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Reserves Crash & Burn vs Nojika, Dryads in Must-Win Against Hosts
KRYTENIA - In what will probably go down as one of the dumbest moves in Myrtannia's AOCAF history, coach Gabino decided it would be a good idea to send the reserves out against Nojika. It was a match the Dryads should have won, but things don't always go as planned. The utlimate result was a shocking upset by Nojika to the tune of 1-3, and now the Dryads are on the ropes.
After scoring once early, the Dryads reserves couldn't put together another scoring attack for the rest of the match. Nojika exploited holes in the defense to put three past reserve keeper Janey Lokan, and left the usually rowdy Myrtannain fans in a stunned silence. Things disintegrated rapidly after the first Nojikan goal, and spiraled after a questionable call by an official.
The call came on a sliding tackle by defender Machelle Burzlaff, though it wasn't clear whether it was the right call or not. From the linesman's point of view, the tackle was a red-card offense, and Burzlaff was told to clear off the field. After arguing with the official, and attempts by fellow defenders Lenny Ditucci and Amado Ugaitafa to hold her back, Burzlaff vented her anger and frustration in an unexpected way. She took a swing and decked the official, before the other Dryads managed to force her off the pitch.
Due to the offense, the Dryads sent Burzlaff home immediately after booting her off the team and fining her an undisclosed amount. Inside sources indicate it to be the highest amount the MAFC has ever slapped on a player. Along with the Massetti headbutting incident of AOCAF XV, it's among the most notorious deeds by a Myrtannian player. Coach Gabino issued a statement after the match.
"What (Burzlaff) did out there was completely unacceptable, and she has no place on this team. I'd like to apologize from the bottom of my heart to the official involved in the incident, the Krytenian AOCAF authority, and the people of Krytenia on behalf of the Myrtannia Dryads. This kind of violent behavior is not going to be allowed on our team, or anywhere in the MAFC," Gabino announced at a press conference.
The frustration of AOCAF XVII continued into the Dryads' day off, as Nojika stopped Manhattan Prime, leapfrogging Myrtannia and Lamoni into second in the group. Lamoni can still get into the knockouts with a win over Nojika, or a draw and a Krytenia loss. Myrtannia has no such luck.
It has come down to a not-so-simple task - Myrtannia must win against Krytenia to avoid being eliminated before the knockouts for the first time since their first AOCAF. A draw won't cut it. Lamoni proved that the hosts are beatable, defeating Krytenia 1-0 today in perhaps their best match of the tournament. But the apathetic spoilers of Nojika threw a wrench into things with a 3-0 clobbering of Manhattan Prime, forcing the Hawks into a must-win situation of sorts as well.
Myrtannia's is more dire, though, and coach Gabino expected this kind of a thing to happen. Their bye date was used for an all-day practice focused on all the known strategies of the Krytenian side. Any possible weaker points have been explored and strategies developed to exploit them. Once again, Myrtannia must play giant killer to keep its knockout hopes alive.
The last meeting between the two sides was AOCAF XVI, where Myrtannia handily beat Krytenia 3-1. This time it's different. Krytenia needs only a draw to get into the next round - Myrtannia has only two options: win or go home.
"We're going to be ready for them. We don't care if they're the hosts, we can beat them - we have before, and we will again. We're going to do some things differently against them to exploit spots where we feel we're stronger, and that, we hope, will translate into victory," coach Gabino stated with a grave sense of urgency, "If we can't get into the knockouts, I'll resign."
That announcement came amidst rumors among the Dryads Army that Gabino might be on the way out as the Dryads' head coach. It's believed that she'll remain an advisor to the team, and help select members of MAFC clubs to the national team, but the opening at the head coaching spot might be open after AOCAF XVII. Rumors also mention that the MAFC has been negotiating with a potential replacement, regardless of what happens this AOCAF.
But the rumors haven't penetrated into the Dryads camp, where the focus is still Krytenia, and how to defeat them. It's been a tough ride, but there's still hope either way: a win and they stick around for at least another match. In four years, though, the MAFC plans on bringing the AOCAF tournament to Myrtannia. Today, they announced their intention to submit a hosting bid for AOCAF XVIII after narrowly losing in their bid for this tournament.
"We're going to have AOCAF in Myrtannia, and in four years, the Dryads Army will be cheering their home team in the comfort of the United Isles," MAFC commisioner Edie Linnertz announced at the press conference in Halosen.
Meanwhile, Dryads Army fans have reportedly spent most of their downtime in area bars and pubs discussing the latest rumors about their beloved team. In an uncertain present, one thing is for sure: they are possibly the most dedicated fans in the region, and they have at least one more hurrah in this tournament before going home for four years.
With all the preparation for the final match of the group stage, Myrtannia may well give them reason to cheer again.
Final Score (MD3)
MYR 1 - 3 NOJ
(War 3', #11 23', #8 42', #9 77')
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Hawks staying alive, defeat hosts
With all their knockout hopes on the line, the Hawks silence their pre-AOCAF critics in practically every other nation by defeating the hosts in order to keep their knockout hopes alive. Now Lamoni needs either a win against Nojika, or a draw against Nojika, and a Krytenia loss in order to advance. Another interesting possibility would occur if both Lamoni and Myrtannia were to win their matches. Such a result would place Lamoni and Myrtannia as first and second in the group, respectively.
If Lamoni were to defeat Nojika, this would make the second time in a row that we will have defeated them after they have pulled off an upset win against a seemingly unbeatable teams (AOCAF XVI: Starblaydia, AOCAF XVII: Myrtannia). Lamoni also happens to have a good record against Nojika, but Manager Riyall will not let the Hawks rest on their laurels. After a decent night's sleep, the Hawks will be practicing for their match against Nojika. We wish them all the best.
As for the match against Krytenia, both sides felt each other out until Lamonian Forward Christian Ludlow scored the only goal of the match at 30 minutes in. The rest of the match was a defensive standoff that allowed Lamoni to take the win, and keep their knockout hopes alive.
Lamoni - 1 Christian Ludlow (30)
Krytenia - 0 |
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The Nedalia Lions
"Lets get one thing straight, for anyone that's been saying we're on a downward spiral towards football mediocrity...I got one thing to say to all of you: You wish, bitches!"
Those were the words of volatile and controversial new Lions manager Baddawi Fratta, who currently has his team on top of Group C with a record of 3-0-0, including an impressive 3-2 victory over Vilita.
While saying that he has gotten on a few nerves is a gross understatement, he has gotten off the best start of any Lions manager before him, conceding only 3 goals and scoring 11 in 3 games. He was directly responsible for picking the squad, with almost the whole team exclusively U-21 stars of the NPL, excluding 2 of the biggest names in the league, Marcus Iopa (captain), and Julian Kassem. The latter has his 6 of the team's 11 goals, with 3 coming in the 6-0 victory over The Mushroom Kingship, while the former has added 2 of his own, along with 5 assists.
While they technically haven't qualified for the 2nd round yet, realistically they are through. They need 1 point from their match with their underachieving allies The Lowland Clans to mathematically ensure of their advancement, but Fratta is having none of that.
"It seems everyone has forgotten who we are. We're a Top 3 team in this region, dammit! And we're going to prove it, one game at a time!"
Good news for an already impressed Nedalian fanbase, then. |
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Nedalia |
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Emperor in Training |
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Danger of Elimination!
Starblaydia to not be in knockouts?
Markko Rakkinen's side, with one Group match to go, lay below the Qualification line. An entire nation must face up to the possibility that, for the first time ever, Starblaydia might not progress to the knock-out stages of the competition. Ever since their inaugural appearance in the second tournament, Starblaydia have always made it through beyond the group stage, to Second Rounds or Quarter-Finals without exception. Now they require either: a victory over Bazlaonia; or a draw with the Bazalopes and a Hypocria loss to Az-cz. Rakkinen's first tournament in charge, with a squad packed with World and Regional champions that were seeded number-one - as per usual - before the competition started, may yet be eliminated by Hyppos and Bazalopes; not two animals you'd expect to come out on top over white lions.
While every other major team has appeared to only lose a match because they send out the reserves to play (now there's an idiotic approach to a tournament with just four Group matches before the knockouts - Ed.), Starblaydia have seemingly become the first high-quality starting eleven to notch up a loss in the tournament so far - witness Myrtannia reserves versus Nojika and Lamoni reserves versus Myrtannia.
Hypocrian wingers Alex Sousa and Carlo Molinari gave Starblaydia trouble throughout the match and proved to be the match-winners an only hour into the match. Tabitha Di Bradini had all sorts of trouble containing the effervescent Sousa, who came away with a Man-of-the-Match performance and two goals to his name. With the entire Starblaydi team only managing to put a single ball past Alexei Lomaia, it's not difficult to see who came away with three points from this match.
Betanii Marrones provided Starblaydia with a glimmer of hope around the half-hour mark as her header from a corner slammed straight into the net and gave Starblaydia an equaliser. Earlier Sousa had given Hypocria the lead with a low shot to beat Graikalonii at the near post. Starblaydia's parity didn't las tlong, however, as again Sousa struck just six minutes later, blasting the ball into the top right-hand corner from around thirty yards with a dream of a volley.
Both Starblaydia and Hypocria were going all guns blazing (pardon the pun - Ed.) to win themselves this match, with the victor gaining themselves a high chance of progression through to the knock-outs. However it was the Hyppos who profited in the second half, as winger Carlo Molinari scored on a lighting-quick counter-attack, chipping the ball deftly over Graikalonii with not a defender in sight.
So, Starblaydia vs Bazalonia is on, and to the victor will go a place in the next round - it's as simple as that. With a draw, Bazalonia are certainly through, and Starblaydia must rely on Khim Azanulbizarn and his Az-cz side to bring home the Starblaydi bacon and let them qualify with a win over Hypocria. One Starblaydi coach will already not be seeing the next phase, but will Markko Rakkinen or Javi Chavez join Khim Azanulbizarn as a mere spectator for the rest of the tournament?
Starblaydia versus Bazalonia, and Hypocria versus, Az-cz will decide their fate.
Final score from Mercia Stadium:
Starblaydia 1 - 3 Hypocria
(Marrones 32) - (Sousa 16 & 38, Molinari 62)
Next Match: Starblaydia Vs Bazalonia, MD5 |
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From fantastic to frightful
Aroras hand Pacitalia shutout defeat; both teams still in knockout positions
AVIDIA, KRYTENIA (PSN) -- Maybe it was the travel, after playing two matches in Davisham. Maybe it was just time for the Bettians to overcome the stigma of Pacitalia as their bogeyman opponents. Maybe it was the fact that captain Veranace d'Amantano was sitting out this match as a precaution against a potential knee strain he might have suffered against Delesa. Or maybe, just maybe, the Blue Foxes simply entered a match unprepared. Cristianu Raduvani was certainly not impressed with the defensive effort Monday, as he was forced to save 22 shots on goal in a 3-0 loss to the Aroras.
Bettia scored all three of its goals in the first thirty minutes, then sat back and controlled the defensive flow preventing a comeback by the Pacitalians. The first Arora goal came in the ninth minute from talented veteran striker Gwarthen Rhydderch, who blasted past Francesco Manzanotti, entering the 22-yard box and deking out both Angelo Bordellatta and keeper Raduvani for the first goal of the match. Just three minutes later, it was Rhydderch again on a penalty shot as Bordellatta had to trip him up in desperation. Nonetheless, the powerful Bettian scored his second, this time from the spot, to put the match squarely in Arora control.
Bettia's third goal came in the 27th minute, this time on the other side of the pitch as Owen Richards cut a clean pass through to a streaking Eurys Ffagan, past a stumbling and confused Ion Mihai Comanescu. Ffagan lifted a rocket past the outstretched hands of Raduvani for the 3-0 lead.
The Blue Foxes' best chance of the night came from Pietrando Manovecchia, who was substituting for d'Amantano in the match. In the 56th he cut around the outside of Stephen Harris, dribbling a surprisingly veteran-like ball into the 22-yard box and then peeling off a shot to the top-left corner that was just saved in time by Aroras keeper Safwan Sulaiman.
"It was poor play, left, right, and centre," a visibly irate manager, Sergei Saganyarov, said post-match. "I can't even believe it. I don't even want to watch the tape to see what went wrong; it was that bad. They had us cornered for all ninety minutes. It's hardly the kind of effort I want to see from these guys when a knockout berth is on the line."
Fortunately, for the Blue Foxes, their destiny is in their hands. First place is still up for grabs if Pacitalia wins and Bettia either loses or draws their final match. If the Blue Foxes want to keep Demot from stealing a playoff berth, at the very least, however, they have the opportunity to do so against that very team in the final group match. Hopefully, Veranace d'Amantano will be back to seal a victory in his 100th international cap.
From Avidia, Krytenia:
Bettia 3 : 0 Pacitalia
BET: Rhydderch 9', 12' / Ffagan 27'
PAC: None
NEXT UP: BET v MIL, PAC v DMT
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Dec 5 2006, 02:15 PM |
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The best place on earth. |
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"What ARE they playing at? Just what the hell is going on?"
It was well into Bettia's third match, and the Pie and Pixie was all of a commotion. Sure, the Aroras were winning, and winning comfortably. Sure, the Aroras were in the process of dispatching the last of their bogey teams. Sure, they were on the verge of qualification to the next round...
...but the Pifton locals were far from happy. The natives were growing more and more restless as they watched events unfold in front of them.
"Herman, are you seeing this? This.. this is unbelievable!" Ali said, almost choking back tears of anxiety and frustration.
"I know, I mean... this is... man, George would be turning in his grave if he could see this!"
"What are you talking about? I'm right here!" George piped up... but piping up to who? Ali and Herman certainly didn't seem to notice.
Ali shook his head. "Allah rest his soul. I remember all the good times we had watching the Aroras over the years... all those times we used to rib him about turning up late for matches..."
"What the hell are you on about? I'm sitting right behind you!" George cried.
"...and what golden memories they were too! Hordes of green and gold sweeping forward at every opportunity, putting all sorts of pressure on the opponents, being yelled on by legions of Bettian fans. Oh yes, ol' George used to love that. But now this? Okay, the first half hour was brilliant - just the sort of Takilan footy we all know and love, but what is this now? The Aroras DEFENDING!? For almost an hour? What gives? Poor old George... I'm almost glad he's not here to see this."
"But I AM here. Please, won't anyone listen to me?" George pleaded desperately.
Ali and Herman exchanged knowing glances at each other.
"I know what you mean. Seeing this near-Karelan tripe would damn well break his heart."
"It IS breaking my heart!"
"It only seems like it was yesterday he was here with us, enjoying our win over Delesa. It still hasn't sunk in that he's gone. Look, even Doris is still putting out his scones for him. They were his favourite." Ali said, looking over at a plate with three scones on it.
"Aye mate, they were... and it would be a shame to waste them, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah... we really ought to eat them."
"Don't you bloody dare!"
But it was no use. Ali and Herman, being the complete bastards that they were, each took a scone and held it up in the air as a toast to their 'departed' friend.
"To George!"
"George!"
This was too much to bear for poor old George. He had to do something before his precious scones were half-inched, and so he grabbed Ali's arm and tried to snatch the cakey goodness from his hands.
"Whoa! Herman! Look - a ghost! And it's trying to nick my scone!"
"Bloody ghosts. They come over here, haunt our houses, frighten our cats, steal our scones - they oughtta send 'em back to Ghostland where they come from. Freeloading tossers."
George groaned as Ali and Herman sniggered amoungst themselves. "Oh for God's sake, will you children just grow up!"
"Sorry mate, we were just pulling your leg, you know? Come on, come and have the last scone - we left you one on the plate."
A slightly-relieved George looked over at the plate and sighed - there was something on the plate all right. A nice floral design, a little chip on the edge, a shedload of crumbs... but nary a scone to be seen.
"Right... so where is it then?"
"It was right there on the..." Ali gasped as he looked upon the empty plate. "Great! Who nicked the last one?" he shouted glaring at everyone in the café... but everyone was still glued to the screen, hoping against hope that Bettia would mount an attacking move on the Pacitalian goal. Frantically he looked around - no crumbs, no telltale blobs of jam, no smears of butter - it was as though the scone had vanished into thin air.
"Oh my... the scone... it's disappeared!"
"Zoiks! You know what this means, don't you?" George asked.
Herman nodded. "Perhaps the Pie and Pixie really does have a g-g-g-ghost!" |
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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Blades Blunted
Brian Cahill reporting from the Mercia Stadium, Bromham.
We may have been third in the group with two games left. We may have been facing an unpromising match against AOCAF juggernauts Starblaydia. But still hundreds of millions of televisions across the Autocracy switched onto HyperSport 1 for the clash between Group D’s big two. Despite the not entirely encouraging record against the five time regional champions, not one win from open play and all, a match against the Men in Mauve is still one of the biggest draws around for the fans back home, matched only by the local derbies against Bettia or Nedalia, and as kickoff approached the nation slowly ground to a halt.
The run up to the game also saw the first real professional interaction between the national coach and the new Director of Elite Football. It had long been wondered in the media how well exactly the two would work together but in truth Marcus Baxter would have been a fool if he didn’t turn to former Starblaydi international Javi Chavez for some inside information. On more than one occasion the two men could be found deep in conversation at the training camp. And, as it turned out, to rather good effect.
Bromham’s Mercia Stadium was packed to the rafters and a casual passer-by may well have mistaken the venue for the Hyppodrome, such was the support for Baxter’s troops. The blue and white army were out in force and they were joined by thousands of locals who, despite the not exactly cordial relationship between the Autocracy and Krytenia, never miss a chance to lay into the Starblaydis.
And the noise rose to an almost deafening crescendo on sixteen minutes when Molinari drilled the ball across the box, Di Bradini missed her interception, and Sousa fired low past Graikalonii. The pandemonium in the stands was not matched on the bench. A simple clenched fist was the coach’s celebration, he knew there was still a helluva long way to go.
When up against some of the best players around it’s important to do the basics well. Basics such as defending set pieces for example. Allowing the opposition centreback a free header from a corner is not the best idea in the world and certainly isn’t what all hose hours on the training pitch is meant to achieve. But that’s exactly what happened on thirty two minutes. Betanii Marrones was the beneficiary of lax marking as she rose unchallenged to power home a header to level the game. A shake of the head from Chavez showed exactly what he thought of the defending while the coach sent a water bottle down the touchline with a swing of his right boot.
Alex Sousa has been the darling of the blue and white army for years. There’s little the three time Hyper League player of the year can do wrong in their eyes. After the thirty eighth minute of this match he could probably get away with murder. Espartero lofted the ball forward and the tricky winger let the ball drop over his shoulder before hitting it full on the volley from thirty yards out. He’d probably never contacted better and the ball rocketed past the keeper and ripped into the top right hand corner. It was a goal that would be replayed on every channel back home for weeks.
The Purple Peril came out after the interval with intent and Lomaia had to be at his best to keep the Hyppos’ collective noses in front. As the half went on and the result hung in the balance Chavez left his place in the stand and joined Baxter in the dugout. Another Starblaydi attack was foiled and then, just after the hour mark, it happened. The ball was cleared long and with defenders struggling to get back Molinari raced away and deftly chipped the ball over Graikalonii. This time there was no holding back the celebrations as the Hyppos secured a two goal lead they would never relinquish. The final whistle blew, Baxter saluted the travelling support, Chavez exchanged a few words with his former international team mate Markko Rakkinen on the Starblaydi bench and the Hyppos had recorded a famous victory.
Hypocria 3 - 1 Starblaydia
Sousa (2)
Molinari
Elsewhere in the group already eliminated Quakmybush ensured the Gnomes of Az-Cz would be joining them on the plane home with a 3 - 2 win in Ousevale.
Matchday 5 should be a real thriller with only Group B’s Nedalia assured of a place in the quarter finals. Here in Group D the Hyppos’ have overtaken both Starblaydia and Bazalonia to lead the group with one game to go. A win over Az-Cz in the final game would ensure we stay there. But all neutral eyes will surely turn to the massive match between Starblaydia and Bazalonia. The next ninety minutes will decide which two of the group‘s top three advance and which returns home in abject failure. |
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Last Eight Awaits Potential Greats
Bazalopes eliminated by Starblaydi strike-force
Arise, Ser Tommas!
Starblaydia produced one of the greatest fight-backs in their sporting history to draw themselves back from the brink of utter humiliation and into the realms of Quarter-Final dreamland. Three-one down at half time, Starblaydia fought back to take the match by four goals to three, ensuring they keep their record of progressing to the knock-out stages of every AOCAF so far, as well as keeping Markko Rakkinen in his current state of employment.
Had Starblaydia lost - or even drawn, thanks to Hypocria defeating Az-cz - today, it would have been the end of Rakkinen's career as a Starblaydi international manager, as well as a sorry note to finish the careers of players such as Tara Niodonna, Petyr Kaminsky and similar. This match, however, has probably kick-started the burgeoning careers of players like two of Starblaydia's goalscorers: Zamoskao and Tommas Coalville. Zamoskao, a young wide midfielder from southern Starblaydia, had one AOCAF16 appearance to his name before this tournament, won as a sixteen year-old in Lamoni. Now he has five caps and the first senior goal under his belt.
His goal came after a quarter of an hour and provided Starblaydia with parity for a few short minutes. Bazalonian striker Everrett Kang had given the Bazalopes an early lead after just six minutes and Zamoskao's swerving shot from just outside the area found it's way in off the far post to make the scoreline 1-1. Starblaydia conceded two more before half time. Again Kang got on the score sheet, putting the ball beyond Jino GraiKalonii's despairing fingertips before the half hour mark.
Starblaydia's defence was disintegrating under the three-man attack, just as it had done against Hypocria. However, Starblaydia's greatest ever goalscorer was, thankfully, on hand to give them a lifeline. After what must have been the very definition of a bollocking in the dressing room at the break, Rakkinen's team came out with a bang to rectify the three-one scoreline into three-two. Jackie Maitland, ever the supreme goalscorer, found time and space to rifle home a shot past Kanga within sixty seconds of the restart.
Her Dwarven strike-partner, Durin Bazrimar, was not having the greatest of the twenty-four games he'd played for Starblaydia, but he managed a goal nonetheless before he was withdrawn in favour of young Coalville. In confusion from a corner with a bouncing ball in the penalty area, the stout legs of Bazrimar were quickest to react and he toe-poked the ball over the line for the equaliser. As Starblaydi players celebrated the equaliser, 3-3, there were angered shouts and shoves as Bazalonians claimed any number of fouls, handballs and offsides. What the referee saw through the crowd of white, purple and orange was simple: a Starblaydi goal.
Bazrimar was soon replaced by the seventeen year-old Coalville and it proved to be a winning master-stroke. Either that or a great piece of group-luck on the part of Rakkinen, Coalville and the Starblaydia team in general. With less than a minute to go of normal time, Zamoskao whipped in a desperate cross, just saving it from going for a goal kick. Coalville sneaked in front of Henry Fjord and got his foot to the ball. The rest is lost in a sea of Starblaydi shirts and cheers.
Starblaydia had won the match and beaten Bazalonia to qualification for the Quarter-Finals. Nedalia and their Lions await Rakkinen's team, and then perhaps a re-match with Javi Chavez, should all go well. The way Starblaydia needed to perform to get out of the mess they'd put themselves into, however, doesn't auger well for the remaining matches in the tournament.
Final score from Mercia Stadium:
Starblaydia 4 - 3 Bazalonia
(Zamoskao 16, Maitland 46, Bazrimar 61, Coalville 89) - (Kang 7 & 28, Hampstead 35 )
Next Match: Starblaydia Vs Nedalia, Quarter-Final |
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On To the Quarterfinals! Myrtannia Eliminates Krytenia, Returns to Round of 8
EVERTON CITY, Krytenia - It was the direst of circumstances that Myrtannia faced going into today's match in Everton City. Starting the day at fourth place in the group, with four points to their name, the Dryads were on the verge of elimination. A draw would only have given them 5 points and a trip home. Only a win in Everton City over the host nation would allow Myrtannia to remain in Krytenia for the knockouts. Complete secrecy surrounded the Dryads camp during their off day as they prepared for the climactic match with the hosts.
Lamoni's win over Krytenia yesterday gave Myrtannia a chance to qualify for the knockouts, but it wasn't going to be easy. Krytenia still sat atop the group, albeit precariously, and was playing for the group title in front of their home fans. However, the Dryads intended to rectify the frustrating developments of the past days, no matter what their odds of advancing were. Speculation about the future of Coach Rachell Gabino's tenure in command of the Dryads have been abound in the Myrtannian camp. Rumors of secret talks with an undisclosed potential replacement have been circulating at home and in the bars of Krytenia that Dryads Army devotees have frequented.
The MAFC has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, and told the media they were focusing on the present for now. At the stadium, the Dryads were all business as they took the pitch, encouraged by the sizeable Dryads Army presence there. Despite the reserves taking the pitch against Nojika, it would be the starters taking the pitch in this do or die match.
If the Dryads were nervous about making a mistake that would send them home early, they didn't show it. At the start of the match, the Dryads let the Krytenians take the offensive, falling back into defensive positions. The normally attacking side in orange and blue played a fantastic defensive first half, limiting the home team to four shots on goal, only one of which came close to going in. That one was saved on a marvelous dive by Rosario Zlotnik, who held onto it after the stop.
The defensive effort in the first half effectively kept the score even at 0-0 at the half, leaving both sides' futures very much in doubt. In the stands, the normally rowdy Myrtannian section was awash with a tense feeling. Coach Gabino declined to answer any questions at the half, clearly focused on the task at hand of her specially developed gameplan being put into use.
"All I'm going to tell you is that everything's going according to plan so far," she stated breifly before heading for the lockers.
After the stout defensive stand in the first half, the Dryads came out in the second and played another 25 minutes of defensive football. Defender Orpha Mega shined again as she stuck with any Krytenians who got too close to the goal, and won the ball back each time. The strategy appeared to have the desired effect - the hosts were tiring, and then came the signal to launch the attack. Orpha Mega stole the ball from a Krytenian forward, then passed it up to Daisey Martignago.
Martignago got it to Myong Tuman, and the Stikers Squadron went into action. Tuman faked out one defender, then passed it with her off-foot to September Rollock, who spotted an opening for a shot. Rollock's strike was deflected by the Krytenian keeper at a high angle, and rather than go away from the goal, it ricocheted right to the waiting Dania Figary. The team captain obliged by landing a spot-on header that sent the ball back into the net. It broke the deadlock and put Myrtannia up 1-0.
The Army went crazy, but the scoring wasn't finished yet, as the Dryads continued pressing the attack. Each time they got the ball, they pushed forward in a renewed assault on the opposing goal. Myrtannia's continuous blitzes finally paid off again when the Dryads got into position to score another goal. Here's the call from AIR 4:
"It's 1-nil Myrtannia leading, and not much left to go. Krytenia looks flummoxed out there as the Dryads are suddenly attacking without mercy. That last shot by Gabino almost went in... what's this? The Dryads push up again, they've got five headed for the box and the goal, and have the man advantage... Gabino cuts left, around the defender... crosses to her right... Tuman waiting, and... she's got it! GOOOAAAL! A beautiful scissor kick and suddenly the Dryads are up 2-nil! What a story! Myrtannia has looked elimination in the face, and instead are close to eliminating the hosts!"
Myong Tuman's kick put the Dryads ahead 2-0, and the rest of the match was spent playing keep away with the exhausted Krytenian side. As the final gun sounded, the Dryads stormed the field to celebrate their second consecutive trip to the Quarterfinals, and their third overall. A huge roar rose from the Dryads Army, and the Sun Bursts they'd brought along were finally waving proudly once more. For the second time in as many AOCAFs, Myrtannia had defeated Krytenia by two goals, this time ending the home team's bid for the knockouts.
"It's a wonderful feeling to be back in the knockouts after the scare against Nojika. Right now, we're more relieved than anything.. we had a job to do, and we got down to business. That's all there was to it," veteran striker Dania Figary explained, smiling for the first time since the team's 3-1 victory over Lamoni.
Qualification came with the victory over Krytenia and Lamoni's huge 5-0 blowout against the overachieving Nojikans. That put Lamoni into first in the group, and Myrtannia at second, sending both to the knockouts. It was a scenario that played out just as the Lamonian media had pontificated. Now, the focus for Myrtannia shifts from qualifying for the knockouts to their next opponent: Hypocria.
A dangerous offensive side, Hypocria is the only nation with no losses in the group stage, including a win over Starblaydia. Myrtannia will be approaching the Quarterfinal match much in the same way they did the Krytenia match. The Dryads will be holding a closed-doors, top secret practice session to prepare specifically for Hypocria. Coach Gabino would not give any particular information about them, other than it would be aimed at the goal of taking the Hypocrians down and moving into the Semi-Finals.
"We're going to focus on Hypocria now - they're a very good side, and we can't afford to make mistakes out there. Just like today, we win or we go home," she explained at the Dryads' post-match press conference, "If we can play our style of football, and keep the pressure on for 90 minutes, we have a chance to win this thing. Records count for nothing now - it's all about who's better for the one match - be it 90 minutes or beyond."
In other MAFC news, rumors surfaced again about an unnamed Pacitalian manager meeting with the MAFC officials. No details have yet been revealed. For now, the United Isles will be on the edge of their seats watching exciting knockout matches, including their beloved Myrtannia Dryads.
The final from Everton City:
Myrtannia 2 - 0 Krytenia
(Figary 73', Tuman 84')
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Dec 5 2006, 10:53 PM |
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Into the Century Club and the record books... and, yes, the knockies, too
Blue Foxes captain d'Amantano enjoys victory in 100th cap
DAVISHAM, KRYTENIA (PSN) -- Three wins, all in Davisham, and one loss, in Avidia. Perhaps the 'Foxes will be looking to play all their knockout matches in the former-mentioned Krytenian city after a 2-0 win over Demot that propelled the Pacitalians into the knockouts with the Group B title to boot.
After watching the Aroras draw with the Warriors, 3-3, in Avidia, it was up to the Blue Foxes to secure victory to earn a berth in the knockouts. With a still-irate Sergei Saganyarov watching like a brutish black bear from the side bounds it was up to a slightly shaken Pacitalian squad to undo the damage of a 3-0 walloping at the hands of the Bettians. And, after forty-five minutes of nerves, the captain himself, returned to the starting eleven after concerns that he had suffered knee strain had passed, scored the go-ahead goal four minutes into the second half to produce victory.
It was Veranace d'Amantano's 45th international appearance as squad captain, and his 100th international cap overall, putting him in the rare position as a member of the so-called Century Club, an echelon of players occupied by few and desired by many. Numerous players have come close to this mark but have never reached it, for example, Starblaydi great Paul Noble had 96 before succumbing to retirement. The question begs when d'Amantano will retire; at 44 he is no longer the spring chicken he used to be. Yet, he still produces as many goals as there are chocolates in a candy store; leading the Pacitalians all-time with 58 goals as of tonight.
The Blue Foxes head to the quarterfinals to play defending champs Vilita & Turori in Aigburth; this is the Pacitalian squad's fourth-straight appearance in the last eight. Group rivals Bettia, who as mentioned, were left with a very bad taste in their mouths after drawing Milchama 3-3 and losing the group title at the last second to the Blue Foxes, will play Lamoni in Bradwell.
From Davisham, Krytenia:
Pacitalia 2 : 0 Demot
PAC: d'Amantano 49', Vunghiasso 68'
DMT: None
NEXT UP: PAC v VNT (QF), DMT v n/a (eliminated) |
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Hawks see knockout light at the end of H-bombed tunnel
Today's match against the overacheiving Nojikans was a must win for Lamoni, and boy did they EVER deliver with a 5-0 blowout. Beyond being one of Lamoni's biggest AOCAF wins (both in terms of score, and in knockout implications); this will silence any remaining international critics who might be talking dirty about Lamonian footballing prowess. The Hawks needed two straight wins to make it into the knockouts, and they got them. It's as simple as that.
The blowout win gives the Hawks the Group A title, and places them against Bettia in the knockouts. Lamoni hasn't played Bettia all that often in the AOCAF, but the Hawks will treat this upcoming match like they would any other important match... "Winning is the key." Taking a cue from the Myrtannians, the Hawks will be having a closed door practice session where they will presumably study ways to defeat the Arora offense. Unconfirmed rumors center around film study, having the reserves portray the Aroras while the starters play themselves, and other proven training methods. Will all of this work? No one knows. The most intense rumors fly around having the Hawks defense sit around their own goal in order to make it more difficult for the Bettian offense to wear them down. Still, we must emphasize that these are just rumors, and may or may not be true.
Getting to the Nojika game, Lamoni looked confident and in control from the start. They knew why they were there, and what they had to do. Then, they did it. Forward Christian Ludlow started the Lamonian scorefest with a goal at 45 seconds into the match, with a stunned Nojikan defense looking on. While we all know that Nojika can play the spoiler, they can also do much better than they have been doing. It is all a matter of will. Who has it, and how much. They didn't have it, and Lamoni did.
Guy Tomes scored the next two Lamonian goals, within a minute of each other. His first goal came on a header from a poorly blocked ball by the Nojikan keeper; it went off of the keeper's right shoulder, and shot back into play until Tomes headed it into the goal. The second came on a cross pass from Ludlow, which Tomes kicked into the upper right of the goal. The teams then faced each other off until the half, where the Hawks were feeling good about themselves.
After the half, the Hawks picked right up where they left off, and a defensive 'keep away' was put in play by Lamoni. Tiring of this towards the end of the match, Christian Ludlow scored two more goals, which ended any hope of a Nojikan comeback. Rowdy Eyas (Eyas is the name for a young Hawk... in this case the Eyas are Lamoni's answer to the Myrtannian Dryad's Army) waved Lamonian flags, and sang the national anthem so loudly that you couldn't hear anything over the stadium's PA system. They only got louder when the final gun went off, and they knew beyond doubt that the Hawks were going to the knockouts. Now all hinges on whether the Hawks can withstand Bettia, and possibly face Starblaydia after that.
Lamoni - 5 Christian Ludlow (45 sec, 80, 85), Guy Tomes (30, 31)
Nojika - 0 |
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Lamoni |
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Democratic Maniac |
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Ez-Pz
Brian Cahill reporting from the County Ground, Dereapolis.
I think it’s fair to say that certain demons from the past have now been exorcised. Back at AOCAF XIII, also in Krytenia, the Autocracy suffered a truly embarrassing tournament and eventually finished at the very bottom of the qualifying group. Several years on the experience in Krytenia has been considerably better as the Hyppos’ topped Group D with an undefeated record, a feat only Bettia in Group B could equal. In fact our tally of 10 points is higher than any other nation in the competition.
The group stage came to an end with a fixture against the Gnomes of Az-Cz. In their tournament preview some ignorant gnome labelled Hypocria as “not a huge threat”. Strange considering our record of only once failing to advance beyond the group stage, the aforementioned AOCAF XIII being that single failure. I wonder what that gnome now thinks looking at the Group D standings with the Hyppos at the top with a points tally of double figures and Az-Cz at the bottom with a big fat zero to their name. So who’s not a real threat now?
But as a nation we are incredibly generous so it was only right to give our already eliminated opponents something to cheer. And that’s exactly what defender Ryan Hunter did with a horribly short, ironic considering the opposition, attempted header back to the keeper and Stanleyinho nipped in and slotted the ball beyond the diving Lomaia. But the men in blue and white prevented a stern halftime telling off from the coach with two goals in the last four minutes of the half. The side from the Autocracy were always going to have a height advantage and they made it count when Morinas headed home Sousa’s corner to level the game. Two minutes later the second went in and again it was a set piece. Sousa won a freekick twenty five yards out and he rolled the ball across to Bassano whose shot through the crowd was deflected past the keeper.
The height advantage paid dividends again midway through the second half when young centreback Ocella beat the keeper to Razin’s inswinging corner and nodded into the empty net. But the blue and white army have been around long enough to know that their side always offer up chances to the opposition. At times the Hyppos’ defence can be as reliable as an Ashes batting lineup from a certain island nation and they showed their frailties yet again. Once more it was Stanleyinho who profited. As the defence backed off, the striker picked his spot and drove the ball past Lomaia. That goal set up a nervous end to the encounter but the Hyppos’ came through it to book their place in the knockout stages once again.
Hypocria 3 - 2 Az-Cz
Morinas
Bassano
Ocella
In the other group game, the game that decided the second qualifier, Starblaydia and Bazalonia fought out a seven goal thriller. Inevitably it was the Purple Peril who pulled back from the brink to secure second place.
The win over Az-Cz ensured Hypocria’s passage into the quarter final as group winners and an encounter with the Dryads of Myrtannia. And it’s a prospect that the coach no stranger to. “This is my third AOCAF as part of the coaching set-up and this is my third successive quarter final”, he told reporters. “We’ve gone out at this stage i the last two tournaments so I know just how horrible an experience that can be. It’s not something I want to experience again.”
Quarter Final Preview
Despite calls from some media’s concerning results in this tournament the final standings are pretty much as you’d expect. Indeed the eight remaining nations are in the region’s top nine sides. The most surprising absentee is the host nation Krytenia. Atlantian Oceania’s 6th ranked nation lost out after losing their final two group matches.
Lamoni (7) v Bettia (2)
The Aroras were the only other side to come through the qualification group stage undefeated. The all out attacking nature of the Verdana side saw them lift the trophy eight years ago in Bazalonia and finish third at the last tournament in Lamoni. The Hawks started off slowly in the group but finished with a real flourish to top Group A. The side from the Free Republic have been runners up twice in the last three competitions and will be looking to finally break that elusive duck this time around. But when they spout wisdom like “winning is the key” you have to wonder how they even got here in the first place.
Prediction: Hawks crash to earth.
Pacitalia (4) v Vilita & Turori (5)
The Blue Foxes generally looked strong in their group but were totally outclassed by Bettia in Group B’s big game. The defending champions had a similar record with only Nedalia taking points off them. But the Pacitalians have been going from strength to strength in recent tournaments whereas retaining a trophy is the most difficult challenge in football.
Prediction: Champs outfoxed.
Nedalia (3) v Starblaydia (1)
Now here’s a mouth watering match up. The Lions blew a 100% record in Group C with a surprising loss to the Lowland Clans on the final matchday. The Men in Mauve finished second in their group, having been outclassed on matchday 4, and were in genuine danger of missing the cut. But love them or, as is more common, loath them the Blaydis are a class act and came through. The Nedalians are three time beaten finalists while I think we all know the Starblaydi record and rumour has it, after several failed attempts, the Purple Peril are going all out to secure title number six.
Prediction: The Lion’s tamed.
Hypocria (8) v Myrtannia (9)
The Hyppos’ come into the quarter finals with the best record of any of the teams in the tournament and they face the lowest ranked side remaining. The Dryads on the other hand looked unlikely to make it this far and need an impressive win over the hosts to a secure their place. The sides have met once before, at AOCAF XIV in Bettia. Then the pundits couldn’t hide their smiles at the prospect of facing a team of girls but they and everybody else connected with the side came down to earth with a bump when the lowly Dryads held the Hyppos to a 1 - 1 draw. This time they’ll be taken much more seriously. And the Dryad camp seems a little chaotic at the moment with players sent home and a coach seemingly on the brink of unemployment. Although given the idiotic decision to play their reserves against Nojika she probably deserves it. All in all the Hyppos have a great chance. Now watch them throw it away.
Prediction: ?
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Manhattan Herald – 4th December 2006
Lloyd Hunter reports from AOCAF 17
Nojika get revenge to send Manhattan Prime packing!
Group A – Manhattan Prime 0:3 Nojika
22 min, 28 mins, 80 mins
Manhattan Prime’s final Group A match saw them face Nojika, a team Manhattan Prime defeated 2-1 in their only other professional game. Nojika got the ultimate revenge in Bradwell tonight, not only defeating the Manhattanites 3-0, but also eliminating them in bottom place from AOCAF 17.
With the only change to the team being the return of Michael Donavan for Enrique Costa in midfield, the Manhattanites started brightly with a very attacking formation, having after all, nothing to lose. The lack of pace in defense however made them vulnerable on the counterattack, as the Nojikan quickly exploited, scoring in the 22nd and 28th minutes.
That all but killed the match and nothing the Manhattan Prime team tried proved that affective – Williams hitting the bar in the 2nd half was the closest MP came to a goal, and when Nojika added a 3rd 10 minutes before time, it was all over.
Unable to match their exploits of AOCAF 17, Manhattan Prime find themselves going home this time with just the 1 point. However don’t worry Atlantian Oceania, we’ll be back next time to try again!
Manhattan Prime Team:
Clive Hilton (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)
David Williams (S)
Yos*ito Katakana (S)
No subs used.
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Dryads Upset Hypos in PKs, Champions Next
OUSEVALE, Krytenia - The last time Myrtannia played football on Krytenian soil, the Dryads went 1-0-4 in their inaugural AOCAF. In the years since, Myrtannia's been on the rise, gradually getting better with more experience. AOCAF XIV saw the former doormats go all the way to the semi-finals, after posting a respectable group stage record. That tournament also saw the last meeting between Hypocria and Myrtannia, a gritty 1-1 draw.
Hypocria may have exorcised the demons that had plagued them in group stages past, but Myrtannia wasn't going down without a fight. After bowing out to Pacitalia in Extra Time in AOCAF XVI, the Dryads were in danger of not getting to the knockouts at all this time. It took an impressive 2-0 win over host Krytenia to get the Dryads to the Quarterfinals, but their veteran leadership did the job.
Today, there were a lot of question marks about the Myrtannian side, and whether their startegy of closed practices in preparation for a specific opponent would work. Hypocria came into the match riding on a 3-1-0 record and a +5 goal differential. However, the Hypos were looking to reverse the fortunes that had seen them bow out in the Quarterfinals in each of the past two tournaments. Myrtannia was looking to reach the Semi-Finals for only the second time, and the first time since AOCAF XIV some 12 years ago.
The stands at Denbigh Park were packed, and the Dryads Army was there in full force to root for their team. Clad in their orange jersey kits, the Dryads looked very much focused on the task at hand. Having faced one do or die match, the Dryads were thrust into a second in a row against Hypocria.
"I won't lie, we were a bit nervous out there - it's not the easiest path in the knockouts to play a Hypocria side," midfielder Daisey Martignago told the press.
On paper, the match looked like a potential offensive duel, and that's not exactly what fans got. Myrtannia began the match as they did against Krytenia, falling back to defensive positions in order to try and wear down the Hypocrians. It didn't seem to work at first, as the Hypos cut through early and got a clear shot at Rosario Zlotnik and the goal. Carlo Molinari put it in to put Hypocria up 1-0, and it seemed like maybe the Hypos' fortunes might finally be turning around.
Yet after that, the strategy started working, as the Dryads defense shut the door for the remainder of regulation. While the Hypos would take more shots on goal, they wouldn't get any more of those in during the initial 90 minutes. Orpha Mega, Tamar Ristaino and Charolotte Marrington confounded the opposition by making excellent tackles, intercepting passes, and generally making life miserable for the Hypocrian strikers. The defensive stand continued until half time, and Hypocria led 1-0 going into the lockers. Coach Gabino didn't seem the least concerned by the scoreline, and even expressed confidence in the Dryads' ability to get back into the swing of things in the second half.
"We're going to turn this around, just wait," Gabino said before heading to the lockers.
The second half opened with the same defensive mindset that the Dryads employed against Krytenia in a 2-0 QF bid clincher. Gradually, the Hypos seemed to lose their grip on ball control, and twenty minutes into the half, the signal for the Dryads blitz was given. Taking possession from the Hypos, Myrtannia charged forward with all of its strikers, and began to assail the Hypocrian goalkeeper. It didn't take long for the equaliser to go in.
September Rollock fired off a shot from the left corner of the box, which Alexei Lomaia dove to keep out of the net. After sucessfully deflecting the shot, he didn't have time to recover as Roz Gabino connected on a diving header that put the ball in the net. To the background sounds of a roaring ovation, the Dryads had pulled equal at 1-1. For the rest of the half, neither side was able to get the advantage, as both defenses performed admirably.
Full Time ended with a 1-1 scoreline, so it was on to Extra Time, a place Myrtannia had only been twice in their AOCAF history. The first was in the Ro16, a win over ASMV in AOCAF XVI in which Dania Figary scored an Extra Time hat trick to get the win. The second was a loss in the Quarterfinals to the boogey foxes of Pacitalia, sending Myrtannia home early. Now, it was a second Quarterfinals Extra Time thriller, in which both sides tried their hardest to get the lead for good.
Myrtannia kept up its attack in the first period of Extra Time, pushing all five members of the Strikers Squadron up the pitch. When they were joined by Martignago, the Dryads finally found their opening. Myong Tuman got the ball from Martignago, then passed it off to Gabino, who spotted team captain Dania Figary open on the other side of the box. A well aimed cross later and Figary launched one of her trademark sicssor kicks at the goal. The ball sailed past Lomaia, and Myrtannia went up 2-1 in Extra Time, looking like they might win an extra night's stay in Krytenia after all.
After the next break, Hypocria came back with a vengeance, looking desperately for an equaliser to avoid being sent home after the Round of 8 for a third straight time. Myrtannia fell back into defensive positions, but Hypocria was too determined to be stopped this time. The Hypos got a close call when a shot nearly got into the upper right corner before Rosario Zlotnik knocked it away and out of bounds. Hypocria got a corner kick, and made the most of it with a beautiful corner that resulted in a header slipping past Zlotnik. This tied the match again at 2-2, and the remaining few minutes of play in Extra Time wound down with Myrtannia charging again, trying to get a winner.
After the Hypo defense held, it was on the Penalties for the first time in Myrtannia's history. Rosario Zlotnik, new to the starting keeper position for the national team, would be tested in a way Flo Krabel never had. First up for Hypocria was Alex Sousa, who got one into the upper right corner after faking out Zlotnik. Myrtannia sent up September Rollock, who booted one past Lomaia to even the Penalties out. Then, Carlo Molinari stepped up and scooted another past Zlotnik, making it 2-1 Hypocria. Myong Tuman responded with a penalty of her own, then Victor Morinas (HYP) and Roz Gabino (MYR) followed suit. It sat at 3-3 in penalties.
That was when Zlotnik slammed the door, neatly knocking away Adam Bassano's shot to keep the score even. Daisey Martignago had her shot blocked by Lomaia, and it was still 3-3. Hypocria's final shooter, Nicky Baxter, took a shot that was deflected on a miraculous leap by Zlotnik, which sent the Dryads Army into a frenzy. All the hopes of the Dryads rested with their captain, Dania Figary. The most expreienced Myrtannian striker took a couple deep breaths, then approached the box. As the Army quited down for her, she faked to the right, then sent the ball left - here's the AIR 4 call:
"Figary steps up to the top of the box. The Dryads captain and all-time leading scorer now has a simple duty - convert and she wins it for Myrtannia, miss and we're headed to more penalties. It's deathly silent in the Dryads Army.. they want her to focus... Figary motions right, kicks left - IT'S IN!! Dania Figary has won the match for Myrtannia! The Dryads are headed for the Semi-Finals!"
After converting the penalty, the entire Dryads team stormed the pitch and mobbed Figary, celebrating the biggest win since AOCAF XIV for Myrtannia. It punched their ticket to the Semi-Finals for the second time ever. After 12 long years of waiting, the Dryads Army will finally see their team compete in the last four.
"It's an amazing feeling right now, to be this deep in the tournament. Now we've got to shift our attention to the defending champions," Dania Figary explained at the post-match press conference.
That leads us to the big news beyond the win - Myrtannia's semi-finals match is against defending AOCAF champion Vilita & Turori. It's a tall order to face the team that not only won the cup against Lamoni on the Hawks' home turf, but also defeated the talented Blue Foxes of Pacitalia 3-2 in their Quarterfinal match. Yet history may give the Dryads a chance - Myrtannia has only faced a Vilitan team twice, and only once in a knockout environment. The last meeting was a 1-1 draw in the group stage of AOCAF XVI. Their only knockout meeting was a huge 3-0 upset by Myrtannia over the Vilitans in the Round of 16 in AOCAF XIV.
Despite that, the team intends to approach this match with a strategy specifically tailored to Vilita & Turori. The Dryads will practice in yet another top secret, closed doors environment, and watch video of this AOCAF's V&T side. Their practices will focus on ways to exploit any chinks in the champions' armor, and on finding a way to turn that exploitation into a win. Whatever happens, it should be a very good match.
Meanwhile, our friends Lamoni defeated the Bettia Aroras surprisingly easy, to the tune of 3-0. They will face Starblaydia in the Semi-Finals, as the Purple Peril knocked Nedalia out in their Quarterfinal match, 1-0 . Lamoni has a dubious record against the Men in Muave, but might this be their chance to win? History seems to suggest not. But anything might happen when you're talking about the Semi-Finals.
For now, Myrtannia will be focusing only on their Semi-Final, readying themselves with their showdown against Vilita & Turori.
The final from Denbigh Park:
Myrtannia 1-1 Hypocria (2-2 AET, 4-3 PK)
(Gabino 65', Figary 101', Molinari 10', Sousa 117')
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Dec 6 2006, 10:43 PM |
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Jinx Strikes Again
Brian Cahill reporting from Denbigh Park, Ousevale.
The quarter finals have been and gone so naturally the Hyppos (note that second ‘p’) are on the plane home. The men in blue and white haven’t got past this stage for twenty something years and that bad run wasn’t destined to end against Myrtannia. It was 1 - 1 after ninety minutes and 2 - 2 after extra time before the lottery of a penalty shootout loomed large. In the end the coach’s son Nicky was the villain of the piece as his missed kick sent the nation crashing out.
Hypocria 2 - 2 Myrtannia (aet) (3 - 4 on penalties)
Molinari
Sousa
It’s a third straight quarter final exit for the Hyppos (there’s that second ’p’ again) but there were some positives. The side performed admirably in the group stages under the new Chavez/Baxter coaching partnership, culminating in the win over Starblaydia, and Carlo Molinari signed off his international career with a goal against the Dryads, his 14th AOCAF goal. Who knows, perhaps AOCAF 18 (XVIII for roman numeral fans) will see an end to the quarter final hoodoo.
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