[EII] World Cup V Main Hub

[United States of Brink]

World Cup V
International News Hub

The groupings for the 5th World Cup have been announced. Ten teams passed qualifying rounds and were divided into two groups: A & B.

Past winners the Empire of Layarteb and the Empire of Hi No Moto will face each other in group play while the New African Republic easily looks to be the favorite in group B. New comers to the international tournament, Kalimor, will have to face a gauntlet of heavyweights in their debut.

The groups are as follows:

Group A
Kingdom of Kalimor
Realm of Cotland
Republic of Khorsuni
Empire of Hi No Moto
Empire of Layarteb

Group B
New African Republic
Roman Empire
Empire of Apilonia
Kingdom of Holland
Central European Federation

Also announced was the tournament format. Each team will play four games against their group. The top two teams advance to the semi-finals. The winner of group A will face the runner up of Group B and vice versa. The winning two teams will meet in the final.

Early favorites include the reigning world champions, Hi No Moto, and hometown favorites New African Republic.

[United States of Brink]

World Cup V
National Venues


Host New African Republic will be showcasing five of their best soccer stadiums in the nation. All stadiums are located in South Africa, the nation’s focal point. All five stadiums hosted the inaugural World Cup.

Havard Dugan Stadium, Cape Town

Capacity: 55,000
Surface: Grass

Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Capacity: 55,686
Surface: Grass

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Capacity: 62,760
Surface: Grass

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Capacity: 48,000
Surface: Grass

Timothy Farrell Park, Port Elizabeth

Capacity: 42,486
Surface: Grass

[United States of Brink]

World Cup V Schedule

Day 1
Realm of Cotland vs Empire of Layarteb (Timothy Farrell Stadium)
Republic of Khorsuni vs Empire of Hi No Moto (Moses Mabhida Stadium)

Day 2
No Matches

Day 3
Roman Empire vs Central European Federation (Ellis Park)
Empire of Apilonia vs Kingdom of Holland (Harvard Dugan Stadium,)

Day 4
No Matches

Day 5
No Matches

Day 6
Empire of Layarteb vs Kingdom of Kalimor (Moses Mabhida Stadium)
Republic of Khorsuni vs Realm of Cotland (Free State Stadium)

Day 7
No Matches

Day 8
Central European Federation vs New African Republic (Harvard Dugan Stadium)
Empire of Apilonia vs Roman Empire (Ellis Park)

Day 9
No Matches

Day 10
Kingdom of Kalimor vs Empire of Hi No Moto (Timothy Farrell Stadium)

Day 11
Empire of Layarteb vs Reoublic of Khorsuni (Free State Stadium)

Day 12
New African Republic vs Kingdom of Holland (Moses Mabhida Stadium)
Central European Federation vs Empire of Apilonia (Harvard Dugan Stadium)

Day 13
No Matches

Day 14
No Matches

Day 15
Kingdom of Khorsuni vs Kingdom of Kalimor (Moses Mabhida Stadium)
Realm of Cotland vs Empire of Hi No Moto (Ellis Park)

Day 16
Empire of Apilonia vs New African Republic (Free State Stadium)
Roman Empire vs Kingdom of Holland (Timothy Farrell Stadium)

Day 17
No Matches

Day 18
No Matches

Day 19
Kingdom of Kalimor vs Realm of Cotland (Harvard Dugan Stadium)

Day 20
Empire of Hi No Moto vs Empire of Layarteb (Free State Stadium)
New African Republic vs Roman Empire (Ellis Park)

Day 21
Kingdom of Holland vs Central European Federation (Moses Mabhida Stadium)

[United States of Brink]

Before the first day of matches commences our resident soccer expert Chidi Smomloi was able to sit down with Apilonian head coach Jake Brenton and team captain Andrew Gregson.

Smomloi: New Africa Republic holds a lot of minor tournaments throughout the year and a few of your players play on league teams here. How much of a positive is that going into this tournament?

Breton: It’s a positive of sorts, in that some of our players know what it is like to play in this environment.

Smomloi: Your team comes into this tournament a clear underdog. How do you prepare for something like this?

Breton: I think you’ve been misinformed on that front! The vast majority of my players play at the highest level of footballing, the Imperial Premier League is one of the largest, if not the largest, football championships in the world, each and every one of my players is highly experienced, highly skilled and highly motivated.

Smomloi: Forward James Warwick, your leading point scorer in qualifying has been seen with a brace on his right ankle, any concern there moving forward?

Breton: It’s just a precaution, nothing else; I don’t want Warwick suffering an injury that would rule him out of the championship.

Smomloi: A lot of experts praise your team’s overall depth but are quick criticize the lack punch your team delivers. How would you respond to that?

Breton: The game is not all about attack and brute force. My team will be able to score the goals where it counts.

Smomloi: This question is for Gregson. Being the team captain going into what should be a tough schedule, how do you keep the team motivated?

Gregson: By reminding them that we want to win, we were unlucky last time and none of us want that to happen again. We’ve got thousands of supporters coming over to watch, and hundreds of millions watching at home in the Empire. There is the famous signal hoisted by Admiral Hood at the Battle of the Coral Sea in the 1800s, and I think that is true here for us as well; Apilonia Expects.

You can watch Andrew Gregson lead the Imperial Apilonian team on day 3 against the King of Holland.

[United States of Brink]

Day 1 – Match 1
Realm of Cotland vs Empire of Layarteb
Timothy Farrell Park, Port Elizabeth

Game Overview: The Imperial [Layarteb] team enter their first match the clear favorites. The crowd was dominated by Imperial fans, though decibal wise they were evenly matched against a raucous Cottish group. The tension was notable despite friendly relations. Clear skies and a cool 69 degrees Fahrenheit marked the opening game in this tournament.

[1:32] – A quick rush by the Layarteb team, Jessie Robinson is moving up the left wing, drops it back to Virgil Allen, who is challenged by Inge Berget of Cotland, but is able to maintain control. A quick lob across the field just outside the box, it finds the foot of Rolando Ortega who puts a quality boot on it and it’s in! Rolando Ortega with a rocket off a quick bounce. Kenneth Hoie never stood a chance, 1-nil Layarteb early in this game.

[2:11] – There is quick pace to the game, neither team doing much probing, just attacking. The game is turning notably aggressive.

[3:59] – That didn’t take long, our first yellow of the tournament to Morten Pedersen. Pedersen took offense to an aggressive tackle by Layartebian forward Billy Alvarez and had something ill to say about it.

[11:00] – Pace is starting to slow a bit; it’s getting rough on the pitch.

[20:11] – Another yellow, this time on the Imperial side and the crowd voices their disapproval. Shawn Moore took down Pedersen just outside the box. Pedersen appears to be all over the field early in this game. Free kick awarded. It’s a solid shot from Pedersen that sails just over the crossbar. A sigh of relief is heard and play continues.

[27:34] – The third yellow of the game this time on Imperial forward Louis Santos. Looks like Layarteb is going to make a change up front, Santos is out and Mark Smith enters the match. Pedersen is having a word with the officials, he looks displeased.

[31:30] – Referees might be losing control of this game early, Roar Gelius took a hard approach to Ortega who looks shaken up. A free kick is awarded to Layarteb just outside the box but at a terrible angle just beyond the right flag. Going to have to be a cross, it’s still a dangerous position. We’ve seen Allen make this before. Here is the kick, it’s arcing, and no Hoie is out to grab that one before any damage is done.

[33:45] – A quick break for Layarteb, down the right side Goodwin lobs it up to Moore. He holds its, looks for an open man, finds Alvarez. Smith cuts to the middle but is marked tightly by Nyland, Nyland breaks for the ball but has backup as Gelius cuts back. Alvarez maintains possession finds Robinson across the field, it’s a quick touch to Ortega in the box, he lets one go, off the hand of Hoie and over the net, corner awarded. Allen on the corner puts one into the box. Again, picked up by Hoie who is starting to have a busy day.

[40:00] – Another break for Layarteb. Allen moves the ball up to Ortega, having a solid day. He quickly finds a streaking Alvarez on the right side. Alvarez makes a move, quick feet, gets a brief step on Berentsen, and lobs it across the box. Robinson has a head on it but it trickles wide. Not a very good effort.

[45:00+] – A tussle in the center of the pitch, a few players coming together to exchange pleasantries. Of course Pedersen and Ortega in the middle of it. Refs call the half, 1-0 Layarteb at the half. An interesting finale certainly waits.

-

[50:01] – Cotland seem to have found their legs, they’ve been moving the ball well in this half. Huseklepp controls the ball just beyond midfield, haven’t said his name too often today. He looks for an open man as he is being pressured by Allen on the left side. He drops it back to Nyland who crosses the field to Berget. Berget looks, takes a ball deep to Pedersen moving towards the corner. He looks to the middle of the field and has a few runners but doesn’t seem to like any of the options. The Layarteb defense is catching up now, Goodwin closing in, he is on him now. Pedersen dribbles, shielding the ball with his body. He is playing with an edge today. Pedersen drops it back Reginiussen who touches it right back. Pedersen has some room, cuts it, hits it with his opposite boot, it’s a strike, but met by an equally great save. Tim Lindsey was playing in peak form coming into this tournament.

[52:02] – Cotland really pushing, claim the ball on a Layartebian turnover. Gelius pushes the ball forward to Huseklepp. Huseklepp brings it forward, looks middle of the field. He has Nyland making a run, a great lead ball splits the Layarteb back line, Nyland is in on net and has a go, just over the crossbar, he will want that one back for sure.

[66:55] – Layarteb countering now, maintaining a one goal lead. Moore has the ball at midfield, looks across the field. Yngvason settles the cross and moves it ahead to Robinson; Robinson has room, looks for open players. Smith is open in the middle and takes a crisp pass. He is pressured now, Forren right on him. Alvarez breaks, takes a terrific lead pass, finds a seam, and wide. A weak effort really.

[71:34] – Layarteb maintaining possession now, momentum clearly in their favor. They had to weather a brief Cottish storm but the worst looks behind them. They have the more talented team on paper and it’s starting to show.

[78:29] - Kenny Richardson enters the game for Layarteb in place of Jessie Robsinson. Robinson has had himself a solid day but it looks like Kevin Bean wants some fresh legs for the final part of this match. Olsen does just the same but with two substitutions. Kevin Dahle will come on for Huseklepp in front and Stefan Sandberg replaces Forren on the backend. A bit of chess match at this point. Layarteb has the 1-0 lead.

[81:24] – A bad turnover by Moore on the right side has created a break for Cotland. Gelius carries the ball across midfield and finds Pedersen up the wing. Pedersen has a man to beat, looks pass instead. Oh my its deflected back to Pedersen on a crossing attempt and he has speed into the box, he takes a shot its off Lindsey’s hands then off the upper 90 and out. Corner awarded. This might be the last solid chance for Cotland to tie this match up. Nyland is selected to kick. He puts a solid boot on and it’s curving into the box but a bit too close to Lindsey who scoops it out of the air. A quality game thus far for Lindsey.

[84:00] – The pace is certainly quickening. Layarteb is working the ball up the field. Ortega sends a long ball into the opposite corner. Alvarez has caught up to and caught the Cottish defense napping. The Cottish team has been pushing and its opened up some holes here. Alvarez has an easy lob into the box and its found the boot of Bergmundur Yngvason who buries it into the net, what a volley there. Layarteb takes complete command late with a 2-0 lead.

[86:59] – Late in the game now, Cotland showing signs of desperation. Nyland lobs a long ball down the wing right to the foot of Pedersen, he has been active all game but the net has alluded him thus far. He makes a move, then another; he has a run on net. Doesn’t shoot, slides the ball across and it’s a rocket from Gelius but blocked by Lindsey. It’s a big rebound; the ball skips out to the top of the 18, a bit of confusion. Skjelvik is running on, takes a blast, and it’s a rocket just under the cross bar. Don’t look now; Cotland is on the board late. 2-1.

[90:00+] – Stoppage now, the Cottish team throwing everything it has into this. Can Layarteb hang on for the win? Layarteb playing very defensive soccer at this point. Cotland is hovering just outside the 18 but can’t seem to make anything happen. Pedersen has it on the left side, looking for an opening. He has been causing havoc all afternoon. He makes a cut to the net, gets to the middle but is met by Allen. Pedersen drops the ball back to Nyland who cocks back for a shot but is brought down hard by Goodwin and a free kick just outside the box is awarded to Cotland. And this is huge folks, a goal here ties this match. Roy Gelius is selected for the kick and he will certainly have the green light to put one on net. He runs up, a solid strike, oh no its off the post and in, nothing Lindsey could do on that one. That’s a strike for the ages. A celebration ensues on the field. Gelius with an absolute rocket ties this game late.

[90:00+] – That is the game, the whistle blows after the tip off at center. What an extraordinary series of events late.

[United States of Brink]

Day 1 – Match 2
Republic of Khorsuni vs Empire of Hi No Moto
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Game Overview: Hi No Moto enters this tournament the number one ranked team after winning the previous World Cup. Temperatures are sunny and low 70s. Neither team has a dominate influence in terms of spectators; most of the seats for this match are filled with locals.

[4:21] – Japan has come out strong and has controlled the opening portions of the game. They are playing a very possession heavy game and so far the game lacks offense.

[5:21] – A deep ball into the corner finds the foot of a streaking Kisho Yano. He settles the ball and shields against Khorsuni defender Khlasman Tazhalum, one of the easier names of this club. Kisho slides the ball back to Kengo Inui who makes a quick cross field pass to Hiromi Hara on the left side. It’s another quick pass up to Mori who breaks for the middle, cuts across the 18 and has a go of it, just over the right corner. Six kick awarded.

[7:10] – Captain Kanazaki puts on heavy pressure against Polam Atelatrapar at midfield who turns the ball over. It’s a quick break now. Kanzaki moves forward with it taking large strides. Shamodovnar breaks on the ball for support, the Khorsuni defense repositioning itself, recovering. Kanzaki puts a pass through a seam, a terrific lead pass, finds the foot of Mori who controls, cuts, shoots, saved by a sprawling Khobata. Khobata looks none to please by that break down.

[11:29] – Hi No Moto pressing again, in firm control of this game. Yuto Nagatomo pass across to Muramatsu who continues it across the field to Kosuke. Ota moves forward sees Yano making a run to the corner and drops in an impressive pass. The Motons look good early. Yano settles the ball, hesitates, hesitates, pushed forward in a burst of speed, cross the ball, caught by Khobata taking command.

[15:15] – The Imperial team on the attack. The captain moving forward again, looks for the safe route, finds Hara along the left side. Hara moves, passes, gets the ball back in a hurry. The Motons moving forward now. Hara holds, looks over his options, makes a pass into the middle back to Kanazaki. Kanazaki draws in two defenders, splits them with a wonderful pass, Mori is all alone in front, Khobata is out now sliding, steals the ball away at the last moment. He looks to be in top form.

[21:05] – The game has a steady pace, no shots from the Khorsuni side though.

[22:17] – Looks like the Khorsuni team is making a push. Atalhutankhum has the ball on the right side just past midfield, support quickly following behind him. He drops back to Brhavkum, and I hope I am getting paid overtime for these names. Brhavkum moves it across the field to Dayansadum wearing the captain’s band. Dayansadum looks for an open man and finds Dhalomlayala along the sidelines. He has a bit of room to work and takes it along the line, the attack against speed now. It’s a quick ball into the middle Atelatrapar gets in the middle drops it back to defender Dhalomkhoradh who launches a ball into the box and finds the head of Andhaharosum who puts it over the bar. It was a solid chance; maybe they can build on it. They haven’t looked good all day.

[30:00] – Khorunsi pushing forward again. Dayansadum moving the ball forward impressively. He has Atalhutankhun making a run and sends a ball his way. No wait Kosuke intercepts the pass and puts a heavy boot onto it and finds Okano sneaking behind the defense, what a turn of events, Okano is free in the middle, pushing the ball way ahead of himself. Khobata looks to challenge, makes his move off the line, Okano tries to finesse it past and it trickles just wide, what a rush. You cannot sleep on this Moton team.

[33:56] – Brhavkum takes possession moves it to Dayansadum who uses some great footwork to break a tackle from Hiromi Hara. No fouls called yet today, quite a civil game up to this point. Dayansadum pops one over the head of Shunei Terada to the foot of Dhalomlayala who has a bit of room, looks for a pass but can’t find it. He is pressured, takes a step and fires one into the arms of Sogahata. He hasn’t had much work today.

[40:00] – Hi No Moto has controlled the game thus far but can’t seem to find the back of the net.

[45:00+] – A free kick has been awarded just outside the Khorsuni 18, left of Khobata. Khobata directs his wall, he hasn’t looked happy all day. Kanazaki drops his arm and runs up to the ball and puts one into the corner of the box, a bit of confusion now, Khobata comes out and misses the punch, finds himself on the ground. The ball is bouncing around and finally cleared by Matoslovhtar and the whistle sounds.

-

[50:41] – Hi No back on the attack, they seem to be just wearing down the opposing side. Khorsun has been chasing all day. It’s a free kick for the Hi No team. Kanazaki sets up just beyond the right corner, it’s a corner in essence. He drops his hand and fires a ball that takes a hard curve, he put some English on it, its breaking toward the net and an outstretched hand of Khobata turns it away. A terrific save there, keeps his team in the game. Another corner is awarded. Kanazaki sets up against at the opposite corner. He launches it into the box and it’s headed clear by Matolsovhtar. I think Khobata’s grumpy face is going to find itself on a meme before this game is over.

[55:39] – Khorsuni is trying its luck again. Tazhalum launches one ahead to Atahlhuntankhum who has some room. Not for long though Ota and Terada both move in on him. He breaks one tackle and quickly dumps the ball back to Tazhalum who sends it across to Dayansadum. He controls the pass and pushes forward passing to Atelatrapar who keeps moving it laterally to Brhavkum. A weak challenge by Inui is brushed aside and Atalhuntankhum calls for the ball. It’s a crisp cross and a quick go at the net but Sogahata is equal to the task.

[61:50] – A quick rush by Hara. He finds Mori streaking. It’s a one touch pass to Okano who fans on the shot.

[70:01] – Subsitutions from both squads now, coach Shimomura certainly has to be frustrated at the lack of goals. Nishi replaces Yano on the right side. Makino replaces Nagatomo. Atalpordha replaces Brhavkum, Padanga opting for more offense.

[77:22] – A free kick for Hi No Moto, just outside the 18, it’s a dangerous location. Kanazaki walks into the shot which drops dramatically and Khobata blocks it off the bounce, the ball is in play. Shamodovnar flails at it, misses the clear, on comes Hiromi Hara who blasts it into the empty net. Hi No Moto 1 – Khorsun 0.

[80:00] – Khorsun in desperation mode. They are playing dump and chance but can’t generate anything.

[88:10] – Hi No Moto has the ball locked deep into Khorsuni territory. Nishi has the ball deep in the corner, drops it back to Inui who has some room to work with. He moves forward, two defenders charging him now, he is taken down by Shamodovnar, but gets the ball in stride to Kosuke Ota, getting involved, the referee lets the play go with advantage. Kosuke has a few steps, takes a go on net, and it’s a pure rocket into the upper ninety, a no doubter really. 2-0 Hi No Moto

[90:00+] – That’s how it will end. Never really in doubt. Hi No Moto looks just as good as everyone expected them to be.

[United States of Brink]

Before Hi No Moto took the field for their 2-0 victory over Khorsun our very own Chidi Smomloi was able to sit down with Coach Shimomura and Team Captain Mu Kanazaki for a few questions.


Smomloi: It has been announced that Mu Kanazaki will be retiring from tournament play after this world cup. It has to be hard to leave a game you’ve had so much success in and still look to be able to play. What promoted this decision? Will you still be playing league ball?

Mu Kanazaki: It wasn't something I just decided upon when I woke up in the morning, I've thought about this decision long and hard for the last year or two and as much as it's difficult to say goodbye to international football, I think it's the best decision for me and my country. There are a huge number of up and coming players in our country and they deserve a chance to prove themselves as soon as possible and I'm looking forward to seeing the fight for positions within this team. I'm still planning on continuing with club football, I have a few years left in me with Kashima FC and a break from international football will allow me to concentrate fully on my performances with them.

Smomloi: You enter this tournament the number one ranked team. How have you kept that ranking since winning the previous World Cup?

Yukio Shimomura: Discipline. Any team can win a game, that is the nature of football but to continue winning and to be consistent requires a discipline that we strive towards every game we play and every training session we have. It is important to be confident and also a little arrogant as well, you need to believe you can win the match and we have that required belief which is something very important.

Smomloi: You have a really tough group, how do you prepare?

Yukio Shimomura: We prepare for this set of matches just like any other. As I mentioned before the discipline we have instilled throughout these team means we can push all thoughts out of our heads and just concentrate on the ninety minutes. We play how we always play and we don't alter our tactics no matter who we are playing, or what competition we are playing in. The other teams must be made to adapt to our way of football, not the other way around.

Smomloi: Aside from the home team, the game between you and the Empire of Layarteb looks to be the most watched of the tournament, how is the team feeling about that?

Mu Kanazaki: As my coach has just said, we try not to think about the opponents we are playing but this is a special game for us. Despite the 2-0 score line a few years ago it was a very close run game in the final and we are prepared for the Layartebian players to come out fighting but we'll be ready for them and just as pumped up as they are. We're excited to be playing them and to prove that the result in the final was not a one off.

Smomloi: You weren’t apart of the first World Cup here, how much are you looking forward to making your mark in this historic tournament?

Yukio Shimomura: It is a great honour for us to be able to take part in the World Cup here in New Africa and we are excited for the tournament to begin. The New African fans here are immensely passionate about the game and in that respect remind me of the fans back in Hi No Moto. We hope to thank them for their hospitality by ensuring they can watch some of the most attractive football in the tournament and that they can watch the world champions in action.

Mu Kanazaki: We're looking forward to making our mark here in New Africa but I think with our win as the home nation a few years ago, we have already announced ourselves as a powerful force within international football. I'm sure this will be a wonderful tournament for all involved.

[United States of Brink]

MATCHDAY 1 Standings

[Braylandia]

Braylandia have announced that we will participate in qualification for the World Cup VI

[United States of Brink]

Day 3 – Match 3
Roman Empire vs Central European Federation
Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Game Overview: The Latin’s, as the Roman team is locally known, enters this match the higher ranked squad. The CEF, however, is one of the dark horses of the tournament boasting a very capable starting eleven. To thicken the plot, these two teams come into today’s match heated rivals, both on the pitch and in the seats.

[2:43] – It’s the Europeans taking to the action first. A long ball across the box finds the diving head of Sam Slavik but it is a wasted chance as the ball sails over the net. Simply couldn’t get over top the ball. Interesting note, Sam isn’t actually Slavic.

[4:01] – Looks like an injury now, the play questionable at best. We worried about this going into this match. It will be interesting to see how the sides react. Looks like Undecimo of the Roman squad being carted off. Hopefully it isn’t too bad. No call on the field.

[8:03] – The tenacity hasn’t developed as we thought which is a good thing. The refs are keeping a close eye on the game. That’s a yellow to Europe’s Szczepan Adamczak. He doesn’t appear to be arguing the call.

[9:12] – A quick shot from the corner of the eighteen by Roman Decima but nothing Kudrna can’t handle.

[10:33] – Roman’s pressuring now. Septo moves up, gets the ball to Octavo who quick pushes it to Fastio, Undecimo’s replacement, he has some room, a strong boot, another save by Kudrna.

[11:02] – Another push by the Romans, Nona with a long arcing cross into the box, a volley now by Fastio, off the cross bar, no luck, its bouncing around and pounced on by Kudrna. Looks like tensions are mounting.

[15:56] – Lanik doesn’t appear pleased with the effort, appears to be making a substitution early. Wilheim Jedlicka, one of the star forwards on this club, off for Patryk Hornik. Very interesting move.

[20:54] – The Europeans are attacking now. That substation looks to have sparked the team. Hornik is streaking down the left wing; the Roman defense looks a bit lazy. He slows, looks for help, and finds Slavik in the middle. No room, the defense recovering, he slots on through to Adamczak he finesses one into the corner of the net. A truly superb play, CEF up 1-0.

[22:44] – The game is heating up, that looks like a yellow on a very flagrant foul to Septo. The Europeans seem incensed. Don’t leave this game now folks.

[25:00] – Looks like two yellows being issued here, let’s try to figure this out. One to Fastio and one to Kasprzak. Still some arguing going on. Won’t be long until someone is tossed from this game.

[30:00] - A corner issued to Rome. Septo is up a long way to take this one. It is a good ball, arcing, headed away by Rybar.

[33:09] – It’s a quick counter by the Europeans; this game is really back and forth. Slavik racing up with it, oh no, taken down from behind just outside of the eighteen. This is a critical juncture in this game. Octavo is subsequently ejected from the game with a well-earned red card. He will have to sit out next match. A free kick to the Europeans. Adamczak looks like he will have a go on net. Critical moment. And it’s over and wide. It was a strong kick, just missed the upper ninety.

[45:00+] – Things have cooled off since the red card. The Roman’s initially looked like they were out for blood but Conatu calmed them and reminded them they were down a man. They’ll have to dig deep.

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[48:00] – The first real attack by the Roman’s this half. Fastio dragging a yellow card around with him drops the ball to Decima who shields it away from a few defenders before moving it across to Nona. Nona has been a bit quiet this game but has it now. Looks for someone to pass to, makes a pass to Septo but it deflects off a European defender and finds a now open Decima who throws his body into one and blasts it past an off balance Kudrna. The 10 men Roman squad ties it up 1-1.

[51:44] – The European’s counter. Slavik going back and forth with Hornik has been solid since entering the game. Drops it to Miron Kasprzak. Looks around, nothing, pushed it quickly before having a shot, saved by Primo.

[63:01] – The European’s seem intent to play this out a bit. They have a ball intercepted by Fastio, moving quickly down the side. Fastio has been very active as well. He throws a ball into the middle brought down by the chest of Septo who takes one step and fires one, it’s off the cross bar and in, and that’s a terrific shot. Kudrna never had a chance on that blast and the Roman’s take a surprising 2-1 lead.

[66:11] – Still plenty of time left for the European’s. Rybar has it back in his defensive zone. The European’s are pushing the ball around now. Bukowski to Winograd up to Suchy. Getting the entire team involved. Suchy launches on up the field, what an accurate boot, to Slavik. Slavik is way up, almost alone. He heads to the corner as Secondo cuts him off, a nice recovery. The Roman defense, led by Sexto, has been pretty good at handling the man down situation. Slavik wings one into the box and finds Adamczak who rings one off the post and Primo falls on the ball.

[77:23] – Both squads are playing hard but the European’s don’t seem able to break through. Rome has it now, a now rare foray into European territory. Quatro to Quinto, a pause, another pass to Sexto. Sexto lobs it to Decima. Decima moves in, beats a defender, they are pressuring, breaks another tackle from Winograd slides the ball across and it’s met with the foot of a sliding Nona for a 3-1 lead.

[80:21] – A corner for the European’s. They have everyone up. Even Kudrna is in on the play. The cross is in and Primo punches it away, Roman’s clear.

[88:41] – Another push by the European’s. Slavik, who really has done everything but score, catches a pass from Rybar. He moves it across the width of the field to Suchy. Suchy back to Winograd who lobs it back to Slavik. Slavik sees a streaking Hornik, leads him, a go, no, wide. Unfortunate.

[90:00+] – The Roman’s settled in after losing a man and scored three unanswered. It wasn’t a poor effort from the European’s, just a better effort by the Romans.