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Not in last place yet!
Nova Britannicus – Spruitland: 3-1
Bedistan – Spruitland: 0-0
Not much is expected of Spruitland at AOCAF IX – in fact, nothing is expected of them at all – but so far, the Wegional Wabbits’ performance can be classified under “could be worse”. They managed a loss and a draw so far, and, well, let’s be honest, that’s about as good as anyone could have hoped.
The painful defeat on Matchday 1, by Nova Britannicus, did not start the Wabbits off on the right foot. After the two recent scoreless draws in World Cup 23 Qualifying, this match was their best hope of getting any points in Group 4, but the Nova Brits crushed it like an empty can of Worcestershire sauce.
A posh striker named Arthur Peacock was the nail in Spruitland’s coffin, with two elegant goals in the second half. The half time score was a hopeful 1-1; left winger Harry Fletcher had opened the score for Nova Britannicus, with Jeff Wong scoring his first ever senior goal for Spruitland shortly thereafter.
But the Wabbits bounced back on Matchday 2, against former World Champions Bedistan, in a way that shouldn’t exactly be a surprise: with a scoreless draw. After seven of those in World Cup Qualifying, Spruitland maintains their average of one 0-0 in two during the last sixteen matches, which could be bad news for either Vilita or Sarzonia, the next two opponents.
“Rather not, thank you very much,” coach Cor Bensen replies to that. “Don’t get me wrong, happy with the point and all. But I’d rather not start on another donut streak. After all, there’s no wooden spoon to win in this tournament.”
The point keeps the Wabbits mathematically in the running for a spot in the next round, though nobody’s really holding their breath. However, the group table does look nice, with Spruitland surprisingly not in last place after two matchdays. Under the motto “we’re ahead of the World Champs,” nationwide celebrations erupted, partygoers conveniently overlooking the fact that Sarzonia had a bye on MD2.
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The Joy of Six (Points)
Ahead of the opening game players, fans and officials alike were quietly hopeful of picking up at least a point from Pedriana. Against Turori nobody expected anything less than a sound beating. A point would have been considered a major victory, a win wasn’t considered at all. It’s a funny old game isn’t it?
Predictable it was the Eels who had the upper hand for almost the entire first half and duly took the lead after 25 minutes. The Hypocrian players never really got going and it was only thanks to the brilliance of Kindelan that the Turori lead wasn’t more at the break. The players left the pitch at halftime for some inspirational words from their coach. We don’t know what he said but it certainly did the trick.
The players took to the field in the second half looking much more confident and relaxed. They got back into the game after just four minutes of the half. Big striker Wolfgang Dospel firmly headed past the keeper from Marshall’s cross. With twenty minutes left on the clock Andrei Shirko latched onto Burdali’s pass and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, his 11th in 22 games, to give Hypocria the lead.
The fans were clearly loving life at that moment and directed a rousing chorus of “are you Spruitland in disguise?” at their opponents. This seemed to annoy them slightly and they surged forward but again it was Kindelan to the rescue. The last twenty minutes seemed like the longest in football history but Kindelan and his defenders held firm to help record an excellent win.
Hypocria 2 – 1 Turori
Dospel
Shirko
This result means that Hypocria still top Group 1 and now have the maximum six points from their two games and are the only side to have done that, although admittedly some teams have only played once. In the other game Crystilakere drew 2 – 2 with Pedriana which leaves them third and fourth respectively. Hypocria move to the Harewood Ground next for a match against former World Champions and the current third best team in the region, Crystilakere.
This post has been edited by Hypocria on Jul 16 2005, 03:51 AM |
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Rams draw with HC team 1-1, still tied with them for group top
Brian Dougood did in todays match what he could not do in the U21 finals, score against Hockey Canada. It was just too bad that the Canadians of Hockey scored one back, giving a 1-1 draw to again foil Fmjphoenix's attempt to get past Hockey Canada in another football event.
The Rams had a good chance near the end of the match to take the lead and the win, but the penelty kick was wasted because it was kicked much to high. It sailded past the net and into the stands. This marks the second meeting between Hockey Canada and Fmjphoenix that the Canucks have managed to take something away from Fmjphoenix. Right now, fans across the nation are finding HC as a thorn in their side, at least in football matches.
Fmjphoenix does not have a matchup today, so they will take the time for some extra practice time to prepare for their matchday 4 meeting against Druida. But it will all be anticipation for matchday 5, against friendly rivals, Krytenia. Rumors are floating around that the Golden Cafetiere will be available before the matchup if the Krytenian Regional Squad would like a meeting to have some. |
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"And you join us back at Jotneheim Park for live AOCAF action, as our beloved Aroras face off yet again against Nedalia. It seemed only yesterday that we were treated to some top quality World Cup footy between our two nations, but here we are again. We'll take a look at the starting eleven first - it seems like At-Tariq is largely keeping faith with the same team that has started the first two matches, with the only change coming in the shape of debutant Cynfor Gwyns, who replaces Lewis Bin Majd up front. Stuart... your thoughts on that?"
"Hmmmm, it would seem that we're loking for a bit more height up front, and at 6'2" Gwyns cerainly provides that. Perhaps he'll be used as a target for some long crosses, although I hope that doesn't mean our boys will be resorting to route one football here. Still, I'm pleased to see the 4-2-4 is being retained - this postive formation seems to suit our lads, even though we've yet to win here."
"And going back to last night's defeat to Starblaydia, are you happy with the way the team performed?"
"Well, it seems Gareth Coates has taken a leaf out of Tiddles book by trying to take a chunk out of the opposition. I'd love to know what the hell our defence was thinking though, letting their keeper waltz through like that. Still, it was good to see us recover from that setback. Chris Hutton has had a good tournament so far - lets just hope the rest of our forwards follow suit."
"If there's one thing you'd like to see improve for tonight, what would it be?"
"We've got to be more resiliant in defence. The boys did well to hold out for so long against the top ranked team in AO, so to concede a goal near the end like that was a real shame. Sure, those Starblaydi youngsters up front played well, but our boys have got to hold their concentration for the full 90 minutes."
"Now, I think the teams are about to come out onto the pitch. Stuart - any predictions?"
"You must be kidding. Too close to call, this one. I can only say one thing... COME ON YOU 'RORAS!" |
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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After it appeared to be that the Nedalia Lions could never actually win a game against Bettia, they went out today and proved otherwise. It has been the eastern neighbors who have gotten the best of the Lions, but the empathetic 2-0 victory over Bettia showed true class from the Nedalia squad. The true can be said for the Bettian squad, who came off of a tough loss to Starblaydia before succumbing to the Lions.
After a bye on Matchday Two, the Lions definitely looked the more rested of the two teams. The Bettians themselves played with their usual fire, but it seemed their legs gave away towards the end, understandable considering the intensity of their previous match. Despite the 2-0 scoreline, the game itself was mostly even, with 53% possession for the Lions as compared to 47% for the Aroras. Unmistakably, however, it was Nedalia's attacking flair, and brilliance, which won this match for them, despite the clean sheet recorded by GK Derrell Lynch.
Cockbill Street based Andrew Blod got the starting nod over a hamstring-bothered Chris Yamtech, and made an immediate impact. The Bettian defense had their hands full with the striker, who commented later that it was as he was playing "infront of his home fans." Nevertheless, it was he who recorded the first goal, breaking through in the 33rd minute after a fabulous assist by Bettian based Trent Hardman.
The 2nd half mustve come with a prior lesson from Randy Gamman about not letting this game slip away, with memories still fresh from the first game against Bettia in the WC 23 qualifying campaign. The defense, which showed signs of cracks in the 1st half, tightened up and shut almost any offense scheme the Aroras came up with. On the offensive end, the pressure continued, but Aroras defense turned up the heat as well, with the majority of the possession for both teams coming in the midfield.
After the 75th minute, however, one could obvious see that the Bettians were starting to run on empty. The usually resilient Bettians were running a tad slower than usual, and that was what allowed Nene to break free. The star player came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, and with his legs still fresh, he beat out 2 Bettian defenders purely on his pace before chipping the ball over the Bettian keeper. The match ended with celebrations from the Nedalian players, who have finally lifted the Bettian curse.
However, it would not be the rivalry it is if there wasnt a love affair of sorts between the two nations. As the Bettian players walked off the pitch, the Nedalia section of the stadium began to chant:
Bettia, Oh Bettia
We Love You So
Bettia Oh Bettia
We Wanted to Let You Know
Bettia Oh Bettia
You're One of a Kind
Bettia Oh Bettia
In Our Country You are Welcome Anytime!
So with that, the Lions stand with two games played and 4 points. Having drawn against a tough Lamonian team and finally lifted the Bettian curse, it is believed that the only team Nedalia should lose to would be the Starblaydi squad.
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Nedalia |
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Emperor in Training |
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Chacor lose two consecutive, fall to last
Chacor now holds an 0-1-2 record in Group 3 after losing two consecutive matches to Lamoni (4-0) and Starblaydia (2-0). In both matches, the team was surprisingly lacklustre - not much was expected of them, it has to be said - but most within the team expected to score at least one goal over these two matches.
Chacor faces Nedalia in its final group match and is officially out of the running for qualification to the second round. |
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Senator in Training |
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Stalemate
After two excellent performances against Turori and Pedriana many fans expected the run to end against former World Champions Crystilakere. Thanks to another solid defensive display the Hyppos hung on to grab a point and remain top of Group A.
Coach N’Dumbu-Nsungu obviously had defence on his mind with his team selection as he dropped attacking midfielder Bora Burdali to the bench and replaced him with the much more defensive Luc Sinclair.
Hypocria’s chances were few and far between but Shirko and Marshall both came close in the first half to giving Hypocria an underserved lead. But once again it was Ricardo Kindelan who stole the headlines with a string of good saves to deny the Crystils who, despite dominating much of the match, couldn’t find a way past the in form keeper.
Hypocria 0 – 0 Crystilakere
This draw takes Hypocria’s points tally to seven and keeps the Hyppos at the top of Group A. In the other game the hosts overcame the disappointment of their opening day defeat to Turori with a comfortable 3 – 0 over bottom side Pedriana. That result lifts Cockbill Street into second place, four points behind Hypocria and with a game in hand.
The host nation can take a large chunk out of that points deficit when they play Hypocria at the Vimesbairn National Stadium on matchday 4. But a win for the Hyppos will guarantee top spot in Group A regardless of the results in the final round of group matches.
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Giovanni Gets His First
Starblaydia advance to top of Group
In defeating Chacor Two-Nil, Starblaydia have climbed to the top of Group Three over Lamoni, who rested today. Both Lamoni and Starblaydia have now played two games, with the crucial match between them coming next.
"This match should decide who ends up topping this group," said Captain Martin Watt after the game, "as good as Nedalia are, this one is between Lamoni and us, and we're not here to lie down and let someone take our Trophy away from us."
Syku Lyku-Agbayani's 18th international goal was combined with Giovanni Lopez's first to sink the no-hopers from the Liverpool England colony in a very one-sided match. Though Lamoni will claim their 4-0 victory over the Chacorans was 'one of the most one-sided matches in AOCAF history', their historians obviously haven't bee looking through the records at Starblaydia's matches, which include them scoring six goals on three seperate occasions.
AOCAF3 Quarter-Final
Starblaydia 6-1 Vilita
(Robertson, Naoki, de Souza Lima, A. Matranga [2], Montefalcon)
AOCAF5 Matchday 1
Starblaydia 6-2 Big Pimento
(S. Di Bradini [4], Salisbury, De Souza)
AOCAF6 MAtchday 3
Starblaydia 6-2 Nova Britannicus
(Madray [2], Lyku-Agbayani, Matis, Loze, Tumunzahar)
Starblaydia will, of course, be pushing for another six goals in a massive victory against Lamoni, just to teach them what a one-sided match really is. |
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Lamoni vs. Starblaydia
In the most anticipated match in group III, Lamoni will be facing off against the three time AOCAF winning Starblaydi squad. This game is partly for bragging rights (even though Lamoni has yet to win against Starblaydia), but mostly for group and knockout positioning. It is not seen as likely that Starblaydia will be able to score six goals against the Hawks, but some of the Iskara Daii players on the Starblaydi squad may want revenge for their inability to defeat half of the members of the Lamonian squad in the AO Champs League. The Lamonian AOCAF squad is actually composed of members of both of Lamoni's entries in that league; and has done fairly well so far. The expected result of the match is: Lamoni 1 - Starblaydia 3. That is actually being rather generous on the Starblaydi side. |
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Democratic Maniac |
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Posts: 1952 |
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Stars hunt Wabbits, 1-0
For teams that have hardly if ever met on the football field, Sarzonia and Spruitland have developed quite an intense dislike of each other. That was evident in Sarzonia Coach Bryson Juergens' disparaging comments about the Wabbits, saying they were the only team the Stars expected an easy win against. The win didn't qualify as easy, but the Stars managed to stave off elimination for one more match, defeating Spruitland 1-0 behind Kevin Wilson's 19th minute goal.
"We didn't play as well as we could have or should have," Juergens said of the Stars. "But we'll take the three points, but we have an uphill climb against us now with Vilita in the offing."
The Stars (1-1-1) have one win against Vilita in four tries, with that lone win coming in a surprise run during an AOCAF tournament. The Stars have never failed to advance out of the group stage in the seven previous tournaments they've competed in, withdrawing from AOCAF VII.
That streak looks to be in serious jeopardy against a Vilita side that has long been the standard bearer in an Atlantian Oceania region that has become the world's standard bearer for football. The Stars say they will be undaunted by the task.
"We've faced impossible odds before and we've come out on top," Juergens said, recalling his spot in the midfield when the Stars defeated Crystilakere in their first-ever match, 3-2 in the first-ever AOCAF tournament. "Didn't [onetime Washington Bullets Coach] Dick Motta once say 'the opera isn't over 'till the fat lady sings'?" She ain't sung a note yet." |
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Sarzonia |
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It's all about the Navy. |
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Lamoni loses 2-0
It was a hard fought game, but Lamoni just couldn't get it done against a tough Starblaydi squad for all their posturing. However, there is a bright side for the Hawks. Lamoni is expected to win their next match against Bettia, and we would be VERY surprised if Nedalia managed to defeat Starblaydia. It's expected that Lamoni just might make it into the knockouts based on goal difference. The Hawks should fare better in the knockouts than they have in the group stages, but only time will tell.
Lamoni - 0
Starblaydia - 2 (20, 25) |
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Lamoni |
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Democratic Maniac |
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Lamoni Off the Deep End
-------------------It was one of the most lopsided wins in the history of the AOCAF competition... or so said the reporters in Lamoni. They did not see, did they, the history of Starblaydia. Even ignoring the fact that a 6-2 win is no more lopsided than a 4-0 victory, Starblaydia's 6-1 shocker over the Vilitans was certainly nothing to be looked down upon. However, even that result would not rank amongst the most lopsided wins in the history of the AOCAF.
-------------------A 5-1 Victory over Florianapolis in AOCAF VIII can be added to the list of more impressive, but still equally lopsided as Lamoni's suggested record-style victory. But Perhaps those Lamonians would prefer to go back to the same matchup, in AOCAF VI. Sure, the same amount of goals were scored at matches end, but all of them by the Regional Cats, who with the help of Jan Christiansen (2), Teariki Mane (2), Michele Mariano and Calaesa Mitaroka slapped a 6-0 blowout victory on their feline rivals. The result even skies over the impressive 5-0 thrashing Vilita recorded over deadweight Chacor in AOCAF V. But it only goes to equal the pair of 6-0 thrashings that Vilia dished out on Balaal in AOCAF III, and barely squeeks past the 6-1 result achieved over Aquiliana in the same cup. Heck, even the second ever game held in AOCAF history can boast a more lopsided scoreline than the now seemingly insignifigant 4-0 result produced by the Lamonians, as a fledgling competition the Vilitan's toppled their Turorian counterparts 6-1 en route to the final of AOCAF I. |
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Starblaydia Score Six...
...in their three matches so far
Two first-half goals killed off most of the opposition that Lamoni had to offer in this match, sending Starblaydia through to the next round. Winning his twenty-fifth cap, Captain Martin Watt opened the scoring from a goalmouth scramble, Lamoni's defence not managing to clear the ball out of the area before Watt could hurl his left foot at the ball and into the roof of the net.
Just five minutes later is was Fmjphoenix-based Christian Macia who made the second breakthrough and killed off the rest of the half, such was Lamoni's reaction to two quick goals against them. Receiving the ball from Ryan Kovac, Macia thought about darting into the box but instead took a right-footed shot from around twenty yards, curling it expertly into the top corner for his second goal of the Championship, putting him on top of the Starblaydi scoring charts for the moment.
Now assured for progression to the next round, Starblaydia have to make sure its the Quarter-Final by assuring first place, and not the Seoncd Round. The only way Starblaydia can now finish second in this group is to lose their final Group Match against Nedalia. Both teams, however, would surely be happy with a draw as Lamoni require a win and a Lions' loss to avoid playing the Second-Placed team in the 'Group of Death'.
Final Score:
Starblaydia 2 - 0 Lamoni
(Watt 20, Macia 25) - (None) |
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Hyppos Qualify Despite First Defeat
With a day off on matchday 5 Hypocria coach Guylain N’Dumbu-Nsungu can put his feet up safe in the knowledge that he has steered his side into the knockout stages of the AOCAF tournament at the first time of asking. This despite being comfortably turned over by the host nation Cockbill Street on matchday 4.
In front of a huge crowd at the Vimesbairn National Stadium the Hypocrian team looked a shadow of the side that had beaten Turori and Pedriana and drawn with Crystilakere and could find no answer to the strong attacking play of the hosts. The Hyppos managed just three shots in the entire match and only Ashley Marshall’s second half effort actually troubled the keeper. At the other end Ricardo Kindelan was forced to pick the ball out of his net twice in the first half and once again in the second as Cockbill Street secured three points to take them into second place in Group A.
Hypocria 0 – 3 Cockbill Street
Meanwhile at the Harewood Ground Turori beat Crystilakere 2 – 1 to stay level on points with Cockbill Street. The result also ended the Crystil’s chances of qualification. Hypocria, Cockbill Street and Turori all advance from Group A and all that remains to be played for is in what order they qualify. Hypocria are top with seven points but have played a game more than the two other sides who both currently have six points. With just Pedriana to face, the Eels will be confident of finishing top of the group as Cockbill Street have a much tricky match against Crystilakere. For Hypocria it is a case of watching and waiting.
The coach has also confirmed the release of midfielder Michael Powell and defender Karl Nalepka from the AOCAF squad. Neither played has featured in the tournament but both are expected to be included in Hypocria’s Cup of Harmony squad when it is announced in the not too distant future.
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SHOCK!! Bettia look set to crash out at the first round...
HORROR!! Bettia await first ever victory in the AOCAF...
SURPRISE!! Bettia aren't bottom of their group...
Yes dear readers, those plucky Aroras have to put their dreams of regional glory on hold for a while longer as one draw and two defeats have left them with a near-impossible mountain to climb.
And so they approach their last game against Lamoni with a happy-go-lucky attitude, knowing that tonight's result is almost meaningless. An ultra-attacking formation will see Bettia attempt to score a few goals to send the fans back home happy, and to give the Aroras a boost ahead of the upcoming Cup of Harmony.
But hold on... is tonight's result really that meaningless? A three goal victory for the Bettians would see them through on goal difference - but we're not holding our breath here. However, sitting pretty in second place is Nedalia, but they can be caught if they lose and Lamoni win. So what do the Aroras do?
Do they go all out to beat Lamoni, meaning that they travel to Druida / Krytenia on a high? Of course, this plan falls apart on the 'beat Lamoni' bit...
Or do they play defensively to prevent Lamoni winning and ensure that Nedalia finish in at least second place? Of course, this plan falls apart on the 'prevent Lamoni winning' part...
The answer? A bit of both, as the management have announced that Bettia will be starting in their familiar 5-3-2 formation. Making his debut in goal is Lorshill United's Robert Sole. Lining up in front of him are Musa Williams, Gareth Coates and Gwynoro Tyrno'r, with Geraint Carew and Wasim Morgan filling the wing-back positions. The midfield is made up of John Connick in the centre, Evan Brooks on the right, and the pacy Jason Abdullah on the left. And up front hoping to bang a few in are Chris Hutton and Cynfor Gwyns, making his international debut.
So there we have it. Will Bettia's AOCAF IX swansong be as sweet as a nightingale's, or will it be ruined by those eagles?
This post has been edited by Bettia on Jul 19 2005, 10:48 AM |
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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Posts: 956 |
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