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Blue Foxes through to the knockouts; face Starblaydia
Squad plans to 'ignore predictions and play our way'
Pacitalia finished the group stage with a win to send them into the knockouts, defeating a hapless Hypocrian side 2-1 in full-time, a side that hasn't really had any luck to speak of during their worst group stage on record. It hasn't been an easy cup for the young Pacitalians either, starting off on the wrong foot with an upset loss to Demot before reverting to tooth-and-nail fundamentals to score victories over tough opposition in Bettia and, now, Hypocria.
Afino Boranogunta, who has been eerily silent on the goal front in his appearance at the first Atlantian Oceanian Under-21 Football Championship, finally stepped up to the task, putting the Blue Foxes on the board in the 25th minute. His short chip from within the six-yard box beat the Hypocrian keeper and put the Foxes up 1-0 early before they doubled their lead courtesy a superbly-placed free kick by the team captain, Bertrando Massimatto, two minutes into the first half's stoppage time.
The sole Hypocrian man forward, Nuno Morales, cut Pacitalia's lead in half, finally putting something on the board for the Hyppos (just their second goal in three games). However, it was not enough as Pacitalia held their flanks tight until the match to secure safe (albeit last-minute) passage to the quarterfinals to face the Starblaydi squad, who earned seven points in the group phase.
Various media sources are split on who will emerge from the quarterfinals victorious, but team members say they will not let favourable (or unfavourable) predictions get to their heads.
"We can't really be bothered by predictions that we'll lose, and we shouldn't be tempted by predictions that we will win," squad captain Bertrando Massimatto said in response to the media predictions, the most notable being a Neu Amerikan network's prediction the 'Pups would lose by an embarrassing 5-2. "The fact remains we have done reasonably well against Starblaydi opposition in U21 World Cup and our teams are on equal footing in terms of talent and cohesion. Regardless of who wins, we know it will be a close and hard-fought victory for either side, and you can be certain that we will be playing at one-hundred-ten percent to make it through to the semifinals."
Reports suggest the starting XI will mostly be intact with the exception of Marco Fanazori, who appeared to suffer a light ankle sprain in the 64th minute and had to be substituted in favour of Michelangelo Andatiforga. It appears Zentrescu may start Andatiforga in the quarterfinals match as a precaution in case Pacitalia goes any further in this tournament and Fanazori's services are needed down the line.
Andatiforga, a versatile midfielder who shines in offensive roles and can play either at left or in the centre, currently spends his non-tournament days in the graduate development program of NG Sapuntoli. The stocky, six-foot-tall, seventeen-year-old is admired by women, seemingly anywhere and everywhere, for his muscular frame and good looks, something he enjoys showcasing as a male model in his spare time. However, Andatiforga's real talents lie on the pitch where he has been a solid left-midfielder for the 2004-05 Divizione Premera champions. He helped Sapuntoli finish in the league top three although Fiorentina were eventually crowned champs in 2005-06.
Andatiforga has 7 goals in 42 appearances for the league side, and has appeared in a cumulative total of 2.29 matches for the U21 Blue Foxes, his biggest offensive contribution at the international level coming when he assisted on a goal during the Pups' 4-1 victory over Becquerelia in the opening match of the U21WC21 group stage.
From Halosen, Myrtannia:
Pacitalia 2 : 1 Hypocria
PAC (2-0-1): Boranogunta 25', Massimatto 45+2'
HYP (0-0-3): Nuno Morales 79'
NEXT UP: STB v PAC (QF), HYP v n/a (E)
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Oct 2 2006, 10:10 PM |
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RP Cutoff for Quarterfinals |
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Nymphs Slay Warriors, Junior Blue Foxes Await!
SALAHADIN CITY - For one of the sides that stepped onto the pitch Monday night, it would be the last waltz. At least until the Second AO U21 Football Cup, anyway. The match featured one of the three unbeaten group champions against the team with the worst record in qualifying. Simple math and all but the Milchaman foreign press predicted a Nymphs victory on paper. Paper and reality are two separate things, as the senior Dryads know all too well.
Playing to a packed Al-Zataar Olympic Field crowd, the Nymphs seemed every bit as relaxed as they were against the kiddies from Az-Cz two days ago. The atmosphere in the stands was decidedly more tense, especially for the majority of the crowd garbed in Orange and Blue. Myrtannia has an unfortunate history of being unable to score when it counts most in pressure matches. Just look at the downfall of the Dryads in all of their AOCAF knockout losses and you'll get an idea what we mean. The Nymphs went out determined to prove that they won't follow the same hexes that govern Dryads play.
With many of those very Dryads looking on from the stands, including Dania Figary, September Rollock, and Roz Gabino, the Nymphs approached pre-match warmups with an easy-going demeanor. Once the national anthems presentation came around, there was no one person to perform 'Stand Strong, United Isles'; the entire Myrtannian crowd joined the Nymphs in singing it. Not entirely in key or melodic, but quite stirring nonetheless. At the anthem's conclusion, a huge roar erupted from the crowd, and Sun Bursts waved everywhere. The message was clear: 'This is our house'... as cliche as that is.
Once the opening kickoff came around, the Nymphs didn't approach the match in the same way that saw them shut out Lamoni and Bazalonia. Instead, the Nymphs pulled back and played conservatively to open the match, not pressing the attack for the first half hour. This strategy seemed to be aimed at tiring out the Milchamans, but it did have its price. Eventually, the Warriors got through the young Nymphs defense, and once they saw the goal, they would not be denied.
Belmowitz got past Ok Roynane, and fooled Gerda Kingdon before stuffing the ball into the bottom left corner in a nice fake-out play. The boos crashing down from the crowd accompanied the fact that Milchama had taken a sudden, dramatic 1-0 lead. This prompted the Nymphs to retaliate the best way they knew how - attack without mercy and get their own back.
Perhaps the Az-Cz match made the Nymphs a little too relaxed, but the Belmowitz goal woke them up. Unless Myrtannia scored, the daydream would be over, leaving the Nymphs to wonder 'what if'. However, the Nymphs weren't about to let their tournament end early, and they pressed the attack. All five forwards charging, the Warriors didn't seem to know what to do. Here's the AIR 4 call:
"And Khulmey takes possession, pushes up the pitch looking for a chance... the Warriors are having a hard time keeping on their toes... pass over to Leckington... Zora lines up a shot, strikes..... GOOOOOAAAALLLL!! Myrtannia is back in it! 1-1 the tally as Zora Leckington records her first international score."
Leckington's equaliser got the crowd back into a better mood, and boos turned into raucous cheers. The half ended not long after that, leaving the score level at 1-1 as both sides went into the lockers. There was so much tension you could cut it with a dull, rusty pair of kindergarten safety scissors. Well, something like that.
"We slipped a bit early, but we pushed the attack, pressed the issue, and now things are even Steven. Watch out in the second half, though... the Warriors won't know what hits 'em," coach Ljungquist told the media before heading for the lockers herself.
Myrtannia came out in the second half and certainly did hit Milchama - quite hard at that. While the Warriors began the half in possession, the Nymphs stole it back and pressed the attack against a bewildered Warriors defense unprepared to fight off such an assault so soon. Leckington took the ball, dribbled around a staggering Warriors defender, and then crossed it to (who else?) Hettie Miyagishima. Miyagishima landed an excellent scissor kick that sent the ball flying past the Milchaman Keeper, and gave the Nymphs the lead for good.
Only five minutes later, the Nymphs regained possession again and invaded the Warriors' back third again. Once again, a pass was sent Miyagishima's way, and once again the forward from Heihachi High struck it home. Suddenly, it was Myrtannia ahead 3-1. Not only had the Nymphs overcame a one goal defecit, but they had scored three unanswered, and built a comfortable lead.
Milchama brought them back to Earth slightly by managing a second goal at the 75' mark, courtesy of Flar. To Myrtannia, it was like a drunk, anorexic matador taunting a bull who'd just woken up on the wrong side of the pen. The Nymphs took the role of the bull to heart and charged forward again, wanting to solidify the win and their ticket to the Semis.
That was provided by Nidia War, who got a beautiful pass from Miyagishima, and headed it past the Milchaman keeper. Now the score line stood at 4-2 in favor of Myrtannia, and no more points would be posted for the rest of the match. Having gotten their own back again, the Nymphs settled into the gritty conservative defensive play that shut down Bazalonia and Lamoni previously. Once again, it worked to stop the opponent, this time Milchama, who were handed the wooden spoon as the final whistle sounded.
Joy and relief intermixed as the Nymphs breifly celebrated the victory and a berth in the Semi-finals. The fans, on the other hand, celebrated like there was no tomorrow, and clubs across the United Isles reportedly stayed open extra late to accomodate nation-wide mini-parties. One can only shudder and imagine the scenes if Myrtannia were to reach the Final or win the tournament.
The Nymphs staved off premature celebration because of who they will face next in the knockouts. It will be Pacitalia's Blue Foxes, who stopped the Men in Mauve in a thrilling Extra Time victory earlier in the night. Pacitalia, as any informed Myrtannian football fan knows, is Myrtannia's perrenial football boogeyman. No United Isles team has ever even drawn with a Pacitalian side, let alone won. Some of the lowlights:
AOCAF XIII, Group Stage: MYR 0-5 PAC
AOCAF XIV, 3PPO: MYR 1-2 PAC
AOCAF XVI, QF: MYR 2-2 PAC (2-4 AET)
"We're not the Dryads, we're the Nymphs. History has no bearing here, and we're very hungry to give the United Isles a berth in the Final," said Nidia War, who is likely to start for the Dryads in the next AOCAF, "We're out to prove that we're no pushovers; that this isn't all a fluke. And... Hettie, stop playing with that hat! That's silly!"
Myrtannia will have to defeat the Blue Foxes for the first time in any international football match if they wish to appear in the Final in the nation's capital. Anything is possible, and Pacitalia may well be more tired after their extra time win over Starblaydia. If nothing else, it will add to the rich, growing history of one of AO's new football rivalries. With relations between our two nations friendly, and the rivalry itself just as friendly, it will be a fun match to watch. The more rested, home-field advantage holding Nymphs might look to have an edge on paper, but nothing is won on paper.
In other action, unbeaten Vilita & Turori fell as most experts predicted to Bazlaonia to the tune of 0-2. Meanwhile, Demot outshot Neu Amerika 5-3 to advance to the Semis, where they will clash with the Bazacubs.
The final from Al-Zataar Olympic Field:
Myrtannia 4 - 2 Milchama
(Leckington 41', Miyagishima 49' & 54', War 77') (Belmowitz 30', Flar 75')
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Oct 3 2006, 12:58 AM |
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Demot Daily ~ Triumphant Gain
The media outlets had this game hyped up to be a close affair, and the final scoreline would indicate so, but it was far from it, with the result already secured just 20 minutes into the affair. The team pushed across goals in those first 20 as if they were going out of style, and then coasted to a comfortable win.
Smith got the ball rolling in the 4th minute, as he, Fae, and Alexander tick tack toed through the midfield and backline, making their oppisiton look downright foolish. Fae recieved a final pass from Alexander, and pushed off Nwakanma and raced to place one past Baumiester. However his rush caused the shot to go off target, bouncing off the post. Smith beat Kahalehoe to the ball, and placed it into the opposite corner.
Just two minutes later, the team had a corner off a defelected Maryweather shot. As she sent in the outswinger, Fae brought it down with his chest, and laid it off for Sans. She met the ball neatly, but stumbled as she tried to move the ball to her strong foot, she was able to regain control, but was confronted by Laudadio. She then poked it through his legs, and fired a curling shot that went clear between Baumiester's gloves.
Then in the 11th minute, the Dynamo struck again, this time in an unusual counter fashion. The Neus had produced an effective attack and has committed most of their defenders forward, when Walls intecepted a Adamsonis pass, and got it quickly to Alexander. He turned upfield, and only had Kernodle between him and the goal. He rushed his defender, who got caught off guard and lost his footing. Grinning, Alexander lobbed it over the off balanced defender, and deked past him, collecting the loose ball, and angling himself towards the net. Inside the box, Baumiester tried to time his rush and dive perfectly, but Alexander did a sudden 360 right before his dive, and then guided the ball into the empty net. Maryweahter scored on a penalty in the 16th minute when she had recieved a through ball from Smith, only to be taken down 5 yards inside the box by Laudadio, who recieved the immedaite yellow. Maryweather's shot brushed the bottom of the crossbar on its way in, and Baumiester look completely miserable in net. Yet the torment was not quite over, as Triefan had managed to slip into the box unnoticed in the 20th minute, and was able to redirect a Fae shot past Baumiester for a 5-0 scoreline.
The team then eased off the gas pettle, and played only in thier half, barely allowing goals in the 79th minute, 84th, and then in injury time to Gorychka, who got the hattrick. Now the team will prepare to fend off a formidable foe in the Bazacubs. The Cubs were able to knock off the previously undfeated Vilita/Turori things in a convincing 2-0 fashion. It will be a close affair by all accounts, with the team's near equal in talent level. Wisdom would say to choose the Bazaolonians due to expierence the nation has in large scale competitons, but a hunch has this reporter feeling that the Demot side will pull a rabbit out of the hat and suprise many by making the final.
Predictions
Match 1 (Al-Zataar Olympic Field in Salahadin City, Ramalah Province):
Demot (3-1-0) v. Bazalonia (3-0-1)
The Dynamo have the upmost respect for the Bazacubs as both a team, and for the entire nation. However the Demot side will find an extra gear and manage to get past their respected oppisiton. 3:2 AET (2:2)
Match 2 (Mari City Park in Mari City, Scandon Island):
Myrtannia (4-0-0) v. Pacitalia (3-0-1)
Pacitalia will get a chance for revenge as they edge by the hosts in an ugly affair. 4-3
Article by Jasmine Olyvander
This post has been edited by Demot on Oct 3 2006, 01:19 AM |
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Royal Scribe |
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Andatiforga's cup debut rocks the house in spectacular extra-time triumph
And it's Pacitalia v Myrtannia once more!
HALOSEN, MYRTANNIA (PSN) -- Captain Massimatto promised a one-hundred-and-ten percent effort Monday night, and boy, was he ever on the ball - no pun intended. Massi's squad stole the show in Halosen in an as-promised thriller that went to extra time, was arguably the match of the quarterfinals round, and finished with a total of nine goals scored. When all was said and done, the Junior Blue Foxes emerged with a 3-3 (4-5 AET) victory over those pesky, and very talented, boys from Starblaydia.
The Pups tallied first, with the captain himself striking a rocket that deflected down off the bar and behind the hands of Starblaydi keeper Jiino Graikalonii in the 14th minute. Extremely pleased with the early score, fans got to their feet and stayed there for the better part of twenty minutes, well after Kaza Matranga's first goal equalised in the 26th.
A war of attrition ensued for the remainder of the first half with neither side budging or appearing to tire significantly. Level at one apiece moving into halftime, Massimatto appeared to put the Blue Foxes up 2-1 in first half stoppage time, very similar to his match-winner against Hypocria in the group stage. However, camera angles confirmed the ball touched, but did not cross the line by more than half its diameter before being swatted away by Graikalonii, meaning the goal didn't count, and the score remained knotted, 1-1, reaching the half.
After the halftime rest was in the books, two-time World Cup winner and squad manager Jaime Oberlander's team talk appeared to spur the Starblaydi on to a higher level of play as just ninety-four seconds in, Matranga tallied her second of the match to put the Purple up by one. But no worries seemed to emanate from the Pacitalian side, and their patience and calm was rewarded just five minutes later when star striker Afino Boranogunta came through with his second of the tournament, a curling shot from just inside the 22-yard box, to re-knot the score at 2-2.
However, down the stretch it appeared the momentum of the as-of-then undefeated Starblaydi was slowly helping the Purple Peril's junior squad take control of the match. Nuno Volaré tallied in the 71st to the chagrin of Pups fans, who were just as disturbed by the fact that they were once again at a deficit, as they were to the fact that it was the second-straight match somebody with "Nuno" in their name had scored on the home side. With a 3-2 scoreline looming ominously overhead, the Junior Blue Foxes did what any offensively minded team would do in this situation: all-out attack. Here's the call from PSN announcer and UK transplant Bryan Simms.
"...Foxes moving the ball up the pitch very well, slowly, calmly... they don't look to be under too much pressure to score... too bad the fans are screaming at them to do just that and they are indeed down by one with probably about three or four minutes left including injury time... Marti cutting past Mahezihim over on the far-right... ball lobbed and played to the centre for Massimatto... he'll control it up the pitch a bit, my goodness has he improved at central play over the years, he really is a delight to watch, isn't he... ball played left for Andatiforga... he will run it rather quickly up and the Foxes' offensive charge is parallel with the crossline of the twenty-two yard box... he'll cross it over for da Scupeta... a goal! It's in! It's in! Oh, glorious! Can you believe it! Can you! A gorgeous strike... simply decadent... undescribable maturity under pressure from the team's senior squad member, a veteran striker proving his mettle right when he's needed and by the grace of God we're headed to extra time for sure... listen to the fans! Would it be the understatement of the year to say they're bloody pleased! Wow... I am stunned. Fantastic strike... superb finish."
And so to extra-time it was, and for Pacitalian fans the tension, rather than abating from relief that they had equalised with the Starblaydi with a stunning 3-3 scoreline off veteran striker Massimo da Scupeta's amazing strike, simply grew to undescribable levels. Reports suggest a couple fans even had to excuse themselves to be sick in the stadium facilities because they couldn't handle the extreme excitement and anxiety of watching a further thirty minutes of winner-takes-all football.
This time the momentum was clearly with the Junior Foxes and Michelangelo Andatiforga proved his worth to the team, even be it as a substitute for the resting Marco Fanazori. Fans screamed with delight, jumping feet into the air and waving their flags and scarves, honking battle horns ecstatically as Andatiforga celebrated another superb goal for the Pups, his head proving a fitting redirector for a Samatini Telio corner seven minutes in. But the Starblaydi were not about to let a 4-3 lead become a 4-3 extra-time victory, as a dos Santos/Matranga/Stracinho offensive charge eight minutes later proved.
"...dos Santos to the left of Cristiano Santi and... oh, wow... what a pass from Matranga to the Starblaydi middy for the equaliser! This is insanity - the match is now a 4-4 draw in extra-time... well, you might say we're going to penalties after this strike... and I would be inclined to say you're correct if you do think it... my goodness, this is just a battle of epic proportions..."
But by this point manager Lindifeu Zentrescu and captain Massimatto were both yelling intensely (not negatively, but with positivity and passion), rallying the troops for a final charge eleven minutes later that would set the stage for possibly the most historic event in Pacitalian Under-21 Blue Foxes history.
"We're running out of time here, folks... it definitely looks like penalties from any good football fan's perspective - they're just too evenly-matched to suggest any different and the defences of the two squads are really settling down now... nobody's getting through no matter how hard they seem to try, and try again... but here's a chance for the Purple Peril... Matranga tries to move the ball up but she is stuffed by Terasti at the back right... he'll punt the ball forward, curling left for Samatini Telio and he'll bring the ball up the left side... skirts around Mahezihim and Rekeseski there, wow... is Reke way out of position, way too far forward, or is that just me? He's out of play now, Sama has passed up for Andatiforga, who will cross it again for da Scupeta... oh, a curling shot saved by Graikalonii, but the ball is still in play! da Scupeta! No, again saved! For Boranogunta, crossbar and it's back to Andatiforgaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! YES!!!! Michelangelo has painted a masterpiece here tonight! Two goals in extra time and the Junior Blue Foxes have the lead! They've done it in style! Five! Four! It's as good as done, ladies and gentlemen, you have seen history made in style by two talented sides and the Nymphs await!"
With the victory sealed, Pacitalia moves onto the semifinals to once again face the Myrtannians in an AO football competition. At the AOCAF level the senior Blue Foxes are 3-0-0 against the Dryads, but of course, these are two very different teams with different levels of experience and different talents, so expect a totally different outcome (but not necessarily a loss either way) - perhaps another extra-time match is in the works here. Host Myrtannia remains undefeated having beaten Milchama 4-2 in the final quarters match of AO's U21 Football Cup 1. Meanwhile, Demot downed SUNA 5-3 and the Bazacubs disposed of a united V&T squad 2-0.
From Halosen, Myrtannia:
Starblaydia 3 (4) : 3 (5) Pacitalia
STB: Matranga 26', 46' / Nuno Volaré 71' / dos Santos 105'
PAC: Massimatto 14' / Boranogunta 51' / da Scupeta 88' / Andatiforga 97', 116'
NEXT UP: MYR v PAC (SF), STB v n/a (E) |
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Milchama News-Today-Tommorow-Chronicle-Telegraph-Journal-Update -Register-Sun-Enquirer-Post-Gazette-Times-Picayune-Herald
Sports Section
3 out of 4
While we defend all our predictions and say that there was very little bias in what we were doing. Of course we did forget one thing, our U21s suck in outrounds and still have a record of 1-4 in them. The one win coming in our last NS U21 World Cup. We also forgot the fact that we suck in AO tournaments as we tend not to care as much and our play suffers as a result. The kids though did good and should be proud of how they performed. However the next U21 World Cup we need a better performance. Anywhoo time to score how we did on our predictions. The scoring goes like this 1 point for correct pick, 3 points for correct scoreline, 1 point for correct amount of goals for either team, 1 point for correct margin of victory. This creates a total of 7 possible points per game.
Vilita & Turori 0 - 2 Bazalonia- Our prediction: V&T 1-3 Bazalonia. 1 point correct for the winner and 1 point for the correct margin of victory. 2 points.
Not a great start but hey we got the winner right.
Demot 5 - 3 Neu Amerika- Our prediction: Demot 2-0 Neu Amerika. 1 point again correct for correct margin of victory and for saying that Demot would advance. However the scoreline was way off the offenses definitely out performed expectations. Again 2 points.
Not looking good. However maybe we will be correct soon.
Starblaydia 3 - 3 Pacitalia (4-5 AET)- Our prediction: Starblaydia 1-1 Pacitalia (1-2 AET). 1 extra point for being correct about AET. 1 point for predicting the victor and one point for margin of victory. That's 3 points for a total of 7 points.
Well that wasn't good espiecially because the next game up is the one we got wrong.
Myrtannia 4 - 2 Milchama- Our Prediction: Myrtannia 3-3 Milchama (4-4 AET) 5-6 PKs. Wow how wrong could we be off. Not only could we not get one of the scores right, we foolishly predicted that our boys could win, then to top that off the game wasn't even close. 0 points.
So out of a total of 28, we got 7. That's just terrible. Now for review we are again posting our semis predictions:
Demot v. Bazalonia- Demot becomes suprise finalists after they beat the exhausted Bazacubs. We all know that Cubs can't make finals (just look at the Chicago version) and after getting a lead the Bazacubs blow it. 3-3, 4-3 AET as Demot gets through after going 3-1 down.
Milchama v. Pacitalia- An exhausted U21 team against another exhausted U21 team. This means a very tired match with a lot of goals. Milchama though can't beat opponents of this caliber so we lose 3-2. A close match that's just not good enough.
Insert Myrtannia for Milchama where applicable.
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The team left the field with jubilation, they initially had underestimated their opponent but had managed to still stop them scoring the 23rd minute save by Joshua Kanga was Awesome. At this point the steam stepped up and continually dominated the possesstion of the ball with impressive 70%. However the only goals where scored in the 34th and in 92nd minutes.
The 34th was pretty much a standard play, good tactics and solid technical skills oppened up an oppurtunity for Midfielder and brother of the Captain, Thomas Yunn, to successfully penetrate the Eel Cat Things Defense and get a shot, on angle between the ECT Keeper and the post of the goal.
In celebration of the win Thomas managed to do a running backflip using the goalposts as a springboard. Unfortunately he was not able to do it without landing flat on his backside, while he was in temporarily in a lot of pain it was found out it was only temporary and no damage had been done, appart for some damage to his pride of course.
The second goal in the 92nd minute was much more controversial as in the dying seconds of the match, as the referee was blowing his whistle a V&T player was given a yellow card for an illegal challenge. There was some confusion before anyone knew what was going to happen and after some confusion by the referee as well. Finally settled down and awarded the penalty. The Eel Cat Things where up in arms over the decision becuase it was too late to score anyway. The Bazacubs where up in arms over the delay and the confusion. The match almost turned into an all out riot. However somehow the referee managed to calm the situation down and the Penalty Kick was held. The Ball was kicked and the goalie choose to dive the wrong way. The Ball went through into the back of the net and the game was over.
The Bazacubs will now face the Team from Demot, the Demot Dynamo. The Dynamo where respected by te Bazacus and after the match in press conference the coach had said. "Demot has reached the Semi-finals, and that is nothing to scoff at. The team will be one of the greatest challenges, apart from Myrtannia of course, that we faced in the tournament. I think we are better but it still could be anybodies game, this is going to be a close game and while I think the Bazacubs has an advantage over the Dynamo the result of this match is by no means certain. I look forward to the match and to see the Bazacubs win as well."
Demot who drew against Bettia in their group stage and Bazalonia who lost against Mrytannia, the hosts of the tournament. While these have been the only non-wins for both of the teams the stats would seem to be in Demot's favour however neither team has ever faced each other so whether it'
s the Dynamo or the Bazacubs one thing we know. This is probably going to bew the most watched match in the AO U21, well, until the finals anyway. |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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RP Cutoff For Semi-Finals |
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Pacitalia Outfoxed! Myrtannia in Cup Final!
MARI CITY - It's one of the best rivlaries in AO football, bar none: Pacitalia and Myrtannia. Three meetings in AOCAF have all gone in the Foxes' favor, making it a rather one-sided rivalry so far. But the two nations' respective U21s had never battled on the pitch, making this a very interesting match to watch. The hopes of a nation have been on the shoulders of 22 teenage girls, who had won every match so far going into the dreaded semi-finals. The Curse might still be alive, some thought, but Myrtannia was ready to finally shake it off in football.
The atmosphere was electric as a capacity crowd filled Mari City Park for the Nymphs' only appearance on Scandon Island all tournament long. Most of those fans were, as could be expected, in Orange and Blue. But there was a goodly sized Pacitalian contingent as well. In the stands for Myrtannia were most of the starters from the Dryads senior team, as well as their coach Rachell Gabino. To add to the regalia, the Dryads Army band performed an exceptionally rousing rendition of the national anthem, which energized the fans and players even more.
When the action began, it was a typical Myrtannia-Pacitalia match, full of hard play on the part of both sides. Whenever these two nations clash on the pitch, it's always a reason to tune in. If the Blue Foxes were fatigued from their extra-time win over Starblaydia, they didn't show it early on. In fact, the first half belonged to Pacitalia.
Just ten minutes in, the Foxes found an opening, and forward Massimato took a shot that caught Gerda Kingdon off guard. All of a sudden, it was the Foxes up 1-0 against the host nation, and some in the stands were already shaking their heads. Was this going to be the same song and dance again? Another event in the first half seemed to suggest it would be.
The two nations played a positioning war for most of the half, but when injury time came around, the Foxes pulled off another big play. This time, they cut through the overextended Myrtannia defense led by da Scupeta, and struck one past Kingdon into the top left corner. More shaking of the head accompanied the now 2-0 Pacitalian lead, which was the halftime scoreline.
"We're not executing out there. We need to focus and get on the attack against these Foxes if we want to play in Halosen again," coach Ljungquist growled before heading into the lockers.
Myrtannia knew it had to play harder if it wanted to advance, and in the second half, the Nymphs did what the Dryads couldn't. They scored goals in a pressure sitaution against Pacitalia. After playing more position football for twenty minutes, the Nymphs pushed the Foxes back and brought all their guns to bear. Five forwards up front, and so the passing began in the Pacitalian back third. Leckington passed it to Khulmey, who passed it up to Nidia War. Nidia spotted Hettie Miyagishima, and crossed it to the HHS-attending forward.
Miyagishima headed it at just the right moment, sending the ball into the net and cutting the Pacitalian lead in half. Rather than celebrate, Miyagishima (wearing an odd pink knitted cap she recieved from the Az-Cz team's parents) just nodded and returned to the Myrtannian side of the pitch. The lead was diminished but not gone, and time was the Nymphs' enemy now. Myrtannia had to score again if victory was even possible. Would the boogeymen (or boogey foxes?) end the dream again?
Not just yet. The Nymphs pressed the attack repeatedly, nearly scoring several times, but each time the Pacitalian keeper kept it out. Finally, in the final minute of regulation, something miracuolous happened - the Nymphs found a wide-open shot. Maybe the Foxes were tiring after all. Whatever the case, Miyagishima found Zora Leckington with only the keeper between her and the goal. Leckington faked to the left, then shot it into the right corner, equalising and setting up another extra-time showdown. After a little celebrating, the Nymphs kept the pace up for the final minutes of regulation, and entered extra time.
In extra time, Myrtannia pressed the attack one more time, and the Foxes finally showed their fatigue. Playing two straight hard-fought extra time matches had taken their toll on the young Foxes just as it had on the Dryads in AOCAF XVI's knockouts. The five-forward attack took an additional toll against the Foxes, and forced an uncharacteristic error. Miyagishima cut right past two defenders, who tripped over one another. The odd play gave Hettie the shot, and she was more than willing to take it. The call from AIR 4:
"Miyagishima, clad in that pink hat, drives forward... the Foxes come to meet her and... oooo! They collide or something, and they're down! Hettie has a clear line to the goal... she strikes..... GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!! GOAL! Hettie Miyagishima has given Myrtannia a 3-2 lead in Extra Time! All the way back from the grave, so to speak! God bless that stupid hat!"
After that, the team mobbed Miyagishima, who still refused to remove the hat. For the rest of Extra Time, the Nymphs fell back to play conservative defense, which held the Foxes at bay long enough for the scoreline to remain intact at the final whistle. When that whislte sounded, pandemonium broke out. The entire Nymphs team stormed the field, mobbing Miyagishima and Leckington, who had led them on an unlikely comeback from 0-2 down at the half. The fans were going crazy, rocking the stadium and exchanging hugs along with tears of joy amongst their number.
In a display of sportsmanship, the Nymphs shook hands with their Pacitalian comrades, and congratulated them on a great match. But tonight was Myrtannia's night. For the first time in history, a Myrtannian side defeated a Pacitalian side in international football. For the first time ever, Myrtannia will play in a football cup final on the international level.
"We still can't quite believe it," said Miyagishima, the Nymph of the Match, "We went down early, but we kept on attacking, and got the job done. To win like this... at home, too, is amazing. We're playing for the title! Thanks to the lucky hat, maybe!"
Miyagishima, her lucky hat, and the Nymphs will face the Dynamo of Demot, who continued their unlikely run with a huge 1-0 win over Bazalonia in the other semi-final match. Demot has played exceptionally well, and should be a tough opponent. Myrtannia has the home field advantage, and momentum of finally defeating a longtime rival to boot. Plus, they'll be playing at Halosen National Stadium, in the nation's capital. Are the football gods finally smiling on Myrtannia?
We'll find out soon enough.
The final from Mari City Park:
Myrtannia 2 - 2 Pacitalia (3-2 AET)
(Miyagishima 65' & 100', Leckington 89') (Massimato 10', da Scupeta 45')
This post has been edited by Myrtannia on Oct 5 2006, 01:03 AM |
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The team was dissappointed they performed well but not well enough, The team from Demot pulled an amazing shot at goal in the first ten minutes of the match. Mo one was quite sure how they could of stopped it and they small the ball fly from the head of Jason Alexander, the 18 year old Demot forward.
It seemed to make ir's own path through the defense of the Bazacubs and into the back of the net. There was nothing that the team could have done and Demot took the lead.
From that point on neither team could show the brilliance of performance that got them to the Semi-finals over the 12 other non-semi finalists. Both sides had opportunities, a particular Bazalonian one hit the crossbar in a way that it was just a fluke that it did not bounce down onto the ground behind the line but they weren't that lucky.
After the match the team was totally sure that the coach would ripp them a new orifice for playing mediocre. However the coach was surprisingly ... normal. He asked them about their performance and how they think they went. And then calmly stated that they would face the Pacitalian Blue Foxes in the 3rd Place Play Off. The training schedule they had was actually what could be considered normal for the match. They they where worked hard, they where not sure what had happened to the coach. Maybe he had a psychotic break or something major happened in his life.
Either way the coach was irritatingly easy to work with and the relationship that the team had with the coach, was totally up in the air would this cause failure or would the extra freedom lead to the Bazacubs winning the match against the Blue Foxes?
No one knows and we'll just have to wait till the game to find out.
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Demot Daily ~ Thrill of the Hunt
In one of the most anticipated games in the tournament thus far, the Dynamo were able to squeak by the Bazacubs on the strenth of their backline and safe hands of Orien. It was a highly contested affair with each team getting their share of oppurtunities, but neither could exucute the finish that they had in rounds before and show off their talented strikers. This is highly dissapointed, espicially for the Dynamo who love attacking football, for they think defensive football is dull and ruins the quality of the beautiful game.
However the lone tally was that worthy of legend, coming off a near perfect cross from Ginger Trien, when she came down the sideline, and recieved a neat through ball from Fae. She worked the ball down into the corner and delivered the cross into the box. And there was Alexander at the near post, rising high above everyone else and meeting it square with his forehead and directing beautifuly down into the corner where Kanga had little chance getting to it. The play will likely go down in Dynamo lore as the goal that defined s team, and maybe even a championship, but we'll have more on that later.
The game continued on and it looked as if there would be at least two more goals, but the framework of the respected keepers kept those shots from disturbing the tranquility of the net. Thus the game eventually got bogged down in the midfield, and the Dynamo survived the bout unscathed, with Orien netting a clean sheet.
Now the team will move onto the final where they will face the host nations squad, the Nyphs of Myrtannia. Statistically speaking, the team are just about as even as could be. Myrtannia has thirteen goals for and six goals against while Demot has twelve goals for and six goals against. However the Dyanmo's oppisition will likely be the favorite and have the advantage, playing in front of their fans in their country. When asked about his oppisition, coach Desiance has this to say.
"Well they are obviously a high quality oppenent, having taken down powerhouses on their way to this final. And coming off such an emotional victory over their old rivals, and to top it all off, they are in front of their fans so that will obviously have them hyped up and ready for the game. But our squad is just as ready. It is going to be another close game where a silly mistake by one player will likely detirmine the final scoreline. This is the championship, and you don't get to one on talent and emotion alone, you need teamwork and unity which I think our squad has. Hopefully we can translate that into an upset and bring the cup back home to Demot. "
Predictions
Third Place Playoff (Skalatur International Field in Skalatur):
Bazalonia (3-0-2) v. Pacitalia (3-0-2)
We had them picked to be in the final, so logically that means we should pick them to win the 3pp. The Bazacubs will give the foxes some trouble, but not enough to pull it out. 3-1
AO U21 Football Cup Final (Halosen National Stadium in Halosen):
Demot (4-1-0) v. Myrtannia (5-0-0)
We would love to say that the Dynamo pull the upset and win thier first championship ever, but with soo many elements going against our squad, we just have to pick the hosts here. 3-2
Article by Jasmine Olyvander |
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Royal Scribe |
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Pups will have to settle for third once again
U21 squad "unhappy" with extra-time defeat but say they are taking the 3PPO seriously
HALOSEN, MYRTANNIA (PSN) -- Pacitalia exited the chase for the first AO U21 football cup Wednesday evening, losing a thrilling match in extra-time to the Nymphs that only extended the friendliness and warmth of the rivalry but left Pacitalians wondering when, if ever, their chance at hoisting any trophy, will come.
Now, the Junior Foxes, who were one of the favourites going into the tournament and played like they were expected to throughout, once again fell victim to the curse that seems to prevent Pacitalian teams from winning championships, regardless of the sport. The only finals appearance a Pacitalian squad has ever made is in the Cherry Cup 18 final match, where Starblaydia defeated the Ice Foxes, 4-2.
Here's an example of how the curse has worked.- No AOCAF championships in five appearances (one third-place finish)
- No U21 World Cup championships in twelve appearances (two third-place finishes)
- No Cherry Cup wins in two appearances (one runner-up finish)
- No gold medals in Olympic competition (but plenty of silver and bronze)
- No AO Bowl championships in two appearances
- No PFI championships in one appearance (one runner-up finish)
- No WBC championships in four appearances
- No Super Six championships in six appearances
Despite this lack of accomplishment, the Pacitalian squads are always regarded among the best in the world. Thus, it's easy to understand why there is so much frustration among Foxes fans.
"The talent is there," said one fan. "We just don't seem to get past this imaginary forcefield that holds our guys back when they are doing well. Just look at AOCAF16 - the Blue Foxes were stoning the competition and then all of a sudden got to the semifinals and lost twice in a row to finish fourth. They were both extra-time defeats, but still, the curse is there. I believe in it."
So, now the Pacitalian U21 team will have to settle for its third third-place finish. The Boys of Bronze, as they are affectionately called in the media. Though local papers are having their own field days, with sports opinion pages filled with criticism of Lindifeu Zentrescu, who is rumoured to be stepping down from both the senior and junior squads at the end of this cup.
Bertrando Massimatto opened the scoring for the Pacitalians in the 10th, and Massimo da Scupeta doubled the lead going into halftime, but the Myrtannians completed a stunning comeback on two Miyagishima goals to win their first ever match against a Pacitalian side en route to the final against Demot. Perhaps the Junior Foxes were too concerned about exacting revenge on the Demot squad in the final that they slipped on the proverbial semifinals banana peel?
"Not at all," said manager Zentrescu. "We take our matches with any Myrtannian squad very seriously. They're an excellent challenge to our team, and fun to play. We look forward to matches against them at any level because we know the results will be very exciting."
Pressed on whether he would protest the cup's organisers on allowing Nymph forward Miyagishima to wear a hat during the match, Zentrescu said no. "I don't think a hat made the difference. She's a talented player." Miyagishima scored two of three goals in the victory.
Nonetheless, the Pacitalians now face the Bazacubs in the third-place playoff. All eyes are on Pacitalia to win, but we don't really know what might happen. Hopefully they don't crash out. At the very least, the Pups can be pleased that a Myrtannian team reciprocated the hand-shaking that took place after Pacitalia eliminated Myrtannia in the quarterfinals of AOCAF16.
From Halosen, Myrtannia:
Myrtannia 2 (3) : 2 (2) Pacitalia
MYR: Miyagishima 65', 100' / Leckington 89'
PAC: Massimatto 10' / da Scupeta 45+1'
NEXT UP: MYR v DMT (F), BAZ v PAC (3PPO)
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Oct 6 2006, 07:48 PM |
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Pacitalia |
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The best place on earth. |
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RP Cutoff for Final Matches |
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Unlikely Nymphs Lift Cup in Halosen; Nation Celebrates First Cup Win
HALOSEN - The long, arduous journey of the Mrytannia Nymphs was destined to come to a conclusion tonight, whether victory or defeat was the result of the match. At Halosen National Stadium, the first AO U21 Football Cup champion would finally be crowned, and the entire nation was sitting on the edge of their seats. Myrtannia has a long, somewhat humiliating tradition of losing the big matches in football tournaments. Demot was undefeated coming into the match as well, and were just as unlikely to reach the Final as Myrtannia. Maybe more unlikely, even, given Demot's Group Stage competition.
Still, the atmosphere was even tenser than the Semi-Finals, where Myrtannia ultimately edged out the talented Foxes of Pacitalia in Extra Time. In the nation's capital, the largest stadium in Myrtannia was packed once again. The sea of Orange and Blue almost seemed larger than it had been in the Group Stage for the Nymphs. A nation that has seen its president ousted by Congress in recent days, with war erupting all around it, had come together to support their national team. Or their Under-21 national team at least.
The Nymphs looked very focused during the national anthems presentations, and this may have been the stress of dealing with high expectations from a home crowd. As Pacitalian media stated before the tournament, the Nymphs have had to deal with the push to win something and have it mean something as well. Against Demot, this would prove to be a challenge.
For the first 45 minutes, both the Dynamo and the Nymphs battled for position on the pitch. Neither conceded much, and two of the best offensive sides in the tournament found themselves playing excellent defense. Demot would stop a Myrtannian attack, and vice versa, causing the cliche term seesaw battle to come to mind. When the sides went into the lockers at the half, it was all even at 0-0.
"Demot's a great team, and we're going to have to find a way to squeeze in a score somehow. Otherwise, this thing's going to ET, maybe PKs," coach Ljungquist told the media breifly before heading into the locker room.
Once both sides returned to the pitch, it was more of the same - back and forth battling as both sides attempted to get an opening. For another 30 minutes, neither side was able to get a good shot, though several were taken by both sides. As the match entered its final ten minutes, something had to be done. The Nymphs were starting to show fatigue after their extra-time win over Pacitalia, where the Demotians had won in regulation over Bazalonia.
Then, out of the blue (and orange, maybe?), the prayers of the Myrtannian football fans were answered. The Nymphs made one last big push against the Dynamo, and got what they had been hunting for. All five forwards up front again, and the Nymphs got through the tough Demot defense at last. Leckington scooted past one defender, and passed it to Khulmey. Khulmey had an extra defender come up to try and stop her, so she passed it between their legs to the star striker of Myrtannia's Next Generation.
Clad in the inexplicable pink knitted cap again, Hettie Miyagishima found only the keeper between her and the goal. Miyagishima took the shot, which was deflected at first, but she landed a second diving kick to force it back in. As soon as it did, the capacity crowd let out a thunderous roar of celebration and relief. Here's the AIR 4 call:
"And Khulmey finds Hettie, who's open for the shot... Miyagishima fires... blocked by the Demotian! Wait, Hettie dives, strikes... GOOOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! GOAL! Myrtannia has taken a 1-0 lead over Demot in the Cup Final! Can you believe it? If they can hold up the defensive stand just five minutes more, they are champions! I've said it before and I'll say it again: God bless that stupid hat!"
After being mobbed by her Nymphs teammates, Hettie led them to the Myrtannia half of the pitch one last time. Demot took possession, but the Myrtannia defense held them back for the final minutes, holding the lead until the final whistle. When that whistle sounded, all of the Nymphs stormed the field in celebration, as the fans roared even louder. Miyagishima was seen embracing teammates with tears in her eyes, and 'Stand Strong, United Isles' was played out of the stadium's PA system.
For the first time in history, a Myrtannian team won a football cup, and the triumph was made all the sweeter by doing so at home. All across the United Isles, citizens celebrated feverishly in sports bars, at home, and in the streets. All the futility of previous football tournaments' failures were cast aside for a moment as the Nymphs lifted the Cup in the nation's capital.
"I can't believe it... we won! The Cup stays in Myrtannia for now, and we won!!" Miyagishima exclaimed as she held the Cup in her hands.
Until the next U21 Cup, Myrtannia is the champion, which is hard to believe in some ways. They were stuck in a group with Bazalonia and Lamoni, and went unbeaten. Then, they toppled Milchama, edged Pacitalia for the first time, and now slipped past Demot to win it all. Most surprisng of all was Hettie Miyagishima, who scored an amazing 8 times during the competition, including 4 in the last two matches. She will certainly be a member of the next Dryads AOCAF team.
For now, we leave you with the most fitting song of the moment: "We are the champions!"
The final of the Final from Halosen National Stadium:
Myrtannia 1 - 0 Demot
(Miyagishima 85') (none) |
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FdFP cuts Zentrescu in nasty divorce
Rather unpleasant parting of ways follows another just-short finish in football competition
TIMIOCATO (PSN) -- It turns out Lindifeu Zentrescu's guidance of the Junior Foxes to third place in the inaugural AO Under-21 Football Cup was his swan song as coach of the national squads.
Zentrescu, who managed the Junior Blue Foxes from Under-21 World Cup 10, and the senior men's side from AOCAF12, was fired Tuesday as manager of both squads by the Federazione di Futaboli Pacitaliana, with the governing body of football in the Democratic Capitalist Republic citing "a particularly unbecoming response to our concerns."
"[Mr Zentrescu] was hostile in his response to our uncertainty that he could lead either the junior or senior squads to a championship in their respective grids," FdFP president Ramón Mina said Tuesday in a statement released to the press. "He burnt quite a few bridges with his comments, and in doing so, insulted a fair amount of people that have put their heart and soul into this organisation, and thus, into the sport itself. The Federation was then forced to make a decision, and that was to let Mr Zentrescu go."
Mina added in a subsequent phone conversation with PSN staff that he was "shocked" that a man as respectable as Zentrescu said what he had.
"I was shaking with frustration and offence," he said, saying that Zentrescu explicitly mentioned and blamed him for his dissatisfaction as manager. "I've never been spoken of like that, in such a disrespectful way. It was truly unbecoming."
The scrappy Romano-Pacitalian, well-known for his constant preference of attacking football, helped the Junior Blue Foxes to three third-place finishes during his tenure, in U21WC19, U21WC20, and, as mentioned the inaugural under-21 football championship in the Atlantian Oceanian region. He also led the Senior Foxes to third in AOCAF14 and fourth in AOCAF16, and their degree of success under his watch helped them into fourth in the regional football rankings, nearly on par with powerhouses Starblaydia, Bettia and Nedalia, turning the Blue Foxes into perennial contenders in the process.
However, it is obvious the FdFP is unsatisfied with consistent third-place finishes and wanted someone capable of taking either the Junior or Senior squad, or both, all the way. Word is that the FdFP is considering splitting up the job of managing the teams such as it was before Zentrescu took over in 2004, meaning he will be replaced by a new manager of the U21 squad and a new manager of the senior squad.
He did not release a statement on either the teams' recent performances or his termination as manager, and has been oddly quiet since the semifinals loss to Myrtannia in the AO Under-21 Championship, leading some to speculate he was ready to step aside. However, no one predicted his tenure would end so nastily. And no one within the FdFP is ready to tell the public what exactly Zentrescu said that was so bad.
"We're now headed in a new direction," Mina finished by saying. "Hopefully that direction leads us to a championship on one or, better yet, both levels of play."
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Oct 10 2006, 11:25 PM |
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Pacitalia |
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The best place on earth. |
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