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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > AOCAF 25 RP Thread

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 17 2009, 09:02 PM

Group A Bettia (11) Lamoni (2) Allemenschen (UNR) Demot (10) Group B Fidelia (5) Sarzonia (UNR) Bazalonia (3) Nojika (12) Group C Koseli Cumhuriyetler (17) Sorthern Northland (UNR) 95X (7) Pacitalia (4) Group D Starblaydia (1) Krytenia (6) Vephrall (21) Edward City (UNR) MD1 - 1v2|3v4 MD2 - 4v1|2v3 MD3 - 1v3|4v2 QTF: A1 v B2 | C1 v D2 | B1 v A2 | D1 v C2 SMF: Winner (Q1) v Winner (Q2) | Winner (Q3) v Winner (Q4) Final: Winner (S2) v Winner (S1) Have fun everyone! Matches begin 0000GMT, 20 Jan 2009

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 18 2009, 01:04 PM

Gimme That Ol' Time Rivalry Starblaydia drawn with Krytenia It's one of those things that makes the average Starblaydi fan yell "typical!". With the ranks being as they are in recent years, Starblaydia will always avoid Lamoni, Pacitalia and similar. They will, however, always be facing a Bazalonia, Bettia, 95X or similar. This time it's Krytenia, a team Starblaydia haven't faced since World Cup 41's memorable 1-1 in the Finals, where Starblaydia went on to win their third World Championship. Krytenia, if you might remember, had just broken free from their 'West Starblaydia' tag not twenty-four hours previously. There have been many memorable meetings of these two sides in recent years but this time around it will kick off proceedings in Group D and surely be the pick of Matchday One games for the neutral (though defending champions Lamoni facing the takilan talents of Bettia also draws the eye). After the match that may well decide who wins the group and who doesn't, Starblaydia face the newcomers of Edward City who, frankly, we have no idea about. Atlantian Oceania is an ever-expanding group of nations and this is one of the latest. Football might be their national sport, or it might be eleven amateurs who saw the World Cup and decided to have a go themselves: we just don't know. Assuming they win that one, of course, it's a meeting with the Vephrese team. Ranked seventh in the world, they are (Starblaydia, of course, are 6th) but in the 'B' teams of Atlantian Oceania, Starblaydia lie first and Veprhall eleventh. On the global stage with the best players from each nation, this would be a juicy tie - in Atlantian Oceania it's just the latest in a long line of should-win matches for the white-and-purples. From then on after this short Group Stage, modeled on the World Cup it seems, Starblaydia will engage in inter-group play. So, who might they face? Group C Perennial under-acheivers, dark horses, chokers, nearly men and also rans: Pacitalia are the best team by quite a way in this group and will likely make it to the Semis or even the Final. The question remains, though, when will they finally win an AOCAF Cup? This short tournament, where any upsets will be magnified, could see them take their first title. They'll have to get past former champions 95X, though, who have declined somewhat since their victory just over a decade ago. Koseli Cumhuriyetler and Sorthern Northland round off the group, which are two countries that I'd certainly not like to visit for a sojourn under any circumstances. There'll be plenty of passion when playing the Turks, but surely Pacitalia will top the group, with 95X propping them up. Prediction: Starblaydia should be facing 95X in the Quarter-Finals. Group B The top team in Group B goes through to the third Quarter-Final, of which the winner faces the winner of the match we think Starblaydia will play in. So, who will top Group B, and who might they play in the Quarter-Final? This one is a toss-up between Bazalonia and Fidelia - who used to be called Manhattan Prime, dontcha know? Nojika are in the mix too, perhaps providing an upset or two in their sparkly new kits, while former champions Sarzonia are in there. They're supposed to be rubbish, too, but after nearly qualifying for the World Cup at their first re-booted attempt despite being rubbish, don't count them out of having an influence in the Group just yet. We'll pick Fidelia for the top, facing the second place team in Group A... Group A Defending champions Lamoni will top this group, with few troubles, even if they do face the Hosts, a top-ten World Cup side in Demot and a twice World and once Regional champion in Bettia. Lamoni first, but who's second? The AOCAF ranks (AORanks, anyone?) can barely choose between Bettia and Demot, but it doesn't really matter because we think Fidelia can defeat whoever that is. Starblaydia to play Fidelia in the Semi-Final. The Final Starblaydia versus? All the betting would point to a repeat of the Starblaydia/Lamoni final of four years ago, but it could just as easily be a Starblaydia/Pacitalia final, too. Plus there's always Bazalonia to think about, too. In other words, as long as Starblaydia are in this match, it doesn't matter who the opposition are, as the best team in the region can surely defeat anyone. Quite how, however, are Starblaydia calculated to be the best team in the region? Their starting number ten, for instance is a twenty year-old Britannican/Han who has yet to play any sort of game in a Starblaydia shirt, who's just about to play a first full season in the Imperial Football League. To counter that, however, how about the fact he's partnering the man who's eighth on the all-time list of Starblaydi goalscorers, who has AOCAF and World Cup Winners' Medals in his collection. Ryu Jones and Daymon Callind: might be an excellent partnership. Bazrador Drakkiborgo is a Dwarf who knows his onions, however, as well as the passion required to win the AOCAF, as he did in person in the 23rd edition. Being groomed for the full national side after Lex Panarii's reign ends, perhaps? Then there's the Elves - three of them - spread out from defence to attack, though only versatile Right-Back Minheled Earisil makes the starting eleven - a good positional player, great tackler and ball-winner. The midfield, bar the odd several-thousand-year-old elf, is a young one, featuring precisely zero previous cap winners. Aside from said elf, there's an Orthodox Apprentice training to be a Father in the Archregimancy, a girl (a girl?!) playing over in Krytenia and a Pennies player who looks like he might jsut be old enough to start shaving. The Goalkeeper is a Regional champion, the defence has some teeth, the strike force is half deadly, half unknown, while the midfield is young (relatively), inexperienced but hungry, passionate and determined. Starblaydia might well go all the way again.

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 18 2009, 01:21 PM

Fresh off a near miss in World Cup qualifying, Sarzonian national team manager and onetime legendary forward Brian Wilson put his charges through a grueling training session. His team are set to begin AOCAF XXV play in their now-familiar role of unranked underdogs. Even though Sarzonia were supposed to be the Group 2 doormats in World Cup qualifying and were expected to play for pride in several matches toward the end, Sarzonia faced an away match to world No. 1 Valanora with a World Cup berth in the offing if the Stars were somehow able to pull off a historic upset. However, it wasn't meant to be. A 3:3 draw away to a Valanora side that should have been aware of Sarzonia after drawing 2:2 at Bryan Marshall Memorial Stadium in Woodstock kept the Stars out of the World Cup finals. The Incorporated Football Federation rewarded Wilson for his efforts, however. They granted him a contract extension to coach the team at least through World Cup XLVI. They also provided him with a now-experienced assistant coach, Chris Hannan. Hannan coached the Rymerian planetary team in its World Cup debut until he was abruptly fired toward the end by the Rymerian Soccer Association. Hannan was able to make a favourable impression upon Wilson, who tapped him to serve as assistant manager when Chris Trautwig left to take over the head coaching position with the Rhinos. Thus, Hannan was able to bring some of his experience working with inexperienced players. Sarzonia's first foray into AOCAF play after a five-cup absence begins against Fidelia [OOC: Am I reading the match ups correctly?], a nation Sarzonia developed a strong relationship with over the years. Their next match is against Bazalonia, then they close out with a fixture against oft-faced rivals Nojika. Other teams of interest to Stars supporters include perennial bridesmaids Pacitalia, former nemeses Starblaydia and onetime rivals Krytenia. The Stars lost 0:4 to Starblaydia in their first match following a long absence in the Mike Sarzo Memorial Cup before World Cup XLIV qualifying began. They played Krytenia to a scoreless draw away prior to qualifying and a 1:1 draw in Woodstock after qualifyers ended. Needless to say, expectations won't be too high for Stars supporters. After the Incorporated Football Federation announced plans to renovate Bryan Marshall Memorial Stadium following Sarzonia's draw with Krytenia, the IFF moved their home matches to the Iron Bowl in Portland, which seats 68,730 supporters. They judged Hendrix Stadium in Woodstock to be too small for World Cup football; plus, the Sarzonian gridball team is expected to play there in World Bowl V. However, if history and the recent World Cup qualifying effort are any guide, Sarzonia will certainly give their best effort. Whether that means anything beyond a pat on the back is anyone's guess.

Posted by: K&Turks Jan 19 2009, 10:39 AM

Turkspor The Turks are getting ready for their AOCAF campaign with assistant manager Orhan Taner taking the reins for the tournement. The team selected obviously emphasizes youth, and takes a lot of it's players from low-mid table sides in the Super Lig. These are the players with points to prove as the next world cup aporaches, a good performance here and Hakan Ismir might be calling for them to join the senior side. With many new faces in the side one essential part will be the attacking flair which seems to have left the Turks attacking players in the A team. In our group we have: Our old friends Sorthern Northland, 95X and Pacitalia with our predictions below: Sorthern Northland 0-1 Turks 95X 1-1 Turks Pacitalia 2-1 Turks All in all 4 points might in theory be enough to go through.

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 19 2009, 10:48 AM

Group A MD1: vs [10] Demot MD2: vs [2] Lamoni MD3: vs [11] Bettia So Allemenschen get stuck in Group A with little hope for redemption. Any reasonable person will say that the androids have no hope to pass either Lamoni or Demot, and even Bettia, who is expected not to pass the other two. So what is this? A gang-up-on-the-little-guy fest? Apparently, yes. And Allemenschen are the little guy. Time for vengeance upon the little guy! But what has the little guy done? Well, there are numerous examples in history of the little guy beating up the big guy. Jack and the Green Giant! Jack climbed up his bean stalk and stomped on the Green Giant's tomatoes, green beans, corn, and all of those other veggies. Production had to stop for a few days because they ran out of unstomped veggies. And then Jack blew up the production factory - another three years of rebuilding. The Green Giant was not happy. David and Goliath! David was a mere young marine, and the Goliath was the newest series of anti-personnel, anti-aircraft mechanical unit of the UED fleet's. Yet, David managed despite the odds to destroy the Goliath with a rock. A %$#^ %$#^ %$#^ rock! Doubtless, they made David a ghost after the incident, although he eventually died in a zerg rush. Aladdin and the Forty Thieves! Aladdin managed to steal the wealth of the Forty Thieves from a mountain that opened with a little seed. And not only did he manage to steal the wealth, he hot-wired that mountain that it wouldn't open again with that little seed, and trapping those Forty Theives in the Mountain. He then pumped the air vents with hydrogen cyanide to get rid of the evidence and walked away a rich man. And that was before he met the genie of the lamp. Winkerdoodle and John! Winkerdoodle knew just exactly John was doing with his secretary after hours, and yet managed to pull in the media attention on his love affairs without ever giving up his name. And when John surmised that Winkerdoodle was the snitch, Winkerdoodle got up on a magic rocket that blew up the building where John was staying. Of course, Winkerdoodle was caught by the authorities and sentenced to 15 years for killing a corrupt public official. So can Allemenschen beat back the big guys in the group? Only if they've got duct tape, paper clips, and a lovely helping assistant of the opposite sex to be the individual in distress. That, and the big guys have to be evil. E-B-I-L. Evil. In a sum... I wouldn't bet your life on it.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 19 2009, 06:06 PM

PSN.pc | Kazir al-Mumere Blogs Sports We really don't care this time Sooner or later, the Blue Foxes will have something to show for their effort... see you then WAPAHKONETA (PSN) — Albert Einstein famously quipped that the definition of insanity is doing something repeatedly, expecting a different result each time. That definition aptly fits the Blue Foxes, who have got to be, at the most, two tournaments from packing it in and calling it quits out of pure exasperation. Life as a fan of the Pacitalian national squad has been nothing short of disappointing. Our men's eleven is a prime example of perennial underachievement, the result of just slightly not enough funding to be able to raise the best football athletes we can... and to be able to sustain a world-class football program. And if any country can do better, it's ours. So, on the eve of yet another Atlantian Oceanian regional football championship, we reflect on past failures (the many shortcomings), past successes (the few we have), and the fans of the Blue Foxes both in Pacitalia and around the world kneel at their bedsides, praying that this time it will be different. It won't be enough to make it to the final and win the trophy by default because the opponent has to forfeit, or is disqualified due to doping abuse. It won't be enough to make it to the semi-final and bow out with a disastrous loss yet again. And it sure as hell won't be enough to lose the third-place playoff... yet again. Another fourth-place finish and heads will roll. Fans have every right to be sceptical about this year — they spent the last 13 AOCAFs, from number 12 through to number 24, truly believing the team could pull it off and win. And there are at least 10 of those 13 cups where the 'Foxes had an inexcusably excellent shot at winning... and failed... every... single... time. Truth be told, it might very well be the last time we see the Blue Foxes compete in the AOCAF tournament — sick of finishing third or fourth and desperately trying to avoid the label of perennial losers of the third-place playoff (as our squad's more recent results indicate), it might just be better to fold the poker hand and bow out with at least some dignity intact. This time, I'm not going to say Pacitalia fans have to like their chances with the Blue Foxes. The squad is the same as it was in AOCAF24, albeit a tad older. Pacitalia's finest are still ranked fourth in the region... somehow. But I'm not going to say the Blue Foxes have a good chance. Why, you say, Kazir? Why? Because I'm not going to be the one that ends up beheaded when the Blue Foxes inevitably disappoint yet again. On the other hand, I don't want to call it now that we are in for yet another catastrophic failure on the part of the Blue Foxes in the clutch. Because they might just pleasantly surprise us all, both in Pacitalia and regionally, and win the damn thing. And when they do... somehow I still doubt the celebrations will be from ecstasy. They will stem merely from relief that the underachieving 'Foxes finally won something other than a hideous blue participation ribbon and a consoling pat on the back. PSN live coverage of AOCAF25 from Wapahkoneta begins Tuesday. Copyright © 2009 Pacitalian Sports Network (through PSN Media SpA)

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 19 2009, 07:17 PM

This is your friendly neighborhood RP CUT-OFF! Reminding you to keep your guinea pigs away from boiling pots of lava, or else a missile launcher will knock at your door reminding you to keep your guinea pigs safe from boiling pots of lava... and then ... you'll hopefully get your guinea pigs safe from boiling pots off lava...

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 19 2009, 08:25 PM

Lamoni comes out on top during first match Once again, it is time for the newest incarnation of the AOCAF (25). With Lamoni's third AOCAF win in the last AOCAF, people here are wondering if the Hawks can win back to back AOCAFs for the second time; which would also allow Lamoni to draw even with the NEWI Cefn Druids sides of the past, at four AOCAF cups. Either way, the Hawks have gotten off on the right foot in their first match of AOCAF 25, defeating the attacking Bettians 2-1. Next up for Lamoni is the unranked side of Allenenschen; whose entire squad is said to consist of androids. While unranked teams generally don't far that well against the AOCAF establishment (unless you count Lamoni making it into the knockouts in their first AOCAF, which was LOOOOOONG ago), it also pays to never underestimate them. When Lamoni started in the AOCAF, who would have thought that they would have gotten this far, and have the chance to nab 4 AOCAF cups? Being an unranked team means that you have to be willing to start from the bottom, and be willing to slowly work your way up the ranks until you can compete with the "big boys." Lamoni has done this, and is now considered an AOCAF heavyweight in it's own right. This is the kind of journey that has now been placed before Allenenschen, but will they be able to make it in time to defeat the Hawks? History of other unranked teams says no, but maybe we will see something special here. Our bookies wouldn't count on that, however. They are predicting a 2-0 win for Lamoni in this match, and consider a win by Allenenschen as being "unlikely" at best, and "impossible" at worst. Regardless, Lamoni will keep it's guard up, and face these newcomers the same way that they do for everyone else. Bettia - 1 Lamoni - 2

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 19 2009, 09:11 PM

Woodstock Daily Mail Stars 'embarrassed' in 3:0 opening loss By Travis West Daily Mail Staff Writer MANHATTAN, Fidelia -- Most observers of world and Atlantian Oceania regional football will tell you the Sarzonian national football team have no right to call a loss against a highly ranked regional neighbour an embarrassment. However, that's not the way this Sarzonian national football team operates. After Fidelia opened the 25th Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football with a 3:0 win over a Sarzonia side returning to international football, manager Brian Wilson said the loss was "inexcusable." "We were embarrassed, plain and simple," said Wilson, the one-time legendary forward who scored the second hat trick in a World Cup finals championship match. "It wasn't a lack of effort. It was a total and complete lack of execution." Sarzonia (0-0-1) "couldn't string two passes together," said forward Matt Lynch. Even sending in forward Zack Wilson, Brian Wilson's son, to play a three-forward lineup toward the end of the match could do little to prevent Fidelia from maintaining its vise grip on the match. Forward Reese Nichols said the team would have to rebound in its next match against Bazalonia. "We know the matches are going to be tough. All of them will be," Nichols said. "We have no illusions that this road back will be anything but difficult. Having said that, you can't walk a thousand miles without taking that first step, no matter how awkward." It's too early for the Stars to think about whom they would root for after the groups stage. Brian Wilson won't allow it. But the Stars expressed sympathy for the Pacitalians, who have expressed thoughts about quitting the AOCAF tournament. "We hope they do well," Lynch said. "Obviously, if we were to face them in the AOCAF final, we'd have to re-think how well we want them to do, but we'd like to see them win a title as long as it's not at our expense." The best news of the day for Sarzonian football came when the organisers of the World Cup released the latest world rankings. After Sarzonia missed out on qualifying due to tiebreakers, Sarzonia currently ranks 62nd in the world according to rankings sent to Brian Wilson's office. Briefly addressing those rankings, Wilson said they were a good building block for the programme. "Absolutely. We played about as well as any unranked side in the world ought to be expected to play, given the circumstances. We held the world's number one ranked side (Valanora) to two draws, including a 3:3 draw away. We defeated the world's No. 11-ranked side (Daehanjeiguk) at home. We're not going to promise anything but our best effort, but that certainly is a good start." In other sporting news, Sarzonia defeated Newmanistan 14-11 in the championship match of the third World Lacrosse Championships, giving the country its first world championship in a sport other than football. Coupled with Sarzonia winning the most medals of any nation involved in the Qazoxian Winter Sports Festival, that title gives Sarzonia some "mental momentum" as the country seeks to regain confidence following The Great Isolation. "We couldn't be happier for the lacrosse side," Nichols said. "Good for them." Lynch said he would attend the parade for the lacrosse side scheduled for the off day between Sarzonia's matches against Bazalonia and Nojika.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 20 2009, 08:53 AM

"Well done, laddies and lassies," the coach said, "ye played a good match." For Bazrador Drakkiborgo, it was his first match in charge and his first victory. No other Starblaydi coach could claim a 100% winning record, and he had briefly entertained the thought of quitting at the final whistle in order to keep that record for all time. That would, however not make any Dwarfsense whatsoever, probably something an Elf would do. Not his Elves, of course, as Earisil and Fanorin played well, contributing at least their fare share to the overall team effort. Minheled Earisil, in particular, was unlucky to have been part of the defence to concede the goal, but Starblaydia were two-nil up by then and weren't too disheartened by it. Daymon Callind, the old warhorse, got Starblaydia's campaign off to a great start by opening the scoring, picking up the ball after some neat work out wide by Ryu Jones, slotting the ball past the Krytenian goalie. It was the Krytenian-based player, young Gabrielle Johnson, who made it two-nil, showing the Krytenian fans just how good she could be for Avidia City in the near future, firing in a low shot from around twenty yards for the second goal. Not a bad game as a result, by any stretch of the imagination, but a pity for Bazrador that he wouldn't finish Matchday One on top of Group D, thanks to Vephrall's 3-1 victory over debutants Edward City. He'd watched the highlights of that match already, seeing the all-blue Edwardian kit for the first time. It had been a while since he'd seen a team uniform not made by Ediraf - as most of them in this competition were - or JMC, such as Demot wore. "Good teamwork, good workrate," he continued, sensing the team were a little confused by his sudden, three paragraph long space-out, "great goals, both of them. Conceding were unlucky, aye, but t'were just a slip, it be reet. Our toughest opponents are behind us, in this group, an' we 'ave two more to go. Vephrall will nae be simple, but we can do it, ye ken? Now, Edward Ci'y be hurtin', an' their best way t'come back from that is t'beat t'best in t'region. Now Ah is nae gonna let that happen. Are ye?" "Hell no!" Led the various cries, along with "No", "Nay" and more than a few curses. "Reet," he said, a little put off by the wanton swearing, "get in t'showers, then back on t'bus!"

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jan 20 2009, 09:26 AM

Manhattan Herald - 20th Jan 2009 Manhattan Prime 3-0 Sarzonia Y. Katakana 14, 33mins, F. DeSilva 50mins Fidelia opened their AOCAF 25 campaign today with a surprisingly easy 3-0 over regional allies Sarzonia, who are returning to the tournament after a long absence. The atmosphere between Fidelian fans and those from Sarzonia (whom Fidelia were facing for the first time in a competitive match), was said to be excellent, mainly due to Sarzonian support during the Manhattanite Civil War. Fidelia, starting their first tournament under that name, lined up in their usual 4-4-2 formation, with manager Sir Ian Pierce delivering relatively few surprises in the opening line-up. Veteran goalkeeper Clive Hilton (33) maintains his place between the sticks, with a defence of Thompson, Clarke, Heinze and new boy Hugo van Gies of the Hamilton Tigers being tried at left back. The midfield was the familiar foursome of Smith, Donavan, Takamura and DeSilva, with Katakana paired up front with 23 year old Ross Jackson. Jackson is likely looking to impress observers as his club side Denver Fusion were relegated from the Fidelian A-League this season and thus he must be anxious for a move to a top-flight side. There was no looked for return for Vykk Dreygo (20), who is said to be fully recovered from his injury but lacking match practise. Our sources also suggest that Pierce was reluctant to stage Dreygo’s comeback against one of the nations that most vocally opposed his father’s tenure as Caretaker President. Dreygo is therefore likely to make his comeback against Nojika. Fidelia opened brightly, and whilst no-one could fault Sarzonia for effort, their long absence from the hectic nature of AOCAF football was soon telling. After only 14 minutes of play, an Ethan Smith cross was met by the head of two time A-League top scorer Yoshi Katakana to put the Chippers in front. Katakana’s celebration was restrained, his only movement a finger pointed upwards, silently dedicating his goal to his father, who fell in the Battle of Sapporo against Lamonian forces. Katakana went on to add a second in the 33rd minute, looping in a free kick after midfielder Donavan was brought down outside the Sarzonian box. As Sarzonian striker Matt Lynch commented after the game, from then on his side "couldn't string two passes together". The half time whistle came as a great relief, only for Felix DeSilva to put the Chippers 3-0 up only five minutes into the second half. Sarzonia changed to a more attacking line-up incorporating three strikers, but were still unable to break down the Fidelian defence as the Chippers held on for a very welcome three points. Elsewhere in Group B, Bazalonia drew 1-1 with Nojika in a cagey opening match.

Posted by: K&Turks Jan 20 2009, 10:43 AM

Turkspor Turks Beaten 1-0 The Turks were shown up by their rivals last night in an even affair which required a penalty to resolve the differences, a result of the keepers foul after punching the striker and getting sent off. Up until that it looked like the Turks might take the game, but wasteful finishing came back to haunt them. Memorable Commentator Quote: Hakan: The defending on that corner was almost as bad as that women who keeps on bugging the coach. Ugur: That's his wife... Hakan: Oh well then maybe she isn't getting it, eh?

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 20 2009, 03:58 PM

Blue Foxes stumble, "lucky" to earn a draw van Basten "deeply upset" over lacklustre first half as Pacitalia struggles to force an equaliser Wapahkoneta (PSN) — 95X scored two quick goals in the first half, off a lacklustre start by the Blue Foxes, and put Pacitalia on the clothesline. The Blue Foxes were slightly rejuvenated after manager Marco van Basten's reportedly rage-filled team talk and scored a late equaliser to walk away with a "lucky" 2:2 draw with their closest competition in the group. The 95X attacking line responded well to an unusually weak back four, putting two goals past a helpless Abro Zolà after just a quarter hour. Marco van Basten was "livid" at the Blue Foxes' performance in the first 45, according to assistant manager Veranace d'Amantano. "He wasn't throwing chairs or anything, but he was extremely upset," d'Amantano said. "The first half play by our boys was just not acceptable at all." The Magician, reliable in pressure situations, cut 95X's lead in half ten minutes into the second half. Ambrosino Giurimano scored in the 55th minute to bring the scoreline to 1:2 and the goal, a sharp drive to the top-right corner, appeared to rally the Blue Foxes, who controlled the pace of play until the 82nd. Michelangelo Mascagnano potted the equaliser off the corner and ensured the Blue Foxes walk away with at least a point. The group is now up for grabs — a decisive win by either team might have put the group title out of reach for the loser. Now, however, the prospect of both 95X and Pacitalia winning their final two matches puts the group's final results on a precarious tightrope. In the other match in group C, Sorthern Northland downed Koseli Cumhuriyetler 1:0 and leads the group after MD1. From Wapahkoneta Pacitalia 2 : 2 95X PAC — Giurimano 55' / Mascagnano 82' 95X — Smith 7' / Jones 13' Next up: PAC v KSC / 95X v SNR

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 20 2009, 05:27 PM

Group A MD1: 0-1 vs [10] Demot MD2: vs [2] Lamoni MD3: vs [11] Bettia And today, the Androids just proved exactly what sort of machines they were. It was an embarrassment. By the end of the first half, the androids had managed to handle the ball almost 387 times with their anthropomorphic hands, and despite this, they managed to score the only goal of the match - on themselves. To their delight, they thought they were winning. To their dismay, they learned that they lost. To their delight, they learned that Demot hardly touched the ball. To their dismay, they learned that touching the ball with hands was bad. So here's a word of advice to you androids who want to learn how to play footy: DON'T USE YOUR HANDS! It's called "football" for a reason! Anyway, the Allemenschen Androids will be facing against the #2 team in the region, and with a good reason, people are expecting the machines to perform just as poorly. Of course, if Lamoni is lucky, they won't need to play footy; just let the androids do their business and play "footy". Goodness gracious, and you thought this was going to be some heroic campaign...

Posted by: Bazalonia Jan 20 2009, 06:04 PM

Bazalopes Limp Home Against Nojika WAP There is not much to say the Bazalopes struggled against Nojika from the start of the match right through the end. Something that's certainly not expected of the 3rd best team in the region facing off someone near the bottom as Nojika. The match started horrendously with a careless tackle by Lleyton McEvoy, right in the penalty area giving the Nojikans an early goal. Things went bad to worse as they went on the attack and it only seemed like a fluke that the Bazalonian defence held them at bay for the first 30 minutes of the match. Finally the Bazalopes managed to go on the attack make a few decent forays into enemy territory but unable to finish the Job. The Bazalopes ended the first half a goal down and afer what of must of been a rather tough talk during the half-time break. The Bazalonian coach must of had quite a lot to say for the team. The second half started quite slowly as the team focussed on just maintaining good control over the ball, fundamentals... which after 5 minutes escalated into a full blown attack against the Nojikan goal. It took another 15 minutes with 25 minutes left in the game for Hector Ainsley to equalise with a long, hard and fast ball into the back of the net. Rocketing past the Nojikan goal keeper. The intensity was kept up but the nojikan defense solidified and the Bazalopes just couldn't get past.

Posted by: Nojika Jan 21 2009, 08:09 AM

Nojika Start Stong But Held to a Draw Against the Bazalopes WAP -- Jon Frusciante celebrated his first international goal on his debut for Nojika as the Panthers were held to a 1-1 draw with the Bazalopes. The 28 year old Roeneche Isle midfielder earned the Man of the Match award after he proved to be a constant threat to the Bazalonian defense. Fellow winger and countryman, Dana Costella from Hiloy United was also presented with a number of good chances thanks to shocking defending by the Bazalopes center defenders. From the start, Nojika did as expected and maintained possession in the midfield and it was Marcellus Alson that nearly put the Panthers up in the 7th minute after a through ball from Jesse Mirko put him past the Bazalope defenders and with only the keeper to beat. The Panthers took the lead just two minutes later after an aweful tackle on Coral Cove FC striker Jerrold Madura that resulted in the only booking of the match. A perfectly taken penalty kick by Jon Frusciante saw the defending keeper stunned and unmoved in the middle of the goal. Unfortunately, Nojika would be unable to hold their lead to a side that outranked them, and in the 66th minute, a Hector Ainsley would bring the Bazalopes back in the game after rocketing a powerful shot past Tipoca Palace goalkeeper Atilio Van. "Today meant a lot to all of us. It was the first time we've played really well despite not leaving with a win, and we expect the style of play to continue throughout the competition. We've put the draw behind us and we're just going to focus on our next match. We're taking things slowly and don't want to get ahead of ourselves," said Nojikan captain Ramsay Aiden after the match. Next for this Nojikan team will be Fidelia, a team many expect the Panthers to beat with relative ease, and surely, after today's performance, they should have little problem handling the Chippers. Bazalonia 1 - 1 :Nojika Ainsley 66') - (Frusciante 9' PEN)

Posted by: Edward City Jan 21 2009, 10:50 AM

Edward City defeated at it's first international match Yesterday, the national soccer selection was defeated by Vephrall with a 3-1 result. Edward City's coach, Harold Gunnsonn has said that although having been defeated, Edward City "has performed well if we remember that this has been it's first international match". The match started with the Edwardian team winning after a goal by Thomas Gardner at the 15th minute, and after the first Vephrallian goal at the 31st minute the Edwardians started to play harder, but after the 2nd Vephrallian goal at 87th minute, the match was already lost. Then, at minute 89, the Vephrallian team sentenced the match with a fulminating goal at the Edwardian's goal.

Posted by: Krytenia Jan 21 2009, 03:02 PM

"I remember when we were good," Michael sighed. "I remember when we could beat those bloody Starblaydis every week. Now though, they don't have the fight. Don't have the bottle. 'Course, who listens to me? I'm just an old man..." "Of course, sir. That all comes to six Credits thirty-seven. Cash or card?" "I remember when you could get all this for under five Credits..."

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 21 2009, 06:55 PM

Good gravy, I actually have RPs to read, which means that an RP cut-off is obligatory; otherwise, that last-minute RPer is going to have my neck for stew tonight.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 22 2009, 05:54 AM

Fan-Dabby-Dozy Starblaydia moving on Starblaydia's title drive continued with a largely routine win over Edward City, coming out as three-goal winners against the side competing in their first regional championships. Already defeated 3-1 by Vephrall, the Edwardians were looking to salvage some pride in their second match, but found themselves facing the best team in the region. It is unfortunate that so many of the fledgling teams are finding themselves thrown in with the occasional giant, but it is the hottest fire that makes the strongest steel. Edward City now know just what it takes to be title contenders in the greatest regional football tournament in the world; the bar has been set. Their challenge is to meet it. Otarion Fanorin, the Elf playing his second match for Starblaydia, was a veritable wing wizard, not only flying down the left touchline but also switching positions with the left-footed attacking midfielder Gabrielle Johnson with ease. The interplay worked well as the speedy winger broke into the box past Hans Hinkel and fired low into the back of the net for one-nil with nearly fifteen minutes played. Starbladyia's lead doubled as, seven minutes later, Gabrielle Johnson played in Ryu Jones, who took the ball away from Scott Delmoth to make space for the shot, then hit a rising strike into the top right-hand corner to defeat Goohan in the Edwardian net. The white and purples were in cruise control but, as in their previous match, the Edwardians galvanised themselves and had a go. No such capitulation as other teams might have done when two-nil down before most people had finished their hot chocolate, they steeled themselves, evidently resolving to, if they had to go down, go down fighting. It worked, too, as Sergio Flores soon got on the end of a Muesca cross, diving forward ahead of Ignacius Sverus to head past veteran Kyli Seji. They were back in the game and Starblaydia's ideas of keeping a clean sheet vapourised. Their plan to win the game, however, was still very much in effect. With ten minutes to go in the first half, Fanorin again picked up the ball out wide on the left, thanks to some quick thinking by Tuomas Hindenburg. Starblaydia immediately turned defence into counter-attack as Fanorin, Callind, Jones and Johnson raced forward, passing it between them. The Edwardian defence, such as it was, was turned inside out as they tracked back, being pulled towards the ball first one way, then the other. As Callind took the ball into the penalty area, the goalie came out to close the angle. One simple square pass later and Fanorin was tapping delicately into the net, having out-paced David Vouler for his second goal. The first half ended with a bit of a whimper, with Starblaydia unwilling to press too hard in the run-up to the break and Edward City unable to get a real goal threat. Half Time again brought a renewed vigour for the team in blue, but their hopes of making it a contest were dashed just before the hour mark as Starblaydia's resident Orthodox Monk in-training, Juan the Apprentice, hit a deft chip over Goohan. As celebrations go, dropping to your knees and praying for forgiveness for a combination of avarice and pride, whilst simultaneously chanting to thank God for his blessings isn't quite the most crowd-exciting way to go, but it worked for Juan. Surely he said an extra prayer of forgiveness for his extremely short bout of piety, and will make up for it later. Strange creatures, these Orthodox, but Starblaydia is nothing if not a tolerant society of that sort of thing. No sixth goal proved forthcoming in the match, as Starblaydia's defence held firm, while their attack was mostly substituted in preparations for the Vephrall match. A somewhat disjointed finish was the result, but Starblaydia were happy with their result and Edward City not too disappointed to have come away from a match with a goal against the former one-time Olympic, three-time World and six-time Regional champions, currently regarded as one of the top ten of the nations fifty-thousand nations in the world, as well as the best in Atlantian Oceania. When you look at it that way, 4-1 wasn't bad at all. Final score: Edward City 1 - 4 Starblaydia (Flores 28) - (Fanorin 14 & 36, Jones 21, Juan 59) Group Stage Round-ups Group A Demot and defending champions Lamoni have already qualified, leaving organisers Allemenschen and former greats Bettia eliminated. The only question now is who will win the group: this will be settled on Matchday Three, as Demot and Lamoni face off. A draw will favour Demot, as they have yet to concede a goal, having the advantage on goal difference over the Hawks. Prediction: Lamoni 1st, Demot 2nd Group B Former champs and isolationists Sarzonia are already out, leaving the top three separated by just a single point. Table toppers Nojika should get a win over Sarzonia to top the group, while we think that Fidelia will overturn Bazalonia for second. A draw in that match, however, would send Bazalonia through in their place. Prediction: Nojika 1st, Fidelia 2nd Group C Koseli Cumhuriyetler - who we think used to be Baptism of Fire runners-up Kose and The Turkomans - are already out, but if they can beat Pacitalia, all sorts of cats will be set amongst the proverbial pigeons. That, however, is highly unlikely, but 95X will also surely get the points they need against Sorthern Northland. Then it comes down to goal difference, for which we think Pacitalia will overcome, some day. Prediction: Pacitalia 1st, 95X 2nd Group D Starblaydia top the group with six points and will only fail to qualify if they lose to Vephrall, while Krytenia beat Edward City and the goal differences end up in the wrong side for Starblaydia. Doubtless, though, we believe they will get at least the single point they need to top the group against Vephrall, while Krytenia will overcome the debutants. Prediction: Starblaydia 1st, Krytenia 2nd

Posted by: Nojika Jan 22 2009, 06:36 AM

Nojika Shock Fidelia And Top the Group B Table WAP -- Fidelia missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Group B as they fell to a 2-1 defeat by Nojika. Fidelia was gifted the lead after 20 minutes when Nojikan goalkeeper Atilio Van passed straight to a Chippers forward who ran from just outside the area to slot under the embarrassed Tipoca Palace goalkeeper. Nojika leveled four minutes later through Marcellus Alson through a goal that was smartly chipped over the misplaced Chipper keeper. Marcellus Alson nearly made it two when he hit the crossbar with a 25 yard shot two minutes later. On the stroke of half time, Nojika was gifted their first corner and Ramsay Aiden took advantage of Madura's header that had come back off the bar and tapped the ball in from close range, silencing the Fidelian faithful. The beginning of the second half saw Nojika get right back into the swing of things as they continued to press and attack the Fidelian defenders and goalkeeper. "This win means a lot to us because we knew it would be a difficult battle and would set the pace for our match against Sarzonia," said Nojikan Captain Ramsay Aiden. Sarzonia has proved they are not the team to beat in Group B and Nojika will look to take advantage of the Stars' lack of motivation and morale in their next match which could allow the Panthers to finish top of the table in Group B. Nojika 2 - 1 :Fidelia (Alson 24', Aiden 45') - (Fidelia 20')

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 22 2009, 10:27 AM

Woodstock Daily Mail Stars knocked out of AOCAF By Travis West Daily Mail Staff Writer PORTLAND -- A valiant effort by the Sarzonian national football team wasn't enough, as Bazalonia defeated the Stars 0:1 to eliminate Sarzonia from the 25th Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football in front of 58,394 at the Iron Bowl in Portland. A stingy Bazalopes defence made Hector Ainsley's 29th minute tally hold up as the only goal in the match and limited the Stars (0-0-2, fourth place, Group B ) to four shots on goal and seven overall. Meanwhile, Bazalonia (1-1-0, four points) are level with surprising Nojika for the group lead, just one point clear of third place Fidelia (1-0-1), which lost to Nojika 2:1. The Bazalopes are in second due to Nojika scoring three goals to Bazalonia's two in the first two matches of the tournament. "We were embarrassed against Fidelia," Stars manager Brian Wilson said. "We played a much better match against the Bazalopes. However, they were simply better than we were tonight. That's all there is to say about that." Sarzonia finishes the groups stage with an away match to Nojika, which has been surprisingly vocal in this, the 25th AOCAF tournament. The Stars say Nojika's verbosity doesn't bother them in the least. "It gives you more copy, right," forward Matt Lynch said with a laugh. "Sides that don't issue a peep can make it hard to write a good story. I know what you're dealing with." As a former sports information director, Lynch would know. As for the Stars, they look to the Cup of Harmony as an opportunity to improve their skills prior to World Cup XLV, their second appearance in the World Cup since a 13-cup absence. Wilson said the team's failure to advance past the groups stage wouldn't slow down the momentum built from almost qualifying for the World Cup finals as an unranked side. "This tournament gives us a wake up call to let us know that the road is not going to be easy," he said. "We're going to need to work as hard or harder if we want to advance and then do something in the World Cup finals."

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jan 22 2009, 11:05 AM

Manhattan Herald – 22nd Jan 2009 Manhattan Prime 1-2 Nojika V. Dreygo 20mins. M. Alson 24mins, R. Aiden 45mins The Chippers’s AOCAF campaign came to a sudden stop today on matchday 2, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nojika. Sir Ian Pierce kept faith with the squad who defeated Sarzonia 3-0 two days ago, with the only change being the expected return from injury of 20 year old striker Vykk Dreygo, who replaced Ross Jackson up front. Rookie Hugo van Gies also kept his place at left back. As in their first game, Fidelia struck first as a disastrous mistake by Van in the Nojikan goal allowed Dreygo to slot home an easy goal in the 20th minute. However the scores were level within four minutes when Nojika’s Marcellus Alson chipped Fidelian keeper Clive Hilton, and the 27 year old striker nearly grabbed a second soon after as his shot ricocheted off the crossbar into Hilton’s grateful arms. Nojika went 2-1 up just before half time through an Aiden goal from a corner, and despite great second half pressure from both sides, the scores remained the same by the final whistle. Elsewhere in Group B, Bazalonia beat Sarzonia 1-0 to go second in the group.

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 22 2009, 04:52 PM

Group A MD1: 0-1 vs [10] Demot MD2: 0-2 vs [2] Lamoni MD3: vs [11] Bettia Give a man a fish, he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. Give an android a football, he punts it out of the stadium beyond sight; teach an android to play footy, they lose 2-0 to the top team in the group, even though the top team in the group did nothing particularly spectacular besides watch the androids fumble the ball around the pitch. Oh, there was an deeply intense mid-field battle, but it was all between the androids themselves. #6271 had to be stretchered off the field because he lost his primary function calibrator on the pitch. Not coincidentally, one of the Lamoni players had to be stretchered off later because he stepped on the primary function calibrator. Needless to say, he'll be fine to play in the next match against Demot; I'd just be careful around him for a while. But in all, it was a horrible farce that was made all the more awkward when one of the androids fouled the goalkeeper (that is, #9123 - not the other guy); the referee had the greatest difficulty trying to say who was to take the kick and decided that Lamoni should deliver the kick (even though none of their players were hurt, and the goalkeeper was the one fouled). I'd imagine that there's someone out there laughing at all of this, even as Allemenschen prepares to send their androids out into the world to play football for the country. And still, the androids have yet to learn that football is played with feet!!! At least the androids were more imaginative and started using other parts of their mechanical bodies (except their feet!!!) in otherwise imaginary ways. The ball had to be replaced because #7188 tried to poach the ball (and it didn't look good to eat either). But you'd imagine that this farce had to have some comical end; it did. Lamoni managed to steal the ball from the feuding androids and the androids starting chasing this poor chap around the field until he managed to score the second goal. The androids didn't stop chasing him, and the whole team chased the poor guy into the lockers where #6748 starting preparing a euology. Thankfully, whoever controls these damned machines turned them off and the game ended 2-0 for Lamoni. No clue where that striker is though; he's probably still hiding in the locker rooms somewhere...

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 22 2009, 06:00 PM

AOCAF match resembles a farcical comedy When the Hawks come onto the pitch against Allemenschen, they didn't know what to expect from the androids. They had seen footage of the androids last match, but maybe someone had reprogrammed them in the meantime... or something. At first, the match seemed promising when at the very start of the match, Lamoni got the ball, and Forward Matthew Lipford took it to them, scoring a goal with a shot to the upper right corner. This rates as one of the shortest times in an AOCAF match that it has taken someone to score. However, much of the rest of the match resulted in a mid-field battle... amongst the androids. They didn't use their feet, which is the traditional method of moving the ball in the AOCAF, but they didn't try using their hands this time, either; so we guess that that is an improvement. After the half, Forward Matthew Lipford stepped on a piece of one of the androids who had earlier been stretchered off, spraining his left ankle. Matthew is expected to be 100% healthy for the Hawks next match against Demot, but he was stretchered off the pitch, as a precaution. The offending part was removed from the pitch, as well; and the Lamonian side protested how the part had not been noticed to be on the pitch before then, even though the teams had just come back from the half, and the part was there before the half. While apologetic, the referee just shrugged, saying that something like this had never happened before. That choice of words would come back to haunt him when a pack of stay dogs got onto the pitch, and led everyone on a merry chase as they attempted to shoo the dogs off of the pitch so that play could resume. It was anyone's guess as to how the dogs had managed to enter the stadium, much less get onto the pitch. With this circus like atmosphere, play resumed. Late in the second half, Forward Kelly Hakes got the ball from the androids (who had resumed their mid-field battle... with themselves), and was subsequently chased around the pitch, even after he had scored Lamoni's second goal of the match. Now frightened, Hakes ran from the pitch and into the locker rooms, where one of the androids delivered a eulogy. Fortunately, the person who controlled the androids shut them down after that, and the match ended with a 2-0 Lamonian victory. It has to be said that this is one of the strangest matches that Lamoni has participated in, going back to the time when the team's entire second line was frozen in time, and it took some Bazalonian scientists to free them. For their next match, Lamoni will be facing Demot. The Hawks will be needing to win this match if they expect to remain on top of the group while going through the knockouts, while a draw or loss would see them secure second place in group A. We just hope that this upcoming match will be saner than the circus against Allemenschen. Lamoni - 2 Allemenschen - 0

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 23 2009, 05:54 PM

Foxes squeak by and eliminate Koseli 2-1 win puts Pacitalia in familiar position to qualify Wapahkoneta (PSN) — Adrian Manoliu and Massimo da Scupeta each netted goals as the Pacitalian Blue Foxes took a step closer to qualification for the knockouts with a 2-1 win over group rivals Koseli Cumhuriyetler. Manoliu, starting at striker in place of Ambrosino Giurimano (stomach flu), potted the first goal 26 minutes in. He found the back of the net after deking out the Koseli keeper, Selcuk Ozalan. But Koseli right midfielder Suat Bursali kept the Turks in the match, equalising before halftime after converting a Kazim Kazaga corner. In the 79th minute Suat's Pacitalian counterpart put the Blue Foxes ahead for good. Massimo da Scupeta streaked in, rounding the corner, and crossed to Michelangelo Mascagnano. His initial shot ricocheted off Selcuk, causing the Koseli keeper to collapse to the ground. Muhammat Caffrecan, Hamit Askin and Osman Usta rushed back to block the net but the ball easily found da Scupeta. The 24-year-old nailed the rebound perfectly, streaking a shot into the back left corner of the net to put the Blue Foxes up 2-1. Pacitalia's win also meant that the Koseli are eliminated, as they had earlier posted a 0-1 loss to Sorthern Northland on match day one. Elsewhere in the group, 95X stayed on top of the group with a 2-0 win over Sorthern Northland, essentially cementing their status as the group's top squad so far. Pacitalia has not yet qualified; to do that they also need to beat SN on the final matchday. If Sorthern Northland beats the Blue Foxes, Pacitalia will also be eliminated, finishing third in the group. Elsewhere in the competition, the Sarzonian squad were eliminated in their return to the regional competition following a 0-1 loss to Bazalonia. Starblaydia defeated Edward City 4-1, while Demot and Lamoni both posted wins in group A to eliminate Allemenschen and Bettia from the competition. Krytenia defeated Vephrall 2-0, and in the matchday's shocker, Nojika upset Fidelia 2-1. From Wapahkoneta Pacitalia 2 : 1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler PAC — Manoliu 26' / da Scupeta 79' KSC — Suat B. 42' Next up: PAC v SNR, 95X v KSC (eliminated)

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 23 2009, 10:05 PM

Good grief - late scores! MD3 Cut-off, and half of you will be going home! Well, if you're not at home already that is...

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jan 24 2009, 05:39 AM

Manhattan Herald – 24th Jan 2009 Fidelia 0-6 Bazalonia 15, 18, 26, 35, 75, 80 Fidelia were eliminated from the Group Stages of AOCAF 25 today, after a shock 6-0 humiliation by Bazalonia. Manager Sir Ian Pierce struggled to come up with any explanation for such a heavy defeat saying “We all know Bazalonia have a strong side, but 6-0 at the hands of anyone is disgraceful. Needless to say, strong words were exchanged”. The Bazalopes ran wild for most of the match, forcing Clive Hilton into many a desperate save, and stretching the Fidelian defence to its limits. Fidelian shots on goal were few as far between as Bazalonia went 4-0 up by half time, netting in the 15th, 18th, 26th and 35th minutes. Booing echoed round the stadium as Fidelia left the pitch at half time. The Chippers came out in more determined mood, and an Ethan Smith freekick hit the crossbar in the 70th minute but a Bazalonian goal five minutes later deflated Fidelia completely. From then on it was simple for them to net another in the 80th minute and leave the Fidelian fans wishing that hadn’t bothered turning up. Elsewhere in Group B, Nojika beat Sarzonia 2-1 Sarzonia. Bazalonia and Nojika go through to the Quarter finals in 1st and 2nd place, whilst 3rd placed Fidelia and 4th placed Sarzonia go out. Fidelian starting line-up: Hilton, Thompson, Clarke, Heinze, van Gies, Smith, Donavan, Takamura, DeSilva, Katakana, Dreygo

Posted by: Bazalonia Jan 24 2009, 06:21 AM

Bazalonia Finishes Strong - Fidelia Humiliated During the first matchday, Bazalonia struggled against the Nojikans, only managing a draw against the 12th ranked side, this was followed up by a 1-0 win against Sarzonia and now with a 6-0 win against Fidelia it seems the Bazalopes kicked up a notch. After the nojikan draw and barely a win against the Sarzonian team, it seems the team has finally got into top gear and has shown the world just what we are capable. Bazalonia finishes the group round on top tied on points with Nojika but ahead on Goal Differential thanks mainly to this dramatic win against Fidelia today. With strong momentum heading into the quarterfinals Bazalonia is looking strong. The Bazalopes are scheduled to face the Hawks of Lamoni, and with such a strong performance against the Bazalopes strongest opponnent turned into a major route, who knows what the Bazalopes have left to do in the tournament but one thing is for certain. The region will have to take notice and treat the Bazalopes as a major threat and a major for their first ever international competition.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 24 2009, 06:48 AM

100% Proof Starblaydia face 95X Not the only undefeated team, by any means, but Starblaydia are the only side to take three wins from three games in the Group Stage of the 25th AOCAF Cup. They don't have the best defence, either, as Demot only conceded their first goal yesterday against the defending champions, while Bazalonia have proven their strength by letting in just one goal, too, against fellow progress-makers Nojika. Not even in their own group do they have the best defensive record as that honour belongs to Krytenia. Starblaydia are, however, the only team to have reached double figures in their goal tally, having eleven, and have the joint-best goal difference, along with Bazalonia, of plus-seven. Quite a rosy picture, though, as Starblaydia move into the knock-out rounds to face former champions 95X. Though they appear to have coasted through on the back of Pacitalia's coat-tails, they did manage a draw with the Blue Foxes on Matchday One, showing they have, at least, something about them when they really want it. Bazrador Drakkiborgo, with three wins from three matches in his managerial career so far, will not be taking them lightly, however. 95X were champions twelve years ago in the 22nd AOCAF, a tournament in which the Third-Place Play-off (Starblaydia/Pacitalia) appeared to have a greater draw for the neutral than the final itself (95X/Hypocria). Nevertheless, they are still a team to be reckoned with in regional terms, perhaps even an equivalent to the Krytenia side that Starblaydia defeated on Matchday One. Starblaydia made their meeting with 95X confirmed with a 5-2 win over Vephrall, who are playing nothing like as good a team as their World Cup side, giving them the undisputed top spot in the group - in any group. Ryu Jones, who is a typical Starblaydi in that he is the grandson of Britannican striker Akira Jones and a son of a lovely lady of from Daehanjeiguk. Though his grandfather represented a now non-existant country and his mother is from a proud footballing society, he's been lured by the promises of Lii Chong-sun, his son and fellow Seoan Gukjei striker Lii Hyo-Jin, and Director Betanni Marrones, who obviously feel that the boy has the talent to take Starblaydia to the top in the future, rather than Daehanjeiguk. With the two goals he's scored against Vephrall, he may even be the one to take Starblaydia to the top in this AOCAF Cup, held in the centre of Atlantian Oceania but administered by officials from Allemenschen. With a goal from young defender Tuomas Hindenberg, too, Starblaydia have a good crop of youngsters who need to realise their obvious potential. If the game against 95X goes as planned, they might well have to do it in the Semi-Final against Lamoni. Defending champions, who beat Starblaydia two times out of three in the tournament four years ago (the other match was a draw), including one memorable ninety minutes in the Final, they are the only AOCAF team to take any points from Starblaydia in eight years, since a shock 3-2 loss to Pacitalia in the title-winning 23rd edition. Don't discount Bazalonia, either, who made it to the Final of that memorable tournament, as their defensive record may be hard for Lamoni to break through. Starblaydia have 'history' with absolutely every other team in the Quarter-Finals and, no matter which way the line-ups could be shuffled, each one of their possible opponents will present a major threat to Starblaydia's hopes of extending their run of titles even further. 95X are the first obstacle that needs to be cleared, followed by Bazalonia/Lamoni, then someone (how on earth can you pick?) from Krytenia, Pacitalia, Nojika and Demot. The conclusion to this landmark AOCAF Cup will certainly be an exciting one, perhaps the best for many years. Final score: Starblaydia 5 - 2 Vephrall (Jones 7 & 36, Hindenberg 28, Callind 61, Narquelie 83) - (Claspung 38, Angufams 53)

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 24 2009, 11:23 AM

Stars go home losers After a World Cup qualifying campaign that saw Sarzonia show flashes of its form from the glory days, the Stars played three matches during the 25th Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football that served as a stark reminder of how far they still had to go. An offence that scored four goals against O Ale Ale in a World Cup qualifying match and three away goals against world No. 1 Valanora could only muster an own goal against Nojika in a 1:2 loss. Sarzonia finish the tournament 0-0-3, scoring one goal and conceding six. "We got a rude reintroduction to AOCAF play," said manager Brian Wilson. "As I've said all along, we knew the road wouldn't be easy." Nojika's Marcellus Alson scored both goals for Nojika in the 25th and 39th minutes, while Sarzonia's goal came when goalkeeper Atilio Van's attempted clear caromed off the rear end of a Nojikan defender and into the goal in the 66th minute. Despite Sarzonia again playing with a three forward lineup, Sarzonia couldn't equalise. Now that the Stars are eliminated, their players have said they will support Pacitalia. "Now that we're no longer playing and the Chippers are also out, we intend to cheer for Pacitalia," said forward Matt Lynch. "Perhaps this will finally be the tournament that sees the Blue Foxes win the title they have long deserved." Pacitalia's next match is a quarterfinals battle against longtime Stars rivals Krytenia. Forward Reese Nichols joked about the Aces and their usual tradition of losing in penalties to Sarzonia. "Maybe we can pass along some of our mojo to the Blue Foxes," he said. Fidelia lost a shock 0:6 result to Bazalonia, whom Sarzonia held to a lone goal at the Iron Bowl in Portland. Fidelia dominated the Stars 3:0 in Manhattan in Sarzonia's first match of the tournament.

Posted by: Nojika Jan 25 2009, 01:08 AM

Panthers Advance to AOCAF Quarter Finals Nojika will face Demot in Quarter Finals, Panthers are confident of success WAP -- Media outlets around the region are still in doubt over the talented Nojikan side that has outplayed all of its opponents thus far. Having only managed a draw against Bazalonia, two wins against Fidelia and Sarzonia were enough to secure Nojika's place in the Quarter Finals. This victory over the Stars of Sarzonia was underpinned by the creativity and perseverance of star winger Jonathon Frusciante and brought to fruition by the finishing power of Marcellus Alson. Nojika will continue it's AOCAF campaign with a match against Demot (3-0-0) in the Quarter Finals. Their 2-1 victory ensured they would advance to the Quarter Finals, something that has proved elusive in prior competitions, and seemed impossible after a bore draw against Bazalonia on match day one of the group stage. Once again, Greeves was indebted to Alson, who 2nd and 3rd goals this competition fired Nojika to a 2-0 lead before half time. Then again, they wouldn't have needed two goals if their hadn't been a defensive lapse that had Atilio Van bounce a clearance off defender Hersh Costin and into his own net late in the second half. Once again, it was Jonathon Frusciante that was the heart of all of Nojika's best chances, underlining his pivotal role in the side. While he struck one free-kick wide and Madura and the increasingly confident Jasper Betance, the best early chance fell to Marcellus Alson, whose control and touch let him down. But, despite some early misplaced passes, Bartol's tackling ability came to Nojika's rescue on several occasions in his experimental role as a holding midfielder. Without a doubt, Nojika did not play to their full potential, but they seized the lead on 25 minutes when Frusciante's corner fell to Marcellus Alson on the edge of the penalty area and he instinctively sent his shot into the far corner and out of reach of the opposing keeper. That goal seemed to serve as a cue for the Panthers to step up the pressure. The Stars' keeper pulled off a number spectacular saves in the following minutes, but it was once again Marcellus Alson that broke through and gave Nojika a 2-0 lead with six minutes left in the first half. The Panthers poured through the midfield and when Frusciante sent an inviting ball forward to Alson, he thrashed his volley into the net. Having finished second in AOCAF Group B, behind Bazalonia only by goal differential, Nojika have advanced to the Quarter Finals where they will face Group A's first place winners, Demot. The two sides have only ever met twice before, and each have come away with a win. In AOCAF 19, both Nojika and Demot were in Group D where Demot finished 6th and did not qualify for the Quarter Finals and Nojika finished 2nd behind the Lamoni Hawks. In their group match, Nojika were the victors, beating Demot 4-3 before being knocked out of the Quarter Finals by Bazalonia. And more recently, in AOCAF 22 Nojika found themselves the losers of a 3-0 thrashing in Group B at the hands of Demot. Demot were eventually knocked out by Hypocria in the Quarter Final. "We will not be changing our tactics drastically," said Nojika's manager Rudy Greeves, "We've watched [Demot] play and our style will surely give them problems and I expect us to go up early and hold onto the lead. We'll advance, and they won't. I have no doubt about that." What the team is saying: "They play with just three midfielders and with three forwards. They tend to favor attacking, where we are more balanced. We've got the best goalkeeper in the NPL, we've got strong, notable defenders that play for the best clubs in Nojika, and midfielders that are experienced and know how to put the ball where our strikers want it, and they know how to put it past the keeper." - Chad Smyyth "Sure we're confident. We've watched them play and looked at their strategies and we know what we need to do to close them down and keep them from getting the ball into the back of the net." - Jonathon Frusciante "We'll win. End of story." - Jerrold Madura Nojika: 2 - 1 Sarzonia (Alson 25' & 39') - (OG Costin 66')

Posted by: Nojika Jan 25 2009, 01:36 AM

Associated Press of Nojika Releases Quarter Final Predictions Once again Nojika advance to the Quarter Finals, and we predict the outcome ROZIER, NOJIKA -- The Panthers have advanced into the quarter finals of the AOCAF. The 2-1 victory over Sarzonia secured a Group B second place finish and an appearance in the playoffs for Nojika. The APN has taken into consideration only past and present form as well as historical team strength. Pacitalia (2-1-0) vs. Krytenia (1-0-2) Pacitalia, without a doubt look to be the stronger of the two sides, but Krytenia have looked more comfortable on the pitch. This will not be a fight to the death. We expect both sides will start out looking only to defend their own net, and it will be the Blue Foxes that will make the offensive push that forces Krytenia to defend more and more before they let a goal through. Prediction: Pacitalia wins 2-1 Bazalonia (2-1-0) vs. Lamoni (2-0-1) The match of the round without question sees Bazalonia and Lamoni face off in what is sure to be an epic and historical match. Should Bazalonia do the impossible and defeat Lamoni, they may have what it takes to go all the way. Lamoni however, have the experience and talent to see off the Bazalopes. A match to close to call, but we expect Bazalonia to continue their winning form. Prediction: Bazalonia wins 1-0 Starblaydia (3-0-0) vs. 95x (1-2-0) It's a mystery how a team like 95x have made it to the Quarter Finals of one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world. The only team 95x managed to defeat in the group stage was unknown Sorthern Northland. The only hope that 95x has to advance is that they manage to hold off Starblaydia in the same fashion they did Pacitalia and get lucky in a penalty shootout. Prediction: Starblaydia wins 3-0 Demot (3-0-0) vs. Nojika (2-1-0) It goes without saying that the Panthers are the underdogs of this matchup. The two sides have only faced one another twice before and each have won once. We expect however, that Nojika will prevail having already faced tougher opponents Bazalonia, Fidelia, and Sarzonia in the group stage. Nojika has the talent and experience to defeat Demot, and Demot's only goal will come from one of their 3 strikers. Prediction: Nojika wins 2-1

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 25 2009, 04:30 PM

Pacitalia captures group C with simple play in final match Blue Foxes find themselves group winners, will face Krytenia in quarterfinals Wapahkoneta (PSN) — Pacitalia's national football squad ended up atop their group at the 25th Atlantian Oceanian Championship of Association Football, following a 1-0 win over Sorthern Northland on matchday three. Adrian Manoliu once again proved his status as an indispensable part of the squad and as the likeliest candidate to start at striker once Ambrosino Giurimano retires or the playing formation changes to a two-striker system. Manoliu stood in at striker for the second straight match in place of Giurimano, who is resting up for the knockouts after contracting a stomach bug. Manoliu's goal, the lone one of the match, came in the 49th minute. The powerful striker gathered up a lead pass from left-midfielder Andolfabio Vunghiasso and broke through the Northlandian defence, launching a wicked cuff to the top-right corner of the net past the outstretched fingers of the SN keeper. The goal held up, helped by a resilient back line and four excellent saves from Abro Zolà in the remaining 41 minutes of play. Pacitalia now moves on to play Krytenia in the quarterfinals. Pacitalia topped group C with two wins and a draw over its three matches, earning seven points. 95X finished second with a win and two draws for five points. Sorthern Northland came in third with three points (1-0-2) and were eliminated, as were Koseli Cumhuriyetler. The Turkish squad finished 0-1-2 to end the tournament, gaining a single point. 95X will play six-time champions Starblaydia in the last eight. Sarzonia's return to the world's premier regional competition was marred with its third loss in three matches. The Stars faced arguably the toughest group stage of the tournament, paired with Fidelia, Bazalonia and Nojika. Stunningly it is Nojika that advances with Bazalonia to the quarterfinal stage and not reliable powerhouse Fidelia. The Chippers were shellacked 0-6 by the Bazalopes on the final match day and crashed out of the tournament. Once again, the quarterfinal matchups are: Demot (A1) v Nojika (B2), Bazalonia (B1) v Lamoni (A2), Pacitalia (C1) v Krytenia (D2), and Starblaydia (D1) v 95X (C2). From Wapahkoneta Pacitalia 1 : 0 Sorthern Northland PAC — Manoliu 49' SNR — None Next up — PAC v KRY (QF), SNR v n/a (eliminated)

Posted by: Demot Jan 25 2009, 05:05 PM

Demot Daily ~ Regional Success?!?! For the longest time now, Demot has been somewhat of a conadrum in the regional tournament. They have been among the very best in the world, yet they have routinely done very poorly when it has come to the AOCAF competition. It had become such a routine amount of failure, that there has been a time or two when the DFA has sent an under twenty-one side, or the media has completely ignored the competition. However, in his last year in charge, David Masteron ordered the DFA to send a full stregnth side to the AOCAF, as many other nations were doing the same. Imagine then the shock of not only the Dynamo supporters, but the entire region when the Dynamo not only have found themselves in the Quarterfinals, but atop of their group with a perfect record. This includes a comprehensive three to one drubbing of defending champions and neighbors/allies, Lamoni on the last matchday to secure the top position. Just as is the case with the national team in the world's foremost competition, one has to wonder if the Dynamo are now on the right track here in the regional game. The upcoming quarterfinal fixture against Nojika will surely either confirm that the Druid's position in the regional heirarchy is in the upward position, or if lady luck is merely playing games with the heart's and mind's of the Dynamo faithful once again. The sides have met twice before, both times coming in an AOCAF, with each side taking home a victory. The Dynamo are the most recent winners, and if form is anything to go off of, they are the slightly better side. Nojika is not a nation to underestimate though, as they have had their share of tests in the form of Bazalonia and Fidelia. While Sarzonia might have the history, they have been absent from the footballing scene for too long to be considered a true test of our oppisition's quality. The injection of Iganci into the middle has been one of the best moves that the Cafundelense manager has made in his tenure as the Dynamo boss. The hard working and ball winning midfielder has made life difficult for the oppisition, as evidence by only the single goal against the side in the group stages. He can also get into the attack well, as his set up for Rotherwell's hattrick against the Hawks was suberb and well worth man of the match considerations if not for Julius' finishes. He will be the key if the Dynamo are indeed going to be able to play another two games in the competition or if they make the trip back home following the match against the Panthers. My gut tells me that the Dynamo supporters better be getting tickets for two more matches, for this force is becoming unstoppable. Scorers Julius Rotherwell - 4 Jurian Mastaru - 2

Posted by: Lamoni Jan 26 2009, 12:04 AM

Hawks lose to Demot, still in the knockouts We are still not sure of what happened out there on the pitch against Demot, but what we do know for certain is that the Hawks lost 3-1. Not even a furious halftime speech by the coach could turn the tide, as it was already 2-1 by that point. During the second half, Demot scored the third goal, which sank Lamonian hopes of dominating their group. However, the Hawks only fall to second place in their group, and will be facing regional friends Bazalonia in their first knockout match of this AOCAF. If Lamoni wins this match, a spot in at least the 3PPO is assured. However, this is not good enough for the Hawks, who are still aiming to defend their AOCAF cup, and up their number of AOCAFs won to 4. The Hawks have a fairly good record against the Bazalopes, and Lamoni will be making full use of this (as limited as it inherently is) in their upcoming match. This is truly a win or die match for Lamoni. Lamoni - 1 Demot - 3

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 26 2009, 09:31 AM

I hope you'll forgive me for the extremely late RP cut-off... had some work to do... But now that we're done with RL work, we'll head back to AO where WORK does YOU.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 26 2009, 05:11 PM

(OOC: Apologies in advance, I had to go with Kry's AOCAF 24 roster.) Pure magic Classic performance from Pacitalia's "Magician" fires the Blue Foxes through to semifinals Wapahkoneta (PSN) — A pair of goals highlighted star striker Ambrosino Giurimano's return to the Pacitalian starting eleven, as the Blue Foxes posted a 3-0 quarterfinals victory over Krytenia. The result was arguably their performance of the tournament so far. Having conceded at least a goal in two of their group stage matches, the Blue Foxes focused their energy on defending in their final group-stage match and came away successful with a 1-0 win over Sorthern Northland. Squad captain and starting keeper Abro Zolà made it clear they would attempt to replicate that success. The Blue Foxes played 4-2-3-1 as usual but employed a similar tight-back formation for their quarterfinal against Krytenia. Holding midfielders Giordano Muntefeora and Chimano San Sebastiano remained behind the half line after the first Pacitalian goal, creating an unusual but highly effective six-man back line. Giurimano notched the opening tally 12 minutes in. The Pacitalian striker easily intercepted a poorly-timed pass from Krytenian left-back Gareth Nophelos to linemate Leon Ricard. The two highly regarded backs were caught too far forward leaving keeper Peter Mickelsen as the last defence for the Krytenian squad. Giurimano aimed left, pulling Mickelsen with him, then softly tapped the ball low and right with the outside of his foot to put the Blue Foxes ahead. A subsequent Andolfabio Vunghiasso goal doubled the Pacitalian lead in the 35th minute. da Scupeta's corner arced into the penalty area and the Pacitalian left-midfielder scooped through a header which redirected off the shoulder of Mickelsen and into the top-centre of the net. Krytenia attempted to argue for a handball on the part of Vunghiasso — it appeared his right elbow had grazed the ball after it made contact with his head. The official ignored the calls and play continued. The failed challenge appeared to deflate the Krytenians heading into halftime. In the second half, Krytenia's starting XI came out strong. Manager James Flynn replaced both starting strikers with their reserve counterparts to start the second forty-five. Spurred on by high-octane, repeated attempts by Dennis Spitteri, the Krytenians appeared to be regaining momentum and pulling back into the match. But the match was put out of reach of Pacitalia's quarterfinal opponents exactly an hour in, as Giurimano gathered up a lead pass and fired a rocket to the top right corner of the net past Mickelsen to extend the Blue Foxes' lead and secure a win. Pacitalia now faces Nojika in the semifinals and is guaranteed at least another familiar fourth-place finish in the tournament. The Panthers squeaked past Demot winning 3-0 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw after regulation time. Starblaydia defeated 95X by a 3-1 scoreline and Lamoni edged out Bazalonia 3-2. The Starblaydia-Lamoni semifinal will surely be the one to watch in the penultimate round of play. From Wapahkoneta Pacitalia 3 : 0 Krytenia PAC — Giurimano 12', 60' / Vunghiasso 35' KRY — None Next up — PAC v NOJ, KRY v n/a (eliminated)

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 27 2009, 05:19 PM

Once more... It's those men again Starblaydia and Lamoni will meet for the seventh time in six Cups as they face off in the Semi-Final of the twenty-fifth edition. A hundred years after some Krytenian called out for the region's football teams to come in the spirit of competition and friendship, one of the two big beasts of the AOCAF Cup will knocked out at the penultimate hurdle. Lamoni have three titles while Starblaydia have six, though Lamoni are the defending champions, of course, having beaten Starblaydia in their last meeting four years ago. In that Cup, in fact, Lamoni came away from three matches against Starblaydia with two wins and a draw and, though it wasn't enough to knock Starblaydia off the top of Group 2 that Cup, it gave them the momentum to go on and win their third title. Momentum, however, is something Starblaydia know something about. Three top-three finishes in the last three tournaments - a first, second and third place - as well as being the first team that wasn't NEWI Cefn Druids to defend an AOCAF title. The other team to have done that? Lamoni. Another team finishing in the top three for three consecutive Cups? Lamoni, with two firsts and a second. The two sides are, without doubt the best in the region and have been for a number of years. One of them will not be able to make the final - which would be Starblaydia's and Lamoni's tenth and eighth appearances, respectively - and have a shot at extending their run of titles. Starlbaydia might make it a magnificent seven, while Lamoni would draw 'level' with Vilita & Turori's four. It should of course be two for Vilita and two for Vilita & Turori, but international politics evidently doesn't work that way and they have a total of four. Starblaydia made it to the exciting Semi-Final clash with their arch-rivals thanks to a win over 95X. The 95Xers had evidently decided that they didn't think they could contain Starblaydia's youthful attacking potential, so it seemed as if their tactic was to park a bus in front of their goal. Two solid lines of four, with a withdrawn striker and one lonely man hanging around in Starblaydia's half in order to make vain attempts at a counter-attacking strategy. Starblaydia knew their task from the outset: break down this 95X side to progress to the last four. Though Callind was, as ever, a battering ram to the opposing defence, Ryu Jones found himself ineffectual, substituted at half time for the Elf Carnophin Narquelie. By then, however, Starblaydia found themselves behind as, despite the excellent marshalling of the lone 95X striker by Ignacius Sverus, the defender found himself in the wrong place at a rare 95X corner as 95X's main striker bulleted a header into the back of the net, putting the title-chasers in white behind. Half Time came and went with everyone knowing that the longer Starblaydia remained behind, the more jittery they would become as the pressure would begin to pile upon young shoulders. Evidently the thirty-five year-old veteran striker leading the team knew exactly the right medicine for that, equalising from a low shot six minutes after the restart. Six minutes later and the substitute Elven striker had given Starblaydia the lead, bursting onto a pass from Johnson to flick it into the net. When Starblaydia were finally in front, 95X knew their task was now much, much harder. Not only did they have to get at least one goal back, they also had to keep Starblaydia out. It was not possible to do both and, in the end, they did neither. Starblaydia were not threatened at the back and not stopped at the front. Gabrielle Johnson was the beneficiary with her second goal in four games to make the scoreline three to one, sealing the match for Starblaydia. The next match may well decide the fate of the tournament, in that Starblaydia or Lamoni would both be considered favourites for the title, whoever they played, especially after having just defeated their greatest opponents. Whether it be the surprise package of Nojika or the old chokers of Pacitalia in either the Final (or even the Third Place Play-off) Starblaydia will be confident of defeating any opponent. One thing at a time, though. Lamoni first, then assess the situation afterwards. Final score: Starblaydia 3 - 1 95X (Callind 51, Narquelie 57, Johnson 74) - (#10 42)

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 27 2009, 07:37 PM

Despite my late RP cut-off for the most recent matchday period, I feel confident that no one will bite me if I end the cut-off at your regularly scheduled Jiffy Lube commercial... reminding that keeping your car in top notch state is easy if you schedule your oil change with Jiffy Lube! They'll do your tire rotation and 482,443,654,319,924 point inspection with you, all complimentary with purchase of a new squishy stress-reliever ball. Oh, and scores will be up in a little bit.

Posted by: Starblaydia Jan 28 2009, 05:40 AM

Destiny Calling Starblaydia face Pacitalia in Final No matter what the outcome of the Final match in Wapakhoneta, history will have been made. Not only in that Starblaydia and Pacitalia have never faced each other at such an advanced stage of the competition as this, but also that either a new name will be added to the list of champions, or that a very familiar one will be engraved onto the trophy for the seventh time. Starblaydia's record in this, the world's premier regional football tournament, is second to precisely none. In a tournament that knocks the Heartland Cup, Haven Cup, Dienstad Cup and every other regional tournament into a cocked hat, Starblaydia have been the most powerful force in shaping the fortunes of the AOCAF Cup. Bar their debut tournament, the second AOCAF Cup, Starblaydia have never once been ranked outside the Top Eight nations in Atlantian Oceania. The three-time World and record-breaking six-time Regional champions will make their tenth appearance in the final, yet another record extended. It sometimes makes you wonder why anyone else bothers to enter, but looking at it a different way, explains why the AOCAF Cup is so popular. Atlantian Oceania has some of the greatest athletes in the world, evidently a higher proportion of the friendly, sporty and competitive types are to be found within our landmasses. Those who think they are the best in the world come to play here, to prove themselves against the gold standard that Atlantian Oceania provides. Starblaydia, Vilita, Bettia, Vephrall, Sarzonia, Krytenia, Bedistan, Casari, Kura-Pelland, Bedistan, Demot, Bazalonia, Dancougar, Capitalizt SLANI, Nedalia. They all have their homes here and we all know their deeds in the footballing arena. Some, of course, do not play on the world stage, like Lamoni, Pacitalia and Nojika, but here they compete with the best in the world. The AOCAF Cup is something to be treasured, nurtured and continued. Whichever crazy Krytenian it was who came up with the idea and the oft misquoted acronym - which Starblaydi journalists are as guilty of as any - has surely done the world a great service. The Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football is the glue that holds the region together. No matter who is in charge of the nations, who's fighting who or what's going on where, the football teams come together to simply play. Though it gets a little heated at times, it's better that we have it than not. Starblaydia defeated Lamoni by three goals to one, thanks to the two strikers Callind and Jones, along with a supplementary goal from the Orthodox Apprentice, Juan. It was Callind's thirty-eighth goal for his country, putting him solidly ninth on the all-time list of Starblaydi strikers. Ryu Jones' goal was his fourth in five appearances and the twenty year old, who is expected to lead the line at the eighth Di Bradini Cup, is getting his career off to a great start. This entire midfield, in fact, are proving the saying that 'if you're good enough, you're old enough'. Barring the near six millennia old Elf, of course, the three human midfielders have yet to reach twenty years each. The two Finalists last met in the 24th AOCAF Cup in Bazalonia, the Semi-Final in fact. Daymon Callind was there that day, wearing the number five shirt. So was Bazrador Drakkiborgo, there playing as Left-Back rather than wearing the suit and yelling from the touchline. Starblaydia went on to lose the final to Lamoni, while Pacitalia lost the Third-Place match to hosts Bazalonia. As per usual, Ambrosino Giurimano is expected to be the Blue Foxes' leading threat, while Daymon Callind is the main man for Starblaydia. It will be a tense, exciting, skillful and determined match in Wapakhoneta, with football fans from around the region able to pin their hopes on either blue or purple. Nojikans, at least, will be pulling for Starblaydia, but expect Lamonians, Sarzonians, Krytenians and more to be supporting the Foxes. It is ever thus for Starblaydia, who expect to be out-numbered in the stadium despite large number of fans taking a trip to the centre of the region. All we know at the moment is that this one will make history - for someone. Final score: Lamoni 1 - 3 Starblaydia (Lipford 58) - (Callind 15, Jones 27, Juan 74)

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 28 2009, 08:37 PM

Predator becomes prey Blue Foxes nail down decisive win over Panthers to meet Starblaydia in the final Wapahkoneta (PSN) — The scoreline clearly disagreed with the Panthers' efforts in the tournament or the Nojikan squad's depth. Pacitalia registered three excellent goals in the first half to deflate the Panthers, soundly defeating them 4-0 at full time to set up a classic AOCAF showdown with Starblaydia. It will be the Blue Foxes' second final appearance. In their first appearance in the championship match, the Pacitalian squad posted a heartbreakingly close 1-2 loss in AOCAF 19 to Vilita & Turori. And by facing Starblaydia, the Blue Foxes will be looking to exact revenge, not only for the loss in AOCAF 19's final, but also for a knockouts loss to the Starblaydi squad in the AOCAF 24 semifinals. In a nod to history, fans on both sides will be looking to the thrilling group stage match between the Blue Foxes and the Purple Peril in AOCAF 23. Pacitalia emerged victorious, 3-2, after the two squads potted three goals in the final quarter of an hour. The win leapfrogged Pacitalia into first on the final matchday to capture the group and face West Starblaydia rather than Lamoni. However, the Blue Foxes were eliminated in a shock quarterfinals loss and the Starblaydi went on to capture their sixth title. Starblaydia, having defeated bitter archrivals Lamoni 3-1 in the other semifinal, are now looking for their unprecedented and unmatched seventh title in their equally unprecedented and unmatched tenth appearance in the AOCAF final. Conversely, if Pacitalia come away winners in the final match, it will mark their first capture of the regional football trophy, and the country's first ever major championship victory. But, given the Blue Foxes' history of failure in key moments of past tournaments, can we really expect more than just a humble second place finish again? Either way, Pacitalian fans seem to be happy to have blue meet purple in the final — the general mood of public opinion indicates Starblaydia are viewed as a friendly rival. The football is consistently exciting and free of controversy or pre- and post-match vitriol. Massimo da Scupeta was scratched for the semi against Nojika — he endured a minor sprain on a lower vertebra and chose to sit out to ensure health for the final. Manel Bernat i Lém thus earned his first cap for the Blue Foxes; his most notable contribution to date was indeed against Starblaydia in the AOCAF 23 group stage, helping set up the winning Giurimano strike. Bernat i Lém wasted no time to the delight of the raucous crowd of around 45,000 Pacitalia supporters in the stadium. Five minutes in he crossed the plane into the 22-yard box, skipping past Jesse Mirko, and fired off a seemingly harmless shot that evaded a misdirected Atilio Van. The early strike steeled the Blue Foxes, who excitedly but quietly celebrated at the corner marker. Indeed, the fans clad in cerulean and white had to do a double-take and rub their eyes. Right off the Nojikan kick-off, striker Ambrosino Giurimano raced forward and pinned the ball, shovelling it to a waiting Michelangelo Mascagnano. Masca then darted for the corner with Panthers right back Hersh Costin in hot pursuit and midfielder Dana Costella lagging sharply behind. The Pacitalian centre-mid crossed the ball to the centre in a high arc where Bernat i Lém took a rocketing swipe at the ball. It missed barely, glancing off the post and high into the air. The ensuing mosh below hampered Van enough to force him back and, with a stroke of luck, the ball came back to earth right above Giurimano. With poise and precision, the Pacitalian striker redirected a glancing header that lobbed neatly mid-height into the left side of the netting. With Pacitalia's lead now to two goals less than ten minutes in, there was a newfound sense of urgency among the Nojikan eleven to equalise... and quickly. A couple of outstanding chances for Panthers striker Marcellus Alson in the 14th minute and the 20th minute did not materialise further than a regrettably misguided pair of attempts. Jerrold Madura's crossing attempt from right up against the end line in the 24th came brutally close to beating Abro Zolá at an impossibly wide angle but Alson could not meet the arcing ball in time and Angelo Bordellatta swiftly cleared. The spectators watched in absolute shock as the Blue Foxes converted a third goal not even a half-hour into the match. Were they about to witness an offensive blowout? Entering the penalty area, Giurimano hooked left at the goal box, evading Mirko, and lobbed a light pass that was brushed away by Van. The ball reached Costin, who attempted to clear, but it glanced off Andolfabio Vunghiasso's knee and remained in play. Vunghiasso curved left to the goal line to keep Giurimano on-side, and fired off his own volley as the clock turned over to the 26th minute. Van once again repelled the attempt but directed the ball straight to the feet of Giurimano. The striker had little problem tucking the ball past the smothering Van and putting Pacitalia up 3-0. As Marco van Basten screamed to his Foxes to switch to a defending and counterattacking style, and played Chimano San Sebastiano and Giordano Muntefeora back in the increasingly familiar 6-3-1 formation, Nojikan scoring chances correspondingly became fewer and further between. After the Madura crossing attempt in the 24th minute, the Panthers registered not a single attempt on goal in the remainder of the first 45. In fact, a poorly taken corner, by the usually reliable Jonathon Frusciante in the 39th minute, stood up as the only offensive production generated by the Panthers the rest of the way in a highly lopsided first half. The tempo and style of play became neutral, reserved and somewhat uninspiring to start the second half. For a full half-hour, only five chances materialised between the two sides, with Pacitalia creating three of them. Out of the five chances, only Michelangelo Mascagnano's blast from long range had any threat behind it. Alson's attacking chance in the 72nd was stuffed by Sergio San Cristobál just as he attempted a volley. As time ran off the clock, the Panthers looked haggard and increasingly fatigued. Manager Rudy Greeves substituted both Alson and Madura in the 74th, replacing them with Antony Kedis and Jeramy Larcom. The shake-up did nothing except to perhaps weaken the confidence of the Nojikan back four, as Kedis and Larcom appeared completely distant from the match itself and unable to use their chemistry to create chances. Giurimano's natural hat trick was complete two minutes later. A Bernat i Lém corner met the foot of Mascagnano. The centre-mid promptly shovelled the ball right to a waiting Giurimano, who stepped up and fired off a howling strike that evaded Van's fingertips and put the Blue Foxes up by a dominant, lopsided 4-0. Nojika moves sideways to the third-place playoff to meet a Lamoni side reeling from an equally-lopsided scoreline. The Hawks fell to Starblaydia 1-3 and will not defend their title from AOCAF 24. That means the tournament will either have a new champion, or Starblaydia will hoist the cup for a seventh time in ten tries. Time will tell, but as the Starblaydi media report so aptly, "one [team] will make history". From Wapahkoneta Nojika 0 : 4 Pacitalia NOJ — none PAC — Bernat i Lém 6' / Giurimano 7', 26', 76' Next up — STB v PAC (F), NOJ v LAM (3P)

Posted by: Allemenschen Jan 29 2009, 09:40 PM

The latest AOCAF 25 RP Cutoff EVAR! EVAR!!! *runs back into the infirmary* EVAR!!!

Posted by: Manhattan Prime Jan 30 2009, 09:12 AM

OOC: 13-0? Is that really realistic?

Posted by: Nojika Jan 30 2009, 09:14 AM

QUOTE (Manhattan Prime @ Jan 30 2009, 06:12 AM) OOC: 13-0? Is that really realistic? OOC: Not unless Nojiika fielded 12 year olds, which I can assure you they did not.

Posted by: Pacitalia Jan 30 2009, 04:05 PM

Blue Foxes champions at last The wait is finally over; as expected, a nail-biting finish decides the winner Wapahkoneta (PSN) — Fans of the Blue Foxes, it's okay to believe in your squad again. After easily one of the longest droughts and "curses" in national sporting history, the Pacitalian men's football squad have finally done for their country what no other Pacitalian athlete was able to do before — be the best and win a major tournament. Even Olympic gold has not yet been attained — but finally, finally, there is some hardware on the shelf. Pacitalia and Starblaydia emerged from full time once again having matched each other stride for stride as is usual when two teams of that calibre meet. Extra time solved nothing — it was perfection from Pacitalia's penalty takers and the exact opposite from Starblaydia's that made the difference as the Blue Foxes triumphed 4-1 on penalties to win the AOCAF championship. It would be the men in purple that would reach the scoresheet first, to the worry of the Blue Foxes' fans. Daymon Callind was, from the start of the tournament, expected to be Starblaydia's consistently greatest threat, and he proved himself among the top tier of international footballers with a devilishly well-executed strike to the top left corner of the net in the 19th minute. Callind's rocket just beat the fingertips of Abro Zolà but fans and players alike knew even that single goal would be enough of a lead for Starblaydia to walk away as champions 71 minutes later. The score remained 1-0 to Starblaydia as the sides descended the tunnel for the half-time team talk. Marco van Basten was "encouraging and optimistic", right-mid Massimo da Scupeta said. "He wasn't angry at all. That goal could have happened to any team, even the best ones." "Callind is unbelievably talented," echoed Angelo Bordellatta, "and [Zolà] just couldn't get there in time. It wasn't a big deal to us. We weren't freaking out about it, knew there was lots of time to equalise and we could come back in the second half as though it was still 0-0." "We just focused on scoring a goal," da Scupeta continued, "as that goal alone wouldn't just have been a relief, it would have felt like the winner... even if it sent us to extra time and penalties." Sure enough, the mentality paid off for the Blue Foxes. Ten minutes into the second frame, Ambrosino Giurimano potted his tournament-leading seventh goal, a curving rocket just inside the top-right corner of the net, and squared the two finalists at one goal apiece. The stands erupted deliriously as Giurimano chased down the corner marker and saluted the blue and white clad fans. The Starblaydi faithful did not look too pleased. After that, momentum appeared to shift the Blue Foxes' way, buoyed by the perfect strike from Pacitalia's star frontman. Seven chances on goal, all unsuccessful, followed between the 63rd and 87th minutes, but none reached their targets. All the same, the Purple Peril were on their toes; the Blue Foxes could smell blood. Bazrador Drakkiborgo yelled at the Starblaydi XI to tighten up in defence. Starblaydia managed five decent chances on net between the 70th and 89th minutes. Stoppage time did nothing, and the championship final was off to a fully expected and deserved extra time session. The Blue Foxes, up to the final, did not have the best record in a penalty shootout. Starblaydia were near-perfect by the same token. It did not seem to dampen the Blue Foxes, and while each side had a trio of decent chances in the extra 30 minutes, neither team looked willing or ready to end things before the two hours was up. And, so, having remained at 1-1 through another half hour, the two sides went to the all-decisive penalty shootout. The coin was flipped and the Blue Foxes would get first crack. da Scupeta was first up for the Blue Foxes. He scored with a mid-height volley straight to the centre of the net, as Kyli Seji betted right. Ryu Jones matched da Scupeta's successful tally with his own high-powered shot to the top right side of the net. Zolà, like Seji, betted the ball was going to the other side of the net and guessed wrong. Penalties even at 1-1. Semih Mansur would take the second attempt for Pacitalia. He was also successful, though with a low, dribbling shot to the bottom left side of the net that passed under Seji just as he attempted to fall onto it. The mere miss still did not change the fact that Pacitalia were now 2-for-2 and that it would be up to the Starblaydi to keep pace. Encouragingly, the Elven midfielder Otarion Fanorin missed, blundering the ball wide of the left post. 2-1 to Pacitalia. It would be Giurimano to take kick three for the Blue Foxes, and once again, extended the string and put the Starblaydi on the ropes. He converted with a swift volley to the top right corner of the net, like his goal during regulation time. Seji could do nothing but pray that his fingers would get there in time to at least deflect the ball over the crossbar. When Daymon Callind stepped up, the entire stadium quieted, knowing that this was the make-or-break point in the match. If Callind converted, the Purple Peril were still alive for at least two more rounds. If he missed, it would take just one more successful conversion by the Blue Foxes to seal a championship. A lopsided wave of sound erupted from the blue-clad fans in the stands, drowning out the groans of the Starblaydi faithful, as the 35-year-old superstar's hard, confident chip was gathered up by Zolà. The Pacitalian keeper pointed gleefully and excitedly to the fans and strode to the side, smiling politely at Seji as the nervous-looking Starblaydi international stepped in front of goal in a last-ditch effort to keep his squad in the tournament. It would fittingly be the workhorse Andolfabio Vunghiasso to seal the championship for the Blue Foxes. His delicate chip released from his feet, the scrappy left-midfielder knew immediately it was a successful conversion and raced past the corner marker for the disbelieving yet delirious Blue Foxes supporters jumping and cheering in the stands. Embracing them, so many with tears in their eyes, he was joined not seconds later by the rest of the Blue Foxes squad, ten starters, eleven substitutes, a gleeful Marco van Basten and a tearful Veranace d'Amantano. Watching the teardrops streak down d'Amantano's face is something we surely won't soon forget — the man who had himself led Pacitalia so achingly close to tournament glory in the past now, at last, part of the celebrations as the squad's assistant manager. The moment was purely magical, the moment for which the Blue Foxes and their supporters had been waiting for so long had come. The announcer's voice echoing "AOCAF25 Champions — Pacitalia!" sent shivers down the spines of nearly everyone in the stadium. Abro Zolà, the squad captain, accepted the cup trophy and, screaming in exultation, thrust it into the air joyously surrounded by glittering cerulean and white confetti. Fans that normally would vouch for the 7-goal performance from Giurimano to be the deciding factor in the MVP search are instead pointing to Vunghiasso's hard work from end to end as the reason why Pacitalia finally stands as proud champions. It will be a tournament not soon forgotten simply because of the calibre of play put on display at this incarnation of the AOCAF Cup. But it also won't be forgotten because it will forever be known as the tournament where the Blue Foxes finally, finally, put Pacitalia's long-held sporting curse to rest. From Wapahkoneta: Starblaydia 1 (1) : 1 (4) Pacitalia STB — Callind 19' PAC — Giurimano 55' Penalties PAC — da Scupeta, Mansur, Giurimano, Vunghiasso STB — Jones, Fanorin, Callind

Posted by: Sarzonia Jan 31 2009, 05:08 PM

Two days before the Sarzonian national football team got set to face Prux in the final match of the groups stage at the Cup of Harmony, they gathered at the practice facility near Bryan Marshall Memorial Stadium to watch the AOCAF final between Pacitalia and Starblaydia. To a player, the Stars cheered wildly when each Blue Fox substitute and starter was announced prior to the match. Starblaydi players received a mix of polite applause and murmurs, though no one booed. Forward Matt Lynch said the Starblaydi proposal of the Mike Sarzo Memorial Cup kept players from booing Starblaydia. "It was a fantastic gesture," Lynch said. "Our nation still fondly remembers our former president, so initiating a tournament with the proceeds benefiting cancer research made a favourable impression upon us." Not favourable enough to keep the Stars from supporting Pacitalia, however. "They've never won this," said goalkeeper Cody Taylor. "Starblaydia have six championships. Pacitalia deserves an opportunity to win at least once." When the match itself took place, groans and whistles accompanied the scene when Starblaydia's Daymon Callind scored the first goal of the match 19 minutes in. The camera flashed images of discouraged Blue Fox supporters -- and one or two frustrated Stars supporters. Had cameras been broadcasting the Stars' impromptu viewing party, they would have even shown defender Spencer Hicks slamming his fist to the table, which drew an immediate admonishment from manager Brian Wilson. At halftime, several players got up from their seats to use the loo and stretch their legs. Meanwhile, Hicks sneaked back into the room after returning from the loo. He crawled silently on the floor, then flicked a lighter on. He then slowly moved the flickering flame toward the match he'd sneaked into a shoe worn by Zack Wilson. Before long, he hopped up, screaming. It drew the laughter of Stars players, including a nonplussed-seeming Hicks, who used the distraction to sneak out of the room pending his walking in as if nothing had happened. "What's going on in here?" he asked in an even tone, doing his best to hide his amusement that his prank worked to perfection. "Someone gave Zack the hot foot!" forward Reese Nichols yelled. "Really? How could that have happened?" Before Nichols could answer, yelling and cheering in the room interrupted him. The camera showed Ambrosino Giurimano celebrating after notching his seventh goal of the tournament, drawing the match level at 1:1. Now the prank took second billing to the match as even Hicks sat down with rapt attention for the remaining 45 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time. Finally, it came down to penalties. At this point, every eye in the room was transfixed upon the screen as right midfielder Massimo da Scupeta's face furrowed in concentration. Before long, a cheer erupted as da Scupeta scored to make it 1-0 Pacitalia. The cheers soon turned to silence as Ryu Jones equalised in Starblaydia's first round. Again, the room erupted when Semih Mansur fired what Lynch described as a "cheeky shot" that barely beat Starblaydi goalkeeper Kyli Seji for a 2-1 lead. The Stars cheering got wilder when Otarion Fanorin fired his shot that missed the left post and preserved a 2-1 lead for Pacitalia. It began to reach a crescendo when Giurimano scored for Pacitalia. The Sarzonian players suddenly hushed when Callind lined up. Many Stars held hands nervously, while others covered their eyes. Only Lynch watched, and when Callind's hard shot only found the waiting arms of Blue Foxes goalkeeper Abro Zolà, he cheered wildly enough for an entire team. That sent the Stars into a frenzy. All it took now was a goal by Blue Fox midfielder Andolfabio Vunghiasso in the fourth penalty round to clinch the first championship of any kind for Pacitalia. When he struck and a panel showed his running toward the stands in celebration, the Sarzonian players began to rise as one. When the shot beat Seji, Stars players leapt up in celebration, hugging each other and anyone they could find who happened to be in the room. "They did it! They did it!" After 10 minutes of that, they left the practice facility to find Sarzonians from nearly every walk of life imaginable rushing out to the streets, hugging random strangers, cheering, screaming and singing. A band that had been performing about 100 metres from the practice facility noticed the news crawl that said: "BREAKING NEWS: PACITALIA WIN AOCAF XXV FINAL: 1-1 (4-1 PK)" and broke out into an impromptu rendition of Martha and the Vandellas' "Dancing In The Streets." That title was perfect for what went on in Woodstock, in Portland, in Nicksia and throughout Sarzonia. Sure, Pacitalia celebrated loudest and longest of anyone in Atlantian Oceania, but Sarzonians sure made it close.

Posted by: Kosovoe Mar 7 2009, 07:06 PM

Can someone send a tg to Taeshan next time the signups start because i want to remember to sign up

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