AOCAF 46: Everything Thread

by **Greater Watford** » Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:37 am

Hornets get revenge on Farfadillis
In a surprise twist to the usual start of a tournament, Greater Watford ran out 2-1 winners against Farfadillis, the top seed in the group, and one of the world’s top teams. After they lost 4-3 in the Round of 16 to Farfadillis, the Hornets were looking to get revenge on La Vherderoja , and they took their opportunity. Such a good early result means the Hornets can carry a lot of confidence into their next game, and hopefully qualify for the knockout stages. Many fans were pleased with the performance, summing it up as “not perfect, but equally very few faults”.

Normally the Hornets would start tentatively, but today this was not the case.Against La Vherderoja, they started the game with venom in their attack, knowing they could get results against big nations, like Turori in the WC 70 qualifiers. Keen to avenge their poor performance at the Cup of Harmony, their first real attack came in the 3rd minute. Harris got the ball from Current’s long pass. Forced out of the centre, Harris dribbled the ball towards the edge of the 18 yard line. He attempted to cut back in, but was forced forward, almost out of play. However, a good piece of skill saw him flick the ball upwards towards the penalty spot, where Tommy Deer came him to rise above the defence, and head the ball down into the back of the net. It was 1-0 to Greater Watford, and they had the initiative.

For Farfadillis, this was a setback, and one they would need to overcome. On 14 minutes, they came close, with a powerful driven shot from 15 yards deflected wide by the outstretched boot of Elmo Dowling. Dowling then became the centre of a hotly debated penalty call a few minutes later, as his block from a long range shot was accused of hitting his upper arm. Replays showed it caught his arm just under the shoulder, but it didn’t look intentional, and the referee only awarded a corner. Farfadillis could’ve scored on 28 minutes, with a striker facing a 1 on 1 with Hannon. The shot wasn’t placed well, and Hannon reached it without needing to stretch himself.

Farfadillis had the majority of chances, but in the 43rd minute, the Hornets doubled their lead. This time, it was Mannetti who took on 2 defenders, beating them both, before he was 1 on 1 with the keeper. His fierce shot beat the keeper, and struck the post. The ball bounced out, and Ignacio Peréz came in and volleyed it quickly, leaving the keeper no chance. It was 2-0, and at the break few saw that coming, and Greater Watford were full of confidence.

They say a 2 goal lead is the hardest to defend, but Greater Watford seemed to take it in their stride. For around 20 minutes, Farfadillis struggled to create clear cut chances, with Deer cutting out the supply from the centre, and Current putting in some well-timed tackles. On 66 minutes, Gregor was caught out on the wing, and allowed his man to get past him and cut inside the box. Fortunately for Gregor, the shot was weak and wide. De Rosso took this opportunity to sub off Gregor, and bring on Keven Sproull.

Greater Watford came close to getting a 3rd with around 15 minutes to go. From a corner, Deer headed the ball, and the keeper got a hand to it, to parry it away. It landed by Aaron Smith, who took a stab at a shot, but it was blocked and hoofed away. Smith was then substituted, and Peter Tilder brought on, to try and run out the game.

Farfadillis would score in the 83rd minute. Dowling looked to be successfully holding off the striker, and nudged the ball away. However, the ball was picked up by another Farfadillis player, who took the option to shoot from 25 yards. The shot was well placed, and beat Hannon, who could only watch it go into the net. 2-1, and a nervy finish would ensure, with Farfadillis not giving up on getting an equaliser.

The game finished 2-1, an upset for Farfadillis, and a result Greater Watford will be very proud of. With 24 teams competing for 16 knockout places, the Hornets are already on course to make it to the last 16. Playing New Drakonika next, whom the Hornets drew 1-1 with in AOCAF 46, they will look to take a win against the bottom seeds, a result that would almost certainly carry them into the Round of 16.

by **Osarius** » Thu Jan 29, 2015 1:23 pm

"Tactically speaking, last night's result shouldn't have really surprised anyone. The weakest defensive areas in a 3-5-2 are always the fullback zones, we generally have good wingers with a lot of pace in wide areas. It's easy for us to get the ball in behind and create chances." Lewis said. "Of course, it's not that simple, and there's a lot more at play... but I can't imagine anyone is shocked by the result."

"Jermain, don't you think that's a little dismissive of the New Cl-" A reporter started and was cut off before he could finish the question.

"No, I already said it's not that simple. I thought we'd have some trouble pace-wise, but the two young guys from Trothwands did brilliantly. I'm happy with the performance, and I think in a different system, New Cloudsdale cause us a bit more trouble. They changed a bit at half time and the second half was nowhere near as one-sided."

"Would you say this result is indicative of your team's ability, and a statement that you intend to retain the cup?" Another reporter. Lewis noted the question was carefully worded.

"Not really." He paused for effect. "I think they can still do better. Our main advantage last night was that Efrain [Suarez] is brilliant at closing the gap and stopping chances before they happen. He's got great timing, so we could press even higher up the pitch than normal, letting us overload the flanks."

"So you're suggesting the main difference last night was in the tactics?" Lewis chuckled to himself at that one. 'You'd think after forty-odd years of interviewing me, they'd know I won't get caught out by simple attempts like that.' He thought.

"I'm not sure what you're getting at here. Are you suggesting that the two teams are more-or-less equal?" Lewis replied, just enough change in his tone to suggest...

"No, of course not, I'm just wondering..." The reporter trailed off. Lewis glanced to his left, flashed a grin at Georgina Carsley, his assistant. She shook her head, smiling.

"Jerk." She muttered under her breath.

"Jermain!" Another reporter called out. "How confident are you in your team's ability to repeat? It's going to be tough with Vilita and Turori looking strong as always, for example. Can your players handle the pressure of being the favourites?"

'Good question' Jermain thought. "But we're not the favourites."

"You're up there."

"Ah, but there is a difference between number one and number two. I believe we're..." He paused to check with Georgina. "Third, aren't we?"

"Most have you listed as a likely finalist, though."

"Good to know. It's nice to think that way, but even after winning the first game comfortably, we could go out in the groups. Last time around, nobody called us favourites, certainly not after the loss in the opener, so I'm hesitant to put any stock in media reports or bookies' odds at such an early stage."

The press conference dragged on. They often did. The same, cliche questions get asked, almost as if reading from a script. Jermain moved abruptly, as if startled, and pulled his phone out of his back pocket. "Sorry, so unprofessional." He muttered to the gathered reporters, frowning as he looked at the blank screen. 'Few hand motions, sell it Jermain...' He thought to himself.

Georgina knew this play. 'Jackass is gonna bail again.' She cocked an eyebrow as he looked over to her, pretending to fumble with his words as he stood. "Something's come up, Georgie do you mind?" Without waiting for an answer, he turned to the reporters and made an apology before escaping through the door at the back of the room.

'That should liven things up for the next one.' He thought, striding out of the suite.

* * * * *

Lucio Lazzarani added some clout to his chances of perhaps replacing the not-quite-in-decline-yet Toby Drummond with a stellar performance against New Cloudsdale last night. The Heigellion playmaker drifted around in front of the Flying Stars' back three, wreaking havoc with shape before releasing Monroe or Samuels on the wings. Jerome Monroe's inclusion came as a bit of a shock, given Paolita Bruno's presence in the squad, and assistant manager Carsley was quick to quash rumours that the Hollow Cliffs winger was less than 100% fit -- though eyebrows were raised at her absence from the bench. In her absence, however, the two Trothwands wingers combined to devastating effect, repeatedly exploiting the gaps in the wider areas of the final third, creating chance after chance for Puntoriero and Lazzarani in the middle.

Puntoriero opened scoring on thirteen minutes, exhibiting superb reflexes and speed to nip ahead of everyone and touch Monroe's low cross in at the near post. The Firewood striker looked like the player that convinced Reiss Ryerson to spend seven figures to bring him to the nation's most successful club a couple of years ago, as he constantly made a nuisance of himself. Criticisms of the young forward in the World Cup centred on his sometimes inefficient movement in the final third, when compared to Ezio Grassi. It seems safe to assume that the younger man has been watching some game tapes. A darting run into the left channel should have resulted in a second goal just minutes after the opener, but Samuels' delivery was too high. This was a trend that would continue throughout the game, with Lazzarani pulling the strings in the middle, picking the correct pass for either winger.

Lazzarani doubled the advantage on twenty-two minutes with a brilliant half-volley just inside the box. Puntoriero's movement was crucial again, dragging his marker out of position toward the near post. Mancini's late run caught the middle man in two minds, leaving Lazzarani with the time and space required to adjust himself and pick a spot to place Samuels' chipped ball. The game was effectively over as a competition by thirty-seven minutes, when Puntoriero beat his marker with a clever spin to receive a simple through pass from the left into the channel. Opening his body to fake the right foot shot, he swept it left and tapped in for 3-0.

The second half would be much tighter, with the Flying Stars working harder to keep Samuels and Monroe from putting crosses into the box for a lurking Puntoriero, hungry for another international hat-trick. For much of the second half, the New Cloudsdale formation resembled a 5-3-2, with the aggressive wide play of the Firebirds pinning their wingback inside their own half a lot of the time.

This is not to say there weren't scares, though. From time to time Alexander Scott or India Turner would be a little too eager in their press, giving opportunity. Efrain Suarez made several clean up runs off his line, clearing the danger -- on two occasions making risky tackles, much to the frustration of Lewis; the less said about Carsley's reactions the better -- to bail out a defensive line that appeared to be taking it a little too easy at times. On a different day, with slightly better weighted through passing, the game may have turned into a shootout. But it was not to be for the underdogs this time.

by **Nellietopia** » Thu Jan 29, 2015 5:33 pm

"THIS IS INEXCUSABLE!"

The state of the room was barely recognizable from not more than five minutes ago. The table had managed to find itself on the ceiling (although that was the least unusual condition). The chairs had evacuated the room completely. On top of things, the Duck was surprised that he hadn't caused any of the mayhem or chaos. The Supreme Leader of the Nellies was frantically irate upon learning that not only had Nellietopia's status as a competitor at the AOCAF, but that Achtklan had instead represented them in their stead instead and lost to Starblaydia.

"Where is that cat?" the Supreme Leader yelled in an inaudible roar. The Duck pulled out a big red button and pressed it instantly. A big hole appeared in the floor of the room, and slowly Curiosity crawled up and out into the room.

"You called?" she asked.

"We're going to do whatever it was that you said was the best idea."

"I still think invading AOCAF would be a better option," Duck said.

"No. We're doing the cat thing."

"It's only just right that you come to me," Curiosity said. "I've just put the finishing touches on my ARC. The only thing that needs to be done is to connect this baby to a powerful power supply. I'm conservatively estimating that I will need at least 3 hours of 901 milliamp current over a 489 millivolt connection."

"That's it?"

"Yep," Curiosity said, pulling out an easel board from her lab coat. "Then we'll have enough power to start up the random generator. I haven't clue how much power it will take to actually get the ARC running though. That'll be somewhat... challenging to calculate, at least without the random generator running."

"Really?"

"Yep. Although if my conservative estimate is wrong, then something cataclysmic might happen instead."

"What kind of cataclysmic thing might happen?"

The Achtklan football stepped out of the lockers, face to face with 11 men in mauve. They were a bit awed. "Wait, since when does Starblaydia compete in the Copa Rushmori?" As they walked out onto the pitch, cheered by thousands of fans, they smiled and waved for the cameras. It was a great sight, and by all accounts, holding the purple menace to a single goal was a fantastic result. The manager looked at the boys in the aftermath. "You know," he said, "we did done good. But I think we might be in the wrong country. In fact, I think we might in the wrong region..."

by **Blouman Empire** » Thu Jan 29, 2015 6:45 pm

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Armedio Bags First Goal

Jason Armedio scored his first international goal last night in the Eagles opening match of the AOCAF. Patistan gave the Eagles a few scares throughout the game but the Eagles managing to win the lively match 2-0. Before the match Blouman manager Logan October has emphasised his determination to ensure his outfit put in a solid performance throughout the tournament emphasising the need to improve their international experience before the World Cup qualifiers start next year.

Kane Harrison and Blaine Cooperson worked well together at the start and managed to find an open channel amongst the Patistani defenders and Cooperson looked certain to score but his poor aim saw the ball fly past the wrong side of the keeper. It wasn't long before they again executed a textbook 1-2 but Harrison’s shot was blocked by a defender. In the 15th minute thanks to a corner, Dylan Hall’s kick found the head of Armedio giving his side the lead and his first international goal. Patistan continue. Patistan began to fight back while the Eagles struggled to get any more meaningful possession for the rest of the half. The Patistan forward made a strong run into the penalty area but his effort was stopped by Milton Tuneson, a low cross almost leveled the score when the forward slipped the ball past Tuneson but it bounced off the post with Hamish Alpin clearing it from the box. Despite Patistan having the majority of possession it was the Eagles leading at the break.

The Eagles played better football in the second half as they began to found themselves in a rhythm again putting the Patistani defenders on the back foot. A solid build up allowed Steven Mallard to slip through the right and set up Harrison who fired over the bar 12 yards out. Kane Ancap came close as he turned his defender and took a shot from 25 yards out forcing the Patastani keeping out to full stretch just managing to turn the ball around the post. It wasn't all one sided as both sides found ways to get themselves in front of goal, a mistake from Alpin gave a player a chance to score but his lob was knocked away by Tuneson. A low cross from the left gave the Patastani forward a chance but he snatched at the ball sending it high over the bar. Patistan kept pressing but the Eagles made the game safe in the 85th minute when Cooperson robbed a defender just outside the box and placed it into the bottom right corner.

Armedio was ecstatic after the match and the goal scorer was quick to thank his manager for giving him the chance to play along with promising the fans that there was plenty more goals to come. October congratulated his team on gaining a valuable three points but was quick to warn the team that the tournament has only just started “It’s always good to get a win on the opening but we have plenty of tough opponents yet to face so tonight’s celebration will be minimal. We must focus on our next match”. The Eagles will next face three time AOCAF Cup champions Audioslavia who are also entering the game with a win after easily dispatching The Hakifao Isles 2-0. Pundits are expecting an easy Audioslavia win, however, Blouman captain Hamish Alpin has warned the Audio team and commentators not to underestimate his side.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Thu Jan 29, 2015 7:52 pm

Here it comes, the second cutoff for the AOCAF XLVI! Who will manage to qualify this time around, or get themselves a boot little bit early?

MD2 Results

Group A
Valanora 2-2 Cosumar
Mangolana 1-1 Naitpyge

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                 2    0   2   0     4    4    0     2
2 Mangolana               2    0   2   0     3    3    0     2
3 Valanora                2    0   2   0     2    2    0     2
4 Naitpyge                2    0   2   0     1    1    0     2

Group B
Legalese 4-1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Ko-oren 2-0 Semarland

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Legalese                   2    1   1   0     4    1   +3     4
2 Ko-oren                    2    1   1   0     2    0   +2     4
3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec    2    1   0   1     5    6   −1     3
4 Semarland                  2    0   0   2     2    6   −4     0

Group C
Osarius 3-0 The Calanian Union
New Cloudsdale 0-1 Mendoya

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Osarius                 2    2   0   0     6    0   +6     6
2 Mendoya                 2    2   0   0     2    0   +2     6
3 New Cloudsdale          2    0   0   2     0    4   −4     0
  The Calanian Union      2    0   0   2     0    4   −4     0

Group D
Audioslavia 3-2 Blouman Empire
The Hakifao Isles 2-0 Patistan

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Audioslavia             2    2   0   0     5    2   +3     6
2 Blouman Empire          2    1   0   1     4    3   +1     3
3 The Hakifao Isles       2    1   0   1     2    2    0     3
4 Patistan                2    0   0   2     0    4   −4     0

Group E
Vilita & Turori 1-1 Starblaydia
Ratastan 3-2 Achklan

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Ratastan                2    2   0   0     5    3   +2     6
2 Starblaydia             2    1   1   0     2    1   +1     4
3 Vilita & Turori         2    0   1   1     2    3   −1     1
4 Achtklan                2    0   0   2     2    4   −2     0

Group F
Farfadillis 1–2 95X
Greater Watford 0–0 New Drakonika

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 95X                     2    2   0   0     3    1   +2     6
2 Greater Watford         2    1   1   0     2    1   +1     4
3 New Drakonika           2    0   1   1     0    1   −1     1
4 Farfadillis             2    0   0   2     2    4   −2     0

Your Sponsor for the AOCAF 46 (2):

by **Nellietopia** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 2:46 am

"It's ready!" Hours of waiting, charging, priming, licking, and random whatnot gerund actions later, Curiosity rose from her seat and carefully approached the Anti-Random Chamber. The Nellies all carefully watched from behind their barricades, uncertain of what random horrors that they had just willingly unleashed. The Duck stood on guard, waiting for an opportunity to use one of his big red buttons. The Anti-Random Chamber was itself an unspectacular thing - a hulking mass of metal, encased in some mixed use of smeared contact cement, duct tape, and cyanoarcylic glue. It seemed more abstract art than doomsday device.

"So what happens next?" the Supreme Leader asked.

"According to my calculations, I will step into another, potentially confusing realm, where randomness is no longer a significant factor." Curiosity started to put on a pair of goggles, which was totally confusing since she was already wearing a pair. She donned some gloves and coated the tips of her whiskers in some thick pasty goo. "According to my calculations, this will be... incredibly... boring..."

She opened the door. "If I don't come back, tell my brother he's weird."

She stepped into the void...

by **Greater Watford** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 2:58 am

Dull Draw for Hornets
Greater Watford’s anticipated matchup against New Drakonika turned into one of the dullest games of the tournament, with no goals, and no real exciting points to discuss. However, it does mean that the Hornets are almost certain to qualify for the knockout stages, even as a best 3rd placed team if they lose to 95X.

There was a sense of victory in the fair, as Greater Watford had seen of Farfadillis in their previous encounter. From the kick-off, Greater Watford were playing an attacking style, and got their first chance on 4 minutes. Samuel Harris shot from the edge of the box, but the ball curled away from the goal, and wide of the post.

New Drakonika responded with a good set-piece routine, that required Kendrick Hannon to dive full stretch to parry the shot away. The rebound fortunately fell to Elmo Dowling, who hoofed it clear. That set the tone for the opening 30 minutes, attacks going wide or hoofed away.

For the rest of the half, Greater Watford probed and poked the defence, but found limited space. They were restricted and had to shoot from range, and many of these shots were blazed wide. At the other end, New Drakonika struggled to get the ball out of the midfield, and when their strikers did receive the ball, Dowling and Shields closed them down effectively and efficiently. At half time it was 0-0.

For the second half, both managers didn’t seem keen to make any changes. De Rosso blinked first, and Aaron Smith made way for Shirley Ortiz. Ortiz proved to add some pace to the midfield, and was useful in getting the ball forward. However, Mannetti was having a rare off-day, and squandered a good chance in the 57 minute, when his shot skewed wide of the mark.

The best chance probably came in the 66th minute, when Ignacio Peréz was played in my Mannetti. In his attempts to round the keeper, he appeared to slip, and was unable to guide the ball anywhere but out of play, into the side netting. His weak attempts at a penalty appeal didn’t convince anyone. He would eventually make way for Freddy Lincoln, with Lorenzo Lanzo still waiting to make his debut.

Many would hope the game would enter a grandstand finish, but that was far from the case. New Drakonika seemed to hold back, waiting for a counter attacking opportunity. In response, Hobert Capp replaced Tommy Deer, making this threat even weaker. Harris made another desperate attempt to score from long range in the 88th minute, but his shot flew over the crossbar, and landed in the crowd. In the end it finished 0-0, and many fans looked bored by the end of the game, a lack of enthusiasm was apparent in the stadium.

95X are the Hornets next oppoenets, with 2 wins out of 2 in the group. A win will see Greater Watford win Group F. A draw will guarantee the Hornets finish 2nd, and a loss will mean that the Hornets will drop to 3rd if New Drakonika beat Farfadillis by 2 goals, or a 1 goal win with them scoring at least 2 goals.

by **Ratastan** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 8:38 am

Ratastan (RAT) national football team

Brought to you by Neftegorsk Supplies, bringing you gas since 1830.

OOC: All the players in this team, and his manager staff are human size Rats/Mice.

About RAT National Team

After the disaster in the WC 68 Qualifiers of just 9 goals in favor, Ratastan comes with optimism to their second AOCAF, they have nothing about history and want to give their best in this tournament who's one of the most prestigious in all the world, the rats want success or at least score a goal in this tournament, the mission seems difficult but not impossible, specially with his lethal Bubonic Plague disease, they can bite a player they want and cause illness in him, if your player didin't receive assistance, he can die in just 6-8 hours, so beware. With that reason,the rats use a protection in their mouth to avoid a bite, they want to display a fast game, specially with headers and counterattacks.

All-time record: 0-0-15

Roster

Tactical system: 4-5-1 (Defensive)

Starting Lineup:                                    Team
GK: Traian Romanescu (24 years)             Spartak Dolinsk (YSG)
DF: Maksim Grigoriev (26 years)           Nadezhda Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (SJG)              
DF: Petru Moldoveanu  (26 years)         FK Kurilsk (YSG)
DF: Ruslan Mahastaha (24 years)           Nadezhda Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (SJG) 
DF: Artemya Fahadas  (31 years)          Dinamo Uglegorsk (YSG)
MF: Shusana Naisdala (24 years)         Mysh Nevelsk (YSG)
MF: Vladimir Novikov (18 years)          Aniva Albion (YSG)
MF: Andrei Ramírez  (26 years)       Okha Anti-Fasistas (YSG)
MF: Gheorghe Kozlov (30 years)           Alianza F.C. (SJG)
MF: Leonid Marhatats  (25 years)   Ultra Blanca FC (AAL) 
FW: Eruuskas Pohjalainen (32 years)      Shakhtar Shakhtyorsk (YSG)

BENCH 
GK: Konstantin Popov (24 years)          C.D. Real Destroyer (SJG)
DF: Ilya Asmatov(26 years)            Júbilo Toyohara (YSG)
DF: Ilya Leonov (31 years)                   Lokomotiv Chernomorets (YSG)
DF: RIgor Syails (21 years)                 FK Karafuto          (YSG)
DF: Maijhsaa Kurytalraa   (30 years)            Sikhote-Alin Dolphins (YSG)
MF: Ishaala Kuusama(32 years)        Nadezhda Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (SJG)
MF: Artyom Kokorin (28 years)             Energia Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (YSG)

Coach Staff

Head coach: Euganii Koaksa
Assistant coach: Lahjana Hayast
Goalkepping coach: La Peste
Coach: Svyatoslav Gaaga
Trainer: Shelala Kuaiska

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (Everything except Career-Ending injuries)
Godmod injuries to my players Y (Don't kill them please)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y (no more than 3 as total)
Hand out red cards to my players Y (Send me a TG for autorization)
Godmod other events Y (Please be creative and jocular but don't kill them).

by **Vilita and Turori** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:01 am

Eel-Cats Punished by Purple Peril

Vilita & Turori on Brink of Elimination after 1-1 draw

	Starblaydia
:: Goalscorers :: :: 8' Purapal Eskiiy	:: Goalscorers :: :: 88' Starblaydia Midfielder
:: Best Player: Teliima Loinara :: Worst Player: Kiliko Riazen :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 6	:: Best Player: Starblaydia Midfielder :: Worst Player: Starblaydia Forward :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 5

Vilita & Turori Eel Cat Things ::
[GK] Kalek Intafel, [D.] Tarek Edgeli, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [D.] Mikki Mayelli, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [ML] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MC] Timi'sala Koarena, [MR] Teliima Loinara, [FC] Inamari Altariiz, [FC] Kiliko Riazen
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Vliela Lianksa, [M] Nubara Moafalia, [U] Amosiik Montaane, [D] Majid Jedidi, [GK] G.Q Disterfred II

Vilita Substitutions::

None

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:10 pm

And now is the time to either move on, or say goodbye to another edition of AOCAF. MD3 Cutoff.

Group A
Valanora 3–1 Mangolana
Cosumar 1–1 Naitpyge

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Valanora                3    1   2   0     5    3   +2     5
2 Cosumar                 3    0   3   0     5    5    0     3
3 Naitpyge                3    0   3   0     2    2    0     3
4 Mangolana               3    0   2   1     4    6   −2     2

Group B
Ko-oren 1–0 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Semarland 2–1 Legalese

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Ko-oren                    3    2   1   0     3    0   +3     7
2 Legalese                   3    1   1   1     5    3   +2     4
3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec    3    1   0   2     5    7   −2     3
4 Semarland                  3    1   0   2     4    7   −3     3

Group C
Osarius 1–0 Mendoya
The Calanian Union 1–0 New Cloudsdale

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Osarius                 3    3   0   0     7    0   +7     9
2 Mendoya                 3    2   0   1     2    1   +1     6
3 The Calanian Union      3    1   0   2     1    4   −3     3
4 New Cloudsdale          3    0   0   3     0    5   −5     0

Group D
Audioslavia 1–1 Patistan
Blouman Empire 2–0 The Hakifao Isles

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Audioslavia             3    2   1   0     6    3   +3     7
2 Blouman Empire          3    2   0   1     6    3   +3     6
3 The Hakifao Isles       3    1   0   2     2    4   −2     3
4 Patistan                3    0   1   2     1    5   −4     1

Group E
Vilita & Turori 1–2 Nellietopia
Starblaydia 0–1 Ratastan

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Ratastan                3    3   0   0     6    3   +3     9
2 Starblaydia             3    1   1   1     2    2    0     4
3 Nellietopia             3    1   0   2     4    5   −1     3
4 Vilita & Turori         3    0   1   2     3    5   −2     1

Group F
Farfadillis 0–0 New Drakonika
95X 3–1 Greater Watford

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 95X                     3    3   0   0     6    2   +4     9
2 Greater Watford         3    1   1   1     3    4   −1     4
3 New Drakonika           3    0   2   1     0    1   −1     2
4 Farfadillis             3    0   1   2     2    4   −2     1

by **Mendoya** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:02 pm

(OOC: So sorry I didn't do this earlier. RL hasn't given me any time for NS, rehash of WC 70's roster post.)

[Logo To Come Sooner Or Later]

The Mendoyan Football Federation Prsents...

The Mendoyan National Football Team

Introduction-

After the Felixian invasion, Mendoya switched control from the Nationalist sympathizing government to a new one that was loyal to democratic Felix. Many Mendoyans, sill brainwashed by old Nationalist propaganda, were outraged by the change of government. So Mendoyans began to actively resist Felixian rule. Some joined the local militias to undermine the new colonial government and other decided to do that by playing football for the national team. These players come from all walks of life from Mendoyan sailors in the Felixian Navy to a simple carpenters or chefs. The Mendoyan national team is a great example of a people's team devoid of professionalism. The team is coached by former Unión Española assistant manager, Mario Gomez. He has experience coaching in the youth academy of Dusseldorf F.C and of course, being assistant manager at Unión Española. He has no relation to Mendoya other than the fact he was offered a chance to coach there. With that over and done with, here is the official roster of the Mendoyan National Football Team.

GK (2)-
Fabio Santillian {Age: 28} (Professional Chef)*
Carolina Mendez {Age: 21} (College Student)

DEF (8)-
Mercedes Machado {Age: 30} (Model)*
Emilio Paredes {Age: 25} (Unemployed)*
Mina Sanchez {Age: 23} (Sailor)*
Jessica Márquez {Age: 20} (College Student)*
Lucio Martinez {Age: 48} (Professor)
Javier Araya {Age: 19} (Waiter)
Camila Álvarez {Age: 25} (Sailor)
Miguel Arriola {Age: 23} (Hair Dresser)

MID (10)-
Arturo Palomo {Age: 27} (Policeman)*
Pedro Lopez {Age: 22} (Soldier)*
Alexis Vázquez {Age: 24} (Policewoman)*
Hernan Bengochea {Age: 29} (Professional Gamer)*
Nacho Bengochea {Age: 25} (Doctor)*
Camilo Avana {Age: 32} (Garbage Collector)
Fito Gonzalez {Age: 25} (Sailor)
Christian Robles {Age: 19} (College Student)
Alicia Herrero {Age: 35} (Maid)
Lorena Espinoza {Age: 23} (Drug Dealer)

ATK (2)-
Vicente Esparza {Age: 26} (Stockbroker)*
Iván Moreno {Age: 21} (Carpenter)

Manager-
Mario Gomez {Age: 44}

)

*= Automatic placing
**= Fought position

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Style: -3

Home Stadium: Freedom Court Lane, Cordoba, Mendoya (Capacity: 5,000)

Kit: 1st Kit (Color of Flag), 2nd Kit (White), 3rd Kit (Color of Corvidae Symbol)
---

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Y (TG me first)
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (TG me first)
Godmod injuries to my players Y (TG me first)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y (3 player limit)
Hand out red cards to my players Y (1 player limit)
Godmod other events Just TG me

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:51 pm

Due to the weird nature in how there were only 24 teams, 4 third-placers also made it to the Round of Sixteen. As a result, the seedings and matchups for this AOCAF will be done in seedings, off their Round Robin record and tiebreakers.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Osarius                 3    3   0   0     7    0   +7     9
2 95X                     3    3   0   0     6    2   +4     9
3 Ratastan                3    3   0   0     6    3   +3     9
4 Audioslavia             3    2   1   0     6    3   +3     7
5 Ko-oren                  3    2   1   0     3    0   +3     7
6 Blouman Empire           3    2   0   1     6    3   +3     6
7 Mendoya                  3    2   0   1     2    1   +1     6
8 Valanora                 3    1   2   0     5    3   +2     5
9 Legalese                 3    1   1   1     5    3   +2     4
10 Starblaydia             3    1   1   1     2    2    0     4
11 Greater Watford         3    1   1   1     3    4   −1     4
12 Cosumar                 3    0   3   0     5    5    0     3
13 Naitpyge                3    0   3   0     2    2    0     3
14 Nellietopia             3    1   0   2     4    5   −1     3
15 Royal Kingdom of Quebec 3    1   0   2     5    7   −2     3
16 The Hakifao Isles       3    1   0   2     2    4   −2     3

Round of Sixteen Fixtures
#1 Osarius vs. #16 The Hakifao Isles @ Pavel Wilson Stadium, Kingston
#2 95X vs. #15 Royal Kingdom of Quebec @ CSKA Stadium, Quebec City
#3 Ratastan vs. #14 Nellietopia @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit
#4 Audioslavia vs. #13 Naitpyge @ Stade Olympia, Montreal
#5 Ko-oren vs. #12 Cosumar @ City of Attawapiskat Stadium, Attawapiskat
#6 Blouman Empire vs. #11 Greater Watford @ Imperial Copper Stadium, Rouyn-Noranda
#7 Mendoya vs. #10 Starblaydia @ Imperial Copper Stadium, Rouyn-Noranda
#8 Valanora vs. #9 Legalese @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit

by **Nellietopia** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 9:31 am

Curiosity stepped out of the ARC. Everything was in its place, as though nothing had happened. The Duck frowned as he put away the big red button. The nellies themselves crawled from behind their shabby barricades and surrounded the cat genius. "So what was it like?"

"Incredibly boring. In my opinion, randomness is completely over-rated."

"Well..."

Nellietopia Express Post Journal of Current Events Translated by Freaky Dudes

WIN AGAINST VILITA AND SOME ONIONS SETS UP REMATCH AGAINST RATASTAN
IQALUIT - Although you'd never suspect it, Nellietopia gets another chance to play against Ratastan. Following that calamitous campaign last time around in Ratastan, where some clerical error registered the official Nellietopian national team mascot as the entire Nellietopian football team, some new form of clerical error seems to have put Nellietopia into the knockout against group stage opponents, even though it's hard for the average person even to remember that Nellietopia ever even played Ratastan. Indeed, until the match against Vilita - which was play out to some special fanfare, evidently - watching the tape reels from Starblaydia and Ratastan shows completely nondescript humans playing in the role of Nellietopians, and making a downright mockery of Nellietopia.

Whatever errors there were that precipitated the confusion and weird memories, they seemed to have fixed themselves come the match against Vilita. With due respect to the Vilitans, they seemed completely out of depth, completely overrun with nellies. Maybe it was the issue of playing against eight-legged creatures. Maybe it was the fear of getting bitten. Maybe it was a bad case of gastroenteritis, which of course had nothing to do with the fact that someone might have put a bunch of stinging nellie hairs in the team stew (which no one ate anyway, so it couldn't have been the stew, dammit). Who knows? Whatever the case of their debilitating timidity, they fell quickly and quietly to stunning attacks throughout the whole match. It was indeed the heroics of the goalkeeper Intafel - apparently given the top spot ahead of the more experienced (but settling on some troubles) Disterfred - who kept the game minimally respectable. Of the eleven clear-cut chances throughout the match, Intafel managed to save all but two, which were scored both just before and just after the half-time interval. With Vilita and Turori down 2-nil late in the match, and needing to win the match to reach the next stage, the netminder joined one of the last ditch attacks late and contributed the one consolation goal off a well-timed, well-placed free kick into the area. It isn't too often that you find a goalkeeper who saves goals and scores them, but such is the way of the incredibly lucky and improbably random. But be glad - at least it didn't rain sheep.

However, the late goal was too late, and one wonders what might have been if Intafel was encouraged to go forward more often. As it stands, the Nellies will go on to face Ratastan again (but not again) in the elimination stage. One hopes that a bunch of nellies will leave their mark against a bunch of human-sized rat things...

by **Legalese** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:33 pm

About Legalese

Legalese is a gargantuan, cultured nation in the hallowed Northeast of Atlantian Oceania. It consists of two landmasses - the continential mainland and the adjoining Karin Islands - and is located on the eastern side of the Calanian continent, between Lake Bekk on the west, Audioslavia to the east, Starblaydia to the north, and New West Guiana to the south. While the three centuries of Legalite history have more downs than ups, recent history has been quite good to the hosts of the World Cup 68 Final; however, that luck has not translated to the AOCAF, where a best-ever finish of third remains, having happened some 140 years prior. The quarterfinalists from World Cup 70 are back, but can their perfomance reach new bounds?

Full Nation Name: The People and Government of Legalese
Short/Common Use Name: Legalese
Three-Letter Designation: LGL
Denonym: Legalite
Governing Body/Representatives to the AOCAF (the body, not the cup): The Federation of Assocation Football, simply referred to as The Federation

The Team
Order is shirt number, name, age, and club team. Players playing outside the LigAnaia or the Leaguealese noted with the league of the club

Keepers
1 Evan Swales (34) Tyrellia Titans
24 Morrissey Beaudine (27) Comunas Cougars
25 Ivan Tuskor (18) International of Tyrellia

Defenders
2 Eudav Kaszinski (29) Bekknia FC
3 Gnaeus Shoobridge (26) Comunas Cougars
4 Gruffudd Masters (26) Comunas Cougars
5 Jeff Donaldson (29) Turoki Tide (V-League)
16 Kellen Grubbs (26) Comunas Cougars
19 Aulus Blem (31) LC Capitals
20 Shanahan Glowinski (33) LC Capitals

Midfielders
6 Cade Zorich (29) Bob’s Towing
7 Cyrus Damhan (34) 1830 Cathair
8 Slade Brahm (34) Draig Goch
10 Chance Cloman (27) Bob’s Towing
14 Diego Gazitano (22) Tyrellia Titans
15 Brayden Champy (22) Bobs Towing
16 Damien Ester (22) Coastal United
17 Aiden Dawes (31) Stratton FC

Forwards
9 Xavier Boyle (35) Jlinal Cove (V-League)
11 Quintus Oxboro (25) Tyrellia Titans
13 Jake Detzler (26) Comunas Cougars
12 Doane Tuskor (18) International of Tyrellia

The Staff
Manager: Ben Gammal. Gamma, in his mid-to-late thirties, seemed both a sensible yet surprising choice to replace the outgoing Stan Thate as the next manager. While young and low on experience, Gammal's CV is already fairly strong. A former club player in Comunas, he was tapped to lead the side as they joined the Legalese National Championship system some six years ago. In that time, he has led the Cougars to two National Championships, two national cup victories, and a record of overperformance with a side often underestimated. His record as manager during the AOCAF is mixed, however, with the shock loss to 95X in the Round of 16 still resonating, despite the acceptable finish in the World Cup following it.

Head Coach: Liam Todd. Todd, celebrating his fourth decade, has followed a path similar to his former boss - a decade of International play, followed by transitioning into a player-coach role, before retiring from play entirely to take a full-time coaching role. The former defender epitomizes the attacking style of the NT, having scored a dozen goals to go with the countless number he helped prevent.

The Eleven
While Legalite football definitely has a set of “go-to” players, one should hesitate to list the full lineup. Gammal’s selection philosophies tend to be consistent, unless he chooses to change them, leaving everyone on their toes until the lineups are posted before the match.
That said, The Legalese City Docket, the nation's newspaper of record, loves to speculate on the possiblities, has noted that having a shirt number of 11 or lower means that you are the main choice in most qualifying matches, and nearly all group stage/knockout rounds, unless the points on the line are less crucial. This is the AOCAF, however, and youth will occasionally jump up in line where needed.

Legalite football is attacking/possessive in its style; to this end, they will play with a +4 modifier. While formations are largely pointless in Gammal's eyes, a compliment of four defenders, four midfielders, two forwards, and a keeper is common.

The Kits
The Legalites will again wear the kits provided by Kirola of Audioslavia. The most recent edition of the shirts debuted for the World Cup 68 Finals:

RP Permissions:

Should my opponent RP first, I grant them permission to utilize my team in any and all ways that they also permit in their own RP permissions, short of death and/or obviously serious injury to my players. That is, consider your RP permissions to be my RP permissions for the purposes of RPing a match between us, with the only exception listed above. Should you have an intense desire to cause serious harm to one of my players, feel free to either seek help with the nearest professional who deals in such matters, or shoot me a TG/message me on IRC if I'm around #nssport to propose ideas.

Additonally, this also means that should one not post a Roster or RP Permissions, one is not permitted to do a damn thing.

by **Mendoya** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 9:37 pm

Sometime In The Future

"Ok, Nicolás Salonen, you ready to do some filming?"

"Yes."

"Remember this is a documentary about your late brother Maximiliano and how he contributed to Mendoyan independence. If the interviewer asks a question you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to answer it."

"Yes."

The director pauses slightly taken aback by Nicolás simple answers, "Alright... Well, Mr. Fox. You may start asking questions."

"Hello Nicolás, I'm Phillip Fox and as you know, I am the interviewer for this part of the documentary, so let's start off with something basic, your childhood. You two are composers correct? How did you two get into music?"

"Well it began back when we lived in..."

Salonen Residence, Santander, Felix

"Ok, Nicolás, you ready to learn some music with your brother?" Nicolás nodded and Maximiliano ran in asking what was going on. The mother smiled and said, "You two are going to learn music, before we..." she looked around as if making sure no one heard what she was about to say even though she was in her own home, "Before we move to Mendoya." Maximiliano excitingly nodded while jumping. At age three he didn't understand why his mother looked scared to say where they're moving but he was excited to learn music. Nicolás on the other hand, sort of knew what was going on, after all, he was 5 years old and overheard his parents discuss about this move. But like his younger brother he was excited to learn music. And these two Salonen brothers were learning the best, their mother, Anna Sofia Salonen was a classically trained pianist and violinist. She played in the Felixian National Orchestra, one of the best in Felix and the region itself.

The father of the two Salonen brothers was a member of the military and when the coup happened he remained loyal to the government despite his hesitations against the new regime. Because of his loyalty, Sebastián Salonen was promoted to be one of the leading officers for the new and secret colony of Mendoya. With that, he would obviously be transferred out of Santander and he and his young family would be sent out to Córdoba. While he was getting ready in the military base just outside of Santander, his wife of 6 years was suppose to ready the kids for the trip. The kids were ready for a while now and for the next 3 weeks before they moved to Mendoya, the mother did all she could to teach her boys classical music. Amazingly enough Maximiliano learned all the basics of music theory and piano before they left. The kid clearly had a talent for music. Nicolás, learnt just as quickly but began to lag behind his amazingly talented younger brother.

"Wow," began Phillip Fox, "So Max learnt music theory in a matter of weeks?"

Nicolás nodded, "Yes, he was a talented kid."

"So the move... How did that work out?"

"I don't remember that much, I just know it was really hectic, I think we had a window of time to leave or something. We had to travel to..."

Santander International Airport, Santander, Felix

The Salonen family was in a rush to leave Felix. They had a window to leave Felix and they had to leave now. In order to keep Mendoya a secret they had to leave at a specific time, and the Nationalist government decided a red eye flight to 'Nice' was the perfect 'normal' flight for a family of four. Eventually after bypassing many security checks due to his military status he finally made it to his flight. Felixian Airlines flight FA2758 was waiting for them and so was a bunch of other families and military officials. They all were headed to the same destination, Córdoba, Mendoya. Little did they know it would be 27 years when Max and Nicolás will ever see Felix again.

To Be Continued...

by **95X** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:55 pm

From the Oceanside (95X) Press-Gazette
Second-Seeded 95Xers Face Hosts Quebec in First AOCAF Cup Knockout Round

QUEBEC CITY, THE ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC--After a dominant 3-0 group stage, 95X will take on the 15th-seeded Grim Reapers (1-0-2) at CSKA Stadium, located here in Quebec's capital city.

Nobody on the 95X side is taking anything to chance. Reports have surfaced that "team meetings" amongst players and staff have been taking place far more often than normal.

"We do not underestimate opponents," Xi Foureleven cold shouldered reporters, on her way to what was rumored as one of these meetings.

"We're following the rules," 95X Head Coach Marvin Stark said of the meetings. "We've got personnel matters to discuss, formations, strategy, everything one could think of. Yes, nine of our eleven starters are veterans, and two have played more games than I could possibly care to count. Then, there's the routine compliance stuff. This is hardly a sightseeing trip for us."

"This is the best team I've ever been a part of," Melissa/Michelle Mitchell concurred, "and at times it feels as if just yesterday morning I was in Bazalonia on that (championship-winning AOCAF Cup) 22 Team."

She continued, regarding records:
"In these knockout rounds, all records are off the shelf. There's statistics and analysis to back them, but the only way to know who will win this game is to play the game."

With the team preparing for today's match, let's take a look at how they got here:
95X 1, New Drakonika 0
Melissa/Michelle Mitchell's 17th-minute goal went unanswered, thanks to the goalkeeping work of Una Solo. An unknown playing on a semi-pro team prior to AOCAF 46, Solo has quickly picked up the National Team gameplan and tempo.

95X 2, Farfadillis 1
In a match that came down to the final minutes, Myrshyll Grandview headed the ball in the 86th minute for a frantic goal in a game that appeared to be going to additional time. Xi Foureleven's 26th minute goal was ancient history in a game that saw a 95X goalkeeper substitution.

Someone rips the newspaper and phone from 95X and says, "I don't pay you to write RPs! Now get back to work!"

by **Valanora** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:33 pm

"So it is the Legalites then, that is not exactly a good omen considering how they have ascended to a place of power as of late. They are also benefiting from their domestic league being in that LigaAnaia or whatever it is called, with the Starblaydi, Audioslavs, and whatever the Synicates are calling themselves these days." Faeron said with a placid look over to Laborious. The captain seemed indifferent, in perhaps a trance state, barely aware of what was going on around him. The rest of the squad was stretching out and doing some war up drills, even the likes of Espy va Drake were merely preparing for what came ahead.

As Faeron looked around, he looked at the faces of many new players here on the national team, wearing the kits for the first time or perhaps getting their first chance to be a part of the starting line up. The line up and braintrust had been blown up after three straight World Cups of not making it out of the group stage, the faces were new and old. Faeron, Laborious, and Espy were among the few of those who had been retained, perhaps the VFA not wishing to see the blacklash of the public with heroes sent packing, as those three were for many of the Vanorian citizens. Especially Laborious and Espy, both who rose from very humble backgrounds to be among the best in all of the land when it came to this fickle game.

"Perhaps it is for the best though, a personal test of strength to see if we have completely rebounded from the confounded confuddle that was the first two matchdays. The squad needed more than just two weeks of training to get in sync with one another I think, perhaps a month should be the next schedule before the AOCAF. All the same, we were able to perform admirably against Mangolana, wouldn't you agree Laborious?" The captain still was not responding to his teammate, staring off into some destination that apparently was only made known to him. Faeron was not sure why he was even trying to talk with Laborious, the man seldom had words that were not in some way trying to seek perfection, trying to figure out how to be the best at whatever was before him.

"If we lose I guess it is no big deal however, the Vanorian public probably has gotten used to being disappointed by the Marauders as of late. So much for building off that AOCAF win in our homeland and the third place finish back in World Cup 67. Perhaps stagnation and decline really is setting in." Faeron said with a bit of a sigh, preparing to go get ready for his own warm ups, in hopes of perhaps being limber and out of the funk that he had found himself in this AOCAF.

"No, they will not become used to the lack of success from us. Never shall a heart not burn, not desire for what it is to be the best, to strive forward with nothing but the resolve and will that is within them. To be used to failure is to have given up on life and what it means to be living, no mortal or immortal kind should ever come to such a state. Even the pits of a descent there is the lessons to be learned and used, to build upon and rebound with renewed vigor to reclaim what might have been lost, to restore what might have been forgotten or let. My friend, we must never get used to failure or failure itself will consume us." They were the only words he would speak before getting up and going to do his training exercises but it was all that Laborious needed to speak, for Vanorians as far as he was concerned were meant for greatness in all things and he would lead them there through personal example...

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:48 pm

Finally, the knockout stage of this AOCAF commences, as the sixteen gets trimmed to eight following tonight's matches. Who's going to stay a bit longer in Quebec????

Round of Sixteen Cutoff.

Round of Sixteen Results

Osarius 1–1 The Hakifao Isles (4–4 AET) (6–5 pen.)
95X 5–4 Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Scorinated by Vilita & Turori)
Ratastan 0–1 Nellietopia @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, kick-off time 16:30, due to a 4-hour delay caused by massive snowstorm covering the pitch in snow
Audioslavia 3–0 Naitpyge
Ko-oren 0–1 Cosumar
Blouman Empire 1–3 Greater Watford @ City of Attawapiskat Stadium, Attawapiskat, kick-off time delayed by 2 hours to 22:00, thanks to local marching band, while performing their music, accidentally set their instruments and the astroturf on fire
Mendoya 4–4 Starblaydia (4–4 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Valanora 5–2 Legalese @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, kick-off time 01:30, due to delay brought by previous match held in stadium, as well as another snowstorm disrupting the entrance of fans and kickoffs

Quarterfinals Fixtures

#1 Osarius vs. #14 Nellietopia @ Imperial Copper Stadium, Rouyn-Noranda
#2 95X vs. #12 Cosumar @ Stade Olympia, Montreal
#4 Audioslavia vs. #11 Greater Watford @ City of Attawapiskat Stadium, Attawapiskat
#7 Mendoya vs. #8 Valanora @ Pavel Wilson Stadium, Kingston

by **Nellietopia** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 8:13 pm

Nellietopia Express Post Journal of Current Events Translated by Freaky Dudes

FOUR HOUR DELAY PRECEDES NELLIETOPIA VICTORY OVER RATASTAN
IQALUIT - A ferocious winter storm rocked the Royal-Quebec city of Iqaluit, host of two of the Octafinals (R16) matches in the present AOCAF XLVI, prompting calls from local residents for civil inquisition and mass hysteria. The decision to proceed with the matches - in spite of the blustery weather, even after the delays - was widely questioned as "insane", "senseless", "ridiculous", "blaghotaodjis(?)", and "tomfoolery". The common sentiment was of wonder and bewilderment.

"I can't believe that they would actually go ahead and play these stupid games," quoted one local resident. "There are neighborhoods that don't have any power, any heating or gas, or any access to food or water! The primary school is stuffed full of cold, hungry families, and the government's priority is to get a bunch of asinine hooligans into the stands? I'm thinking they need to get their head's checked out." Another resident was more dismissive - "Bah, this weather is normal. In fact, it's probably warmer than average. I don't know - I can't feel my fingers. Heck, I don't even have fingers - the frostbite took them away. I've still got my toes, though - wait, I've lost those too. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if I've still got feet and hands..." The man proceeded to list all of his body parts in a disturbing checklist.

Invocations inviting people to protest, riot, and revolt against the government's decision were quickly quelled by the intense cold, expected to persist for another six weeks, mostly due to the premonitions of an overgrown rodent in the ground. Such predictions continue to baffle meteorologists.

OCTAFINAL MATCHES SUPER EXCITING - AOCAFXLVI FAILS TO DISAPPOINT
QUEBEC CITY - 8 matches featuring the purported top 16 teams in Atlantian Oceania produced a grand total of 41 goals, not including penalties. Of the 8 matches, only two produced a solitary goal - as close a testament to the spirit of the Yafotie as one can possibly, presumably find. In Kingston, Osarius faced off against the Hakifao Isles, between them scoring a goal a piece in regulation before deciding to %$#^ their defenses, scoring 6 goals in extra time - it was still not enough, as the two teams slugged out in penalties, with Osarius prevailing 6-5 in the PK round. The hosts were to face 95X in a tumultuous match, though they were made to rue not scoring enough goals in a 5-4 fest that went to the numerably crossed ones. In the battle of the species, rats battled nellies; and nellies beat rats. Between Audioslavia and Naitpyge, the former champions blanked their opponents. Cosumar unexpectedly won 1-nil against the unexpectedly unexpected Ko-oren, unexpectantly unexpecting unexceptionable unexpectations. After having scheduled the original match at the Imperial Copper Stadium, the Blouman Empire and Greater Watford were made to contest their match in Attawapiskat, even so having delayed their match by 2 hours because of pre-match hooliganism. Starblaydia were really made to rue their lost chances after matching Mendoya 4 goals-all, before falling out 3-2 on PKs. In the final match, Elfs beat Lawyers with +3 goal-scoring skills (lawyers were evidently trying to concoct a rebuttal to climate change throughout the match...).

by **95X** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:03 am

The headline from the Oceanside (95X) Press-Gazette said it all:
Xi Foureleven Goes Down in 95X Thriller

After scoring the first and third goals in front of a raucious crowd cheering and chanting for the host nation's team at CSKA Stadium, an awkward collision led to Foureleven falling backwards on the pitch, holding her right shooting foot and screaming at the sky.

A gasp of concern could be heard from the 95X fans in attendance, a third of whom had their binoculars pointed at Foureleven the entire time. As 95X field medical arrived, it was clear she would need to be carried off the field.

Foureleven's mood changed considerably despite the pain, as she slapped the team physician as he was legitimately trying to do his job.

"Xi! What was that for?! I'm your doctor!"

"To make sure you are doing only what you are supposed to be doing," Xi said while grimacing. And she did have a point; the team doctor was just a tad 'interested' in her at one time.

Marvin Stark adjusted the lineup, placing young midfielder Talon Ninehundredfourth in the game, and the 95Xers went with a 4-5-1 lineup the remainder of the way.

The match would have gone into additional time if not for the late heroics of Chris Posey. Explaining after the game that he got an adrenaline rush and decided to go for it, the midfielder with three legs (yes, three full-sized legs) surged up the pitch, used his center kicking leg, and belted the winning fifth goal for 95X in the 77th minute.

The 95X fans cheered, exchanged rare congratulatory pleasantries from the home team fans as 95X won despite losing their star player (on the condition that 95X fans be careful outside the stadium), and the focus for 95X moved to the sideline TV reporter, pulled away to check on Xi Foureleven's condition.

"Looks like she'll be OK, she'll need to give it some rest."

"Rest" not being a word in her normal vocabulary.

by **Greater Watford** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 11:38 am

Hornets into quarter-finals
In their round of 16 match, the Hornets made their way into their very first AOCAF Quarter Final. They overcame the Blouman Empire, a nation who previously defeated them 4-0 and now Greater Watford go up against another ex-opponent, Audioslavia. With many big names dropping out, the Hornets have a good chance now of going far.

Excitement for this game was really heating up beforehand. However, things got a bit too hot on the pitch. In the pre-match warm up, a marching band managed to set the astroturf pitch on fire, forcing an evacuation of the stands and the players. Quite how a marching band causes a fire has left us confused, and there was much amusement to see a fire engine turn up to a football game.

After 2 hours, the match kicked off at the relatively late time of 22:00. For Greater Watford, operating at a later time zone, this meant many had the choice of a late night, or an early morning catch-up session. From the kick-off, Greater Watford looked to fix the wrongs of their previous performance against 95X. They started reasonably well, looking to hold up and develop the play, rather than snatch at any opportunity to go forward.

This approach paid dividends in the 14th minute. Peter Tilder got down the right hand side of the pitch, and played a point-perfect cross to Mario Mannetti, who struck a sweet volley to score the first goal of the game, and his first goal of the tournament. Now leading, the Hornets were optimistic in making it to the Quarter Finals.

Unfortunately the Blouman Empire equalised within 5 minutes. Current lost his man, and the striker rushed into the box. Despite Shields trying to block the ball, the shot looped over his foot, past Hannon, and into the goal. It was 1-1, and the 2 sides were now looking evenly matched. It remained 1-1 at half time, both sides having a smattering of chances in the first half.

In the second half, Greater Watford started very brightly, and were rewarded on 50 minutes with a goal. This time, it was a corner, and Elmo Dowling at the far post was the first to reach the ball, and headed it into the top right of the goal, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper, to make it 2-1.

3 minutes later, the lead was doubled. Harris received the ball 35 yards out, and quickly turned out the defender to give himself space. His through ball to Mannetti was well placed, and the captain was able to flick the ball across the face of goal, rather than take a risky shot, allowing Ignacio Peréz an easy shot from a few yards out, to make it 3-1.

The Blouman Empire looked dejected, and struggled to make an impact. The game dulled in the later 30 minutes, some attributing this to the late kick-off time, and the fact Greater Watford were not keen to take any risks. Greater Watford almost had a 4th on 88 minutes, but Mannetti was unable to guide his shot past the goalkeeper after a great 40 yard solo run.

3-1 it finished, and Greater Watford celebrated their first knockout victory in AOCAF. Now, they have the quarter finals to look forward to, with Audioslavia their next opponents. It promises to be an important game.

by **Osarius** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 2:08 pm

'Hakifao Isles almost did it again.' Jermain Lewis thought to himself, as his players mobbed Fabio Mancini. The Grimsby Town midfielder had scored the Firebirds' sixth penalty in the shootout, after Efrain Suarez had saved Walquist's effort. 'Uncharacteristic errors in extra time, too. Could be costly against more clinical opposition.'

Lewis strode over to his opposite number, Emmanuel Orselsson, and extended a hand. "Great game, coach." He shook firmly. "Guess this makes us even, right?" He added, with a grin.

"Could do worse than losing on penalties to the World Champions, I suppose." Orselsson said, with a grimace.

Lewis wasn't one for pleasantries, so he quickly made the rounds, shaking hands with the Hakifao coaching staff and making his way over to his players, who had congregated in one corner, applauding the fans. "Dressing room. Now." He told Juan Pablo Rodriguez, subtlely. The captain would understand. 'Serious words for you lot in a minute.' Lewis told them silently, as he followed them toward the tunnel.

At the dressing room door, he paused, waiting until his team were all inside. Turning to his assistant, Georgina Carsley, he asked "Georgie, wanna go first?"

"Hoped you'd say that. Can't promise I'll leave anything for you to bollock, though." She huffed.

"I'd have it no other way."

"Visiting the opposition dressing room?" Georgina asked him.

"Yeah. We were lucky. They should hear that from me, as well as their own coach."

"Hm. I can use that."

"Go for it. I'll be back in a bit." He told her, briskly walking down the corridor to the other dressing room.

**TAP TAP TAP**

He rapped on the door and waited a moment. Someone he didn't recognise opened it, not one of the players. Presumably Orselsson's assistant, but he might have been the physio, or a coach, or something else entirely. Jermain couldn't be sure. "Just wanted to say a few words to your players, if you don't mind." The unnamed backroom staffer turned and muttered something. 'Orselsson must be right behind the door.'

"Boss says okay."

The atmosphere in the room wasn't as low as he'd expected it to be, but they clearly weren't happy. 'They already know they should have won.' Jermain thought. "Sorry to interrupt, fellas. Just wanted to offer my commiserations. I'm about to head back to my boys and make sure they know they were lucky tonight." He paused. This wasn't having the desired effect. So much harder to motivate and inspire someone else's team. "Nico would admit that late equaliser was a fluke, and it's a horrible way to go out. On the plus side, though, we've never actually beaten you." He grinned. "Maybe next time we'll manage it. Maybe lady luck will be on your side. Either way, I look forward to the next one."

The player nearest to him stood up and faced him. Jermain recognised him; Korhonen. He had Rodriguez's shirt draped over one shoulder. 'Ah. Captain's choice, I suppose' He mused.

"Thanks Mr Lewis. It was a tough one to take, but it was a great game." Korhonen shook his hand. Murmurs of agreement scattered through the rest of the team, and one-by-one, Lewis shook everyone's hand. "Sorry again to interrupt, guys. Good luck for the next one." And he dipped back out of the room.

Jermain sighed heavily as he heard the door close behind him, muting much of the chattering his departure seemingly triggered. As he approached his team's dressing room, he could hear Georgina still ranting furiously. Gently, he opened the door. All around the room, heads were down. A few dared look up at his assistant's rage, the usual suspects, he noted. 'Rodriguez, Suarez, Lazzarani, Pudoremu... Simpson?' That last one was a surprise. Sort of. Knowing the kid's father, Jordan -- his family in general, actually; Jermain could remember Benni losing it a few times -- he was used to this.

"...need to think long and f***ing hard about what being in this squad means to you!" Georgie finished up. Jermain didn't speak. He just let her words hang. Let them soak in. He walked over to his assistant after a little while, and gently ushered her aside. "Let me." He muttered, nudging her toward the door.

Once she had left, he turned back to the team. "I'm not going to get mad." He said, uncharacteristically softly. "I'm disappointed. Not because the Hakifaos aren't talented, but because you didn't think." He pointed to his temple as he emphasised. "You were lucky tonight. Frankly, I don't think you deserve to be playing in a quarter final while those guys are going home. I expect you to prove me wrong."

by **Valanora** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:06 pm

Valanora Times
Focused Fire

As most of the Navy Wave and followers of the Marauders know, this AOCAF saw a shake up in the roster for the side, along with a change in management. The reasons for this are obvious and need not to be hashed back out, it would simply be a record player stuck on a loop. However it seems that shake up is proving to be quite what the side has needed, as evidenced by their five to two demolition of Legalese in the Round of Sixteen, which came off the heels of another quite convincing victory over Mangolana. Yet caution is also there from the pair of draws that the side started with in their first two matches, though the team and most of experts will chalk that up to simply getting used to playing with one another, even if the most of the new starters had been on a Marauder roster in the past. However, the transition for both the new starters and the rest of the squad does seem to be in the rear view.

With a need for a good showing pressing against them, the Marauders were able to put together their most complete performance against a capable foe in many years against the Legalites. A brace from the leader of the striekforce in Fresco, then a goal a piece from va Drake, Celetholtinu, and Toraandal meant that the entire team was in on the attacking game plan, with a goal from all three lines of the formation. Galadirdren continues to make the big save even if he fails to make all the saves that the squad would like of him, with the pair of goals conceded, yet with seven saves still to his credit. It may be that opposition forces have finally broken down the Vanorian 3-5-2 and the side will just have to be content in giving up the occasional goal if they wish to retain their offensive potency.

Hawk lead the line in the midfield and was all over the field, breaking up attacks on several occasions or playing the facilitator, and even being a decoy in others. The man truly is willing to do anything if it means that it provides a better chance for the squad to perform their best. Perfect as a mantra and put into action continues to surprise day after day and year after year. One can not help but be in awe of just about everything Hawk does but also wonder what the Vanorian footballing machine will look like when and if the legend hangs up his cleats. With the way he has lead the team since World Cup 36, a time in which some nations that now are in the World Cup and even in the top ten of the WCC were not even nations yet. It is truly a testament to his skill, endurance, and dedication.

Yet that alone does not win matches nor championship, preparation and luck also has a hand in the fortunes of teams and nations. It is the latter that seems to be smiling upon the Marauders at this current moment with their Quarterfinal fixture announced, as they are paired up against Mendoya. Many were hoping and even expecting to renew the rivalry with the Purple Peril of Starblaydia, yet they were felled in the penalty shootout by Mendoya. Even more surprising to many reader is that Mendoya is technically the higher seed in the bracket, at seventh compared to the Vanorian 8th, after finishing with a pair of wins and second in Group C, behind the World Cup champions in Osarius.

Mendoya will be looking to contain the threat of our midfield and strikers, to bottle them up and bog them down and they are skilled enough to do so after only giving up the single goal to Osarius in the group stage. That being said, don't expect too much in the way of attack from them either, as they put the majority of their efforts into keeping the opponents from scoring and mostly looking to get forward on the occasional counter. It is up to our side to take the game to them and find a way to get through their stout defense, with perhaps moments of magic that va Drake and Hawk are famous for in the offering. If they can manage to find their way through this rigid defense and seal the victory in a goal or two, the semifinals and perhaps a small measure of vindication will theirs.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:31 pm

And now, we're slowly on our way to the end of this AOCAF. We have eight participants. Only four will get to play for 2 more matches in Quebec, after tonight. Who will punch their ticket to stay for a little longer?

Quarterfinals Cutoff.

Quarterfinals

Osarius 1–0 Nellietopia
95X 2–0 Cosumar
Audioslavia 2–0 Greater Watford
Mendoya 0–3 Valanora

Semifinals Fixtures
#1 Osarius vs. #8 Valanora @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit
#2 95X vs. #4 Audioslavia @ Pavel Wilson Stadium, Kingston

by **Audioslavia** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:33 pm

...Sharp's men (and woman) cruised to victory, with Styrn on the scoresheet twice in the two-goal win. A successful AOCAF is 'an absolute must' according to the Euran manager, now in his fifth tournament as Bulls' boss. "I'm conscious of the fans' desire for silverware - there's been precious little of that for the last couple of generations - and I wholeheartedly believe that with this squad we can provide that".

"All we have to do," the manager continued, "is steer ourselves away from any disciplinary issues"

Audioslavia: Rollins - Evrard-Lecuyer, Intxausti, Koskinen, Polsson - Omaexevarria, Hufschmied, Rijshaart, Jovellanos - Styrn, Uulver
Goals: Styrn (32, 45+2)

In other COCANEFA news, The Calanian Union failed once again as they...

...entertaining match rather spoiled by the melee that followed the final whistle. The referee awarded Styrn a yellow card for her part in the fracas - namely a well-timed elbow to the throat of a passing Bloumani who appeared to 'look at her funny'. Audioslavia's 3-2 win puts them at the top of...

...only barely after sendings off for Omaexevarria and Styrn, the latter of which will miss too games after what may well become known as 'balltwist-gate'. It is unknown whether her Patistani victim has yet to regain full use of the lower registers of his voice. The draw puts Audioslavia through, while elsewhere in the north-east The Calanian Union have, again, utterly failed to live up to....

...well-timed left hook did, unfortunately, contravene the rules of the game and earned the centre-half a straight red card as the Bulls hung on to protect their lead.

"We're not a dirty team, of course" claimed Lee Sharp, "and I don't tell them to go out throwing punches, that would be terribly wrong of me. I do get them gee'd up for the game though - that's fifty percent of my job - and I suppose by that token I should be flattered by Koskinen's rather violent reaction to...

...marred by a rather 'pragmatic' approach to the game from certain members of Audioslavia's claret and green contingent, who amassed an impressive nine yellow cards in the game against Greater Watford..

"...don't think many of the 95X squad really rate me" claimed Styrn, in a pre-match interview. "I'm sure I can twist their... arms... about me, though" claimed the diminutive striker, set for a return for Tuesday evening's encounter.."

AOCAF 46: Everything Thread

95X AOCAF 46 R16 RP

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