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Az-cz Scroll
Myrtannia
Nw-Fys
Bazalonian's crush Gnomes, yet again
In many ways Bazalonia is Az-cz's closest ally and are certainly a well respected and liked friend. But on the sporting pitch the friendly rivalry is clearly desecending into a horrible, horrible match. The Gnomes had played the Bazalopes 4 times in international competitions; 1 times in the AOCAF, 2 times in the AORBC and one friendly in the run up to World Cup 31. Let's review the results of those matches:
AOCAF 17: Bazalonia 3 - Az-cz 1
The Bazalopes continue to kick the Gnomes down to a pointless performance in the Pink & Green's second AOCAF.
AORBC 3: Bazalonia 96 - Az-Cz 81
After a competitive opening performance against Dorian & Sonya the Bazalopes throttle the Gnomes, sending them spiraling down towards a winless showing in their first attempt at the AORBC
AORBC 4: Bazalonia 100 - Az-Cz 93
After looking very very impressive in advancing to the title game with just a single loss to the hosts with their full court pressure providing a huge spark the Gnomes advanced to the title game. On the other hand the Bazalopes looked very pedrestrian in group play before putting things together to sneak past 95x and Lamoni. The Gnomes were favorites going into the match, but once again were outclassed by the Bazalonians squandering a chance at regional glory.
World Cup Friendly Bazalonia 3 - Az-cz 1
The Gnomes struck first but then watched Bazalonia completely control the rest of the match.
That's not to mention the fact that two different Bazalonians won kleptochase majors in their first season on the tour. Simply put the Bazalonians have kicked Gnome ass in sporting competitions. However confidence was high as the Gnomes had played well in their matches coming into their final group match against Bazalonia.
That confidence was quickly shattered as the Bazalonians jumped all over the Robbers in the opening 10 minutes. Everrett Kang scored from the opening kickoff, then Ricky Yunn doubled the scorline four minutes later and Kang added his second in the 9th minute. At that point with a three goal lead and a shellshocked Gnomes team the Bazalonians simply sat back and let the game come to them.
The Bazalopes were well coached and sat in their formations well easily snuffing out any Robbers push forward. At the halftime the Gnomes found themselves with only one shot on goal, which Joshua Kanga snuffed out easily.
In the second half the Gnomes shifted into a more attacking 3-4-3 bringing on Gs-Kin for Pu-Go. That didn't really do much for the Gnomes as they continued to struggle moving forward and it left them vulnerable to a counter attack, which the Bazalopes hit. In the 67th minute Kang finished off his hat trick on a quick counter attack after Fe-Do gave up possession with a poor attack. At 4-0 the Bazalopes really pulled back and held the scoreline there. The loss is the worst in terms of deficit of all the matches, although losing in the finals is definitely the match that stings the most.
With the loss the Gnomes finish the group stage on five points. They are assured of qualification, and will finish either first second or third. With their poor goal differential they can only finish ahead of Bazalonia if they lose to Ereeland and similarly they can only finish ahead of Nedalia if they lose to Lamoni.
The only good news is that the senior team will have a chance to strike back for the Gnomes in the world cup. A win there, especially if meant advancement to the knockouts, would mean a ton to the Gnomes. Of course another disappointing result would be further ignominy against a nation who the Gnomes strongly desire to be competitive. |
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Manhattan Herald – 17th January 2007
Sports Section
Dreygo Signs for CF Mandragora
18 year old Manhattanite sensation Vykk Dreygo has been signed by Pacitalian club CF Mandragora for a transfer fee of cr 3.14m (Ð 1.2m).
Mandragora, who finished 4th in the Pacitalian Divizione Premera last season had to beat off stiff competition from CF Fiorentina to complete the signing.
Dreygo caught the attention of the club at the recent AOCAF in which is top scorer so far for the Chippers, with 2 goals to his name, one of which was against the Pacitalian national team.
He signs on a 2 year deal starting in the 2007/08 season, with a salary of Ð 39'771 / year with performance and development bonuses. He will have the option to either negotiate a full contract when he reaches 20 (the age required in Pacitalia for a non-youth contract) or to return to a Manhattanite club. He will be the first Manhattanite to play in a foreign league.
Dreygo had this to say about the move: “I am delighted to get the chance to be the first player to represent Manhattan Prime abroad. As to why I made the decision to sign for Mandragora, I believe it was the class of the players here – I have the utmost respect for Michelangelo Mascagnano, having experienced his talents first hand, and as for the chance to partner Giurimano up front – well, that’s an offer I just couldn’t turn down. I obviously don’t expect to play straight away, but I hope that if I put the effort in in training, I will be allowed a chance to show what I can offer the team before too long.”
Tokyo Firebirds Bring First Foreign Star to Manhattan Prime
The Tokyo Firebirds have announced the signing of Pacitalian defender Mario Mauro Andornatini for the fee of cr 2.5m, meaning he will be the first foreign player, as well as the first Pacitalian to play in Manhattan Prime.
Andornatini is a 26 year old fullback, and a member of the Pacitalian national team for AOCAF 18. He arrives from Pacitalian club Sportiva Femu Abantini, who were relegated last season from the Divizione Premera, which is thought to be a factor for his move.
Recent Pacitalian scouting reports describe the player thus: “Mario Mauro Andornatini brings calm, collected and calculating defensive talent to any squad. He plays smart, covering both the inside and outside tracks and specialises in pushing midfielders or forwards to the outside in order to force a throw-in or a deceleration in the offensive charge's tempo. He is, however, a bit shaky in central defence, and needs work on his passing during counterattacks. His tackling is solid. Andornatini has the potential to become a franchise defender with time.”
He signs on a 3 year deal starting in the 2007/08 season, with a salary of cr 35,000 a week.
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Manhattan Herald – 17th January 2007
Latest report from AOCAF 18
Kilpter Conspires to Break Manhattan Hearts
Group D – Manhattan Prime 1:2 Vilita & Turori
Manhattan Prime: V. Dreygo 16 mins
Vilita & Turori: K. Kilpter 45 Mins, 61 mins
Manhattan Prime have suffered another defeat today, their 3rd in their current AOCAF, which leaves them firmly bottom of Group D after losing 2-1 in a hard-fought game with Vilita & Turori.
Manhattan Prime fielded the same team from the Nojika game, apart from reserve goalkeeper Kevin Cooper winning his first cap for the Chippers, due to the injury to first-choice keeper Clive Hilton.
Bucking their usual habit, the Manhattanites opened the scoring, with Takamura wrong-footing a Vilitian defender in the 16th minute for Dreygo to grab his 2nd goal of a tournament in which he continues to impress.
After a period of scrappy play, several dubious late challenges saw Manhattanite defender Lucas Thompson getting into a minor argument which earned him a yellow card, along with his Vilitian counterpart. Somewhat negative play followed for most of the half, with Manhattan Prime unwilling to concede and desperate for the 3 points, and their opposition struggling to break down thier resistance.
That is until a long pass found Kristofer Kilpter deep in injury time, and the striker weaved around John Clarke, who was seemingly blinded by the Vilitian’s kit, to score a vital equalizer for Vilita and Turori.
The 2nd half was to see more of the same: heavy pressure from the Vilitians, and desperate, gritty defending from the Chippers, with holding midfielder Ethan Smith doing a good job for Manhattan Prime in the middle, intercepting many a dangerous move before it had begun.
It wasn’t enough though, and the Vilitian’s greater experience began to show, as Klipter grabbed his 2nd goal of the game just 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Although there was little keeper Kevin Cooper could do about the 2nd goal, Manhattan Prime seemed to be missing the commanding presence of Clive Hilton badly, and Manhattanite fans will be very thankful to have him back between the posts.
Despite suggestions in the Vilitian press that Hilton is the only star player on Manhattan Prime’s side and that he is mainly responsible for their spirited performances in defeat thus far, the team played very well against vastly more experienced opposition, and forced the Vilitians to take them seriously. However the fight seemed to go out of them when Klipter’s 2ndgoal went in and the match was to end there – Manhattan Prime 1-2 Vilita and Turori.
Clive Hilton meanwhile, has been ruled out for at least the next two matches, meaning he could make his return in the quarter finals, if Manhattan Prime makes it that far in the tournament.
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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Hawks smash Ereeland
The Lamoni Hawks smashed Ereeland today, 4-1. This victory means that the Hawks can conclusively clench first place in Group C with a win against allies Nedalia; and also allow Az-Cz to clench a knockout spot.
All four Lamonian starting and reserve forwards scored in this match, which was exclusively dominated by the Hawks. The lone Ereeland goal came late in the match, when the Hawks started to slack off. While this had no chance of affecting the outcome of this match, Manager Riyall was concerned that this should not happen in a closer match.
Next up for the Hawks is the match that everyone in Group C has been waiting for, Lamoni V Nedalia. Ally vs. ally, this match will determine whether Lamoni takes first, second, or third. Additionally, this is a must win match for Nedalia if the Lions hope to make the AOCAF XVIII knockouts. With Starblaydia finally winning a match, they won't even have the satisfaction of seeing another traditionally good side falling with them if they lose. Unless 95X wins their next match, and earns a higher Goal Differential than Starblaydia does; of course.
The Lamoni/Nedalia match will not be the only 'cliffhanger' match to be played on Matchday 5, however. We will also see Bettia V Myrtannia, Starblaydia V Hypocria, and V/T V Pacitalia on the same day. All of these matches have the hopes and dreams of other AOCAF squads riding on their outcomes, and some squads may or may not make the knockouts depending on how these matches play out.
As we have previously mentioned, a win will secure first place for Lamoni, assuring them of a good knockouts match-up in the Round of 16... possibly against Starblaydia, but we won't know that until the Matchday 5 matches have been played.
The Lamonian Football Association (LFA) has announced that they are now negotiating a contract with Myrtannian footballing legend America McNany for the Managerial spot of the Lamonian AOCAF squad; which will be vacant when current Manager Riyall retires at the conclusion of AOCAF XVIII.
"America McNany will have a bright future with the Hawks," Manager Riyall stated, "we recognized her growing talents as we watched her during previous AOCAFs. I am sure that she would make her own changes to the squad; which will ensure that the Lamonian footballing presence stays at the forefront of the region. I personally would welcome it if she becomes the next Hawks Manager."
Lamoni - 4 Drugah Farani (5:00), Kellin Schmidt (25:15), Zan Quest (55:55), Draze Aruru (65:39)
Ereeland - 1 Tim Organ (70:00) |
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"and there was much rejoicing." eminated from the TV, it was switched off.
"Never really found those guys funny." stated Andrew Coulter as he found a newspaper and picked it up. The secretary rolled her eyes as she went around doing her miscellaneous duties.
Andrew put the paper down with a confused look on his face, looking around his office something was wrong.... It was tidy.
"Where is everything?" asked Andrew
The secretary shrugged "perhaps the cleaners got fed up and chucked everything out." Infact it was the secretary... She did it the room was a mess and a OH&S nightmare.
"But the report for the Az-cz match was there and I wanted to read it." said Andrew.
"You know the paper you where reading before has a sport section, anyway, hasn't anyone told you the result?"
"bah, we all know Bazalonia's luck in the AOCAF... bet we lost."
"You know we won 4-0, against Az-cz." she replied
"Really?" said Andrew as he was flipping through the newspaper trying to find the story. It was actually on the back so he need not have worried about flipping through the newspaper.
"wow... you are right." he said surprised. a piece of paper came falling out of the paper. "What the?" he said looking at the piece of paper. He read it
"Hmmm... Something about potential terrorist attacks on Bazalonian football teams from DFAT. Okay, I'll make sure our security consultants know and see what they suggest."
Could indeed the Bazacubs make it to 2nd spot?
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Young'Uns (and an Arora) Take A Chunk Out Of Delesa
Bettia 4 (P.Busilanta 20 64, A.Busilanta 46, Abramson 89)
Delesa 0
Well, the gaffer wanted an improved performance and the Young'Uns certainly delivered, cruising home with a comfortable win that puts them top of the group on goal difference and, with just one game to go, safely through to the knockout stages. With both teams favouring an attacking approach, this game was always going to be a goalfest and on that front the two teams didn't dissappoint... luckily for the Bettian travelling faithful, this goalfest was entirely one-sided.
The game started steadily enough with both teams testing each other out, but Bettia soon got into their rhythm and swept into the lead after 20 minutes thanks to a finely taken long-range effort from Peri Busilanta which curled just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Javier Topper. Despite their best efforts, Bettia couldn't add to their lead in the first half, and so went into the break with just the one goal.
The second half is when the fireworks really began - in fact, they began before the ball was even touched, or indeed before both teams had a chance to get back onto the pitch. As they made their way out of the dressing room, Javier Topper suddenly went down in the tunnel claiming that something had just bitten him on the ankle. An initial examination did indeed show a set of small toothmarks, but he was passed fit to carry on the game.
That soon proved to be the wrong thing to do as Bettia forced an early corner and Topper, his mobility slightly impeded, was unable to stop Andi Busilanta from rising up and getting to the ball first, heading home to give Bettia a two-goal cushion. Less than twenty minutes later, two became three as Peri Busilanta bagged a brace, sidefooting Sion ap Ifans' low cross into the back of the net.
Bettia's double goalscorer was then substituted for Abel Abramson, and the young Butetown striker quickly got into his stride, forcing a number of smart saves from Topper in the Delesan goal. His efforts soon got their just reward as he smashed home Bettia's fourth goal with just a minute left on the clock.
This win sets up a tantilising tie with hosts Myrtannia on the final day of first round matches in order to decide who finishes top of the group. With both teams boasting a 100% record so far, this is sure to be one hell of a game - can the Young'Uns rise to the occasion, or will home advantage pay dividends for the Dryads?
Results / Fixtures:
Bettia 2-1 The Lowland Clans
Bettia 2-1 Quakmybush
Bettia 4-0 Delesa
Bettia vs. Myrtannia
This post has been edited by Bettia on Jan 18 2007, 09:37 AM |
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Two Legs Good. Four Legs Bad
Brian Cahill reporting from Mari City, Myrtannia.
It may have been an embarrassing sham of a football match but at least the result was acceptable. The less said about a side that fields a horse the better so let me simply say that another Morinas brace and a first of the tournament for Ocella ensured the Hyppos maintained their 100% record against the ever unpopular Warriors.
Hypocria 3 - 1 Milchama
Morinas (2)
Ocella
Elsewhere in Group B 95X were giving another football (note: not soccer) lesson by the Dynamos of Demot. It was another efficient display from the side from Demot, a side that are looking quite dangerous.
View From The Top
It was a relaxed couple of days in the training camp following the Milchama game. A rest day on matchday four allowed Marcus Baxter’s players a chance to recharge their batteries. Meanwhile Director of Elite Football Javi Chavez travelled to Blackheart to watch his native Starblaydia, the Hyppos’ final group opponents, finally register a win. Although the fact that 95X managed a goal will further bother the ’Blaydis.
But the crucial result for the Autocracy was the 1 - 1 draw between Demot and Milchama. A point apiece may have guaranteed both nations a path into the knockout rounds but it also ensures that neither side can better the Hyppos current tally of nine points. And with the Purple Peril even further back and 95X not worth bothering about it means Hypocria will top the group regardless of the final day results. I think we’d have taken that at the start of the tournament.
Elsewhere in the competition Bettia and the hosts Myrtannia meet for a Group A title decider in Vanhaanen. Both sides harbour 100% records but something’s got to give. Delesa need just a point to secure third place against nearest rivals the Lowland Clans. Only a TLC defeat can save Quakmybush from an early trip home.
A single point will be enough to give reigning champions Lamoni top spot in Group C. Their opponents Nedalia have underachieved so far and are due a good performance. Third placed Bazalonia will be looking for a win over bottom side Ereeland to overhaul Az-cz in second. Ereeland’s poor goal difference means the debutants are all but gone.
There’s plenty to keep the neutrals occupied in Group D. In Lahar regional powerhouses Vilita/Turori take on the ever improving Pacitalia with first place on the line while in Salahadin City Aurendia and Manhattan Prime take part in a battle to avoid elimination.
This post has been edited by Hypocria on Jan 18 2007, 03:58 PM |
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Dryads Shut Down Stars Again
VANHAANEN - Against most other nations in the top ten of the region, Myrtannia tends to struggle more often than not. Just take into consideration the matchups of the Dryads against nations like Starblaydia, Pacitalia and Lamoni and you'll have a good idea of what we mean. Their first win against Lamoni didn't come until four years ago in Krytenia, when the Dryads were once again the only team to not lose to the eventual tournament champion. That in itself has happened three times - AOCAF XIV (W 2-1 v. STB), AOCAF XVI (D 1-1 v. V&T), and AOCAF XVII (W 3-1 v. LAM).
One team in the top ten that Myrtannia has a better record against is The Lowland Clans, whom they clashed with on Day Three. The Vanhaanen Sporting Complex was packed as the Dryads attempted to secure passage to the Round of 16. A win would guarantee no worse a finish in the group than second. With the Dryads Army on hand in strong numbers once again, the Dryads were pumped up.
"It's been fantastic to play at home for the AOCAF for once. Hopefully we can give the Army an AOCAF to remember," said captain Dania Figary, 36.
This time, coach Zentrescu's message about playing a balanced half didn't fall upon deaf ears. Myrtannia didn't exactly charge out of the gates, but instead probed the Stars' defense for weaknesses before making a move. After a few minutes of said probing, the Dryads found a hole and went for it. Figary cut through the hole, then got around a second defender to get near the box. The team captain then crossed it to Hettie Miyagishima, who struck it home with authority. As the ball crashed into the net, the Army was on its feet, yelling like there was no tomorrow.
For the rest of the half, the Dryads mixed and matched offense and defense, confounding the nameless Stars. The Clans weren't able to get off more than a handful of shots, and those were all stopped by the inspired play of Rosario Zlotnik.
"The first half, we played at a tempo that the Stars couldn't keep up with," assistant coach Tocarra Khat explained, "But there's always that second half to play, and if you can't keep the tempo going, you're in big trouble."
In this case, at least, the Dryads maintained that tempo, and continued to alternate between ball control and blitzing. About halfway through the second half, the Dryads found another golden opportunity to score - another opening similar to the first one (which led to the Miyagishima goal). This time, it was Zora Leckington who pushed forward, then passed it off to Figary. Figary launched a shot that was blocked by the TLC keeper. Unfortunately for him, the ball was deflected right to Sheron Caffoso, who made a spectacular diving strike to give Myrtannia a buffer. It was now 2-0 in favor of the Dryads.
For the remainder of the match, Myrtannia kept the Stars at bay despite a half-hearted attempt by the Clans to get on the board. As the final horn sounded, another raucous ovation went up from the Dryads Army - with the usual Sun Bursts waving, bright orange shirts being worn, spirited chants, and songs.
"It's a great win, and having nine points going into our final match is never a bad thing. Our knockout streak is still alive," stated midfielder Sarita Longknife.
That would be the now continuing streak of Myrtannian appearances in the knockouts. The Dryads haven't missed the knockouts since their very first AOCAF, in which they finished second to last in their group. Myrtannia's day off was spent with a very intensive, closed-door practice focused on picking apart what has been a very successful Bettian style of play this AOCAF. Coach Zentrescu's big secret weapon is set to be revealed today, sources close to the Dryads report.
Our final group stage match, against Bettia, is the first clash between the Dryads and the Young 'Uns. And what a way to go into the first ever match between the two nations. Both unbeaten, both with the same attacking mindset, and both off of shutout wins. Myrtannia's homefield advantage, mixed with the secret weapon, rowdy fans, and some luck might just be enough to give the Dryads a win. Bettia have more experience, though, and are clearly the favorite for odds-makers. As the Bettian media has said, though, it should be 'one hell of a match'.
Final from the VSC -
Myrtannia 2 - 0 TLC
(Miyagishima 17', Caffoso 68') |
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Halosen News-Times AOCAF Sports Extra
McNany 'Close to Agreement' With LFA
After many rumors and reports suggesting it, former Dryads coach America McNany is reportedly close to signing a contract with the Lamonian Football Association to coach the Free Republic's national team. McNany, already something of a legend in Myrtannia, first took the reins of power for the Dryads in AOCAF XIV. That outing was Myrtannia's first trip to the semi-finals, with upsets against Starblaydia and Vilita along the way, and a Quarterfinal victory over Bazalonia to boot. Myrtannia finished fourth in that AOCAF, much like they did four years ago during Rachell Gabino's final appearance as Dryads coach.
The defending AOCAF champion Hawks have entered into negotiations with McNany, who would be replacing the set-to-retire Kevin Riyall. She would become the first Myrtannian to coach a foreign national team.
"It's very exciting to have an opportunity to lead the Hawks into the future. There's a lot of potential and momentum on their side, and with a bit of tweaking they'll be more dangerous than ever," McNany told the News-Times.
Myrtannia's 'Secret Weapon' Unveiled Before Bettia Match
VANHAANEN - In a move that possibly has something to do with psychological warfare on the pitch, coach Zentrescu, along with assistants Khat and Mega, unveiled what has been tabbed as his 'secret weapon' for the Bettia match. Modeled by team captain Dania Figary, the secret weapon is... a new kit? Based on previous comments by Bettians about not liking the color red, a special one-match kit has been created specifically for the match.
"If it worked for Lamoni, maybe it'll work for us, too," said Figary.
The kit, the first Myrtannia kit to not feature the national colors, looks like this:
'Dryads Victory March' Tops Dryads Army Lists
It's official: there's a new team song for this AOCAF's Dryads side. AOCAF XVI saw the first - 'The Dryads Keep Rolling Along'. This time, it's a new song, penned for use without any specific AOCAF in mind. Here, for better or worse, are the lyrics:
Cheer, cheer for Myrtannia
Stir up emotions in hysteria
Send the volley cheer on high
Shake down the thunder from the sky!
What though the odds be great or small
Myrtannia will win over all
And her Dryads keep marching
Onward to victory! |
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Starksville Picayune
“Warning: may contain news-like substance”
Panthers go bird hunting, eliminate Raptors
LAHAR, MYRTANNIA – A late goal by the Nojika Panthers secured a 2-1 victory over the Raptors, eliminating Aurendia from advancing to the next round of AOCAF action.
Knowing that advancement depended on getting points against Nojika, the Raptors began the game aggressively, but Panther keeper Monte Potempa was up to the challenge, and the Raptors’ offensive barrage was for naught. Instead the Panthers struck first, as midfielder Antoine Billet found Rudy Greeves alone in the box in the 26th minute. The Raptors kept up the pressure, and just before the half the Campbell sisters were able to tie the match 1-all.
The second half saw more of the same, as Raptors attackers fired shot after shot at Potempa, who responded with save after save. As the end of the match drew near, the result looked like a 1-1 draw, not the result the Raptors wanted but still enough to keep them in contention. In the 89th though, even that hope fell apart, as Panthers midfielder Jarrett Betance stole the ball from Tom Collins, and found a waiting Preston Greeves for the late game-winner.
The Raptors have one match remaining, against a Manhattan Prime side that has yet to record a single point at this tournament. Currently sitting at 1-0-2, the Raptors hope for a win so as to finish qualifying at .500.
Scoring:
1. N (R. Greeves) 26th (A. Billet)
2. A (A. Campbell 3) 43rd (C. Campbell)
3. N (P. Greeves) 89th (J. Betance)
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Nojika Edge Past Aurendia With Late Goal
Rudy and Preston Greeves Perform Magic for Three Points
LAHAR, MYTRTANNIA -- The Panther's victory over Aurendia forced the Raptors into submission, eliminating the chance for Aurendia to advance into the next round of the regional competition.
The determined Blues again took the field in their winning formation and line up. Manager Jerrel Alson admitted after the match that he is truly surprised at how well the Nojikan's have come together to create a competitive and winning side this year, "The tactics do vary from game to game but retain the same basic idea. It has surprised me how well everything has come together this year. The team plays well together and we all hope that our great form will continue throughout the competition."
An impressive Aurendia perhaps had the chance numerous times to put the match away, but Nojikan keeper, Monte Potempa and his back line withstood the pressure and were able to strike first in the 26th minute when winger Antoine Billet sent 19 year old striker Rudy Greeves a pass over the Raptor defense and his speed was unmatched allowing him to send a neat ball into the opposition's net.
Just 17 minutes later, in the 43rd minute the Raptors equalized on a powerful strike from outside the area from 30 year old Ashley Campbell. Adldo Samec almost got himself on the scoresheet 1 minute later when the Aurendia squad seemed to fall asleep giving him acres of space, but he was denied by the crossbar.
The second half was much the same as the first; Aurendia would press high, lose the ball and Nojika would counter attack. The 67th minute nearly saw Nojika take the lead when Captain Robbie Hedeen's header was pushed wide by Kevin Sullivan.
It was not until the very last minute of the match that the game was put away by 22 year old Preston Greeves, who's younger brother Rudy Greeves also plays for club Coral Cove and country. As the Raptor defense began to feel the pressure and starting to press more and more, their play began to slowly get more and more sloppy. Midfielder Tom Collins lost the ball in his own half to Jarrett Betance who set up Preston Greeves at the far post for an easy tap-in.
The match ended 2-1 for Nojika, who remain 2nd in their group, still behind Pacitalia and are just 1 point ahead of the Jungle Cats.
This week, Nojika will take a bye while Pacitalia will face Vilita & Turori and Aurendia will go up against Manhattan Prime.
Go Pacitalia!
Aurendia: 1 - 2 :Nojika
(A. Campbell 43') - (R. Greeves 26', P. Greeves 89') |
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"AAAAARRRRRRRGGGHHHH!"
The Bettian squad, who up until then had been jogging around their training pitch, were stopped suddenly in their tracks by the blood-curdling scream which could be heard halfway across Vanhaanen. They turned and looked at where it had come from - it was their manager James Watson, slumped on a bench, trembling in a cold sweat, with a newspaper clutched in his shaking hands.
"What is it boss?"
"You're never gonna believe this," he said, handing the paper to the curious players. Sa'id bin Sa'id Ismail read out the headline.
"DRYADS TO MAKE BETTIA SEE RED... the Myrtannia Football Association yesterday unveiled a new kit made specifically for the upcoming crunch match against Bettia... oh my... that's disgusting."
"What is? What is it?" Peri said curiously as he snatched the paper so that the others cold see what the fuss was about. And there, in full colour for the whole squad to see was the kit in question.
"It's... red. They're playing in RED?!"
"Argh! My eyes!"
"Argh! My lunch! Woooargh!"
The assembled players gazed in horror at the scarlet monstrosity being modelled by the Myrtannian captain, to the less-than-musical accompaniment of Adi Bandasera chundering away in the background. But before any more of the squad could re-aquaint themselves with their previously-eaten meals, the newspaper was snatched out of the captain's grasp by a small off-white blur.
The players and staff looked on amused as, with many a snarl and a growl, Candy set to work tearing the paper into shreds with her razor-sharp teeth, then shredding the shreds just for good measure.
"Heh. Looks like our Candy hates red even more than we do! This match should be VERY interesting indeed!"
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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RP Cutoff for Matchday Five |
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Dryads Make Bettia See Red, Remain Unbeaten
VANHAANEN - If the early reaction by the Bettian AOCAF contingent to Myrtannia's new red kits was any indication, the match may have been over before it began. At least in a mental sense. Reports came in from all around Vanhaanen of citizens hearing a bloodcurdling scream of terror - which was later identified as having been emitted by a Bettian.
But matches are not won off the pitch. As both nation's media predicted, it was going to be one hell of a match. The first ever meeting between the only two nations in Atlantian Oceania crazy enough to use the all-out attack approach. Both came in unbeaten and looking to capture the group title; only one would walk away with their heads aloft in triumph.
Bettia were the first to make their way onto the pitch, but things got really interesting when Myrtannia came out from the lockers. To a massive roar from the Dryads Army, the host nation jogged onto the pitch in red jerseys with white shorts - Coach Zentrescu's secret weapon. If that wasn't enough, a good percentage of the Army was decked out in a motley selection of red shirts - whatever they could find at home, it turned out.
Where Lamoni's red jerseys seemed to stun the Bettians four years ago, the Young 'Uns didn't seem as phased by the color this time. Not at first. The showdown began with Myrtannia controlling the ball, but the first half was all back-and-forth. Both teams managed to get through the other's defense to take shots, but both keepers maintained clean sheets throughout the half. Rather than the high scoring affair some domestic experts had anticipated, it was a showcase of near misses and brilliant saves by the keepers.
At the half, it was still even at 0-0. Coach Zentrescu betrayed no emotion as he headed into the lockers for the half. Assistant Orpha Mega, however, couldn't help but grin. A scoreless draw was better than Myrtannia could have hoped for before the match, and now there was a real possibility of forcing a draw.
"At that moment, we were just happy to not be losing," explained Mega, "Winning didn't occur to us until later."
The second half began much like the first, with the exception that Bettia began the half with the ball. This time, though, the Dryads fell back and let Bettia charge forward. It was a risk, since if Bettia scored it might be all but over. Myrtannia had calculated the risk, and decided that the desired outcome - Bettia tiring themselves - was worth it. Once again the Young 'Uns tried their best to score, and once again Rosario Zlotnik held firm in the box.
As time ticked away, the match seemed to be headed for a scoreless draw. Yet Bettia began to look a little sluggish as the match entered its final ten minutes. Maybe it was the energy they'd exerted trying to score first. Maybe it was the red jerseys finally taking their toll on the Bettian psyche. Whatever the case, Myrtannia suddenly found themselves set up for what would be the play of the match. The call from AIR 4:
"...And Bettia gets the pass upfield.. but wait! It's intercepted by Longknife! Sarita Longknife takes the ball away, and the attack is on! Figary, Caffoso, Leckington, and Hettie are all charging... Longknife with a touch pass to Caffoso... Sheron Caffoso takes a step and passes it over to Miyagishima... Hettie spots an opening, crosses it... Figary in the air... scissor kick... GOOOAAALL!! GOAL! And Myrtannnia takes the 1-nil lead with but a few minutes remaining to be played!"
The veteran captain of the Dryads put Myrtannia ahead with her signature shot, and (needless to say) the crowd went absolutely nuts. Figary was mobbed by her younger teammates, while Zentrescu nodded his approval from the sideline. Once the euphoria of scoring had diminished a bit, the Dryads took their side of the pitch to try and stop a Bettian effort to equalise.
The Young 'Uns' last chance was stopped when Lenny Dittuci headed away a nice looking cross pass near the box. Miyagishima took the ball back for Myrtannia, and the Dryads ran out the clock. After that, they savored their biggest victory of the tournament. Inside the domed VSC, it was difficult to hear anything other than the deafening cheers from the Dryads Army. Myrtannia had improved to 4-0-0, and captured its second-ever group title.
"It doesn't matter if the scoreline is 5-1 or 1-0, as long as we win," stated Zora Leckington.
And the Dryads' reward for conquering Bettia? A Round of 16 date with Aurendia, the fourth-place team from Group D. While the Raptors have struggled in two of their last three matches, their wins make them dangerous. Especially the Day One win over Vilita & Turori.
"They're very dangerous when they're motivated; if they play at the top of their game, we could have a very interesting matchup," coach Zentrescu explained at the post-match press conference.
As per tradition, Myrtannia's preparations for the knockout stage are going to be kept top secret. The Dryads will most likely resume wearing their normal kits for the match, despite the apparent effectiveness they had against Bettia. From all the signs at the moment, the Dryads may be poised for a second consecutive run to the semi-finals.
When asked about that possibility, coach Zentrescu dismissed it, "We're not even thinking about the semi-finals at this stage. It's now win or go home, and if you overlook someone you're bound to be upset. So right now, there's no more matches for us beyond Aurendia."
The final from the VSC:
Myrtannia 1-0 Bettia
(Figary 84') |
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