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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > AOCAF 15 RP Thread


Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 13 2006, 04:23 AM
A pamphlet produced for the AOCAF 15

QUOTE


Stadium 1*
TeleBaz Stadium, the nations largest and most spectactular piece of sporting archetecture in Fauxhan. A number of Bazalope Statues adorn the stadiums forecourts and facade. It seats an impressive 85 thousand persons and has great facilities for both the spectators as well as fully fitted changing rooms including closed circuit television showing the field and current TV broadcasts.

Stadium 2*
SeaBazalope Arena which is in the city of Cantinople boasts a total of 40,000 seats, and will be used for all group matches. Sitting in an ideal location, right in the centre of Cantinople and what seams only metres away from the cities famous beaches the SeaBazalope Arena is certainly a nice place to visit

Stadium 3*
Drago Soccer Field(DSF) situated in the city of Drago containing a total of 39,000 seats. The DSF is the only 'field' that is managed by the BFSA. Actually containing a fully equiped stadium around it the DSF has been a sporting institution in Bazalonia for as long as anyone can remember

Stadium 4*
Stadium Verona situatied in the idealic city of Hughestown which was founded on a plataeu near an ancient, now dead, Volcano - Mt Hughes, Stadium Verona boasts a 45,000 seat capacity and is the highest major sports field in the nation. Stadium Verona is also a multi-sport stadium that is constantly re-marked to contain whatever sport is comming. So players may get confused. Stadium Verona is sponsored by Verona Inc. Makers of fine quality Bazalonian cars. Check them out.

Stadium 5*
Via Voleta Dome was the nations biggest stadium until TeleBaz Stadium and CBBC Dome. It is located in Pinksford and has 55,000 places for the crowd to park their behinds and watch the game. Pinksford is a very frindly town but also have very strict ideas about what is acceptible behaviour. Expect to end up the night in jail if your celebrations get too boistrous.

Stadium 6*
Trevton City Enclosed Field as the name suggests is in Trevton city, it contains a total of 30,000 seats and is the only stadium/arena/dome/field that is not directly controlled by the BFSA however Trevton city does a great job at making sure this field is up there with the best that this nation has to offer.

Stadium 7*
CBBC Dome in Woolgolga was constructed especially for the Baptism of Fire and was financially supported by the Allanean-based firm Cute Bunny Burgers Corp, which has CBBC markings plastered all over the walls and on the field of this stadium. In addition the Bazalonian arm of the companies security division will be responsible for security once inside any and all stadiums used during the BoF. It contains a total of 75,000 seats and is only outseated by the nations crowning glory of a stadium. The TeleBaz Stadium.

Stadium 8*
Georgetown Nova Stadium, 54 thousand seating capacity stadium in the highest altitude stadium in Bazalonia. It's cooler and has been known to have snow on it in winter. But it  isn't winter but there are cold nights. Bring warm clothes.

*Please note: The numbers listed here will be used during official BFSA releases to denote which teams play where.

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 13 2006, 05:31 AM
Matchday 1 will start Monday afternoon Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Sunday night in the US.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 13 2006, 01:39 PM
Once more into the breach with the Starblaydi
Blue Foxes drawn in same group as purple and gold for the third time in four AOCAFs

The Blue Foxes find themselves in an outstanding group for AOCAF15 in Bazalonia, but once again analysts are surprised at the odd luck Pacitalia has in drawing in with Starblaydia nearly each time the AOCAF has been held over the last four years. And each time the two meet it has produced a spectacular match that has never ended in anything but a draw.

The 11th ranked Pacitalians are facing inevitable rematches with those Starblaydi, but also with the Myrtannians, who they beat 2-1 last year in the AOCAF14 third-place playoff. The Blue Foxes are now looking to emulate the successes of last year with a retooled squad that sees one of Pacitalia's brightest footballers return from a international-level drug suspension to be in the best shape of his life while the always dangerous duo of Il Capitano and The Magician return to wreak havoc on the Blue Foxes' opponents.

Pacitalia will also face Milchama and the Islands of Qutar in Group B, the latter of which is playing its first AOCAF Championship. Outside of Group B, it is interesting to note that the Bazalonian group draws have created very evenly-balanced groups: there is no actual Group of Death in the 15th AOCAF. Each group appears to have two perennial footballing powers, one or two mid-range squads and a newcomer, which will actually make it tougher for the lesser-ranked teams to advance in the face of the qualifying-ready powers.

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 13 2006, 11:41 PM
Back to War on the Pitch: Dryads Return For AOCAF XV

BAZALONIA - It's that time again, football fans: the fifteenth edition of the AOCAF is upon us, the third in which Myrtannia has participated. This time, it's difficult to tell just how the Dryads will do, whether they'll surprise people or fall behind the progress made in AOCAF XIV. So, without further ado, let us discuss the draw for Group Verona, AKA Group 2.

Starblaydia - Reigning 5-time AOCAF champions, the Purple Powerhouse is finally ranked atop the Atlantian Oceania rankings, replacing lethargic Vilita. The Dryads are 1-0-2 all time against the Starblaydis, but pulled out a huge 2-1 win in the group stage in AOCAF XIV. Myrtannia will certainly be looking to repeat that result, rather than the 1-5 loss in the semis to the same squad. Expect a Starblaydi victory in a potentially hard-fought match.

Pacitalia - Though they only have one more AOCAF's experience than Myrtannia, the Blue Foxes are a perrenial tournament power. Not in the same regard as Starblaydia yet, but they did finish third in AOCAF XIV. Myrtannia is 0-0-2 against them, losing 0-5 (AOCAF XIII) and 1-2 (Third place match, AOCAF XIV). This time, however, it could be a close loss or a draw. Don't expect a victory in this one just yet.

Milchama - The Israelis are an enigma; will they remain consistent, or be more traditionally inconsistent? Myrtannia has improved by leaps and bounds, and had a 1-1 tie versus Milchama in AOCAF XIV, their only meeting to date, good for a 0-1-0 record against the Israelis. Our prediction: Myrtannia defeats Milchama for the first time.

Islands of Qutar - A newcomer to AOCAF, this will be the doormat nation of Group Verona. Myrtannia will probably squash them in the first meeting between the two nations.

There we have it: a balanced group in which the Dryads figure to finish third, behind Starblaydia and Pacitalia in that order. If Myrtannia can get lucky and pick off Starblaydia again, which is unlikely, they might finish second behind the Blue Foxes. That said, the Dryads have reconfigured their defense a bit to try and add a little more protection for veteran goalkeeper Flo Krabel. The additions of Tamar Ristaino and Charolette Marrington should help, though only the match play will tell.

The keys for Myrtannia in AOCAF XV will be the midfield, which absolutely must hold on better on defense, and help out the forwards more on offense, and the forwards. Myrtannia's front line of Figary/Massetti/Rollock/Gabino figures to be very dangerous for opposing defenses, and could do a lot of damage if unchecked. Now that all of them have AOCAF experience, it could be a very fun team to watch.

"Our front line girls will score, and if our defense can hold back enough attacks, we could well challenge the field and go into the latter stages of the knockouts again," said head coach America McNany.

New defensive coach Filiberto Nedina added, "Our chief concern this time around is using an improved defense to create more ball control. Through controlling the ball more, we create more attacks, and through that we get more goals. Just need to have that killer instinct."

These Dryads look to have at least hints of killer instinct, based upon the last pre-AOCAF practices we saw. Time and matches will determine whether they can repeat the amazing Cinderella run of AOCAF XIV that saw them reach the semis in their first trip to the knockouts, or if their run will end earlier than the semis. Myrtannia looks good to reach the knockout stage for a second consecutive time, and after that, anything is possible. Whatever happens, we'll be there to cover it, and it should be loads of fun to watch.

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya Jul 15 2006, 12:14 AM
Necromancers Ready For Magical Run

Group BazAir aka Group #3

05 Bettia
09 Bedistan
16 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
20 Bazalonia
27 Dorian & Sonya


Queen Sonya looke over the group draw that the Necromancers had been given for AOCAF XV. One things stood out. Those damnable Dragons from ASMV were in yet another group with the athletes of the Sylvanaes Kingdom. Oh well. That just means we will have to beat them yet again.

The other sides drawn into the group were of more concern to the Queen. Everyone knew that ASMV tended to choke when qualifying for an AOCAF was on the line. It was the “Killer Bs” of the group that needed to be watched. Bettia, Bedistan, and Bazalonia. (Say that three times real fast).

With the top four sides moving on from Group BazAir, it is nearly safe to say that we can move past ASMV for one of them, But how will things actually work out?

Bettia and Bedistan should fight it out for the top spot while Bazalonia and Ourselves move past those overrated choke-artists from ASMV. Until they prove they can move on from the group stages, we will feel confidant we can do this.

1. Bettia
2. Bedistan
3. Bazalonia
4. Dorian and Sonya
5. ASMV

(Now - How many of you could say it without screwing it up. Try again. Anyone who says they did LIED or spoke really slowly biggrin.gif)

Posted by: Bettia Jul 15 2006, 10:46 AM
Spirits were high in the Blessed Realm. After watching their thrilling 31-17 victory over Virginia Nova in the NS Gridiron Cup, the channel on the Pie and Pixie's big screen was hurridly flicked over to catch the end of the group draw for AOCAF 15.

"Where are we? Where are we?" Ali asked frantically.

"Put yer bloody glasses on and you'll see it. We're in Group 3 - sponsored by BazAir, getting you to Bazalonia and back!"

"Pardon?"

"Don't blame me, that's what it says. Group BazAir."

"Well let's hope the goals fly in for us!"

George groaned. "Have you found your specs yet?"

"No. I must've left em at home."

"That'd explain why you kept cheering for the wrong team."

"Yes, quite. anyway, who have we got?"

"Let's see... first we got Bedistan."

"Bedistan? It's always nice to start with a local derby, isn't it? Who next?"

"Dorian and Sonya."

"Ooh. That's a bit tough. Them Necromancers can beat anyone on their day. And after that?"

"Bazalonia."

"The hosts? Typical - we always seem to be getting the hosts nowadays. Well, apart from the ice hockey, that is. Ah well. And who's after that?"

"Andossa Se Mitrin Vega."

"Oooh."

"That's exactly what I said, but without the girlish 'oooh'. Should be interesting, huh?"

"I'll say. That's a pretty interesting draw. Let's see what the journos are saying... oh, there's not much news in this paper today, is there?"

"Um, George?"

"Yes?"

"That's a napkin."


Fixtures:

MD1: BETTIA vs. Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA vs. Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA vs. Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA vs. Andoss Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Fild, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio

Posted by: Lamoni Jul 15 2006, 04:39 PM
Once more into the breach, dear friends

Lamoni is ready to avenge it's AOCAF XIV finals loss to Starblaydia here in AOCAF XV. If you might remember, that game went into extra time, where the Starblaydis won it. Regardless, second is the best AOCAF result that a Lamonian team has yet had; even if it does leave something to be desired.

Lamoni has been cast into the ever interesting Group TeleBaz (Group 1), with such nations as Nedalia, Nojika, Legalese, and Manhattan Prime making this a somewhat predictable group. Still, there are always surprises, and you have to play the matches to determine who the best is.

Shall we move on to our group predictions now?

NEDALIA - This is the team that our analysts think that the Hawks will be battling it out for first place in the group with. Given the very friendly relations between Lamoni and Nedalia, this will probably just be seen as a friendly rivalry by both squads. While Nedalia has done very well indeed in the AOCAF standings, the Hawks haven't been doing too bad either. This one could come down to the Lamoni - Nedalia match (to determine first place in the group).

NOJIKA - Lamoni has played Nojika a few times before, and has done pretty well. Given the disparity in the rankings, most of our analysts think that Lamoni will win this game, but we are always wary of surprises.

Legalese - This is the first time in memory that Lamoni and Legalese have met on the AOCAF green, and the Hawks should make their impact felt in this game. We also think that this team will upset Nojika.

Manhattan Prime - This will be the first time that Lamoni will have faced Manhattan Prime, but the analysts feel that Lamoni should have this game in the bag as well.

Looking at our group overall, Lamoni should have a really good time unless something breaks down really, really drastically for the Hawks.

Let's look at how the analysts think that the group standings will look when all is said and done:

1. Lamoni
2. Nedalia
3. Legalese
4. Nojika
5. Manhattan Prime

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 16 2006, 04:05 AM
Reclaiming Past Glories


Several years ago the Autocracy withdraw from all international sports competitions. All? Well not quite all. We couldn’t walk away from the AOCAF. Not with priceless regional bragging rights at stake. Not to mention it’s the only tournament in which we can describe ourselves as former winners. Fixture congestion has meant the Hyppos have come into the past couple of competitions somewhat knackered. But with no World Cup to worry about now, the men in blue and white are rested and relaxed and ready for battle.



AOCAF Preview

Group 1

The beaten finalists in the past two tournaments come face to face in Group Telebaz as the Hawks of Lamoni take on the Lions of Nedalia. Both should qualify with ease. Advancing with them should be veterans Legalese and the ever underrated Nojika. Debutants Manhatten Prime will have their work cut out to avoid the wooden spoon.

Group 2

Starblaydia bla bla. 27 time AOCAF champions bla bla. Current holders bla bla. So on and so forth. Pacitalia should be the Purple Peril’s closet challengers after their third place finish four years ago. If they’re to have any chance of advancing from Group Verona the Islands of Qutar will need good results against Milchama and Mrytannia. But the Warriors have a decent AOCAF record while the Dryads have proven themselves to be no pushovers in the past.

Group 3

Perhaps the most fascinating of the groups is Group BazAir. Expect goals, goals and more goals when the Aroras of Bettia get going. Meanwhile former World Champions Bedistan will be looking to put right a distinctly average AOCAF record. Add to the mix the hosts. Bazalonia who will be looking to see just how far their vocal home support will take them. Did we mention Andossa Se Mitrin Vega? No? Well the talented Sea Dragons are in their too. As are those Necromancers from Dorian and Sonya. This one is much to close to call.

Group 4

Krytenia are the top seeds in Group Baza Publishing but like a number of big names on the world stage they’ve not achieved a whole lot in the AOCAF. A third place finish 32 years ago is as good as it’s got for the hosts of the first ever AOCAF tournament. And then there’s Hypocria. After a couple of poor tournaments the Hyppos' have dropped down to tenth in the rankings so some upward movement would be very nice. If there was an award for the world’s greatest underachiever it would have to go to the Lowland Clans. They’ve seemingly been around forever but the Clansmen have achieved . . . well nothing really. They should however be too good for Oliverry and Hiiraan who will be left fighting to avoid last place.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Jul 16 2006, 12:50 PM
Not This Damnable Tourney Again

ASMV has cruised up the world rankings in the WC, but that has not been the case in the AOCAF. Despite being ranked 16th in the region, we have no illusions of granduer for this thing.

3 tourneys ago the ASMV B squad - now called the River Dragons defeated Starblaydia only to see those purple bastards steal the qualification spot from us on the final day.

2 tourneys ago it was much the same as ASMV held onto a spot until the final day, only to be leap-frogged by Bazalonia.

Last tourney was a little better. The River Dragons did qualify before bowing out after just one match without even a wimper.

So what does all that say of our chances this time around? Well, we are going to pick the River Dragons to win the whole damn thing. That's right. You heard it here first. And probably the only time you will hear it. The River Dragons will be AOCAF XV Champions.

Oh. Yeah. Reality Check. We just hope we can avoid a dead last finish in this thing. With Bettia, Bazalonia, Bedistan, and Dorian and Sonya that will be an accomplishment all by itself.

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 16 2006, 07:03 PM
"And Welcome to the BazSports AOCAF 15 Round Up, Let's have a look at all the teams that are vying to be the 15th AOCAF Champion. We'll start with Group
TeleBaz, of course sponsored by the national landline and mobile phone communications carrier TeleBaz."

"Let's start with Nedalia"

An image of the Nedalian roster appeared on the Screen.

"2nd in the region, only Starblaydia is above them but have Vilita nipping at their heels. They are expected to make it to the finals but in soccer you never know a team like Mrytannia or even out very own Bazalopes might just cause an upset."

"Lamoni, *roster appears* our allies and very good friends. 8th in the region and are expected to perform very well. They have a good chance to make it to the semi-finals but might also make the finals."

"Nojika, barely ranked above Bazalonia, the team that took up the last spot in the third seedings pot for the draw. Despite the thrid seed, not much is expected of them. Their FA have not even posted a roster. They may well find themselves with the wooden spoon if they are not careful."

"Legalese, a nation of lawyers, why these lawyers are so interested in soccer is anyones guess but they will try their best and there may be a writ or two coming out of them. They should make the knock-out round but probably would fail at the Round of 16 or the quarter finals."

"Manhattan Prime, A new nation to the AOCAF and they will most likely struggle against Nojika to avoid thwe wooden spoon and an early elimination from the tournament."

"Now onto Group Verona, Sponsored by the Bazalonian Car company Verona Inc, Makers of Automobiles for all occasions, featuring The Prospero. We'll start with Starblaydia."

The picture of the Starblaydi roster appears

"All teams are going to find it hard against the Powerhouse of Purple that is the Starblaydi AOCAF squad. Starblaydia are also favourites for a 6th straight run at the title and a guaranteed spot at the top of the AOCAF table for the next AOCAF."

"Pacitalia, *image of the Pacitalian roster appears* ranked 11 in the word Pacitalia is going to have a hard slog to gain any points against the Blur of Purple that is Starblaydia. The only question now is, how many points it can get against the others in the group."

"Milchama, the Jewish warriors might have a bit of trouble with the rest of the group. Mrytannia is a strong team and getting stronger and looking at their World Cup performance so far. Island of Qutar is not a team to take lightly. They may just end up in last position with both Mrytannia and Islands of Qutar overtaking them."

"Mrytannia, *roster appears*a team that could very well pull an upset against Milchama and Pacitalia but Starblaydia in our opinion is still a too powerful force for them to take the championship. They'll most likely finish above their seeding."

"Islands of Qutar, Another new team, the 2nd of three. Islands of Qutar is a powerful team in the World Cup but here in Atlantian Oceania is another matter all together. They may be able to over throw some of the weaker established teams but they will need to spend this time getting used to the AOCAF, it's very different to the World Cup and they may struggle because of that."

"And now onto Group BazAir, sponsored by The national Airline Carrier BazAir. It also happens to be the Group where our very own BazaB team is. However we will start off with Bettia."

*image of roster appears*

"The first seeds in BazAir and ranked 5 in the world. Bettia's all attacking and no-defense mantra will most likely cause all Bettian games to be high-scoring. The only question is what is going to be the biggest score? Though Bettia is not going to have it all their own way."

"Bedistan, The Bedistani team is a team that demands respect whether in the World Cup or here in the AOCAF, It is unknown just how well the Bedistani's will do but with the tight group that is group BazAir all we know is anything is possible."

"Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, The Vegan's are going to have their work cut out for them as a recent slump and teams like our BazaB team and the Dorian & Sonyan Necromancers nipping at their heels."

"Bazalonia, Yep that's us. The highest ranked 4th seed, we expect to make good ground against the Vegans and may even upset Bedistan, we think Bettia is too far out of our league to make a difference all we know this is going to be the hardest group everyone is going to struggle to survive. At least no one can claim we rigged the draw. We hope that we could at least make it to the quarter finals if not the semis."

"Dorian & Sonya, The only 5th seeded team that has played in the AOCAF before. They may take the wooden spoon but it is just as likely for any of the group to take the wooden spoon. We are that close."

"And now Finally onto Group Baza Publishing, publishers of Fine Books such as 'Trevor Hunt and the Immortal Stone', 'Trevor Hunt and the Dungeon of Doom' and finally 'Trevor Hunt and the Secret of Penzance'. We'll start with Krytenia"

"Ranked Sixth in the region, the Stars the limit for Krytenia. We are expecting the Krytenians to face no real opposition until the later stages of the knockout round in the semi's where we think they will come to an end of their AOCAF campaign. The Hypocrians may manage an upset win but they should still remain first at the end of the first round."

"Hypocria, having bad luck in the World Cup is common for this respectfully placed team (rank 10), the only question is will it continue to happen in the AOCAF? They should still, even with the well known 'Hypocrian Luck' still make it easily through to the 2nd round. Where they go from there is anyone's guess."

"The Lowland Clans, the other potential, but unsuccesful, host for this AOCAF, ranked 12th in the world Hypocria and Krytenia will have to perform well to keep this team from over taking them. There should not be any problem with them making the 2nd round and they may just make the quarter finals too"

"Oliverry not much else to say but these French-speaking people may just get the wooden spoon and if they don't they probably would be quickly evicted as soon as the 2nd round started. They have a rank of 24 in the region."

"Hiiraan expected to take the wooden spoon for this group and will only evade this by a surprising good performance by themselves and a surprisingly bad performance by Oliverry."

"That's it for now. And the matches are only hours away. Stay tuned for live coverage of the matches as they occur and a synopsis of the days matches soon. BazSports, the nations home of Soccer."

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 16 2006, 08:02 PM
OOC: Scores for MD1 Posted http://www.3wideracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1525&view=findpost&p=14322

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 16 2006, 09:00 PM
"BazaB Struggles Against the River Dragons" by Nev Gould

There was alot of talk about the "above seed" position that the Bazalonian BazaB team would enjoy by both national and international media, particularily noticing the Dorian and Sonyan's "Magical Run" article. However the BazaB's failed to take the most of the Most likely nation for them to beat. The Andossa Se Mitrin Vegan River Dragons. The BazaB's failed to get a goal in the back of the net and Paul Kanga let 2 Vegan goals through.

Richard Elete, the BazaB's main striker had one good opportunity when a Vegan Defender forgot they where in the penalty zone and fouled Richard as he was preparing to strike. However the shot went way too high and flew over the goal and into the crowd behind the goal.

One of the spectators a Bazalonian, was injured as the ball flew into the persons nose and broke it. The Ambulance was called but unfortunately that was not the only injury in the match, Michaela Dent was injured in the 53rd minute and Adam Rocherford was replaced. The injury was sustained as when Michaela went into slide to tackle a Vegan mid-fielder she started the slide in the wrong position. She did major to her calf muscle muscle Michaela is going to be out for the next 2 matches.

The Vegan's scored 2 goals but there was another couple of shots that could have been added to the Bazalonian humiliation on home soil but Simon Gilliard and Andrew Jakings combined to shut down those opportunities. The BazaB's now languish at the bottom of the BazAir group with Bedistan also being just ahead of them as they lost 2-1 to the offensive powerhouse of Bettia.

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 16 2006, 09:07 PM
Back in Action, Dryads Tie Warriors
Myrtannia still both undefeated and winless vs. Milchama

HUGHESTOWN, Bazalonia - After a four-year hiatus, the Myrtannia Dryads picked up right where they left off in the AOCAF group stage as play opened up today. In a group that seems to be fairly well set up for predictions of who shall advance to the Round of 16, Myrtannia is expected to finish probably third in the group. Possibly fourth. Today, the Dryads repeated the same kind of result they most often saw at this stage in AOCAF XIV - a draw.

Once again, the opponent was Milchama, and once again, neither team could figure out how to take down the other. The match opened with the presentation of the national flags and anthems, during which the Myrtannian contingent at Stadium Verona seemed respectful enough. After that, they too picked up where they had left off. Noisy, rowdy, waving flags, wearing orange and sometimes blue, the Dryads Army seemed to have grown in size from AOCAF XIV.

When the match finally got underway, the Warriors managed to dampen their spirits somewhat. As is usual for a Myrtannian side, the opponents scored first, with the first goal coming 30 minutes in off of a free kick that nudged its way past Flo Krabel. With the scoreline Milchama 1 - 0 Myrtannia, the Warriors wouldn't rest, and found the net again right before the half, putting them up 2-0. Hardly the performance the Dryads had been hoping for.

"I kept thinking, 'haven't I seen this all before? It was like a bad dream replaying itself," assistant coach Rachell Gabino told the press, "We always seem to fall behind in the first half of things."

"It was about time to get something going, and I didn't want to see us start off our AOCAF campaign with a loss. So, like usual, I went into that locker room and busted some ears, trying to motivate the players to get right back in this," coach America McNany added.

As before in AOCAF XIV, the halftime talk seemed to work wonders, as the Dryads came out as a whole new football team. The defense, touted as having improved since AOCAF XIV, held the line whenever the Warriors tried to cut in during the second. Orpha Mega and Charolette Marrington in particular counfounded the Warriors' offensive efforts, and this indeed created opportunities for the offense to do its part for the orange and blue.

After playing a defensive twenty minutes, the Dryads went on the attack again, controlling the ball and looking for some daylight. It took a bit, but finally, there seemed to be some. Deeann Massetti had the ball, and was charging for the goal when two Milchaman defenders shot forward to stop her. In the blink of an eye, Massetti had passed the ball over to captain Dania Figary, who took the shot and hammered the ball into the upper right corner of the goal. All of the sudden, the crowd had a game on its hands, the scoreline at Milchama 2 - 1 Myrtannia.

"It was good, but it wasn't enough. We didn't have a whole lot of time left, and we needed an equaliser," Figary said after the match.

After the first goal, the Dryads continued to control the ball, and took several well-aimed shots that either deflected off a bar or were saved by the Warriors' goalkeeper. Finally, a long shot by September Rollock was narrowly blocked away from the goal and sent out of bounce after ricocheting off a Milchaman defender. It was time for a corner kick, and Daisey Martignago was only too happy to oblige. Martingago took in the situation, then moved up and put the ball into play - right over to teammate Rozalynn Gabino.

Gabino managed to outleap her Milchaman counterpart and head the ball into the goal. With a roar from the Dryads Army, Myrtannia got its equaliser. No further goals were to be scored, but the Dryads remained on the attack for most of what remained of the match. The last five minutes saw three near-misses that could have won the match for Myrtannia.

"It felt bad to miss 'em, but we'll certainly take a draw any day of the week in AOCAF play. It's better than a loss," Rollock stated, "The fewer losses we record, the better chance of getting into the last 16 is. If we can play with the same intensity we did in the second half for an entire match, we can probably compete with anybody."

The draw places the Drayds comfortably in contention for a knockout round fixture, as they sit at second place in Group Verona. Of course, it's only been one matchday, as well. As the Dryads themselves proved in AOCAF XIV, anything is possible. In the other in-group match, defending champion Starblaydia made a statement by butchering the Pacitalian national side 6-0. An impressive start for the top-ranked team in the region, and raises the question of whether anyone can stop them.

Mrytannia has a bye on Matchday Two, which they'll spend preparing for their next group match - another rematch with the purple powerhouse, Starblaydia. It's unclear just how these Dryads will do against the defending champions. Surely, Starblaydia's offense is monstrous - anyone who manages to score 6 on last AOCAF's third place winner has to be - but the most they've ever scored against Myrtannia is 4. That was the heartbreaking 1-4 loss in the semi-finals of AOCAF XIV. The only other times the two sides have faced one another were in group stage matches. One was a 0-2 victory for Starblaydia in AOCAF XIII, the other was the upset 2-1 Myrtannian win in the last AOCAF.

If Myrtannia's defense can keep up the intensity for 90 minutes, the Dryads might be able to force a draw with the champs. Victory doesn't seem to be likely, so expect Myrtannia to push for an even score ending to the match. However, if they find any openings, you can be sure they'll take them. Any of the Dryads forwards can score when given the opportunity, and if they get one against Big Purple especially, they'll eagerly take it.

With the way the rest of the group is turning out, it seems like Myrtannia might have an outside chance of finishing second in Group Verona. If they avoid losing too badly to Starblaydia, and defeat the staggering Pacitalians and the newcomer Islands of Qutar, the Dryads could certainly have a chance at pulling it out. A loss to Starblaydia, draw with Pacitalia, and win vs. Qutar might also see the Dryads through to the next round. Qutar remains an unknown entity, having never entered the AOCAF before.

Whatever happens, AIR 4 and the Dryads Army will be there to support the Myrtannia Dryads as they quest for a second straight knockout berth!

The final from Stadium Verona in Hughestown:

Myrtannia 2 - 2 Milchama
(Figary 67, Gabino 80) (30, 45)

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 16 2006, 11:53 PM
Massacre at Stadium Three
Blue Foxes definitely not at top of their game in Purple Peril slaughter

DRAGO, BAZALONIA (PSN) -- Pacitalia and Starblaydia have opened their AOCAFs against each other three times in the last four championships. In the last two the Blue Foxes held their opponents to two draws, one 2:2, the other 1:1. And recently, in the Puntafora Football Invitational the two squads drew for a third time. However, it appears the Starblaydi were many times more frustrated about the continuous deadlock than the Pacitalian players, for they took their rage out on an unsuspecting and half-arsed-looking Blue Fox squad for a 6-0 drubbing to open the 15th AOCAF in Bazalonia.

Pacitalia's offence was literally non-existent in this opening match, proving it takes a lot more than luck and skill to win matches. It also takes determination, something that was, like goals, lacking from the Pacitalian squad this time around. The Blue Foxes earned themselves two shots total during the match, and neither were on target; adversely, the Starblaydi squad rocked the Blue Fox defence with a record thirty-two shots on goal for the Pacitalians' worst defeat ever in international competition.

The massive rocking by the Purple Peril has raised questions about whether manager Lindifeu Zentrescu made the right choice in selecting Angelo Bordellatta as the starting central defender. It was Bordellatta's first international cap in five years after being suspended from playing at this level in 2001 for a drug-use violation by the FdFP. He continued to play at league level and is considered to be in the best shape of his life but fans of the squad were concerned that his long vacation from international-level tournaments and thus an encroaching inexperience would hurt the team. And it appears they're right, for Bordellatta looked like he was back on crack Sunday afternoon, running erratically and staring aimlessly into the stands after being responsible for three straight goals past Cristianu Raduvani.

Veranace d'Amantano and Ambrosino Giurimano were miles off form Sunday, looking absolutely unable to solve the solid Starblaydi defence. Had they worked harder they might have been able to make a game of it but the blood bled swiftly from the carcass of the Blue Fox squad yesterday afternoon and it will take a miracle for the Blue Foxes to reverse their apparently sliding fortunes. Meanwhile, the midfield was solid as one would come to expect but, as you're taught from the beginning in football, all eleven players need to contribute one-hundred percent of their effort one-hundred percent of the time, not just three. Look for Andolfabio Vunghiasso and Michelangelo Mascagnano to make a concerted effort next match as they try to rally the squad in a way d'Amantano, the captain, was unable to do Sunday afternoon.

Chalk a hat trick up to legendary Starblaydi striker Dasha Tolkacheva, who scored a natural trio starting in the 22nd, with supplementary scores in the 34th and 55th. Adding insult to injury was fellow striker Lawrence Asante in the 64th while his replacement, substitute Durin Bazrimar, poured a little more salt in the wound in the 70th. Matteo Prizzoni, whose name sounds strangely Pacitalian, burned the Blue Foxes for that sixth goal in the 82nd. Pacitalia now face the Milchamans on match day two, who came off a 2-2 tie with upstart Myrtannia, who are proving very much that they are not a one-trick pony.

From Drago, Bazalonia:
Starblaydia 6 : 0 Pacitalia
STB: Tolkacheva 22', 34', 55'; Asante 64', Bazrimar 70', Prizzoni 82'
PAC: None

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya Jul 17 2006, 12:34 AM
user posted image

Necromancers Ready For Bettia Challenge

The podium seemed huge as Melonie Gaffer of the Necromancers approached it for the Pre-match questions from the media at the AOCAF. Man, there were a lot more of these guys here than there were at the DI.

Reporter 1: “What would you consider your chances to be against #5 Bettia when you open play for this AOCAF?
Melonie: :Uh, 50/50 shot from what I can see. They are going to score, that’s for sure. But we can do some of that as well. They had a very tough match against Bedistan today and we hope that they feel some of that when they play us. It would be nice if they weren’t 100%.

Reporter 2: Reports from some arenas say that it is possible the Necromancers will take the wooden spoon. What have you to say about that?
Melonie: Could happen. Have you looked at Group Baz Air? It is bloody tough. The “killer Bs” as I call them will all do well.

Reporter 3: Do the Necromancers feel better over their chances this time around as compared to last AOCAF?
Melonie: No. and yes. Last time we were fortunate to get a fairly easy grouping to contend with and actually qualified. Fate wasn’t kind to us this time around. This group is tough. But we do have some experience now - both from AOCAF XIV and the 3rd DI. We are a better squad now than we were then.

Reporter 4: What will the Necromancers have to do to defeat Bettia?
Melonie: Score. Run. Score. Pray. Score. Grab oxygen. Score. Get the picture?

Reporter 5: What are the keys for D&S to do well in this tourney?
Melonie: Teamwork and solid play every match. Also refer back to my last answer. That’s all for now. More film on Bettia to study.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Jul 17 2006, 12:51 AM
user posted image

River Dragons Roll Over BazBs

This is Hal Rosh of the FNN reporting live from Bazalonia where the River Dragons were in action against the host squad BazB.

The River Dragons were looking to make a statement early in AOCAF XV to prove to everyone involved that ASMV could be competitive here. And that is just what they did today.

Defense has always been a way of life for ASMV football. The question was who would step up to lead the defense of the River Dragons. The answer came very early in this match. Dana Obensheim. The left back seemed to be present every time Bazalonia managed a decent thrust forward. But Dana, along with her defensive mates Rob Hoeckman and Fidel Berte refused to allow any decent shots on keeper Georgeanne Mellet. That was until Berte fouled Richard Elete in the 35th minute. Fortunately the penalty shot sailed well over the net. Unfortunately the ball did cause damage to one of the fans.

Broderick Wallenstein would give ASMV a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute as he easily beat the BazB keeper. Then injury would strike Bazalonia. Michaela Dent had to be taken from the pitch by stretcher following a botched tackle of Virgen Sacayanam that left her with major damage to a calf muscle. That injury seemed to take all life from the BazB play.

Kabe Tribby would add a goal in the 78th minute to give the River Dragons a 2-0 win over Bazalonia.

Next up is the second of the so-called “Killer B” squads. Bedistan dropped their match to Bettia 1-2 today and will be looking to gain some points from our match. If ASMV can somehow manage to garner a second straight victory, they might just shed that “Choke Artist” tag they wear around their necks - Nah. Not until after the final day.

Posted by: The Lowland Clans Jul 17 2006, 02:29 AM
GRAHAM CITY SUN - Sports Section: AOCAF Coverage

Stars-B Open Up AOCAF With Revenge On Oliverry

BAZALONIA - Casey Dellet and the Stars-B answered the call of many Stargazers to stick everything they had at the Oliverry team, whose A-team absolutely rampaged its way through their qualifying group, going undefeated in fourteen matches. Plus after an incredibly tough loss against Magnus Valerius in the Cup of Harmony, Stargazers were looking for some good news to close out the international footballing week. And boy, did they ever get it. Relative newcomers to AOCAF competition, Oliverry looked slow, disjointed and very uncoordinated throughout the game. They sturggled to hold possession and their passes were horrendous.

One of the clearest examples of this was the first goal of the match, where Aiden Hunt horrendously misplayed a pass back to his defence sending into open space, allowing Yusi Irileneev to use his speed to burst past the stunned defence, and blast one from about twelve yeards out, placing it perfectly in the top right corner, putting the Stars-B up just four minutes in. Then ten minutes later, the Stars again capitalized on an Oliverry mistake, and letting both Geraldo and Jerald Hansi to burst away from the midfield unmarked, and a beautiful pass out to Geraldo from Nathan Berthome, then the cross to Hansi, who buried it in the back of the net with a diving header.

The crowd went wild, with the large contingent of Stargazers making their presence known, chanting the names of the players and bursting forth with great chants and songs. Before halftime with the Stars-B completely dominating, the crowd help edge them on, with Geraldo scoring off of an absolutely beautiful corner, as the ball curved wickedly past the outstretched hands of the Olliverian keeper, and into the back of the net. Things settled down after halftime, but the Stars continued their impressive domination, controlling 67% of possession, and making the once formidable Oliverry look like Abysmalitan. Dellet brought in Houth and MacDeague off the bench to provide the Stars-B with some fresh legs in the second half, and they were used to great effectiveness.

Throughout the whole game, Oliverry's dangerous attacking formation refused to gel as the Stars dominated the midfield and possession, allowing Geraldo and Hansi to make long runs up the wing without much consequence or defensive trouble, and the fourth goal came of another one of those dangerous runs, with this time Hansi crossing it into Irileneev, who turned beautifully past a rushing Alexis Levert, and touched a beautiful score off his left foot and into the goal. The defence really shut down the Oliverrian strikers, not allowing them to handle the ball without significant pressure in the box.

The final goal came in the ninetieth minute, with Hansi putting the figurative chery on the cake as he took an excellent midair cross from Berthome, and bicycled it over the Oliverrian keeper and into the next, sending the Stargazers and neutrals in the stands into absolute rejoicing and jubilation. So could the Stars repeat their amazing run to the quarterfinals of two AOCAFs ago? Well, they certainly opened the tournament showing that they could.

THE LOWLAND CLANS - 5
Irileneev (4, 68), Hansi (14, 90) Geraldo (45+2)

OLIVERRY - 0

Stars-B face tough test aganst Hypocria

BAZALONIA - The Stars-B face a tough test tomorrow, one that could decide the race for the top spot. With the Hyppos vicotry over Krytenia and the dominating form of the Stars-B today, a victory here could really throw the group into disarray. Elsewhere in the AOCAF, Starbalydia dominated Pacitalia 6-0, and in the Stars-B group, Hypocria upset Krytenia with a 2-1 victory. Other games of note tomorrow include Bedistan v. ASMV, Dorian & Sonia v. Bettia, and Hiiraan v. Krytenia.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 17 2006, 02:29 AM
Dasha Smashes Scoring Record
Poor Pacitalia crushed 6-0 by Champions

My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I proudly present the greatest goalscorer in Starblaydi history: Dasha Tolkacheva. The thirty-one year-old World Champion lifted the World Cup trophy four years ago in New Montreal States and stood behind the combined efforts of the great Zhorin Tumunzahar and the legendary Simeone Di Bradini in the race to be Starblaydoa's greatest ever striker.

43 goals she had scored, the record of 44 being shared by the 'scoringest Dwarf ever' and the former World Cup President. In the first match of what could well prove to be her final tournament, 'Dash' didn't just equal that record, didn't just break it: she completely smashed it. A hat-trick against the Blue Foxes - one of the rising powers in the world's premier regional footballing tournament - took just under an hour, but by the end of the first half she was already Starblaydia's greatest of all time. Forty-six goals she has to her name with three group games left, Dash may break the incredible barrier of 50 international goals.

Don't forget, of course, that she also has ten goals for the Women's team, as well as six for the Under-21s. Cumulatively she now has 62 in her entire international career, equalling the 44 senior and 18 Under-21 goal haul set by Zhorin Tumunzahar. Statistics-wise she'd take the Number Ten shirt away from Simeone Di Bradini in an All-Time Starblaydi XI, but is she really the greatest ever? It's a debate that could rage all the way until World Cup 40, but by then who knows what kind of Starblaydi scoring sensations could have come along? Johan Keifner and Jacqueline Maitland will certainly have things to say about that, but as for the future? There's the hereditary gene-genius of Kaza Matranga, young Stracinho at the Spirits or maybe even a currently pre-pubescent fellow called Julio Cruz.

The only thing that's certain now is that Starblaydia have three points, six goals and none conceeded. Plus they have arguably the greatest striker in the world playing in the AOCAF.

Starblaydia 6 - 0 Pacitalia
(Tolkacheva 22 & 34 & 55, Asante 64, Bazrimar 70, Prizzoni 82) - (None)

Posted by: Bettia Jul 17 2006, 09:44 AM
Full time on matchday one, and the good folks of Bettia were cheering a hard-fought win against northern neighbours Bedistan. The thousands who had clustered around ultra-screens in the streets of every major town and city were jubilant and preparing to party into the night. Even the token comedy tumbleweed who normally makes his/her/its appearance during these games, bouncing down the deserted streets and shopping centres, was in bouyant mood today.

As ever, the throngs of Bettian fans who had packed into the Pie and Pixie, Pifton's premier sports café, were in good spirits as they broke into an impromtu chorus of 'We love you Bettia, we do'. In amoungst the festivities, a polyphonic rendition of 'Brothers of Bettia' makes itself heard, announcing to its owner George that his son was calling all the way from Parkford, Bazalonia.

"Ringo? Ringo my boy! Did you see it? Did you see the game?"

"Sure did dad, even managed to get tickets!"

"No way! How did you manage that?"

"I won 'em in a local radio competition. It was so easy. All I had to do was to belch the national anthem."

"Belch the national anthem? What, even the 'dadada, dadada, dadada da da da da' bit in the middle?"

"Yes, even that bit. You wanna hear?"

"NO!" George shouted in a slight panic before regaining his composure in front of the myriad of staring eyes pointing in his direction. "No thanks son, I've just eaten a shedload of scones. So, how was it?"

"Oh, it was awesome. The opening goal was something special, I tell ya. Fourteen minutes, some Bedistani defender was faffing around with the ball near the halfway line without noticing Hutton lurking behind him, he nicks the ball off him, notices the keeper off his line and lobs him from all of forty yards. I couldn't believe it went in. I mean, Latif Hunter's more of a long-shot specialist, Hutton's more of a poacher. I tell ya, we were going absolutely gwallgof in the north stand."

"Ah, the north stand? The one behind the goal, right? I thought I saw you. I definately saw your flag - PIFTON ROVERS FC... PIE & PIXIE BOYZ. You do realise you spelt 'BOYS' wrong, don't you?"

"Oh Dad, you're so behind. Get with it, will you?"

"Eh? Get with what? I don't understand."

"Tsch. Anyway, it gets to half-time, we're still one-nil up, so we goes to the tea-bar to get ourselves some food and a cup of generic beef-flavoured drink. So nice of them to stock some halal generic beef-flavoured drink for us. Bloody lovely it was too. Anyways, the second half begins, our boys are napping and Bedistan equalise from a corner - one-one, and the half ain't even five minutes old. Bloody dissapointing that was."

"I'll say. Old Ali was cursing a blue streak over here. 'Harris you bloody donkey', he was yelling, 'Cut your bloody hair, then you'll able to see the ball!' Heh, we all had a chuckle at that. He don't half get worked up sometimes."

"Yeah, so were we. We all went a bit silent for a while, but we soon perked up. The lads picked up their game, forced a few saves, won a few corners. That got us singing again - a few bursts of Brothers of Bettia and the Aroras were back to their best. About fifteen minutes to go, we got a corner. Warlow floats one towards the penalty spot, and we couldn't believe who's come steaming in to thump the ball home? Ali Ap Tegryn, that's who! I had no idea he could head a ball that hard. Bloody amazing it was, almost tore straight through the net!"

"I know, we were going nuts over here. I even spilled my tea! Tell you what though, the last five minutes weren't for the faint-hearted - when that Bedistani hit the post, I nearly choked on my sponge cake! So, what are you'r plans now?"

"We're gonna see if we can hitch a ride up to Woolgolga, and who knows, maybe I can get us some more tickets. I hope it's its another belching contest. I suppose I'd better practice the Dorian & Sonya anthem... how does it go again?"



Fixtures / Results:

MD1: BETTIA 2-1 Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA vs. Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA vs. Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA vs. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Field, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio, bye bye, ta ta

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 17 2006, 02:53 PM
Hit The Road Jacks . . .


Stephen Murtagh reporting from Woolgolga, Bazalonia

The blue and white army have had to wait a long time since the last Hyppos fixture but it was well worth it. Without the pressures of a world cup campaign to contend with the Autocracy’s finest looked composed and confident against a second string Krytenia side, who are nevertheless the group’s top seeds.

But old habits die hard so naturally the Hyppos had to make things difficult for themselves. The ball was played forward from midfield, the Hypocrian defence stepped up but the flag stayed down and a Jacks’ striker kept his cool to beat Lomaia with a well placed low drive. Twenty minutes on the clock and Krytenia led 1 - 0. It was a lead they would hold on to until deep into the second half.

It was a second half in which the Hyppos peppered the Jacks goal but couldn’t find a way through. Molinari put an effort inches wide while Sousa cracked a shot against the bar before and minutes later was denied by an excellent save from the keeper. But the resistance couldn’t last for ever and with fifteen minutes left to play veteran Robert Bercali whipped in a left wing corner which was headed firmly past the keeper by Drago. And one point became three when Carlo Molinari showed wonderful skill to control a lofted ball into the box. He sidestepped a defender a side footed a shot into the bottom corner to send the thousands of Hyppo fans packed into the vast CBBC Dome back to their hotels happy.

Hypocria 2 - 1 Krytenia
Drago
Molinari

“In tournament football it’s crucial to get points on the board as soon as possible”, coach Santoro told reporters. “So to win our opening match is very pleasing. Particularly against the top seeds.”

“The performance was great”, striker Rafael Dudamel added. “But not as great as this Cute Bunny Burger. Hmm, hmmm. That’s a tasty burger.”


The HyperSport Upset of the Round

Group Verona - Stayblaydia 6 - 0 Pacitalia
Four years ago these sides finished first and third respectively and the Blue Foxes were billed as the closet challengers to the Purple Peril in Group 2. But the alarming ease with which the champions brushed aside their opponents is an ominous warning to any nation making eyes at their title.


Next . . .

Hypocria (10) v The Lowland Clans (12)

TLC may be the very epitome of sleeping giant but they’ve started this competition like a runaway train. The Clansmen hammered a lacklustre Oliverry side by five goals to zip on the opening day and will be brimming with confidence. Just two places separate the sides in the rankings ahead of a match that could go either way. But whoever wins will have a firm foothold in the last sixteen.


Posted by: Lamoni Jul 17 2006, 04:15 PM
Lamoni loses by one

You could tell that this was going to be a fairly relaxed match, by AOCAF standards. After the national anthems and opening pleasantries were finished with, both teams were smiling, and waving that those that they knew on the other side. Relations between Nedalia and the Free Republic had never been anything but amicable, and it showed.

Once the game got underway, there was a change on both sides. Both knew that this match could well determine who got first place in the group, and both sides wanted it. In fact, two goals were scored within the first thirty minutes. Nedalia scored at 27 minutes in, and Lamonian forward Ted Menz replied three minutes later. It wouldn't be until thirty minutes later that someone would score a second goal in this match, however; and it wasn't a Hawk. Nedalia had managed to get it past the Lamonian keeper at 60 minutes in, winning the match, and quite likely taking first place in the group for the entire group stage.

While both Lamoni and Nedalia are virtually garunteed a spot in the knockouts from this group, it was part of a friendly rivalry to see who would end up with first place in the group at the end of the group stages. Now, it is likely that Nedalia has that honor, unless they lose to one of the other teams in the group. With their second seed AOCAF rating, that will not be likely; but the same could be said for the Hawks with their eighth seed AOCAF ranking. The real excitement in group 1 would be how the other teams in the group faired.

Lamoni will be a force to be reckoned with by the time that they play their next match, and you can watch here with the Hawk's army on LBC.

Lamoni - 1 Ted Menz (30)
Nedalia - 2 (27, 60)

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 17 2006, 07:26 PM
Bye Day = Hard Work and Matchday 2 Predictions

BAZALONIA - As the Dryads have Day 2 off, they're spending the day practicing more intensely than ever in preparation for Matchday 3. A date with the Purple Peril is anything but enviable, but the Dryads intend to give it the old college try. Nothing's impossible, right? The practices were a clandestine, high secrecy affair, as the Myrtannian side makes preparations for the Starblaydia match.

So, while they're gearing up for their toughest opponent in the whole group, here are AIR 4's predictions for matchday 2:

Manhattan Prime (0-0-0) VS Nedalia (1-0-0, last match: W 2-1 v. LAM)

Manhattan Prime makes its AOCAF debut against the side we feel is the strongest in Group TeleBaz right now. The Lions are coming off a 2-1 win against the defending runner-up Hawks, and look to be a lock to run circles around the AOCAF newcomer.

The line: MP 0 - 3 NED

Lamoni (0-0-1, last match: L 1-2 v. NED) VS Nojika (0-1-0, last match: D 0-0 v. LEG)

Though they lost a closely contested match to Nedalia, the Hawks will be looking to do well against Nojika. The Nojikans are coming off a scoreless tie against Legalese, and who knows how they'll do today? For now, let's take the known quantity of the Hawks from Lamoni.

The line: LAM 2 - 1 NOJ

Islands of Qutar (0-0-0) VS Starblaydia (1-0-0, last match: W 6-0 v. PAC)

This one is easy as pie. Islands of Qutar are new to the competition, Starblaydia are the defending champions and pounded the arguably second best team in the group. Purple Peril triumphs again.

The line: IQU 0 - 5 STR

Pacitalia (0-0-1, last match: L 0-6 v. STR) VS Milchama (0-1-0, last match: D 2-2 v. MYR)
The Warriors are coming into this one off a draw against the Dryads, while the Blue Foxes were RAWRCRUSHED on Day One. Normally, the Blue Foxes would be pegged to win this one pretty comfortably, but after that beating, things might be closer than normal. However, we don't know that Milchama can capitalize on the previous days' results well, so this is a toss up.

The line: PAC 1 - 1 MIL

Dorian & Sonya (0-0-0) VS Bettia (1-0-0, last match: W 2-1 v. BED)

Dorian & Sonya joined the AOCAF competition the same year Myrtannia did, and have improved since their first outing by quite a bit. They made the knockouts for the first time in AOCAF XIV, before being eliminated in the second round. As much as they've improved, though, the Aroras' attacking offense will probably just be too much for them.

The line: D&S 1 - 4 BET

Bedistan (0-0-1, LM: L 1-2 v. BET) VS ASMV (1-0-0, LM: W 2-0 v. BAZ)

A matchup of two teams that made the knockouts last AOCAF should be a pretty entertaining matchup. The River Dragons may be more empowered after their solid win over the host Bazalonians, and that we feel gives them the edge in this match.

The line: BED 0 - 1 ASMV

Hiiraan (0-0-0) VS Krytenia (0-0-1, LM: L 1-2 v. HYP)

Once again, we have a matchup of AOCAF newbie (Hiiraan) against AOCAF veteran (Krytenia). Once again, we like the veteran to show the new guy how it's done.

The line: HIR 0 - 2 KRY

Hypocria (1-0-0, LM: W 2-1 v. KRY) VS The Lowland Clans (1-0-0, LM: W 5-0 v. Oliverry)

This could prove to be the match of the day, featuring two unbeaten sides who picked up confidence-boosting wins on Day One. After struggling in the last AOCAF, the Hyprocrians look to be getting their act together once again. The Clans have underachieved in AOCAF, but had a superbly strong showing against Oliverry on the first day of action. Hard to pick a winner, but Hypocria seems to have a slight edge.

The line: HYP 2 - 1 TLC

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 17 2006, 07:44 PM
OOC: RP Cut OFF for MD 2

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 17 2006, 08:40 PM
OOC: Scores posted in the Scores and fixtures thread

Mrytannia, I have not counted your last RP this match, considering it was obviously meant to be added before MD3 scorination (you if it was counted the RP would have virtually been useless) as your RP of the MD1 match was counted. However, please wait until the scores have been posted (or until after the RP cutoff) before you make abother post. Next time it will count for the day it was posted in not the one it was meant for.

N.B. C'n'p tables like I am about to do in this RP will not count towards the quantity portion of the RP, but comments in between like the ones I am doing are valid

IC:

Not Quite halfway through and let's look at the current tables. We'll start with Group TeleBaz

CODE
Group TeleBaz

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Nedalia                    2   2   0   0    8    1    7    6
  2  Nojika                     2   0   2   0    0    0    0    2
  3  Legalese                   1   0   1   0    0    0    0    1
  4  Lamoni                     2   0   1   1    1    2   -1    1
  5  Manhattan Prime            1   0   0   1    0    6   -6    0


The Group is pretty much expected apart from Lamoni's 4th placing, The 2-1 loss to Nedalia and draw against Nojika putting Lamoni way out of position, but as since their next 2 opponents are Manhattan Prime and Legalese. They should be able to recover a decent spot on the ladder, probably 2nd.

Manhattan Prime suffered a serious setback today a 6-0 loss to Nedalia, but going up against a region as good as Nedalia can cause problems such as these, Total and utter humiliation.
CODE
Group Verona
Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Starblaydia                2   2   0   0   10    0   10    6
  2  Milchama                   2   0   2   0    5    5    0    2
  3  Mrytannia                  1   0   1   0    2    2    0    1
  4  Pacitalia                  2   0   1   1    3    9   -6    1
  5  Islands of Qutar           1   0   0   1    0    4   -4    0


The Blue Foxes loss to Starblaydia had caused some major problems for the Pacitalians and with their 3-all draw against Milchama they are sitting 4th on the table above Islands of Qutar who suffered a rollicking by Starblaydia. Not as much as Manahatten Prime had but still a 4-0 loss is keeping at the bottom.

Starblaydia is the only team to have won and has won twice, thus cementing the purple team's dominance over group Verona. All the other results have pretty much been as expected with a total of 2 draws over the 2 matchdays

CODE
Group BazAir

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Bettia                     2   2   0   0    5    2    3    6
  2  Andossa Se Mitrin Vega     2   1   0   1    4    3    1    3
  3  Bedistan                   2   1   0   1    4    4    0    3
  4  Dorian & Sonya             1   0   0   1    1    3   -2    0
  5  Bazalonia                  1   0   0   1    0    2   -2    0


Dorian & Sonya had not chance against the goal powerhouse of Bettia, but they did well restricting the team to 3 goals while scoring one themselves. They managed the best out of all 5th seed teams that faced their 1st seeds and a loss would be expected by all. I just hope that all these 5th seeds do not get overwhlemed with their first loss.

The only place that on paper is what it should be is Bettia, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, the 3rd seed is ahead of the 2nd seed Bedistan and Dorian & Sonya is ahead of 4th Seed Bazalonia but only because of Goals For.

CODE

Group Baza Publishing

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
  1  Hypocria                   2   2   0   0    5    2    3    6
  2  The Lowland Clans          2   1   0   1    6    3    3    3
  3  Krytenia                   2   1   0   1    3    2    1    3
  4  Hiiraan                    1   0   0   1    0    2   -2    0
  5  Oliverry                   1   0   0   1    0    5   -5    0


Group Baza Publishing seems to be suffering the same disease as Group BazAir since the Hypocrians, the first seeds in the group have won both of their games but seed 2 & 3 are swapped around and 4 & 5 are swapped around as Ollivery suffered a humiliating 5 nil defeat in their first match.

Hiiraan is to be respected keeping the Hypocrians to 2 goals, however Dorian and Sonya beat them as best 5th seed due to the Goal against Bettia they received.

However this is still just after the 2nd matchday and there are 3 more matches to go before the final rankings. Though it is very possible that the BazaB's for the first time in Bazalonia's history fail to make it through to the next round.

Posted by: Lamoni Jul 17 2006, 11:26 PM
Scoreless draw and 4th!?!?! huh.gif

Fourth place and a scoreless draw to Nojika was not what Lamoni had in mind at the beginning of AOCAF XV, but that is where they are. However, with matches against Legalese and Manhattan Prime, Lamoni will be able to make second if they can whip themselves into shape.

Coach Boldman was not happy with the performance. "We just haven't brought our own level of intensity to this AOCAF so far, and that has cost us. We are lucky that we have matches against two teams who we really should be able to defeat in this group coming up. This should give us the chance we need to snap out of the funk that we seem to be in, and become the dominating force that we really are."

Lamoni faces Manhattan Prime and Legalese next, both teams who should fall to Lamonian footballing prowess. If the Hawks win these next two matches, then they should be able to gain second place in the group standings at the end of the group stage. You can be sure that Coach Boldman is going to be ruthlessly whipping the Hawks into shape on Lamoni's bye date.

Maybe Nojika had a good day, and we had a bad one. Regardless, Lamoni can't just drop games like this if they expect a finals rematch against the Purple Peril.

Lamoni - 0
Nojika - 0

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 18 2006, 04:47 AM
Qutar Smashed
Starblaydia march on

Though Starblaydia just beat The Islands of Qutar 3-0 in the World Cup's Second Round, this victory was far more deserved. Whereas Starblaydia's performance in that match was more deserving of a one-all draw than a three-nil win, this display was just what Geraint Evans was after.

Starblaydia dominated all over the field, evident by their list of goalscorers - a right-back, left-midfielder, central defender and a striker. Georges Blanc's side have scored ten goals in their two games so far, without conceeding a single one yet. The experience gained from the World Cup-winning Captain and Antonis 'the Bull' Kouvas in the heart of defence are proving invaluable to Starblaydia's cause.

Up front, Lawrence Asante is learning his trade well from his partnership with Tolkacheva - who raised the bar yet again with her 47th international goal with two minutes to go. Starblaydia sit - already - four points clear of second-placed Milchama in the Verona-named Group B, and they play the Myrtannians in their next match. Myrtannia, as is well known, were the only team to defeat Starblaydia on the way to their record-breaking AOCAF14 title, though Starblaydia took timely revenge in the Semi-Finals by destroying Myrtannia 4-1 with a pair of goals from Cherry Garcia and also one from the World Cup's current scoring sensation Jacqueline Maitland.

Myrtannia's Dryads will be well-rested, but Starblaydia's AOCAF team are just plain better. Best in the region, best in the world.

It's just like watching Starblaydia.

The Islands of Qutar 0 - 4 Starblaydia
(None) - (Averette 28, Chavez 33, Cravex 72, Tolkacheva 88)

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 18 2006, 12:48 PM
Crikey, what's happening?
A second disappointing result as Blue Foxes draw Warriors

BAZALONIA (PSN) -- You can't have it both ways.

That seems to be the main issue with the Blue Foxes at AOCAF15 as their continuously lacklustre performances are causing fans to turn up their noses in disgust. This time the offence showed up but the defence was still out trying to get high... or at least Angelo was. After being shellacked 6-0 by the Starblaydi in a match most expected to be a lot closer, the Blue Foxes came out and once again showed the weakness in their defensive core with Angelo Bordellatta at centre back. The Blue Foxes held a 3-1 lead but allowed the Warriors of Milchama to come right back, earning a draw with a final 3-3 score.

It is no surprise that most did not want Bordellatta back on the national squad - his drug abuse was an embarrassment to the country and thus he was banned from international play for good reason. So why is he back? That's a very good question and one manager Lindifeu Zentrescu will have to own up to in the coming days as the team prepares to face the Myrtannians and the Islands of Qutar in two must-win matches. Zentrescu has already hinted he will bench Bordellatta in favour of substitute centre-back Sergio San' Cristobal, a younger, more athletic and agile player with quick legs and feet. And there is good reason for the switch - Bordo, as he was once called when the fans actually liked him, has been nothing short of awful at AOCAF15, responsible for seven of the nine goals Pacitalia has conceded in just two matches.

Needless to say, the Pacitalian squad will need to score more, do the right thing by either subbing on San' Cristobal over Bordellatta for match three and then, if necessary, moving Francesco Manzanotti to the anchoring centre-back spot to try and right the sinking ship that is the Blue Foxes at AOCAF15. The Blue Foxes need massive and resounding victories in the next two matches if they wish to end up with, first off, a positive goal differential, and second off and most important, a knockouts berth.

From Bazalonia
Pacitalia 3 : 3 Milchama
PAC: Giurimano 22', 35'; Vunghiasso 70'
MIL: 13', 77', 84' (p)

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 18 2006, 03:07 PM
Hyppos Take The High Road


Stephen Murtagh reporting from Cantinople, Bazalonia

During the last AOCAF tournament rumours circulated about Hypocria’s possible withdrawal from all international tournaments. Rumours became fact when the HFA pulled the Hyppos from both the senior and Under-21 World Cups and all afflicted competitions. But we couldn’t live without international football entirely. Which explains the Autocracy’s continued participation in the AOCAF. That participation has delighted the fans back home. Those fans were even more delighted after the Hyppos won their second game to top Group Baza Publishing.

Four years ago in Bettia the Hyppos faced the Clansmen and came away with a comfortable 3 - 0 win. This time it was expected to be much closer, particularly after the second string Star’s hammered Oliverry on the opening day. Inconsistence is something Hyppo fans are more than familiar with and it seems that the men from the Lowland suffer from that same condition.

An early goal always helps too and it was the blue and white army that were cheering after just four minutes when Carlo Molinari opened the scoring. There was a huge slice of luck involved with the second as Sousa tumbled over in the penalty area after a challenge from Menhamner. Replays showed that, although there was contact with the player, the defender clearly took the ball. Regardless, the referee signalled a penalty and Molinari doubled the advantage with his second of the game and third of the tournament. But some element of justice was restored when Irileneev clawed a goal back just before the interval.

The second half kept the fans packed into the SeaBazalope Arena on the edge of their seats and both sides surged forward, one looking for the equaliser and the other for a killer third. There would eventually be another goal and it would go to Hypocria. As the Clansmen pushed forward teenage starlet Alex Sousa caught them out at the back, beat two defenders and fired an unstoppable shot past Evillianovich.

Hypocria 3 - 1 The Lowland Clans
Molinari (2)
Sousa

In the other group game Krytenia bagged their first points of the campaign with a 2 - 0 win over lowly Hiiraan.


The HyperSport Upset of the Round

Group TeleBaz - Lamoni 0 - 0 Nojika
Four years ago the Hawks were walking out at the Stadiwm Bettia ready to contest the final of AOCAF XIV. The final of this tournament must seem an awfully long way away for followers of Lamoni after this hugely disappointing draw against minnows Nojika. The Hawks were comfortably favourites to win but it was the Panthers that’s came away with a moral victory.


Next . . .

Hypocria (10) v Hiiraan (37)

It’s tough to know whether we’ve played Hiiraan before after the Hall of Sporting Records mysteriously burnt down shortly after being labelled a national embarrassment. So it could well be our first meeting. Hiiraan are the lowest ranked team in the group and currently have no points. With that in mind the Hyppos should win comfortably. Although it never seems to work out like that.

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 18 2006, 06:30 PM
OOC: So I'm sposed to RP my nation's reactions right? Sorry, I'm new to this...

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 18 2006, 08:28 PM
OOC: You can RP the reaction to the match, you can RP how you figure the match went. You can RP how your players reacted... you can even RP storylines that have some relation to the AOCAF.

As long as you can relate it to the AOCAF, you can RP it (I'll be very lenient in this determination, but if I can't see why I'll TG you.

Scorination for today will be slightly delayed due to RL

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 18 2006, 10:40 PM
"BazaB's and Necromancers fighting for Wooden Spoon" by Nev Gould

It seems the Bazalonian National B side, the BazaB's are fighting the Dorian and Sonyan Necromancers to determine who will be last place in group Bazalope. Neither team has any points and both teams have a Goal Difference of negative 5 goals and it is purely the fact that the Necromancer's offence has been able to gain goals while the Necromancers defense also let more goals through. That they have taken 4th spot.

The Bazalonian strikers had failed to get through the almost non existant Bettian defense while the Defensive players let 3 Bettian goals through. The more superstitious among the soccer players and within the nation believe that any events hosted in Bazalonia scar the national team. The Baptism of Fire contained no Bazalonian team but the 2 teams that made it to the BoF Grand Finals and the 3PPO both failed in their respective finals. Most people think the Bazalope region teams where just not good enough, others thinkthat their teams where not supported by their media and so failed but a couple of people say that it was the Bazalonian hosting curse.

The coach for the BazaB team Ronald Richardson denounces this stupidity.. "There is no hosting curse this is the BazaB's first International competition they are doing very well considering they have never faced any of these teams before. Our up coming match will be against Dorian and Sonya. The match will take place at Stadium Verona and we will see about this so called curse and rightfully take our place in the knockout round of the AOCAF."

The BazaB's match against the Necromancers will determine who will take last and who will take 4th, if there is a draw it'll be determined by Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and Bedistan.

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 18 2006, 11:04 PM
OOC: Is it just me, or do the scores seem more than a little lopsided with this new scorinator? At least with respect to the higher ranked teams? It'd be nice if some teams actually had a chance, random scores generated or not. It was more interesting when you had the occasional upset, I think, but that's just me.

IC:

Myrtannian Reserves Crushed By Purple Peril

We all knew that the Dryads stood not much of a chance of defeating the Starblaydi side, but this is ridiculous. In an extremely one-sided match, the Myrtannian reserves were sent in against the Purple Peril. An odd move, but coach McNany explained that since there wasn't much hope of winning this match, the starting 11 would be kept off the field while the reserves got some on-pitch expereince. The result was complete and utter decimation at the hands of the defending champions.

Another noticeable thing missing was the Dryads Army - so vocal on day one, they were missing entirely. Reports later confirmed they'd caught the wrong bus and missed the whole match. Not that there was much to miss.

The only highlight for the reserve Dryads was after Starblaydia's Ibanez was red carded in the second half after a particularly nasty tackle against Tocarra Khat. After the card was handed out, Myrtannian midfielder Rueben Czupryna came over and took a big swing at Ibanez, but ended up missing and striking a referee instead. Safe to say he was red carded as well.

Since there's not much to say about this match, we'll just say that the Dryads got pounded, and that's that. Time to focus on the must-win matches.

With the starting 11 back, the Dryads will have to get good decisions against Pacitalia, who had a much-needed 4-1 decision against Islands of Qutar, and then the Islands of Qutar, who are winless this AOCAF. A draw against Pacitalia and a win vs. the Islands would do it. Or, a loss to the Blue Foxes, a win over Islands of Qutar, and a Milchaman victory over Islands of Qutar would do it too. That is, if the Dryads are to make it to the second round for the second consecutive time.

"It's #$#%#%# frustrating, but we have to brush off this match and focus on drawing Pacitalia and beating the tar out of Qutar," grumbled striker Dania Figary, who spent the Starblaydia match on the sideline with the rest of her starting teammates.

"One step forward, fifteen steps back," regular starter Flo Krabel added, "But we'll be back out there against the Blue Foxes."

Final:

STR 6 - 0 MYR
(Averette 20 & 25, Chavez 40 & 59, Cravex 73 & 84)

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya Jul 18 2006, 11:04 PM
user posted image

Necromancers Falter Against #1 and #2

OOC - sorry for missing the RP cut off - Oh well. Probably wouldn’t have made a difference with Bedistan anyways.

IC

Reporter 1: The matches against Bettia and Bedistan didn’t go very well for the Necromancers. What do you attibute the lack of success to?

Melonie: Their rankings versus our own ranking. Take a look. We aren’t even close.

Reporter 2: MD5 sees you face the last of the Killer Bs. What will it take to defeat Bazalonia?

Melonie: Better play. Plain and simple. This is the match we must win if we want to move into the next round. They are closest to us in ranking and ability.

Reporter 3: Bazalonia and ASMV are within striking distance on the table. What will it take for the Necromancers to qualify?

Melonie: Beat Baz. Weren’t you listening to my last answer. We can beat ASMV as well. But the 3 points now would really help out with things.

Reporter 4: What has been the reason behind the lack of scoring for your squad?

Melonie: You’re an idiot. Next question.

Reporter 5: You seem a bit bitter. Why is that?

Melonie: Stupid questions. You guys never pay attention.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Jul 18 2006, 11:15 PM
This is Hal Rosh reporting live from Bazalonia - Home of the Bazalopes. Where they frolick freely in the fields. Where they.,……Oh the hell with it. I’m in Bazalonia. Uhggg…

The River Dragons are now somewhere in the remote neighborhood of actual qualification. They dropped Bazalonia easily on MD1 then dropped a heartbreaker to Bedistan. That was followed by a needed bye date that the squad used to prepare for Bettia.

Will any of that matter? Nope. This is the point in the AOCAF where ASMV locks away all ability to compete and manages only to flop around on the field like fish deprived of water. Just being honest. That means that Bettia will trash us fairly easily and we will follow that up with a very close loss to D&S. That should allow both Bazalonia and D&S to leapfrog us into the next round. Bazalonia has done that before - two tourneys ago. Then they beat us last tourney after we qualified by some miracle. We have no luck against D&S. So we are pretty much done for in this tourney.

The River Dragons might surprise us and actually do something in AOCAF XV. But then we will wake up and find it didn’t happen at all.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 19 2006, 06:29 AM
Starblaydia Taking The Piss
Why don't we do this every match?

What on earth is going on? Geraint Evans' management style seems exquisitely insane. Firstly, you're playing a team that you know has the capaciity to beat you. Then your right-back scores two goals in the first half hour, and you subsitute him at half-time for a known hot-head, who subsequently gets sent off. Then you score another couple of goals and bring on a seventeen year-old centre-back for only his second cap. He goes and scores another couple of goals and you win 6-0. Again.

Looks like Khim Azanulbizarn's style is rubbing off on Evans, rather than the other way round.

Either way, Darijo Cravex has become the first player in living memory to have more international goals to his name than he has caps. Two caps for the seventeen year old defensive destroyer and three goals scored. Are the Dryads really that bad, or are Starblaydia really that good? If you can beat your closest rival for the group 6-0 on Matchday one, things seem to be going great. Now we'll see what happens when Starblaydia come up against a Nedalia, Bettia or similar.

Milchama, however, will not be seeing 'Cisco Ibanez. The thirty-six year-old will miss at least the final group game and perhaps the first match of the next round, too, thanks to his horror-tackle on Tocarra Khat.

Starblaydia 6 - 0 Myrtannia
(Averette 20 & 25, Chavez 40 & 59, Cravex 73 & 84) - (None)

Posted by: Bettia Jul 19 2006, 11:04 AM
Three games down and three wins to their name - not only are the good folks of Bettia are basking in the warmth of a hot spell, they're also basking in an unnaturally good start to the Aroras' latest AOCAF campaign, and this is no more evident in the Pie & Pixie, that popular (and seemingly only) sports café in Pifton - you know, the one where we always end up after the obligatory introductory blurb... deserted streets, comedy tumbleweed... you know the score.

The P&P's regulars are celebrating after Bettia cruised to a 3-0 win over the hosts Bazalonia, leaving them on top of the group on nine points with just one game left to play, when all a sudden George's mobile phone sparks into life with its own jaunty rendition of Bettia's national anthem.

"Heeeey Ringo!" he yells, trying to make himself heard above the hubbub. "I didn't hear from you yesterday. Did you manage to get into the Dorian and Sonya match?"

"No, 'fraid not."

"What no belching contests? Oh dear, what a pity, never mind."

"Yes, never mind indeed, 'cos I managed to blag some tickets for today's match instead!"

"You're kidding? How did you manage that?"

"It was easy... a bazalope-burger eating contest."

"A bazalope-burger eating contest? Is it legal to eat those things?"

"I guess so. Bloody tasty they are too. You'll never guess how many I ate?"

"Surprise me."

"Thirty two."

"Thirty two? What, in a minute?"

"No you daft old twát, thirty two in ten minutes."

"Blimey... that's three a minute. I knew you had a big mouth but that's ridiculous. So anyway, what did you think of the game? Where were you sat anyway? I didn't see you."

"Yeah, bummer that was, we were sat right in the gods just below the cameras. Ah well, I guess beggers can't be choosers, especially fat bástards like me."

"Heh. Anyway.. the game."

"Cor, I tell you what, sitting so high up, we had a really good view of the first goal, we could really appreciate the accuracy of that cross-field pass."

"Oh, you're telling me. How the hell did Abdullah find Hunter from fifty yards away like that? Bloody amazing."

"Yeah, that and the timing of the run. Left his markers totally standing still, and he rounded the keeper easy. And then that second goal in the first minute of the second half - cor, what a screamer. I tell ya, that Devanallt is one hell of a striker. 30 yards, top corner, BAM! He's the new Latif Hunter alright. After those two spectualar shots, it kinda made the third one a tad disappointing."

"Yeah, just a bog standard inswinging cross from the wing, Chris Sutton sidefoots it home. Still, can't complain. So, I guess you're off to Drago now."

"Yeah, if someone decides to pick us up, that is. We're standing on a main road trying to blag a lift. It ain't happening though... I guess my breath still stinks of bazalope-burgers."





Fixtures / Results:

MD1: BETTIA 2-1 Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA 3-1 Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA 3-0 Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA vs. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Field, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio, bye bye, ta ta

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 19 2006, 12:03 PM
Five Star Performance


Stephen Murtagh reporting from Cantinople, Bazalonia

So often in the past the Autocracy’s national sides have slipped up against so called lesser opposition. Jastica is a nation long forgotten, guess who there one and only AOCAF victory was against. Exactly. And that was after the Hyppos had enjoyed successive wins over Bettia, Bedistan and Sarzonia. So there was a certain amount of apprehension among the blue and white army ahead of the match against Group Baza Publishing’s lowest ranked side.

At half time that apprehension had vanished completely after a one sided 45 minutes in which the Hyppos had bagged four goals without reply. Striker Rafael Dudamel opening the scoring with a simple header from Bercali’s cross and a twenty yard daisy-cutter from Adam Bassano somehow beat the keeper to make it two. Dudamel’s second increased the advantage still further. The attacking dominance was exemplified when veteran winger Bercali broke down the left and drove the ball across the face of goal. There were blue and white shirts queuing up to score but it was the unlikely appearance of fallback Evan Hunter at the far post that finished off the move.

It’s hard to concentrate when 4 - 0 up and a defensive lapse allowed a striker in to pull a goal back for Hiiraan. But an amazing comeback never looked like anything other than a dream, and the ever dangerous Carlo Molinari finished off a flowing team move with the fifth.

Hypocria 5 - 1 Hiiraan
Dudamel(2)
Bassano
Hunter
Molinari

In the other group game Krytenia and Oliverry shared four goals in a two all stalemate. A result that helped consolidate the Hyppos position at the top of Group Baza Publishing. Now only the Lowland Clans have any hope of catching the Autocracy.


The HyperSport Upset of the Round

Group TeleBaz - Manhatten Prime 1 - 1 Lamoni
In a round in which results generally went according to the script the Lamoni result once again stood out. The runners-up of four years ago are really struggling after disappointing results against Nedalia and Nojika. After being held by new boys Manhatten Prime the Hawks now have just two points from three games and there position is precarious, particularly considering they have played a game more then the teams around them.


Next . . .

Lounging on the beaches of Cantinople as players, fans and, most importantly of all, reporters enjoy a day off.

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 19 2006, 03:46 PM
Manhattan Prime humiliated by Nedalia!

Manhattan Prime 0:6 Nedalia


Manhattan Prime Ratings:

Clive Hilton (GK) – 3, a woeful figure

Lucas Thompson (RB) – 4, showed commitment
John Clarke (CB) – 5, tried to stem the tide
Karl Heinze (CB) – 3, a very poor game for the German fullback
Will Roberts (LB) – 3, looked out of his league.

Ethan Smith (DMC) – 2, outclassed by the Nedalian strikers
Michael Donavan (MC) – 4, runs came to nothing.
Felix DeSilva (AML) – 5, young lad showed promise
Mashashi Takamura (AMR) – 3, lacked any sort of killer touch

Ross Jackson (S) – 4, Ineffective
Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana (S) – 5, Showed some good touches

No subs used.

Lloyd Hunter Writes for the Manhattan Herald

Newcomers Manhattan Prime were humiliated tonight in their first professional game, being defeated 6-0 by a confident looking Nedalia side.

The Manhattan team put up precious little resistance, with tall Australian goalkeeper Clive Hilton looking a woeful figure between the posts, and the Manhattan defense run ragged for most of the match. Young midfielder Felix DeSilva, like the entire team playing in his first appearance for his nation, showed some promising displays of flair in linking up well with team star striker Katakana, but the Nedalian defense proved up the task.

At times the Manhattan team showed some promising attacking moves, but in the end the superior experience and skill of the Nedalian side proved to be decisive, as the full strength Manhattan side were swept aside with apparent ease.

Nedalia, in contrast, were in fine form, and cruised their opening fixture in Group Telebaz, to put themselves top of the group, and in a great position to qualify for the next round of AOCAF 15.

Not surprisingly, Manhattan Prime fans were disappointed at suffering such an emphatic defeat. “Nedalia looked like they are playing a friendly against a pub team” one fan was heard to say in disgust.

The Manhattan Prime manager gave a brief interview, proclaiming himself “disappointed, but not down heartened”. He reminded reporters that the team would obviously be trying their absolute hardest to win, but that they were coming up against the finest of opposition, and even collecting a few points from this group with be valuable experience and a reason for pride.

Results elsewhere in the group are promising, with neither Lamoni or Nojika able to claim full points from their fixture.

Our Manhattan team however will clearly have to raise their game if they are to salvage any pride from this tournament.

Group TeleBaz

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nedalia 2 2 0 0 8 1 7 6
2 Nojika 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
3 Legalese 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
4 Lamoni 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
5 Manhattan Prime 1 0 0 1 0 6 -6 0

Posted by: Lamoni Jul 19 2006, 03:55 PM
Team in trouble

Thus far in AOCAF XV, the Hawks have just 2 points. One of those came from a 1-1 draw with AOCAF newcomers Manhattan Prime today. Lamoni hangs precariously to third place in group 1, and will need a win on matchday five against Legalese if they hope to qualify.

The Hawks have a bye on matchday four, but don't expect them to be lying around on the beach. Coach Boldman is going to do what he always does and attempt to whip the seeming lethargy out of this squad. "The fact that we are in third place; however precariously, is nothing less than a miracle. Maybe we gained some divine favor from the NS Holy See or something, but we can't rely on that. I am going to do whatever it takes to whip this collection of boys into the shape of the Lamonian AOCAF squad of four years ago. What we are doing now is inexcuseable."

Will Lamoni manage to defeat Legalese? Or will the lethargy resist even the aging Coach Boldman's best efforts? Only time will tell, but it is certain that Coach Boldman will have the Hawks running drills until they can do them in their sleep if that is what is needed.

Forward Javier Sabatini scored the lone Lamonian goal of the match at 20 minutes.

Lamoni - 1 Javier Sabatini (20)
MP - 1 (40)

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 19 2006, 10:18 PM
OOC: AOCAF MD 4 scores posted Lamoni was the last post

IC:

It was Jason Kents that in the 92nd minute scored the BazaB's only goal in the match and what has been their only goal in the entire tournament. A controversial penalty was awarded to Jason as a Dorian and Sonyan Defender, Estrella Finau. The Referee awarded the penalty but the television replay seemed to indicate that Jason actually took a dive.

Jason lined up the shot and kicked it. The ball flew through the air and looked like it was going to fly over the top of the bar but managed to go low enough to hit the bottom of the bar. The ball flew out of the goal and into the back of the goalie... the ball trickled over the line just to late for Cierra Samantha to turn around and stop it.

Technically it probably would be considered an own goal but that didn't mater for the BazaB's. It was a goal and it was a win. When the whistle did go after the penalty the BazaB's really celebrated jumping around. Their first win, first points and first goal in any international tournament.

Despite this win the BazaB's still have the opportunity to finish last in the group. The BazaB's face Bedistan while the Necromancers face ASMV. While if the Necromancers beat ASMV and we lost against Bedistan then they would win. Anyother mixture of results will result in a BazaB's appearance into the knockout stages and may even snag third place in the ladder of group BazAir

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 19 2006, 10:37 PM
Blue Foxes qualify... but how?
Dismal performances reversed with 4-1 win over Islands of Qutar, enough to send Pacitalia through to the last 16

BAZALONIA (PSN) -- Well, we still managed to get through to the round of sixteen and that qualification remains the same despite the remaining match against Myrtannia.

Pacitalia spun off a 4-1 victory over newcomers Qutar to jump into second in a group dominated by the Purple Peril. Pacitalia's four points put them five behind Starblaydia but as they were idle on matchday four it allowed the Tolkacheva-led supersquad to their fourth victory in as many matches and an eight-point lead in the group. However, the Blue Foxes claim they're saving their best football for last.

"We knew it was top four from each group qualify, so we were relaxed a little bit," captain Veranace d'Amantano said Tuesday. "I know that's a bad strategy but we really want a shot at the cup this year and we felt that if we held back a little, kept the tempo down and saved our energy we could produce some excellent results later down the road when they were needed."

That comment has left fans screaming in agony "Why didn't you tell us this before?!"

The Starblaydi squad pummeled the Blue Foxes on opening night 6-0, and following that the Pacitalians blew a 3-1 lead en route to a three-all draw with the Warriors of Milchama. Today, however, there is relief on the faces of the fans and smiles on the faces of the players as they emerged with a 4-1 win to bring their goal differential a little closer to even. (Just so you know, it's still at -3. Thanks, Bordo.)

Ambrosino Giurimano opened the scoring in the 22nd, flicking the ball almost flukishly off his right heel and past the Qutari keeper for a 1-0 lead. The Qutari equalised when San' Cristobal committed a penalty in the box but when the boos started raining down from unsatisfied Blue Fox fans in the seats the team stepped up their play dramatically, with Giurimano scoring his second in the 59th followed by Andolfabio Vunghiasso in the 69th and d'Amantano in the 81st off a free kick.

The 'Foxes move on to play the Myrtannian squad. The Dryads hold a similar 1-1-1 record after downing Qutar 2-1 on MD4 and are looking to steal second from the Pacitalians by earning their first victory ever against the Blue Foxes on match day five. Hopefully, the Blue Foxes have other ideas as they storm into the knockouts (or claim to).

From Bazalonia
Pacitalia 4 : 1 Islands of Qutar
PAC: Giurimano 22, 59'; Vunghiasso 69', d'Amantano 81'
QUT: 37'

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 19 2006, 10:53 PM
FdFP: Pacitalia will bid to host AOCAF16
Strong support for international-level football and a multitude of capable hosting cities cited

TIMIOCATO (PSN) -- It was all smiles in the conference room at the headquarters of Pacitalia's football federation as, on the heels of a 4-1 victory in the third matchday of AOCAF15, the national governing body of the sport announced Pacitalia would seek to host the next installment of the successful tournament, widely recognised and billed as the world's premier regional championship.

"I point to the strong tradition of footballing in the country, with our successful leagues and well-known clubs, plus the nationwide support for the Blue Foxes at all levels of competition, including the AOCAF," FdFP president Ramón Mina said Wednesday. "I also note how successful the first Puntafora Football Invitational was, drawing talent from sixteen competitive squads that performed to their very best in front of packed houses, every single match."

He added: "The well-known and long-renowned volunteer and hard-work spirit of this country will shine during a Pacitalian-hosted AOCAF and we want to bring the region, if not the world, to Pacitalia to show those first-timers what they've been missing and show just how football-crazy this country really is."

Mina's organisation reportedly has the support of prime minister Constantino Sorantanali, the National Commerce Community and the Pacitalian Trade and Industry Commission. The bid would be backed mainly by private investment but the federal and provincial governments are apparently offering twenty to thirty percent cost-share for the AOCAF bid. Some stadiums would need to be upgraded to suit international competition but Mina says the current stadia available are more than ready to host a high-level tournament.

Mina says he and his bid executive team, yet to be named, will soon release the proposed stadia, tournament logo and tournament operation scheme (that is, how the competition would work from the group stage through to the final). Mina says he wants to organise a festival of culture and food around the tournament to broaden visitors' horizons about the country and the sport's history in Pacitalia.

"This could be the biggest and best AOCAF yet and we are up for the challenge," he finished by saying.

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 19 2006, 10:56 PM
That's More Like It! Dryads Vanquish Fiesty Islands of Qutar

CANTINOPLE, Bazalonia - So far in the Fifteenth edition of the AOCAF, the Allied States has fielded a fairly typical Dryads side. Draw with Milchama, get blasted by Starblaydia, and have to fight to get through to the round of 16. Yet, even after coach McNany kept the starting eleven off the field for the drubbing by the defending champions, the Dryads had a chance to secure a place in the second round with a win.

Victory on the pitch against the Islands of Qutar on day 4 would mean three more precious points for a total of four. This would gaurantee that Myrtannia would finish no worse the fourth in Group Verona, and thereby secure their place in the knockouts. A loss would leave Qutar with 0 points, and as such would have no chance of leap-frogging Myrtannia.

On the pitch, things finally seemed to be going the right way for the Dryads once again. The Dryads Army, missing in action for the match against Starblaydia, managed to reach Stadium 2 early, and seemed to have grown in size since their last appearance at the Milchama match. Their bright orange shirts, replica kits, Sun Burst banners, and obnoxious signs were more than welcome to the Myrtannian side, who faced a must-win match against the group's AOCAF newcomer.

Also missing in action in the previous match had been the starters, held out of the Starblaydia match in order to keep them rested for the final two matches that the Dryads actually stood a chance of winning. The difference between the reserves and the starters proved to be extraordinary. Where the reserve defense allowed six goals against the defending champions, the starters returned to hold the Qutar side to only one.

That goal would come late in the first half, at the 40' mark. First, though, the Dryads went on the attack, led by a very focused assault by their forwards. Deeann Massetti managed to dribble around and past the Qutar defenders, and then passed it accurately over to September Rollock. Rollock then passed it to Dania Figary, who took a shot, which was barely deflected by the Qutar goalkeeper. Rozalynn Gabino got to the ball first, headed it back at the net, and sent the black and white sphere sharply into the upper right corner.

For the first time in AOCAF XV, the Dryads struck first, leading 1-0 up until five minutes before halftime. At that point, the unsually fiesty Islands of Qutar side managed to sneak through and score a huge equaliser that put hope of reaching the knockouts on their first try within reach. Going into the half, it was tied at one goal apiece, but the Dryads weren't satisfied.

"We knew that we needed to beat these guys and get back on the right track. No missing the knockouts for us, even if we face a group winner there - we're not going down in the group stage again," Dania Figary told the press, "We've come too far to let ourselves fall to 1 for 3 on attempting to reach the second round."

And coming out into the second half, the Dryads' mentality seemed to be working in their favor once more. For the rest of the match, the IoQ offense couldn't penetrate the Orpha Mega-led defense of the Dryads. Myrtannia again controlled the ball and tempo of the match, pressing the attack at every opportunity. Several shots on the opposing goal narrowly missed going in, but once again something had to give. That something proved to be the new captain, who found some daylight late in the match.

With time ticking away, Figary managed to cut through the defense like a razor blade, and found herself one-on-one with the goal keeper. She fake a movement to the left, then booted the ball past him to the right to put the Dryads up. The Dryads Army erupted into cheers for the first time since day one, and shortly thereafter, the match ended. After a scare by the Islands of Qutar, Myrtannia emerged with the all-important victory and three points.

Now that passage through to the last 16 is a certainty, the Dryads are playing for positioning against Pacitalia on Day 5. It will be a rematch of the third place match of AOCAF XIV, where the Blue Foxes prevailed 2-1. Whoever wins the match will secure second place in the group, while the loser will have to watch Milchama and the Islands of Qutar to figure out where they'll end up. Strange as it seems, the winless Qutar side still have a slim chance of getting through to the knockouts. A win against Milchama would give them 3 points to Milchama's 2, and allow them to leapfrog the Warriors.

A draw would give Qutar 1 point, but also give the Warriors 1 as well, for a total of 3, sending the Warriors through to the round of 16 in fourth place from Group Verona. A Milchaman victory and either a Pacitalian or Myrtannian victory would send the Warriors through in third place with 5 points. A draw in the Blue Foxes-Drayds match and Warriors win would give Milchama a chance at second.

"The easiest way to finish respectably is to beat Pacitalia," coach McNany explained, "So we're going to focus heavily over the next 24 hours on doing just that. Lots of videos, practice, food, more practice, and even more practice."

Myrtannia is 0-0-2 all-time against Pacitalia, but the Blue Foxes have also been having a dissapointing group stage performance. A 0-6 thrashing by Starblaydia and a 3-3 draw with Milchama preceded a 4-1 win against Qutar leaves the Blue Foxes in a similar situation as Myrtannia faces. However it ends up, both will see the round of 16, it's merely a matter of what seed they secure. The Dryads have a decent shot at securing second, if they can contain the Blue Foxes long enough to get ahead. Whatever happens, AIR 4 will be there to provide the action.

The final from stadium 2:

Myrtannia 2 - 1 Islands of Qutar
(Gabino 34, Figary 88) (40)

Posted by: Nedalia Jul 20 2006, 08:31 PM
Verdena be Representin'

Thats right folks, take a look at the charts; 4 different groups, with 3 of the leaders from the southern continent of Verdena, and two of them (Nedalia and Bettia) having gone undefeated. The other leader is the WCC President (Starblaydia) who shot down the proposed Hyp-ror-ions of the Cup of Harmony, so a certain feeling of resentment resides.

Bettia topped their group ahead of heavyweights Bedistan and hosts Bazalonia with impressively solid displays. Hypocria conceded a few more but also scored a few more, finishing first in the toughest group, ahead of Krytenia, Oliverry, and the Lowland Clans. As for Nedalia, well, 17 goals scored, 2 conceded, perfect 4-0-0 ahead of last tournament's runner-up Lamoni and Legalese. Starblaydia, on the other hand, scored 19, conceded 1, with a perfect 4-0-0 ahead of Pacitalia, Milchama, and Nedalia's 2nd round opponents, Myrtannia.

Nedalia, who exited WC29 in the group stages, were able to field a full A squad, captained by Constantine. However, legends such as Nene, Hardman, Point, and Khadra were not on the pitch; indeed, the famed "2nd Generation" retired after the World Cup, leaving what many thought would be roles that could not be filled.
However, their replacements have been more than adequate, especially Jesmin Il-Mohafet, who has probably the toughest role to fill, that being replacing Nene.

Out of Nedalia's 17 goals, he has scored 4 and assisted 4, in 4 games. The Lions leading scorer, to the suprise of no-one, has been Jimmy Kelly, who has notched 6 goals, but perhaps the most impressive player has been the captain himself, determined to lift himself to becoming one of Nedalia's greats. No longer overshadowed by the 2nd Generation members, he now has the center stage all to himself. What Constantine does with it, is squarely up to his talents.

For now, though, Verdena is showcasing perhaps the best football in the region.

Posted by: Lamoni Jul 20 2006, 09:27 PM
(OOC: What is going on with all these VERY unlikely upsets!?!?!)

WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!

The AOCAF XV wild ride continues for the Hawks, as they fell 2-3 to Legalese, and barely qualify for the knockouts at fourth place in group 1. While the Hawks have failed to make it into the knockouts before, they've always managed to grab more than two points before now. Scoring is also down, and many people are starting to wonder about the future of the Lamonian AOCAF program. Past Lamonian AOCAF teams have brought the Hawks all the way to second place in AOCAF XIV, and seventh in overall AOCAF rankings. Either this team steps it up in the knockouts (starting with Hypocria), or they'll be sent home to the worst reception of any Lamonian AOCAF team in history. Lamoni has made the AOCAF knockouts more times than not, but one has to wonder about what direction that this AOCAF squad is taking.

The Hawks have drawn in matches that they should have won HANDILY, and even lost to a team that they should have easily defeated. Hopefully, this was just a one in a million AOCAF quirk, and will be fixed as soon as possible. Accordingly, Lamoni will be changing it's AOCAF style modifier to +3 for the upcoming knockout match. It is hoped that this offensive style will enable the Hawks to score enough goals to win these matches. Since everything is so confusing through the group stages, why can't matters take one more big surprise swing, and allow Lamoni to win the AOCAF cup? Far fetched, I admit; but wierder things have happened.

Lamoni - 2 Max Mathieson (30), Erik Galasso (35)
Legalese - 3 (25, 32, 33)

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 21 2006, 12:19 AM
(OOC: And very easy victories for a couple of teams, I might add again? Something fishy with the scorinator, methinks.)

IC:

Dryads Fall Again; Certain Doom Awaits in KOs

It's been a mixture of AOCAF XIII and XIV in number XV for the Myrtannia Dryads in Bazalonia. Despite the best efforts of the Myrtannian squad, the Dryads were once again unable to gain any ground against the Blue Foxes of Pacitalia. Just as in AOCAF XIII, Myrtannia failed to score a goal again, the second time in this tournament that that has happened. Last time, it was due to the Dryads sending in their reserves against Starblaydia rather than risk its starters. This time, the Dryads just had no ability to crack a strong Pacitalian defense.

The only goals of the hard-fought defense-minded match came late, as the Blue Foxes put two past Flo Krabel in the final five minutes to secure their second victory of the group stage and second place in Group Verona. As Milchama defeated Islands of Qutar, Myrtannia slipped to fourth, though they have succeeded in their goal of reaching the round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament. From there, the good news ends.

Firstly, striker Deeann Massetti was red-carded for an uncharacterisitic head-butt of a Pacitalian defender. The physical embodiment of Myrtannia's frustration in AOCAF XV, the move sentences her to missing three matches or the rest of AOCAF XV, whichever comes first. This means that Myong Tuman will be thrust into the starting rotation, and leaves the Dryads with only two reserve forwards. Reserve Tocarra Khat will miss at least one more match after an injury sustained against Starblaydia.

Then, there's the matter of their round of 16 opponent - the tournament's other powerhouse, Nedalia. The Lions steamrolled their way through the group stage, and don't look likely to stop on Myrtannia's account. It seems to be an early exit for the underwhelming Dryads. Myrtannia will give it their all, but the Lions seem just too strong for the orange and blue. Still, Mytrannia did upset Vilita and Bazalonia to reach the semi-finals last time, but Vilita was apathetic, where Nedalia is not.

"Oh well, we'll go out there, play a last match, and go home to prepare for AOCAF XVI," assistant coach Rachell Gabino said in frustration.

Meanwhile, AIR 4 has released its official round of 16 predictions, with the slogan, "They're notoriously unreliable!"

Nedalia vs. Myrtannia

See above story. The line: NED 5 - 1 MYR

Legalese vs. Milchama

In their first AOCAF in a while at least, Legalese has made it to the knockouts with a vaguely impressive group stage performance. That said, we feel that the Warriors of Milchama, with more consistant experience in AOCAF, will send the lawyers home early. The line: LGL 2 - 4 MIL

Starblaydia vs. Bazalonia

The question in this match becomes: can anyone stop the Purple Peril? They outscored opponents 19-1 in the group stage, and have a day's rest on top of that! Bazalonia has faltered slightly in their first 'at-home' AOCAF. 'Nuff said. The line: STB 6 - 0 BAZ

Pacitalia vs. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

ASMV has made it to consecutive AOCAF knockouts for the first time, and are definitely improving in the regional competition. However, they will exit early again as the resurgent Blue Foxes slip past them into the quarterfinals. The line: PAC 2 - 1 ASMV

Bettia vs. Oliverry

Oliverry wasn't supposed to make it here, but suddenly they find themselves in the second round of the AOCAF. They should count themselves lucky, but stand no chance against the highly experienced Aroras. If they can't play defense against the Bettians, expect this to get very ugly for Oliverry very quickly. The line: BET 5 - 1 OLI

Bedistan vs. The Lowland Clans

Tough call here. Both teams seem fairly evenly matched, but we think the B-Stars of TLC will take down the Bedistanis in a close match.
The line: BED 0 - 1 TLC

Hypocria vs. Lamoni

Hypocria seems to have gotten itself back on track AOCAF-wise, doing very well in their group and doing the Autocracy proud. Lamoni, on the other hand, have looked to be a hollow shell of the squad that went all the way to the final in AOCAF XIV. Sorry, buddies in Nephi, but we're going to have to take the Hypos.
The line: HYP 3 - 2 LAM

Krytenia vs. Manhatten Prime

Manhatten Prime has snuck into the knockouts in their inaugural AOCAF, which is to be congratulated. However, their scrappy play won't save them against the superior forces of the Krytenia side, who seem to do well in the round of 16 at the very least. The line: KRY 4 - 1 MP.

Final:

Myrtannia 0 - 2 Pacitalia
(none) (d'Amantano 85 & 88)

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Jul 21 2006, 12:43 AM
River Dragons vs Blue Foxes
[B]Now who saw that matchup coming?

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from Bazalonia. An no, I haven’t seen a single Bazalope since I’ve been here.

The River Dragons earned a qualification spot today after a very hard-earned 2-1 victory over the Necromancers of Dorian and Sonya. The match was even at one apiece when a lucky bounce found the net in the 89th minute to secure the win.

That means ASMV is in the round of 16 where we will play the Blue Foxes of Pacitalia. The two sides seem very similar thus far in competition. Both have beaten the lower 2 seeds in their groups, and both have earned draws with tough competition and both have put 7 points on the table. The big difference can be seen in goal differential where Paci was -3 and ASMV +1. This difference was due to how each side fared against the top seed of their group. Paci was destroyed by Star while we earned a draw with Bettia.

This should be a great match as both sides try to move on. The rankings are close, the squads are nearly even. Now to see who will win.

Predictions:

Nedalia vs. Myrtannia. We expect the Lions to roar and crush the Dryads.

Legalese vs. Milchama. The Warriors will rule as the silence of Legal catches up with them.

Starblaydia vs. Bazalonia. We all know who this winner is. The Host’s tourney is over.

Pacitalia vs. ASMV. River Dragons choke. Or not. Who knows.

Bettia vs. Oliverry. Bettia’s offense will move them into the round of 8.

Bedistan vs. The Lowland Clans. The Clansmen will win this one and begin to show some actual signs of life.

Hypocria vs. Lamoni. The Hyppos will clip the wings of the Hawks who just havent been themselves. Hypocria has returned to Championship form.

Krytenia vs. Manhattan Prime. We would like to think the new guys have a chance. Not gonna happen this time, though.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 21 2006, 02:51 AM
Second place secured!
River Dragons lie in wait in the round of sixteen after 'Foxes down Dryads 2-0 in final group match

BAZALONIA (PSN) -- ASMV fans are just as bewildered as Pacitalian fans to find that the results of matchday five have caused their two squads to meet in AOCAF knockouts for the first time ever. Pacitalia beat Myrtannia 2-0 for their third win against the Dryads in as many tries while the River Dragons prevailed over the Necromancers, doubling them up 2-1.

Both sides hit 2-1-1 for their final record after the group stage, respectable considering both squads' early efforts. Pacitalia stumbled into the latter half of the group stage to record two wins against improving sides while ASMV managed to draw Bettia before stumbling in the middle of the group stage. However, they stayed mid-pack through the five matches to end up third in Group BazAir. The Blue Foxes, however, thanks to the kickarsery of the men in mauve, claimed second in Verona, five points behind the idle Starblaydi.

In this last match, it took eighty-five minutes before squad captain Veranace d'Amantano broke past Orpha Mega and Tamar Ristaino to give the Blue Foxes the lead off a stellar goal. Andolfabio Vunghiasso streaked up the left side, deking right past Shu Ellebrecht before passing the ball to a chasing d'Amantano. He snapped the ball through the legs of Mega and draw-passed it beside the outstretched leg of a frantic Ristaino before curling a rocket-shot to the top left corner of the net. Flo Krabel appeared to get her fingers on the shot but was unable to stop the fiery blast from the captain's right foot.

Then, three minutes later, the captain got on the scoresheet once more as his shot hugged the ground, sailing low to the left and past Krabel for a 2-0 lead and the victory. What was more shocking than the late burst of offence by the Blue Foxes was the response of star forward Deeann Massetti to the second goal, as on a Myrtannian counter-attack in stoppage time, Francesco Manzanotti interrupted Dryad possession by stopping Massetti's attempted pass to Rozalynn Gabino and shuttling it forward to Nuno Cabana. Massetti, known for her fiery disposition (at least verbally) in AOCAFs past, chose to take out her frustration and attitude in physical form, and headbutted Manza for his troubles. He was uninjured; in fact, the only thing injured is Massetti's pride, for she was red-carded and will miss the next three matches for Myrtannia.

The Dryads move on to face a likely exit at the hands of the powerful Lions, who left the group stage undefeated and are looking for a crack at the egg that is the final. Meanwhile, as we mentioned, the second-place Blue Foxes head off to stadium four to face the River Dragons out of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. The Pacitalian squad has never played them before in the knockouts but the highlights always show some solid football talent even when those dragons aren't performing at their best. Look for a close match that could go either way, but definitely watch for second-half offensive spark from the Pacitalians, who seem to score most of their goals down the stretch (the 65-85 minute range).

Meanwhile, our predictions?

Nedalia v Myrtannia
The Lions are just too strong. Rozalynn Gabino looks to create an upset in a second-straight AOCAF knockouts for the Dryads, scoring early. However, Constantine's superb international experience and Tim James' scoring knack bring Nedalia right back in and then some. 3:1 (0:1).

Legalese v Milchama
Say what? Legal's through? Well, it ends here, as a resurgent Warrior squad, bottom-feeding for most of the group stage brings out solid football for the round of sixteen, dropping the lawyers in regulation time. 1:0 (1:0).

Starblaydia v Bazalonia
The home crowd will exit the stadium disappointed. While we'd like for somebody to pwn the mauveys right back to see how utterly hollowing it feels to get horseshoed 6-0, it's not going to be the Bazalope B's. Tolkacheva with two, Asante with the third. 3:0 (2:0).

Bettia v Oliverry
RAWRCRUSH offence stacked against imitation Frenchmen. That's the simple term for this matchup, and while it's a bit offensive, it does make things a lot easier to understand. The Oliverrian reserves are getting a lot better, proportionally respectable to the successes of their World Cup-tier team but they were still fourth in the group stage while Bettia cleaned up with a 3-1-0 record. 4:2 (2:2).

Bedistan v TLC
Aaaaand.... upset, but still right down to the wire. Signs of life from the Stars, for once - buoyed by their championship victory at the PFI. That's all we have to say about it. 0:1 aet (0:0, 0:0).

Hypocria v Lamoni
No repeat finals appearance for the struggling Hawks; expect them to be swept back into the gutter by the undefeated Hyppos. 5:1 (3:0).

Krytenia v Manhattan Prime
We like the Krytenians, but we like the rookie success of MP even more. It'll be a close one, with the latter squad buoyed by their five-point effort in the group stage while Krytenia tries to reach the quarterfinals. An upset is unlikely, sadly. 2:1 (1:1).

From Bazalonia
Pacitalia 2 : 0 Myrtannia
PAC: d'Amantano 85', 88'
MYR: None

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 21 2006, 10:29 AM
Perfect 12


Stephen Murtagh reporting from Woolgolga, Bazalonia

For the sixth time in their seven tournaments the Autocracy’s finest have advanced beyond the group stage of the AOCAF. And they have done it in style too, accumulating a maximum of 12 points and netting fifteen goals in the process.

The 100% group record was completed with a, not entirely comfortable, win over Oliverry. Sure the Hyppos scored five goals for the second successive match but defensive frailties once again became apparent as the men in blue and white shipped three goals against fairly poor opposition.

Perhaps the players had come away from their rest day slightly too rested and they were given an early wakeup call, Oliverry taking the lead after three minutes. Some sense of urgency was restored and Sousa set up Dudamel for the equaliser. Ten minutes later the pair exchanged roles, Sousa tapping in from Dudamel’s pass. A left footed twenty five yarder from veteran Robert Bercali made it 3 - 1 before halftime and three more points looked comfortably in the bag.

Clearly the side from Oliverry hadn’t read that particularly part of the script and added an early goal in the second half to the early strike in the first. Once again this seemed to spark the Hyppos into life and Molinari regained a two goal lead with a smartly taken effort in the 68th minute. You could almost sense the collective groan of two billion fans back in the Autocracy as the Hyppos once again backed off and once again were punished for it. It nearly got worse but Alexei Lomaia made a couple of smart saves to keep out an equaliser. With just a couple of minutes to go the Hyppos made the game safe. Ferron released Sousa down the middle and the teenager kept his cool to loft the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.

Hypocria 5 - 3 Oliverry
Dudamel
Sousa(2)
Bercali
Molinari

In Group Baza Publishing’s other game the Lowland Clans beat Hiiraan 2 - 1 to secure their place in the second round. They join Hypocria and Krytenia who were both already assured of a place. Oliverry advance too despite their defeat. Hiiraan are heading home.


The HyperSport Upset of the Round

Group TeleBaz - Lamoni 2 - 3 Legalese
It may be getting a little repetitive but once again it’s the Lamoni result that set the eyebrows raising. The Hawks had picked up just 2 points in two very winnable games ahead of this fixture and followed up those disappointments with more of the same. But on the bright side those 2 points ensure the runner’s up of four years ago advance into the second round. Just.


Next . . .

Hypocria (10) v Lamoni (8)

Finishing top of the group ensured a second round place against one of the fourth placed sides. Something that would normally be treated with great optimism. Unfortunately the draw partners Hypocria with this AOCAF’s great underachievers, Lamoni. The Hawks advance through to the second round with the lowest points total of any of the qualifiers and made a right mess of a comfortable group. But on their day the men from the Free Republic are a match for anyone.

Past Meetings

AOCAF IX (Cockbill Street)

Semi Final
Hypocria 1 - 0 Lamoni
Baxter

History is on our side and the Hyppos are certainly in the better form. But let’s not forget that the Hawks are the higher ranked of the two sides and their run of poor performances can’t last forever.


Second Round Preview

Nedalia (2) v Myrtannia (21)
The Nedalians are looking good, very good in fact. Four wins, seventeen goals scored and just two conceded are testimony to that fact. The attackers are in fine form while the Lions’ often suspect defence is working well too. The Dryads on the other hand managed just a single win in their group.
Prediction: The Lions roar again.

Legalese (23) v Milchama (15)
Two teams that have advanced very quietly meet in Cantinople. Both have the same number of points from the group stages but the Milchama strikers have been in much better form in front of goal.
Prediction: The Warriors battle through to the quarters.

Starblaydia (1) v Bazalonia (20)
What more is there to say about Starblaydia? The reigning champions are in imperious form, battering all those that have crossed their path. Bazalonia, on home turf, have not been so impressive with just four points from four games. Even with their vocal home support behind them the Bazalopes are still rank outsiders.
Prediction: The purple juggernaut rolls on.

Pacitalia (11) v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (16)
The third placed nation from four years ago have recovered well from being hammered by Starblaydia on the opening day. The River Dragons have been going nicely too with just one defeat to their name. There’s not a lot separating these two sides and penalties could well be the order of the day.
Prediction: River Dragon’s outfox the Foxes.

Bettia (5) v Oliverry (24)
The Aroras went through their group undefeated, only dropping points against ASMV. Oliverry won once in their four games. Given Bettia’s knack of scoring goals and Oliverry knack of conceding them this result shouldn’t be in doubt.
Prediction: Routine win for the Aroras.

Bedistan (9) v The Lowland Clans (12)
Two hugely experienced and just plain huge nations go head to head in Trevton City. Both nations have been noticeably unimpressive in previous AOCAF tournaments but have been fairly solid so far in this competition.
Prediction: The Stars shine brightest.

Hypocria (10) v Lamoni (8)
I think we’ve already covered this one.
Prediction: No comment.

Krytenia (6) v Manhatten Prime (Unranked)
Krytenia are another big name side who’ve never really hit form in the AOCAF. They turned on the style against the Lowland Clans but didn’t offer much more than that. Manhatten Prime opened their AOCAF account with a 6 - 0 defeat to Nedalia but recovered magnificently from that setback. If there’s going to be an upset it could be here.
Prediction: Jack’s fold.


Verdana - Home of the Beautiful Game

As reported in the Nedalian media, the game of football in Verdana is in pretty good shape. And we’d like to whole heartedly agree. The V3 (Bettia, Hypocria & Nedalia) all topped their respective groups. The teams didn’t just win. They won in style, scoring 42 goals in the process. Who knows? In the not too distant future perhaps another piece of silverware will be added to the Baptism of Fire, Cup of Harmony, AOCAF title and Under-21 World Cup that already reside on the continent.

Although we would like to point out to our Nedalian friends that all three of the Verdana sides came through unbeaten. Which is not quite how they reported it.

Posted by: Bettia Jul 21 2006, 10:47 AM
George yawned. He, like Ali and the rest of his mates, were bored. Not just bored, but absolutely bloody bored. Bettia weren't playing, so nstead they were lazing around in Gabalfa Gardens, Gabalfa's main park, listening to some radio punditry.
    "...and next up for Bettia are Oliverry, who many would say were quite lucky to qualify from their group, having gained just four points. Indeed, many people around the region are predicting this to be an easy win for the green and gold - what do you think?"

    "I think they're writing Les Oliverrais off way too easily. Any team that are as Takilan as we are have to be taken seriously. One thing's for sure - I'll be very disappointed if we didn't see a goalfest."

    "Heh, I see what you mean. That's what Takilan footy is all about. And let's look at the wider picture - this has been a great tournament for Verdenan football as a whole aren't they?"

    "Certainly. Just look at those league tables - three of them topped by Verdenan nations, namely us, Nedalia and Hypocria, all of us unbeaten - in fact we kinda let the side down by not coming through with a 100% record. And look at our island's other two representatives, Krytenia and Bedistan - both qualified as runners-up."

    "So how do you see this tournament progressing?"

    "Well, I'd love for us or one of neighbours to win this, but it's hard to see anyone but Starblaydia lifting the trophy - their form has been nothing short of imperious. I mean, to win their group whilst scoring ninetee..... fhfbjkszbbfe.... CRUNCH!"
"Hey, what the hell?"

"What's going on?"

Ali lifted his head to see the radio in pieces and a silver streak heading into the bushes.

"It's one of those bloody Arora Argentises - it's eaten our radio!"

George huffed a heavy sigh. "Well that's just chuffing great, that is. What are we supposed to do now - talk to each other?"

"Sod it, let's go the Pie and Pixie. With any luck they'll be showing the Dragons game."

"Good... I really hope they thrash those bloody Karelans."


Fixtures / Results:

Group BazAir

MD1: BETTIA 2-1 Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA 3-1 Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA 3-0 Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA 2-2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Field, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio, bye bye, ta ta

Second Round

BETTIA vs. Oliverry (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)

Posted by: Nedalia Jul 21 2006, 11:33 AM
Nedalian Media Apologizes

The Nedalian reporter who wrongly stated that only 2 Verdenan teams went undefeated in the group stages was jailed for blasphemy, before finally being released to wails of boos from his fellow prison folks.

"We dont get down like that," stated 25-to-lifer Jones Himms. "Fact is, the Hypocrians fought and clawed their way to a 4-0-0. They deserve credit."

The reporter has been fired, hung (not literally), and left to dry in shame. It is rumored he might be on medication for depression after his catostraphic reporting mistake which has led to riots all over the country.

The Nedalian Media Assocation and the NFA have both apologized to their Verdena mates for the unfortunate incident.

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 21 2006, 03:55 PM
Manhattan Prime secure brave draw!

Manhattan Prime 1: 1 Lamoni

Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana - 40 min Javier Sabatini – 20 mins

Manhattan Prime Ratings:

Clive Hilton (GK) – 8, looked confident, not at fault for the Lamoni goal

Lucas Thompson (RB) – 7, showed passion and grit, played as if conceding a goal would be a personal insult
John Clarke (CB) – 7, had plenty to do but coped admirably
Karl Heinze (CB) – 8, rock solid in the face of determined Lamonian attempts to break the deadlock.
Will Roberts (LB) – 7, Marked Sabatini, lost track of him once, but managed to keep him quiet for the rest of the game

Ethan Smith (DMC) – 6, playing much better and supported his defense well
Michael Donavan (MC) – 7, created the goal and tested the Lamonian defense on numerous occasions.
Felix DeSilva (AML) – 7, definitely one to watch in th future
Mashashi Takamura (AMR) – 6, settling into his role well.

Ross Jackson (S) – 5, had a very average game, seems to be in a bad run of form
Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana (S) – 8, looked sharp and scored a valuable equalizer.

No subs used.

Lloyd Hunter Writes for the Manhattan Herald

The Manhattan Prime coach loyally stuck with the same team as started last game, and they repaid his loyalty in fine fashion with a well fought draw.

The team has raised their game admirably after their 6-0 thumping by Nedalia, to earn a valuable point in a surprising upset.

Lamoni got off to a good start, as forward Javier Sabatini scored to open the scoring after 20 minutes, but Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana scored Manhattan’s first international goal to level the scores just before half time.

The 2nd half proved to be a gritty, hard fought affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Shots rained down on both goals, but both nations’ defenses held, fighing tooth and nail to avoid conceding.

Ian Pierce, the Manhattanite manager was obviously very pleased. “This is a great result for us” he said, “the boys have themselves, me and the whole nation proud”.

Analysts have been quick to highlight the political indications of this match, billing it as a victory for ASPIRE, and a brave and determined performance against superior SDL opposition.

Manhattan fans are cheered by this spirited performance, and will be rooting for the lads in their critical next figure against Legalese.

Group TeleBaz

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nedalia 3 3 0 0 14 2 12 9
2 Nojika 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
3 Lamoni 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
4 Legalese 2 0 1 1 1 6 -5 1
5 Manhattan Prime 2 0 1 1 1 7 -6 1

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 21 2006, 05:12 PM
Manhattanittes grab another vital point!

Manhattan Prime 1: 1 Legalese

Michael Donavan 42 mins goal, 55 mins

Manhattan Prime Ratings:

Clive Hilton (GK) – 7, another comfortable performance from the Aussie keeper.

Lucas Thompson (RB) – 8, a defending master class.
John Clarke (CB) – 8, confident at the heart of defense.
Karl Heinze (CB) – 7, held out well at centre back.
Hitoshi Akita (LB) – 6, suffered against concentrated Legalese pressure, but had a decent debut.

Tobias Rauss (MC) – 6, a decent game on his first cap
Michael Donavan (MC) – 9, goes from strength to strength, and scored a vital goal.
Felix DeSilva (AML) – 7, grabbed his first assist, his runs pressed Legalese hard.
Mashashi Takamura (AMR) – 7, another good game on the wings.

Karl Brandt (S) – 7, gave the coach a reason not to leave him on the bench again.
Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana (S) – 6, had a quiet game by his standards, but looked desperate to win the match.

No subs used.

Lloyd Hunter Writes for the Manhattan Herald

After recovering well from a 6-0 defeat to Nedalia by holding Lamoni 1-1, Manhattan Prime went into their 3rd group fixture against Legalese with confident running high throughout the team.

Coach Ian Pierce made 3 changes from the previous game, bringing in young Hitoshi Akita to replace Will Roberts at Left back, swapping Tobias Rauss for Ethan Smith in midfield, and dropping the disappointing Ross Jackson for German striker Karl Brandt.

Another determined performance rewarded his efforts, as Manhattan Prime held fancied Legalese to a well earned 1-1 draw.
Manhattan Prime pressed from the start, looking lively and enthusiastically chasing every ball. Their efforts paid off as DeSilva turned inside a Legalese defender, passed the ball to Michael Donavan who classily slotted home just before half time.

However after their goal Manhattan seemed to run out of steam, and Legalese came out after half time ready to press the Manhattanites hard. They’d soon surprised the Manhattan defense, and equalized.

Legalese then really began to pile on the pressure, but Manhattan Prime held on to secure another vital point.

Group TeleBaz
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nedalia 4 4 0 0 17 2 15 12
2 Lamoni 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
3 Nojika 3 0 2 1 0 3 -3 2
4 Legalese 3 0 2 1 2 7 -5 2
5 Manhattan Prime 3 0 2 1 2 8 -6 2

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 21 2006, 09:48 PM
OOC:

Lamoni a 4 nil drumming by Hypocria who according the the rank should be somewhat equal to Hypcoria and then "very easy wins". Scorinator is by nature random but KPB is a vital component in the determining Score. It seems Lamoni has been the major victim of randomness. I have not calculated the chance for this but do agree that Lamoni must have an amazing amount of Bad luck.

Once the tournament is over and if there are still complaints I will give Bedistan all my files. Results and all (including configuration file which was default for the 2.00 full release). Please if you still have concerns at the end of the tournament please be as specific as possible when raising those concerns with me. Thank you.

Posted by: Myrtannia Jul 21 2006, 11:13 PM
Certain Doom Finds Dryads

That's it folks, show's over. In a result that surprised almost no one, the Myrtannia Dryads were unceremoniously booted from AOCAF XV by the unstoppable Nedalia Lions. Not like no one saw this coming when the Dryads slipped into mediocrity during the group phase.

Once again, the Dryads got on the board first, just six minutes in, when their one successful attack cut through the Lions' defense. September Rollock got a pearl of a pass from captain Dania Figary, and struck it hard into the bottom left corner of the Nedalian net. For the entire first half, the Dryads dominated on both sides of the ball, and went into the locker rooms up 1-0. For one half, it seemed as if the Dryads might pull off a shocker in the knockouts once again. Then, things imploded.

In the first ten minutes of the second half, the Lions equalised, then went ahead, scoring two goals in short order. Seven minutes later, they scored again and went up 1-3. At that point, the Dryads were proving incapable of anything on the field, so coach McNany made the decision to pull the starting eleven off again. The reserves fared no better than their starting counterparts, allowing two more Nedalian goals.

As the final whistle blew on a 1-5 thrashing, the Dryads Army actually booed their national team as it walked off the field. Many a Sun Burst was cast aside in the seats as the Myrtannians were sent home early.

"It's very dissapointing, to get routinely steamrolled like this. We have some serious work to do over the next four years," Figary sighed, the boos from the Myrtannian contingent still ringing in her ears, "We're a mess right now, and we need to pick up the pieces. Hopefully, the next AOCAF will be more kind to those of us nations who can't enter the World Cup and other global type events."

Hot-headed striker Deeann Massetti, once a heroine in Myrtannia for her leadership in AOCAFs XIII and XIV, was not present at the match. After head-butting a Pacitalian defender, and receieving a red card for it, Massetti was quietly sent home by the Dryads staff.

"This is aggravating... but we're still young in AOCAF, really. Give us another go and we'll do better," goal keeper Flo Krabel shrugged, "First, we need to work on our defensive lapses, then we need to get into a group without Starblaydia in it. Then we'll be able to improve on this horrid performance."

Krabel, 27, is rumored to be retiring after two sub-par performances against Pacitalia and Nedalia. Who will take her place is a mystery to all at the moment. Coach McNany, the woman who's led the Dryads to two consecutive knockout appearances, is also under fire. She too may well be gone by the next time the Dryads suit up for AOCAF.

To sum up the frustration the Dryads have been going through, midfielder Daisey Martingago said simply this, "Strike the tent. We're done."

And now, the AIR 4 predictions for the quarter-finals stage:

Nedalia VS Legalese

The lawyers aren't done yet, as they proved in a tightly-fought battle against the Warriors of Milchama, going into extra time before a result came about. This was the only upset of the round, as no one had Legalaese pegged to get through against the more experienced Milchamans. However, their surprise run ends with the Nedalia Lions, who have cruised into the quarts without so much as a dent in their armor. The Lions roar again and maul Legalese. The line: NED 5 - 2 LEG

Starblaydia VS Pacitalia

These two teams met on day one, when the Purple Peril humiliated the Blue Foxes 6-0. Since then, the Starblaydis RAWRCRUSHED anyone in their way, winning easily, but the Blue Foxes reawoke in the late group stage, registering convincing victories over Islands of Qutar and Myrtannia. The knockouts always seem to be Starblaydia's time, but the Mauve Menace had a strangely close, difficult match against the host Bazalonians, ultimately winning 2-1. Pacitalia, on the other hand, won convincingly again, 4-1 over ASMV. We think that will help the Blue Foxes avoid a crushing defeat against Starblaydia, and even gives them the momentum to have a shot at getting through to the semis again. While the champs have dominated in the group stage, it's Blue Fox time. The line: Pacitalia pulls off the biggest upset of the tourney and sends the champs home without that sixth cup. STB 2 - 3 PAC (AET)

Bettia VS The Lowland Clans

Both of these sides dominated their first round competition, and face each other in what could be an interesting match. The Stars are showing signs of life after a 3-0 win over Bedistan, and the Aroras slammed the door on the imposter Frenchmen of Oliverry 4-0. Bettia has been more consistant, though, and their offense will carry them into the semis once again, while the Stars get sent home once again. The line: BET 3 - 1 TLC

Hypocria VS Krytenia

Finally, the Hypos are back in championship form and ready to challenge for their second-ever AOCAF title. After seeing off a dissapointing Lamoni squad 4-0, they face a Krytenia side that beat off newcomer Manhatten Prime 4-1 next. While the Krytenians did well in a match they were supposed to win, they won't be able to stand up to the surging Hypos. It'll be fun to see how far Hypocria goes in this tournament, as a win most likely gives them a matchup with Bettia in the semis. Now that would be one hell of a match. The line: HYP 4 - 2 KRY.

Final:

MYR 1 - NED 5
(Rollock 6) (James 47 & 62, Kelly 55, Constantine 70 & 77 )

Posted by: The Lowland Clans Jul 22 2006, 02:26 AM
GRAHAM CITY SUN - Sports Section: AOCAF Coverage

Well, That Settles It Then

BAZALONIA - After a lackluster group stage convincing victories over Oliverry and Hiiraan, but very poor performances against Krytenia and Hypocria, one had to wonder just how long the Stars current run of decent luck will last. Well, The Stars-B pretty much answered that question emphatically with the game against Bedistan today, with a solid 3-0 victory. Captain Juri Totti said after the game "that it felt very good to get that win behind us. It's given us a lot of confidence in our ability to control the midfield and to protect ourselves from defensive errors. That is what happened against Hypocria and Krytenia. We simply let them get to us."

The Stars opened the scoring with Yusi Irileneev taking a cross from Geraldo and slicing it home off of a wicked half volley. Despite taking the lead just ten minutes in, the Stars still looked remarkably shaky. Bedistan nearly scored off of a miscommunication between Totti and Kowlaski, which led to a pass being stolen and taken in by the Bedistani striker, only to be stopped by a miraculous save from Merker Evilianovich, who directed it over the bar and into the crowd. "It was a little scary for a while," said winger Jerald Hansi. "We were really nervous about were this was going for our team. With the burnout of the A-team, were essentially the last hope for the nation this time around. Given our performances in recent days, it hasn't been all good."

But after halftime, were manager Casey Dellet really got them settled and into a rythym that really punctured the Bedistani defence. After a period of extended pressure, the Stars-B finally broke through with Geraldo scoring on a beautiful curling shot from the top-right side of the eighteen yard box. The Stars continued to dominate the possession, allowing Kowlaski and Smith to push up into the attack. The prescence of the two more attack backs allowed the Stars to really focus on the attack and controlling the possession, which the midfield led by Jared MacToutha did. The third and final goal came in the eightieth minute, which sealed the Stars-B victory, with Smith making a cross to the middle of the box, where Berthome careened it off the post, only to have it fall to the feet of substitute Ivan Houth, who placed it firmly in the back of the cage.

So now the Stars-B have made it as far as they have in previous AOCAFs, can they go any farther? With a tough match against Bettia, it doesn't look good, but could the Stars do something no other team has and actually win an prestigious international tournament?

Quarter-Finals Complete With Grudge Match

GAME, SET, MATCH RATINGS
A new rating system now in use here at the Sun, the three stages, Game, Set, and Match all indicate the level of domination/confidence in victory expected bythe team that is picked to win

Nedalia vs. Legalese @ Stadium 1
Well, Legalese has done well to get this far, upsetting Milchama (which we're always glad about it, so a pint on us for each player on the Legal team when this is over), but this is the end of the run Nedalia is about as good as it gets before running into the Purple Peril. Game, Set, Match to Nedalia

Starblaydia vs. Pacitalia@ Stadium 3

And the Purple Peril rolls on, this time running up against the Blue Foxes from Pacitalia, whom they absolutely destroyed in the group phase, 6-0. Now, money, houses, common sense, and reality demand that The Peril roll on, and with the results they got in the past, it looks like they will do so. But the Foxes recovered, and they will be in it for pure, bittersweet revenge. If the Peril ain't careful, they'll get steamrolled just like they did to everybody else. Game, Set, to Starblaydia and the Peril goes on


Bettia vs. The Lowland Clans @ Stadium 5

Humourously nicknamed by one disappointed fan as the "Falling Stars," The Stars-A and Stars-B are reknowned for their inability to anything but fail to meet expectations for over a century, and nothing has done to indicate anything different. But then again, when the Stars raced to a fourth place finish in the World Cup. But that was more than a century ago. Game to Bettia

Hypocria vs Krytenia @ Stadium 7

Another group stage rematch in which Krytenia took an absolute pounding to Hypocria. Despite Krytenia's resurgence, Hypocria is where it's at. The Blue Dudes definitely a candidate to stop the Purple Peril when it comes time to. Game, Set, Match to Hypocria.

Posted by: Lamoni Jul 22 2006, 01:00 PM
OOC: I think that giving your files to Bedi is a good idea, Baz.

IC: Hypocria euthanizes worst Lamonian AOCAF team in history

This has arguably been the worst Lamonian AOCAF team in history. Only managing to score two points in the group stage of AOCAF XV, they were finally given the wooden spoon by Hypocria, 4-0.

During the game, the Lamonian performance was so bad that Myrtannian reserve forward Myong Tuman actually ran onto the field in full uniform and scored for the Hawks. After being carted away by Bazalonian security officials, the goal was not counted.

So to round out the final LBC broadcast for AOCAF XV, let's get to our predictions!

Nedalia vs. Legalese

Legal has had a good run, but Nedalia should spank them with the wooden spoon in this match.

Starblaydia vs. Pacitalia

A group stage rematch after the Purple Peril ran over Pacitalia 6-0, we expect that Pacitalia could pull off an upset, and there is nothing more pleasurable to Lamonian AOCAF fans (other than Lamoni winning the AOCAF cup) than watching Starblaydia be humbled.

Bettia vs. TLC

While this should be a good matchup, we expect that the Clansmen won't have the horsepower to win this match.

Hypocria vs. Krytenia

We expect that Hypocria will steamroll over our Krytenian allies in this match. Sorry Kryties, but Hypocria has a stronger motivational drive.

Posted by: Hypocria Jul 22 2006, 03:50 PM
Hyppos Hammer Hawks


Stephen Murtagh reporting from Woolgolga, Bazalonia

It was a match-up that many back in the Autocracy feared. A second round encounter against a battered and bruised side from the Free Republic. Everyone knows of the dangers posed by a wounded animal and the hopelessly out of form Hawks were certainly wounded after the scathing criticism they were receiving from their own media following some abject performances. The blue and white army were haunted by visions of a resurgent Lamoni side brushing past the Hyppos and moving into the last eight. They arrived at the CBBC Dome, or settled down in front of their televisions back home, praying that those fears were unjustified. They should have had more faith.

Rather than a resurgent Hawks side, the Autocracy’s finest were faced by a Lamoni team for whom the tournament seemingly couldn’t end fast enough. Devoid of confidence, shattered by stinging criticisms and a crippling loss of form, the Lamoni players simply could not compete with a Hypocrian side playing at the top of their game.

There was no mistaking the real difference between the two side. The Hyppo’s attacking players are currently oozing self assurance. The Lamoni strikers are quite the opposite, although a friendly Myrtannian did pop up at one point to stick the ball in the back of the net. Both sides racked up a similar number of shots. But while nine of the Autocracy’s twelve efforts were on target , Lamoni could only trouble Lomaia twice from their ten efforts. Alex Sousa started the proceedings with a goal on seventeen minutes. Carlo Molinari scored a goal in each half to ease the Autocracy’s passage through to the quarter finals, his sixth and seventh of the tournament. A passage that was a assured when Bassano bagged a fourth as the Hyppo’s qualified for the Quarter Finals for the fourth time in their history.

Hypocria 4 - 0 Lamoni
Sousa
Molinari(2)
Bassano

“Of course I’m delighted”, coach Santoro told the press. “But this job’s a long way from done. The last time I was in charge of an AOCAF team was twelve years ago in Chicanada. We got to the quarters there too, and lost. I really don’t want to go through that again. There’s still a hell of a lot of work to do.”

Elsewhere in the second round Nedalia, Bettia and Krytenia enjoyed comfortable and predictable wins. Pacitalia beat Andossa Se Mitrin Vega with surprising ease. Legalese needed extra time to see of Milchama. The Lowland Clans received a huge confidence boast after winning their local derby against Bedistan. And the reigning champions Starblaydia just about overcame a determined effort from the hosts.


The HyperSport Upset of the Round

Pacitalia 5 - 1 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
After throwing of their tag of final day chokers and actually qualifying from the group the stage was set for the River Dragons to have a real run at this title. The Blue Foxes clearly had other ideas and really turned on the style against the side from the north, producing a one-sided result that belied the close nature of this fixture on paper. The Pacitalians have recovered superbly after their dismal start and can now look forward to a mouth watering grudge match against those dastardly Men in Mauve in the last eight.


Quarter Final Preview

Nedalia v Legalese
We’ve all been raving about those damned Starblaydis but the Lions of Nedalia have been in fairly unstoppable form too. They swept through Myrtannia 5 - 1 in the last round and look like offering up more of the same against a Legalese side who have quietly sneaked through the competition. There’s a potential Nedalia/Starblaydia semi on the cards. Now there’s a thought.
Prediction: Those Lions just keep on roaring.

Starblaydia v Pacitalia
How’s this for a grudge match? The Purple Peril royally trounced the Blue Foxes in the opening group game and you can bet your house that the Pacitalians will be going all out for revenge. The Blues Foxes certainly have ability but do they really have what it takes to stop the Lilac Leviathan dead in it’s tracks?
Prediction: The Men in Mauve claim another victim.

Bettia v The Lowland Clans
Bettia are another side who are looking very, very good. We all know the Aroras can score goals but recently they’ve been generally keeping them out at the other end too. The Stars come into this fixture with a confidence building win over Bedistan under their collective belts. They’ll push the Bettians all the way but ultimately they won’t quite have enough.
Prediction: Brave Stars finally fall.


Next . . .

Hypocria (10) v Krytenia (6)

The reward for beating Lamoni is a rematch of the Autocracy’s opening fixture in this tournament, a tricky match against Krytenia's second string eleven. The opening game saw the Hyppos beat the Jacks 2 - 1 with goals from Molinari and Drago. A repeat performance would be most welcome. Unfortunately the men in cyan have shown an ability to turn on the style when they really need it as big wins over the Lowland Clans and Manhatten Prime have shown. Hopefully the Jacks will be too busy celebrating the first team’s recent third place finish in the World Cup to pay too much attention to this upcoming match.

Past Meetings

AOCAF XI (Bettia)

Group 3
Hypocria 1 - 3 Krytenia
Shirko

Semi Final
Hypocria 3 - 0 Krytenia
Kreska
Liberda
Jenas

AOCAF XIII (Krytenia)

Group A
Hypocria 1 - 3 Krytenia
Eagles

The record stands at two wins apiece from four previous meetings. Although it is nice to note that the last time the Hyppos faced Krytenia twice in a tournament was when they took the title at AOCAF XI. Maybe it’s an omen.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jul 22 2006, 07:28 PM
River Dragons' fire snuffed in lopsided contest
Guess who's up next?

HUGHESTOWN, BAZALONIA (PSN) -- Pacitalia reached its third-straight AOCAF quarterfinals Friday evening, defeating the evenly-matched Andossa Se Mitrin Vega side by a less than even and less than flattering score of 5-1. The win brought Pacitalia's overall goal differential in the tournament above 0 for the first time (14/11 for +3 GD) while doing the opposite to the River Dragons, who, thanks to the massive victory, exited the fifteenth AOCAF with a negative goal ratio.

Troubling for most football fans at this AOCAF is the massive amount of wide victories favoured teams have been enjoying, while certain top-ten squads like Lamoni have utterly collapsed in the tournament. Some fans blame poor officiating and favouritism by referees and linesmen, but overall the Bazalonian hosting job has been a success, buoyed by flocks of corporate sponsors and increased interest in matches, both on the internet, on television and radio and in attendance figures. However, for now what is troubling is the task that lies before the Blue Foxes.

Nobody said the AOCAF was an easy tournament to win, and boy, did it just get a lot harder with the Pacitalians' next opponent: a rematch ensues with the Men in Mauve Saturday, and Pacitalia will surely be out to enact some revenge on Starblaydia in return for being trounced 6-0 in the first match of the group stage. It would be fantastic for the Blue Foxes to pull off the biggest upset since Myrtannia defeated Vilita in the last AOCAF tournament, and they could do it in style, avenging the horseshoeing they took at the hands of the Purple Peril while simultaneously booking their place in a second-straight AOCAF semifinal.

Many avid observers are pointing to the sudden, or at least perceived, decline in the quality of Starblaydi play with the arrival of the knockouts (Bazalonia's B squad managed to hold the Purple Peril to only a 2-1 win after the Starblaydis scored 19 goals in the group stage), while the Blue Foxes have managed a resurgent string of three victories after a loss and a draw. And those same observers say if any match could provide an upset, it might be this one, based on the direction the two squads appear to be heading in this AOCAF. However, those closely watching the tournament are still split basically even on who will win Saturday night's thriller.

Regardless, here's a recap of the Pacitalian-ASMV match.

Dragons outfoxed

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega appeared to be answering the calls of fans to end underachievement on the part of the River Dragons when they opened the scoring on a rather intelligent play. Broderick Wallenstein found fellow striker Kabe Tribby on the right side of the twenty-two-yard box and Tribby deked goalkeeper Cristianu Raduvani out of his shorts, something that rarely occurs when the Pacitalian starter is fully on his game. Raduvani stuck his foot out to tackle the ball away in a last ditch effort at defence but his clearance attempt deflected off Tribby's shin and right to an on-side Wallenstein who pocketed his first goal of the knockouts.

But it was not a moment too soon after that when the Blue Foxes equalised. Captain Veranace d'Amantano, fresh off his two-goal effort to secure second place for Pacitalia in the group stage, attempted to push the ball past Fidel Berte and was successful but Berte was quick to turn on his heel. He and centre-back Rob Hoeckman unintentionally sandwiched d'Amantano causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground. Referee Santos del Quin awarded a penalty kick where Andolfabio Vunghiasso scored to even things up at 1-1.

It is always said the Blue Foxes concentrate on defence in the first hour, and offence in the last thirty minutes. Whether that is a strategy that works most of the time is debatable, though it has been a successful setup for them. The Blue Foxes are way above W-L evenage when using this unofficial strategy, and it seems to work as the Pacitalians score nearly eighty percent of their goals between the 60th and 85th minutes. That held true again today, as the Blue Foxes shut down and exhausted Tribby and Wallenstein in the first 45 before starting to take advantage of the River Dragons' fatigue in the second half. It remained 1-1 all the way to the half.

Vunghiasso almost scored his second of the match in the 57th minute when Berte tried to clear. It hit the Pacitalian left midfielder on the lower left shoulder and Hoeckman and Berte cried for a handball whistle; however, del Quin urged play on, meaning Vunghiasso was on-side. He took a crack at the net but his wickedly fast shot curled just over the bar and into the crowd. ASMV keeper Georgeanne Mellet was more than ready for the shot had it been on target, as she dove back to try and fist the ball above the crossbar and landed squarely at the back of the net with a sheepish grin stapled on her face.

Three minutes later, though, Mr Vunghiasso would not be denied. Roles were suddenly and surprisingly reversed for a corner from the left as central midfielder Michelangelo Mascagnano lobbed a flying, curling shot right onto the head of Vunghiasso, who converted from near the spot, deflecting a beautiful ball low to the left off his cranium and past Mellet. Blue Fox fans were screaming their appreciation for "Il professore", as Vunghiasso is nicknamed for his clinical play style, as the first hour of the game came to a close with the score 2-1. They were unaware that the Pacitalian side had much more in store for them.

It was not five minutes later when the match was essentially secured by the Blue Foxes. d'Amantano fed Ambrosino Giurimano a beautiful pass that skated over the front-placed foot of Hoeckman (attempting to cut off possession). Giurimano then controlled the ball and sent a beautiful shot high past Mellet for a 3-1 lead. After that goal there was visible fatigue, but also apathy on the faces of the River Dragon players, as they knew their AOCAF journey was up, at least for now. On from their eighth-minute tally they just could not get past Manzanotti, San' Cristobal and Comanescu at defence, and they were continually run around at midfield for most of the match.

Mellet's exhaustion and frustration at the result and her play showed in the 74th as she slide-tackled d'Amantano just inside the box as he attempted to take a shot. del Quin instantly awarded a penalty kick, to the protests of the other players and the jeers of the fans, but when Mellet decided to give the ref her (very nasty) two cents, it was just too much for del Quin, who was far from impressed. The referee ended the goalkeeper's tournament sixteen minutes premature with a red card. d'Amantano effortlessly converted the penalty shot off backup keeper Levinia Colding with a sharp and low shot to the right as Colding dove the opposite way.

The final goal came seven minutes later in the 81st as d'Amantano's superb back heel found Ambrosino Giurimano, who, instead of opting to shoot himself, created a chance for right-midfielder Andreos Charisteas with a second back heel. Charisteas used Giurimano to block off Dana Obensheim and then spun off a rocketing shot that appeared to be going high. To the surprise and delight of Pacitalian fans, and the chagrin and disgust of the River Dragons supporters, it bounced off the crossbar and deflected down into the net for a 5-1 lead and victory with the same score.

So, as mentioned, the Blue Foxes reach their third-straight AOCAF quarterfinal and will try to both upset -- and enact revenge on -- the Starblaydis in that match to reach their second-straight AOCAF semifinal. Saturday will prove to be yet another example of top-flight football regardless of who wins it.

From Hughestown, Bazalonia:
Pacitalia 5 : 1 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
PAC: Vunghiasso 13' (p), 60'; Giurimano 65'; d'Amantano 74'; Charisteas 81'
ASMV: Wallenstein 8'

Posted by: Bazalonia Jul 23 2006, 12:11 AM
PRESS RELEASE - Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

It has come to our attention due to a number of unexpected results there have been claims of biased refereeing dealing of a number of teams. The Lamonians with their unexpected losses and the Starblaydis with the 6-0, 4-0 and 3-0 wins over their opponents.

We are announcing an inquiry into the refering looking over past matches invlolving all nations throughout the 6 matchdays played so far. Any referee that is found to be biased will suffer serious sanctions and be banned from refereeing any international match in Bazalonia.

We call for anyone with any evidence for judicial misconduct by any referee during this investigation to contact the BFSA Judiciary. Despite the potential issues with the referee's we have to say that we are very happy with how the AOCAF has been handled so far. And this has been vital experience for our organisation and we assure every nation participating in the AOCAF that we will clamp down on any misconduct by referees and restore the good name of this region-wide tournament.

Posted by: Nedalia Jul 23 2006, 08:48 AM
Lions Maul Legalese; Purple Army Awaits

The Nedalia Lions have arguably displayed the most destructive offense ever seen in any AOCAF tournament, scoring a total of 29 goals in 6 games. Thats almost 5 goals a game. They've also conceded only 4 goals, which is possibly even more surprising than their goals scored rate.

The fact is, the combination of Ben Turner, who just couldn't work well consistently enough with now retired legend Mohammed Khadra, and Cris Donne, perhaps the finest defender in Nedalia, is perhaps the first central defense combination to have finally "clicked" in the Lions history. Add to that the solid play of Gradd Corona on the left and Khalil Khasem, who has shown surprising toughness, on the right, and you have one mean defense which has been delivering the goods. Behind them stands Nedalia's finest goalkeeper since Derrell Lynch, and there is talk that Henry Tillment might even surpass the man who is widely considered the best ever for the Lions.

The heart and soul of the team, however, has been Constantine. Long over shadowed by his "2nd Generation" mates, the team is now unquestionably his, and his game has elevated to a whole new level. He was given the captaincy by Dilford, and since then has taken hold of the team, relishing in his new role. He might officially be stated as the right winger, but in reality, he has been given permission to the roam the field as he pleases by Dilford. Jesmin il Mohafet, who has replaced the greatest Nedalian footballer of all time, Nene, on the left, has been, so far, up to the task. His crosses have been amazingly accurate, and his runs down the flank have been as dangerous as the come. Houdini and Culmer have been absolute rocks in the middle, with their pinpoint passes and their solid defensive plays as well as accuracy going forward.

The frontline has been as impressive as they come. Jimmy Kelly, Tim James, Lumiere, and youngster Julian Kassem have all had their fair share of playing time and goals, and their deadliness upfront has been the fear of all the teams they have faced.

They ran through the group stages 4-0-0, rocked Myrtannia 5-1 and abolished Legalese 7-1. Now, they face Starblaydia. The two single most impressive teams in the tournament will meet up in the most highly anticipated match since the beginning of AOCAF 15, and perhaps before. Where Nedalia has been an unstoppable destruction team, loudly destroying everything set before them, Starblaydia have been mercilessly ruthless. Undoubtably the finest defensive team in the region, they have also been, without a question, the most well-rounded squad. They are also ranked 2nd and 1st in the tournament, respectively, and it couldnt show more.

So as the Lions prepare for the tournament's biggest encounter, it is widely assumed that the winner of this match will be the new AOCAF champion. No disrespect to either one of our allies, Bettia or Krytenia, but this the match all eyes will be upon. Clash of the Titans, if you may.

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 23 2006, 02:40 PM
Manhattan Prime in Knockout Phase!!!

Manhattan Prime 2: 1 Nojika

Yos*ito Katakana , 10 mins goal, 44 mins
Karl Brandt, 60 mins

Manhattan Prime Ratings:

Clive Hilton (GK) – 6, neutralized most of the Nojikan attacks.

Lucas Thompson (RB) – 7, bossed the right back position throughout.
John Clarke (CB) – 7, Kept the opposing strikers quiet
Karl Heinze (CB) – 7, looks to have a solid partnership with Clarke in the middle.
Hitoshi Akita (LB) – 6, seemed to have little to do

Tobias Rauss (MC) – 7, refused to lose a ball.
Michael Donavan (MC) – 6, a solid display of tough tackling.
Felix DeSilva (AML) – 8, another classy performance, ran rings around the Nojikan defense.
Mashashi Takamura (AMR) – 7, gave the strikers plenty of support.

Karl Brandt (S) – 8, scored the vital winner and ran himself ragged for the whole match
Yos*ito Katakana (S) – 7, scored the first goal and gave his partner the utmost support. A truly unselfish striker.

No subs used.

Lloyd Hunter Writes for the Manhattan Herald

Manhattan Prime have secured a historic 2-1 victory over Nojika to take the team through to the Last 16 of AOCAF 15 on their first appearance in the tournament.

The win, Manhattan’s first in international competition, means the team finishes 3rd in Group TeleBaz with 5 points, and condemns their opponents to the Wooden Spoon award, for last place.

They are joined by group winners Nedalia, who qualify undefeated in the group stages, with Legalese in 2nd place, and Lamoni in 4th.

The partnership of Katakana and Brandt up front instantly bore fruit, with the Japanese striker netting within 10 minutes of kick off.

Nojika didn’t give up, and were rewarded with an equalizer just before half time, but Manhattan Prime emerged from their break looking rejuvenated, and eager to bury the game. Karl Brandt scored the winner in the 60th minute with a thunderbolt of a shot, after fooling two Nojika defenders who seemed to be flagging in the Bazalonian heat. Manhattan Prime then had little trouble holding on for the win.

Giving a brief post match interview, the Manhattan Prime manager Ian Pierce was clearly thrilled by his team’s efforts. He praised the player’s “fantastic performance”, and commented that they’d greatly exceeded the media’s expectations of them. Instead of being humiliated, they’d lost only once, drew twice and won once, all against superior opposition, and qualified for the next round in their first tournament as a team.

The vast majority of the nation is delighted by their team’s performance so far in the tournament and immense street parties are being held tonight in the major cities of the Imperial Republic, with everyone welcome, and entry free to all those wearing Manhattan colours

Tedd Verres, a bar owner in New London says he has never seen business so good, despite offering a free pint for every Manhattan Prime goal in the tournament. A party mood has swept the nation followed such an unexpected success at the team’s first time of asking.

Even the President of Manhattan Prime, well known as a big football fan by his staff in the capital, was on hand to offer the team and manager his congratulations. President Cuthbert appeared on the telescreens to tremendous applause from the massed hordes of ecstatic, patriotic, and truth be told, inebriated, Manhattan fans. Dressed in a Manhattan Prime football shirt he delivering a brief message from his official residence, and made it clear that he’d been watching every match.

Hopes are running high throughout the nation tonight as the team prepares for their Last 16 clash with highly fancied Krytenia, but Manhattanite fans feel that their team has already done themselves proud.

Group TeleBaz

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Nedalia 4 4 0 0 17 2 15 12
2 Legalese 4 1 2 1 5 9 -4 5
3 Manhattan Prime 4 1 2 1 4 9 -5 5
4 Lamoni 4 0 2 2 4 6
-------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Nojika 4 0 2 2 1 5 -4 2

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 23 2006, 06:02 PM
Dasha Hits Half-Ton
New record as Starblaydia into Semis

The greatest nation in the history of the AOCAF will come face to face in the Semi-Finals of the 15th AOCAF with one of the world's great up-and-coming footballing powers. It should really be the Final, like it was way back in AOCAF10. That time Starblaydia emerged victorious over Nedalia in Extra Time thanks to a Menecrates goal, after Syku Lyku-Agbayani had Starblaydia at 1-1 after ninety minutes.

Good versus Evil, they're building it up to be over there - dunno which they are, though. Either way, Starblaydia slammed Pacitalia 3-0 on their way to a last-four meeting with Nedalia, not quite the RAWRCRUSHing 6-0 on Matchday One, but any win is a good win. The match will perhaps be best remembered for the scoring of Dasha Tolkacheva's fiftieth goal, perhaps the greatest landmark in goalscoring history for Starblaydia.

Matteo Prizzoni and World Cup-winning captain Georges Blanc also got on the scoresheet as Pacitalia were sent packing, though they couldn't out-do Dasha's goal within fifteen minutes. The rumour had gone around that Dasha was wearing a T-shirt underneath her jersey with some fifty-themed message written on it, and hundreds of cameras were all pointed at her. In the event, it was the rest of the team who were wearing the T-shirts, and they all proceeded to 'Flash Dash', as it were. Definitely a good team spirit in that side. Just the kind of thing needed to fend off a side who have scored practically five goals a game in the run-up to this Semi-Final.

This will be the hardest test for a Starblaydi AOCAF team since... well... a long time ago. Can Starblaydia make it to yet another final?

Starblaydia 3 - 0 Pacitalia
(Tolkacheva 14, Prizzoni 68, Blanc 72) - (None)

Posted by: Bettia Jul 24 2006, 05:18 AM
The Blessed Realm is buzzing, as is it's neighbour Nedalia. In fact, they're buzzing so much, no-one would blame you if you thought the entire island of Verdena had been conquered by a maurauding swarn of giant bumblebees. Well, perhaps you get a few odd glances here and there, just like the guy who went public claiming that ants were taking over the world.

Mind you, ants ARE all around us, burrowing into our gardens, invading our homes, their populations growing exponentially... it's just a matter of time folks. Chances are they'll soon be as big as us, and then, when we least expect it, these new super-ants will come to the surface, announcing their horrifying prescence by terrorising all who stand before them, slicing those who oppose them in half with their awesome mandibles until finally... finally, mankind is subjugated, forced to do their bidding in their deep, dark mines, digging new tunnels, foraging for food, tending to their young and (for some unlucky souls) wiping the queen's ãrse.

QUOTE
BEEEEEEEP... WE APOLOGISE FOR THIS SHORT BREAK... THIS IS DUE TO A TECHNICAL PROBLEM... NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED SHORTLY... AND ANTS ARE NOT TAKING OVER THE WORLD... IN THE MEANTIME, HERE IS A LITTLE RANDOM MUSIC...

♪ ♪ DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE DIDDLY DEE, ♪ ♪ DA DUM DA DUM DA DUM DUM DUM... ♪ ♪


Back to more important matters - the final of AOCAF 15. All eyes are on the TeleBaz Stadium where the Aroras face the Lions in a bid to get hold of their first major title since that glorious day in Vilita where they lifted the Baptism of Fire trophy all those years ago.

Expectation is high, town squares and parks are packed to the rafters (if they had rafters, that is) of footy fans flocking around the myriad the ultra-screens which now seem to be a permanent landmark around towns and villages throughout the nation. Every public building has been transformed into a little piece of the Bettian half of the stadium, with fans all decked out in the green and gold quarters packing into them to watch the match - even the quaint little public library in Kirkwood has a quiet buzz around it, as though it has been invaded by a swarm of giant bumblebees (ENOUGH WITH THE GIANT INSECTS ALREADY!).

As always, the streets around the country are deserted as fans take every vantage point imaginable - even the comedy tumbleweed bouncing down Pifton High Street is getting into the spirit of things, showing flashes of green and yellow in it's otherwise dead brown foliage. And as always, the Pie and Pifton (possibly the most famous sports café in Bettia) is heaving with punters, including our regulars George and Ali, who are sat at their usual table, sipping their usual tea and nibbling on their usual scones... it's just ten minutes or so to kickoff, but Ali is uneasy.

"Erm... George?"

"Yup?" he replies, a sultana dropping out of his mouth as he rather impolitely talks with his mouth full (who taught this guy manners?)

"What time is it?"

"About ten minutes to kickoff?"

"Uh-huh... and how long have you been in here today?"

"Oh, a few hours. I woke up at four o'clock especially for this. I can't bloody wait!"

"Right, a few hours. And you're not worried that your being here early is going to jinx the team?"

"What?! Oh please Ali, tell me you're joking. I thought you were over all this we-always-lose-when-George-gets-here-on-time thing? I mean, we proved that was complete bollocks when we won that World Cup qualifier whilst I was in the toilet the whole time."

"Yeah, but that was against a bunch of no-hopers - this is Nedalia we're playing now, one of the few teams who are actually better than us. Aren't you in the least bit worried?"

"Not in the slightest. Your theory is bollocks... read my lips, complete and utter bollocks. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, you're talking bollocks."

"No, I'm Ali. I don't know anyone called Talking Bollocks. I know a Tecwyn Black though."

"Oh shut up and watch the telly."

QUOTE
"Yes, hello and welcome back to the AOCAF Final live from the TeleBaz on the Sonastra Sports Network. We're pleased to welcome into the studio an old friend of ours Razir Winstone - good to have you with us Raz."

"It's good to be here."

"Now, what do you make of today's team news?"

"It's certainly a very VERY bold move. Playing two in defence instead of the usual three? It seems Abdul-Rahim's going all out for the win here - it's great to see, and with the team's confidence buoyed by the awesome display in the semifinal, who can blame him?"

"And what about Cledwyn Foyle's role, sitting just behind the central pairing of Warlow and Ap Tegryn?"

"I'd say he's perfect for the role - collecting the ball from the back two and using his passing accuracy to set up quick counter attacks... if all goes right, it's a tactic that could pay some real dividends."

"Now, Bettia and Nedalia have some history, stretching all the way back to their Baptism of Fire matchup. We've dipped into the archives and found this pre-match footage, which includes a rather young-looking Razir..."
QUOTE
"Oh yes, very good Raz... always the joker! All jesting aside, could the Aroras of Bettia beat the Lions of Nedalia? Well, we've decided to find out with a little matchup of our own. We've got cameras over at Lorshill Safari Park where we can now join our correspondant Jan Booth. Jan?"

"Yes hello, we're here live from Lorshill Safari Park, where we're about to find out... by releasing a pride of lions into the Arora pen!"

"WHAT?!? You can't do that! That's sick! That's cruel! That's inhumane!"

"I know, but we've got an hour to kill until kick-off. Okay Jan, RELEASE THE LIONS!! Oh wow, we're certainly getting some fast, gutsy action here, the two sides are quite literally tearing into each other. The lions are throwing their weight around, and the aroras are using their speed, agility and big teeth to good use. And... oooh, that's got to hurt! What a mess - we'll come back to the safari park in a few minutes time when the park-keepers have had a chance to clean that up.

George spluttered, spraying all around him with half-eaten scone and plastering the screen with bits of jam and pastry.

"What?! I can't believe they just showed that! I'm trying to eat here!"

"Yes, and failing miserably." Ali replied grumpily, wiping chunks of his friend's lunch out of his thinning hair.

"Well excuuuuuuse me!"

"Hey, the teams are coming out!"

The crowd in the café rose to their feet, as did every other fan in the country who was able to, shouting encouragement to their on-screen heroes.

"COOOMMME ONNNNN YOU 'RORAAAAAS!! COOOMMMME ONNNNN YOU 'RORAAAAAS!! COOOMMME ONNNNN YOU 'RORAAAAAS!!" came the huge, almost similtaneous cry from billions of eager fans, matching the deafening chants of the lucky few thousand who were at the match in person, hopeful of watching Bettian history in the making. As the ever-stirring national anthem rang out across the stadium and the Blessed Realm, the good people sat down, their eyes glued to whatever screen stood before them, ready to watch THE match.

This is it. The time for talking, spraying your lunch over a wide area, and daft giant-insect-based conspiracy theories is over...





Fixtures / Results:

Group BazAir

MD1: BETTIA 2-1 Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA 3-1 Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA 3-0 Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA 2-2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Field, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio, bye bye, ta ta

Second Round

BETTIA 4-0 Oliverry (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)

Quarter Final

BETTIA 2-1 The Lowland Clans (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)

Semi-Final

BETTIA 4-0 Krytenia (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)

FINAL

BETTIA vs. Nedalia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 24 2006, 05:34 AM
More Krytie Mayhem In Store
Starblaydia meet bitter enemies in fight for 3rd

Nedalia have finally overcome their Starblaydi bugbear in the AOCAF - or, to put it another way - Starblaydia have lost their 100% winning record against Nedalia in the AOCAF. In AOCAFs 8, 10 and 14 (all of which saw a Starblaydi championship), Nedalia have been defeated by the men and women in white and purple. Two of those needed Extra Time and this match may well have gone that way were it not for Constantine's late, late winner.

The match started evenly, Nedalia's uber-offensive intentions breaking on the rocks of Blanc, Velaise and Kouvas. Starblaydia, by contrast, were happy to keep the ball and frustrate the Lions' midfield. Il-Mohafet, Culmer and Constantine may all be very good players, but without the ball they were inneffective at best. Starblaydia's spearhead was led by Donii, who battled with Houdini throughout the ninety minutes; their tussle often reflected the state of the match as a whole. Sometimes Donii's tricks and quick feet left the defensive-minded Nedalian for dead, while others Houdini's touch on the ball and skill at winning it proved too good for the Aquiliana-born midfielder.

Nedalia struck first, their greatest-ever striker Tim James netting past Paola Mendez after good work by Il-Mohafet on the left. Averette was caught out of position at right-back, giving the Aanjar winger all the time in the world to put in the perfect cross for James to head home. Starblaydis were heard to mutter 'what if Ibanez had been there instead'. The answer, most probably, is that Il-Mohafet would have been writhing on the ground in agony and Starblaydia a man down from then on.

Thankfully for Starblaydia they struck back with their own greatest-ever striker: Dasha Tolkacheva. She levelled the match with her fifty-first international goal: Donii brushed past Houdini, chipped the ball into the area for Lawrence Asante to nod down and Tolkacheva to blast into the top corner of the net, making Ben Turner look like he wasnn't even there.

The lead belonged to Nedalia at half time, though, as Culmer proved himself fastest in a goalmouth scramble after Mendez lost the ball in mid-air from a corner. Under pressure from Donne and her teammate Kouvas, Mendez failed to catch the corner and Culmer toe-poked it home from around seven yards. And the crowd went wild, as they say.

Starblaydia came out fighting at the beginning of the second half and Nedalia were forced to drop back as Starblaydia pressed for an equaliser. It took fifteen minutes of Tolkacheva, Asante and Prizzoni all coming close, but Starblaydia had to ensure against conceeding a third while trying to pull level. It needed a gamble to work, a gamble that duly came from that voracious young attacking right-back Christian Averette. His over-lapping ability is surely second to none and in the industrious, unselfish Prizzoni he has found an excellent foil. With Prizzoni holding the ball just outside the corner of the penalty area, Averette steamed past him on the outside. A simple flick with the outside of his foot saw Prizzoni fool Gradd Corona and Averette burst into the area with the ball. One barnstorming shot later and Tillment was on the floor with the ball in the net behind him. Oh boy does that kid have a talent for scoring: four goals in seven games for the young right-back. On-looking Ibanez, who Averette has replaced, has scored just seven in a near twenty year-long career, by comparison.

It looked likely to be Extra Time for the third time in four meetings, but Nedalia weren't having any of that. It was Constantine, taking the ball past Georges Blanc, who's legs couldn't keep up with his opposing Captain, one-twoing with Culmer and then curling a shot with the outside of his right boot past the outstreched leg of Leo Velaise and the despairing hand of Paola Mendez. Constantine took a lap of honour around the stadium as Starblaydia held their heads in their hands and Nedalia sent themselves to the Final of the AOCAF for the third time in their history. There they face Final virgins Bettia, and one thing is sure: a different champion will be added to the AOCAF trophy's history.

Starblaydia, on the other hand, have a little meeting with Krytenia first.

Nedalia 3 - 2 Starblaydia
(James 24, Culmer 39, Constantine 89) - (Tolkacheva 27, Averette 61)

Posted by: Nedalia Jul 24 2006, 08:07 AM
Verdena Invaded by Giant Ants!

Amidst concerning reports coming out of Bettia about giant ants terrorizing the country, Nedalia joined their eastern neighbors in the AOCAF 15 finals after a legend-making goal by the captain himself, Constantine. We couldn't have possibly covered the game better than our Starblaydi counterparts, so we won't, but we mention that final score was 3-2, in the Lions favor. Finally.

This the first time that the senior Nedalia Lions have defeated the Purple Army in any competition, and the first time in 5 tries they finally feel success in AOCAF competitions. Some of the previous losses have been painful, especially the AOCAF 10 finals loss. Revenge comes sweet, as they say, but according to manager Sam Dilford, it didn't come easy.

"This is, without doubt, the finest squad we have ever defeated," stated the manager. "We're not fond of them in Nedalia, that's no secret. That, however, takes nothing away from their football. What they showed us today...it really couldve gone either way. It took something special from a very special player to seperate us, but this is a team that has the world at its feet. The way Bedistan fell in the AOCAF and World Cup competitions, I have to say that Starblaydia is the finest football team in the world, bar none, despite their exit to Krytenia. I have a new found respect for their team and that country in general. They are top notch in every aspect. My hat goes off to them, that was one hell of a team that we beat today."

The 89th goal by Constantine now pits the Lions vs. Bettia. While we previously stated that whoever won the epic Nedalia vs. Starblaydia match would effectively win the tournament, that has to be taken back after the Aroras defeated the Kryties 4-0.

"The way Bettia played against Krytenia," commented Dilford, "suggests that definitely have what it takes to lift the trophy. We've always had respect for the Bettian game; in fact, we play nearly the same way. Our focal points are our offenses, so you can be guaranteed there's gonna be alot of goals in this one."

While they haven't played each other recently, the Lions and the Aroras have a long history of friendly rivalry to build this match up properly from. The record stands as 2-2-1 for the Lions against the Aroras, with the Baptism of Fire Quarter-Final matchup, the 1st of 5 games between the brotherly countries, being the only loss. Don't be fooled, however; despite a slightly better record, this match is about as equal as they come.

One thing is for sure; when its all said and done, Verdena will be crowned champions!

Posted by: Bettia Jul 25 2006, 05:16 AM
"There. What did I tell you? NOW do you believe me? NOW do you believe your theory is completely doolally?"

It was no use. George's gloating was going unheard, and he didn't mind one bit - it was being drowned out by the near-hysterical jubilation that seemed to be reverberating throughout the entire Blessed Realm.

They'd done it!

They'd only gone and bloody done it!

After a dominant display in which they had downed the Lions by four goals to one, Bettian football had reached dizzying new heights - Bettia were the champions of Atlantian Oceania.

The customers of the Pie and Pixie were literally jumping for joy, as were the players and staff over in the TeleBaz Stadium as they proceeded one by one onto a hastily-constructed stage in the centre of the pitch to receive their winners medals. The stadium rang to the tune of thousands of Bettians singing an impromptu chorus of the ever-stirring 'Brothers of Bettia', reaching a deafening crescendo with the final line... "Cry out as one - BETTIA! BETTIA!"

And then the moment came - Aroras captain Badr Warlow stepped up onto the stage to complete the formalities, shaking hands with Bazalonian dignataries and receiving his medal before the President of Bazalonia himself presented him with the trophy. In time honoured tradition, he kissed it before hoisting it with both hands above his head - cue delerium in the stands, the fans going wild as the players celebrated before getting lost in a green and gold mist of confetti.

As pictures of the players parading their newly-won trophy around the pitch to the acclaim of their fans, and also the equal number of Nedalian fans who sporting applauded them, George and Ali sat back down with hugely satisfied grins on their faces, clinking their teacups in celebration as the national euphoria carried on around them.

They did it.

Stuart Abdul-Rahim's two-man defence gamble had paid off. The front three had done their job, with Latif Hunter grabbing a brace and Hutton and Devanallt claiming a goal each. This epic victory had certainly dulled the pain of the Bettian gridball team losing the NS Cup Final by a single touchdown. Bettian sport was on a major high - now it just needed the national ice hockey teams to follow suit to make the triumph complete.

They did it!



Fixtures / Results:

Group BazAir
MD1: BETTIA 2-1 Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA 3-1 Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA 3-0 Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA 2-2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Field, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio, bye bye, ta ta

Second Round
BETTIA 4-0 Oliverry (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)

Quarter Final
BETTIA 2-1 The Lowland Clans (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)

Semi-Final
BETTIA 4-0 Krytenia (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)

FINAL
BETTIA 4-1 Nedalia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)

Posted by: Starblaydia Jul 25 2006, 11:46 AM
Krytenians Beaten, Not Heard
Starblaydia finish in third position

And so, Dash finishes with a staggering fifty-two goals to her name, won over a period of twelve years and seventy-one caps. Quite simply, and approximately, for every hour she's been on the pitch for Starblaydia, she's scored a goal - an incredible acheivement for any nation, never mind one with the kind of quality strikers that Starblaydia produces.

As it was, twenty year-old striker Lawrence Asante somewhat upstaged his veteran counterpart by bagging the first two of Starblaydia's three goals either side of half time. The four goals he has scored on the way to third place are his first four goals for Starblaydia, despite 'winning' the 14th AOCAF as a two-cap reserve striker at the tender age of sixteen. Not to fear, however, as Tolkacheva put herself among the all-time great strikers of any nation with her fifty-second goal of her glittering career.

She's won both the World Cup (in 28) and Liga Starblaydia with the Daii as well as a bronze medal at the Ylompic Games in Tyrellia. Added to that fame, foturne and a global presence in the minds of football fans, 'Dash' is, quite simply, one of the greatest strikers of all time.

Did we mention she's a woman in a "man's game"? Better note that down, too.

Starblaydia 3 - 0 Krytenia
(Asante 35 & 62, Tolkacheva 78) - (None)

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jul 26 2006, 04:00 PM
Manhattanites bow out in last 16; team returns in triumph!

Manhattan Prime 1: 4 Krytenia

Felix DeSilva 20mins goals; 15mins, 45mins, 64mins, 83mins

Manhattan Prime Ratings:

Clive Hilton (GK) – 4, struggled with the constant assaults on his goal

Lucas Thompson (RB) – 4, was clearly frustrated by his team’s performance, barely avoided a red card.
John Clarke (CB) – 5, didn’t look his normal composed self
Karl Heinze (CB) – 4, seemed to find the Krytenian strikers a handful
Ben Wilde (LB) – 4, Krytenia proved to be a tough test for the young man’s debut cap

Ethan Smith (DMC) – 5, was outpaced by his marker for the entire game.
Michael Donavan (MC) – 6, showed little of his quality, and was rendered ineffective by tight Krytenian defending.
Felix DeSilva (AML) – 7, grabbed his first goal for his country
Mashashi Takamura (AMR) – 4, his passes and crosses were easily intercepted by the Krytenian defenders.

Karl Brandt (S) – 5, teamed up well with Katakana again, but was starved of balls from midfield
Yo-explicitive removed-o Katakana (S) – 7, had a good finish to the tournament, producing many promising attacks

No subs used.

Lloyd Hunter Writes for the Manhattan Herald

The Manhattan Prime national football team returned in triumph to Manhattan today, after their Last 16 defeat to eventual 4th placed team Krytenia.

Krytenia opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour, but young Felix DeSilva, Manhattan Prime’s star player of the tournament, hit back immediately with his first goal for his country, and a just reward for his spirited performances throughout AOCAF 15.

However Krytenia wore down the plucky Manhattanites with a sparkling display of skill, taking the lead again just before half time, then putting the game beyond with goals in the 64th and 83rd minutes

The team were welcomed home to massed crowds, including the President and several important members of cabinet. A procession through the streets of the capital in a tour bus has been planned for the coming weekend, to celebrate the team’s performances.

Manhattan Prime bows out of AOCAF 15 with their heads held high, having won themselves some respect on the international stage as one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

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