and in diplomatic circles. Sources close to Vice President for Health and Athletics Jimmy Marshall suggested that if they ever hosted an international sporting tournament, they would bar Xile from participating. "We don't want to see a single one of those animals in our great country," the source, who asked not to be identified, said. "There's a reason we don't like them and we don't want them anywhere near us." The Stars' disappointing third place finish means they will face defending World Cup champions Crystilakere in the second round with the team's five tournament streak of advancing to the semifinals in serious jeopardy. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us. This region is so much more competitive now than it was when the first tournament took place," Juergens said. "If we ever meet those Xile ruffians again, we're bringing a full military escort. I don't care what Cockbill Street says or does."

Posted by: Cockbill_Street Jan 27 2005, 11:06 AM

Street Bow Out At Home First AOCAF tournament disastrous Cockbill Street's reserve team failed to make an impact at their own tournament, not managing to win a single game, though some promising individual performances give some hope for the future of Streetian football. Scraping one point off the first three games, the key match-up would be with Fmjphoenix, as that could in theory give a second round berth with a large enough win. But the match was close, tight and exciting (for the few who actually bothered to turn up, that is) - though it should perhaps have gone to the Snipes of Fmjphoenix, who had a huge penalty call disallowed in the 88th minute. The Streeters were already out before the last matchday, so the result of that was fairly academical. A lot of people came over from nearby Crystilakere to watch the match between them and Starblaydia in the National, however, which the Starblaydis took by 2-1 and sent them into the quarter-finals. There are now only twelve nations left to fight for the coveted crown of Atlantian Oceanian sport, and they are still playing in the Street - we haven't thrown them out just because we aren't in the tournament any more. However, we've taken a look at the four second round matches: Xile v Nova Britannicus - The National The Hooligans And Drunkards versus The All-Right Chaps (except when you spell their name wrong). Xile surprised many with a fine 2-1 win over Sarzonia on the last match in Jotneheim Park, while the Britannicans scraped through thanks to a single goal against the plucky newcomers from Fmjphoenix. Xile are ranked slightly higher as well, and have to go into this match as favourites against an unexperienced Britannican team. The winner will play fifth-ranked Turori, a tough charge for any team. Sarzonia v Crystilakere - The Cricket Ground Arguably the best match-up of the round, brought on by a terrible showing by fourth-ranked Sarzonia. They've tied with Royal Engrand and Pedriana, and in the final match, they lost to Xile, which brought on third-place and a match with world champions Crystilakere. The world champions, however, lost their match 1-3 to Starblaydia, which would otherwise have brought them a quarter-final berth. They do have a better record, however, and a sixth rank, so the match will be closely and evenly fought. The winner will play Vilita in the quarter-final, just to make it even more tough. Druida v Florianopolis - K'haz'bak D'gazh'dukh Florianopolis' Crab Cats, making their debut in the AOCAF, are the only debut team to reach the second round. They will have their task cut out here, however, as they play a Druidan side with the best of NEWI Cefn Druids and Druida - including Izh'no'got's Trevor Law. Druida's side, however, lost 0-4 to Turori on the final matchday and will be downbeat, while Florianopolis are on the up after a magnificent upset against Krytenia. Just perhaps, morale will defy mathematics. The winner will go on to play Pedriana in the quarter-finals. Lamoni v Nojika - Harewood Ground These teams have not really made their face shown in world football, but they have a well-established AOCAF history. Lamoni's side have come up with some beautiful football, beating Krytenia 5-0 and Florianopolis 4-1, while Nojika were lucky to survive as The Lowland Clans lacked a goal in their 3-2 defeat of Legalese to pass them in the table. The Nojika Panthers look weak and unstructured, and perhaps it's time for Lamoni to really step it up in the AOCAF. A quarter-final against AOCAF 4 champions Starblaydia does look very challenging for both these two teams, however.

Posted by: Vilita Jan 27 2005, 01:11 PM

Vilita hope for Crystilakere Win Vilitan Regional Coach and former goalkeeper Massimo Corsi has declared that he will be supporting Crystilakere in the upcoming Eastern Derby between world champion Crystilakere and Northern Neighbors Sarzonia in the AOCAF Second Round. "Well there's always been a rivalry between us Vilitans and Crystilakere. It's not really as big now that theres so many great sporting nations in the region, but for us old guys like myself, Baron O'Toole, Rory Issah and a few of us, the Crystilakere match is the pinnacle of all matches. I still remember World Cup 14. Both of us were pretty new to the sporting scene, and I was given the nod at keeper. We won both of those qualifying matches. Despite that, the Crystils went on to finish ahead of us in the standings, but we still had those head to head victories to shove in their faces. Well now the Crystils are coming back here as World Champions, and what better way to prove that we're still better than them then to be able to step on the field and beat them head to head for a spot in the AOCAF Semi Final. I'm sure the Crystils are the first team to ever win the World Cup without ever being champs in their region, and they'll be looking to change that. But So are we."

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 27 2005, 05:01 PM

Hawks defeat Nojika, lifting curse to face Starblaydia It looks like the Lamonian AOCAF knockout curse has been lifted as the Hawks defeated Nojika 2-0 at Harewood Ground in Cockbill Street. Mccaa's goalkeeping seemed inspired as he took the best shots that Nojika could give him, and let none of them past him. Neil Silvis and Hugh Desper provided the Lamonian goals that moved the Hawks past the first round of the AOCAF knockouts, and into the second round where they will face regional powerhouse Starblaydia. The last few times that the Hawks have faced Starblaydia, they have not done well, but the knockout win will give them a positive momentum that they will desperately need in order to match up with Starblaydia. Coach Gilbo and his coaching staff were seen celebrating when the match against Nojika ended. Citizens were seen dancing in the streets of Lamoni as they had something to cheer for in the midst of the destruction and death of war. It is expected that they will celebrate even more if the Hawks can defeat Starblaydia, who kept allied troops from reaching Lamoni to assist in the war effort. Relations with Starblaydia have become strained since that incident, after they had been relatively good since the end of the delegate debacle. Starblaydia will be a good test of whether the Hawks can go on to win the AOCAF trophy, or whether Lamoni will have to wait for the next AOCAF, when their WC ranking becomes a factor. With a World Cup rating of 91, the Hawks aren't the highest ranked team, but they can take on the regional powerhouses and win. They will just have to bring their A game to the match, and hope for the best. Lamoni - 2 Neil Silvis (55), Hugh Desper (70) Nojika - 0

Posted by: Xile Jan 27 2005, 06:03 PM

The drunken festivities were reaching critical mass. XNN coverage was now targeted primarily at the upcoming soccer matches in the quarter-finals, with a word or two being thrown in about the war between interviews. A new practice had become popular among the fans, the destruction of plush Sarzonian 'Star' mascots. At the match against Nova Britannicus, anyone wearing the black and yellow of the Xilean team was seen carrying one of the little dolls. They subjected the little mascot to all types of torture. Pins protruded from their chests, limbs had been hacked off, and a lucky few were incinerated in the streets along with a few Sarzonian jerseys. Now however, all eyes were on the match ahead against Turori. A few fans were still seen carrying the Star dolls around, but mostly they just had bottles of the penguin labeled whiskey. A few fights had broken out around Cockbill Street, but so far no players had been involved, and there were no serious penalties enacted. Most looked at the upcoming match with gleeful anticipation. President Lauir was reported to be seen wearing an earpeice at all times, supposedly to hear the latest news concerning the matches. Cy Maxelli Elementary School was one of four proposed names for a new school opening in New Babylonia. When asked to comment, Cy Maxelli stated... "-laugh- Who the hell came up with the bright idea?" He then tilted back the bottle once again and joined his team in the hotel. President Lauir made a comment before the press today, and said concerning the AOCAF, "At least no one has been killed yet. Good luck men."

Posted by: Druida Jan 28 2005, 06:21 AM

The Daily Druid BELMORE "NOT BOTHERED" ABOUT TEAM Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports It seems as if the pressure of managing a national football team and having a son go missing has gotten all to much for Druida manager Trevor Belmore. His son Alan has been missing throughout the AOCAF tournament, and while the team are doing alright (the only blip being a 4-0 thrashing by Turori), Belmore certainly hasn't. Indeed, after the rainbows' latest win, 2-0 against Floriantopolis, Belmore seemed less than interested in the game. "To be honest, I'm not particularly bothered what goes on out there. Until I know where young Alan is, nothing else is that important." Indeed, it is thought that the DFA are to look for another manager to take charge of the team temporarily, to give Belmore time to regain his mentality. Any candidates currently in Cockbill Street and with any football experience, preferably Druidan, should apply. The next day... The Daily Druid PO TAKES OVER Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po, quite possibly the greatest striker to ever hail from the Druidish Lands, has taken over the reigns of the Druida rainbows for the forseeable future, as their usual manager, Trevor Belmore, has had to make way for a little while on compassionate grounds. Liam is currently writing for The Daily Druid in Cockbill Street, and when they needed a manager instantly, he leapt out of the assembled press to offer his services. The DFAagreed, so here we are. Speaking exclusively to himself, Gessemschmitthaagen-Po said that he will be the greatest manager in the history of the world. Meanwhile, Alan Belmore has still no been found.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 28 2005, 10:44 AM

With the cries of "Po! Po! Po!" echoing around the Druidans' hotel, members of the Starblaydia AOCAF team engaged in Dwarf-Tossing (a game illegal in many parts of Cockbill Street) immediately dropped Zhorin Tumunzahar to the ground, fearing a police raid. As a result of this, Zhorin will be unable to play against Lamoni in the Quater-Finals of ACOAF 6 due to a sprained ankle. Serves them right for tossing him around on cobblestones. Always play it on grass or in a suitably padded area, boys! It may helpyour strength-training and Zhorin's balance, but don't play it out on the street in the 'Street, for crying out loud!

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 28 2005, 11:10 AM

Stars earn small measure of revenge, 4-0 It may not have been the win they wanted, but the Sarzonian second choice national team will take what they can get. Facing defending World Cup champions Crystilakere in the second round of AOCAF VI, the Stars were still fuming over a 4-1 loss to the Crystils in the second match of the group stage in World Cup XIX and they were still angry over their loss to Xile in the group stage. The Stars routed their southern neighbors 4-0 behind a hat trick from Bruce Badger and a Crystils own goal and prepare to face longtime regional juggernaut Vilita in the quarterfinals. "We were definitely a different team out there tonight," Coach Bryson Juergens said. "This team came out ready to play the full 90 minutes and the Crystils played like a team that wasn't expecting us to be ready to attack them from the opening kickoff to the final whistle." The Stars did just that, getting their first shot on goal just 36 seconds after the kickoff. The shot forced goalkeeper Alwasi Tystrup to make a diving stop and led to the first corner of the match. The Stars had to wait until nine minutes in to score their first goal thanks to a blunder by defender Dimitri Ferraro, who tried to clear the ball out of danger, but mi-explicitive removed- the ball and watched in horror as it caromed into the net. "That goal put them on their heels," said forward Kevin Wilson. Wilson was the closest Stars player to the sequence and was ready to poke the ball past Tystrup for the 1-0 lead. Fifteen minutes later, Badger struck for the first of his three goals, soaring into the air to get a clean header onto Wilson's cross. Badger converted from the spot in the 42nd minute when defender Rene' Niljssen knocked Wilson down with a cynical challenge in the box. The Stars were livid that the referee didn't even book Niljssen, but Badger made the Crystils pay. Just three minutes after halftime, Badger closed the book on the Crystils with a breathtaking run after Wilson won the ball in midfield and sent it forward to Badger. The Stars now prepare to face the Jungle Cats for the fourth time in AOCAF play, where the Stars have a 1-2 record against Vilita. No sooner did the team return from the pitch after the win over the Crystils did the Stars immediately pin the comments by Vilitan footballers saying they were rooting for Crystilakere in the match of the neighboring countries. "We were [ticked off] when we saw that," Badger said. "We want to make them regret disrespecting us."

Posted by: Druida Jan 29 2005, 08:48 AM

The Daily Druid HERE WE PO! Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po on Pedriana 0 Druida 1 An inspired decision by Druida manager Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po to play the normal starting eleven for Druida against Pedriana last night was enough to make sure they overcame Pedriana by a single Rhys Owens strike. Gessemschmitthaagen-Po, who I personally think is absolutely brilliant, said to me and himself afterwards, "I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for my people, and more importantly right now, for the Belmore family." Just to clear that up, I mean Trevor belmore and his family, not the nation of The Belmore Family. Their son Alan is still missing somewhere here in Cockbill Street. Two days later... The Daily Druid BELMORE BODY FOUND Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports The body of Druidan football superstar Alan Belmore has been found in a ditch just a mile from the rainbows' training camp just outside Vimsbairn. His had been shot in the chest four times and dumped in a ditch. However police say they have no clues to go on at this stage.

Posted by: Vilita Jan 29 2005, 07:56 PM

Regional Cats Prepare for Sarzonia Massimo Corsi sat in his hotel room on the beachfront in Northern Cockbill Street. He could see vaguely in the distance, the shore line of Crystilakere. 'Damn You Crystils' he thought. 'Why couldn't you find more than eleven decent playes for your team. You are the damn champions of the World Cup. You fielded the best damn eleven player team in the world. A team taht was unable to be beaten. Hell you hadn't even been beaten since then until the last day of qualifying, probably decided to play a goalkeeper as a forward again you fking newbs. What the hell. Now that you've conquered the world you treat eh' yo caff like it's some biological testing facility? Go screw yourselves crystilakere. I was really looking forward to kicking your ass one last time, with myself as the damn goalkeeper, slamming my saves down you measly little throats. Damn you Crystils. We'll get you some how. We'll win this damn cup. you'll see. We'll win it all.'

Posted by: Vilita Jan 29 2005, 07:59 PM

BREAKING NEWS~!!!!!!! Corsi leads Regional Cats to Final!!!! The Vilitan Regional Cats squad led by former National Team goalkeeper Massimo Corsi has qualified over historical favorites Druida into the Final of the AOCAF Tournament for the first time since the inagural AOCAF I. However, Vilita will not meet up with North-Eastern Neighbors Turori who were dumped out at the semi-final stage by Starblaydia. It will be the biggest clash in the history of the storied rivalry between Vilita and Starblaydia. More news as it breaks...

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 30 2005, 07:13 AM

Starblaydia Stroll into Third Final in Five Attempts Jungle Cats now need to be neutered by Madray's Boys Its been a great tournament for Starblaydia so far. Their youthful team, with an average age of just-under 24, have managed to score, on average, over three goals a game. Two past Fmjpheonix and hosts Cockbill Street, six past neighbours Nova Britannicus, three past World Champions Crystilakere, Regional Rivals Turori and also the war-distracted team of Lamoni. Let's take a run-down over Starblaydia's performances in their six games so far, and look towards the Final against Vilita, where the two biggest teams in Atlantian Oceania will contest the Cup of Association Football. Game 1 Group 2, Matchday 1 Starblaydia 2-2 Fmjphoenix A somewhat-surprising result for Starblaydia, and this 2-2 draw looked to be a real confidence-shaker for the men in white and purple. Eomer Hall's 29th International goal rescued Starblaydia from an embarrassing defeat late on. Zachariah Loze also scored for Starblaydia, using his height at a corner. Game 2 Group 2, Matchday 2 Starblaydia 2-1 Cockbill Street Though most Starblaydis would have seen this as a tough match, the reality was quite different as the Street's team rolled over relatively easily by a rampant Starblaydia side, with Syku Lyku-Agbayani and Ilias Provatidis netting in the 2-1 win. Game 3 Group 2, Matchday 3 Starblaydia 6-2 Nova Britannicus Close to Starblaydia's record 6-1 AOCAF win over Vilita in AOCAF3, and equalling the 6-2 demolition of Big Pimento in the last Cup, the Navy-Blues were destroyed by Starblaydia as they headed into a rest day. Two from Thanh Madray got them started, followed by goals from Syku Lyku-Agbayani, Julio Matis, Zak Loze and dwarf Zhorin Tumunzahar. Game 4 Group 2, Matchday 5 Starblaydia 3-1 Crystilakere A brace from Syku Lyku-Agbayani and another from Fernando Branco saw off a team trying desperately, and failing, to live up to their nation's billing of 'World Champions'. With this result, Starblaydia topped Group 2 and went straight to the Quater-Finals, where they would face the winners of Lamoni versus Nojika at Jotneheim Park. Game 5 Quarter-Final Starblaydia 3-1 Lamoni Having run out 2-0 winners at the Harewood Ground in the Second Round, Lamoni tried to take their momentum into the Quarter-Final against former-champions Starblaydia. It was in vain, however, as a second goal for Ilias Provatidis, a third for Zak Loze and a fifth goal of the tournament for Syku Lyku-Agbayani sealed a Three-One win for Starblaydia, who still hadn't kept a clean sheet in any of their five matches played. This game was made all the more tense by actions taken by the Starblaydi Navy to block military aid getting to Lamoni from Ainorpisp. Game 6 Semi-Final Starblaydia 3-0 Turori Having dumped Starblaydia out of AOCAF5 in a two-legged Quarter-Final, Turori were mildly confident that they could to the same again and meet Vilita in the Final, assuming they would beat Druida. All did not go well for the Eels as their defence crumbled under the sheer physical presence of a radically altered Starblaydia side who made four changes to their usual line-up. The towering presence of Eomer Hall and the One-Dwarf-Riot that is Zhorin Tumunzahar made life difficult for the Turorian defence, while tough Stefanos Stantzos replaced the small half-Rejistanian Lyku-Agbayani to give more bite in midfield. Even the delicate form of Fidel Khaif was replaced by Vengelis Koentas at left-back, ensuring that this would be one of the most physically dominating teams Starblaydia had ever put into an AOCAF match. And it worked, too. Starblaydia's three goals all came as a result of strength and persistance. Eomer Hall chested down a high ball in the penalty area, held off one man, turned, brushed off another, then set up the onrushing Stantzos who smashed the ball into the top corner of the net for the twenty-four year-old's fifth goal for Starblaydia. Tumunzahar scored the second as he rode the challenges well, staying on his feet to take the ball around the 'keeper for an easy tap-in. Finally, Eomer Hall rounded off proceedings with a well-taken penalty resulting from Turorian efforts to match Starblaydia physically. Too much shoving in the box had gifted Starblaydia the third and Hall his Thirtieth. Beats sitting on twenty-nine, doesn't it? Plus, it meant Starblaydia were in the Final once more. So, the two biggest teams (though we do say so ourselves) have made it to the sixth AOCAF Final. Vilita for the second time and Starblaydia for the third. Is this the match to end all matches, the mother of all AO confrontations, the big one, the decider, the all-out, no-quit, tooth-and-nail fight to the finish? You bet your ass it is.

Posted by: Vilita Jan 30 2005, 09:43 AM

!!!!!! CORSI HOLDS SECRET PRESS CONFERENCE !!!!!! Vilita Reigonal Cats head coach Massimo Corsi today held a secret press conference in front of select media type very early in the Vilitan Morning while many other important Vilitans () Were stil asleep. Corsi layed out his plans on bringing the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football where it belongs, in Vilita. "We've been putting out crap teams in this cup for a while" Corsi Said, "But now we've got a good squad. And now we're going to win." "We lost a stunner 6-1 against Starblaydia a few cups back after posting a perfect record against the lowly teams, which really shows the direction the regional side was heading. But we're taking this seriously again. We realize that the region is much stronger than it used to be, and we're out to prove that we, not World Cup Champion Crystilakere, and not Starblaydia, are the best footballing side in Atlantian Oceania. You can look for me later tonight with the AOCAF Champions Cup in my hands, for the first time." "Thank You"

Posted by: Druida Feb 1 2005, 05:10 AM

The Daily Druid MANAGEMENT IS ACTUALLY HARD Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po reports Look, I know we only finished fourth, which isn't the usual first NEWI Cefn Druids is used to, but come on! Managing a football team is actually harder than it looks! Luckily, I was only doing it for a short while while Trevor Belmore is on compassionate leave. But I'm glad that isn't my full-time job. I know I helped us lose against Vilita, but it's about time they did something in this. However, I really must apologise for the defeat against Turori. I know they've beaten Druidish teams before, but that's not the point. Look on hte regional map, for pity's sake! Look how overly huge Druida is, and how pitifully tiny Turori is! After finishing fourth, I resign as temporary manager, even though I wasn't due to manage the team any more anyway! So there!

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