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More Red Awaits for Bettian Gasheads
Is it possible for fate to strike this many times? Surely it must be. It is now turning into an annual event in the Atlantian Oceania Regional Football Tournament, at some point Vilita & Turori must face Bettia.
And of course, that means only one thing. Gastly Bettia will swap in their Yellow & Green for a much more horrid combination of Blue & White Quarters. Meanwhile, Vilita & Turori will throw down the Teal & Mahogany in favor of a more classic Red with select trim.
This season looks to be no different as just moments after the pairings for the Round of 16 matches was announced, Red kits were seen hanging in the teams training center. One of our inside correspondents snapped this photo of Kristofer Kilpter's kit hanging in his locker.
The two Regional Giants have met before, although the previous regional meeting was certainly the most critical, with Vilita & Turori united for the first time In AOCAF 16, challenging an always difficult Bettia side who were looking to repeat as AOCAF champions having taken the title in Bazalonia one tournament prior. But it was Vilita & Turori who prevailed, advancing to their first final as an organized squad which they won, taking the title from the Bettians.
This time, once again, it is Vilita & Turori who are the underdogs, despite a higher regional ranking, the Eel Cat things have been off form so far finishing a disappointing third place in their group with 2 defeats in the group stage. Bettia, meanwhile lost only to hosts Myrtannia during group play, but like Vilita & Turori, suffered a defeat on the final matchday of competition and will be looking to get back to winning ways when the two regional megoliths and color rivals clash in the Round of 16. |
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Milchama advance
Your kidding me right?
Nope
No way we advanced, we're using HORSES! for christ sake
Yeh we advanced we beat Starblaydia and 95x.
Now I know your kidding Starblaydia their good
And 95x isn't....
No
You suck
You still didn't answer the question
Oh ummmmmm...... I have no clue. The media has all been covering the World Cup. We had one red card in every game but the Hypocrian one and yet we still have a chance to win the cup. How this is possible I have no idea.
Let's try to ignore it
Hell no! Let us embrace it. The War Horses successful. Who woulda thunk it?
That insane guy down the street
Let's stick to sane people. What sane person woulda thunk it?
"Steve
NOT HIM AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my your dead
Yep. |
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Lamoni slaughters Nedalian allies
With the 4-0 win that the Hawks put together out on the pitch, you would certainly agree with the headline. While Nedalia couldn't seem to get anything to go their way, Lamoni was seemingly out there to provide pure ass kicking. The win ensures that the Hawks retain first place in Group C; and that they will face the faltering Purple Peril in the Round of 16 (How many times have we called them faltering? I can't remember any!).
The Starblaydi's shocked everyone in AOCAF XVIII by losing their first two matches, but are possibly trying to right their ship by winning matches against 95X and Hypocria. Add the fact that Lamoni defeated Starblaydia in the semi-finals during the Lamonian cup win of AOCAF XVII; and you have the case for a Starblaydi team that will be out for revenge. Knowing firsthand how revenge can be an excellent motivator, the Hawks won't be underestimating their Starblaydi opposition anytime soon. Already, Lamoni is in their closed door practice session; studying those strategies that have proven reliable against the Men in Muave. If Lamoni were to knock the Starblaydi's out of the AOCAF knockouts for the second time in two AOCAF's, then the Hawks would be in an excellent position to win their second AOCAF title in a row.
In other news, Myrtannian footballing legend America McNany has signed a contract with the LFA to become the next Lamonian AOCAF Manager; replacing current Manager Kevin Riyall. Manager-Select McNany will announce the tenets of her contract live on both Myrtannian and Lamonian television, and is even rumored to have traveled to Halosen, Myrtannia in order to observe the Hawks during AOCAF XVIII (seated alongside Manager Riyall). This will have the obvious effect of allowing Manger-Select McNany to determine what she feels needs to change, and what is better off left alone.
Lamoni - 4 Drugah Farani (5:34, 70:13) , Zan Quest (20:15) , Draze Aruru (54:13)
Nedalia - 0 |
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Ro16 match predictions
Marvin Godlevsky
Nephi Times
Halosen, Myrtannia
As the Round of 16 comes around, it's time for the same team of unpaid interns that did the pre-AOCAF predictions to step up and do some more prediction magic.
Myrtannia vs Aurendia
The Raptors have been doing somewhat well for themselves, but we predict that the hosts will rip them apart.
Bettia vs V/T
We are going to put up the unpopular opinion that V/T will upset Bettia.
Pacitalia vs Delesa
Three words: Blue Foxes Win.
Nojika vs TLC
TLC will win this battle of mediocrity, if only because they are in an SDL nation.
Lamoni vs Starblaydia
Our match. Being that we are Lamonian, we are rooting for the Hawks.
Bazalonia vs Milchama
Andrew Coulter (of Bazalonia), puts it this way: "The horse will go to the glue factory!"
Hypocria vs Nedalia
Hyppos steamroll the Lions. This won't even be a contest.
Demot vs Az-Cz
Demot crashes and burns.
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Democratic Maniac |
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"So what you telling me.. is that they found James Gaines in Milchama barely alive after somekind of an explostion. What do we know about the explosion?" asked Andrew
"How would I know I'm just the secretary. Read the paper like everyone else." retorted the secretary. She had started to get really annoyed with Andrew. It was nearly everything about him that irked her so much that she longed for James to be back. Which when he gets well he will be now that he was found in Milchama.
Speaking of which Milchama was their next match... after Andrew Coulter read the newspaper about James he found the article in the Nephi Times predictions... Did he really say "The Horse will go to the Glue Factory!". Yep he did.
"That Lamonian was from the Nephi times?" Andrew asked
"Obviously, they probably told you and you forgot." said the secretary.
"maybe..." he said in a way that indicated he could not be sure either way
"Anyway that was one nasty explosion that James found himself in. Any Idea when he gets out of Hospital. They are unsure, he's still in Milchama. not ready to be flown back to Bazalonia yet."
So that meant Andrew Coulter was to be the BFSA Acting President for at least the rest of the AOCAF. The question is can Bazalonia and his secretary survive?
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Full Coaches Match Report of the Bazalonia - Ereeland match
-------------------------
[5:14] 0-0 The match started with Bazalonia taking posetion of the ball as is usual when Bazalonia is the first nation in the list. The start looked promising and after a lot of work David Myfanwy was in a position to get the ball to an unchecked Frederick Hampstead however he made a grevious error and gave the ball away to Errish defender Richard Hayner
[8:47] 0-0 The Errish came quick and strong and could have overwhelmed the Bazacub defense but inexperience reared it's ugly head and they failed to finish off the assault properly giving Joshua Kanga an easy save
[13:01] 0-0 The midfields of both teams struggled to clear the ball out of the middle of the field. David seemingly having a bad day. He's given one more chance and then being substituted.
[29:36] 0-1 David made his third mistake and last for the game, however this one gave the ball directly to the Errish forward Scarlett Gorychka who had an opening and made it count getting ball past Joshua.
[35:12] 0-1 David's substitute nearly made it even after it went over the bar
[39:04] 0-1 Everrett Kang received an un-warrented red card after challenging a dive call by the ref.
[45:00] 0-1 Half Time! Talked and restructed game plan, Plan is now just to play in an aggressive style.
[50:22] 1-1 GOAL! The plan took 5 minutes to work, Ricky Yunn lead the charge and scored the Bazacubs first goal evening up the score.
[54:36] 1-1 Ereeland seemed to have adapted their game plan to counter our new aggressiveness, I don't think this can stand up to the Bazacubs continued onslaught for long.
[65:01] 1-1 Ereeland nearly scored as they tried to exploit the new offensive style though it didn't come to fruition as Xia Chia managed to successfully challenge Tim Organ and got the ball back to Joshua KAnga to distribute the ball again.
[71:00] 2-1 GOAL! Thomas Yunn scored a goal as he made a forward rush, he found the Errish defenders napping and shot a goal in Bazacubs lead for first time in match.
[92:19] 2-1 Game end, the Bazacubs some how where kept at bay for the rest of the match despite totally outplaying and dominating the match. I'll look at the video to see how we could have done better and train accordingly |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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OOC: Myrtannia, I've taken some liberty with place names and the like. If there's anything you'd like me to change, let me know.
Az-cz Scroll
Myrtannia
Nw-Fys
Gnomes do sightseeing on off-day, try to forget about football.
With the Gnomes recieving the bye on the last match day they decided to "train" in an unusal manner. You see, while most teams choose to practice during their bye, the Gnomes didn't do anything football related. No film study, no practice, no drills, no meetings. Nothing. Instead the entire team got on a bus and ventured out to learn about Myrtannia and see some interesting and beautiful sites.
Now you might be wondering the same thing? Perhaps it's best to have the coach himself explain it to you. Coach Jo-Bgz commented "These are young kids. After two disappointing results they can get down on themselves and lose focus, so I felt it would be good to get their mind off football. The ability is there, it's mostly mental, so giving them a break would be helpful." So there was football reasoning behind the move, but that's not all behind it. Coach Jo-Bgz, continued "Not to mention that most of them know little about Az-cz, much less the world, so I felt it would help them to get exposure to other places."
The Gnomes certainly did get plenty of exposure. They travelled to the Myrtannia history museum, where they learned about the unification of the four isles as well as many aspects of Myrtannian culture, such as the Myrtannian folk mask dance, a big favorite amongst the Gnomes. They travelled to Jefferson Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in all of Myrtannia, and they visited Cragsly Heights, perhaps the most modern and vibrant shopping district in all of Myrtannia.
The Gnomes may not have gotten any information about football, but it was useful to see the lives and history of another Atlantian Oceania culture up close. |
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Senator in Training |
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Manhattan Herald – 20th January 2007
Latest report from AOCAF 18
Chippers Defeated Again, Fans Call For Manager’s Head
Group D – Manhattan Prime 0:1 Aurendia
Aurendia: 33 mins
The Manhattan Prime football team head home tomorrow, after being eliminated from AOCAF 18 after a 1:0 defeat to the Raptors of Aurendia in Salahadin City. In their worst ever display in the tournament, the Chippers failed to win even a single point and finished rock bottom in Group D.
The game was actually quite close in the end, with a single goal in the 33rd minute deciding it, but Manhattan Prime played dismally, with hardly a shot on target, and just showed very little fight. It is a result that has left supporters already calling for the manager’s head, and especially criticizing his policy of rarely rotating his starting line-up, leaving many fans to suggest that Pierce has “favourites”.
Manhattanite fans were over heard after the game suggesting that “Katakana had a stinker today, and so did most of the midfield, but would Pierce think of bringing them off? If we got through to the next round, would they all be on the team sheet regardless? Of course they would, it’s clear Ian Pierce only plays his favourite players”.
Clearly change will be needed soon or Ian Pierce’s career as Manager of Manhattan Prime is surely over.
Manhattan Prime Team:
Kevin Cooper (GK)
Lucas Thompson (RB)
John Clarke (CB)
Karl Heinze (CB)
Hitoshi Akita (LB)
Ethan Smith (DMC)
Michael Donavan (MC)
Felix DeSilva (AML)
Mashashi Takamura (AMR)
Vykk Dreygo (S)
Yosh¡to Katakana (S)
No subs used.
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Well-rested Blue Foxes claim group title by nailing Vilita & Turori
Win avenges quarterfinals upset from AOCAF17
LAHAR, MYRTANNIA (PSN) -- Three days rest, and the advantage of having three straight matches in Lahar, seemed to empower the Blue Foxes on their quest to defend their lead in Group D, and that they did, avenging their upset loss to the Jungle Cats in the quarterfinals of the last tournament with a huge 4-2 win, claiming Group D with a 3-1-0 record and 10 points to show for their efforts.
Once again, Cristianu Raduvani let through two goals in the win, but fans are surely much more forgiving given the circumstances, the opponent, the meaningfulness of the victory and the path now laid ahead of them as group winners. This match, the title matchup of the group, is being dubbed the "Offensive Showdown", despite there being two matches with more goals (Pacitalia 5:2 Manhattan Prime and Vilita & Turori 7:2 Nojika, both on MD2).
Ambrosino Giurimano and Veranace d'Amantano launched to a fantastic start against the literally-nameless Jungle Cats defence, creating six chances in the first quarter-hour of play, though failing to convert on any of them. Finally, in the 22nd minute, Giurimano broke past, drawing the keeper right and deking left to pocket a goal to the bottom-left corner of the net for an early 1-0 lead.
That goal was supplemented by a solidifying penalty in the 39th minute -- a scramble in the box during a corner led to the tripping and shirt-pulling of halfback Nuno Cabana at the far corner of the penalty box. Nuno Cabana fell and appeared to hurt his knee, and stood up, grimacing and protesting the referee for a penalty. The official granted the request with a sour look at the offending Jungle Cat, carding him and awarding Nuno Cabana a penalty. Limping slightly, he took a couple of minutes to walk off the pain enough to convert the penalty, doubling the Blue Foxes lead. Blue Foxes manager Sergei Saganyarov substituted him off a minute later for Chimano San' Sebastiano, who played the remainder of the first half and would possibly play the second pending the prognosis on Nuno Cabana.
The second half started rather uneventfully, and indeed, San' Sebastiano was still on the pitch. For the first eight minutes it appeared the Blue Foxes would hold their two-goal lead and start defending. But appearances were deceiving for the second time in this group stage, as the Pacitalians were caught on a counterattack and had to rush back and convert to a defensive formation. Vilitan-Turori forward Kristofer Kilpter stormed the box on a rush and simply wailed a shot that sailed high to the far side past Cristianu Raduvani and in to halve the Blue Foxes' lead.
However, six minutes later, the Blue Foxes made up for their mistake, with Andolfabio Vunghiasso receiving a superb back-angle pass from Giurimano and netting the Pacitalians' third of the match, from just inside the arc, to restore the two-goal lead. Fans were increasingly ecstatic at the possibility of avenging the surprise and shock of AOCAF17's quarterfinals with just half an hour remaining in the match.
But the double-blue faithful would have to wait til the end of the match to see that become a reality, as Kilpter once again beat Raduvani to narrow the score to 3-2 with 14 minutes to go. It still wasn't enough to put the Blue Foxes off track, as the captain, Veranace d'Amantano, finally ended fears of a goal-scoring drought with a nice chip shot over the Vilitan-Turori keeper in stoppage time to secure a 4-2 victory and, thus, Group D.
Saganyarov defends a teetering Pierce
Meanwhile, interim Blue Foxes manager Sergei Saganyarov voiced his support for his Manhattanite counterpart, Ian Pierce, who is suffering under media scrutiny and fan hatred for leading the Chippers to an 0-0-4 record in Group D.
"That's ridiculous -- I'd like to see any of those complaining fans come up here and take [Ian]'s job for a day," Saganyarov remarked upon hearing of the possible firing of Pierce. "It's not even close to an easy job to manage a football squad, let alone a national squad. And it's even more difficult to manage a squad that's still trying to come into its own on this level of competition, especially when the group they end up placed in has four other talented squads."
Regarding alleged comments by fans that Pierce was playing favourites, Saganyarov added that it was extremely difficult to field a starting eleven if the squad were playing a short bench. "With the type of squad Pierce has to manage, he has to play whatever he's got. Sure, I admit he might have had better luck benching players that were underperforming, but when the pickings are slim you play with what you have. Sometimes it's just not enough."
"I think people should give Ian a break," he added. "If they're so confident they know how to make that squad perform as a championship contender, why don't they just be big men and try out for the national squad, or interview for a coaching position?"
He finished by saying "no matter what happens, [he would] respect the [Manhattan Football Association]'s decision regarding the matter."
Preparing for the next
So, the Blue Foxes move on to the round of 16 to face Delesa, who finished fourth in Group A with a 1-0-3 record. The completely opposite records from the group stage are not cause for complacency among the Pacitalian squad.
"We'll be ready for this game," captain d'Amantano said. "In the knockouts, there's no difference between a 1-0-3 squad and a 3-1-0 squad; that only determines who you play. It's the knockouts for a reason -- one bad mistake and you're out of it. We'll be playing cautiously but confidently in the round of sixteen."
In other round of sixteen matches, there are three barnburners to watch for: Lamoni and Starblaydia hashing out their heated rivalry, Hypocria and Nedalia in a battle of wits and talent, and Bettia playing the Jungle Cats in what should also make an exciting match. Meanwhile, the hosts Myrtannia face off against the Raptors, who squeaked through Group D to reach the knockouts ahead of Manhattan Prime. Also, besides Pacitalia-Delesa, Milchama meets Bazalonia, Nojika will face The Lowland Clans and Demot will play Az-Cz.
From Lahar, Myrtannia:
Vilita & Turori 2 : 4 Pacitalia
VNT: Kilpter 53', 76'
PAC: Giurimano 22' / Nuno Cabana 39' (p) / Vunghiasso 59' / d'Amantano 90+2'
NEXT UP: PAC v DLS (R16), BET v VNT (R16)
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Jan 20 2007, 03:15 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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The Red Mist Thickens
As the dust settles from Bettia's late defeat at the hands of Myrtannia, the Young'Uns must pick themselves up and dust themselves off... and quickly too, for an even more evil foes looms large on the horizon. Yes dear readers, if they wish to progress past the second round, Bettia now must face off against the combined efforts of their bitter rivals Vilita and their puppet Turori.
And for the second game in a row, Bettia must face off against a team who, against all reason and with no regard for their moral and spiritual well-being, have chosen to face us wearing the most evil of all colours, red... and this has proven to be one hell of a monkey clambering all over our backs. Some blustering right-wing commentators have speculated that perhaps teams are adopting this ploy out of sheer contempt for Bettian beliefs, with others saying that perhaps they're just plain scared of us. Whatever the reasons, now is the time for the Young'Uns to pull their socks up and put this hoodoo to bed once and for all - and what a wonderful shade of blue those socks are too. As correctly predicted by the Vilitan press, Bettian will indeed will be lining up against the Eel-Cat Thingys in their traditional change strip of blue and white quarters.
Could it be that where we as Bettians absolutely loath and detest the colour of blood, rage, war and Satan, Vilitans are equally touchy about blue? Indeed, the last time Bettia faced them wearing blue, we all know what happened, don't we? That's right, it was a group match in the World Cup held in Vilita itself, and Bettia romped home to an emphatic 7-1 victory - could it be possible that this thrashing is still playing on Vilitan minds? Could this give our boys a psychological advantage? This remains to be seen.
So what about the second round lineup? For the first time in AOCAF history, the Enlightener will attempt to make predictions.
Myrtannia vs Aurendia
It must be said that, apart from their last game against Bettia, the hosts have looked pretty comfortable. Aurendia also fared particularly well, their fourth-place finish belying their vastly improved standard of play. However, it's hard to see this game ending in anything but a home win.
Bettia vs Vilita & Turori
Ooh I dunno... five-nil to the Young'Uns? Well, we can live in hope, can't we?
Pacitalia vs Delesa
Quite predictably, the Blue Foxes finished top of their group, and quite easily too. Delesa on the other hand have looked very shaky and got through by the skin of their teeth. Anything but a comfortable win for Pacitalia would be a shock.
Nojika vs The Lowland Clans
Two AOCAF stalwarts face off in what could either be an intriguing matchup or a damp squib. Nojika did well to come second in a difficult group, whilst The Lowland Clans have struggled somewhat. However, we get the sneaking suspicion this game could go right down to the wire, with Nojika coming out on top... just.
Lamoni vs Starblaydia
Take cover! This is easily the tie of the round, and can expect fireworks as two traditional enemies go head-to-head once more. Lamoni pretty much blitzed their group whilst Starblaydia have looked strangely out of sorts. But count Starblaydia out at your peril - perhaps the urgency of the knockout stages is what they need to get back to their best.
Bazalonia vs Milchama
Two evenly matched teams who have progressed with near identical records - how on NS-Earth do you pick a winner? At a pinch, we'll go with Milchama just 'cos they're Takilans.
Hypocria vs Nedalia
Our western neighbours and close allies versus our Eastern neighbours and close allies - can't we just pray for a miracle and hope they both get through? No? Well, in that case we'll have to say Hypocria, simply because they're carrying some excellent form into this tie.
Demot vs Az-Cz
Two relative newcomers to the Greatest Regional Tournament in the World ™ meet in a very fascinating tie. Demot played out of their skins to finish second in a horrendously tough group, conceding a measly three goals in the process (a feat matched only by ourselves - uurgh, how disgustingly Karelan), whilst Az-Cz proved to be rather tricky customers. Once again, we'll side with the form team - Demot for the win.
Bettian Results / Fixtures:
M1: Bettia 2-1 The Lowland Clans
M2: Bettia 2-1 Quakmybush
M3: Bettia 4-0 Delesa
M4: Bettia 0-1 Myrtannia
2R: Bettia vs. Vilita & Turori
This post has been edited by Bettia on Jan 20 2007, 03:16 PM |
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We don't do defence |
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Demot Daily ~ Whack The Gnome?
After a disaterously dissapointing draw with the pony lovers of Milchama, the squad looks forward to the knockouts with a special glee in their eyes. This is the second time the squad will be heading past the group stage in their early AOCAF careers, and after securing the second seed in a terribly tough group, get to take on the Gnomes of Az-cz. While the Dynamo comfortably made their way into the knockouts, the Gnomes had to have some help to get into this stage of the tournament. All signs point to the Dynamo making their way past the pink and green, and into the elite eight stage, where they would likely face group mates of Hypocria. If this does come to pass, Demot will be looking to build off the almost upset from the first matchday, and push past the Hyppos in the upset. However, it is not right to be looking too far into the future, espicially with the tough task ahead of us in the round of sixteen.
Looking back to the game against Milchama, the squad was desperately looking to pull off a win, and put themselves at the gates of group winners, but the horses refused to give the Dynamo that satisfaction. Once again, the Dynamo were caught on their heels early in the match, likely due to playing against horses with riders. It was soo odd for the Dynamo, that they surrendered a goal inside ten minutes with Zar Johnson putting it past Orien in the 9th minute.
Detirimined not to let this oddity startle his squad no longer, Dogood barked strict orders from the sideline that got his squad getting back into form. However, the shock factor would wear on for the duration of the half, with the Dynamo only able to produce a single shot on target. No changes were made during the half, and the Dynamo were finally able to calm their nerves before making the trip back to the pitch. Masteron took the restart, and dished it to Sans, and she took it up the side before cutting to the box and then laying it off to Unitus. The youngster took it calmly, examined his options, and then swent in a decent cross that the acrobatic Black siccor kicked past Fletcher James for the equaliser.
The squad was unable to get the go ahead goal, despite a number of oppurtunities from the forwards. So the squad reluctantly took comfort in the draw, and had to hope that the horses only got a small victory over 95X, which luckily happened for the national team. And now onto the predictions!
Myrtannia vs Aurendia
The hosts have had little troublle in the tournament apart from the last match against the Bettias, expect a 4-1 result.
Bettia vs Vilita & Turori
Ugh, clash of the ugly kity and super power. My inclination is the combined powers of the Eel things will be enough to take down the Bettians, 3-2.
Pacitalia vs Delesa
The Blue Foxes dominate and easily advance. 3-0
Nojika vs The Lowland Clans
Hard to call here, both squads are pretty good established squads, and with them being political rivals, it makes it even that more emphatic. I think the Clansmen find a way to pull it off, 2-2 4-3 win in PKs
Lamoni vs Starblaydia
Lamon are our allies, of course we're taking them. 4-2
Bazalonia vs Milchama
We like the Bazalopes and want to see the horses pay for their draw with us, go Bazalopes! 2-0
Hypocria vs Nedalia
Our group winners will have little problem over the slumping lions of Nedalia, Hyppos 3-1.
Demot vs Az-Cz
We're falling hard on this one. We played out of our minds in the group stage and the luck is bound to be spent. Expect the Gnomes to dominate us very easily as we drop a 5 egg after only conceding 3 in the entire group stage. Az wins 5-2.
Article by Jasmiine Olyvander
This post has been edited by Demot on Jan 20 2007, 08:07 PM |
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Royal Scribe |
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OOC: Myr, could you explain the arrangement of the knockouts more clearly?
Az-cz Scroll
Myrtannia
Nw-Fys
Nested Predictions
As per policy of this paper we provide you with a set of predictions. We like making predictions here at the Scroll. There is one problem with these predictions however. The hosts haven't clearly explained the matchups for the quarterfinals and onwards. It seems unlikely that if they both win the top two teams from a group would meet in the quarterfinals, which is the order they are posted. While that's a possibility, we trust it won't be the way it actually plays out. We believe this will be the route to the finals:
1: A1 v D4 (Myrtannia v Aurendia)
2: B2 v C3 (Demot v Az-cz)
3: D1 v A4 (Pacitalia v Delesa)
4: C2 v B3 (Bazalonia v Milchama)
5: B1 v C4 (Hypocria v Nedalia)
6: A2 v D3 (Bettia v Vilita & Turori)
7: C1 v B4 (Lamoni v Starblaydia)
8: D2 v A3 (Nojika v The Lowland Clans)
9: W1 v W2
10: W3 v W4
11: W5 v W6
12: W7 v W8
13: W9 v 10
14: W11 v W12
15(3PPO): L13 v L14
16(Finals): W13 v W14
Aurendia, the third of the WC30 BoF WC31 qualifiers meets the hosts. Unfortunately for them while the other two remain strong they seem to be regressing, an event that Myrtannia will help along here. Coincidentally the other two meet in what should be the corresponding game. While this ought to be a good game we disagree with our friends from Demot and think they will slip past us, maybe 2-1 or so. In the easiest match to call Pacitalia will roll Delesa. Their reward ought to be the Bazalopes who take down Milchama. Nedalia just doesn't seem to be the same team they once were and can't take down Hypocira. In what should be a fantastic match, expect the Bettians to stop a third straight run to the finas by Vilita & Turori. And in the absolute lead match of the day Lamoni, the defending champs, get a poison pill for winning their group, the purple power of Starblaydia. Expect Lamoni, the other team to play in two straight finals to also go down here. And The Lowland Clans should take down Nojika, a team not as good as their second seed might indicate. That would leave:
Myrtannia v Demot
Pacitalia v Bazalonia
Hypocria v Bettia
Starblaydia v The Lowland Clans
Myrtannia puts an end to Demot's nice run, Pacitalia wins a tight one against Bazalonia, Bettia advances again and Starblaydia continues to rebound from their disappointing group stage. Leaving a semifinals of:
Myrtannia v Pacitalia
Bettia v Starblaydia
The hosts run finally comes to an end against the Pacitalians as does Starblaydia's knockout stage rebirth.
The final two matches then pit Myrtannia versus Starblaydia for third and Pacitalia versus Bettia for the title.
The hosts will finish strong for a third place they can be proud of. And Pacitalia will make history with their first ever AOCAF championship with a solid victory over Bettia. |
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Etoka Journal-Tribune
“Now with larger print for those hung-over mornings”
Raptors advancing after all, finish qualifiers with 1-0 win over Manhattan Prime
MARI CITY, MYRTANNIA – Aurendia’s AOCAF XVIII experience is apparently not coming to an end just yet. A 1-0 victory over Manhattan Prime left the Raptors securely in 4th place in Group D at the end of qualifying. Unbeknownst to many media personalities throughout the nation, 3rd and 4th place in each group also move on, not just the top two as originally thought.
Despite being notified just prior to kickoff that qualification was still possible for his side, coach Baxman elected to stick with a youth-heavy starting line-up for the Manhattan Prime showdown, a move that ultimately paid off. Although a defensive struggle throughout, the Raptors came out on top thanks to a 33rd minute strike by Amanda Yensen. Despite pressure from the Chippers, that one goal would stand up as the winner.
While sportswriters across Aurendia are now being chewed out by editors for not knowing the logistics of the tournament they are covering, the Raptors are moving to Mari City, for a round of 16 match-up with host side Myrtannia. As an attempt to avoid further erroneous reporting, this paper will not be providing any predictions on this or any of the other upcoming matches.
Scoring:
1. A (A. Yensen 1) 33rd (T. Collins)
OOC: Yah, I really was confused by that. This is definitely preferable though.
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Pacitalia Upsets Vilita & Turori; Nojika Finished Second in Group D
The 4-2 victory allows the Panthers to finish second and advance for the first time since AOCAF 13
LAHAR, MYRTANNIA -- It was without a doubt an inspiring win for the Blue Foxes of Pacitalia as they cruised to victory over the Jungle Cats of Vilita & Turori with a 4-2 win in Lahar. Surely the match was just as inspiring for the Panthers of Nojika who cheered Pacitalia to victory, securing their second place spot in Group D with a 2-1-1 record and 7 points, just 1 point ahead of Vilita & Turori who crushed the Panthers 7-2 on the second match day.
"I am absolutely proud of what this grouped of uncapped professionals has accomplished. It would be ridiculous for me not to be," said national manager Jerrel Alson after the final whistle had blown at the end of the match, "And now, it's time for all of us to turn it up another notch and prove that we are now a leading force in regional football. This team is like no other Nojika has ever seen and things will only progress from here." With a bye before their knockout match against The Lowland Clans, Nojika has taken advantage of the extra time by resting up and getting in some light practices.
The last time Nojika made it out of their group and into the next round was in the 13th AOCAF, hosted by Krytenia, and they fell short with a 1-2 loss to Pacitalia who only made it as far as the Quarter Finals. And even before then, the Panthers seemed to have made a habit of not advancing out of their group. If there is one Nojikan that is confident about this year's competition, it's Nojikan Captain Robbie Hedeen, "We've done something amazing this year. Finishing second after so many terrible runs at the cup has surely shown that Nojikan football is on the rise, and quickly."
Looking Ahead to the Round of Sixteen
The draw for the next round has pitted the Panthers of Nojika against The Lowland Clans from Group A, who finished their group in a surprising third place with a record of 1-2-2 and just 4 points. "I really can't tell you why [the international media] has made those predictions. It's not like we've been performing badly, we've done very well and will be playing cautiously against [The Lowland Clans]. Maybe they haven't actually watched any of our matches and are basing their predictions, since that's all they are, on how we've done in the past," joked Alson when asked about international media predictions for his side's next match.
The rest of the Round of Sixteen will see Group A winners and hosts Myrtannia (4-0-0) face off against Aurendia (2-0-2), Bettia (3-0-1) will go up against a struggling Vilita & Turori (2-0-2), Group D winners Pacitalia (3-1-0) will look for victory over Group A fourth place finishers Delesa (1-0-3), while political enemies will look to upset political allies and struggling Starblaydia (2-0-2), Bazalonia (2-1-1) have drawn Milchama (2-1-1), struggling Nedalia (1-1-2) have drawn Hypocria (3-0-1), and Demot (2-1-1) will go up against Az-Cz (1-2-1). |
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Associated Press of Nojika Releases Predictions
The APN has released it's predictions for the AOCAF Round of Sixteen
ROZIER, NOJIKA -- With the Panthers of Nojika having finished second in Group D, ahead of the mighty Jungle Cats of Vilita & Turori, the Associated Press of Nojika has only found it necessary to release its predictions for the AOCAF Round of Sixteen. The APN has taken into consideration only past and present form as well as historical team strength.
Myrtannia (4-0-0) vs. Aurendia (2-0-2)
Cup host's Myrtannia have done well and are the only team to win all of their group stage matches. It is without a doubt the advantage of playing at home in front of their fans has been, and will continue to be a boost for the hosts.
Bettia (3-0-1) vs. Vilita & Turori (2-0-2)
Of the two, Bettia are the better side in this year's tournament, and Vilita & Turori have struggled somewhat lately. Any other time, the Jungle Cats would surely come away victorious, but that is not expected this year.
Pacitalia (3-1-0) vs. Delsea (1-0-3)
Pacitalia are most definitely the stronger side in the draw and will most likely come out on top. However, Delsea should not be underestimated, as they have the potential to be great, they just seem to have a difficult time reaching it.
Nojika (2-1-1) vs. The Lowland Clans (1-1-2)
Aside from the Bettian press, most expect The Lowland Clans to come out ahead of the Panthers, but the Nojikans are in great form and are experiencing a high like none other. Expect a close match, but with Nojika coming out on top.
Lamoni (3-1-0) vs. Starblaydia (2-0-2)
This is surely to be the match of the round, as two of the region's top sides will face off once again. Lamoni have done well in their group while Starblaydia have started off slow and lost to two lesser sides in their group.
Bazalonia (2-1-1) vs. Milchama (2-1-1)
Bazalonia are the more established side, but Milchama have looked strong with a 3-2 victory over powerhouse Starblaydia in the group stage. Expect a close, but thrilling match with plenty of chances for both sides.
Hypocria (3-0-1) vs.Nedalia (1-1-2)
Without a doubt, Hypocria will look to come out triumphant over a Nedalian side that barely made it out of their group and are severely struggling this year. Expect a low score but plenty of chances for the Hyppos.
Demot (2-1-1) vs. Az-Cz (1-2-1)
This match will most definitely top the most boring match list when compared to the other matches that will be played. Demot, however, have looked strong and grabbed three points from Starblaydia during the group stage.
OOC: It's after 3:30 AM and I made the above two posts. Excuse any and all typos. I've already seen a few...
This post has been edited by Nojika on Jan 21 2007, 06:40 AM |
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Nojika |
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