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Mice through to Round of 16
In what is a surprise for the Mice we have managed to not only take the proverbial cat by the whiskers, but have performed better than many of the Better AOCAF sides. Finishing with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses and 4 teams on the ranking below them on the last minute including nations such as Nojika and ASMV. Finishing below Starblaydia, the national football RAWRCRUSHERS and Lamoni their major political rivals.
The mice struggle through the Nojikan draw in the first half but managed to come back in the second half and tie the game up.
Our next opponent is the combined team of Vilita/Turori and despite the teams performance in this AOCAF the match against Vilita/Turori is expected to be a loss for the Mice but just qualifying 3rd out of the 7 teams in group A is enough to ensure that teams respect the Mice in further AOCAF tournaments |
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Demot Daily ~ KOs for Demot
After a splendid display of defensive talent in a 2-1 win over Footballia that all but insured the Demot squad through to the second round, the team turned around and nearly pulled the upset against Pactalia. Yet the upset big came up short as they fell 2-1 against the their fores. Now the team is honored in making the Knock Out stages in their first ever AOCAF with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses with a goal differential of a positive one. The team is to take on Bettia, one of the best teams in the region, and is expected to lose. However the team has at least achieved thier main objective in making to the second stage of the tournament, and now can start building the foundation needed to become a major powerhouse sometime in the near or distant future.
Article by Jasmine Olyvander |
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Kilpter Brace sinks the 'Bush
Vilita & Turori debutant Kristofer Kilpter proved once again his worth to whichever Nation is lucky enough to secure the players name on their roster for World Cup 31 by netting both goals in the 2-1 victory over Quakmybush that sees Vilita & Turori finish level on points with Myrtannia in the group 4 tables. Myrtannia, despite having scored fewer goals than Vilita & Turori, will finish top of the table as a result of their stout defensive record which saw the myrads concede just twice throughout the competition. Despite playing just the final 8 minutes of the match, it was also a memorable day for Vilitan surfer Summer Conlin. The teenaged surfing phenom who has always expressed a desire to play football when not out catching a wave, was gifted with what could only be described as a promotional place on the subs bench for the final match of group play after Vilita & Turori's advancement to the next round was already assured. Conlin, who will be representing Vilita in the Inagural NationStates Surf Tour, to be held in Vilita, had one shot on target but Quakian goalkeeper Luis Green was able to make a fine reaction save to deny the youngster a storybook finish. It is not known whether Conlin will play any further part in Vilita & Turori's AOCAF 16 run.
With the result, Vilita & Turori finish the group stage of the competition on four consecutive victories after the opening day draw with co-leaders Myrtannia. Elsewhere in Group 4, The Lowland Clans resounding 6-2 victory over Milchama clinched a place in the round of 16 not only for themselves, but also for top ranked Krytenia who sneaks in 4th place in the group as Milchama and Quakmybush are sent packing until the 17th AOCAF.
Lorenzo & Malaino Mumaba and the Vilita & Turori Eel Cat things will now prepare for their round of 16 duel with the Mice of Miceland. Miceland has finished a strong debut campaign with a pair of upset victories in a tough Group 1 where they were able to qualify along side such names as Starblaydia, Lamoni and Andossa se Mitrin Vega. Even still, Vilita & Turori will be favored in the match, and there is great hope throughout the cove that the joint effort will be able to advance at least as far as the Semi-Final stage of the competition and a place within the top 3.
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Dryads Crowned Group D Champions, Will Face Nyriads in Ro16
LAMONI - While most of the rest of the AOCAF nations battled it out on Day 7 to position themselves for the Round of 16, Myrtannia spent the day practicing and watching other nations play. With an off day after triumphing over Quakmybush 3-0, Myrtannia held rigorous morning and afternoon practices, already preparing for the knockouts. As there is another bye date before the fun really begins in the knockouts, Myrtannia will be following the same schedule tomorrow as well.
"Practice makes perfect, and makes a team strong. We've been practicing this way since we began preparations for AOCAF XVI, and throughout the tournament. With the Round of 16 looming, we're not about to all asleep at the wheel. We'll be rested two days, but we'll have practiced as normal... I guess that doesn't make too much sense, actually," coach Gabino said at a press conference, "What I mean is that we'll have had two days where we weren't worried about whether we would even make the knockouts. Two stress-free days of practicing, preparing for our match. That should give us an edge."
On Day 7, the combined Vilita/Turori side did win against Quakmybush, but only by a tally of 2-1. The one goal victory ensured that Myrtannia won the goal differential tie breaker and thereby the group. For the first time in history, the Myrtannia Dryads have won their group, and are one of the top four seeds for the knockouts. Reports claim that the Dryads gathered to watch the Eel Cat/Sharks match, and that loud cheering was heard when the final result was decided by only a goal.
Now that they've secured the group, Myrtannia will face the fourth seed from the highly competitive Group A. That would be the ASMV Nyriads. Despite finishing fourth in that group, the Dryads will not take their opponents lightly. As Dania Figary pointed out, any loss now ends Myrtannia's AOCAF stint, and the Dryads are of no mind to go down in the Round of 16. It should be an entertaining match between the two nations, as both are entirely (ASMV) or mostly (Myrtannia) made up of female footballers.
"They're good, and we're not going to let their fourth place group finish give us false confidence. We'll be practicing hard with them in mind tomorrow, and we'll be ready when the match comes," Figary added.
With that in mind, here are the official 'notoriously unreliable' predictions of AIR 4 for the Round of 16 of AOCAF XVI:
Starblaydia v Krytenia
After a rocky start, the Purple Peril returned to form with three straight wins, including a Day 7 win over host Lamoni to the tune of 3-1. Now that they've got their groove back, the Starblaydis will be a force to be reckoned with, whoever faces them. Krytenia struggled in Group D despite its AO ranking of 4. This one won't be pretty.
Our line: STB 4 - 0 KRY
Bettia v Demot
The defending AOCAF champs faced some trials in their group, and had a dissapointing result against Aurendia. Still, they have the history, and the talent, to do big things in the knockouts if they set their minds to it. Demot, an AOCAF newcomer, did well in its first go at things, and could pull a rabbit out of its hat here. However, we feel that the Aroras will ultimately be too much for the new guys this time.
Our line: BET 3 - 1 DEM
Pacitalia v Neu Amerika
Pacitalia is a very good side - just look at their group stage record and you'll see that. They tamed the mighty Lions of Nedalia, and are perrenial knockout stage participants in AOCAF. Neu Amerika, on the other hand, needed two upset wins and a Dorian & Sonya loss to squeak into the knockouts. This does not bode well for the Socialist Union, as the Blue Foxes will show them what Pacitalian football is all about. Neu Amerika puts up a fight, but can't keep up with the #9 team in the region.
Our line: PAC 4 - 2 SUNA
Myrtannia v ASMV
Ah, our match. Myrtannia is soaring after ripping off four straight wins in Group D, defeating Krytenia, The Lowland Clans, Milchama, and Quakmybush en route to their first group title win ever. With a new attacking offense, Myrtannia could do very well if they don't run into Starblaydia too early. ASMV had some problems in its group, but are still quite dangerous when they play up to their potential. However, we think that ASMV will be reeling a little from a Day 7 loss to Az-Cz, while Myrtannia will have been preparing for this match for two days.
Our line: MYR 2 - 1 ASMV
Lamoni v TLC
Lamoni had a tough time in their final group stage match, falling to the resurgent Starblaydis 1-3. Other than that, the Hawks displayed a splendid return to form. The Lowland Clans had a respectable Group D performance, but were inconsistent at times. Having home field advantage, the Hawks should win this one.
Our line: LAM 4 - 2 TLC
Aurendia v Oliverry
We don't know much about either of these teams, but we hear that Aurendia's done pretty well so far for a newbie. We'll take them.
Our line: AUR 1 - 0 OLI
Vilita/Turori v Miceland
Back in AOCAF, Vilita/Turori did well for themselves, mirroring Myrtannia's 4-1-0 record en route to second place in Group D. Their opponents in the Round of 16 are the strange but talented Mice of Miceland who have played pretty well in their first tournament here in AO. While the Vilitans have been playing well, we think there's room for an upset in the Ro16, and this could be it. Miceland are scrappy enough to just edge past, and that will be what gets drunk fans singing 'Miceland, Miceland, Uber Alles' in the Lamonian bars.
Our line: VIL 1 - 2 MIC
Nedalia v Hypocria
Nedalia did well for themselves once again, as their only blemish was a loss to the Blue Foxes. However, their opponents are Hypocria, who could be a handful if they play up to their full ability. This one is just about too close to call.
Our line: NED 3 - 2 HYP
Editor's Note: The Halosen News-Times does not, in any way, shape, or form, endorse the predictions in this article. We are not responsible for money lost on bets based on said predictions, which were made by drunk, partying sportswriters. Thank you. |
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They Who Shall Not Be Named
Starblaydia to face <censored> again
We all know who they are, so there's no need to mention them directly. Ever since, for no reason whatsoever, this particular nation suddenly declared Starblaydia persona non grata, even going so far as to cut each and every single tie with us, Starblaydia has mirrored their attitude to us.
This AOCAF, however, as thrown up what must be a mouthwatering tie for the neutral observers, Starblaydia versus the aforenonmentioned people. How will this work, you might ask, if Starblaydia are to play this nation? Well, something simple yet highly complex will be in effect at the Lemnos Airdome. Working through Lamonian officials, both sides have decided to show the match in a unique way. Two extra directors, one from each nation, will beam nation-specific coverage back home. Starblaydi camera angles, for instance, will not include any shots of the opposing bench, random close-ups of opposing players or direct shots of foreign fans.
The real trick will be the image-processing software, designed to take the specific colour that the other team wears and desaturate it to a light grey, thereby removing their bit of patriotic branding from Starblaydi screens. Microphones positioned near foreign fans will be muted for Starblaydi transmission, thereby ensuring their chants and cheers are not communicated to any Starblaydi.
This has all come about, of course, thanks to Starblaydia keeping up their undefeated record against this tournament's hosts: Lamoni (now we can finally mention another nation's name!). Both sides performed admirably in a real hothouse of an atmosphere but Starblaydia emerged victorious.
Fillipo Zinaldi, the vengeful Claudio González and up-and-coming young striker Kaza Matrangawere the players who got the goals, while Lamoni's main striker Christian Ludlow was the man who gave the Hawks some hope in the second half as he pulled one back for the team.
Final score:
Starblaydia 3 - 1 Lamoni
(Zinaldi 32, González 44, Matranga 70) - (Ludlow 65) |
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The Blue Machine rolls on
Best in show at AOCAF16 as the Foxes exit the group stage 5-for-5
LAMONI (PSN) -- If you can't beat the Starblaydi... keep trying. Even though the two squads were, for the first time, not in the same group, the Blue Foxes were still trying to ward off the late group-stage resurgence of the Purple Peril in attempt to claim supremacy in one of the toughest fields of AOCAF competition to-date. Not only did they succeed, but the Blue Foxes were the very best team in the group stage, the only squad to win all of its matches, a few of them (one in particular) against extremely difficult competition.
After 3-1 and 4-1 triumphs over Footballia and Oliverry, respectively, the Pacitalians began saving their energy for the knockouts, with three consecutive 2-0 victories over Qutar, Nedalia and Demot. Well-placed bye dates seemed to aid the Foxes in their quest to go undefeated. In fact, the starting XI are less surprised by the fact that they ended up with a perfect record and moreso by the fact that they are the only team that can say such a thing.
Pacitalia finished the group stage with the best goal differential, and the most goals for among undefeated teams (there were only two others, Myrtannia - who as PSN predicted they would, did well - and Vilita/Turori, both 4-1-0). The Blue Foxes' outstanding performance was helped by the large percentage of first-time teams in the tournament, a facet of play that can easily be seen in all but one of the groups.
Pacitalia's two goals against Demot (who still qualified for the round of sixteen despite the loss, and now play the awesome offence of Bettia) came from Andolfabio Vunghiasso, who has been a rock for the Blue Foxes during the group stage. He scored in the 23rd, and again in the 80th, to bring Pacitalia's goals-total to 13, while the defensive core of Comanescu-Bordellatta-Manzanotti and keeper Cristianu Raduvani kept Pacitalia's concessions at two, over five matches.
Now the Blue Foxes move on to play the Socialist Union of Neu Amerika. SUNA is a newer entrant in the tournament and will definitely be unfamiliar with the insane environment provided by the fans towards the teams participating in AOCAF knockouts, but regardless of that, it should be an exciting match, both for Pacitalia as it tries to make its fourth-straight quarterfinals appearance, but also for SUNA as they attempt to make it there for the first time.
From Lamoni
Pacitalia 2 : 0 Demot
PAC: Vunghiasso 23', 80'
DMT: None
NEXT: PAC v SNA (Ro16), BET v DMT (Ro16) |
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GRAHAM CITY SUN - Sports Section: AOCAF Coverage
After Wild Group Stage, Stars Meet Hosts
After a wild group stage in which the fifth-seed Myrtannia ruled the group and Krytenia was one win away from being sent home at the group stage, the Stars got perhaps the worst possible draw in the next round, against Lamoni. With the offense in full flight after only one scoreless game, the Stars are going to look to take it to Lamoni on the offense. "It's a good plan," said pundit Henry MacIntrye, "The StarsB need to play to there strengths to enfore the fact that they have a really strong offensive team. I mean, in almost any other nation Yusi would be starting on their national team, but I feel that this could be a really strong game for the Stars. A chance to defeat the host would give a huge psychological victory."
Lamoni finished Second in Group A, behind Starblaydia and with 13 Points.
Predicted Final Score:
Lamoni 1-2 TLC (AET)
Other Ro16 Matches
Lemnos Airdome - Starblaydia v Krytenia: This match is going to be a very brutal match. Watch for both sides to end with only 9 or 10 players on the pitch. But Krytenia's poor group stage performance will only be indicative of their group stage play. The Purple Peril rolls on.
Nephi Ringdome - Bettia v Demot: Demot did well to get to this stage, but they won't be able to continue against the strong Bettians.
Karakan Box - Pacitalia v Neu Amerika: Another good performance from a newer nation will meet the brick wall that is the Blue Foxes. Pacitalia through on a rout.
Kazatlan Greene - Myrtannia v ASMV: Myrtannia's group stage performance was a breakout one. Despite ASMV entering as a strong favorite, their uncertain group performance will fall to the Orange Bowling Balls.
Richland Field - Aurendia v Oliverry: Oliverry recovered after a disastrous appearance last time around, and despite a good showing from Aurendia, Oliverry will upset and go through.
Yakima Road - Vilita/Turori v Miceland: After showing no fear when returning after their long abscence, the Vilita/Turori combo will pound the rodents into the ground with a strong rout.
Spokane Round - Nedalia v Hypocria: The Nedalian Lions have always had an incredibly strong presence in the AOCAF, and will continue to do so. Watch for them as potential favorites to win it all. The poor Hyppos will find themselves thrown out by a bad draw again.
This post has been edited by The Lowland Clans on Sep 15 2006, 12:27 PM |
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Nephi Times: SPORTS
Hawks easily make it into the knockouts
What a change from the last AOCAF when Lamoni made it into the knockouts with only two points. We are now second in Group A, with our only loss being to the Purple Peril. We are back in fine form, and are showing it. Our round of sixteen draw has put us up against The Lowland Clans, and we are favored to win that one as well. Coach Riyall will not tell us what he has in mind for this match, so we will be looking for surprises.
Coach Riyall is the replacement for the venerable Coach Boldman, who retired after AOCAF XV's stunning run of bad luck. It was a miracle that we made it into the knockouts, then. Coach Riyall had since faced the task of rebuilding the Lamonian AOCAF squad from the ground up.
Coach Riyall had the following response when asked about the team's transformation: "It took me awhile, but I eventually managed to get everything to click into place again. We are a much stronger team than we were, and our perfomance to date has proved it. I expect us to get to the Semi-finals at the very least. We know that TLC has a strong offensive team, but we are no weaklings ourselves. We have been watching films of their matches in this AOCAF, and we have found things that we can exploit. Not big things; just big enough to exploit. I won't say what they are, of course; but I expect this to be a good match for both sides, and we are going in prepared."
The prediction of the Nephi Times for this match: Lamoni 2-1 TLC
Now we move on to the predictions for the other Ro16 matches:
Starblaydia/Krytenia: This politically charged match will be a good one to watch, but we expect Starblaydia to rout the Kryties.
Bettia/Demot: Demot did very well for a first timer in the AOCAF group stages, but we don't think that they will be able to put even a dent in the armor of Bettia's offense. This one won't be pretty for Demot.
Pacitalia/Neu Amerika: Neu Amerika was lucky to make it into the knockouts, and we feel that Pacitalia will be the brick wall that they run into. Pacitalia wins easily.
Myrtannia/ASMV: Our good friends versus the leader of Boy Band ASPIRE. Myrtannia has been doing VERY well for themselves in this AOCAF, and we expect that trend to continue. ASMV will be getting the wooden spoon.
Aurendia/Oliverry: Aurendia has been accomplishing feats that one would expect of AOCAF veterans during the group stages. Not bad for a team that is in it's first AOCAF. We expect this trend to continue, with Oliverry getting the wooden spoon.
Vilita/Turori/Miceland: This one is too close to call. Vilita/Turori might have a slight edge, but don't bet against the bigulated mice.
Nedalia/Hypocria: This one is also too close to call. This game will be decided by whichever side decides to step up and take charge. |
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Back To The Bad Old Days
Stephen Murtagh reporting from Richland Field,
After three of the finest performances ever produced by a Hypocrian team in the AOCAF the side have seemingly thrown away their title chances. The defeat to Bettia was unfortunate but ultimately unsurprising. The display against AOCAF new boys Aurendia was almost unforgivable. The side that played so well against Neu Amerika, Dorian and Sonya and Bazalonia seemed like strangers to each over as the debutants ripped into them. And only a headed goal from a corner, courtesy of captain Tony Webber, provided the smallest of triumphs.
Hypocria 1 - 3 Aurendia
Webber
Not only was the result an embarrassment, it was also catastrophic in terms of Group B’s final standings. Whereas pre-match the Hyppos still had a chance of topping the group and securing a second round tie with Demot the final standings told a sorrier tale. Instead of Demot the Autocracy was faced with another Verdana derby, against the regions number three team Nedalia.
Second Round Preview
Starblaydia (1) v Krytenia (4)
Sport and politics shouldn’t mix, but they do. And no-where more than at the Lemnos Airdome as Viannor takes on Domesca a little earlier than expected. I think it’s fair to say that these two nations do not like each other so you can expect fireworks in this one. This fixture is far too good for a second round match. Indeed four years ago it was the third place playoff. The Blaydis won that day, expect more of the same here.
Prediction: Get the cyan ambulance warmed up.
Bettia (2) v Demot (32)
The holders against a team of debutants. The Young Un’s took twice as many points in the group stage than their second round opponents and scored twice as many goals. It’s David against Goliath, only this time Goliath’s going to squash David like a small and rather insignificant insect.
Prediction: Champions go through
Pacitalia (9) v Neu Amerika (32)
Another team of debutants has found it’s way into the knockout stages of this competition. How Neu Amerika, who were royally stuffed by the Hyppos on the opening day, have got here is anyone’s guess. What we do know is that they will go no further. Pacitalia are on the back of five straight wins and are surely on the verge of a sixth.
Prediction: Socialists outfoxed.
Myrtannia (20) v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (14)
It’s Dryads versus Nyriads. Myrtannia have seemingly come from nowhere, helped by their new attacking philosophy. They’ve advanced through to the second round undefeated and should be too good for a ASMV side that have been more miss than hit so far in this competition.
Prediction: Myrtannia on the up.
Lamoni (7) v The Lowland Clans (12)
The host’s points tally of 13 is slightly better than the 2 they managed in Bazalonia four years ago. It’s been a much better showing from the Hawks in front of their own fans and only a defeat to Starblaydia prevented an unbeaten record. But the home fans were probably hoping for a marginally easier draw than this. The Lowland Clans on their day are a match for anyone and are on the back of a 6 - 2 hammering of bitter rivals Milchama. So expect the Clansmen’s confidence to be high. But home advantage should tell. Just.
Prediction: Stars pay the penalty.
Aurendia (32) v Oliverry (19)
One defeat in the group stages is an excellent return for the third squad of debutants in the second round. And Aurendia have the best chance of all the new boys of actually advancing further. An average side from Oliverry may have the advantage of rank but Aurendia are in form and should reach the last eight.
Prediction: Aurendia fly the flag for the new boys.
Vilita/Turori (10) v Miceland (35)
In their first AOCAF as a combined squad the Eel Cats have done well, very well in fact. Four wins and a draw is their return from the group stage. Miceland’s achievement is even greater consider they are in fact, well, mice. But the Jungle Eels have plenty of AOCAF history behind them and should be too good for their opponents as they search for a third trophy.
Prediction: No more rodent problem.
Nedalia (3) v Hypocria (8)
How crucial that final group defeat has proved to be. We could have been playing Demot, or even Oliverry. But no. Now we get to play the last tournament’s beaten finalist. Strangely for two sides so close in geographical terms this is the first AOCAF meeting between Lions and Hyppos. The sides have met in other competitions with the Lion’s holding much the better record. Nedalia’s group defeat to 9th placed Pacitalia is grounds for some optimism but the feel good factor felt in the Autocracy after the first three games has long gone. The Hyppos will have to find that kind of form again to have even the slightest chance of progressing.
Prediction: No comment.
This post has been edited by Hypocria on Sep 15 2006, 03:17 PM |
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Three Rivers Times
“Voted ‘Best Crossword Puzzle’ five years straight”
Shorthanded Raptors finish second in group, advance to round of 16
LAMONI - Despite missing both coaches and several players, the Raptors finished up the opening round of AOCAF XVI play with consecutive 3-1 victories. Against Neu Amerika the team only dressed 8 players, as most were too hungover to play. To avoid the forfeit, four of the fans who were in Lamoni were named to the team on an emergency basis just an hour before the match. With the both Raptors’ coaches not present, suspended forward Regina Dunlop took over for the match, and the result was a shocking 3-1 victory, with goals coming from Ashley Campbell, Denise Little, and emergency player Ellen Inofa.
Hypocria was the second opponent that the Raptors faced without coaches and without a full roster, this time due to several players sick with the flu. The emergency players made another appearance, and Denise Little, red-carded against Neu Amerika, handled coaching duties. Depite these handicaps, the result was the second consecutive 3-1 victory, this time against the highest scoring team in the tournament. Aurendia goals came from both Campbell sisters as well as midfielder Tara Pellegri.
With these victories the Raptors finished the opening round with a 3-1-1 record, enough for a surprising second place finish in Group B. Round of 16 play will open against the third-place squad from Group C, Oliverry. Oliverry finished their opening round with a 2-2-1 record, but little else is known about the squad.
Other Matches:
Starblaydia vs Krytenia
Two nations that really dislike each other meet on the field. Starblaydia should pull out the victory from what looks to be a very physical match.
Bettia vs Demot
The defending champions face off against some old friends from the Baptism of Fire. Bettia already suffered one upset, and Demot probably won’t be able to pull off another.
Pacitalia vs Neu Amerika
Pacitalia finished the opening round with a perfect 5-0-0 record. Expect that winning streak to continue against Neu Amerika.
Myrtannia vs Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Myrtannia hasn’t lost yet, and that probably won’t change against an ASMV that’s been worn-out by the extra match Group A teams played.
Lamoni vs The Lowland Clans
Home-field advantage will be the difference-maker as Lamoni edges The Lowland Clans.
Vilita/Turori vs Miceland
The mice have played well to qualify from a tough group, but Vilita/Turori hasn’t lost a match. Jungle Eels beat the Mice.
Nedalia vs Hypocria
Hypocria scored more than any other team, while Nedalia had one of the best defenses in the tournament. Nedalia can pull out a close win.
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Ro16 RP CUTOFF |
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Lamoni advances
It might have taken us extra time to do it, but we defeated The Lowland Clans in the Round of sixteen today. Besides giving TLC the wooden spoon, the win means that Lamoni will advance and face Oliverry in the Quarterfinals. Oliverry has done well for themselves to date; making it into the Quarts without much being known about them, but the statisticians all agree that the Hawks will have a major advantage in this match. Predictions vary from Lamoni winning 5-0 to Lamoni winning 1-0, but all ten official predictions show Lamoni winning this match.
This doesn't mean that the Hawks can afford to take Oliverry lightly. Coach Riyall himself is drilling his team in all the basics, just be sure that he has done everything that he can to ensure that the Lamonian AOCAF squad is in top shape.
The match looked bad for the Hawks in the first half, with TLC scoring at twenty and twenty one minutes in. The fans made their displeasure known as the Hawks went to the locker rooms in preperation for the second half. Whatever Coach Riyall did, it seemed to work. Ludlow scored a goal at fifty minutes in, and Tomes scored at fifty five minutes. The resurgent Hawks then controlled the ball for the rest of the second half, but weren't able to score before the gun went off, ensuring extra time.
It wasn't even two minutes into the extra time when Shofner scored the game winning goal on an excellent cross pass from Mccawley. Shofner took the ball, and placed it in the upper left corner before the TLC goalkeeper could react. The Lamonian team then took to the field, and celebrated their victory, while fireworks in Lamonian national colors were launched, and the Lamonian national anthem was played; causing a rousing rendition of the anthem that will not soon be forgotten.
Lamoni - 3 Ludlow (50), Tomes (55), Shofner (92)
TLC - 2 (20, 21) |
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Make it six!
Pacitalia edges Neu Amerika to hit quarterfinals for the fourth-straight time
LAMONI (PSN) -- You can make it six straight wins for the Blue Foxes. Pacitalia edged the Socialist Union of Neu Amerika by a score of 2:1 in Friday's round of sixteen match at Karakan Box to advance to the Elite Eight for the fourth time in five AOCAF appearances.
Now they move on to play the Dryads in yet another matchup which will result in one team being extremely disappointed with the end result despite being pleased with their in-match effort (to varying extents). Pacitalia and Myrtannia have proven themselves an excellent matchup in head-to-heads past, and are very respectful of the other, even considering Deeann Massetti's headbutt of Francesco Manzanotti at the last tournament.
"They're so talented in so many aspects," Ambrosino Giurimano said of the Dryads. "We admire their work ethic, their goal scoring, their two-way play. They are blossoming into perennial contenders, and we love watching them."
So it's no surprise that Pacitalians are facing Myrtannia after correctly predicting they would have an excellent group stage. After downing ASMV in extra time, the Dryads (5-1-0) have proven their mettle, still undefeated like the Blue Foxes (6-0-0). The two squads are enjoying such success because all components of their respective teams are firing on all cylinders and giving maximum effort to the cause.
Zackary Czekaj, whose talented feet carried SUNA into the knockouts, equalised after a Michelangelo Mascagnano goal off Andreos Charisteas' corner. The two sides stayed level, 1-1 at halftime, until Franklyn Marchesano's arguably sadistic slide tackle left Giurimano with a bruised cheek. However, Giurimano kept playing and got his revenge, pocketing the winning goal in the 67th to send Pacitalia to the quarterfinals.
As mentioned, Pacitalia plays Myrtannia here in Karakan, while Starblaydia and Bettia face off in another quarterfinal in Lemnos. The Purple Peril downed the Cyan (insert something that consonates with 'cy' here) 3-2 in full time while Bettia advanced to the Elite Eight with a surprisingly narrow 2-1 win over Demot. Meanwhile, Lamoni and Oliverry both needed extra time to defeat their respective opponents and now face each other in quarterfinal three from Kazatlan. And in the final matchup, Hypocria, who upset a stunned Lions squad, meets the combined efforts of the Vilitan and the Turori, from Spokane.
All in all, this AOCAF is turning into an exciting edition as eight very talented teams make war on the pitch in their quests for the cup.
From Lamoni:
Pacitalia 2 : 1 Neu Amerika
PAC: Mascagnano 31', Giurimano 67'
SNA: Czekaj 41'
NEXT UP: PAC v MYR, SNA v n/a (eliminated) |
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Pacitalia |
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The best place on earth. |
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Are they Eel-Cat Things or "Jungle Eels?"
Vilita and Turori teamed up for the first time in competitive sporting during the short-lived reign of the Rugby World Cup. While the heritage that the rugby world cup left behind was minimal at best, there was one thing that had stuck around, and that was the nickname for the joint Vilita - Turori sporting effort. A seemingly odd combination, Vilitan sporting teams had always followed the mascot of the Jungle Cat, while similar Teams of Turori went off the terra firma and into the abyss being represented by the Eel, and its derivatives, such as the Electric Eel. It is difficult to find an easy parallel between the two, and it was the Rugby World Cup where the term "Eel-Cat things" was first coined. Although it may be a semi-idiotic practice to vaguely refer to a combination mascot followed by the ultra-descriptive "things" - the name stuck throughout the entire Rugby World Cup, and was assumed as precedence, despite unknown origins or authenticity. The name, in fact, stuck so well, that it became the unofficial official mascot of any combined sporting efforts for Vilita & Turori and was once again, naturally, picked up when Vilita & Turori combined on the pitch for the first time in competition during AOCAF 16. That is, picked up by everyone but the Aurendians.
Perhaps wisely, and perhaps controversially, The Aurendians began referring to the joint effort as that of the Jungle Eels. For as long as Vilita as been in sport, it was always the jungle that was replaced if the venue had changed, and the Cat being an ever present in the national mascot. Of course, the classic Jungle Cats, followed by the Regional Cats and the Ice Cats, just to name a few. But then, of course, there was one exception. The Vilitan Under-21 squad was not referred to as the Cats, but the kittens. Originial coined, according to sources, by the Jeruselem media, the Jungle Kittens became a formidible force during the prime life of the Under-21 World Championships, quickly bursting onto the international stage with a runner-up finish to Jeruselem in the performance that put Vilita on the map as a force to be reckoned with in international sporting. Could this once again be the makings of a new force in international football?
The story is playing out the same. A new entity on a charming run, and a foreign media outlet botching the mascot. Of course, this would bode well for Aurendia. Should, as history predicts, Vilita & Turori square off in the final against their media menacing foes, it would be Aurendia crowned AOCAF 16 champions, and not the 'Jungle Eels'.
Who's bright idea was it to call us things, anyway?
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Dryads Outshoot ASMV, Advance to Face Pacitalia Once More
KAZATLAN GREENE in Lamoni - For the third consecutive AOCAF tournament, Myrtannia played in the Round of 16, and the atmosphere in the stadium was understandably tense. Would this be the sort of Ro16 performance we saw in the magical AOCAF XIV run, when the Dryads knocked off Vilita 3-0? Or would it be a dissapointment like AOCAF XV, when the Dryads fell 1-5 against Nedalia? Would we see something entirely different from either of those? All these questions and more ran through the minds of the countless members of the Dryads Army, gathered at Kazatlan Greene to cheer on the Orange and Blue.
Every foreign news service predicted that Myrtannia, winners of the Group D championship, would send the Nyriads home early, but one can never be sure in AOCAF. ASMV was ranked higher, but had stumbled around the group stage before qualifying. Myrtannia, underranked as it is, soared through Group D to finish on top, above four teams ranked higher than it. Its attacking philosophy had much to do with the newfound success.
On the pitch, Myrtannia didn't seem to feel the pressure at all, the players joking dearing warmups and signing the occasional autograph. During the national anthem presentations, the Dryads and their supporters sang loudly and proudly to 'Stand Strong, United Isles', and the latter cheered racously at its conclusion. The multitude of Sun Bursts visible in the crowd was nearly blinding at times.
Once the action got underway, Myrtannia came out swinging, plucking the ball from the Nyriads early to press the attack. In a matter of seemingly seconds, the Dryads charged down the field and got into position to score. Dania Figary passed it off to Roz Gabino, who strangely found herself wide open. Not one to let such an opportunity go to waste, Gabino booted it into the goal, putting Myrtannia up early 1-0. As with every Dryads goal, the Dryads Army went wild.
"That goal just happened so quickly that I didn't realize the full magnitude of it until I looked up at the scoreboard," Gabino explained later.
There was no time for celebration, however, as ASMV proved they wouldn't go down without a fight. The Nryiads played the position game against Myrtannia as well as anyone else in this AOCAF, and found just enough space to score later in the first half. Raisa Pyun took the honor of scoring the Nryiads' first goal of the match, scooting it past Flo Krabel. The score stood tied at 1-1.
Just before the half, it seemed we'd go in tied at a goal a pop, but the Nryiads somehow found a way into the Dryads' back third again. Tamar Ristaino performed a questionable tackle against Yasmine Lipori, who was awarded a penalty kick because the foul took place inside the penalty box. Lipori responded by putting one past Krabel to lift ASMV to a 1-2 lead at the break. Myrtannia went to the lockers silently, seemingly shocked by the turn of events.
"They got lucky, that's all. We'll come back and take this one for all the soldiers in the Dryads Army, and all the folks back in the States," coach Gabino told reporters before heading into the half, "We aren't going home this early, that's for darn sure. One more half to play, boys.. a lot can happen in 45 minutes."
Coach Gabino ended up being right on the dot with the latter part of her statement. Myrtannia came out from the break with a vengeance and a new focus on the attack. Once again, they pushed the Nyriads back at every opportunity, and got a few early shots on goal that nearly went in. The play of keeper Mitsuko Chinen kept the Nyriads in the match, as she rejected several very well aimed shots. But with the Dryads charging, it was only a matter of time before somehow, some way, the Dryads would break through.
Finally, nearing the end of regulation, they did. ASMV seemed to be tiring at last, and Myrtannia took full advantage of a lapse in defense to finally strike back. Roz took the ball from Jayme Edgehill, and put the Nyriads in a compromising position by passing it ahead to a waiting Sabra Nang. Nang faked to draw out Chinen, then passed it to September Rollock, who shot it into the net for the equaliser. Myrtannia back in it with the score knotted at 2-2, the remaining minutes of regulation were spent trying to set up another big strike. Nothing came of these efforts, and for the first time ever, Myrtannia headed to Extra Time.
There, it was all Dryads, as they once again stole the ball from ASMV after kickoff, then pressed the attack aggressively. Five forwards into the Nyriads' half of the field and something was bound to happen. That something was team captain Dania Figary, who cut through the ASMV defense to score early in the first half of ET. With the score now 3-2, the Dryads needed only to hold on defensively to win, but they wanted an insurance policy.
In a Herculean effort, Figary added another goal in the first half of ET, then a third in the second. All in all, Figary scored a hat trick in Extra Time, becoming the second Myrtannian ever and the first since Massetti in AOCAF XIII to score a hat trick. She became the first Dryad to accomplish the feat in a knockout round game.
In almost a mirror image of the Lamonian celebrations after victory over The Lowland Clans, the Dryads stormed the field, mobbing Figary, all smiling. The Dryads Army roared out an ovation louder than any it'd ever given, and an impromptu Acapella rendition of 'Stand Strong, United Isles' broke out in the stands. This was followed by the Dryads Army-written tune of 'The Dryads Keep Rolling Along', and much more cheering.
"It's amazing to get back to the Quarts. Now that ASMV's out of the way, we have even tougher matches ahead. This next one'll be our toughest yet, but we're confident that if we work hard and play hard, we have as good a chance as anyone left standing in the field," Figary said after the match, "Pacitalia are a tremendous side, and Neu Amerika almost slowed them down. We always have good matches against them, and hopefully this time we can reverse our luck against them."
As Figary said, Myrtannia's Quarterfinal match is against its perrenial boogeymen, the Blue Foxes of Pacitalia. The Pacitalians strolled through their group en route to a 5-0 record, then survived a scare at the hands of the Socialist Union to return to the Round of 8. Myrtannia has never defeated Pacitalia, losing every outing (AOCAF XIII: MYR 0-5 PAC, AOCAF XIV Third Place Match: MYR 1-2 PAC, AOCAF XV: MYR 0-2 PAC). However, that and the higher ranking of Pacitalia don't frighten Myrtannia, who have experience as giant slayers. The Dryads have now defeated four teams with higher regional rankings than themselves (Krytenia, TLC, Milchama, and ASMV), and don't look to be slowing down on account of Pacitalia.
Expect a close fought offensive match that could be decided by one goal, or perhaps even in penalties. Myrtannia has publically declared its intention to practice fervorishly for the match, to the point that no media representatives will be allowed to sit in on the practice. It will be their first closed practice of the whole AOCAF. This is a growing rivalry in the AOCAF, albeit a friendly one, more so now that Deeann Massetti is no longer on the Dryads roster.
"They're an excellent team, but so are we," said coach Gabino, "We'll do whatever we can to reach the Semis, but so will they. It's going to be a war out there."
And here are the next batch of predictions from the drunk sportswriters of the Halosen News-Times:
Starblaydia v Bettia
The Purple Peril advanced with a close win over stumbling Krytenia, while Bettia survived a close encounter with Demot. This will be a close match between the winners of the last two AOCAF cups, and one slight lapse in judgement by a single player could turn the tide. Our line: The champs advance. STB 0 - 1 BET
Pacitalia v Myrtannia
Perhaps the second-best match of a Quarterfinals filled with great matches. Pacitalia have nothing but wins, and Myrtannia's only non-win was a draw with Vilita/Turori on Day 1. Despite the extra time needed to finish off ASMV, we feel the Dryads will shake off the Boogeyman and finally push through. Our line: MYR 3 - 3 PAC (MYR wins in Penalties, 3-2).
Lamoni v Oliverry
Both sides needed extra time to beat off their opponents, and will be looking to avoid that same fate in the Quarts. Lamoni have the higher ranking, the better side, and the homefield advantage. Our line: The Hawks are back and they mean business. LAM 2 - 0 OLI
Vilita/Turori v Hypocria
After that first draw against the Dryads, the Eel-Cat things have been a force to reckon with. They easily dispatched the Mice 3-1 and look to return to the Semis, but they face another former champion in Hypocria. The Hyppos upset high-riding Nedalia, and could well pull out another big win here. Our line: Hyppos just barely edge the Founder. VIL 3 - 4 HYP (AET).
The final score from Kazatlan Greene:
Myrtannia 2 - 2 ASMV (5-2 AET)
(Gabino 3', Rollock 85', Figary 94', 102' & 110') (Pyun 32', Lipori 45')
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Sep 16 2006, 04:14 AM |
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