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Blue Foxes can't put money in front of media's mouth
Pacitalian squad falls in narrow loss to Hawks after media predicts solid victory
CEFFINTON, BETTIA (PSN) -- Oops. Sorry, guys.
The Pacitalian media's prediction that Pacitalia would solidly take out a "nothing special" Lamoni side was sadly incorrect, as the Blue Foxes had many chances but failed to put one away, losing 1-0 to the Hawks to open the 14th Atlantian Oceanian Championship of Association Football.
The evenly matched sides sparred in a defensive showdown in which a lucky bounce for the Lamonians created the only goal of the match - Guy Abbott carried the ball past Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Manzanotti for the score in the 20th minute. The Blue Foxes had plenty of chances but the Lamonian defence was on top form, allowing 16 shots on goal by the Pacitalians but stopping most of the Blue Foxes' attacks.
At the other end, the Hawks' extra shot on goal (they had 17 during the match) proved to be fruitful for Guy Abbott's goal. Most of the SOGs came in the first 20 minutes, with Abbott's goal coming at the end of that transition.
The Blue Foxes were not blaming the media but were suspicious of wire reports claiming somebody on the team said they were "studying Lamoni" to death to try and find ways where they could be beaten, thus winning the Blue Foxes a match. But instead, captain Veranace d'Amantano is left shaking his head.
"Nobody on the team knows where that came from, nor does the management," he said post-match. "We aren't really disappointed with a 1-0 defeat because it's an improvement over previous results. We knew there was more to be done to get the win, but we have no idea why people would print about an obsessive study habit over the Hawks. It's a little odd to say the least."
Pacitalia moves on now to face Geisenfried here in Ceffinton. The Eagles are a team most major media networks are predicting to finish last in this tight Group Two, but if the Blue Foxes do anything but win fans here are going to be shaking their heads at what will officially be an underachievement, or the start of one.
The teams get a day off as Bettia Day takes over this great country on Wednesday.
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on May 17 2006, 09:02 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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Tidal wave threatens Vilitan Squad
A Tidal wave reported to have been caused as a result of unauthorized nuclear testing by the nation of Nojika has sent the Vilitan Cove skyward and brought destruction to the coastal areas of it's central landmass, the Tropics of Vilita.
It is unknown whether mass casualties were expected as early reports are still coming in. The Vilitan regional football squad was still in Longgeylin, Vilita preparing for their departure to the AOCAF tournament after they had a bye on Matchday one. Lonngeylin is believed to have suffered the brunt of the force of the wave, however, early reports are that 'The Shultis'; the facility in which the team was housed, is still relatively intact.
More to be imagined by yourselves, as this reporter is running for cover!!!!!! |
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More than one way to get ahead
First, we would like to express our condolences to the people of Vilita as a massive Tidal Wave has struck that nation. It is now known that the Vilitan AOCAF squad was able to make it to Bettia, because the Hawks played them today. We comdemn Nojika for allegedly starting this Tidal Wave with unauthorized nuclear tests and suggest that Nojika halts all further such tests.
The Hawks had a good time during the Bettian 'Jubilation Day,' and even joined in some parades and parties. However, the team also had a moment of silence for the Vilitans presumed killed by the Tidal Wave.
The AOCAF match against Vilita was another defensive standoff; and resulted in a 1-1 draw with the Jungle Cats. This draw puts Lamoni in the number one spot of Group Two as they head into their bye. After the bye, the Hawks will face Geisenfried and Bettia. We suspect that the match against Bettia will be the match that determines who controls first place in Group Two going into the knockouts, and will plan accordingly. Guy "The Monk" Abbott scored the lone Lamonian goal in the match against Vilita.
Lamoni - 1 Guy Abbott (34)
Vilita - 1 (36) |
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Democratic Maniac |
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And they're off... oops
Coach Brett Hancock's priority was to give a younger set of Stars a look so the team could develop its younger players, but after the team played to a "shaky" 2-2 draw against Bedistan, Hancock could be excused if he wanted to call up the senior team.
"We just didn't play our assignments very well," Hancock said. "We didn't concentrate on the defensive end of the pitch and we fell behind early (the Stars trailed 2-0 at the 15 minute mark)." Even though the Stars put on a furious comeback to earn a point for the draw, Hancock said he wasn't pleased.
"We conceded two goals against an archrival because we didn't concentrate," Hancock said. "If we focused, we would have had three [standings] points. I can't be happy about that."
Hancock refused to answer reporter's questions about the match being a tryout for the full-time national team job, but assistant coach Brian Wilson said Hancock "absolutely" felt pressure to perform well.
"He's the man my dad wants to replace him as the national team coach," Wilson said. Dave Wilson, who just retired from coaching after the Stars failed to earn even a single point in the World Cup finals chose Hancock as his successor. "A lot's going to depend on what the IFF wants or who applies, but I think Brett deserves the nod."
Several phone calls to the IFF's offices weren't returned by press time.
This post has been edited by Sarzonia on May 18 2006, 04:08 PM |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Lock Up Your Sons!
Evans lets girls loose on AS o' TLC
With five female starters and two on the substitutes bench, Starblaydia have never begun a 'mainstream' match with so few Y chromosomes in their 23-man squad. That's 'man' in the neutral sense, of course. Whether Captain Cherry Garcia, veteran Jade Matranga or bright young things like Jackie Maitland and Tabitha Di Bradini, Starblaydia's women footballers are truly making a name for themselves.
Tara Niodonna, anchoring the midfield at the age of just twenty-one, blasted in the first goal from the edge of the penalty area after a knock-down from Roberto Vega. The Allied States' keeper just had no chance to get his hands to the top corner before the ball flew in at great speed.
Though the boys from the Allied States managed to pull one back after Francisco Ibanez uncharacteristicly decided to pull out of a tackle rather than almost-certainly earn himself a yellow card. With 'Cisco taken out of the play, their Number Nine was able to link up to a well-timed cross to knock it past Ahab Maestas.
With Ibanez replaced by Tabitha Di Bradini and Donii on for Soperra, Starblaydia came forward with abandon to win the game. It was Jackie Maitland, 18 year old daughter of former Britannican international midfielder and Captain Henry Maitland. Henry, who retired during World Cup 25 with injury in the Group Stages of Nova Britannicus' last appearance at the World Cup. Jacke, however, is a looking like a fine young striker with bags of speed and an excellent touch. Though hanging in offside positions for much of the game, her movement was excellent as it confused and misled defenders. So much so, in fact, that she broke the offside trap and fired left-footed past the keeper for the decisive goal.
Starblaydia go on to face Myrtannia, who they defeated 2-0 four years ago, in the far-western city of Tamrida on Matchday Three.
Final Score from Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra:
The Lowland Clans 1 - 2 Starblaydia
(#9 54) - (Niodonna 43, Maitland 76) |
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Not Exactly a Win, But We'll Take It
TAMRIDA, Bettia - The Dryads were out for blood against the Bazalopes on the field today, and it ended up being a story of twos for the Bazalonians again. Myrtannia's talented squad, however, prevented it from being win number two for Bazalonia. Forward Dania Figary had said that the Bettians had a target on them, and that the Dryads would do everything they could to defeat the Bazalopes.
They settled for playing a very close match against a team that went to the second round in its inaugural AOCAF. Bazalonia's talent was displayed early against the Dryads, as they scored both of their goals in the first half. Where Hypocria's offense was stagnant, Bazalonia's was more productive. First James Kantwell, then Peter "Wolfie" Hobble knocked in goals against Flo Krabel, and put the Bazalopes up 2-0 at the half.
Coach America McNany gave her footballers an earful at the break, with shouts heard out in the hall through the locker room walls. When the orange and blue emerged from the lockers, they looked to have a steely determination that they'd lacked at the opening of the game.
"We were a little lethargic in the first half; most of us went to Bettia Day parties yesterday, so our heads were swimming a bit," McNany told the press, "But I shook things up, and we went out there to prove that we're a different team now. No more getting shut out. We weren't about to lose to the Bazalopes after what Nev Gould said in their media."
And the Dryads were a completely different squad in the closing half, dominating on defense every time the Bazalopes attempted to cross into Myrtannian territory. Orpha Mega shined again, leading the spirited defensive stand with dexterous movements she's become known for in the MAFC. Then came the starkest difference between AOCAF XIV and AOCAF XIII for the Dryads - offense.
Down by two goals, the Drayds never gave up, and started to penetrate the Bazalonian defense increasingly often. Then, like a lightning strike, Dania Figary cut through Bazalope defenders and scored Myrtannia's first goal. As the fans began cheering and shouting again, the Dryads continued to attack. Five minutes later, September Rollock took a shot on the Bazalonian goal, which was deflected by the goal post. Deeann Massetti sent the ball back at the goal with a header, and the Dryads scored again.
That would make the final tally 2-2, the second straight tie for the new and improved Dryads. It was also the first time the Dryads have scored goals in consecutive games. Already, they have scored as many goals as they did in the entirety of AOCAF XIII.
"We would've preferred a win, but we'll take the draw. 0-2-0 is a lot better than 0-0-2," Massetti stated after the match, "But now things get interesting with you-know-who as our next opponent."
That would be the football behemouth that is Starblaydia, winners of four AOCAF titles and World Cup 25. This is the one game Myrtannia doesn't expect to win; the Purple powerhouse has far more experience and talent, and should pick up its second straight win, after defeating the Lowland Clans 2-1 on Day Two. Myrtannia plans to play their hardest, and focus on winning small battles on the field rather than the whole war. Last time around, Starblaydia beat the Dryads 2-0.
"We'd be happy with a 2-1 score, maybe another tie if we can manage it," Dania Figary explained, "But they're not a team most people would give us a chance against."
Myrtannia's hopes of a second round berth hinge on the Lowland Clans, 0-2 after losing to Bazalonia and Starblaydia. One more loss would eliminate the Clans from the playoff race, and give Myrtannia a gauranteed berth in the next round. At this stage, the worst Myrtannia could finish would be 0-2-2, which would beat out the Clans if they lose three. The Dryads look to lose to Starblaydia, but have an excellent chance to pick up a win on Day Four if the Clans continue to struggle.
Regardless of the final score, it should be an interesting match between traditional superpower Starblaydia and the improving Dryads. Myrtannia's fans will be there en masse, as usual with the sun burst banner, annoyingly bright colored clothing, taunting signs, and loud vocalizations.
Bazalonia - 2 James Kantwell (15), "Wolfie" Hobble (27)
Myrtannia - 2 Dania Figary (40), Deeann Massetti (45) |
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2 Is A Magic Number
2 Matches, 2 Draws, 2 Points, 2-2 Scores in each
Queen Sonya had just made it. A late flight out on Bettia day, a long meeting with the council members in The Kingdom, and the flight back had all made her wonder if she would be in time. But now she was here at Pajajaran Stadium in Subarnas, Bettia. And the match against Nojika was about to begin. MD1 had seen the Necromancers pull an unexpected draw from the Vikings of Fmjpjoenix. What would happen today?
The whistle blew and the match was underway. And it was apparent very early that both sides were out to show offensive prowess, with little regard to defense. The first 10 minutes saw 9 shots on goal - 5 from Nojika and 4 from the Necromancers. But the keepers for both sides were in top form as every attempt was snuffed out.
Then Nojika got a score and the 1-0 lead. That fueled the Necromancers on and a series of furious attacks was finally rewarded in the 37th minute as Richie Pirieda blasted a literal rocket into the net. The score had been evened at 1.
The second half was more of the same. Attack after attack was turned away as the two keepers proved that they didn’t need defense in front of them. All in all, it would turn out to be a very low percentage shooting day for both sides.
10 minutes remaining found the Necromancers down by 1 with time slipping away. Head coach Camellia Trifiletti pulled left back Albertha Vasos in favor of another attacker in the form of Diamond Cummer. The young star of Naples FC did not disappoint. In the 88th minute Diamond found the back of the net on a brilliant bicycle kick off an Adella Iatarola corner kick. That would be enough as both Nojika and the Necromancers finished with their second straight 2-2 draw in this AOCAF.
Next up are the mighty Lions of Nedalia. The Necromancers will need all of their magic working in this one. The Lions are heavy favorites to win the group. And to add to their fury, they lost today in their opener 0-1 to ASMV. That means they will be out for blood - ours. We will have to keep the pressure on if we want another point in this one.
Necromancer Scoring
Gaffer - 1
Klemens - 1
Pirieda -1
Cummer -1 |
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River Dragons Drop Lions
This is Hal Rosh reporting live from Akani Sands, Bettia
The River Dragons were in action again today as they faced Group 3 powerhouse Nedalia. After a disappointment of an opening match against Nojika, the squad from ASMV needed to earn some points in this one. And absolutely no one was giving us a chance against the Lions.
The match was furious as both sides tried to find an advantage, but met hard, physical defenses instead. The suspect play of the ASMV defense was nowhere to be seen as River Dragons appeared everywhere to shut down the Lion attack. Rob Hoeckman, in particular, looked like a completely different player. One in the mold of Unami Banta-N’bai. Hoeckman was everywhere, usually accompanied by Dana Obensheim as the pair made life miserable for the Nedalians who entered their end of the pitch.
For nearly 90 minutes this was the case. Neither side was capable of getting that all-important score to gain an advantage. But the 86th minute saw things change in favor of the River Dragons. The defender guarding Beata Sjostrovic slipped, allowing her to move freely into Lion territory. That slip was key to everything that would happen next. Virgen Sacayanam saw his defender move to stop Sjostrovic. He received the ball and moved forward. Then, as the defense closed in, he spotted Kabe Tribby alone near the goal. Tribby received the ball - nearly offside - and made a brilliant move as the keeper came out to cut down the angle. The easy shot gave ASMV the lead and a 1-0 victory over Nedalia.
That win proved to be the only one thus far in Group 3. D&S and Nojika locked in a second consecutive 2-2 draw for each squad. The two of them are currently tied for 2nd in the group. Fmjphoenix is 4th on their draw from MD1 while Nedalia now sits last on the table.
Tomorrow the River Dragons are off on a bye date. The Lions will face the Necromancers while Nojika squares off against the Vikings. |
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"The 2nd Matchday brings 2 2's" by Nev Gould
Once again the number 2 is haunting us, not only us it seems to be haunting the Dorian and Sonya national team as well, The Necromancers. During this second game day we got a 2-all draw against the Mrytannian Dryads "out for blood" due to certain comments made by a certain sports reporter (aka me). The Bazalopes took the lead early with two successive goals and it seemed that my prediction would come about.
James Kantwell opened the scoring for the Bazalopes in the 15th minute, after a magnificent pass from Anthony Creek setting up the striker for a great shot on the goal that sailed into the top right corner of the goal, just out of Flo Krabel's , the Mrytannian Goalkeeper, reach. The second goal was by Peter Hobble after a corner taken as Flo Krabel tapped another James Kantwell scoring attempt over the back line."Benny Boy" Peters took the corner and managed to get into the capable hands of Michael Irchov, after a few minutes of the Bazalopes threatening to score the ball was lobbed over to Peter Hobble who headed it past Flo Krabel totally confusing the keeper which way the ball would go.
And then another 2 goals for the 2nd team, Mrytannia equalled the scoreline just before the buzzer for halftime. Dania Figary and Deeann Massetti got through the Bazalope defense in the 40th and 45th minutes respectively. And so the Bazalopes currently lead group 4 with Starblaydia nipping at their heals with 3 points. Is it any surprise that the Bazalopes current 4 points is equal to two-squared? I don't think so.
I will leave you with a final thought, a win against Hypocria next matchday will gaurantee us finishing in the top 2. |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Dryads Knock Off Starblaydia!
SUKATRA, Bettia - "What? We won?!" That was the majority reaction to today's matchup between four time AOCAF champion and World Cup 25 winner Starblaydia and AOCAF XIII doormat Myrtannia. Myrtannia has shown the region it's improved by leaps and bounds, gaining two draws thus far. No one could have possibly expected the result of today's match, though. Starblaydia were heavily favored to beat the Dryads, having defeated them 2-0 in AOCAF XIII. AOCAF XIV, however, would be a completely different can of worms.
"They're a very good team, and we really didn't expect to have a chance, truth be told," defender Filiberto Nedina told the press, "We just wanted to go out there and show we've gotten a lot better since last time."
And they did. Starblaydia came out and scored the first goal, just as every other Dryads opponent has so far in AOCAF XIV. It didn't take long, as 18-year old forward Jackie Maitland scored five minutes in. After Flo Krabel allowed the goal, the newly strong Myrtannian defense shut the door. No more goals would be allowed in the rest of the match.
It would take thirty minutes, but the Dryads finally did score a goal against the Purple Powerhouse. Drayds' captain Deeann Massetti got through the Starblaydi defense and scored, sending the Dryads' fans into a frenzy. At the half, the score was tied at one, and Myrtannia's fans were waving the Sun Burst banner proudly in the stands. The second half would see the Myrtannian defense continue to confound the Starblaydis, with Orpha Mega and Nedina sticking with the opposing forwards like glue.
Finally, the shot heard around the stadium, maybe even the region, came after September Rollock got through the Starblaydi defense and scored Myrtannia's second goal. It soared into the upper right corner of the goal, and the roar from the fans in orange and blue was deafening. After a big on field celebration as Rollock was mobbed by her teammates, the Dryads got back to business and kept the door firmly shut on the Starblaydis.
At the end, it was a 2-1 victory for the Dryads, the best game Myrtannia has played in its AOCAF history, and its biggest upset. Now, the Dryads sit precariously atop the Group 4 standings, after Bazalonia fell in action. The win gaurantees that Myrtannia will finish no worse than 1-2-1, thus granting them a berth in the knockouts for the first time in team history.
"We were surprised to hear that, but hey, we made it! If nothing else, we improved on last time, and that's what matters," Dania Figary stated, "Now we have to focus on sending the Lowland Clans home."
Myrtannia's final round robin match will be against the winless Lowland Clans, who they intend to take very seriously. A team in the Clans' position is dangerous, since they could be a spoiler, the sort of team that can throw a wrench into the machinery. The win over Starblaydia has brought the Dryads a newfound confidence, and they're eager to continue their new winning ways. Expect the offense to attack, attack, and attack again against the stumbling clans.
Myrtannia - 2 Deann Massetti (35), September Rollock (60)
Starblaydia - 1 Jackie Maitland (5) |
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O offence, offence, where art thou?
Blue Foxes held to scoreless draw with Geisenfried; frustration settling in
CEFFINTON, BETTIA (PSN) -- Frustration is enveloping the Pacitalian AOCAF squad after Matchday 2 for two reasons. One, the Blue Fox offence has essentially fallen off the map. And, two, because of that, the squad is 0-1-1 and dangerously flirting with elimination if they don't stay undefeated in their next two games.
The Blue Foxes had 4 shots on goal the entire match as Geisenfried shocked the favoured Pacitalian side with a scoreless draw. Geisenfried had 10 shots on goal and almost put the game away in the 88th with a high strike to the top left corner which resulted in a fingertip save by Cristianu Raduvani. The Blue Foxes didn't have any shots that came close to going in; all four were easily saved by Fredric Jaenicke. Another 1-0 loss, though, and the Blue Foxes, and their fans, would be scratching their heads.
Suffice it to say the only players on the team that have been outstanding are the defenders, Alessandro Nesta, Francesco Manzanotti and Rodrigo Bandali, and keeper Raduvani. In two matches they have let past only one goal, but on the other hand, the offence is lacking, now held scoreless over 180 minutes of play and leaving manager Lindifeu Zentrescu with many questions. Should he play reserves in match 3 or just have a massive motivational talk with his players?
Somehow the punishment only seems fair for the forwards and midfielders, whose play looks like that of a league third-division bottom-feeder.
"It's frustrating because we know we can do better," midfielder Simone Perrotta said after the 0-0 match. "For some reason, our heart's just not in it. We're not playing like we want it, we're not living up to our fans' expectations. We're a favourite to win, but we looked in the past two matches like we just stepped off the rollercoaster. Like deer caught in headlights; it's sad."
So now, Pacitalia moves onto face Bettia, a team they have, at both senior and U21 levels, had relative success with, but a team that is more than capable of handing Pacitalia a second loss and sending the Blue Foxes to the showers early. The Blue Foxes will need a big effort on Friday if they want to even come close to advancing through to the knockouts.
From Ceffinton, Bettia:
Pacitalia 0 - 0 Geisenfried
PAC: None, GEI: None
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on May 19 2006, 01:50 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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Posts: 505 |
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'the shot heard around... the region'
Crappy team beats Starblaydia. And?
Please remember to get this right: the Starblaydi team here represented in the 14th AOCAF are the second-best group of twenty-three players in Starblaydia. These are the players who are either too young and inexperienced or too old and decrepid to make the World Cup squad.
They're coached by a man who's ancestry places him in Druida, for christ's sake.
Now, admittedly, the second-best group of Starblaydi footballers have consistently been better than many of the 'best' teams from nations such as Lamoni and Pacitalia but such universal dominance - translated into a record-equalling four AOCAF titles in 13 attempts - cannot remain forever. Sometimes, someone has to step up and show Starblaydia's footballers that even the comparatively rubbish ones aren't the best in the region.
So, when an eighteen year-old girl who's playing only her second ever international football match scores against your team with only five minutes gone, you know that Starblaydia's in town and is playing you. When you score two goals against a team in white and purple, you know you're in dreamland.
Starblaydia next play Hypocria, their allies still living off the back of defeating Starblaydia in the Quarter-Finals of AOCAF11. Some people just never shut up when they win, do they? Whether Starblaydia will take their record-breaking fifth AOCAF title and add it to their World Cup 25, Under-21 World Cup 14 and Four Nations Invitational 2 trophies has yet to bee seen, however.
Ahem.
Final Score from Thamitra Gate, Tamrida:
Starblaydia 1 - 2 Myrtannia
(Maitland 5) - (Massetti 35, Rollock 60) |
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Well, that's more like it!
Blue Foxes silence majority-Bettian crowd in huge victory; jump from fourth to first
GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- The Blue Foxes were more than aware they had to step it up immediately or face elimination. And with a travel schedule that involved an overnight bus ride from Ceffinton to the capital Gabalfa, you would expect a lethargic Pacitalian side to sit back and accept defeat before the match even started.
But that was far from the case as Pacitalia came out swinging, hard and fast to start, and their efforts eventually paid off as the slowly worn-down Bettian defence finally crumbled and allowed four goals for a Blue Fox victory. Keeper Cristianu Raduvani was once more outstanding and his efforts motivated the rest of the squad to step up their play for the win.
"Radu was great today," captain Veranace d'Amantano remarked post-match. "Absolutely outstanding. He had one of the best games of his career and his talent showed through everywhere. His determination fueled the defence, which let everyone up front know the back half of the pitch was taken care of, and it let us concentrate on what we were supposed to do: score. And that was something we just didn't have in the first two matches."
After lacking in offence, the Blue Foxes showed why offence really is their strength, with four spectacular goals that left the Bettian squad shaking its head in frustration. No goals came in the first half, leaving Pacitalian fans worried of another 0-0 draw or perhaps a narrow loss, but those fears were assuaged when d'Amantano finally pocketed Pacitalia's first goal of the tournament in the 54th off an outstanding give-and-go with Ambrosino Giurimano.
Giurimano followed up with his own rocket past Safwan Sulaiman four minutes later to give the Blue Foxes a resounding 2-0 lead over the Aroras. And from there, Bettia's defence collapsed fully, allowing a remarkable 22 further shots, two of which were goals: a second from Giurimano in the 70th, and the final tally from Andreos Charisteas in the 83rd.
d'Amantano also said manager Lindifeu Zentrescu held a combined two hour practice and team talk this morning to discuss strategies and scenarios, especially the look of the group standings should Pacitalia have lost on match day three.
"There is no doubt in my mind we would have been dead last, or close to it, if we'd lost today," d'Amantano added. Looking at the standings, he's right. Geisenfried is 0-1-2 after a loss today, and had Pacitalia been on the receiving end of a massive smackdown they could very well have been tied for last with the same record.
Instead, they've leapfrogged the idle Hawks and are suddenly atop what was predicted to be, and is, a tight group. That tightness has led to the following scenario: three teams now have four points in Group Two: the Blue Foxes, the Hawks and the Jungle Cats. Bettia is not far off with three points and Geisenfried is still in it, although they have just one.
From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Pacitalia 4 - 0 Bettia
PAC: d'Amantano 54', Giurimano 58' 70', Charisteas 83'
BET: None
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on May 19 2006, 02:24 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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Posts: 505 |
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Hawks not idle on day off
Contrary to reports from the Pacitalian media, the Hawks were not idle on their day off. After a morning round of practice, they watched the Pacitalia/Bettia match (where Bettia lost 0-4 to Pacitalia), and then returned for more practice.
With the Bettian loss to Pacitalia; Lamoni, Vilita, and Pacitalia all have four points, with Bettia having three, and Geisenfried one. This is still anyone's group, but the Hawks have the advantage of facing Geisenfried next. Either Vilita or Pacitalia will have to lose or draw on matchday 5, and if Lamoni wins both of it's next two games, they will retain the number one spot in Group Two.
Lamoni's next two games are against Geisenfried and Bettia.
Geisenfried have not been doing very well in this group, but are still mathematically in competition. They would have to win both their next two matches to have a garunteed spot in the knockouts, but we don't think that they will win both of their next matches, especially when their upcoming match is against us.
Bettia has just lost to Pacitalia, but the Hawks will not take their match against Bettia lying down. Lamoni lost to Bettia in the knockouts of AOCAF XIII, and that puts a target on the backs of the Bettian squad in the minds of the Lamonian players. Expect this match to be heated; but hopefully not bloody.
In a note that will warm the Lamonian heart, our southern Myrtannian neighbors have defeated Starblaydia 2-1 today. Congratulations to Myrtannia, and we hope that they make it into the knockouts. |
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"And here comes the 2, again." By Nev Gould
And once again the number 2 has come to haunt us and our group with both matches being played to a 2-1 scoreline. The Mrytannain - Starblaydi match would be expected as a white wash. Even though the Starbladyi media stated that their AOCAF team was "their second-best team" still their position in the regional rankings (despite the world cup) would lead us to assume that Mrytannia would recieve a whompping.
But not so, after the only Starblaydi goal in the 5th minute, a lightning fast goal that seemed to catch the Mrytannian defenders napping, the Mrytannians turned this around with the help of some attrocious tactics by the over-confident Starbladi team and some seemingly inspired play by the Mrytannians. My congratulations for pulling a magnificent upset like this for the Mrytannains.
So What about the Bazalopes against the Hypocrian side? The First goal was a Bazalope goal, Michael Irchov and Benny Boy Peters combined to lure the defense towards them, allowing Peter Hobble to go round the back, a quick pass of the ball and a power shot by the Striker and Whoom Bazalonia up 1-nil in the 17th minute. However the Hypocrian side did not take this lightly and immediately took an aggressive counter attack which Jeffery Constantine could not prevent. Score 1-all 21st minute.
And there the game was a see-sawing event, each team had multiple opportunities to score but where shut down by strong and determined defenses. Half-time 1-1.
In the second half things got personall. With Andrew "The Bandit" Creek being sent off after receiving a red card for for illegal tackles, this was in the 78yh minute. A few others had received yellow cards but this red card proved the turning point of the match.
Despite being down to ten the team restructured into a 4-3-2 structure, It was until just minutes before the siren blowed, in the 89th minute that the Hypocrians managed to exploit the weakness and scored the extra goal. 2-1 at Full time, Hypocrians win.
Let's now look at the group table. With the exception of The Lowland Clans, this group is anyones. The Bazalopes have a bye next day but play Starblaydia on their last day. It seems that Myrtannia might actually win this group.
| CODE | 1 Myrtannia 3 1 2 0 5 4 1 5
2 Bazalonia 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4
3 Hypocria 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4
4 Starblaydia 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
5 The Lowland Clans 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0
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The group is so tight that we'll have to wait till the last day to determine who goes where.
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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