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Bazalopes continue to languish in poor AOCAF results. For the first time since the Bazalopes first AOCAF have they ever been in a position where they might not make it to the Round of 16. The Bazalopes though have come back from 6th on the table with their win over Ulzaxid. A investigation in just how the Bazalopes can fail so badly in their own region when they are now 16th in the world.
How can a world top 16 perform so poorly, no one is quite sure exactly how but they will sure find out. Conspiracy theorists suggest a scheme by Atheistic Right, by somehow transfering some of the Bazalopes skill into their players. Andrew Coulter, Caine Hawdon and Peter Hobble all deny this. As well of course as did the Rightists.
One of them said "I dunno what they have done but they have done something. They are sitting on the exact same spot on the table as we are aand they should be dead last. They are performing to well to be just back from international isolation, something certainly evil is being done there."
However many other Bazalonians scoff at the idea, "they're just misunderstood, Have you read "The Great Book of The Great Lion"? I mean read it, let's see what these people had to put up with that insane regime. At least now they have real political freedoms, I mean I just heard that you can choose to vote for nobody, if you vote at all! These guys are just trying to play soccer and doing well. So good for them."
The match was only interesting in that with the win the Bazalopes are now in a qualifying position, but only just, Ulzaxid managed to Penetrate the Bazalopes defenses once and they earned that very much needed extra bonus point. In fact it was this point that brought the Bazalopes to the 4th spot because if they did not receive it then their opponents would be 1 point ahead of them. Could thid be very well the start of a Bazalonian AOCAF revival?
All that everyone knows is that the Bazalopes have one more match to play, against Ereeland. If the Bazalopes can pull out another win with 3 points or more then their qualification spot has been secured. |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Starksville Picayune
“Warning: May contain news-like substance”
Raptors adjust to defeat Atheistic Right, keep slim advancement chances alive
CEFFINTON, BETTIA – The Aurendia National Team was at a low point heading into Matchday Six. The previous day had seen the Pacitalia Blue Foxes battle back to hand the Raptors a 3-1 defeat, making an early flight home likely for the Raptors. Something needed to change if Aurendia hoped to salvage their AOCAF XIX experience against Atheistic Right on Matchday Six.
Ultimately it was the starting line-up that was changed. Nearly all starters were benched for various reasons and replaced by younger counterparts. This move seemed to backfire early on, with Atheistic Right opening the scoring within the opening ten minutes of play. Nonetheless, the Raptors’ coaching staff refused to panic, and the younger-than-normal line-up quickly calmed themselves and settled into a steady back-and-forth against the Atheistic Right squad. The Raptors would earn an equalizer in the 40th minute, when Kara Campbell scored off a cross from Nikki Vitalia.
With the score knotted going into halftime, the Raptors confidently took control of the second half. Constant pressure on the Atheistic Right defenders resulted in a one-goal lead in the 60th minute as Joanna King redirected a Henry Taneka cross into the back of the net. Now holding the lead, disciplined Aurendia defensive play held off the Rightists, securing the victory and three precious points.
With the victory over Atheistic Right, the length of the Raptors’ stay in Bettia will be determined by a Matchday Seven showdown with the tournament hosts themselves. With just one match remaining, Team Aurendia sits one point out of a qualifying finish, but holds both a head-to-head and goal differential advantage over fourth-place Atheistic Right. An AR loss to Capitalizt SLANI opens the door to the Raptors, provided they can secure at least one more point. An AR victory isn’t the end, so long as AR scores two or fewer goals. In that case, a Raptor upset of Bettia plus the bonus point from scoring at least three goals will likely be enough to let Team Aurendia squeak by.
Scoring:
1. AR Unknown 9th
2. A (K. Campbell 3) 40th (Assist: N. Vitalia)
3. A (J. King 1) 60th (Assist: H. Taneka) |
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Giurimano stunning with hat-trick as Blue Foxes lock up Group A
Saganyarov "extremely disappointed" with defence, calls a practice for them
PORTHBALFA, Y GWLAD TEG, BETTIA (PSN) -- The Blue Foxes' offence thankfully outshone some mediocre play from the defensive core, and Ambrosino Giurimano's fourth hat-trick in international competition catapulted him into the tournament scoring lead, as Pacitalia downed the Bedistani-UCS-Lontorikan hybrid team, Capitalizt SLANI, by a final score of 4-2. In posting their fifth win in as many matches played, from a plainly mathematical perspective, the Foxes have locked up Group A.
It was Michelangelo Mascagnano's goal that opened the scoring on this drizzly afternoon in the northeastern coastal city of Porthbalfa, site of Pacitalia's earlier 4-1 drubbing of Nedalia. Granted, the weather was much nicer during that match but it certainly wasn't as bad as opening day against Atheistic Right, where muddy conditions and poor visibility nearly completely hampered play. The raincoat-bedecked crowd here in Porthbalfa watched with nervous anticipation for the first tally and didn't have to wait long: Masca's goal came just eight minutes in and sent the Blue Foxes faithful into a frenzy of ecstatic cheering and intense flag-waving.
And they only had to wait eighteen minutes for goal number two as Ambrosino Giurimano kicked off his hat-trick with a beautiful chip from the left-centre section of the 22-yard box, giving the Pacitalians a 2-0 lead. The SLANIs responded when Roy Hartenholm converted a corner nine minutes later to halve the Blue Foxes' lead going into the break. The Pacitalian offence was once again out flying in the second half trying to put some distance between them and their opponents, and it was Giurimano from the right point, 32 yards out, locking up a 3-1 lead in the 59th minute.
The SLANIs were trying to play spoiler now that they had been eliminated from contention. (Both teams featuring a partial or full roster of UCS players are 0-0-0-5 so far in the tournament.) And it was indeed Nicole Bell's determined offensive charge that started to replay the Pacitalia-Bettia match in the fans' heads. Bell's surge up-pitch ended with a goal after a faulty counter by Francesco Manzanotti, and subsequently, goalkeeper Cristianu Raduvani's dive the other way as he assumed (rather stupidly) Bell would try for the far corner. An enraged Saganyarov immediately substituted Manzanotti for Mario Mauro Andornatini, and pulled Raduvani off the pitch in favour of substitute goal watchman Abro Zolà Meridiano. For the next twenty-two minutes curious fans watched a stewing, highly unimpressed Bear of a coach stalking up and down inside the manager's box.
But the fans rejoiced once more, and even Saganyarov himself couldn't help cracking a grin, as the star forward Giurimano completed the hat-trick off a gift pass interception from SLANI defender Waŋ Go-so. Sweeping back into the box he peeled off a rocket to the top-left corner that looked like it had a comet's tail and ripped into the back of the net with all the force of a jumbo jet. As he came to the corner flag to salute the fans he was mobbed by the rest of his teammates, who pulled the very shirt off his back and directed him to a young, paraplegic Blue Foxes fan sitting in the accessible section of the lower tier. Giurimano was, as much of his team, visibly moved to tears as he handed the shirt to the happy young boy.
"I can't even explain what you feel when you do something like that for someone," an exhilarated Giurimano said. "It was one of the happiest and proudest moments of my career to be able to do that."
Giurimano's goals were his fifth, sixth and seventh of the group stage and catapult him into a share of the tournament's scoring lead.
As mentioned, the Blue Foxes' win essentially put a vise on winning Group A, marking the fourth AOCAF competition in a row that the Pacitalians have done this (starting in AOCAF16). For the hosts, and top-seeded, Bettians to win, they must beat Aurendia by at least twelve goals in order to claim an outright win, four bonus points, and the advantage on goal differential. But that's, of course, provided the Blue Foxes lose. And the Pacitalian squad is optimistic they can engineer an unblemished group stage record and lay claim to, since all the way back to the opening day of AOCAF15, a 19-2-2 record in this introductory section of the tournament.
"Obviously, we're thrilled to have put up such good results in the past," captain Veranace d'Amantano said in response to the glowing statistic. "We've been fortunate enough to keep the core of this squad together through much of that time, so we've adhered to certain standards of play and have learned each other's styles pretty well."
But he realises that fans expect more than what will be (if the Foxes win Wednesday) a 19-2-2 record over five cups' group stages. They expect that to translate into resilience through the knockouts and classy excellence in the final. They want to see the cup brought to Pacitalia, he said. And they want it this year more than ever.
"We've been getting telephone calls from family during our time here in Bettia," d'Amantano replied with a chuckle. "And the message was clear: it was pretty much don't come home unless there's a gleaming silver cup among the team baggage."
Midfielder Michelangelo Mascagnano agreed. "Our loyal fans deserve it. We've really run them around the bush in the past in this competition. We have been contenders ever since we first came to this tournament... we are perennial contenders and the fact that we cannot convert our results in the group stage into a cup victory is beyond me. It's just not happened yet. But you can't say we're not out to win the cup - if we weren't, we wouldn't even bother entering the tournament each time despite such stinging exits so close to the title game. Everyone's in to win it and that's what makes it difficult, what makes the odds stacked against us. But our time will come."
All fans are hoping that time will come sooner than later, so that Pacitalian entrants into international sporting competitions can finally break the multiple-sport goose-egg that continues to stare down our finest athletes. To close out the group stage, we stay put in Porthbalfa to play our friends from Schiavonia. Atheistic Right gets the challenge of tackling the three-nation SLANI squad.
Meanwhile, manager Saganyarov, who remained quite sullen after witnessing the Pacitalians' second conceded goal of the match, called a practice for the four halfbacks, six defenders and two keepers, and remains coy on whether or not he will play Raduvani or Manzanotti for the final group stage draw against Schiavonia. He says he was "quite impressed" with "how Zolà handled being... somewhat thrown under the bus" after the surprise substitution of the starting keeper. Saganyarov added he might "give [Alfonso] Purano Cernía some playing time at right-back in the final match".
"I was very, very frustrated to see that that chance even developed into anything, let alone a goal," he said. "I expect much better than that out of the defence. Yes, we're an attack-oriented team, but that doesn't mean these guys should be surprised when some charges come their way. They should be prepared, they're professionals for a reason. If they don't want to put in the effort on the pitch, they won't play. I have other people willing to fill those spots, willing to get some international experience. And these reserves deserve some time to play, so the starting XI can be assured I won't hesitate to make changes if the overall team status will be helped.
"It's make or break time, now," he added. "They need to smarten up and play like a top-ten defensive core. One mistake could very well ruin our chances."
From Porthbalfa, Y Gwlad Teg, Bettia:
Pacitalia 4 : 2 Capitalizt SLANI
PAC: Mascagnano 8' / Giurimano 26', 59', 85'
SLA: Hartenholm 35' / Bell 68'
NEXT UP: SCH v PAC, SLA v ATR
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Mar 28 2007, 12:25 AM |
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The best place on earth. |
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The Ulzaxids were painfully reminded that one win does not a champion make as they got throughly pounded by Bazalonia. The loss dropped them to fifth and put them in very difficult straights for their final match of qualification.
The Bazalopes were playing with an absolute fire in their eyes and playing with an energy that most teams don't have access to. We've heard stories about one of their coaches being some kind of wolf-man and we wonder if he scared the players into a great performance.
Regardless they used their size advantage against the team and really put on a free kick displaying latching home three header goals from set pieces. The Ulzaxid squad still hadn't developed that much at play from set pieces and suffered greatly for it.
Despite the loss the team was still in control of their own fate, although it would require a great performance, or an upset for the Bazalonian squad to see them through. A multiple goal victory while scoring at least three goals ought to see them past Krytenia and earning more points than Bazalonia would definitely see them through.
After the match coach Rahim had this to say, "I think our team's getting run down a bit. They're not used to going without one part of themselves for so long. They haven't melded with their dolphin part at all since the start of this cup, which is a bit disconcerting for them. The plan is to pop back to Ulzaxid for a bit after the group stage, whether or not we qualify. That being said the Bazalonians played with a great fire and were the better team today. We've now just got to perform against 95X." |
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Az-cz Scroll
Bettia
Il-Lur
95X brushed aside
After the Ulzaxid game the Az-cz side has really come to life as they once again showed with a dominating victory over 95X. The match wasn't as close as the 2-0 scoreline might indicate, but the Gnomes were deprived of the extra point through bad luck.
The Robbers came out running and passing the ball around the pitch. 95X couldn't really get or keep possession and they came under a barrage of Az-cz attacks. In the first 30 minutes the Gnomes put 12 shots on goal and 3 more off the bar, with Ho-Lee Chung, Fe-Do and Ca-Fu coming closest to putting the gnomes up.
95X started to play better after the opening half hour, but still they never really looked that threatening towards the Az-cz goal and the game drifted into halftime with Az-cz controlling the match but tied on the scoreboard.
In the start of the second half 95X showed their only good football of the match, for a streak of 10 minutes, when Za-Rv made a couple of great saves to preserve the score.
After those 10 minutes, however, you could see the 95X legs starting to give from under them. There running slowed down and the Gnomes chances started to get better and better. Finally in the 77th minute the Gnomes took advantage with Ho-Lee Chung adding to his goal tally to put the Gnomes ahead. They doubled the lead 8 minutes later with El-Iot becoming the youngest Az-cz player to ever score a goal, at the precocious age of 14. {Ed. - Excluding the U21 team, of course}
The Gnomes tried to push forward to get that third goal and bonus point but they just ran out of time as there was very little stoppage time to the match.
They now face Vilita & Turori for top spot in the group and the record for best defense in the group stage of this cup. Az-cz would need to win and score at least three goals and have other tiebreaks go their way to top the group, but any win where the Vilitans scores less than four goals will earn them a share of the best defense and a win where the Vilitans score less than three will give them that title outright. Regardless, the team will finish at worst second place, a great rebound from their stunning loss to Ulzaxid. |
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Senator in Training |
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It's RP cutoff time again! Matchday seven scores coming soon. |
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We don't do defence |
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Moments after the final whistle sounded in Sarzonia's 3:0 rout of last place Ubundi gave the team a 3-1-0-2 record in AOCAF XIX play, revelers at The Brig, a sports bar in Portland, Somerset, let up a loud cheer the likes of which hadn't been heard in Sarzonia in a long time. The Stars were moving on to the second round after a complete effort that merged a two goal, one assist performance from forward Matt Lynch and a goal and two assist effort from fellow striker Reese Nichols.
A former journalist sitting at the bar was among the small number of people besides the staff who weren't whooping and hollering. The man slowly shifted the cigar sitting on the right side of his mouth to the left side, all the while letting the tips of his fingers glide over the thick, grey moustache that hung heavily over his lips.
He looked thoughtfully at the pint of Blue Fox Ale that had been set just centimetres in front of him, nodding with approval at the price he was plunking down for the imported brew. Before an all-out embargo between Sarzonia and Pacitalia -- and before Pacitalians were forced out of Sarzonia with the threat of arrest and detainment -- Blue Fox Ale was priced astronomically. During the embargo, it was viewed as something akin to moonshine in the long-ago days of Prohibition. Now, its price was just slightly above the heady days of close Paci-Sarzonian cooperation.
"Ubundi isn't worth a damn," he growled, looking at the fresh-faced youngster who had just reached the legal age of 18 and who was being too effusive in his praise of the Stars for the older man's liking. "Neither are the other teams we've beaten in our group, except Nojika."
"Delesa's also in the knockouts," the kid replied. "And Manhattan Prime's not a bad side. We actually have the highest goal differential of our group."
"We lost to Lamoni," the older man said. "We lost to Manhattan Prime. We haven't been past the second round or the 'octofinals' as those odd Bettians like to call it since AOCAF XII." He harumphed, then turned ever so slightly to face the tele screen as he watched the Stars finish the procession where the Ubundi players congratulated each Star for a good win. To their credit in the older man's eyes, the Stars seemed pretty subdued, almost as if they expected to be there.
Meanwhile, at Campus Ground in Grappenhall, the Stars locker room was still somewhat subdued after the win, but as reporter Travis West found out, it wasn't out of a sense of entitlement or expectation that they would be in the knockout rounds. They found out that Manhattan Prime would be sent home after the groups stage, and many of the players were visibly saddened at that. Some of the players began to gather in front of the flat screen television that Coach Alan Whittsig wheeled into the room. He and assistant coach Stephen Kendall were beginning to scout Az-cz, Sarzonia's opponent in the Round of 16.
"Our work never ends," Lynch said with a slight roll of his eyes. The moment was brief, but for West, it was telling. For the Stars, the work was just getting started. |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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ooc: As you may figure out from reading it, this was intended to have been posted before MD7 Scores were posted 
Eel Cat Things prepare for Az-Cz Battle
Kristofer Kilpter continued his hot streak, netting two goals and assisting on the third as vilita & Turori swept by Ereeland to extend their lead atop Group C with the three points for the victory and bonus point for the triple goal bonus. Ereeland had been performing well, losing by just a lone goal to Az-Cz before beating 95x on Matchday Two. But Vilita & Turori were too much for them to handle, though they did get a goal back in the second half as Jimmy Jaded slipped allowing the Ereeland striker an open shot at the net which he was able to capitalize on.
Bazalonia had matchday three off after falling to Krytenia 3-2 on Matchday two, but the day off didn't seem to help the Bazalopes, as Kristofer Kilpter and Zemloi Amafaira netted either side of the half to give the Eel Cat Things the lead. After receiving harsh words from some supporters about the tactics used against Ulzaxid which put Vilita & Turori in the precarious position of being subject to the loss of all 3 points should they have conceded a goal in their quest for a lone extra point, head coach Ricky Ezis apparently had a change of heart as the squad led 2-0, just one goal shy of the bonus, as full time approached against Bazalonia.
"Yea, I know I said we'd go for it if we had just 1 goal to go, but there were other things to consider. If we were playing Ereeland or 95x or one of the less experienced nations, I think we'd have gone for it, but Bazalonia is a very experienced side who are just as likely to make us pay for it. Since a win all but secured our place in the next round, I opted not to push for the single bonus point, and we just walked out with our three points and qualification to the next round. it's been a long stretch of matches without a break and the lads are getting a bit tired. Now that we've qualified, we'll be putting some of the reserves out against 95x and Az-Cz give them a chance to shine and let the others rest, especially Kristofer, he's been running non-stop for the last 360 minutes, I'm sure he's exhausted, and probably sick of life in Bettia. In fact, I think I'll give the starters a full reprieve and let them return home to Vilita or Turori for a few days while the rest of the lads finish out the qualifying schedule."
The performance against 95x was noticably subdued. Though Turorian goalkeeper Tuaia Miao looked thrilled to get a run in goal over Jimmy Jaded, one of the top Goalkeeper prospects in the world, who had returned to Vilita, there were hords of unknown Vilitan players in the lineup, including all three forwards and four of the back seven. Vilita & Turori did get on the scoresheet before half time, and it was not an unknown Vilitan but instead a Turorian defenseman who netted. Weruia Juabja, making their first start of the competition, scored a ridiculous 35 yard blast that somehow found its way nto the upper corner. 95x's Marco Adams of the Pacific City Stripes may have Striped his pants when he saw that ball coming, as he never looked like trying to stand in the way of the shot. The rest of the match would be a drab affair, however and the Eel-Cat things held on for the somewhat dissapointing, but still convincing 1-0 victory.
With just one match to play, Vilita & Turori's second string got the 6th Matchday off to prepare for the final showdown with Az-Cz on Matchday 7. The Az-Czzers 2-0 victory over 95x on Matchday 6 puts them 4 points behind Vilita & Turori in the group table, which means that, if Vilita & Turori are going to be knocked off the top of the group, Az-Cz will have to defeat the Eel-Cat Things and also score a Bonus Point more than Vilita & Turori. 3 Goals for Vilita & Turori should be enough to secure to groups top spot regardless of the match result.
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That's one small step for United
Hawks shot down by Delesian SAM
Yes, we have made the cut, we have made it past the first cuts, go team black!! Yes after a stunning victory over the past AOCAF champions.
The game started not like any of United's others game, where usually United starts off hard and fast, rather they were slow andmmore reserved, and thats just not how we do it, as Kendrick Zingg shot a rocket past Javier Topper, putting Lamoni up 1-0 at the 14th minute, but United seemed to snap back to reality, something snapped in Michael McShane's head, and he came back, and came back hard, and able to volley the ball into the Lamoni net only 3 minutes after the Hawk goal. But then the Hawk defense adapted to the United style and the game went on with little or no action, as the ball was once again bogged down at center field. Even in the second half, the game remained heated, but didn't go anywhere. Lamoni currently head the top spot, mean while Delesa and Sarzonia fought for third and fourth. When the final whistle was blown, the United fans errupted and the stands bagan to shake, as the United team had forced the previous champions into over time.
When the teams came out of the tunnel, United had there heads held high. They knew no matter what the outcome, the nation would be very pleased about the team's performace. But with their heads held high and spirits rocketing, the adrenaline was pumping, they took to the field like the SAMs rockets and put in the first over time goal by our own Michael McShane. But United wasn't done with just one goal, Joseph-Marie Turpin scored a second over time goal, putting Delesa up 3-1 at the final whistle. A shocker to the United Nation, the team would be welcomed home like true heros. Until then, keep at it boys! |
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Hyppos’ Dominate
Brian Cahill reporting from Sukatra, Bettia.
In all honesty Group B never looked an unduly difficult prospect but few could have anticipated the relative ease with which the Autocracy’s finest have qualified from it. Six wins out of six have given new coach Javi Chavez a magnificent start to his reign, something he needed after replacing the firm fan favourite Marcus Baxter. But even he couldn’t have expected his side to romp through the opposition as they did, amassing a whopping 24 points in the process. It’s a record that no other nation can better and only Pacitalia in Group A can equal, although a couple of their games did need extra time. And it’s a record that looked in serious danger way back on matchday 4.
On that day, away from the imposing atmosphere generated by the armies of travelling support in Sukatra, the men in blue and white looked all set to stumble in the more relaxed ambience of Shubunkin Park in Akani Sands. The opposition were multiple time former champions and Group B’s top seeds Starblaydia and the match hung precariously in the balance. The Purple Peril had taken the lead midway through the first half but were pegged back early in the second thanks to a neat Vardanyan finish. Ocella made it 2 - 1 to the Hyppos with a fine header from a corner but parity was restored six minutes later. With the match tied at 2 - 2 and with the Blaydis’ in the ascendancy things looked bleak. But with extra time, and potentially penalties, looming a moment of magic from talisman Alex Sousa won the day. The talented forward cut in from the left hand side and as the defence backed off he hit a rasping, raising right footed drive into the top corner. It was a strike worth three points for the win and a bonus point for the three goals. Not to mention his 20th AOCAF goal. And it secured a crucial win over our biggest group rival. Although, after the game, the coach admitted to mixed feelings.
“I was part of a wonderful Starblaydia side so it’s disappointing to see them struggle. But I’m delighted to have four more points on the board and I’ll be looking for the lads to build on this against Quakmybush.”
Hypocria 3 - 2 Starblaydia
Vardanyan
Ocella
Sousa
And they did. Back in Sukatra the blue and white army once more created an imposing atmosphere and their heroes upped the tempo and out played the World Cup hosts, despite having to come back from a goal down. The midfield in particular were on fire and Razin, Marica and Baxter all found the net as another four points were added to the total. The Hyppos’ had played all three of their main group rivals and had beaten every one of them
Hypocria 3 - 1 Quakmybush
Razin
Marica
Baxter
Bottom side Jasi’yun offered little in the way of resistance on the penultimate matchday. They had no answer to Sousa's trickery and the forward took full advantage, hitting all three goals in the process. Slightly worrying however was the fact that Jasi’yun managed to find the back of the net for only the third time in the tournament. Although the Hyppos’ always like likely to score they look just as likely to concede as well.
Hypocria 3 - 1 Jasi’yun
Sousa (3)
The final round of matches brought Amarenthe to Sukatra. And despite their lowly position in the group and their non-existent ranking the side from the far east put up a spirited and determined display. Two goals from Marica, either side of a Vardanyan strike, were enough to wrap up another four points but Amarenthe never stopped fighting. And the final whistle was met with considerable relief from the Hypocrian bench.
Hypocria 3 - 2 Amarenthe
Marica (2)
Vardanyan
Group B finished in fairly predictable style with the top four ranked teams progressing. What wasn’t predicted was the order they advanced in. Hypocria finished well clear at the top which perhaps surprised a few who tipped the Men in Mauve to finish first. A win on the final day couldn’t even wrap up second place for Starblaydia, that honour instead went to Milchama. Which left Quakmybush to complete the four. Amarenthe, Jasi’yun and West Pasco were largely outclassed and will watch the rest of the AOCAF on television from the comfort of their own homes.
Octo Preview
Pacitalia (6) v Quakmybush (17)
It is going to happen at some point. Pacitalia will one day lift the AOCAF trophy. And fans of the Blue Foxes may feel that there’s no time like the present after witnessing their side comfortably top a group containing such big names as Schiavonia, Nedalia and host nation Bettia. Their opponents on the other hand lost four of their six games and barely made it this far.
Verdict: Foxes stay in the hunt.
Az-cz (15) v Sarzonia (35)
They may have three third place finishes, two runners up spots and of course a big shiny trophy, from AOCAF XII, to boast about but those glory days were quite some time ago for Sarzonia. But the Stars made a solid return to international football after finishing third in Group D, just two points behind reigning champions Lamoni. But they meet tough opponents in the Gnomes who stuck five past Vilita/Turori. Az-cz are in fine form and should just edge it.
Verdict: Stars’ falling.
Hypocria (7) v Aurendia (16)
The Hyppos’ grudgingly swap Sukatra, where they picked up five wins in the group stage, for Porthbalfa and a meeting with a side they have lost to every time the nation’s have faced each other. Admittedly that was only once but the ease with which then newcomers Aurendia turned over the higher ranked Hyppos, 3 - 1 at AOCAF XVI in Lamoni, was slightly disconcerting.
Verdict: Wait and see.
Nojika (14) v Bazalonia (8)
Bazalonia may have the advantage of rank but only goal difference sees them here and not on the plane back home. Nojika enjoyed an excellent tournament four years ago and have looked fairly impressive once again. There won’t be a lot in this one but political bias edges it in favour of Nojika.
Verdict: Baza’s beaten.
Vilita/Turori (5) v Delesa (19)
After a shaky start to their AOCAF career the side from Delesa seem to be getting the hang of it. Not that it really matters as they’re going no further.
Verdict: Double trouble for Delesa
Bettia (2) v Starblaydia (4)
The trials and tribulations, and eventual low finish, of the Starblaydis in Group B was always going to cause grief for some unfortunate second placed nation. On the plus side it has set up a cracker of a tie. The Purple Peril may have picked up the more points but Bettia have their superb supporters to roar them on. Home advantage should swing this game in favour of the Aroras while the rest of us delight in seeing one of the top three sides in the tournament make a premature exit.
Verdict: Men in Mauve feeling blue.
Lamoni (1) v Krytenia (12)
Who’d have fought that the Hawks would ever be the dominant force in the AOCAF? With the last two trophies to their name and a strong showing in their group, despite a blip against Delesa, it certainly seems to be the case. But after topping Group D they probably hoped for a better draw than fellow tournament veterans Krytenia. But while the Hawks are flying up the rankings the Aces’ are going in the other direction.
Verdict: Aces’ low.
Milchama (10) v Nedalia (13)
The Horse Botherers looked surprisingly good in Group B, with five wins from six games. The Nedalian’s on the other hand seem to have run out of steam after reaching, and then losing, three AOCAF semi finals and look a shadow of the force they once where. That being said, the Lions can count on plenty of local Bettian support to accompany their own fans who made the short trip across the border. That and the fact we’re really not going to tip a side that field a horse.
Verdict: Lions’ find their teeth.
Next . . .
Hypocria v Aurendia (Parc Dociau, Porthbalfa) |
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"We're in! Yes! and in third place too whooo hooo"
"Yes, but were not in 2nd. Come on Hand it over."
"What?"
"That Tenner you bet me an I quote "V&T and Bazalonia will be the top two with Az-cz and Krytenia round up the top 4."
Yes, Al 4 teams made it. I predicted that."
"No you predicted Bazalonia would be in the top 2. We're not. Hand it over."
"..... Bah."
*Hands a 10 Baz note over*
"Nice doing business with you. So Bazalonia Nojika. We should be able to beat them.
"I dunno, everyone knows we suck AOCAF. We should be able to beat Nojika but this will be a flip of the coin. Could go either way."
"Ah, I'll say the Bazalopes just because..."
"Because why?"
"Well, I dunno why. Nationalistic Pride?"
"You just want them to get to the Quarters"
"Don't you?"
"Yeah, well nut I'm pragmatic."
"You mean pessimistic."
""that coming from the man that thought Peter Hobble was going to be playing."
"O, be queit that was once."
"Riiiight." |
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Manhattan Herald – 27th March 2007
Latest report from AOCAF 19
Chippers Make Life Difficult; Lose to Nojika
Group D – Manhattan Prime 0:1 Nojika
Manhattan Prime:
Nojika: 27mins
Manhattan Prime seem determined to do things the hard way in AOCAF 19, by following up a 1-0 victory over Sarzonia with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nojika in a relatively quiet game.
A single goal in the 27 minute is all that separated the two teams, but Chippers fans were forced to admit that their team were made to look 2nd best over the 90 minutes. Nojika played a fast paced passing game, and it often made Thompson and Wilde, the Manhattanite wingbacks, look decidedly off the pace.
DeSilva and Dreygo, who are having an incredible tournament, again seemed to be working together well, and Ethan Smith’s tackling is going from strength to strength, but Manhattan Prime seemed to lack bite up front, and were to see their strike force easily neutralised by the Nojikan defense.
The only goal came just before the half an hour mark, as a Nojikan striker lost his marker, and chipped the ball past goalkeeper Clive Hilton. Manhattan Prime’s closest chance was from a Michael Donavan free kick, which the Nojikan keeper athletically pushed just over the crossbar.
Chippers fans aren’t too downhearted though – although in 5th place currently and thus 1 place below qualifying for the next round, a win in their final game and favourable results elsewhere will be still be enough to see Manhattan Prime through. Certainly, the whole nation is behind them.
Manhattan Prime Team:
Clive Hilton (GK)
Lucas Thompson (RB)
John Clarke (CB)
Karl Heinze (CB)
Ben Wilde (LB)
Ethan Smith (DMC)
Michael Donavan (MC)
Felix DeSilva (AML)
Mashashi Takamura (AMR)
Vykk Dreygo (S)
Yosh¡to Katakana (S)
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Manhattan Herald – 28th March 2007
Latest report from AOCAF 19
Manhattan Prime Eliminated Despite Victory
Group D – Manhattan Prime 3:1 Demot
Manhattan Prime: DeSilva 20mins, Dreygo 25, 43mins
Demot: 61mins
Manhattan Prime have been eliminated from AOCAF 19 in heartbreaking fashion today, despite winning their last game 3-1 over Demot, and having won 3 of their 6 group games in the tournament, a personal best for the team.
The Manhattanite midfield clearly dominated the game, and a resurgent Felix DeSilva opening the scoring 20 minutes into the game, netting his 5th international goal. 5 minutes later Vykk Dreygo added a 2nd goal from a free kick, and the game was put beyond doubt in the 43rd minute as Dreygo scored again to make the score 3-0. This was Dreygo’s 10th cap for his country, and his two goals in this game take him above Katakana in the Manhattanite top goal scorers table for the first time, with 7 international goals to Katakana’s 6.
The Chippers came out for the 2nd half feeling very pleased with themselves, and their travelling support was in full voice. Not even conceding a consolation goal in the 61st minute could silence them, as a Nojikan striker rose above Ben Wilde from a corner kick, to head the ball into the top corner.
The game was all but dead from that point on, with Manhattan Prime clamping down defensively to avoid any more mistakes, and secure their 3-1 win. However the team finished the tournament with 10 points, putting them 5th in Group D, and thus one place off qualification. Rivals Delesa defeated the Lamoni Hawks in a shock extra time victory to deny the Manhattanites, and secure the last Octo-final place.
Manhattan Prime will not be flying how just yet though, as will close allies Sarzonia and Pacitalia still in the running there is still plenty for the average Manhattanite fan to cheer for. The Sarzonian media especially has been very supportive of the Chippers’ efforts, and this support hasn’t gone unnoticed by Manhattanites, many of whom have expressed an intention to remain in Bettia and cheer on the Stars.
Sarzonia face Az-cz in the next round, whilst the Pacitalian Blue Foxes face off against Quakmybush.
Manhattan Prime Team:
Clive Hilton (GK)
Lucas Thompson (RB)
John Clarke (CB)
Karl Heinze (CB)
Ben Wilde (LB)
Ethan Smith (DMC)
Michael Donavan (MC)
Felix DeSilva (AML)
Mashashi Takamura (AMR)
Vykk Dreygo (S)
Yosh¡to Katakana (S)
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Bleary eyes were the rule of the day in the coaches' hotel suite. Alan Whittsig spent most of the night following Sarzonia's 3:0 rout of Ubundi studying film of Az-czid football, trying to find something, anything that would give his lads an edge.
It was an all night proposition for sure. He had a full pot of Pacitalian coffee brewing in his kitchenette. One thing that was obvious would be that Ted Philyaw would be the best matchup against Ho Lee Chung. He thought Philyaw could stay in step with the pacy Az-cid attacker. The rest of the defence would have to step up and corrall the likes of Fe Do and company.
He knew goalkeeper Erik Conyer would have to be on top of his form. It was encouraging to Whittsig that Conyer was beginning to play well. Actually, all three keepers played well during the group stage. Whittsig thought it was a blessing in disguise that Conyer got a red card that was unjustified when he looked at the tape. Obviously, the Incorporated Football Federation protest was already on its way, but Whittsig knew now that the team wasn't in quite as much trouble if he had to go to his substitutes' bench.
Meanwhile, he knew the Az-czid defence would likely focus on forward Matt Lynch, more so than on Reese Nichols. Even though the end of pre-tournament training suggested that it'd be Nichols who would be the target forward, it was Lynch who was leading the goal parade for this new Stars side. He was able to put severe pace on the ball, but it was Nichols who was more accurate with free kicks. That would be Sarzonia's ticket to the quarterfinals if anything.
However, Whittsig knew the history no matter how much he told his lads to ignore it. Sarzonia was the lowest-ranking side of the 16 that were still playing. It wasn't even close. Thirty four other teams had higher rankings than Sarzonia. If there was one bit of positive news, Az-cz were only ranked 15th, lowest of the eight higher seeds remaining in AOCAF XIX. So the chance was there for the Stars to pull off another upset and advance, but Whittsig knew the defence would have to tighten up considerably.
He briefly toyed with the idea of playing a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 or even borrowing a page from System Karela, no matter how badly out of favour that system of defence remained in Sarzonia. However, he remembered a lesson he learned from former Stars great Brian Wilson: Never change partners in the middle of the dance floor. He would retain Sarzonia's 4-4-2. The team would play Sarzonian football, whether that meant Sarzonia would concede 10 goals or one, he knew his team had its own strengths and he would be determined to play to them.
Finally, he heard a knock at the door. He stood up, walked slowly to the door and opened it. He saw Lynch eyeing him quizzically.
"Yes, Matt?"
"Coach, it's four in the morning. We're supposed to be meeting in four hours."
"I know, Matt."
"You've got to get some sleep."
"Right, Matt."
"You're past curfew," Lynch responded, drawing a laugh from Whittsig.
"All right, you win. When I get back, you can fine me $500."
"Try $1,500."
Whittsig flashed Lynch a look of mock horror, then chuckled.
"Okay! You win! Good night!" |
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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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Etoka Journal-Tribune
“Now with larger print for those hung-over mornings”
Extra-time upset of Bettia keeps Raptors alive; Round of Sixteen showdown with Hypocria up next
GABALFA, BETTIA – It was during AOCAF XVI that Aurendia first faced Bettia. The Raptors were a team of unknown newcomers, while Bettia was the defending AOCAF champion. Fast forward twelve years and three tournaments, and Bettia are hosting the AOCAF as well as holding the World Cup, while the Raptors are trying desperately to salvage a berth in the Round of Sixteen. And, as it turned out, this Aurendia-Bettia tilt would have a result similar to that original match: a 2-1 victory for the Raptors.
As the match was held in Bettia’s home stadium, the crowd noise led to some early jitters on the part of the Raptors. The result was an early Bettian goal, when Evan Miranda put the ball past untested keeper Andrea Saraid just fifteen minutes in. Luckily enough for the Raptors, Saraid and the defense recovered somewhat, and a relentless Bettia onslaught failed to record any more points.
Halftime in the Aurendia locker room got emotional for the Raptors. Aware that the storied international careers of the Campbell sisters would end after the tournament, a consensus was reached by the team; the Raptors would stay in the tournament as long as possible. As the team headed back to the field, news came that this task would be easier. Atheistic Right was in the midst of losing to Capitalizt SLANI, leaving advancement to the next round just one point away. If the Raptors could get the win, they would still be playing tomorrow.
In stereotypical sports movie fashion, a more aggressive Raptors team emerged for the second half. In the 55th minute, the Campbell sisters ensured that they would go down fighting, when a long pass from Cassandra found an open Ashley for the equalizer. The offensive pressure would continue from both squads, but amazing play from both Bettia’s Sion Gardner and Saraid kept the scoreline locked at 1-1 until the end of regulation. Nine minutes into extra-time, the youngest Raptors would ensure that the oldest ones got at least one more last hurrah. Nikki Vitalia gained possession at midfield, and lost no time passing ahead to Kara Campbell. Campbell outmaneuvered the two Bettian defenders, and rifled the ball past a diving Gardner. Bettia was unable to score again, and the extra session ended with the Raptors victorious by the score of 2 to 1.
Three points from the victory combined with the Atheistic Right loss to Capitalizt SLANI allowed the Raptors to move into fourth place in Group A, the lowest place that advances on to the Round of 16. Aurendia’s opponent in the next round will be Hypocria, Group B champions, and defeated 3-1 by the Raptors during AOCAF XVI.
Scoring:
1. B (E. Miranda) 15th
2. A (A. Campbell 2) 55th (Assist: C. Campbell)
3. A (K. Campbell 4) 99th (Assist: N. Vitalia)
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