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And so for the second time, the Football Association of Bettia welcomes the cream of AO football to its shores for this, the fourteenth edition of the greatest regional tournament in the world.
The last time Bettia hosted this competition, Hypocria came away as proud champions - can they repeat this feat? Will reigning champions Fmjphoenix hold onto their crown? Will the Aroras thrill their fans with a home win in the final? Or will tradional heavyweights Starblaydia and Vilita restore normality by winning this thing?
The draw for the group stages will be made tomorrow evening (local time). |
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Time for AOCAF!!!!
As the Bettian hosted AOCAF XIV rolls around, it is time once again for Lamoni to resume their quest for the cup. In AOCAF XIII, the Hawks had their best chance yet to win the cup, but then they lost to the AOCAF XIV hosts. We think that things will be different this time around.
The Hawks have been drawn into Group 2, consisting of Pacitalia, Vilita, Geisenfried, and Bettia. This can either be the easiest or hardest group for the Hawks, depending on how they play in this AOCAF. The only recognizable superstar on the Hawks roster is forward Guy Abbot; who is nicknamed "The Monk." The Monk has been the force that has singlehandedly changed Lemnos FC from the laughing stock of the the Lamonian Football League, to a national powerhouse. He should have a good time against the other AOCAF teams.
And now for our group predictions:
Pacitalia - Lamoni faced them in the last AOCAF, and won. Unless Pacitalia steps it up in AOCAF XIV, this should be a Hawk dominated match.
Vilita - The Hawks actually have a pretty good AOCAF group stage record against Vilita; and it is our hope that the winning trend continues.
Geisenfried - This is a newer team to AOCAF play. As long as the Hawks play their game without getting too cocky, this will be an easy Lamoni victory.
Bettia - The Hawks will be looking for revenge for the AOCAF XIV knockout loss to Bettia. As long as anger doesn't cloud the judgement of the Hawks, they have an equal chance of winning this one.
This is the first AOCAF in quite a while where the Hawks will not be facing Starblaydia in the group stages, so Lamoni has a very good shot at taking the top spot in the group. This will generate momentum that will come in handy during the knockouts, as the Hawks might have to take on Starblaydia, who we have yet to defeat. As Starblaydia has only one more AOCAF of experience than we do, it rankles. It rankles even more when you remember that Starblaydia is Lamoni's chief political-military rival (as we are Starblaydia's). We shall cross that bridge when we get to it, however. The team has already flown over to Bettia, and is practicing at the facility that they will use for the purpose. GO HAWKS!!!!!! |
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"Group 4 in Bazalonia, or is it Bazalonia in Group 4?" by Nev Gould
Despite the Bazalopes heading to Bettia for their second appearance in the AOCAF, confusion still surrounds the team rankings as no official list has been published by the AOCAF. No one really knows what to expect in terms of an official ranking but speculation has been strife. Some of the extreme optimists have put us in the middle 10s. I'm thinking somewhere in the low to middle 20's. But either way the people of Bazalonia are waiting on baited breath for the official announcement.
So while we are here let's go over the others in group 4
Starblaydia - The highest ranked team in the group and are surely going to dominate the round. They should easily make it to the final series. Expect losses but there is a slim chanceof a draw
Hypocria - The only team in our group that we have faced and beaten, we are unsure of how we go against the team this time
The Lowland Clans - The only other team that we have faced in this group, though it was a loss in the 2nd round of the AOCAF. We should have a decent chance against them this time.
Myrtannia - We should be able to win against these guys fairly easily... though we are unsure about the exact margin.
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Ready or not, here they come: Dryads set to take the field, condemned to Group 4
Well, we all new that the group draw would most likely be unfavorable for a Dryads team hoping for mercy at the hands of the Bettian hosts. Unfortunately for Myrtannia, the group doesn't look favorable to the AOCAF sophomores, and most bets will be on the orange and blue to be the only team from the group to not make it to the second round. A dubious honor, but one someone's going to have to take. Here's how the group looks (in alphabetical order!):
Bazalonia - Surprise entrants into AOCAF XIII's second round in a weak group, looking to repeat that performance. Despite this, expect the now experienced Dryads to give them a run for their money. The Bazalopes should win, but it'll be close.
Hypocria - Once AOCAF juggernauts, now hurled down the rankings (presumably) after a shockingly abyssmal performance in AOCAF XIII in the round robins. Now, they field an Under-21 team that will be very strong on offense. This could be an interesting matchup, but once again the Dryads should be able to stick around longer than they would've in AOCAF XIII.
The Lowland Clans - AOCAF veterans, made the knockouts in XIII. Expect the Dryads to get beat by these guys, who have far more experience than our girls (and handful of boys) in orange and blue.
Starblaydia - Easily group champions, were shocked by Bettia in the knockouts last time around, but will be very good in AOCAF XIV as well. Myrtannia stands no chance of defeating these guys, and will be lucky if they can limit the Starblaydis to 2 goals as they did last time.
So, it looks like Myrtannia will finish last in Group 4, but that's to be expected when you're the doormat of the group. However, the Dryads have more experience after AOCAF XIII and four years of the Mytrannia Alliance of Football Clubs. The Dryads' offense will be their main weapon this time - Deann Massetti is the captain, and will look to score on opponents often after leading the Dryads in goals in AOCAF XIII (3 goals, all v. Dorian and Sonya). Dania Figary has improved and will try to add more pucnh to Myrtannia's lineup, as will newcomer September Rollock.
Myrtannia's defense is still suspect, so if they can put up a decent effort, and if Myrtannia's offense can deliver after being shut out against four opponents like last time, the Drayds might have an outside chance of qualifying for the second round. Most likely, any wins would come against Bazalonia, and possibly Hypocria (don't count on it, though).
In response to a Bazalonian sports writer's comments about the Bazalopes being able to beat the Dryads "fairly easily", Massetti had this to say, "They can say what they want right now, but we'll see who's laughing after he bash heads on the field. Safe to say, the Bazalopes just made our hit list. It's not over 'til the fat lady sings, after all." |
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AOCAF Preview*
The Autocracy’s AOCAF squad have arrived in Bettia full of confidence. And why not? They’re young and essentially stupid so there’s no fear factor involved. And Bettia just happens to be the site of the Hyppos famous AOCAF triumph several years ago. Although certain members of the HFA have pointed out to anyone that would listen that being ranked fourth should have guaranteed being top seeds in one of the four groups, the group looks relatively painless.
Starblaydia
Sure the Purple Peril have won this tournament on no less than forty eight separate occasions but even they can be beaten. Indeed the Hyppos have done it twice before. So naturally we can do it again. Between you and me I think we’ve got them running scared. What we won’t mention is the lack of any decent result against the Men in Mauve for over a decade, and never from open play.
The Lowland Clans
For more years than we can remember we’ve claimed that the Autocracy is the unluckiest side on the planet. We lied. That dubious honour belongs to the Clansmen. They’ve been around seemingly since the world was young but their book of sporting honours is slightly less impressive than that literary classic “Keeping Your Feathers Fluffy - Avian Hygiene in Falcania” Although a quarter final place four years ago is cause for optimism.
Bazalonia
A nation to which we have developed a totally irrational dislike of. Surely nothing to do with the embarrassing defeat the then debutants inflicted on the Hyppos on the opening day four years ago. The Bazalouts or whatever reached the second round of that tournament. That ladies and gentlemen is called beginners luck.
Myrtannia
Hahahahahahahahaha. I’m sorry, that was unfair. But seriously look at their squad. It’s made up of women. One broken nail and they’ll collapse like a house of cards**. I mean look at their strikers. The Autocracy’s tough tackling, uncompromising defenders are not exactly quaking in their boots.
*The contents of this preview are most probably warped by an underserved sense of arrogance that comes from being ranked fourth in the region and should be taken with a pinch of salt the size of Kazakhstan***.
**This view does not extend to the national side of Dorian and Sonya. Any side nicknamed the Necromancers has to be taken very very seriously.
***Which is quite big.
This post has been edited by Hypocria on May 15 2006, 02:26 PM |
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PSN presents AOCAF14 predictions
A tough group for the 8th-seeded Blue Foxes
TIMIOCATO (PSN) -- The start of the latest installment of the Atlantian Oceanian Championship of Association Football has brought four groups of squads that are balanced. All groups, at least at the moment, appear well-matched, and it would be safe to assume that until the group stage begins to wind down, there won't be any emergent favourites to take the cup at the tourney's end.
The Bettian hosts have made it easy on the participant teams - only the bottom team from each group will be eliminated at the end of the group stage. However, that doesn't make it easier for teams to win it all - it just gives all teams a chance to win. And that is something the Blue Foxes are very much taking into consideration with news that they have been drawn into the same group as those pesky Lamoni Hawks for the third-straight cup, and with talented hosts Bettia and top-ranked Vilita.
This group is anything but easy for the Blue Foxes, and they're more than aware.
"As one of the top eight teams, and thus a favourite to win, we can't let any of this pressure get to us," captain Veranace d'Amantano said by phone from Gabalfa Sunday, after the team's pre-cup meeting. "If we play our style, we will be successful. But our group alone has heaps and loads of talent - it's a tough group. Either ours or Group One could be considered the Group of Death in this AOCAF."
The Pacitalian squad is looking to improve on its best finish ever in AOCAF13 - a loss in penalties to the host Krytenians during the quarterfinals of the last championship.
With that, here are our predictions!
Group One - "Return of the Football Jedi?"
A well-drawn group with each team having its own strengths and weaknesses. Should be a close group with Iksonic the odd squad out at the end of the group stage. The Sarzonians will be looking to regain their old glory from AOCAF12 when they were crowned champions whilst trying to shake off their scary underachievement from AOCAF13 where they failed to even qualify for the knockouts. However, they will face stiff competition from an improving Bedistani side, a strong and capable Krytenian side that will be looking to defeat Sarzonia for the first time in a long time, and the hungry Milchamians out for blood. The Sarzonia-Krytenia match will be the marquee one of this group for AOCAF14.
1st - Sarzonia
2nd - Krytenia
3rd - Milchama
4th - Bedistan
5th - Iksonic
Group Two - "Sorry, Lamoni"
Another well-drawn group and a strong candidate for this cup's Group of Death - a group where every point earned may make the difference. Vilita has performed below expectations these last few cups, having the opportunity to earn another ring in AOCAF12 but self-destructing against a surging Sarzonian side, and then exiting the knockouts early last time. This time they will no doubt qualify - the talent is still there, for certain. The only question in this group is who will emerge victorious. The Lamonians are quite blatantly cocky (or at least their media networks are), so there is no indication they will top the group or that they are anything special; it all just seems to be hot air. The Pacitalian side feels confident now that it has played Lamoni twice that it knows their system and is capable of defeating them. The Blue Foxes could easily find themselves atop Group Two at the end of this stage but so could the Hawks, Jungle Cats or Aroras. And just like Group One, the newcomer appears to be the odd man out here in a similarly tough handful of squads. But Group Two will be different in that the final standings will be tighter than a corset.
1st - Vilita
2nd - Pacitalia
3rd - Bettia
4th - Lamoni
5th - Geisenfried
Group Three - "Vikings conquer, Lions roar"
Fmjphoenix is looking to repeat as champions and join the ranks of glory with Starblaydia, NEWI and Vilita as devilish conquerers. And with a nickname like the Vikings, it seems symbolic that they be a favourite to win. However, it must be noted that despite the Vikings' heroic and celebrated victory in AOCAF13, they still sit as the 10th seed, well behind group co-participants Nedalia, who are third, and as such are poised to capture the group and run to a glorious championship. This time, in the face of such stiff competition both in the group and out, we cannot surely say the Vikings will repeat but they will most certainly do some damage in Three, perhaps even against the Lions. But the order in the final standings seems quite clear in this group (in contrast to the hellishly tight looking Groups One and Two). The Lions are clear favourites, with the Vikings appearing as a sort of nice little sidekick that will bash your shins in but fail to down the entire beast. The Blue Foxes were smarting from their violent tilt with Nojika in AOCAF13 but their respect for the Panthers still rides among the highest of AOCAF rivals. Sadly, in the face of competition from a strong ASMV squad who may this time get lucky, and the talented Nedalians and Fmjphoenicians, it'll be a hair-raising ride to the end for the Nojikans as they dance precariously over the carcass of Dorian and Sonya to earn that last qualifying spot.
1st - Nedalia
2nd - Fmjphoenix
3rd - Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
4th - Nojika
5th - Dorian and Sonya
Group Four - "Smarting champions, determined challengers"
Hear that murmuring after Group Four was announced? Darn right you did, because not only does this group feature two former champions struggling to regain control of their destiny but it also features one consistently strong squad and two relatively new challengers out for blood. The Myrtannians, let's face it, were pwned, RAWRCRUSHED if you will, in AOCAF13, and word on the street is that they've learned quite a lot from their first experience and built a strong team around those lessons. Vicious forward Deeann Massetti is captaining that squad and has already had some harsh words for fellow challengers, the Bazalonians, whose media confidently proclaimed the other day the Myrtannians were akin to fresh meat for the taking. Starblaydia will most likely top the group again with Hypocria close behind but our feeling is that they will narrowly survive scares at the hands of the Bazalonians and Myrtannians, and perhaps hit rock-bottom after suffering a frustrating draw to The Lowland Clans. Only time will tell, especially in a group with four teams, two of which seem to be declining in football power and two others that appear to be rising stars in the region.
1st - Starblaydia
2nd - Hypocria
3rd - Myrtannia
4th - The Lowland Clans
5th - Bazalonia
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on May 15 2006, 06:39 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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Sylvanaes Predictions For AOCAF XIV
The rankings shown in this media presentation are the latest posted just yesterday by Starblaydia.
Dorian and Sonya is pleased to announce that their second squad now has it’s own identity - the Necromancers. The Necromancers come complete with a newly revised roster and a brand new “fade” kit courtesy of Sabre Inc.
So what does all of this news mean for the squad from The Sylvanaes Kingdom? Probably not a damn thing. But win or lose they squad has its own persona now and will look very sharp as they take the pitch.
Now let’s look at the groups and see what will happen as the top 4 sides move on.
Group One
01 Sarzonia
07 Krytenia
10 Bedistan
16 Milchama
UR Iksonic (1-0-4 in AOCAF XIII)
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Sarzonia will run away with the group. We do believe in the power of an upset though - Milchama will find second in the group. Krytenia will struggle but finish third and Bedistan will do just enough to send Iksonic home, but that wont be easy.
Group Two
3 Vilita
9 Bettia
11 Lamoni
18 Pacitalia
UR Geisenfried (No Previous AOCAF)
This is going to be the toughest of the groups. Vilita, Bettia, and Lamoni will all be fighting for the top spot. Who wins? Good question. Pacitalia had better be careful. Geisenfried will be pushing hard for a spot in the next round.
Group Three
6 Nedalia
12 Fmjphoenix
13 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
19 Nojika
UR Dorian & Sonya (0-1-4 in AOCAF XIII)
We are screwed. Doormat run for us. Again. We think ASMV can push Nedalia hard for the top spot. Current Champs Fmjphoenix will easily find 3rd in the group while Nojika will squeak past us to move on.
Group Four
2 Starblaydia
5 Hypocria
15 The Lowland Clans
UR Bazalonia (2-1-2)SR
UR Myrtannia (1-0-4)
Starblaydia and Hypocria should hold their spots here. But we expect both Bazalonia and Myrtannia to jump past The Lowland Clans and send them home early.
Well. That’s the way we see it. We will refrain from making predictions on the next round just yet. We may have to eat these first.
In the first match for the Necromancers awaits current champ, Fmjphoenix. We will pray for a win and hope we can keep it to a single-digit loss.
This post has been edited by Dorian and Sonya on May 16 2006, 01:32 AM |
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Group 3 Brings Big Challenges
This is Hal Rosh reporting live from the FNN studios in downtown Errion Vega.
The ASMV “B” squad is tuned and ready to go with several new players at key positions. This is due in part to a number of the star players on the River Dragons roster being called up to join the Sea Dragons. We congratulate those players and hope the new blood can give us a much needed boost in AOCAF XIV.
What has the AOCAF held for us in the past? Pure disappointment, that’s what. In AOCAF XII the squad defeated Starblaydia but lost their qualification spot on the final day - to that very same Starblaydia squad. In AOCAF XIII, we accomplished the same thing. Losing the qualification spot on the final day, this time to the upstart Bazalopes. Maybe we can have better results this time.
At least one media publication has us doing very well.
| QUOTE (Dorian and Sonya) | We think ASMV can push Nedalia hard for the top spot. Current Champs Fmjphoenix will easily find 3rd in the group
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Thanks a ton for giving us that jinx. But we do feel good about our chances. The River Dragons have rocketed up the rankings to an impressive 13th in the latest release. That puts us just a single point behind current Champions Fmjphoenix. We can move past these guys, but it will take some brilliant play. Nedalia will be a much tougher task and we probably wont catch them. Nojika sits in a tough spot. The Necromancers will make a hard challenge for their spot in the next round. Or is that our spot? History says we will lose it on the final day. Now for the other groups. Group 1 will see Krytenia finally figure out how to beat Sarzonia and the Stars will have to keep an eye on Milchama if they want to finish 2nd. Bedistan should beat out Iksonic for the 4th position. Group 2 will see the hosts fall just short of Lamoni. Vilita will finish third before making a run in the knockouts. Pacitalia should take care of a very noisy Geisenfried squad for 4th. Group 4 is a complete mess. Starblaydia will have trouble with Hypocria. Bazalonia and Myrtannia will both be ready to pounce if they are forgotten about and The Lowland Clans could be in real trouble. But then again TLC is capable of the top spot which will leave someone else crying all the way home. The River Dragons begin action against Nojika. You can bet they will not be ready to roll over and play dead for us. If we don’t get an “A squad” effort from the “B squad” we could find ourselves in an early hole as we face top-dogs (or Lions) Nedalia. Oh, and check out the new duds from Sabre Inc.  |
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Hawks give Pacitalia the business
After a scathing prediction against the Hawk's chances in AOCAF XIV appeared in the Pacitalian media, the Hawks knew that they would find a way to win the opening day match. During a lively first twenty minutes of the match, there were a lot of shots on goal for both sides, but only one made it for the goal. That goal came from Lamonian star forward Guy "The Monk" Abbott at twenty minutes in. After that, it was a defensive Mexican standoff that saw the Lamonian goalkeeper actually reading a book that he'd stashed in his uniform because the ball so rarely got near him.
The win puts the Hawks in second place because of goal difference with Bettia, and that is not a bad place to be at this stage.
Next up for Lamoni is Vilita. While Lamoni has a very good AOCAF group stage record against the Jungle Cats, the Hawks have never taken this kind of match lying down. We predict that this match will be a fight to the finish, but we also predict that Vilita will fall just short at the end. A win against Vilita will remind everyone that the Hawks still have fangs, and are not afraid to use them.
Lamoni - 1 Guy Abbott (20)
Pacitalia - 0 |
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Milchama News-Today-Tommorow-Chronicle-Telegraph-Journal-Update -Register-Sun-Enquirer-Post-Gazette-Times-Picayune-Herald
Sports Section
Milchama play in boring 0-0 draw
We played Bedistan in MD1 and tied in a very boring fashion, 0-0. So we're not going to talk about that but instead focus on the predictions for the group. Coach Patrice Thibault said, "We have a tough draw but we can overcome it. Espiecially because 4 teams will be advancing from each group which means that we need just one win and that will be enough for advancement."
Now the predictions:
Sarzonia- We played them twice in the World Cup and lost twice. Of course it is their second choice side. It is also our second choice side so that doesn't matter.
Krytenia- The Aces are quite good in regional espiecially last time when they hosted. They will be tough to beat but we can do it.
Milchama- We're finally trying to do something in AOCAF as we have done jacksh-t after our initial cup when we won our group, coincedentally a group of death.
Bedistan- While their good in the WC, outside of that they tend to struggle and AOCAF is no exception we will hopefully try to take advantage of that.
Iksonic- Somehow we tied them in U21, we're hoping for a better result this time around.
Milchama Man of the Match:
Kyoga Marcazumi- He finally did something successful for Milchama at an international level. His defense was key in stopping the Bedistani and a few of his counter could very well have been goals for the Warriors.
This post has been edited by Milchama on May 16 2006, 06:18 PM |
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Much-Improved Dryads Tie Hyppos; Tied For Second Place in Group 4
SUKATRA, Bettia - Coming into the first matchday of AOCAF XIV, the Myrtannia Dryads were at the very best a wildcard in group four. With only one AOCAF under their belts, the Dryads didn't have as much experience as their Day One opponents, who were once AOCAF champions themselves. Domestic media had predicted Myrtannia would finish dead last in group four, while foreign markets placed them either fourth (Dorian and Sonya) or a very generous third (Pacitalia). Despite the leaps and bounds made at home since the thrashings recieved in AOCAF XIII, including the formation of the Myrtannia Alliance of Football Clubs and a new coach, the team's fate against Hypocria remained uncertain.
In a match Myrtannia's media pegged as a probable loss, the mostly-female Dryads seemed to be energized by a call to arms by captain Deeann Massetti. Reading an excerpt from the Hypocrian media's group four preview, an enraged Massetti brought about passion in her teammates as well.
"We know that their preview was extremely jaded, but it got us all right torked off," rookie defender Orpha Mega told an AIR 4 reporter, "We were determined not to lose to these chumps if we could help it."
As it turned out, it was likely the best match Myrtannia has yet played in AO's longest-standing inter regional competition. Their defense, which finished AOCAF XIII by allowing 5 goals to Pacitalia, stiffened up and held the attacking Hypocrians at bay for most of the game. Mega in particular impressed many with the way she kept with every opposing striker who dared penetrate the Myrtannian defense. Only one slip-up was allowed - a first half goal by Steve Jenkins, which narrowly edged in past Dryads goalie Flo Krabel.
At the half it was 1-0 Hypocria, but Myrtannia came out swinging in the second. Determined not to be held scoreless for the fifth time in six AOCAF outings, the Dryads dominated offensively, taking an all-time team high amount of shots at the Hypocrian goal. Outstanding goal tending prevented these from going in, but eventually something had to give. Leading scorer Massetti provided the spark, but it would be another Dryad who prevented a Myrtannian loss.
It happened after Orpha Mega took the ball away from Jenkins, and passed it down to Massetti. Massetti dribbled expertly around the Hypocrian defenders, then gracefully passed it over to fellow forward September Rollock, who nailed the ball perfectly. Or at least well enough that it zipped into the upper left corner of the goal, scoring one for the Dryads. Here's the call from AIR 4:
"Steve Jenkins has the ball, looking for another Hyppo... and it's stolen by Orpha in the backfield! Orpha boots it down the field to Deeann Massetti... Massetti maneuvers around the Hypocrians like a feather in the wind... kicks it to her right, it's lobbed to Rollock... Rollock strikes... GOOOAAAL!"
After that, Myrtannia's fans gave Rollock a standing ovation, flags waving and deafening cheers coming down from the stands. It was a scene from the glory days of the Myrtannian curling team at AOCOC in the round robin stage. From that point on, the Dryads stopped their opponents at every turn, preventing any further goals from being scored on them. When the dust settled, Myrtannia secured a 1-1 tie, a far cry from the horrible outings against established teams in AOCAF XIII.
"Our girls really played their hearts out today. We may not have seemed much at first, but we had an extremely positive performance today. Never underestimate the power of a motivated ball club," the Dryads coach reported to the media.
Confidence boosted by the tie, and at the moment sitting pretty in a tie for second, the Dryads now prepare for their second matchup. On Day Two, the Dryads take the field against Bazalonia, the team captain Deeann Massetti proclaimed was "On our hit list". The Bazalopes defeated the Lowland Clans 2-0 on Day One, and sit in first for now. While they have had more success to date, the Dryads are hungry for revenge for the Bazalonian media's comments about Myrtannia being easy to beat. Today's showing proves that the Dryads are vastly improved, and should be able to give the Bazalopes a run for their money.
"Sure they've done better, but to us they have a huge target on their back now. Sitting at number one in our group, and taunting us like that served that purpose. Now, we're going to do everything in our power to knock these guys off," forward Dania Figary announced.
Whatever happens, AIR 4 will be there to bring you coverage of Day Two - Myrtannia v. Bazalonia. If the Dryads can attack and play their kind of football, they have a good chance to surprise people. Only time will tell if Bazalonia will be among them.
Hypocria 1 - Steve Jenkins (21)
Myrtannia 1 - September Rollock (45) |
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"Good news x2" by Nev Gould
First just hours before our match with the Lowland Clans, the Bazalopes Ranking was released, We are sitting in 17th place in the region, a wonderful feat considering that was our first AOCAF. However despite this mangificent achievement we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Myrtannia is hungry for un upset after a comment that I had made, a justified comment. And Hypocria that want revenge for our upset win against them in the first round. This will be a battle, a big battle for 2nd place. Hypocria, Myrtannia and us all vying for the 2nd spot. the first is virtually guaranteed to be Starblaydia but lets not focus on that.
2nd, Bazalopes beat The Lowland Clans 2 nil. The game was dominated by the Bazalopes but they weren't perfect, a couple of momentary lapses gave the Lowland Clans runs into the goal circle and came very close twice to scoring, one just was too high, it looked like it scrapped the bar as it passed and the other was stopped in a magnificent save by the Keeper Jeffery Constantine. Peter Hobble and Michael Irchov scored the Bazalopes two goals in the 34th and 78th minutes respectively.
Our first match day was surrounded by 2's. 1st there was 2 lost of good news, the Bazalopes ranking and their win against the Lowland Clans. There are 2 teams that for various reasons want to beat us, Mytannia and Hypocria and we won against The Lowand Clans 2-0. And this is our second AOCAF. So I wonder if this AOCAF will be our AOCAF of the number 2. |
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Necromancers Earn Draw With Vikings
OOC - Happy B-day Bettia!!!!!!
IC -
Queen Sonya Sabre was rather enjoying her short stay in Bettia. Yeah the flights in just before the match and leaving shortly afterwards didn’t quite qualify as a “stay”, but it was at least a visit. Today would see the newly anointed Necromancers face off against defending Champions of the AOCAF Fmjphoenix.
Literally every publication in the region had written off the chances of the squad. Only ASMV had said they would push for the right to move on while Hypocria has said “Any side nicknamed the Necromancers has to be taken very, very seriously.” Thoughts on the Vikings chances are quite varied. Some have said they would show more of the same form that took the title in the last AOCAF, while others have said they will slide a bit and not make a serious run. Today’s match was very important to both sides as they took the pitch.
The Vikings hoped to overwhelm the Necromancers early, and it looked as if they might succeed in doing just that. Queen Sonya could only sit and watch as her squad seemed to fall apart. The first half was horrid, but a Viking 1-0 lead was better than she could have hoped for.
Whatever head coach Camellia Trifiletti said must have worked wonders. The Necromancers came out blazing in the second half. Almost magical, the squad looked nothing like the hapless bunch of nobodies from the first half. And the Vikings were not ready for the onslaught they were about to receive.
In the 63rd minute things paid off for the Necromancers. Lupe Tatu made a brilliant play on the ball near midfield. He did not manage the steal but rather gave Audry Susan the opportunity to come away with the ball. She was flying down the pitch and left two would-be Viking defenders wondering how the hell anyone could move that fast.
As another defender moved to cut her off, she did the unexpected. She left the ball stopped on the pitch as she moved on. The Vikings completely missed that move and Melonie Gaffer found it with no defender in sight. In a 1-on-1 situation, the advantage usually lies with the attacker rather than the keeper. This time was no different. Gaffer’s shot easily found the back of the net. The Necromancers had evened the score at 1 all.
It was the 78th minute that saw the next D&S opportunity fulfilled. Estrella Finau made a beautiful header to clear the Viking corner, and Lupe Tatu took the advantage given and moved the ball quickly forward. As the Vikings closed in he made a quick pass to Adella Iatarola. Known for her fancy footwork, Iatarola did not disappoint. Weaving through Viking players she made her way to their end of the pitch, allowing them to stay close. Then came a most amazing play. Iatarola snapped the ball off her heel and up the back of her leg. A quick spin followed and the silky-smooth pass was given to Gaffer in the Fmjphoenix box. Gaffer knew what to do with it and a very hard shot ensued. But the Viking keeper was ready and cleared the ball to the left. Unfortunately for him, Connie Klemens was there to easily place the rebound in the net before he could regain his position. The Necromancers now had the lead on the defending champs 2-1.
It looked to everyone that the match would end in a major upset, but then inexperience caught up with the Necromancers. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, Horacio Wais made a hard tackle on the Viking attacker in the box. Wais was shown the yellow, and the Vikings got a penalty kick. That kick was just what they needed to even the score and escape the complete upset their offense would not have avoided. Final score Necromancers 2-2 Vikings.
No match is scheduled for tomorrow as it is Bettia Day. The Necromancers look forward to some frivolity before facing off against Nojika on the following day. The Nojikans earned a draw with ASMV today and will be looking for more points against us. But you can bet that we will be ready should the opportunity to present itself for us to pull the upset.
In other news, It has now been reported that the rankings used in our previous release were incorrect. This has been determined to be caused by lack of research from an SMC intern. The intern, who shall not be named, has been shown the door and will not return. We would like to also note that any and all rumors concerning the beheading of said intern are completely false - as of this moment. Other sources are now reporting that this intern now has begun work in Bazalonia. We have no comfirmation of this as of yet.
The corrected rankings for AOCAF XIV are as follows.
Group One
05 Sarzonia
06 Krytenia
11 Bedistan
12 Milchama
26 Iksonic
Group Two
01 Vilita
09 Bettia
07 Lamoni
08 Pacitalia
UR Geisenfried
Group Three
03 Nedalia
10 Fmjphoenix
15 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
22 Nojika
28 Dorian & Sonya
Group Four
02 Starblaydia
04 Hypocria
16 The Lowland Clans
17 Bazalonia
23 Myrtannia
Our apologies go out to everyone involved. But we do hold to our predictions as to the outcome of the groups. Thank you.
This post has been edited by Dorian and Sonya on May 17 2006, 12:21 AM |
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River Dragons and Nojika fight to 2-2 Draw
This is Hal Rosh reporting live from somewhere in Bettia.
Today there is nothing to do but party. Yes, I said party. That is because today is Bettia Day all everyone else here is partying as well. Everyone, that is, besides the River Dragons. Head Coach Brittanie Imburg has the squad relentlessly running drills after a disappointing performance against Nojika yesterday. No, we didn’t lose that match, but a 2-2 draw is not the result she expected for her squad.
Nojika was supposed to be one of the easier chances for 3 points in the group, but someone forgot to let them know. And someone also forgot to tell the River Dragons they really needed a victory as well. But the score is now in the books and the River Dragons are on the practice field preparing for the next match against Nedalia, who will be looking to prove ASMV will once again be considered an AOCAF underachiever.
Let’s take a look at how things went for ASMV against Nojika.
The usually strong point of any ASMV squad is defense. This squad however has not shown any of that strength. Rob Hoeckman was pitiful at center back. No sign of the brilliance that was Genesis Galluccio before he was called up to the 1st team. That means the River Dragons have some work to do at the position. Do not be surprised if Pura Goffinet sees extensive time against Nedalia if Hoeckman fails to improve. Another weak spot was at keeper. Of course Jenna Jaffray was called up as well, and Georgeanne Mellet looked shellshocked as she surrendered the two goals. Levinia Colding may see some increased time here as well. The lone bright spot on defense was Dana Obensheim who almost single-handedly kept the game close enough for the draw.
For once, offense was not a problem area for the River Dragons. Broderick Wallenstein and Kabe Tribby both scored in the match. Beata Sjostrovic and Virgen Sacayanam both played well on the wings and earned an assist apiece for their efforts.
Nedalia is up next and we just hope to keep the score close. If the defense does not improve, it could be a really long match for us. |
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Starblaydia Enter Their 13th AOCAF
48 years on, White and Purple still going
As Bettia's 'Jubilation Day' takes place, Starblaydia's national team players and staff enjoy the festivities - but not too much, of course. Joining in the various parades and street parties around Sukatra, the location of Starblaydia's first match, the younger players were seen to be revelling in the foreign celebrations. Indeed, the racial diversity Al Maghrib and the city of Sukatra itself is mirrored in the Starblaydi team.
Witness the Druidan heritage of Geraint Evans, the manager, or Donii from Aquiliana. Ruiz, Adams, Vega, Asante and Matranga are some of the many and varied names in the squad, reflecting the make-up of Starblaydia itself. The make-up of their first opponents is similar too, with The Lowland Clans being made up of provinces rooted in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Canada.
Very diverse.
Anyways, Starblaydia are - as they have been for the last 16 years - searching for an AOCAF record-breaking fifth title. So close eight years ago in Chicanada with a Third Place Finish, Cherry Garcia is aiming to lead her side to the Championship. The Fourth, Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Atlantian Oceania Cups of Association Football all rest in Starblaydia's trophy cabinet. Could the Fourteenth rest there too? |
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