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Welcome to the third running of AOCAF, hosted by Pedriana. Twenty nations from all over Atlantian Oceania have come to our northern nation to take part in the spirit of friendly competition.
The groups for the group stage were drawn on Saturday, September 18 at 16:16 GMT in #sport on irc.esper.net in the presence of several other AO nations, including our regional founder Vilita. The groups are as follows:
GROUP A
Vilita
Turori
Aquiliana
Druida
Balaal
GROUP B
Crystilakere
Starblaydia
Abattoir
Chacor
New Manhattan
GROUP C
Sarzonia
Xile
Pedriana
Wapahkoneta
Triangunation
GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids
Nojika
Lamoni
Psytroxia
Nova Britannicus
More information to come...
This post has been edited by Pedriana on Sep 18 2004, 11:54 AM |
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The match schedule:
Matchday 1
2 v 5
3 v 4
Matchday 2
1 v 3
4 v 5
Matchday 3
1 v 5
2 v 4
Matchday 4
1 v 2
3 v 5
Matchday 5
1 v 4
2 v 3
Matchdays 6-10 are the reverse of 1-5.
Venues:
Group A - The Zone, Chash (capacity 31,084)
Group B - Southeast Stadium, Itechton (capacity 30,961)
Group C - Beachside Field, Garorshy (capacity 35,910)
Group D - Babylon Road, Etuskight (capacity 27,609)
The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals:
1. 1st in Group A v 2nd in Group B - The Zone, Chash
2. 1st in Group B v 2nd in Group C - Southeast Stadium, Itechton
3. 1st in Group C v 2nd in Group D - Beachside Field, Garorshy
4. 1st in Group D v 2nd in Group A - Babylon Road, Etuskight
Semifinals:
1. Winner of QF1 v Winner of QF2 - The Zone, Chash
2. Winner of QF3 v Winner of QF4 - Beachside Field, Garorshy
Third Place Playoff:
Loser of SF1 v Loser of SF2 - Beachside Field, Garorshy
Final:
Winner of SF1 v Winner of SF2 - Athtai National Stadium, Athtai (capacity 48,900)
Scores will be posted nightly shortly after 23:00 GMT, starting Sunday, September 19.
This post has been edited by Pedriana on Sep 18 2004, 12:17 PM |
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The Jhanna Chronicle Sports Supplement
AOCAF 3 Preview: Special Edition
The full guide to every team
So as Atlantian Oceania comes back around for the third Regional Tournament, there are many questions to be asked. Can the Druids make it an unprecedented three in a row? Will Vilita make it third time lucky? Can Crystilakere go one better than last time? What will Sarzonia, Xile, Starblaydia and Turori manage? Will there be any surprises from the rest?
Find out with our patented, light-hearted guide to all twenty teams.
GROUP A
Vilita
AOCAF Honours: Hosts (AOCAF2) 2nd (AOCAF1) 3rd (AOCAF2)
As the first nation to lay down their boreders in the Region, Vilitans are always at the forefront of everything sporting within Atlantian Oceania. Twice they have been unlucky in this competition but they will be looking to set that record straight by going one better than their best. The added bonus of not having to play in the World Cup Qualifiers will mean some very fit players who will be wanting to prove their worth before the finals start.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Yanky Doodle Pigeon. Everyone wants a pop at them, but they always get away with the goods
Turori
AOCAF Honours: None
Along with their Colonial seniors Vilita, Turori will be looking to run away with this group from the less experienced nations. Playing just across the water from Pedriana the Turorians will consider this almost home turf.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Bart Simpson. Tend to keep putting one over on their so-called 'betters'
Aquiliana
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
After a great Baptism of Fire run they ended up losing in the Semi-Finals to Estryck. The Aquilianans will have to cause a major upset to break into the top 2 come the final cut, but with their drive, who knows?
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Roger Ramjet. Good enough when the opposition are kids but tend to lose against the big-boys
Druida
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
They'll be hoping that they get some innate footballing ability from the NEWI part of their heritage rather than the Flexsys part. In their first Competitive Tournament I wouldn't expect very much from them, though they may climb as high as third.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Scooby Doo. They never quite know where they are, and they speak funny, too
Balaal
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
A completely new nation that has just begun to set down its borders in Atlantian Oceania, Balaal will probably be trashed by most of the teams in this group. Qualification: Impossible.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Bambi. Ripe for the slaughter. Mint Sauce anyone?
GROUP B
Crystilakere
AOCAF Honours: 2nd (AOCAF2)
Their best ever result last time saw them narrowly lose to defending Champions NEWI Cefn Druids. They would expect to be the class of this group but may face a tough challenge from Starblaydia and Abattoir. Expect qualification for the Crystil nation.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Wile E. Coyote. Finally, a plan that will succeed, they think: Headers off corners.
Starblaydia
AOCAF Honours: None
Perennial Dark Horses, Starblaydia aquitted themselves well in the last AOCAF, being vanquished by group-favourites at the Quarter-final Stage. With a good run this team of players who didnt quite make the World Cup squad will be looking to make it into the end stages.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Jessica Rabbit. Plenty of good-looking promise. But seriously, can we have some action now, please?
Abattoir
AOCAF Honours: None
Situated across the bay from Pedriana, Abattoir will be trying their best to break the Crystilakere/Starblaydia monopoly on Qualification though will face some strong challenges.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Hank Hill. Decent but plodding along slowly
Chacor
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Will the colonists from Liverpool England and Oddslavo manage to sneak into the final stages? Don't count on it, as they're just not experienced enough at this level, despite a Baptism of Fire under their belt. If they can lose 3-1 to Nova Britannicus in the Colony Cup, Starblaydia can thrash them.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Daffy Duck. If it doesn't go their way, they'll start to get tetchy
New ManhattanAOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Immigrants mostly from the nation of Commerce Heights, whom Starblaydia are very familiar with, New Manhattan's economic muscle may be able to buy nice facilites and the best coaches, but can't buy natural talent.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Mr Burns. Steadfast in the belief that money can buy them anything
GROUP C
Sarzonia
AOCAF Honours: 3rd (AOCAF1)
Surely the class of this group, the Sarzonia 'Stars' should run away with this Group and sail through to at least the Semis.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Homer Simpson. Much enjoyed by the masses, but always destined to fall at some point
Xile
AOCAF Honours: None
Techinically ranked higher than even Starbladyia in this competition, Xile will be hoping that home advantage for their rivals does not lead to Xile missing out on a qualifying spot.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Cruela De Ville. Just because they're a little nasty, everyone loves to hate them
Pedriana
AOCAF Honours: None
The home nation, Pedriana will be sure to be bouyed on by the wave of national support to feats beyond their wildest dreams. Whether their wildest dreams include qualification or not remains to be seen.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Top Cat. They may not live in the nicest area put not too many will get the better of them
Wapahkoneta
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Taking a battering in the World Cup Qualifiers, the braves of Wapakhoneta should eb taking their experience and moulding it into a winning mentality.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Mowgli. It's a jungle out there, but they're a little naive at the moment
Triangunation
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Colonists from the highly respected sporting nation of Kaze Progessa, Triangunation will still expect to finish bottom of the group unless they can pull off something special.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Road Runner. Perpetually in Mortal Danger
GROUP D
NEWI Cefn Druids
AOCAF Honours: 1st (AOCAF1) 1st (AOCAF2)
Champions twice in a row and the only Atlantian Oceania nation ranked in the top Ten in the World, this set of Druids are surely the best team in the compeition and if all goes well for them don't bet against them lifting a third Cup at a third successive attempt.
Prediction: Group 1st, Semi-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Simba, the Lion King. The Master of all they survey. At least for now...
Nojika
AOCAF Honours: None
Their rank suggests they're the on-paper favourites for the spot behind the Druids, Nojika's general silence on the matter may not help their team's performances.
Prediction: Group 3rd
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Deputy Dawg. Slow and plodding, but you don't get much from them
Lamoni
AOCAF Honours: None
After a solid performance in their first ever competition last time, Lamoni will be looking to build on that and maybe even sneak a qualifying spot from Nojika.
Prediction: Group 2nd, Quarter-Finals
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - The Jetsons. They just don't catch the public imagination, do they?
Psytroxia
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
With many of their players playing for and against the Nova Britannicus teams in the Starblaydi Leagues, Psytroxia should have the measure of their nearest opponents.
Prediction: Group 4th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Lisa Simpson. Small and plain but very smart
Nova Britannicus
AOCAF Honours: None (Debut)
Pledging their allegiance to the Protectorate of Starblaydia, NB's Wizards of the Wing will be trying to show the world that old-time amateur football can still be successful. Expect the Bekkside Derby with NEWI Cefn Druids to be a lesson in football for them.
Prediction: Group 5th
If they were a cartoon character they'd be: - Batfink. Jerky and outdated but with wings of steel
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"...the crocodile could be killed before leaving sewage system through a toilet. And now Skengi Majik with the sport news." (of course, Mr Juka is subtitled in three languages, we are in the psytroxian state television)
(the Jtengishi Ngvarate Alnginge/medijakasit tani/state television sports jingle was heard in the background. Fortunately, Psytroxia has not the money for well-made and in the end still annoying graphical interjections)
"Thank you, Mr Juka, hejida viewers. " (the young, black woman pauses a bit, an image of two fighting men is shown in the top corner of the screen) "The 5th national Taku fighting competition will be delayed due to the late end of the monsoon season. Ltini Xeru expects the competition to start within the next week." (the image is replaced by the picture of a naked foot kicking a ball) "The groups for the third AOCAF soccer competition were drawn. Psytroxia is participating for the first time in this tournament. This is following the establishment of the Psytroxi First Division/Liik Hist'da Psytroxijji/Heven mje'het Hsytiroksi. Our group will be: "
(the image of the speaker disappears, on a simple blue background, the white text "group D/divisasi D/hjenlaki Di" is displayed.)
"NEWI Cefn Druids" (the rejistanian and psyran translation is ommited in this transcript.)(the simple text appears without any of the special effects, you are used to, if watching news on other TV stations)
"Nojika" (while she is speaking, the text appears)
"Lamoni, Psytroxia and Nova Britannicus" (we realize that some text formatting is used: Psytroxia is displayed in bold letters)
"The matches of the psytroxi national team will be: " (a new blue background with absulutely noting on it)
"Lamoni vs Psytroxia, Psytroxia vs Nova Britannicus, Nojika vs Psytroxia, one bye and NEWI Cefn Druids vs Psytroxia." (while she speaks, the fixtures are displayed on the left half of the screen)
"After that, the order of the matches will be reversed" (the new fixtures appear en bloc on the right side of the screen)
"Lshura Mbenda, coach of the Itngendi Hist'da Psytroxijji/lasane tani Hsytiroksi/Psytroxian national team comments the draw as following:"
(We see Lshura Mbenda in front of a blurred background, but since we see green as dominating color and violet spots moving on it, we assume that he is at training with the national team)
"I see our chances and I see our problems, we are in a group with the strongest team of the AOCAF, we are a new team without any experience... Our aim has to be to get international experience first. Qualification is far"
(the studio is shown again, Skengi Majik continues speaking)
"Kvinge Tikti was deprived of his title of winner of the Linux Kali race because he pushed his car over the finish line..."
(err, better switch to another channel)
This post has been edited by Psytroxia on Sep 18 2004, 06:20 PM |
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3rd Times a Charm?
Alikki-Corra, Vilita -- For the third consecutive AOCAF Championships, The Vilita Regional Cats have been first out of the hat, in Group A. The Jungle Cats have finished top of their group in each previous competition, despite facing NEWI Cefn Druids and Crystilakere along the way. In AOCAF I, The Jungle Cats opened up by squeeking by newcomers Xile, before thrashing regional neighbors Turori by a team record 6-1 scoreline. The goalless draw with NEWI Cefn Druids was enough to see them through atop the group, earning them a first ever meeting with Sarzonia, where Serge DuPont sent Vilita through to the first ever AOCAF Final. However, a NEWI-Cefn Druid rematch would go in favor of the Druids.
Vilita were drawn first out of the hat again in the build-up to AOCAF II, before an opening match loss to former regional delegate Crystilakere. Vilita fought back with 4 straight group wins over Krytenia, Xile, Pedriana and Lamoni, before disposing of Lamoni again in the Quarter Finals. a Crystilakere rematch was on cards in the semis, where Vilita dissapointingly crashed out on home turf on penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw. They were able to easily take control of the third-placed playoff, relegating Sarzonia to 4th place.
AOCAF III marks the first time Vilita have not been drawn in the same group as Xile, meaning that in order for their string of 2-1 victories over the Bullet Wounds to continue, it would have to be in the knockout stages. They will however be pitted once again against neighboring colony island Turori, who will be much stronger than in their debutant AOCAF and unlucky to go down by the same 5-goal gap. The 3 debutant teams might suffer such a fate, with the threat of a full-strength Vilitan lineup up against Baptism of Fire Cup runners-up Aquiliana, and NEWI Cefn Druids breakoff nation Druida looking like certain victories, then preperation will begin for an all out drubbing against newcomers Balaal, a team made up entirely of unskilled local players that will be learning the rules of the game as they go. |
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With all Nova Britannicus players based in the Starblaydi Leagues, there's something of a culture clash for them playing for the national team. Used to a more regular set of formations, the Nova Britannicus Style of playing around a super-attacking 4-2-4 is much removed from the more restrained forms of football formations.
Captain and Right-Back John Bowman said of his team: "I think we're a long way behind many of these teams, though our Quarter-Final in the Colony Cup was only a narrow Loss to Turori, so we'll be looking to upset a few nations along the way."
| CODE |
MD00 Home/Away Team Predicition
MD01 A Nojika Loss
MD02 A Psytroxia Draw
MD03 A NEWI Cefn Druids Loss
MD04 A Lamoni Loss
MD05 - Rest
MD06 H Nojika Draw
MD07 H Psytroxia Win
MD08 H NEWI Cefn Druids Loss
MD09 H Lamoni Draw
MD10 - Rest
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Hosts to Perform in AOCAF?
Team spirit provides hope
GARORSHY -- The Pedriana Llamas are certainly underdogs when it comes to AOCAF. The Llamas weren't around for the first running of the competition, and in the second they boasted the worst overall record of 0-1-4.
Yet Pedriana's national team seems to be improving. In fact, they made it all the way to the semifinals of the Colony Cup, ultimately finishing third after suprisingly defeating Turori in the consolation match. And while they certainly aren't blowing away World Cup XVII Qualifying Group 10, they still theoretically have a chance at making the qualification playoffs. The question is: can they continue this success in their second try at AOCAF?
The squad this time around is almost completely changed from the AOCAF II squad. All the AOCAF II players are still on the Pedrian national team, but they're playing in the World Cup qualifiers and the AOCAF squad consists mainly of younger players from the more mediocre Pedrian clubs (and even a few lower-end Bedistani clubs, who tend to buy a lot of players from Pedriana). Most experts see this as a good thing, though. But what is surely even better is the fact that they will be playing at home the whole way through. Fan involvement has been shown to be key in many international matches, and it will surely be no exception here.
Pedriana plays the group stage in Group C along with Sarzonia, Xile, Wapahkoneta, and Triangunation. Both Sarzonia and Xile have been AO members longer than Pedriana has, and on paper these two should take the group. We have as yet had no interaction with Wapahkoneta or Triangunation, but those nations have political ties to other nations that are well known by our own parent nation. Most pundits show Pedriana as finishing either second or third in the group, but it is doubtful that the Llamas will get past the quarterfinals even at home. We will see, though. |
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Matchday 1 Scores
Sorry for the delay, there were a few issues with the scorinator that had to be worked out. The scores before this looked like just about the opposite of what they should've been.
GROUP A
Turori 2-1 Balaal
Aquiliana 0-1 Druida
GROUP B
Starblaydia 3-0 New Manhattan
Abattoir 0-1 Chacor
GROUP C
Xile 2-2 Triangunation
Pedriana 1-2 Wapahkoneta
GROUP D
Nojika 3-1 Nova Brittanicus
Lamoni 3-0 Psytroxia
| CODE | Group A
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Turori 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
2 Druida 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
3 Vilita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Balaal 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
5 Aquiliana 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 |
| CODE | Group B
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 Chacor 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
3 Crystilakere 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Abattoir 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
5 New Manhattan 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0 |
| CODE | Group C
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Wapahkoneta 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
2 Xile 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Triangunation 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Sarzonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pedriana 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 |
| CODE | Group D
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lamoni 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 Nojika 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
3 NEWI Cefn Druids 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Nova Brittanicus 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
5 Psytroxia 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0 |
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Lamoni 3-0 Psytroxia (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times
The new Lamoni Hawks have defeated the Psytoxian team in their first match in the 3rd AOCAF today.
Defenseman Ryan Luke had this to say after the game: "We weren't really suprised by the outcome of this match. I know that we tied with Pedriana in our own first AOCAF match, but that was because we were playing against another newcomer. We want Psytroxia to know that we think that they are a good team, but could use some experience. Thank you."
With this win, the Hawks are number 1 in Group D standings. Let's hope that it stays that way. |
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Lamoni |
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Democratic Maniac |
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Posts: 1952 |
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Stars prepare for hosts, AOCAF
In the midst of a break from the World Cup, the Sarzonian national team is preparing for the third installment of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. Coach Bryan Marshall is bringing the same roster of players that are currently leading the Stars' efforts toward qualifying in the World Cup, except for the addition of two Under 21 national team stars.
Forward Kenny Cooper, easily the all time leading scorer in Sarzonia's history at any level, will likely start the tournament on the substitute's bench, but Marshall said he would likely see playing time.
"You can't keep a guy with a nose for the goal like he has down for very long," Marshall said. "He's done really well in the U21 competitions, so we think he'll eventually turn out to be a good fit for this team."
Midfielder Valentin Kienzl also steps up from the U21 team to join the senior national team. His play distributing the ball for Cooper and other Junior Stars offensive players was key to the team's dominance of the group stage in the fifth U21 Cup.
"[U21 Coach] Terry [Mangione] really likes this kid," assistant coach Barry Owens said. One training session and you'll see why."
Kienzl would also start the tournament on the bench, but Marshall said he's considering starting the youngster later in the tournament.
The Stars have advanced to the knockout stages of every tournament they've been in except for their first World Cup competition, in which they needed one win in the final two matches to secure a bid and fell short. Marshall dismissed notions that another trip to the knockout stages was assured.
"There are some good teams in Group C," Marshall said. "There's also Xile, and you know heated that match will be. Throw any [won-loss] records out. That's going to be a bloodbath." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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Group-Toppers After the First Match
Starbladyia win 18th International Game and 3rd Win in the AOCAF
One of Starblaydia's unsung heroes in their footballing history today declared that Itechton was his new favourite place in all the world as the 35 year-old winger bagged his first ever goal for Starblaydia, in what could well be his final tournament. After going to two consecutive World Cup Qualifiers and a Cup of Harmony, Aiden Matranga finally got himself on a Starblaydia scoresheet.
After Giannis Berisha had latched onto a low Matranga cross and fired into the back of the net early on, all the commentators were wondering if Starblaydia had been missing his presence on the left-wing recently. With just minutes to go before half time, the old warhorse went on a rampaging run down the right-wing, of all places. Having out-foxed the right-backs he had turned his attention to the right-backs for the last few minutes in the first period.
After nut-megging a midfielder he surged down the right-hand side and shook off the challenge of the right-back like he wasnt even there. He then broke into the penalty area and fired across the New Manhattan 'keeper, the ball shaving the inside of the post and the spin sent it rolling around inside the net as the referee blew the whistle. Never has a Starblaydi crowd cheered more for a player's first international goal, and never has a player celebrated it more. Aiden was made Captain for this match, as the most veteran player in the team. His drive, skill and goal has surely cemented his position in this competition of attrition.
As New Manhattan were completely shut down by Starblaydia throughout both halves, they looked good for the three-nil win, especially after substitute Jakkinho's tap-in from close range after a lovely passing move.
Starblaydia now sit atop the Group B table, with Chacor narrowly behind them after their win over Abattoir. Crystilakere and Chacor will have the oppurtunity to make up some ground on Starblaydia on the next Match-day as Starblaydia take a rest, before facing both Chacor and Crystilakere.
Final Score:
Starblaydia 3 - 0 New Manhattan
(Berisha 13, Matranga 43, Jakkinho 68) - (None)
| CODE | Group B Results and Standings, Matchday 1:
Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
*1* Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
2 Chacor 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
3 Crystilakere 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Abattoir 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
5 New Manhattan 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0 |
| CODE | Starblaydia Goal Tally:
Player Goals Total Goals
-------------------------------------
G. Berisha 1 3
Jakkinho 1 3
A. Matranga 1 1 |
This post has been edited by Starblaydia on Sep 20 2004, 07:12 AM |
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Stars guarded for Pedriana
On paper, it looks like a mismatch.
The Sarzonian national team is currently in third place Group 9 in World Cup qualifying and is only two points out of an automatic berth in the World Cup Finals. The Stars are also 49th ranked in the world. They have competed in each of the first two AOCAF tournaments and are expected by many to win Group C easily.
Pedriana is in sixth in Group 10 and is four points behind for a berth in the World Cup play-in match and they are number 130.
However, Coach Bryan Marshall is unconvinced that the match will be a walkover.
"We're not a team that can afford to just sit back and play passive football," Marshall said. "We're opening with the host nation and history shows that it's tough to go into a host nation and play against them."
The Stars said they would stay with the starting 11 they have been using in the World Cup.
"That lineup has had tremendous success for us," Marshall said. "It'd be risky to break the momentum now."
Marshall said defender William Jackson is "110 percent ready" to start after suffering an injury during World Cup qualifying, but he would remain on the bench while defenders Emacio and Lance Alcina were playing well.
"They're playing very well, partly because they play together on Hallad Reavers," goalkeeper Troy Perkins said. "They're very familiar with each other and they know Corey [Hemby, the center back] well. That's a big help back there."
For his part, Perkins is also playing well, posting a 0.89 goals against average in his nine matches in the World Cup, along with three shutouts. The Stars had conceded five goals in their first three matches, but have only allowed four in the seven since.
"We've seen that results can turn in a hurry," midfielder and captain Bobby Convey said. "We can't sleepwalk and expect to win. We think we'll get a good match from Pedriana." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Posts: 577 |
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Lamoni prepares for NEWI Cefn Druids (Pedriana) -- Nephi Times
Watching the Lamoni national team practice today, you would think that the coach was grilling them after a huge loss, instead of preparing them to take on the best team in the region. The team studied numerous videos of the Druid team, ran through their tactics mercilessly, and played numerous practice games at a facility designated for the purpose.
Team Captain and Forward Matthew Bostock promised us that while this will be a tough match for the Hawks, the Hawks will not roll over and play dead. "We know that NEWI Cefn Druids have won the last two AOCAF's, but we also know that they are not invincible. They will not find this to be an easy match."
Time will tell. |
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Democratic Maniac |
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At the press conference after the match:
Lshura Mbenda: I am satisfied with the performance of my team (reporters laugh) No, really, we were defeated, we were defeated 0:3 but we played for the first time. Our team came from three different countries and even more ethnical groups, so it is a start to see them play together this well. We had good chances in the match, we were neither trashed nore demoralised. Against our next opponent, Nova Britannicus, we will play better. No one assumed that we'd start winning it all. Nova Britannicus is also new. Maybe that will make things more levelled, more equal. Psytroxia has chance to win. Questions?
Reporter1: Ntkinjasalanda mbe Ntidejin Ihju?
Lshura Mbenda: Eha-ndii! (Mbenda nods into the crowd, this question is answered)
Reporter2: Will you trust Ihju'he for the next match?
Lshura Mbenda: As I said before: I will!
Reporter3: I have heard the schedule in the Starblaydian league is very tight so the players had too less time for training for the national team, is that true?
Lshura Mbenda: Not that is. But we had difficult task: We had Itngi Daslela and Itngei Mlarka, we had Psyra, tiroksi and nerds. We needed one team. That takes time, much time. Yes, I would have liked more time. But not possible and no one to blame.
Reporter4: How would you rate how the referee did?
Lshura Mbenda: Misdecisions happen. Nkia Xteni was not offside in our biggest chance in 83rd minute. If offside, passive. Wouldn't have changed a thing for result.
Reporter5: iln'ki'milhan'ja Nova-britannicus sunreja?
Lshura Mbenda: viki'reja! (reporters laugh)
("How will you play against Nova Britannicus?" - "victorious!")
Reporter6: Mvedesingehe! ("tell us really!")
Lshura Mbenda: nmi! ("no")
Reporter7: Are the rumours about your affair with Kansu Jalil true?
Lshura Mbenda: Anymore questions? No? ok then! |
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Llamas Fall to Braves at Home
Pedriana 1 - 2 Wapahkoneta
GARORSHY -- Something went wrong in Pedriana's first match of AOCAF III.
The crowd was supportive -- every seat was filled, and an estimated 79% of the crowd was Pedrian rather than Wapahkonee. Beachside Field was a familiar venue to most of the players, with nearly all having played at least two matches there last year in the PPL (all except those abroad in Bedistan).
Yet something went wrong.
Was it the lack of international experience? Less than half a dozen players on Pedriana's AOCAF team have played in the World Cup, and only one or two are regular starters. And since the World Cup squad is identical to the AOCAF II squad, with the addition of Bob the Giant Evil Spider, that means that the vast majority also have never participated in AOCAF either.
Pedriana started off well, with Paris Canetta, who was rested in Pedriana's World Cup qualifier against Rejistania, taking an early shot on goal that the Wapahkonee keeper was only just able to fist away from the goal. After that, though, Wapahkoneta pretty much dominated the first half, with first-time goalkeeper Renio Gertan (Otha Woelfle was at the Rejistania match over in Athtai) being forced to concede two goals before halftime.
After the half, the Llamas finally started to get it together, perhaps due to a pep talk from assistant coach Idiro Geruna (again, Coach Retaguma was at the other match). Skelrod United's Relé Adona really showed his stuff in the second half, making no fewer than four successful and clean tackles on the Wapahkonee offense. Canetta finally got the ball again and took another shot, and this time the keeper couldn't handle it, making the score 2-1. Several more chances would come later in the half, but unfortunately Pedriana's momentum just wasn't quite enough to save the draw. The fans left gravely disappointed with Pedriana's failure to beat an even less experienced Wapahkoneta team.
Next up on the list is Sarzonia, who on paper should beat the tar out of the Llamas. As usual, coach Olé Retaguma was upbeat when we called him at his Athtai office. "We just need to get warmed up, that's all," he said. "I think we can pull off a draw against Sarzonia, and that would be a big confidence-booster."
Final score:
Pedriana 1 (Canetta 57)
Wapahkoneta 2 (24, 38) |
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