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AOCAF Nine RP Thread

Posted: Jul 19 2005, 11:30 AM

The Lions were able to pull away 3 points in a difficult, tactical match that saw more fouls than shots on either side. The Chacorians had nothing to play for, but were seemingly intent on making sure Nedalia share the same fate that was cast on them. The only thing that seperated them was a goal from Starblaydian based Innit Point in the 78th minute from a superbly taken freekick. The entire stadium was expecting Nene to take it, but it was Point who managed to do what no other Nedalian could do; put the ball in the back of the Chacorian net.

From the get go, the match was physical, and after the first few minutes, it became very clear that it was strategy that was going to win or lose this match. Despite being void of red cards, both squads collected a total of 9 yellow cards; 5 from the Lions, 4 for the Chacorians.

This leaves one final match for the Lions against their U21 rivals Starblaydia. Sitting in 2nd place, the only way they can mess this one up is if they lose to Starblaydia and the Bettians lose Lamonians. Knowing the relationship between Bettia and Nedalia, one can be sure the Aroras will be doing eveything in their power to make sure their western neigbors qualify. In fact, it is rumored that tens of thousands of Nedalians are going to make the Bettia - Lamoni match to cheer on their eastern neighbors, attempting to will them to victory. It is going to be an exciting final matchday.

Nedalia

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Posted: Jul 19 2005, 03:51 PM

Street Qualify With Help
Trounce Hypocria

Finally, the Streetians' striker pair of Donald Ure and Edward Clarke fire. After pouring in goals in the Trotsgrad tournament - until the final, that is - they played little part in the 3-0 win over Pedriana, in which the Streetians got two goals through penalties - slotted in by veteran Callum Cummings. However, against Hypocria today, they were back at their potent best, and when the Hypocrian midfield was over-run as well, there was little resistance - even less that what one would expect in a neighbour-derby.

1-0 came after only nine minutes, a classic Streetian attack - Einarsson raided down the left side, crossed in, it was headed out again by Marius Black, but Harald Stonefinder picked it up from the other side and crossed in again - where Donald Ure stuffed the ball behind a hapless Ricardo Kindelan. In fact, Kindelan was rather disappointing on the day, as a simple lob from Ure beat him in the thirty-second minute to ensure 2-0.

G'irgah Christine Andrews, desperate for some good results after the impossibly poor World Cup, decided to rest key players, but Ure and Clarke stayed on to regain confidence before the World Cup, which worked well - as Clarke slotted in another goal ten minutes from time.

Cockbill Street now play a dejected Crystilakere, who were knocked out thanks to a 1-2 defeat to Turori. If they win, they'll assure themselves of a place in the quarter-finals, unless Turori surprise everyone and beat Pedriana by a massive amount of goals. Hypocria, meanwhile, have qualified for the second round but need somewhat of a miracle to get to the quarter-finals.

Cockbill_Street

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Posted: Jul 19 2005, 06:36 PM

Hawk's make it in!

With a 2-0 win over Bettia, Lamoni has made it into the AOCAF IX knockouts, facing Nova Brittanicus next. Not much is known of this Starblaydi colony, but it is a few spots below Lamoni in the regional rankings (OOC: the Regional Rankings need an update). If Lamoni should defeat NB, they would face Krytenia next. Lamoni has faced Krytenia before, and it would be a good match; with both sides having a pretty good chance of winning. This would put Lamoni in the final round of the knockouts, hopefully in the 1st place match.

While the win against Bettia was not that suprising, it saved Lamoni from the indignity of missing the knockouts for two times in a row. The only reason that Lamoni is not in second place in group III is because of the Nedalia-Starblaydi draw in their match. Ted Kubik scored both goals for the Hawks, who really seemed to be toying with Bettia more than anything else. It really is a shame that Starblaydia couldn't defeat Nedalia, but what are you going to be able to do about it?

Lamoni - 2 Ted Kubik (85, 86)
Bettia - 0

Lamoni

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Posts: 1952

Posted: Jul 20 2005, 12:47 AM

Another draw keeps Rams in 3rd, prepare for Hypocria

After their third draw of the AOCAF, the Rams had a very un-Fmjphoenix like record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 loss. Most Fmjphoenix teams are known for their all or nothing results, as they love to attack with everything they have got. But this team, being lead by the previous coach of the Junior Vikings George Rush, they played a suprisingly conservative series of matches against their region-mates.

But now the Rams will be looking for a chance to play their own type of football against the suprisingly shocking Hypocrian squad that has been strong in their first AOCAF. Coach Rush is looking towards his front 3 to produce more goals and show the Fmjphoenix attacking spirit.

Fmjphoenix

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Posts: 115

Posted: Jul 20 2005, 05:55 AM

The Daily Druid

AOCAF'S ON?
By Liam Gessemschmitthaagen-Po.

While their nation has been actually doing kinda OK in the World Cup for once, people seem to have forgotten that a Druidan "B" team is representing their nation over in Cockbill Street in the latest AOCAF championship.

You hadn't heard? Well, tis true. Wins against Nojika and Hockey Canada, a draw against Fmjphoenix and a loss to Krytenia mean that Druida have finished in their now customary position of second in their group.

The bad news is, they face the host nation next. And then, if the Rainbows make it through that, there's vilita, who will be wanting to make up for their first choice team's shock result in Eauz.

So while few people have noticed that the AOCAF is going on this time around, it doesn't look all that likely that many more are going to see it here anyway. Such a shame, really.

This post has been edited by Druida on Jul 20 2005, 05:55 AM

Druida

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Posted: Jul 20 2005, 11:24 PM

Kecker Names Youthful AOCAF Squad

Former Vilita National Team Captain and Strike FC Manager Santo Kecker has been given control of the Vilita Regional Cats for AOCAF IX in Cockbill Street. Despite rumors that Strike's Jimmy Kater would make an appearance in the AOCAF, Kecker has confirmed that the Vilitan #1 will be spending the offseason with his family. Inland Peaks' 19 year old Jawz Oaker will be Kecker's goalkeeper of choice for the competition. While Kecker has called upon Jhanna City's Tulio Arizmendi to anchor the defense, he will also be relying on the inexperienced trio of Timmy Leaburn, Dene Shaw and Ricata Tivalan to join Arizmendi in the Vilita defensive line.

At the personal request of Kecker and teammate Esorijan Marelja, Strike's Thierry Columbo will be returning to the competition and work along side Vilita Under 21 midfielders Roman Majara, Toby Tzikas, Contall Rumaoa, Marelja, brent Obwinyi and 18 year old Terrarokka Spirit midfielder Winfield Karega, who will be making his first appearances for any Vilitan National team when he first steps on the field in AOCAF IX. Also called up for his first ever International Competition is Mavaloiao's 18 year old Striker Bevan Holness. Holness however will have to compete with Under 21 duo Tika Massa and Kris Wrice, as well as Julian Lisbie and experience Iskara Daii striker Carmine Mbidzo if he is going to see any games this competition.

Vilita

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Posts: 1300

Posted: Jul 21 2005, 10:03 AM

Starblaydia Progress to Quarters
They have always done that, though

It just had to be Innit Point, didn't it? Well, of course, as we barely know any other Nedalians by sight. The two Internashionale colleagues fought out a personal battle for pride, though between Giovanni Lopez and Innit Point - as with Starblaydia and Nedalia themselves - honours were even.

Starblaydia progress as Group Winners to the Quarter-Final while Nedalia, as runners-up, face 3rd-placed Bedistan, which seems somewhat of an unlucky draw as Nova Britannicus stole second-spot in Group 4, the Britannicans and Bedistanis between them dumping Sarzonia out of the competition.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 1 - 1 Nedalia
(G. Lopez 44') - (Point 38')

Starblaydia

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Posted: Jul 21 2005, 01:22 PM

Wabbits finish last in group

Vilita – Spruitland: 2 – 0
Sarzonia – Spruitland: 1 – 0

Not unexpectedly, the Spruitland Wegional Wabbits have lost their two remaining matches in the AOCAF IX group stage, settling them firmly in last place in Group 4, and sending them back home with one point and one goal. Perhaps that last part is the most disappointing aspect of Spruitland’s AOCAF campaign: after Jeff Wong’s goal on Matchday 1 against Nova Britannicus, they did not manage to score again.

Defensively however, the Wabbits seemed to have their act more than together. While the class and experience of the opponents was generally too much to be able to keep the zero on the board – except against Bedistan – the young Spruitland defense did a fine job of limiting the damage, keeping the goals-against tally down to six. With a back line that had a total of four senior caps between them before this tournament, coach Cor Bensen may have a ‘luxury problem’ on his hands when the selection time for World Cup 24 comes along.

The young central defensive duo Wigmeister and Opdebeeck kept up their momentum from the Under-21 World Cup and both put in a serious bid for a starting place in the World Cup 24 team. The soon-to-start Cup of Harmony may see them get a few more chances to prove themselves first.

And Simon Briers could see his place in goal being put under pressure as well, after strong keeping performances in AOCAF IX. Johan Verbeek had a somewhat shaky start against the Nova Brits, but followed up impressively, first with a clean sheet against Bedistan and on the last matchday by allowing only one goal against defending World Champs Sarzonia. Under-21 goalie Tristan Verelst saw his strong season in the Vilitan Stellar Division rewarded with his first senior cap, against – of course - Vilita. Verelst allowed two, but did not lose face, and Spruitland seems assured of a strong man between the stakes for a good while.

The Wabbits never really had a chance against the Vilitan side, in a match that was a largely one-sided affair. Like Verelst, Vilita midfielder Malover Stokks was allowed some action against the nation he plays in all season, and he rewarded that chance by opening the score. Tika Massa settled the match in the second half with a fine header.

The match against defending World Champions Sarzonia was a little more even. Some animosity between the two teams after World Cup 23 Qualifying left the Spruitlanders clearly motivated to do well. Even after Kevin Wilson opened the score for the Stars in the 19th minute, the Wabbits managed to keep the hope for a draw alive throughout the match, but were unable to push through the experienced Sarzonian defense.

And so ends AOCAF IX for the Wabbits, a tournament that will probably not be remembered in Spruitland for much else than it being the first AOCAF they participated in – though perhaps the 0-0 against Bedistan will be referenced to once or twice in future encounters. More will be expected of them in AOCAF X, but coach Cor Bensen will have a few other chickens to fry first. Bensen and some of the players will travel directly from Cockbill Street to Druida for the Cup of Harmony, where they’ll be hoping to get better results against teams more within their league.

Spruitland

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Posts: 59

Posted: Jul 21 2005, 08:21 PM

thsd:NEWS

Aces And Jacks
David Hoxton in Cockbill Street

And so to AOCAF. After reaching the second round of the World Cup, many Krytenian fans, like their Druidan counterparts, had forgotten there was an AOCAF on. So, here's a recap.

PRE-CUP: It's the "Krytenia Jacks" now. Revealing the senior's new nickname of "Aces", the B side went three down the pack for their new name.

MD1: Never happened. Again. Seriously, we're starting to go off these Phoenicians.

MD2: No game, no fun. Though Spruitland drew 0-0 again...

MD3: Jumping Jacks. Five-two. Nojika get well and truly zinged, and life is good once more. Aaaah.

MD4: Two in a row, eh? The Canucks are vanquished, and the Jacks chase down Druida.

MD5: Two goals, no fans. An eerily empty stadium, as barely 1,200 fans turn up to see Krytenia qualify for the last eight.

MD5: Laughing at others' expense. Sarzonia are eliminated; meanwhile Starblaydia are held by (snigger) Nedalia!

Repechage: Lamoni next. They beat Nova Britannicus to earn the right to play the Jacks. Meanwhile Nedalia continue the freak-out by taking out Bedistan. Impressive.

This post has been edited by Krytenia on Jul 21 2005, 08:33 PM

Krytenia

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Posts: 661

Posted: Jul 21 2005, 10:27 PM

Hawks ready for Krytenia

With a spin, a twist, and a kick, Ted Kubik scored one of two Lamonian goals in the first round of the knockouts. This was at five minutes into the competition, and Lamoni dominated from then on, with even the goalkeeper doing his best. It turned into a defensive match, with both sides getting shots on goal; until Ted Hause came in with a headbutt to make it 2-0 in favor of Lamoni at 85 minutes. Nova Brittanicus really did not seem to be on top of their game in this match, and were perhaps thinking that they would be able to dispatch the Hawks as easily as their Starblaydi masters. This match will teach them differently.

As a result of the winning of this match, Lamoni moves on to face Krytenia. The Hawks have faced Krytenia in both the AOCAF, and the World Cup. The results of these matches have shown that both sides have a good chance of winning this match. This is a match that will truly go to the side that wants it more. At the moment, it seems that many Krytenians are unaware that the AOCAF is actually being played, but the outcome will be decided on the football field, as always.

Lamoni - 2 Ted Kubik (5), Ted Hause (85)
NB - 0

Lamoni

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Posts: 1952

Posted: Jul 22 2005, 06:33 PM

Lions Feed On Lions; Turori Awaits

The Nedalia Lions advanced to the quarter-finals today after one of the most impressive victories in the history of the squad, defeating the Bedistan Lions 1 - 0 in the AOCAF Cup IX second round. While it wasnt the offensive, attacking game people were hoping for, you would be hard pressed to find a Nedalian who would declare himself unhappy with the results of the match.

The goal came in the 63rd minute from a free-kick from Nene, who's season in Vilita has been rather uneventful other than his midseason move from Marine Coast United to Inland Peaks. The 22 year old's form for the Lions, however, has not suffered one bit, as he continued to put forth game winning goals, such as the one he scored today, on a regular basis for the team.

In their first AOCAF Cup campaign last competition, the Lions advanced to the Quarter-Finals as well before finally getting knocked out by Vilita. This time, the Lions face a tough Turori squad, but there is silent optimism that they will see the semi-finals in their second try.

Nedalia

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Posts: 486

Posted: Jul 23 2005, 05:00 AM

It's Us and... Who?

-------------------As Santo Kecker walked down the tunnell to the delight of the frantic Vilitan faithful, he knew that he had a team performing as well as any team in the entire history of the AOCAF. Kecker, who has been an instant hit since taking the reigns of the Vilitan regional team, had just led his makeshift blend of youth and experience to a commanding 3-0 victory over World Cup 23 finalists Druida. The match was much more for Vilitans than a Quarter Final victory in the AOCAF, however.

-------------------It was the Druidans who knocked the Jungle Cats out of World Cup 23, embarrassingly in the Finals Group Stage. After going into the match with a three point advantage over barely-qualified Druida, Vilita knew they needed only a draw against their rainbow bearing counterparts and they would be through to the World Cup Second round. But it was a 0-1 loss to the Druidans that would put the two teams level on points and goal differential for the second and final place in the next round. After much deliberation, it was determined that Druida would advance by benefit of the only match played between the two teams head to head, the same 1-0 result that created the precarious situation to begin with.

-------------------Since then the Druidans have been on a tear, holding no prisoners on their way to the World Cup Final which takes place later today. But the Vilitan national team players have not just been sitting back on their couches and watching. Every since the moment they were knocked out, Vilitans have been training with one goal in mind, the rematch against Druida. That match came sooner than most expected when the two teams were pitted against each other in the Quarter Finals of the AOCAF, and the Vilitan hunger paid off in a big way. The celebrations, however, only began with the 3-0 win over Druida.

-------------------After returning to the locker room, coach Kecker and his team learned that not only had they advanced, but that none of their main opponents had managed to join them. Hot shot Hypocria nubbed favorites Starblaydia on Penalty Kicks, while rivals Turori were stuffed 1-0 by up and coming Nedalia, shaping a new-look AOCAF Semi Finals that prepares to break the mold of the big four AOCAF nations dominating on the regional level. This trend was apparent with Crystilakere's shocking group stage exit, and solidified further with the impressive performances of Hypocria and the other Semi Finalists. While being interviewed, Coach Kecker admitted knowing little about most of the semi finalists, but that his team would be prepared for whomever they came up against, and were determined to etch Vilita's name on a national competition trophy twice, for the first time in the nations long but mixed history in international sports.

Vilita 3 - 0 Druida

Vilita

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Posts: 1300

Posted: Jul 23 2005, 07:27 AM

Hypocria into the Quarters

When the AOCAF groups were first announced the main objective for debutants Hypocria was not to finish bottom of the group. The new objective is slightly more ambitious as the Hyppos continue to upset the form book.

The reward of a second place finish in Group 1 was a second round match-up with Fmjphoenix, the third placed team in Group 2. The nations had met once before, at the semi final of Under-21 World Cup 17, that day Fmjphoenix lived up to their billing as favourites and advanced on penalties. Once again Hypocria was very much the underdog, but this underdog can really bite.

The first half was very even, Burdali put the Hyppos in front but the Rams hit back five minutes before the break to level the game. Fmjphoenix dominated much of the second half but goalkeeper Kindelan, who aside from the game against Cockbill Street has had a great tournament, kept out the Ram’s much vaunted attack.

The game went into extra time of which the first half was pretty uneventful. The second half sprang into life less than two minutes in when Andrei Shirko turned in a corner to give Hypocria a vital lead. Fmjphoenix had to push players forward and they were caught on the break, Ashley Marshall scoring to send the Hyppos into the quarter finals.

Hypocria 3 – 1 Fmjphoenix (aet)
Burdali
Shirko
Marshall

The win sets up a quarter final with reigning AOCAF champions Starblaydia, a match former Starblaydia coach Guylain N’Dumbu-Nsungu had been waited for ever since his appointment as Hypocria’s national coach.

This post has been edited by Hypocria on Jul 23 2005, 07:30 AM

Hypocria

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Posts: 287

Posted: Jul 23 2005, 08:24 AM

Guylain Haunts the Champions

The entire nation of Hypocria seemed to ground to a complete halt ahead of the AOCAF quarter final against reigning champions Starblaydia. As the two sides took to the field at the Vimesbairn Cricket Ground countless millions of Hypocrians settled down to watch what would become the greatest victory in the nation’s relatively short sporting history. It would also prove to be a great personal moment for Hypocria coach Guylain N'Dumbu-Nsungu.

Hypocria goalkeeper Ricardo Kindelan has had a great tournament but he could do nothing about Macia’s goal that put the region’s number one team in front in the first half. It was not looking good for the Hyppos as Starblaydia stroked the ball around confidently in a rather one sided 45 minutes of football.

The coach clearly knew what to say to his players at the interval as they came out at the start of the second half looking much more fired up. Shirko had a couple of quick chances but neither troubled Corominas too much. Kindelan meanwhile was kept busy by the lively Starblaydi strikers.

Ten minutes before fulltime Hypocria snatched an equaliser. Baxter played the ball forward to Dospel who flicked it on to his club team mate Marshall. Marshall beat a defender, broke into the box and fired low and hard into the back of the net, his third goal of the tournament. It was a goal that Hypocria probably didn’t deserve but the millions of celebrating fans back home really didn’t care.

The game went into extra time. The coach made defensive chances which seemed to give Starblaydia the initiative but Kindelan again showed that he is one of the best keepers around. Half an hour of extra time came and went, although is seemed like much longer, and penalties would decide who would advance into the semi finals. The semi final opponents were also unknown as the game between Krytenia and Lamoni had also gone to penalties.

After losing on penalties in both the Baptism of Fire semi final and the Under-21 World Cup 17 semi final another shootout was not exactly welcomed by the fans. Starblaydia converted their first four penalties but Baxter, Shirko, Marshall and Blake were all successful to keep the sides neck and neck after eight. Kindelan’s excellent tournament was summed up in a split second as he dived to his right to turn the fifth Starblaydi penalty away and put Hypocria within one kick of the semi final. Up stepped Bora Burdali, the player who had missed the crucial spot kick against Spruitland in the BoF. He ran up, millions held their breath, and placed it wide of Corominas to send the Hyppos through and the champions out. The smile on the face of Guylain N’Dumbu-Nsungu said it all, he was officially the happiest Starblaydi in the whole world at that moment.

Hypocria 1 – 1 Starblaydia (aet)
5 – 4 on penalties

Hypocria are not the only surprise semi finalists. Nedalia beat Turori 1 – 0 to earn their place in the last four. The Lions will face Vilita who comfortably beat World Cup finalists Druida 3 – 0. The Hyppos now face Lamoni for a place in the final itself. The Eagles are through after an epic penalty shootout win, eventually beating Krytenia 9 – 8. Can Hypocria punch above their weight once more and earn a place in the AOCAF final at the first attempt? After beating the champions anything is possible.

This post has been edited by Hypocria on Jul 23 2005, 08:28 AM

Hypocria

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Posts: 287

Posted: Jul 23 2005, 03:28 PM

What's up with Hypocria? We are the Hawks, not the Eagles!

The Hawks had an epic match with Krytenia that went into penalty kicks before anyone scored, but which resulted in a high scoring game. Lamoni won 9-8, placing them in the finals, with a good possibility of facing Hypocria next. If the Hawks win this upcoming match, Lamoni will be playing for the AOCAF cup.

In other Hypocria related news, Lamonians were in an uproar as a Hypocrian newspaper article misnamed our beloved Hawks the 'Eagles.' If Lamoni does indeed face Hypocria in their next match, then the Hawks will be even more determined to win by a huge margin. As other AO nations already know, Lamonians don't generally react well to being insulted.

Back to the epic shootout. Lamonian players Lonnie Petrovich, Allan Tippie, Christian Silk, Erik Lanasa, Ted Kubik, Darren Wilhoite, Lonnie Panetta, Darryl Standard, and Christian Schoenfeld all made goals with their chance, putting Lamoni over Krytenia by one goal. The Hawks were gracious about their win, shaking hands with the losing Krytenian side before leaving the field for some well earned rest and relaxation before their next match.

An unofficial Starblaydi source has informed us that they are expecting a Hypocria/Nedalia first place match, but we feel that the Hawks will do everything they can to change that. This is the best shot that the Hawks have ever had to win the AOCAF cup, and there is a general feeling that many Lamonians will be well and truly dissapointed if the Hawks fail to win the cup this time. Their previous high finish was in third place, showing that the Hawks can do well when they want to. Let's just hope that they don't dissapoint. It is said that even President Stone will be watching the match in between diplomatic sessions between the two Khazaronian factions that he is currently hosting in an undisclosed location within Lamoni's borders. It would be quite the early Christmas present if Lamoni were to end the negotiations amicably, as well as winning the AOCAF cup.