The Polaaskan Football Trials [CLOSED]

[Polaaskan]

It started off with 92. 92 of Polaaskan’s finest football players from its sole league, the Polaadivisjon. After the first season, three lower divisions were formed. And a national football team.

But who should play? That was the query of the PFA. So the 92 were whittled down to 46. Eventually, those 46 would be whittled to 23, for the upcoming SHN Cup, in Semarland. The rules of the SHN Cup state that a squad of 23 and 23 only had to be selected, and Polaaskan needed that to make their debut.

Surprisingly enough, the PFA appointed a Semar, Ulrik Leonardsen, to manage Polaaskan. His assistant, Jakob Freidrich, only 39, managed his club, SK Martinsberg to the title last season. The 46 will be split into two squads - Alpha and Beta. Alpha to be managed by Leonardsen, Beta to be managed by Freidrich.

The games will be played over a six match series - with an extra match to be played if it is 3-3 at the end of the first six. Alpha’s stadium will be the 60,000 Vasketneling, Beta’s to be the 60,000 Oskenreling. The 7th match, if need be will be at the 40,000 Orenlund Park. However, the stadiums will be only half vacated.

ALPHA SQUAD:
1 - Teemu Petersen - GK - SK Martinsberg
2 - Gregori Stefansson - RB - Lokomotiv Skagastrand
3 - Soren Akselsen - LB - SK Bauhaus
4 - Frans Laurensen - DM - Dynamo Renesburg
5 - Amro Bazak - CB - Dinamo Yuzhnalinsk
6 - Kristian Nadygelov - CB - KSC Yulinsk Albion
7 - Mikke Leonardsen - RW - FC Aaneshel
8 - Iiro Mihaylov - AM - Red Star Slazhnov
9 - Jari Sinasson - FW - Dynamo Renesburg
10 - Timo Heinckel - FW - SK Kristiansberg
11 - Matei Obzakhalov - LW - Red Star Slazhnov
12 - Timo Sokolov - GK - RSK Nunaat
13 - Sol Arke - CB - SC Martinsberg
14 - Rune Vinter - CM - Novaya Mollen
15 - Stefan Oklanik - RW - FC Aaneshel
16 - Willem Jakobsen - FW - North Estenlund Rovers
17 - Into Lonek - LW - CSKA Lovyov
18 - Patrik Persson - FW - SCKH
19 - Vladimir Panonen - RB - FC Roslenborg
20 - Knut Normansson - LB - SK Ikamiut
21 - Heiko Blonqvist - FW - Azhlesk Dynamos
22 - Jeppe Kristiansen - GK - Novaya Mollen
23 - Kristoffer Jonasson - FW - SC Martinsberg

BETA SQUAD:
1 - Eidur Krupin - GK - AFK Svetlaya Town
2 - Jonathan van Leonarsden - RB - SCKH
3 - Vasili Semshov - LB - Oslo Klub
4 - Riko van Bommel - CM - FC Roslenborg
5 - Nikolay Dimitrov - CB - Azhlesk Dynamos
6 - Markus Pallessen - CB - North Estenlund Rovers
7 - Lukas Karlstrom - LW - SC Martinsberg
8 - Christian Hogg - DM - Oslo Klub
9 - Patrik Ael - FW - Southwik Hardcastles
10 - Soren Kvist - FW - FC Nordstrom Aerodrome
11 - Carl Linner - RW - Volcano FK
12 - Aleks Johansen - GK - Hannar Island Rovers
13 - Inge Thorn - CB - Oslo Klub
14 - Jon van Axelsen - AM - SK Bauhaus
15 - Johan Pekarik - RW - Volcano FK
16 - Arne Jonsson - FW - AC Miriskaya
17 - Yakob Schmidt - LW - Volcano FK
18 - Jaroslav Dimitrov - FW - KSC Yulinsk Albion
19 - Timo Asker - RB - FC1. Stagnov Athletic
20 - Dimitri Lukansson - LB - Hannar Island Rovers
21 - Mikkel Valdesson - FW - Hessen Gulls
22 - Aleksei Abrahamsen - GK - FC Nordstrom Aerodrome
23 - Soren Kraandesgard - FW - RSK Nunaat

[Polaaskan]

22 nervous looking players were lined up in the tunnel at the Vasketneling, the home that “Team A” will play at for three of this six-match series. One of these was Iiro Mihaylov. Iiro, the attacking midfielder in his Team’s 4-2-3-1 formation, had always dreamed of a move abroad. He didn’t care where. Of course, he loved his team, Red Star, but there was something about playing abroad…

His daydream was interrupted by the shrill whistle of the referee. He began to walk forward. They were being captained by Sol Arke. Iiro was grateful for that. Sol was a big, tall, defender, currently playing for the champions, SK Martinsberg. Sol gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder, and then jogged away to his position. A were to kick off.

Iiro had the honours of being the first player to kick a ball for the national team. Well, sort of. Iiro knocked the ball to Timo Heinckel, who knocked it back to Matei Obzakhalov, who began to sprint down the left-wing. Up against Timo Asker, Matei knocked it back to Iiro. Iiro took three touches, before lofting the ball in the direction of Mikke Leonardsen on the right. Leonardsen took two touches before whipping in a cross. Timo Heinckel rose for it, but was up against Nikolay Dimitrov and Markus Pallesen, who enveloped him in a brutal sandwich.

Timo fell to the floor, dazed, the sound muffled around him. His vision was blurred, and he saw what looked like Iiro, Mikke and Frans Laurensen staring down at him. He saw a physio sprint towards him, then another, who both lifted him up. In what he heard as “walk”, Timo began to walk towards the touchline with the help of the physios.

“Are you alright, Timo?” questioned Ulrik Leonardsen, the manager.

Timo shook his head.

“Right, better put someone on then. Willem!”

Willem Jakobsen jogged over.

“You’re on for Timo. Show your best.”

Willem nodded and sprinted onto the pitch. By now, Team A had a corner. Swung in by Mikke, Willem rose to it, but being taller than Timo, towered above Team B’s defence and headed towards goal.

It looked like it went in. But it didn’t. Eidur Krupin was on hand to palm it away, falling to Timo Asker of Team B. He booted it downfield, finding Lukas Karlstrom. Karlstrom found van Axelsen, but his pass was poor, and it was intercepted by Iiro. Iiro made a stunning run, beating three players, before lashing a shot towards Eidur Krupin.

“Goal!” screamed Iiro, as soon as the ball hit the back of the net. He was mobbed by his team, while Eidur was getting shouted at by Nikolay Dimitrov. Iiro felt surreal. Could this possible. He wanted to pinch himself. Surely this must be a dream, he thought. But it wasn’t, it was real.

Iiro fainted.

[Polaaskan]

“Welcome to Polaasport Live! I’m Vladimir Makarov!”

“And I’m Eidur Martinsson! We’ll be discussing here on Polaasport the first game of the national football trials for those 23 to go to the upcoming SHN Cup!”

“Yes Eidur. As you all know, Polaaskan does not have a football team, well yet. 46 players are in two squads, Alpha and Beta, and at the end of six games, the best performing players will go to the SHN Cup!”

“Very right Vladimir. Alpha Squad played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.”

“Thank you Eidur. Yes, Teemu Petersen of SK Martinsberg started in goal, with Soren Akselsen, Sol Arke, Kristian Nadygelov and Gregori Stefansson as his defence. Rune Vinter and Frans Laruensen were in the defensive midfield, with Matei Obzakhalov and Mikke Leonardsen on the wings, and Iiro Mihaylov playing in attacking midfield behind Timo Heinckel.”

“Correct Vladimir. They got off to a good start, but Timo Heinckel appeared to be concussed, didn’t he?”

“He did Eidur. Willem Jakbobsen was brought on for him.”

“Then just after that, bang! What a goal from Mihaylov!”

“Yes, phenomenal! Mihaylov seemed more of a creator than a scorer for his club, Red Star Slazhnov last season, but that goal!”

“Yes, Eidur Krupin could not have saved that. Which reminds me, Beta Squad played with a simple 4-4-2, Eidur Krupin between the sticks, Vasili Semshov, Nikolay Dimitrov, Markus Pallesen and Timo Asker as the back four, Lukas Karlstrom, Riko van Bommel, Christian Hogg and Jon Van Axelsen in midfield, with Patrik Ael and Soren Kvist up front.”

“Yes. Beta looked to have a strong midfield. Both van Bommel and Hogg are very defensive players, and they’ve good strength and tackle on them, not to mention their fabulous resilience.”

“Yes, Vladimir. Lukas Karlstrom has shone so far and he shone again, with a fabulous darting run. He fooled Stefansson into thinking he was going to cross, but he managed to slip through an amazing through-ball to Patrik Ael who turned and fired home.”

“Yes. That was a defensive mistake made by Alpha.”

“Agreed. Arke only really looked sharp at centre-back, Nadygelov, with all due respect looked poor.

“I agree Eidur. But they were better for the rest of the first half, as it finished 1-1 after 45 minutes. Iiro Mihaylov unfortunately fainted after scoring his goal, and a second sub had to be brought on. That would be Stefan Oklanik, who looked brilliant and set up numerous chances for his team, just what Mihaylov would have done.”

“Yes, and B made changes after the break too. van Bommel and Kvist went off, Yakob Schmidt and Jaroslav Dimitrov came on respectively for them.”

“For me Eidur, I don’t really think they made much of an impact. I mean, Kvist didn’t look excellent up front, he might have endured a slight knock or something.”

“Yes Vladimir. But what baffles me is why did van Bommel get taken off? He looked excellent, and I do believe that Schmidt is more of a wide player than a central one.”

“Yes, Yakob’s performance looked shaky. Around 60 minutes, both teams made their third and final substitutes, Into Lonek on for Obzakhalov, who looked decent, and Jonathan van Leonardsen on for Timo Asker.”

“Asker looked solid at right-back, and showed good attacking, but Asker is more of a full back while van Leonardsen is more of a, let’s say, wing back.”

“Agreed. van Leonardsen looked pacy and made good crosses, and found Patrik Ael again who headed past Teemu Petersen.”

“Realistically, a keeper like Petersen should have saved that.”

“Yes, but he didn’t. But, as ever, resillience was shown and Alpha fought back with well struck goals from Stefan Oklanik and Willem Jakobsen.”

“So, a good performance from both sides Vladimir, but who was your man of the match?”

“For me, it had to be Christian Hogg. He looked solid in midfield, made excellent passes and could have had a goal or too. For the other team, Mikke Leonardsen looked great.”

“Well, I agree with you regarding Leonardsen, but I think Lukas Karlstrom looked better.”

“Anyway, it’s time for us to move on now, I’m Vladimir,”

“And I’m Eidur, goodnight!”

[Polaaskan]

ALPHA 3 - 2 BETA
Mihaylov 7, Oklanik 74’, Jakobsen 85' - Ael 28’, 71’

Alpha - Teemu Petersen; Soren Akselsen, Sol Arke, Kristian Nadygelov, Gregori Stefansson; Rune Vinter, Frans Laurensen; Matei Obzakhalov (Lonek 61), Iiro Mihaylov (Oklanik 9), Mikke Leonardsen; Timo Heinckel (Jakobsen 5)
Substitutes On - Willem Jakobsen (Heinckel 5), Stefan Oklanik (Mihaylov 9), Into Lonek (Obzakhalov 61)
Man of the match: Mikke Leonardsen

Beta- Eidur Krupin; Vasili Semshov, Nikolay Dimitrov, Markus Pallesen, Timo Asker (van Leonardsen 62); Lukas Karlstrom, Riko van Bommel (Schmidt HT), Christian Hogg, Jon van Axelsen; Patrik Ael, Soren Kvist (Dimitrov HT)
Substitutes On - Yakob Schmidt (van Bommel HT), Jaroslav Dimitrov (Kvist HT), van Leonardsen (Asker 62)
Man of the match: Christian Hogg

[Polaaskan]

Live text highlights of the match between Beta vs Alpha, at Oskenreling

Starting lineups:
Beta (4-3-1-2): - Aleks Johansen; Vasili Semshov, Nikolay Dimitrov, Inge Thorn, Jonathan van Leonardsen; Riko van Bommel, Christian Hogg, Carl Linner; Jon van Axelsen; Patrik Ael, Mikkkel Valdesson
Alpha (4-3-3): - Timo Sokolov; Knut Normansson, Sol Arke, Amro Bazak, Vladimir Panonen; Iiro Mihaylov, Rune Vinter, Frans Laurensen; Kristoffer Jonasson, Timo Heinckel, Jari Sinasson

1’ - Kick off time here at Oskenreling. Beta to kick off.

3’ - First chance of the game after some strong midfield play from both teams. Normansson makes a run down the left and plays it towards Jari Sinasson, who heads it across goal to find Jonasson who hits it straight at Johansen.

4’ - Good tackle from Hogg to prevent the on-form Sinasson go any further.

7’ - YELLOW CARD - The first of the series. Amro Bazak trips Carl Linner a few yards away from the box. Free kick.

8’ - Riko van Bommel’s free kick is straight at Sokolov.

11’ - GOAL! Brilliant play from Alpha, particularly Mihaylov and Jonasson down the left. Jonasson squares it into Heinckel who cannot miss from seven yards out!

13’! - GOAL! Oh what drama! Beta have equalised! Thorn’s optimistic long ball is well received by Linner, who turns and knocks it towards van Axelsen who fires it from 30 yards into the top left hand corner.

16’ - A chance for Beta to score again, but the effort is poor from Ael.

17’ - Corner to Alpha. Bazak heads it at Johansen, who parries it towards Arke who strikes it wide.

23’ - YELLOW CARD - Beta’s captain Hogg tugs on Sinasson’s shirt. Free kick.

24’ - GOAL! What an amazing free kick! Iiro Mihaylov looks as if he will take it, but he fakes and Frans Laurensen catches Aleks Johansen off guard!

30’ - Chance for Alpha terribly missed, as a perfectly weighted ball from Mihaylov finds Sinasson who shoots straight at Johansen.

33’ - GOAL! Alpha on top form today! This time it’s Jari Sinasson!

HT’ - Beta 1 - 3 Alpha

46’ - Beta have made two subs - Linner and Valdesson off - Pekarik and Jonsson on respectively.

47’ - And Pekarik has made an instant impact, crossing the ball towards Ael who heads wide.

50’ - GOAL! Beta have pulled one back! Pekarik’s cross finds Ael who heads it, but it is headed away by Bazak into the path of van Leonardsen who calmly slots it home!

52’ - Substitutions for both teams - Beta make their last change by bringing on Dimitrov for Ael, while Jeppe Kristiansen comes on in goal for Timo Sokolov and Heiko Blonqvist comes on for Timo Heinckel.

55’ - A brilliant chance for Jaroslav Dimitrov, well saved by Kristiansen, his first action.

58’ - YELLOW CARD - Oh this is a feisty match. Dimitrov is booked for pushing Arke, who reacts by pushing him back. Not very good impressions Dimitrov is making so far.

62’ - GOAL! It’s an equaliser from Beta! Dimitrov redeems himself by controlling the ball expertly before laying it off into the path of Pekarik who slams the ball home!

68’ - GOAL! 4-3 to Alpha! Heiko Blonqvist heads home from Mihaylov’s corner!!

70’ - Clever play by Pekarik down the wing who finds van Axelsen who knocks it wide. Goal kick.

73’ - PENALTY! Thorn brings down Vinter in the box. It will be Laurensen to take. Laurensen shoots, but Johansen goes the right way and saves it.

78’ - GOAL! It’s been sealed! Alpha 5, Beta 3! Laurensen’s free kick hit the bar, and as it spun out Mihaylov smacked it across goal, and by luck, Sinasson hits it first time spiralling into the back of the net!

81’ - Tensions rising here as Beta look to pull back an equaliser, with opportunites for Dimitrov, van Bommel and Hogg all saved by Kristiansen.

85’ - An amazing chance for Sinasson to grab his hat-trick but it just goes wide.

89’ - Corner taken by Pekarik. Headed away by Bazak.

90+2 - FULL TIME! Alpha 5 - 3 Beta!

[Polaaskan]

BETA 3 - 5 ALPHA
van Axelsen 13’, van Leonardsen 50’, Pekarik 62’ - Heinckel 11’, Laurensen 24’, Sinasson 33’, 78’, Blonqvist 68’
Beta - Aleks Johansen; Vasili Semshov, Nikolay Dimitrov, Inge Thorn, Jonathan van Leonardsen; Riko van Bommel, Christian Hogg, Carl Linner (Pekarik HT); Jon van Axelsen; Patrik Ael (Dimitrov 52), Mikkkel Valdesson (Jonsson HT)
Substitutes On - Johan Pekarik (Linner HT), Arne Jonsson (Valdesson HT), Jaroslav Dimitrov (Ael 52)
Man of the match: Johan Pekarik

Alpha - Timo Sokolov (Kristiansen 52); Knut Normansson, Sol Arke, Amro Bazak, Vladimir Panonen; Iiro Mihaylov, Rune Vinter, Frans Laurensen; Kristoffer Jonasson (Obzakhalov 73), Timo Heinckel (Blonqvist 52), Jari Sinasson
Substitutes On - Jeppe Kristiansen (Sokolov 52), Heiko Blonqvist (Heinckel 52), Matei Obzakhalov (Jonasson 73)
Man of the match: Iiro Mihaylov

[Polaaskan]

ALPHA 0 - 2 BETA

Beta grab second win

Beta squad grabbed a win on Alpha’s home turf for the second time. Aleksei Abrahamsen started in goal for Beta and played brilliantly, saving early shots from Heinckel and Blonqvist. However, Alpha didn’t look terrific in defence. A costly error from Nadygelov let Kraandesgard round Kristiansen and slot the ball home. Kraandesgard almost grabbed a second, but that was well saved by Kristiansen.

Beta, with a strong midfield of Karlstrom, van Axelsen, Hogg and Pekarik, overwhelmed Alpha with some quality attacking. Chances came for Kraandesgaard and Jonsson numerous times but Kristiansen managed to save them all. But just before half time, Karlstrom swung in a corner for Dimitrov to head home.

Alpha brought on Persson and Sinasson for Heinckel and Blonqvist and Lonek on for Obzakhalov. Those three looked impressive, particularly Sinasson, who almost scored. But again, Beta pressured and pressured but could not score a goal against a more stronger looking Alpha defence.

However, both Jari Sinasson and Alpha suffered a major blow when Sinasson fell awkwardly, and was stretchered off. Sadly for him, he won’t make the SHN Tournament and will be out for quite a long time. Alpha managed to prevent Beta from scoring again, but this will be one match that Alpha will want to forget in a hurry.

[Polaaskan]

ALPHA 0 - 2 BETA
Kraandesgard 16’, Dimitrov 43’

Alpha - Jeppe Kristiansen; Soren Akselsen, Sol Arke, Kristian Nadygelov, Vladimir Panonen; Matei Obzakhalov (Lonek HT), Iiro Mihaylov, Rune Vinter, Mikke Leonardsen; Timo Heinckel (Persson HT), Heiko Blonqvist (Sinasson HT)
Substitutes On - Into Lonek (Obzakhalov HT), Patrik Persson (Heinckel HT), Jari Sinasson (Blonqvist HT)
Man of the match: Jeppe Kristiansen

Beta - Aleksei Abrahamsen; Dimitri Lukansson, Nikolay Dimitrov, Markus Pallesen (Thorn 73); Timo Asker; Lukas Karlstrom, Jonathan van Axelsen (Schmidt 60), Christian Hogg, Johan Pekarik; Soren Kraandesgaard (Kvist 60), Arne Jonsson
Substitutes On - Yakob Schmidt (van Axelsen 60), Soren Kvist (Kraandesgard 60), Inge Thorn (Pallesen 73)
Man of the match: Christian Hogg

[Polaaskan]

BETA 1 - 4 ALPHA

Alpha smash Beta

Alpha gained a well deserved win after a lacklustre Beta side were hammered 4-1. Alpha gained an early lead thanks to a second minute strike from Stefan Oklanik. That was the only goal of the first half however, but both teams played well. Alpha had more chances, with Oklanik supplying Persson and Jonasson up front but neither failed to deliver.

Beta, on the other hand, were more resilient and continued to bombard Teemu Petersen with shots, but all were saved brilliantly by the SK Martinsberg goalkeeper. Their best chance came via a Christian Hogg deflected shot, which rebounded out to Yakob Schmidt who fired wide, plus the effort from Riko van Bommel which hit the bar.

Just after the break, Alpha doubled their lead thanks to Willem Jakobsen’s header. Beta pulled one back via Soren Kvist, but Alpha scored two more thanks to Mikke Leonardsen and Willem Jakobsen once more. Beta had numerous chances, but like in the first half, failed to deliver.

[Polaaskan]

BETA 1 - 4 ALPHA
Kvist 58’ - Oklanik 2’, Jakobsen 49’, 73’, Leonardsen 63’
Beta - Aleks Johansen (Krupin 73); Vasili Semshov (Lukansson 73), Markus Pallessen, Inge Thorn, Timo Asker; Yakob Schmidt, Riko van Bommel, Christian Hogg, Carl Linner; Soren Kvist, Patrik Ael (Valdesson 82)
Substitutes On - Eidur Krupin (Johansen 73), Dimitri Lukansson (Semshov 73), Mikkel Valdesson (82)
Man of the match: Riko van Bommel

Alpha - Teemu Petersen (Sokolov 80); Knut Normansson; Kristian Nadygelov, Amro Bazak (Panonen 83), Gregori Stefansson; Into Lonek, Stefan Oklanik, Frans Laurensen, Mikke Leonardsen; Patrik Persson, Kristian Jonasson (Jakobsen HT)
Substitutes On - Willem Jakobsen (Jonasson HT), Timo Sokolov (Petersen 80), Vladimir Panonen (Bazak 83)
Man of the match: Stefan Oklanik

[Polaaskan]

“Well, we’re two-thirds of the way through, aren’t we Vladimir?”

“Yes, Eidur. Two-thirds thorugh, 2-2 the score!”

“Well, Vladimir, I have a slight feeling that Alpha could just clinch it, but Beta look pretty strong too. Most of their players have performed well, as goes for Alpha too, but Beta have that more, professional look about them that makes you think that the vast majority of the squad will be from Beta.”

“I agree. I mean, Karlstrom, Hogg, Ael, van Axelsen, Asker even - they all shone for their clubs this season. But can they replicate that form in the big stage? I mean really it’s just like a domestic game, most of them know each other, they’ve played against each other. When they travel to the SHN Cup they’ll be playing against teams they’ve got none or little knowledge of.”

“Yes, exactly, Vladimir. Our group comprises of us, Matykland, Republica del Ecuador and Haelesces - now it many not some tricky to others but it certainly is for us!”

“Agreed. Looking at Republica del Ecuador, two of their players play for FC Jansberg - a club that most players in both Alpha and Beta would dream to play for.”

“Yes. As you know, scouts from other countries are attending these matches, quite a few from Semarland. The scouts have come from reportedly 17 different clubs. 17! That’s an awful lot if you ask me, Vladimir.”

“Certainly. It’s highly unlikely that everyone will bag that dream move. Even if clubs choose to purchase a few players, it will probably be only 3 max.”

“Scouts have also come from other SHN Teams, to buy players but of course, to watch for us in the SHN Cup.”

“Yes, of course. That’s probably the main reason why there’s such a load of scouts here. Who do you think will pose our biggest threat, Eidur?”

“If picked, a midfield of Karlstrom, Mihaylov, Hogg and Pekarik or Leonardsen could be lethal. Patrik Ael looks decent too, and Sol Arke looks to have clinched that centre-back spot.”

“Unfortunately that’s all from us, goodbye from Vladimir,”

“And goodbye from Eidur.”

[Polaaskan]

ALPHA 2 - 0 BETA
Heinckel 33’, 86’

Alpha - Teemu Petersen; Soren Akselsen, Sol Arke, Kristian Nadygelov; Gregori Stefansson; Stefan Oklanik, Iiro Mihaylov (Lonek 62), Frans Laurensen (Vinter 71), Mikke Leonardsen; Patrik Persson (Jonasson 71), Timo Heinckel
Substitutes On - Into Lonek (Mihaylov 62), Rune Vinter (Laurensen 71), Kristoffer Jonasson (Persson 71)
Man of the match: Timo Heinckel

Beta - Aleks Johansen (Abrahamsen HT); Vasili Semshov, Nikolay Dimitrov, Markus Pallesen, Jonathan van Leonardsen; Lukas Karlstrom, Christian Hogg, Riko van Bommel; Yakob Schmidt (van Axelsen 81), Jaroslav Dimitrov (Ael 52), Carl Linner (Kraandesgaard 81)
Substitutes On - Patrik Ael (Dimitrov 52), Jonathan van Axelsen (Schmidt 81), Soren Kraandesgaard (Linner 81)
Man of the match: Lukas Karlstrom

[Polaaskan]

BETA 3 - 7 ALPHA
Ael 21’, Karlstrom 44’, 82’ - Leonardsen 10’, 60’, Heinckel 21’, 25’, Jakobsen 52’, Mihaylov 79’, Blonqvist 90+1
Beta - Aleks Johansen; Dimitri Lukansson, Nikolay Dimitrov (Thorn 57), Markus Pallesen, Timo Asker; Lukas Karlstrom (Schmidt 64), Christian Hogg, Jon van Axelsen, Johan Pekarik; Patrik Ael, Arne Jonsson (Kvist 78)
Substitutes On - Inge Thorn (Dimitrov 57), Yakob Schmidt (Karlstrom 64), Soren Kvist (Jonsson 78)
Man of the match: Jon van Axelsen

Alpha - Teemu Petersen; Soren Akselsen (Normansson 83), Sol Arke, Gregori Stefansson; Matei Obzakhalov, Iiro Mihaylov, Rune Vinter (Oklanik 53), Mikke Leonardsen; Kristoffer Jonasson (Blonqvist 78), Timo Heinckel, Willem Jakobsen
Substitutes On - Stefan Oklanik (Vinter 53), Heiko Blonqvist (Jonasson 78), Knut Normansson (Akselsen 83)
Man of the match: Mikke Leonardsen

[Polaaskan]

“Well Jakob.”

“Well Ulrik.”

“It’s the end.”

“It is.”

“So, what did you think of all the players? My favourites have to be Mikke Leonardsen and Timo Heinckel.”

“For me Ulrik, Iiro Mihaylov impressed me. Along with Leonardsen. Up front, Patrik Ael was solid.”

“Yes, Ael was good. But Heinckel has a little bit more flair.”

“Sometimes flair is not needed. If you’ve got a good one, you’ve got a good one.”

“True, true. Goalkeeper wise, well, some performed terrible, others were good.”

“My favourite was Teemu Petersen.”

“Same.”

“Oh he’s a rock, is Teemu.”

“Well, you’d know.”

“I would. And Arke, Jonasson and Karlstrom.”

“Out of those three, Jonasson didn’t look too convincing.”

“I agree. He was our best striker last season, but I don’t think he’s ready for the big stage just yet. Mind you, he’s only 22.”

“Jakob, we’ve got people younger than him. How can you say that?”

“Because I know him Ulrik. Very well.”

“Fair enough. Back to the keepers. Timo Sokolov looked good, as did Aleks Johansen for Beta. Then there’s Jeppe Kristiansen, but I can’t pick all the Alpha keepers, can I?”

“So Sokolov and Petersen are in?”

“No, I haven’t said that.”

“You sort of have.”

“I have not.”

“Okay.”

“Anyway, Abrahamsen and Krupin didn’t look too good for me. Petersen is a must. Johansen second choice, then either Sokolov or Kristiansen. We’ll see.”

“Right. Left-back spot. Akselsen and Normansson were decent. Semshov impressed me. Lukansson too, but Semshov seemed better.”

“Akselsen was alright, not sure about Normansson though.”

“I’d pick Semshov over Lukansson, however.”

“Right.”

“Centre-backs. Out of all of them, Arke only really impressed me.”

“Pallesen and Dimitrov were decent. Not too keen on Bazak and Nadygelov.”

“Neither.”

“Right, that’s the defence sorted, let’s move onto the midfield.”

And so the two men continued to talk into the night regarding the 46 players, and eventually picked a squad of 23 for the Baptism of Fire, and then onto the World Cup. Perhaps Polaaskan might go far. Who knows? But importantly, Ulrik and Jakob need to rest. Tomorrow, the squad will be announced.

[Polaaskan]

NATIONAL SQUAD
MANAGER - ULRIK LEONARDSEN (SEM)
ASSISTANT - JAKOB FREIDRICH
1 - Teemu PETERSEN - GK - SK Martinsberg
2 - Jonathan VAN LEONARDSEN - RB - Nq85
3 - Vasili SEMSHOV - LB - Oslo Klub
4 - Frans LAURENSEN - DM - Dynamo Renesburg
5 - Nikolay DIMITROV - CB - Azhlesk Dynamos
6 - Sol ARKE - CB - SK Martinsberg
7 - Lukas KARLSTROM - LW - SK Martinsberg
8 - Iiro MIHAYLOV - AM - Red Star Slazhnov
9 - Patrik AEL - FW - Southwik Hardcastles
10 - Timo HEINCKEL - FW - SK Kristiansberg
11 - Mikke LEONARDSEN - RW - FK Aaneshel
12 - Aleks JOHANSEN - GK - Sudbricks
13 - Markus PALLESSEN - CB - North Estenlund Rovers
14 - Riko VAN BOMMEL - CM - FK Rosenborg
15 - Johan PEKARIK - RW - Valickport
16 - Willem JAKOBSEN - FW - North Estenlund Rovers
17 - Jon VAN AXELSEN - AM - SK Bauhaus
18 - Heiko BLONQVIST - FW - Azhlesk Dynamos
19 - Timo ASKER - RB - Czezchny Yulinsk
20 - Soren AKSELSEN - LB - SK Lundsholm
21 - Christian HOGG - DM - Oslo Klub
22 - Timo SOKOLOV - GK - Matsholm Athletic
23 - Soren KVIST - FW - Nordstrom FK

[Polaaskan]

The head of the PFA, Rasmus Matelheim, stood up onto the stand.

“Colleagues, press, representatives. I would first like to thank you all for the support over the course of the football trials for our, Polaaskan’s, national football team. We’ve seen the best talent. Great players. Phenomenal tactics.

Insteading of waiting about for the SHN Cup, we have decided we will go straight on to the Baptism of Fire, then onto the World Cup. After that, we will go the SHN Cup.

We will be playing, as you know, three warm-up friendlies.

The first will be against “Polaaskan B”, the 23 that was not picked. The second will be against Helandish Matykland, another newly formed football team. And finally, Semarland B, the country of Semarland’s reserves.

Once again, we’d like to thank everyone for taking part, and you all for supporting this. Thank you.”

[Polaaskan]

Live text highlights of the match between Polaaskan vs Polaaskan B, at Oskenreling

Starting lineups:
Polaaskan (4-4-2): - Teemu Petersen; Vasili Semshov, Sol Arke, Christian Hogg (c), Jonathan van Leonardsen; Lukas Karlstrom, Riko van Bommel, Frans Laurensen, Mikke Leonardsen; Timo Heinckel, Soren Kvist
Polaaskan B (4-3-3): - Aleksei Abrahamsen; Knut Normansson, Amro Bazak, Kristian Nadygelov, Gregori Stefansson; Into Lonek, Yakob Schmidt (c), Carl Linner; Kristoffer Jonasson, Soren Kraandesgaard, Patrik Persson

1’ - Time to kick off! Polaaskan will kick off their first ever international. Heinckel will kick it off. He taps it to Kvist, who knocks it back to van Bommel, who drives forward past Schmidt and Linner, two wingers playing central for Polaaskan B, and cracks a shot, but Aleksei Abrahamsen is there to save it.

2' - Bazak plays it downfield towards Carl Linner, who is tackled by Frans Laurensen, who plays it outfield to Leonardsen who sprints downfield, but his cross is headed away by Nadygelov.

4’ - Polaaskan B win a free kick. Laurensen trips Persson. Yakob Schmidt takes it but it's saved by Petersen.

7’ - Vasili Semshov knocks it forward to Kvist, who begins running downfield, finding Heinckel who shoots wide.

10' - A CHANCE! Phenomenal effort from Lukas Karlstrom, rattling the bar, shocking Abrahamsen. Cleared away.

11’ - Good counter attacking from Polaaskan B. Jonasson squares it in, put Patrik Persson's shot is straight at Teemu Petersen.

15’ - Poor effort from Carl Linner, it goes wide. Good play though from Into Lonek, an excellent ball.

16’ - Polaaskan have a corner. Whipped in by Karlstrom, headed away by Normansson.

19’ - YELLOW CARD - First of the game. Nadygelov is booked for hacking down Leonardsen.

22’ - van Axelsen floats a ball in, but no one is there and it's easily cleared away by Stefansson.

25’ - GOAL! Phenomenal strike! Polaaskan's first ever goal is scored by Jon van Axelsen, at only 17 years of age! He runs mazily around Knut Normansson before curling into the far corner.

27' - Good run downfield from Gregori Stefansson, but his pass is blocked by van Bommel who advances forward.

28' - van Bommel finds Kvist who just taps it wide.

30' - Corner to Polaaskan. Kvist gets a header, but it is cleared away by Linner, finding van Leonardsen who lashes it towards goal.

32' - Brilliant play outside Polaaskan B’s box. van Axelsen rifles a shot in, but it’s well saved by Abrahamsen.

36’ - Yet another good save from Abrahamsen as Heinckel attempts to chip him.

39’ - GOAL! Timo Heinckel grabs his goal! Brilliant pass from van Bommel finds Heinckel who rounds Abrahamsen and slots home into the empty net!

42’ - A chance for Persson well saved by Petersen.

45’ - Two minutes to be added on here. Corner to Polaaskan B cleared away by Arke. Leonardsen is sprinting down the right, with a cross field ball finding Karlstrom but he is tackled by Schmidt.

45+2’ - Half time - Polaaskan 2 - 0 Polaaskan B

46’ - We’re back underway here. Polaaskan’s second half XI is Johansen in goal. Akselsen, Dimitrov, Pallesen and Asker the back for, Mihaylov the captain in the midfield with Laurensen and Pekarik, with Jakobsen, Ael and Blonqvist up front. Polaaskan B is Krupin, Lukansson, Vinter, Thorn, Panonen, Obzakhalov, Schmidt still here due to Sinasson’s injury, Oklanik, Jonsson, Dimitrov and Valdesson.

50’ - Good play from Mihaylov, well saved by Eidur Krupin.

53’ - Chipped downfield by Vinter. Oklanik starts a run downfield but is well tackled by Nikolay Dimitrov who finds Akselsen on the left-hand side. Akselsen plays it down to Frans Laurensen, who find Jakobsen with a brilliant pass but the latter shoots it wide.

55’ - Corner to Polaaskan. Headed away by Thorn though.

57’ - Johan Pekarik has the ball in a dangerous position. He goes for the shot but Eidur Krupin parries it away to his left. Mihaylov chips the ball in and Ael heads for goal but it’s cleared off the line brilliantly by Vladimir Panonen.

60’ - Good run downfield by Panonen, well blocked by Akselsen.

63’ - Stunning play from Mihaylov. The Red Star Slazhnov midfielder twists and turns away from Schmidt and Oklanik, before lobbing it over to Pekarik who volleys it off the crossbar.

65’ - Polaaskan B have a free kick. It’s well taken by Schmidt but well saved by Johansen.

67’ - The ball is squared in by Blonqvist, but Ael sidefoots it over the bar.

70’ - GOAL! It’s Mihaylov! The Red Star attacking midfielder slams the ball home from Heiko Blonqvist’s corner.

71’ - Polaaskan B almost score there. Pallesen concedes a corner, and Jonsson’s header was pawed off the line by Johansen.

74’ - Laurensen makes a run downfield. Good tackle by Lukansson.

75’ - Laurensen has it again. This time, he goes for the shot but it’s well-saved by Krupin.

77’ - Cross in from Mihaylov. Headed away by Thorn. Inge Thorn looks impressive tonight. He’s showing qualities that would have got him in the squad if he had replicated that earlier on.

82’ - Dangerous play on the outside of the box from Pekarik. He crosses the ball in and finds the head of Jakobsen who heads wide.

84’ - GOAL! It’s 4-0! Johan Pekarik gets his much-deserved goal! A blazing shot from an acute angle sees Polaaskan on their way to their first ever win, in their first-ever game!

86’ - Polaaskan have looked sharp tonight. On the other hand, Polaaskan B have not.

89’ - Two minutes to be added on.

90+2 - FULL TIME! Polaaskan 4 - 0 Polaaskan B! Polaaskan’s first ever international ends with a 4-0 rout against Polaaskan B. Job well done!

[Polaaskan]

Polaaskan 4 - 0 Polaaskan B
van Axelsen 25’, Heinckel 39’, Mihaylov 70’, Pekarik 84’

Polaaskan First Half XI - Teemu Petersen; Vasili Semshov, Sol Arke, Christian Hogg (c), Jonathan van Leonardsen; Lukas Karlstrom, Riko van Bommel, Jon van Axelsen, Mikke Leonardsen; Timo Heinckel, Soren Kvist
Polaaskan Second Half XI - Aleks Johansen; Soren Akselsen, Nikolay Dimitrov, Markus Pallesen, Timo Asker; Iiro Mihaylov (c), Frans Laurensen, Johan Pekarik; Willem Jakobsen, Patrik Ael, Heiko Blonqvist

Polaaskan B First Half XI - Aleksei Abrahamsen; Knut Normansson, Amro Bazak, Kristian Nadygelov, Gregori Stefansson; Into Lonek, Yakob Schmidt (c), Carl Linner; Kristoffer Jonasson, Soren Kraandesgaard, Patrik Persson
Polaaskan B Second Half XI - Eidur Krupin; Dimitri Lukansson, Rune Vinter, Inge Thorn, Vladimir Panonen; Matei Obzakhalov, Yakob Schmidt (c), Stefan Oklanik; Arne Jonsson, Jaroslav Dimitrov, Mikkel Valdesson