Coupe d’Esquarium IV [IC | Results | Everything] (Esq. ONLY)

by **Vozergovnia** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 8:05 pm

Vozerski nogometni savez
Vozergovnian Football Federation

GK: Jon Kabinski (Age 29) (Captain)
DC: Mats Keniov (Age 24) 
DC: Rodrik Saminev (Age 25)
DL: Georges Varnetsiovinski(Age 28)
DR: Davit Joplov (Age 20)
DM: Frederik Quarplov (Age 24)
RM: Erich Saks (Age 25)
LM: Rouben Hecs (Age 27)
CAM: Sebastian Rolikov (Age 28)
CF: Tomas Yurinski (Age 21)
CF: Markus Zabinev (Age 19)

Bench:
GK: Jan Petrov (Age 19)
DF: Nikolai Rubikov(Age 20)
DF: Viktor Bostev(Age 20)
DF: Stanislas Sawrinka(Age 18)
MD: Boris Bostev(Age 21)
MD: Vladimir Nikov(Age 30)
MD: Oskar Gonts (Age 29)
CF: Jude Sanski (Age 23)
CF: Ringo Mann (Age 24)

Main Coach: Reginald Alcott (Age 60)
Second Coach: François du Pont (Age 47)
Goalkepper Coach: Petr Nekov (Age 29)

by **New Waterford** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 3:05 am

Vozergovnia wrote:-snip-

Too late.

by **Nevamaa** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 5:27 am

The Lions beat Magane 0-1 in their first game

VILLOBA - When the Lions entered the pitch today, they weren't exactly welcomed by fans. The stands of the Arena dos Lòpos were not filled with Nevans nor Maganese: Instead, the stadium was full of Michillians cheering for the Maganese team. Luckily the Nevan supporters, even though only taking up a small portion of the massive stands, made much more noise than the Michillians and kept the blue cross flying high.

Much to the disappointment of Michillians, the Lions of Nevanmaa begun their journey towards winning the Coupe d'Esquarium Magane 1-0. The sole goal of the game was made by Ari Nurmela on the 27th minute and while the Lions did manage to score several shots towards the goal the Maganese goalkeeper Ayanda Zwelithini miraculously managed to stop them all. The game almost ended 1-1 when during the 88th minute Maganese striker Thabo Sobukwe Hani almost scored a goal that was blocked by Nevan goalkeeper Lauri Männikkö

The Maganese team was more defensive than initially expected, leading to Lions having severe difficulties controlling the ball on the Maganese side of the pitch. After the game, captain Niko Väisänen commented that "the Maganese were a good opponent, their defensive line held very well and overall we had a very good game. We are all very excited that we won the game, and we're all ready to beat North Daecon tomorrow."

Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the game several Michillians were arrested after assaulting the Nevan supporters. Reports also indicate that a group of three Nevan fans were temporarily detained by the Michillian Police after the group started singing unauthorized chants.

by **North Daecon** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 7:04 am

Transcript of Coupe d'Esquarium IV - North Daecon vs Rasskovy

Beginning
Zachary Benstead: Welcome to NDBC World Sports Match Day, and I am Zachary Benstead....

Hugo Burhop: and I'm Hugo Burhop......

Benstead: and this is the Coupe d'Esquarium IV, the biggest football tournament in the world, here on NDBC World Sports.

Burhop: Today, March 29 is North Daecon vs Rasskovy, the first of two matches for Group H. The other one is Nevanmaa vs Magane, which is on NDBC HD2.

Benstead: Many experts have predicted that North Daecon is the favourites of Group H, some even saying the overall group leader. All eyes is on Richard Frederick today as they face Rasskovy, the first team they will face in this tournament. Hugo, how will they handle the pressure?

Burhop: Well, the North Daeconese fans are focusing on the clasher, the real challenger to the group, Nevanmaa on March 31. The real significance of the match is to break the supposed "Nevan superiority" complex. You know, North Daecon is one of the ferverent anti-Nevan countries in the world, and the Nevans have already fried themselves on the fire by using racist chants and calling Magane and Kraq so-called "monkeys" and "camel-riders", I mean, like, it is just outrageously stupid in laymans terms.

Benstead: That is very true, and the key point tonight is the 3 points, needed to get over the line in the group stages and onto the the knock out stages. In 2 minutes we will be commentating the match.

North Daecon 1, Rasskovy 0

Benstead: ..... the clock has just hit the 93rd minute, 1 minute away from the end of stoppage time.

Burhop: Cohn is moving up to the midfield, desperate for a goal. Crosses it to Sharland. [pause 2s] Sharland side-kicks it into the box, real mess up....... SUMMERS!! [huge crowd roar] BICYCLE KICK, WHAT A WONDER!!! FIRST GOAL IN THE COUP D'ESQUARIUM IV FOR NORTH DAECON!

[huge crowd roars, replay of goal]

Benstead: Cohn crosses the ball to Sharland, and Sharland punts it into the box where Summers just bypassed every defender with a astounding bicycle kick. Wow, that's the beautiful game to you!

[pause 10s, end game whistle]

Benstead: Wow, what a finisher! Samuel Summers scores for North Daecon in the last minute by a very rare bicycle kick, and North Daecon manages to get 3 points. That's it for us today, North Daecon 1, Rasskovy 0.

by **Francilie** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:03 am

In the news #NEVMAG: The Nevans win against the Maganese team, not without incidents ⌬ Who can stop the Coqs this time ? Meet our rivals. ⌬ Promising start for the Coqs

#CdEIV PROMISING START FOR THE COQS
The Francesians won over the Yameans 2-1 in an exciting first match.

Ayokunle Lestrange, the Francesian goalkeeper, after the game.

Promising. That's the word we'll keep in mind after this first match of the Francesian team. Not without any stress, the Coqs started to play. After loud anthems, the Francesians seemed tired, while the Yameans seemed energic and well-trained. The Francesian defenders were sleeping while the Yamean forwards were fast. But they never scored as Ayokunle Lestrange, our goalkeeper, was like a huge wall. 1 ball stopped, 2 balls stopped, 3 balles stopped...the Yameans were pratically tired, in the end. The Francesian team woke up after the 25th minute, after a ball stopped by the Yamean goalkeeper, and shot by Pascal Vartanian, the Francesian captain.

And 7 minutes later, bingo ! Côme Foss, a Francesian defender, shot a ball right under the top corner of the goal, unstopped by the Yamean goalkeeper, thus resulting in the first goal. After the half time, Morgan Comtois scored another goal. After some failed tentatives from the two teams, a Yamean managed to pierce the Francesian defense and to get a corner at the 84th minute. Yamea scored. 2-1.
Everyone feared a Yamean awakening from this moment. But no, there were only 6 minutes left, plus some minutes. And these minutes were relatively uneventful.

"After all, we still dominated the Yameans during a big part of the game" said Thierry Fabron, the Francesian manager. "Ayokunle was incredible at the start, but became tired after the half time" said the assistant manager Maëlys Béringer. Meanwhile, the Derman Iles defeated Carolina 1-0 in their first game. Our next match ? Against Sakatia. Can they defeat us ? The bets are open, because it's known that we must not underestimate our opponents. In the other groups, the Nevans defeated the Maganese team 1-0, and, surprise, the Scotian newbies defeatead the Luzzies 5-3. This CdEIV is promising too.

This has been SRF Sports for our daily coverage of the CdEIV in Michilles, thanks for reading us.

#CdEIV Results of the Matchday 1

Group A
Michillies 4–1 Sjalhaven
Jahistic Union 0–1 Britanno

Group B
Francilie 2-1 Yamea
Derman Iles 1-0 Carolina

Group C
Luziyca 3–5 Scotia
Qianrong 0–0 Arkiasis

Group D
Vyvland 2–0 Vojkaria
Iglesiantis 1–7 Lyonsland

Group E
Atlantia Creek 1–0 Koyro
Sandhelm 1–2 Ainin

Group F
Namor 0–2 North Cortoguay
Ariania 1–3 Ocelot Isles

Group G
Walminghaven 1–0 Causenian Region
Ionland 1–4 Vjaarland

Group H
North Daecon 1–0 Rasskovy
Nevanmaa 1-0 Magane

by **Michillies** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:05 am

New Waterford wrote:Too late.

No, it’s not. Now let’s please stop with the posts with no IC value, lest Unolia or I start taking action.

by **Arkiasis** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 12:51 pm

Arkiasis Draws Against Qianrong in First Match

PUNTARENAS - In the first day of the fourth Coupe d’Esquarium action, Arkiasis drew against Qianrong in an uneventful 0-0 match.

Several chances included a wide shot from Logan Bradley in the 21st minute, a wide corner kick from Ling Jun-Qiu in the 42nd and a save by Ethan Turnbull from a powerful shot by Jasnoran Omejecov. Evan Barber and Erik Costa both received yellow cards following several tackles.

"We're just getting into our groove." said defender Christopher Pearson, "We had some good chances and we did play relatively conservatively. We're heading into the tournament with a 'defence-first' game plan, we're covering their forwards, taking away the passing lanes and executing our attacks with precision."

"We will hold up our heads high knowing that we didn't fumble our first ever game in the Coupe d’Esquarium. And especially against a team that we will be competing against for one of the two round of 16 spots. 1 point is better than 0 points." said midfielder Smitt Gedeon.

Another surprising match was silver medal winners Luzicya and newcomers Scotia. Scotia beat all expectations and defeated the former silver medallists 5-3 in dramatic fashion in the first surprise of the tournament. A game which will definitely make fans of all other teams in Group C happy and confident that the Luzzy's are not the "undefeatable" powerhouse they were portrayed to be heading into the tournament.

Elsewhere, Lyonsland crushed Iglesiantis in a commanding 7-1 victory. The Nevans defeated Magane in a close 1-0 match that resulted in several arrests.

by **Scotia-99** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 1:14 pm

30 March, 2015

Esquarian Cup IV - Fans in high spirits before Scotia-Qianrong match

The Scotian team after the equalizer by
James Fraser in the first match w. Luziyca

SCOTIAN SCHEDULE
31 March - v. Qianrong
1 April - v. Arkiasis
2 April - Bye Day
3 April - v. Banija

CHRISTIANA, MICHILLIES - Fans of the Royal Stewarts are in high spirits after the first day of the Esquarian Cup brought an improbable (at least according to team captain James Fraser) 5-3 victory over the favorites Luziyca, as the team gets ready for their next match against Qianrong tomorrow.

In a press conference after the match, head coach Alastair Armstrong commented that "We just did what we set out to do when we came to Michillies: to inspire the fans back home, and we just won, winning over a team that you and I can recall were the favorites going into the match. We're obviously not resting on our laurels, and we ask that the fans come to cheer us in Carthage tomorrow."

The upcoming match is also notable for being the first match between the two teams since Scotia joined the intervention to back Qianrong's government in the wake of attacks from the militant Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong. Several Scotian and Qianrongese fans have come to reporters openly expressing their solidarity towards their governments' actions against the ASQ, and chanting "Sì-Sì-Èr" (the Minjianese number 442, in reference to the hijacking and fatal crash of Air Hearadh Flight 442 which killed 177 people). Meanwhile, Michillian police have arrested several Scotian and Qianrongese fans after they chanted death threats against the ASQ's leader Ngo Huu Tra.

by **Namor** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 2:19 pm

Namor loses first match to North Cortoguay, 0-2
Loss sparks online backlash back home

March 30, NMR 2375

NAMO - Team Namor entered the battleground of the Coupe D'Esquarium rather poorly, losing to North Cortoguay 0-2. The loss has led to the team receiving a backlash from Namorese back home online, some saying that Namor did not deserve to lose to a "non-country."

How some Namorese are reacting to the 0-2 loss to North Cortoguay

Attackers An Yanlin and Dong Ling tried to score a goal, but were stopped by the North Cortoguayans. The North Cortoguayans responded in a way that apparently caught the Namorese off guard - Óscar Cuevas scored two goals for North Cortoguay. The first goal came at the 60th minute and the second at the 80th minute. Neither Cuevas or the other attackers were able to score more goals, but the Namorese were not in any better position. The game ended in a loss for Namor, 0-2, to North Cortoguay.

The loss was clearly felt across the Namorese team, read in the faces of those who showed up at the post-game interview.

"We have to work more on our attacks," said team captain Tinjan Ancha. "As seen in our face-off with North Cortoguay, our attacks weren't really effective, especially against a team like North Cortoguay's. There is time to change that, though, so we aren't encountered with the same thing as we play against other countries."

Back home, the Namorese loss was met with some backlash from netizens. Some claimed the game was "embarrassing" since Namor lost to a team that was not only debuting, but representing a non-country that's probably the only non-country in the CdE.

"It will go down in history that Great Namor cannot beat a dependency of another country in football," someone tweeted. "That's how bad we are."

"If Nantai was its own team, I bet we'll lose, too. Good thing that's not the case," someone else remarked in the comments section of PTH Tiyu.

Others complained about North Cortoguay's presence in the Coupe D'Esquarium, wondering why the North Cortoguayans could be part of the Michillian team.

"North Cortoguay is Michillies, right? So why can't they just become part of the Michillians and stay in Group A? Surely that will save us a lot of trouble," one person commented.

But not everyone was gloomy and disparaging the opponent - some came forth and either said it was "just a game" or that a loss to North Cortoguay was "expected."

"They are part of Michillies, after all. It's not like they suck more than we do [in football] and beat us," read one comment.

"Totally disappointing to see that some Namorese think we're a 'great power' in the world of football. We're not, and we never will be. It's not like anyone should expect us to win anything. We don't roll that way," read another comment.

Tinjan Ancha was asked about what he thought about the backlash, downplaying its value. "Certainly we're not doing the best we can, but we treat every opponent like a formidable opponent, and at all times we take everyone seriously."

COMMENTS

Other News
Show of solidarity as Scotia-Qianrong match approaches - As their team is scheduled to face the Qianrongese, Scotian football fans are taking their time to remember the 177 people killed on board a flight that was shot above Qianrong.
"North Cortoguay shouldn't be in the CdE:" Kuo Zhang - People's First party leader and presidential candidate Kuo Zhang replied to the recent Namor-North Cortoguay game.
Namorese disappointment over loss to NCor relieved by Luziycan defeat - Some Namorese football fans say that even if they don't make it to the quarterfinals, at least they can hope Luziyca won't make it either, citing Luziyca's 3-5 loss to Scotia.

by **North Cortoguay** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 4:05 pm

the santiago reporter
the voice of north cortoguay

hoy es lunes, 30 marzo 2015
English edition | edició català | edición cortoguayana | edicion michillèsa

#cde4: namor 0-2 north cortoguay
north cortoguay in shock at opening day win, namorese complain about losing to a "non-country"

Heavily tipped to make the quarterfinals of the tournament, Team Namor has certainly gotten off to a poor start. The débutante North Cortoguayans have pulled off a miracle upset of the Namorese side, thought to have been the strongest in Group F, in the Còlòssïo di ço Salvator, far surpassing manager Celestino Maradona’s hopes for the squad.

Heading into the game, the Namorese looked like the favourites against El Boreas, with many Namorese commentators mocking the fact that North Cortoguay had a team to start with. But the first half proved fruitless for Namor, with An Yanlin attempting an early attacking in the first minutes of the game, only to be stopped cold by Dani Cuéllar. Having gained possession, the team shifted to a tiki-taka strategy to tire the Namorese out, but quickly lost possession again. However, the North Cortoguayan defence was effective at keeping the ball away from Vichenç Jou and making the Namorese work for their attacks. Jou was ultimately called to action to deal with an attempt from Dong Ling near the end of the first half, successfully catching the ball and despatching it to Anastacio de Asturias before the whistle and silencing the Namorese critics.

Still scoreless at the beginning of the second half, the squad used their kick-off to keep up the passing strategy. Frustrating Namorese attempts to gain possession, Fuerza Rioja’s Óscar Cuevas managed to break the deadlock in the 60th minute with an assist from Jeremías Puga. Putting the Namorese back in possession for a kick-off, the midfield went back on duty to try to wrest the ball from the Namorese, ultimately earning Jonmarco da Silva a booking in the 67th minute for an ugly tackle on midfielder Lixa Xo. But despite conceding a free kick in the defensive half, the defence quickly wrested the ball and took little time trying to pass it up the pitch. By the 80th minute, Ártur Asis had managed to pass the ball off to Cuevas, who then proceeded to double North Cortoguay’s lead and clinch three points for the side.

North Cortoguay has gone into a collective state of shock over the win, having resigned themselves to defeat before the game in Salvator. #SalveBoreas (Hail the North Wind) has become a trending topic, with even top figures in the regional government using the hashtag, including Governor Ana María Santana López.

"It’s beyond anything we ever expected to be here playing for the Coupe d’Esquarium," said captain César Ochoa after the match. "To take down Namor in our opening game is icing on the cake. I have to give respect to the Namorese, because they played a great game and they made us work for that win. My hat is off to them."

The Namorese captain Tinjan Ancha congratulated the opposition for the win and took it as a lesson as to what his sides weak points were. "We have to work more on our attacks. As seen in our face-off with North Cortoguay, our attacks weren’t really effective, especially against a team like North Cortoguay’s. There is time to change that, though, so we aren’t encountered with the same thing as we play against other countries."

But not all the Namorese were so gracious in defeat. Namorese began taking to social media, attempting to compensate for the loss by denigrating their opposition, claiming that their nation had lost to a "dependency" or, worse, a "colony". "It will go down in history that Great Namor cannot beat a dependency of another country in football," was one of the most favourited tweets from the Namorese side. Even prominent nationalist politician Kuo Zhang got in on the action when he tweeted "North Cortoguay should not be in the #CdE."

"It’s a sad world that we live in when people can focus all their energy into attacking their opponents after the game is done," midfielder Gil Rios said in a phone interview with the Santiago Reporter. "We have our team because of historical and political circumstances that affect our region and its culture. We have a team. Get used to it."

In Group A, the hosts defeated Sjalhaven 4-1 in the opening game, while the Britannons overcame the Jahistic Union 1-0. Francilie and the Derman Iles defeated Yamea and Carolina respectively in Group B. Group C saw Arkiasis and Qianrong stonewall each other in a rather dull game, while the Scotians pulled off a miracle 5-3 upset against Coupe favourites Luziyca. Vyvland got off to a strong start against Vojkaria in Group D, while Lyonsland hammered Iglesiantis 7-1 in what some have called the "Game of the Century".

Group E saw little interest, with Ainin and Atlantia Creek winning their games against Sandhelm and Koyro rather safely, while our own group saw the Ocelot Isles defeat Ariania 3-1. Walminghaven eked out a narrow win over the Causenian Region in Group G, while Vjaarland crushed Ionland 4-1. Meanwhile in Group H, North Daecon defeated Rasskovy and Nevanmaa came out with a narrow win over Magane.

North Cortoguay’s next game will be against Ariania tomorrow in the Còlòssïo di ço Salvator in Salvator.

— Paulo Fuentes Ybarra from Salvator, Michillies

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In other news:
Gronb15: Extremadura wins Festival da Música; Enrico da Rossa, Cristina Angèlinas to represent Michillian Republic in Esquarivision
Ocidenia: Clashes between secessionists and CIA-backed regime break out in northern Ocidenia
#CdE4: Several Michillians held over assault in Villoba; three Nevans detained for signing racist chants
#CdE4: Scotians released by Carthage police without charge after "death threat" chants

by **Vjaarland** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 8:11 pm

Vjaarland defeats Ionland 4-1 in thrilling first match

RIS, MICHILLIES -- In an exciting opening day for the fourth Coupe de Esquarium, the Vjaarlandic national football team “Blue and Yellows” achieved an unexpected 4-1 victory over Ionland.

The match kicked-off to a slow start, remaining scoreless for the majority of the first-half. The action truly began around the 32 minute mark, with Vjaar Filip Albertsen scoring the first goal of the match after receiving a well-placed corner kick from Alvar Hansø. The Blue and Yellows remained ahead as the match entered its second-half, further cementing their lead with a second goal by team captain Edvard Lykke at 51 minutes.

The sole Ionite goal came just two minutes later at 53 minutes, passing just inches outside the grasp of Vjaarlandic goalkeeper Emil Rytter. The Vjaars’ stellar offense continued its success up to the buzzer, with Hansø and Albertsen each scoring additional goals at 68 and 85 minutes respectively.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off Vjaarland’s first ever Coupe de Esquarium,” said Edvard Lykke, speaking to reporters directly following the end of the match. “The entire team showed some phenomenal talent and teamwork throughout the match, and I think we showed the world that we’re more than capable of going head to head with just about any team out there."

The sweeping victory came as a shock to football fans around the world, with many expecting Vjaarland’s inexperienced rookie team to suffer through an epidemic of defeats from early on in the group stage. Reactions poured in from across the predominantly hockey-oriented nation, with Vjaarlandic football fans expressing delight and bewilderment alike at the unexpected victory.

Ole Strand
@olestrand29

Vjaarland just won a football game. THIS...DOES...NOT...COMPUTE! #CdE4

RETWEETSFAVORITE
257504

6:02 pm - 29 March 15

Ulrik Klausen
@UlrikKlausen

Wait...what? Vjaarland won? Clearly you must be thinking of a different Vjaarland. #CdE4

RETWEETSFAVORITE
94117

6:29 pm - 29 March 15

VRT will continue its coverage of the fourth Coupe de Esquarium with Matchday 2 tomorrow, beginning at 08:00 VST.

Comments (203)

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Vilhelm Norup Seconds ago
Alright, Vjaarland! Kick their sorry commie asses back to the fucking stone age! PAIN TRAIN’S A COMIN’, BITCHES! WOOOOOOOOOO!

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by **Banija** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 10:04 am

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only national magazine that is all sports, all the time!

Manager Huzienga speaking to players at the end of a training session

PUNTERAS- The Banija national team, finally qualifying for the Coupe D'Esquarium on their 4th attempt, have been excitedly getting ready for Matchday 2 of the tournament, and their first match of the cup at the Stadio d’Arènas against the defending silver medalists, Luziyca. Contrary to popular belief and shocking the entire region, Scotia destroyed Luziyca's defense, putting a 5 spot up on them as the fellow Group C newcomers beat Luziyca 5-3. That game reminded everybody that games are played on the field, not on paper, and that anybody can beat anybody in this tournament. However, that will also likely give Luziyca a new drive, and probably make them an even more dangerous opponent for this match than they were going into the match.

The Luziycans allowed 5 goals to the Scotians, including 4 in the second half, as their defense simply could not hold up against Scotia. They took a 2-1 lead into halftime after an evenly played first half, but after that, nothing went right for Luziyca. They had two major lapses on the defensive end of the field that allowed Scotia to eventually win the game. Scotia scored two goals in the span of 4 minutes(52nd and 56th) and then, when the match was deadlocked at 3, they scored two more goals at the end of the game(84th and 87th) to clinch a 5-3 victory and take a commanding lead on top of the group.

It seems as if lapses in concentration allowed the Scotians to score in bunches, and allowed them to stake their claim atop the group as the other match, Qianrong-Arkiasis, ended in a scoreless draw. The key for Banija's offense would have to be timing today. For most of the match, Luziyca's defense showed the form that was necessary to win these kind of games. However, the Scotians won that game because they made the most of their opportunities, maximizing their scoring chances and making sure that they were able to put the ball into the back of the net. Banija has to do the same. They cannot force it into the box, the Luziyca national side is simply far too skilled for that. They need to be patient, make sure that they have good, forward possessions, and that instead of forcing it into the box to be cleared every time they are in the attacking third, they need to look for opportunities and simply take them. They are facing far too good of a side to waste opportunities, they cannot expect to have 10 scoring chances. They will be limited, Banija needs to make sure that they take them.

Banija will have a tough time playing against the "Total Football" strategy that Luziyca brings to the table. The Emperors are a club team, so even though they are not taking the 23 best players in the nation, these players have the advantage of always playing with each other. They do not just come together for national tournaments, but they should, at least, have that team chemistry that is necessary to make a philosophy like Total Football actually work. It is a system with its weaknesses that can be attacked, as Scotia did, but it is an attacking philosophy of soccer that teams simply do not see.

Ultimately, we are very hopeful for Banija, but we are not particularly confident in their chances. Banija is a nation that has sports in its blood, but they simply do not have the firepower to last with Luziyca. The system of the Emperors ultimately puts the ball in the back of the net, and even though taking an entire club team has its disadvantages, especially fatigue wise, the Total Football style of this team promises to play some beautiful attacking soccer, and promises to get opportunities. Banija, in its first ever Coupe D'Esquarium match, will be able to fight and hang with Luziyca, but we predict a final score of 3-1, where Banija will have a valiant effort but the strength and experience of the Luziyca side will be too much for Banija to overcome.

by **Vyvland** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:53 pm

English • Vlud • Tiysdeg, 31f. Marz, 2015 • Niymeked 23:58

Vyvland beat Vojkaria but face uphill struggle to win group
Lyonsland's 7-1 thumping of Iglesiantis stalls Vyvland despite their 2-0 win against Vojkaria

Vyvland put in an impressive performance against CdE newcomers Vojkaria in their opening game, with a 2-0 victory propelling them into the running for group leaders. However, even before the conclusion of Vyvland's match, Lyonsland had outdone the Redheads, with a performance dubbed by the Santiago Reporter as the "Game of the Century". Vyvland will have to work hard to pull ahead of Lyonsland now.

The Vyvlander players, including young substitute Welfrig Jorjsen, scorer of the final goal, only heard the news of Lyonsland's impressive victory after leaving the pitch. Manager Abram Urmed said in a post match interview that the team "were absolutely thrilled with their result when they got off the pitch", describing the players' emotions as 'euphoric'. "Hearing the result of the other Group D match really downed our spirits. However, I think it's just going to make us work harder, both against Ziegenhain tomorrow and - particularly - against Lyonsland in our final test in he group stage."

Many Vyvlanders are hoping for a repeat of what happened only six months ago. A last-minute win against Lyonsland finalised the Redheads' position at second in the group and knocked the. But to a lot of Vyvlander fans, this scenario is now looking increasingly unlikely.

The only good thing to come of this result for Vyvland is that it puts Iglesiantis out of the running should we end up on level pegging with only goal difference to separate us. The Igles' dramatic loss has meant that such a situation is unlikely to cause Vyvland to fall out of the running.

Elsewhere, hosts and title contenders Michillies won 4-0 over Sjalhaven (Group A), Vjaarland beat Ionland 4-1 (Group G), title contenders Luziyca lost their first match to Scotia 3-5 (Group C), and Magane lost 1-0 in their much-anticipated and controversial match against Nevanmaa (Group H).

Tomorrow Vyvland faces Ziegenhain, an outsider to win the competition, in that team's first game of the Coupe. Vyvland have the clear advantage in being warmed up and used to playing in Michillies, with a game in hand over Ziegenhain already. However, little is known of the quality of the autocratic country's team, prompting some pessimists to predict a shock in store for the Vyvlander team.

by **Michillies** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 4:39 pm

It won’t die
This dream’s alive
And I won’t let it go.

MATCHDAY TWO CUT-OFF

(OOC notes: Hail stronk Sjalhaven for grading your recommended daily dose of North Cortoguayan RP.)

Gropp A - Group A

Sjalhaven 2–0 Jahistic Union
Atlantica 0–1 Michillies
  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Michillies             2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6
2 Britanno               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Sjalhaven              2   1  0  1    3   4  −1    3
4 Atlantica              1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
5 Jahistic Union         2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0

Gropp B - Group B

Group B
Yamea 0–1 Derman Isles
Sakatia 5–1 Francilie
  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Derman Isles           2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
2 Sakatia                1   1  0  0    5   1  +4    3
3 Francilie              2   1  0  1    3   6  −3    3
4 Carolina               1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
5 Yamea                  2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0

Gropp C - Group C

Scotia 1–0 Qianrong
Banija 1–1 Luziyca
  Group C              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Scotia                 2   2  0  0    6   3  +3    6
2 Banija                 1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
3 Luziyca                2   0  1  1    4   6  −2    1
4 Arkiasis               1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
5 Qianrong               2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1

Gropp D - Group D

Vojkaria 1–1 Iglesiantis
Ziegenhain 0–1 Vyvland
  Group D              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Vyvland                2   2  0  0    3   0  +3    6
2 Lyonsland              1   1  0  0    7   1  +6    3
3 Vojkaria               2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1
4 Iglesiantis            2   0  1  1    2   8  −6    1
5 Ziegenhain             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Gropp E - Group E

Koyro 0–1 Sandhelm
Vozergovnia 1–0 Atlantia Creek
  Group E              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Ainin                  1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Vozergovnia            1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Sandhelm               2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Atlantia Creek         2   1  0  1    1   1   0    3
5 Koyro                  2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

Gropp F - Group F

North Cortoguay 0–0 Ariania
An Déise 2–4 Namor
  Group F              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 North Cortoguay        2   1  1  0    2   0  +2    4
2 Ocelot Isles           1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Namor                  2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
4 Ariania                2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1
5 An Déise               1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0

Gropp G - Group G

Causenian Region 1–1 Ionland
Pavonistade 0–0 Walminghaven
  Group G              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Walminghaven           2   1  1  0    1   0  +1    4
2 Vjaarland              1   1  0  0    4   1  +3    3
3 Causenian Region       2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1
4 Ionland                2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1
5 Pavonistade            1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1

Gropp H - Group H

Rasskovy 2–3 Nevanmaa
Kraq 2–2 North Daecon
  Group H              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Nevanmaa               2   2  0  0    4   2  +2    6
2 North Daecon           2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Kraq                   1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4 Magane                 1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
5 Rasskovy               2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0

by **Pavonistade** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 6:58 pm

CdE IV PAVONISTADE TIES WITH WALMINGHAVEN IN FIRST CdE MATCH
Debuting draw sends Pavonistade down to bottom of Group G

Date: March 31, 2015

Writer: Jonas Simpsen

Manager Lawrense Dawn commenting on the match

At the spectacular debut of the Pavonistade national football team in Coupe d'Esquarium, the team was pitched against the Walmingham counterpart. After the two halves of the match, it became clear that a 0-0 draw was the grand conclusion of Pavonistade's first CdE match.

Several attempts were made by our football players to score a goal. There were hopes of a score when captain Frederik Kamef tried to breach the Walmish defenses at around the 29th minute and midfielder Donald Barbetou tried an instep kick in the 42th minute. In the second half, we saw Oliver Peques trying to repeat what Barbetou did not accomplish in the 68th minute, and 17 mintues later centre-forward Nathen Sacherisen was close to successfully volleying the ball. However, all attempts to secure a goal were unsuccessful and no points were scored for Pavonistade. The good news for Pavonistadians is that Walmingham did not advance either; our defenses were stronger than expected and they were able to hold out against various Walmish tactics until the end of the match.

Frederik Kamef was interviewed after the game, and he summarized the match as one that is "unbelievably stunning" and with "intensity that I have not seen previously in my career." Sacherisen, who also tried breaking into the seemingly-equal Walmish defenses, said, "our opponents are indeed formidable [...] and for that I can only commend them for being able to skirmish so well against us. Our team appears to have equal talents, and another match with them [the Walminghaven national football team] will surely be fearful." Centre-back Andreu Rifkins told the PAN that he "had to observe every second of the match, for at any period of time the Walminghaven team can break open our defenses. [...] [i]f we weren't careful enough, we would have given way for a goal against us."

Overseeing the Pavonistade national football team is manager Lawrense Dawn, who spoke, "I am very pleased that the team was able to block off any and all attacks thrown at us by the Walmish counterparts. Their efforts are a clear sign of our endurance in what is to come, even if it means being eliminated before the knockoffs. I [...] should also contragulate the Walminghaven team for being able to handle our movements so well, and indeed it would be foolish to deny their potential and might." Assistant manager Nelsen Vanadie claimed, "We of course will take the opportunity to look over whatever the Walminghaven team utilized and attempt scenarios that could let us use the opponent's techniques to our advantage. Only time will tell us how we'll do."

The draw confers one point to both Pavonistade and Walminghaven. However, it also pushed our country down to the group that we are in (Group G), indicating that to proceed to knockouts, increased efforts must be put out to bring us to the top two of the group. The Ocelot Isles, meanwhile, remain at the top two of Group F although it is superseded by North Cortoguay today.

Despite our country's place at the group's bottom, an overwhelming majority of Pavonistadians are in support of their team abroad. A randomly-selected football fan says he will "always support the Pavonistade team, no matter any slumps that it'll encounter along the way, even right up to pre-knockout elimination." Another spectator spoke to the PAN that she has "high hopes for our football players in Michillies" and is "confident that they will reach at least the semi-finals." Many took to Twitter and Facebook to celebrate the fact that Pavonistade did not suffer a defeat.

April 2 is Matchday Three, and will be the first day in which the Ocelot Isles and Pavonistade will be able to compete in the same date. Pavonistade will face Ionland, which won two goals but suffered from five goals against, while the Ocelot Isles will skirmish with North Cortoguay which is seen by numerous spectators as substantially powerful.

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Comments
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GotOcelot? | | +132
WHAY!!! Pavonistade didn't get rekt! But Walminghaven also didn't get rekt... oh well, I guess it's better than failing outright, eh?

NetWorm#6 | | -28
Interesting, the chances of Pavonsitade knocking out Ionland, Vjaarland, Causenia, Nevanmaa, Atlantia Creek, Luziyca, and finally the Ocelot Isles are higher than what I previously calculated. Even if we do fail in the finals, we would at least get second place, so every Pavonistadian wins at least!

NewZeppelin | | +31
@NetWorm#6
Was die fikk is this carpohydrate that you spewed out?

BrainManiac2014 | | +1
@NewZeppelin
He might have looked into the future of CdE 4 and found out how we would fare~

NeverGonnaNameMyself | | +54
Guys, let's cut this out. We would and should be pretty glad that we managed to hold our defenses against the Walmish. Any wrong move and we would have a HARDER time rising up!

About me · by **Luziyca** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:49 pm

The match was tied 1-1 between us and Banija. As such, a long-time fan of the Chaska i Esquarium posted on Facebook a song: When Pigs Fly, or in Swedish, "När grisar flyger".

Oh, when our eyes witness a pig take to the sky
Oh, when our eyes witness Semrov snatch a second title
We will never win another Chaska, for our team has returned again
Let us look to the second Chaska, for our proof
Lost in the Round of 8, to the Orange

Oh, when pigs fly, shall we see Jerusalem arrive
In the city with the trophy in hand:
Let us realize that we suck:
Our dominance hath faded

Let our friends in Yucheng know
That they can defeat us...
Oh, let our friends in Yucheng know
That Jerusalem is no longer...

A valid competitor
In this Chaska i Esquarium!
Come forth, eliminate us
And deny us the next round!

This song has circulated on the internet, with about 25 million views on YouTube. The author, known only as Ingrid said on Facebook "Let's be fucking honest here: we have no goddamn chance of winning this Chaska. The Emperor's going to face the same fate, if not worse, as Semrov in the second Chaska i Esquarium. And with this bye on the third matchday, I'm doubtful we will advance any further after the qualifiers. If we make it to the round of 16, I will shocked by such sorcery."

Various have posted responses, with one reading "We will only make it to the round of sixteen in the next Chaska: I suggest Bethlehem goes through this ordeal."

by **Qianrong** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:38 pm

RADIO FREE QIANRONG
自由茜蓉電台 - Zìyóu Qiànróng Diàntái
台觀龍自 - Đài Quan Rồng Tự
રડ્યો લીબ્રેંગ કન્રોન - Radyo Libreng Kanron

Free Media for a Free Nation

QIANRONG AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD COUPE
When it was played out on paper, many expected the Qianrongese team to do well in the Fourth Coupe d'Esquarium-
But with a tie to Arkiasis and a loss to Scotia, Qianrong is on the bottom and the outlook for the Firebirds is bleak.

The Qianrongese team at an international friendly earlier this year.

CARTHAGE, MICHILLIES- MARCH 30^th, 2015 - In Luziyca, a new song is sweeping through the internet as a viral sensation as the Coupe d'Esquarium drags on. The song is titled "When Pigs Fly", and from the Luziycan perspective, it is perhaps the most depressing song that is not a form of political protest. "We will never win another Chaska," the song bemoans. "Our dominance hath faded." Verse Three is the most total acknowledgement of defeat, however: "Let our friends in Yucheng know/that they can defeat us/Oh, let our friends in Yucheng know/That Jerusalem is no longer." Here, the desperation of Luziycan soccer fans is clearest; having been stunned politically by Yucheng last year, the Luziycans are steeling themselves for a defeat on the pitch.

But in Qianrong, many wonder if the Luziycan declaration is premature following a miserable showing by the Firebirds in the first two matches of Qianrong's Coupe. It isn't as bad as last year, where Qianrong was suffering massive point deficits against Francilie and Luziyca, but it is also not the Coupe Qianrongese fans were hoping for. In the run-up to the Coupe, many analysts had expected Qianrong to advance to the knockout stage in the 2nd place position for Group C. Though some simulations did depict Qianrong losing out, these were generally described as shock losses and upsets. Many fans also had high hopes for the Firebirds, who were one of two teams in Group C to have any Coupe experience. But with a tie and a loss, Qianrong is at the bottom of the group, with Scotia and Banija filling the top two slots.

The soccer match against Arkiasis was an utterly dull match for both sides, who stonewalled each other for a full ninety minutes. A zero-zero tie left a stain on the Qianrongese record and deprived the Firebirds of a safety net they very well might need as the group stage continues. It proved a disappointing day for both sides in the end, with nobody walking away particularly filled.

And nobody expected that the Scotia-Qianrong match would be an intense football game, simply due to the international camaraderie formed in the wake of the Second Domestic Terror War. Qianrongese and Scotian fans chanted "Four-Four-Two", a reference to Air Hearadh Flight 442, which was hijacked by the ASQ and crashed as passengers struggled to regain control of the plane. Police in Carthage briefly arrested several fans for singing chants calling for the death of ASQ terrorist leader Ngo Huu Tra, and were ultimately released without charge. And while the show of solidarity was pretty, it was not what the Firebirds needed as they suffered their first loss at Scotian hands. The single Scotian point thrust Qianrong to the bottom of the group and further imperiled Qianrongese hopes of success in the soccer tournament.

But can Qianrong save this Coupe? In theory, it is possible. If Qianrong defeats Banija and Luziyca, and Arkiasis is defeated by its opponents, then it should be possible in theory. At the beginning of the Coupe, a Qianrongese victory over Banija would have been expected and the match with Luziyca dreaded. But as the Coupe continues, Banija's success and Luziyca's failures have left the issue greatly uncertain. And the plan also hinges on Arkiasis being defeated at least twice, which Scotia and Banija might be able to do and Luziyca might pull off. With this many variables, it's unclear if the Firebirds can make a comeback. If they do, though, then it will go down in the history of Qianrongese soccer and quite probably in the history of the Coupe.

Ultimately, the match against Luziyca may be the only match Qianrong can win. The Firebirds have already tied Arkiasis and lost to Scotia. If Banija's surprisingly good showing is any sign, Qianrong may be unable to defeat a country many Esquarians had never heard of before March. But the Luziycans, once the global soccer behemoths, have been reduced to disheartened club players, and it may turn out that Qianrong's only victory is against a humiliated and denigrated Luziyca. Many in Qianrong hope that the Firebirds will defeat Banija and Luziyca both, and make it to the knockout stage in a soccer miracle. But that dream is becoming increasingly unlikely, and the Firebirds may wind up fulfilling little more than a song verse written by a broken nation.

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Ocidenia: Secessionists break ceasefire as protests grow
Oteki: Geadland to negotiate with independence activists
Namor: Liberationist newspaper celebrates April Fools Day

by **Banija** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 10:29 pm

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide that is all sports, all the time!

Albert Rabie and Nicolaas Wessels celebrate Wessels' 2nd half equalizer

Controversial double yellow leads Banija to a scoring draw against 10 man Luziyca

PUNTERAS- Nicolaas Wessels, the 30 year old attacking midfielder, scored on a 57th minute free kick after young Emperor defender Bosse Dahl was shown his second straight yellow card, and Banija managed to hold on against the onslaught of the total football attacking style from the Emperors, and achieve a 1-1 draw against the silver medalists. While Felix Niequist opened the scoring for Luziyca in the 32nd minute, they were not able to maintain this lead, and eventually gave into the pressure from Banija. This represents a strong start to the tournament for a team that almost everybody picked to finish dead last within their group, and it will give them confidence going forward.

The first half was a strong showing by both the Luziycan offense and the Banijan defense. Both teams were able to create scoring chance after scoring chance, and yet, both goalkeepers had top notch play to make sure that nobody was able to score. Boris Ladislav made a great 9th minute save, as he dove and went to the full stretch to barely get his fingertips on a shot from Felix Niequist. Ladislav had to deal with 6 corner kicks in the 1st half from Luziyca, which showed that they were able to keep possession of the ball, keep possession in the attacking third, and keep the pressure up on the Banijan defense.

While the Banijan defense did bend for the first half hour, the defense definitely did not break. They were able to make key clearances off their lines, they were able to play the offsides trap well against the total football formation of the Luziycans, and they were able to even create counter attacks up the field, though nothing materialized in the back of the net for the Banijans. The key moment in the 1st half however, came in the 32nd minute. A counter-attack was launched by Luziyca after Banija's only first half corner kick, and they showed, at least on that possession, why they came into the tournament as early favorites. Luziyca moved forward, and after a series of passes, had a cross to Felix Niequist who easily headed the ball into the net and gave the Luziycans a lead of 1-0, that they would take into the half.

While Luziyca kept pressing forward in the 1st half, the manager might have taken a much more cautious approach towards the second half. There was less flow, and far less style, from this Luziycan side, and Banija was actually getting the advantage. They were creating chances, including a shot from Konstantin Drago in the 53rd minute that grazed the top of the crossbar as it sailed over the net. People knew that Banija would not be backing down from Luziyca at that point, and that the players were there, fully expecting and competing to get a result from the game that they were playing.

Then, came the moment that many Luziycan fans will be angry about, and that will be talked about for a long time around Esquarium, though not so much in Banija. In the 56th minute, left midfielder Bauer III was dribbling down the sideline, just as Milenko Veselko was waiting to sub into the game to replace him. He was cutting in towards the goal, and faced a very hard, arguably very dangerous, slide tackle from 19 year old defender Bosse Dahl. He was shown a yellow card, that was not met with much protest from most of the players on the field. They felt he deserved it.

However, the youngster was on a team where the oldest player was 24 years old. A team filled with youth brings passion, pride, and energy, but lacks the experience to control emotions and walk away from a fight. Bosse Dahl spoke with the ref, and argued with him. Just as he was walking away, he apparently said something that greatly upset the referee, and the whistle was blown again. He was shown his second yellow in the span of less than 30 seconds, and as a second yellow equals a red, he was thrown out of the game. The young team would have to finish the game with only 10 men, and they were not able to do it.

The free kick for the original foul committed was only 23 yards away from goal. Nicolaas Wessels, the 30 year old vice captain of the national team and the team's free kick specialist, lined up to take the free kick. Wessels put a great bend on the ball, and made sure that it would not land anywhere besides the back of the net to draw the game level at one. Now, Pieter Huzienga, knowing the tendencies of the Luziycan defense to allow goals in bunches, and knowing that his side had an extra man and a fresh body on the field with Veselko subbing in, decided to push his team forward to chase the victory.

Substitute Louis Pretorious was able to hit the post with a 73rd minute header from a corner kick, that almost would have surely gone in because the opposing goalkeeper was caught way out of position. After that, the Banijan team stopped moving forward to chase the win. The Emperors, with only 10 men on the field, could not move to create many chances in the final 15 minutes, and the final whistle blew with a 1-1 score. The score sent reverberations throughout Banija and all of Esquarium. This Banija side hung with Luziyca for 90 minutes, and along with Scotia's commanding lead atop Group C, the newcomers in the group have both shown that they just may be strong forces to be reckoned with at this edition of the Coupe D'Esquarium.

Banija Match Report
57th minute- Free kick goal by Nicolaas Wessels
57th minute substitution- Vlado Bauer III out; Milenko Veselko in
68th minute substitution- Ivica Jadranka out; Milovan Dimitrov in
81st minute substitution- Konstantin Drago out; Laslo Drecun in

by **Sandhelm** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 2:14 am

Sandhelm defeats Koyro in close 1-0 match

The Sandhelmian team posing after the match.

Soccer fans around the nation are celebrating our 1-0 win against Koyro, a match most people thought we would lose.

The first half the match was rather uneventful, with both sides struggling to break through their opponents defences. Sandhelm came close to scoring at the 27th minute, with a shot from Peter Veint being quickly blocked by the Koy Goalkeeper. The Koy team also nearly scored at the 31st and 33rd minutes, both shots being stopped in their tracks by the Sandhelmian Goalkeeper, Piotr Zaninski.

Throughout the second half, the match looked like it may end in a tie but at the 86th minute Franz Ferdin miraculously scored against Koyro, bringing the score to 1-0. The crowd erupted into celebration as the match ended, with many Sandhelmian flags flying proudly in the crowds.

Sandhelm now sits at 3rd place in Group E, with Ainin and Vozergovnia at 1st and 2nd respectfully. Sandhelm will need to get to at least 2nd in our group in order to advance to the next round. With two matches left in the group stage, can we get that far?

The fate of Sandhelm in CdE IV seems to rest on our next match against Vozergovnia, who are currently in 2nd place in Group E. If Sandhelm can defeat them in the next match, then we still stand a chance to advance in this competition. If not, we won't. Both Sandhelm and Vozergonvia are appearing in the CdE the first time with CdE IV and seem to be evenly matched, The next match is sure to be very hectic and we can only hope that we end out on top.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:26 am

Our great leader threatens execution of the Luziycan National Team

The great leader, Breuvi Shjoraski

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - As the Luziycans enter a bye, and as a meme, "When Pigs Fly" start to become more and more popular, our great President Breuvi Shjoraski, oppressor of all Luziycans has decided that should Luziyca not make it to the Round of Sixteen, he shall punish the Emperors for their incompetence and disgrace to the proud Luziycan nation.

"Our team has become a national disgrace for us," our great leader proclaimed. "In our inaugural match this season, we were defeated three points to Scotia's five points: a country that only debuted in this Chaska i Esquarium. But we thought that it was a temporary setback, when we were tied one all in yesterday's match against Banija, another debutant."

He continued, "Our team is a disgrace to this totalitarian country, just like Semrov was in the second edition of the Chaska i Esquarium. But unfortunately that time, we were too lenient and did give any pressure. Because we are certain that we are unlikely to reach the round of sixteen, we have decided that if our team loses and does not enter the Round of Sixteen, or the Round of Eight, we shall execute them by burning them at the stake. One by one, the smoke that ascends to the almighty Lord shall make them realize the error of their ways, and that next time, they ought to try and be effective as a team."

"The Emperors are a disgrace: perhaps this threat can make them win all the remaining matches within this Chaska," our great leader concluded.

In other news
Nazareth - The Virgin Mary arrives in Luziyca, informs people that Jesus will return "soon"
Namor - Namor to restore Empire: Shjoraski to attend coronation of new Emperor
Ocelot Isles - "Prophet," alleged to be Jesus says that we're part of "NationStates:" users on NS ridicule him
Ainin - The only April Fool's joke here is the SDLP and how they're crumbling faster than the average Luziycan puppet state.
Atlantica - Government to sell everything to us: thanks Gunnlaugsson!

by **Kraq** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:34 am

Voice of Kraq: Sports

Kraq 2–2 North Daecon

Hikmat Hussain celebrates scoring his first international goal

Villoba, Michillies- Hopes for this Kraqi side had all but been blown away by simply qualifying into the Coupe d'Esquarium, something which no Kraqi team had ever done in the tournament's history, and was the only expectation of the new Head Coach Iman Mohammed coming into the tournament. Mohammed, well known for his aggressive fiery offensive minded play style, had stated long before the tournament started that simply finishing in 3rd or 4th and "hoping not to lose", like many excepted his side to do, was not on the game plan. Instead, he said the complete opposite during his pre-match press conference, saying: "I didn't come to Michillies to play boring defensive football and hope that three points are just dropped on are laps with a nicely tied ribbon on top. No, we came here to win as many matches and advance deep into this year's CdE IV, god willing."

His comments to the press sparked hope to many Kraqi football fans, whom previously could only hope that their team could scrap a point from a lot of the bigger teams coming into Kraq's first match. Head Coach Mohammed starting eleven was a fairly predictable, playing his favourite 4-6-0. Anwar El-Mofty lead the attack, playing as a false number 9, with Kraq's playmaker, Brevui Themvako, playing just behind him. In the central middle field Mohammed had gone with Antoni Alfarsi and Hikmat Hussain, while Mahfuz Hakim and Rais Hussain were positioned on the wings. Ziauddin Amjad, Duha Karim, Jabril El-Mofty and Mansoor El-Ghazzawy were in defence. While the experienced Habibullah El-Hashem was in goal.

The Sand Dragons started the match strong, dominating possession during the first 20 minutes of the game and on the 19th minute, the Sand Dragons finally converted that domination of the ball into a goal. Themvako played a low ball into the feet of El-Mofty, whom had found some space inside the box. El-Mofty, unmarked, struck a powerful shot towards the top corner and watched the ball sail in past the despairing dive of Bruce Portsman to seize a early 1-0 lead. Kraq continued to press the North Daeconese Rangers, eventually making another good chance in the 31st, when a Themvako free kick hit the woodwork. The second goal came shortly before half time, when Rais Hussain cut inside a defender and played the ball to Hikmat Hussain, whom superbly struck the ball into the back of the net, 2-0.

The North Daeconese in the second half were swift to press the attack, creating several good goal scoring opportunities during the first 20 minutes of the second half, but the Kraqi defence was equal to them all. A crippling blow to the Kraqi defence came in the 67th, when a nasty two footed tackle by Duha Karim resulted in Kraq being reduced to ten men. This was immediately followed up a North Daeconese goal a minute later off a free kick. The North Daeconese continued to push the Kraqi's deeper and deeper into their own half and finally broke the Kraqi defence in the 85th minute when a in swinging corner found Samuel Summers in some space, whom simply tapped the ball into the back of the net to tie things up at 2-2.

The draw leaves Kraq in 3rd, with a game in hand, and just three points away from North Daecon, whom have a bye when Kraq plays Nevanmaa on the 2nd of April. Despite dropping three points, many Kraq's are in shock over their team's almost win over North Daecon, the favourites, along with the disgusting Nevans, to move on into the group stage. With #MCATVill (Miracle At Villoba) trending on many social media platforms.

Head Coach Iman Mohammed mood during his post-match press conference was far from celebratory, referring to his team's performance as "far from satisfactory" and that "There will be serious work on Kraq's endurance and discipline going into are [Kraq's] match against Nevanmaa in light are [Kraq's] disastrous second half." This sentiment was expressed by Kraq's vice captain Anwar El-Mofty during his post-game interview, calling Kraq's performance during the last 30 minutes an "implosion." Nevertheless the Kraqi's are in relevantly good position going into there next controversial match against the Nevans.

by **Namor** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:39 pm

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун

CdEIV Special In assuring match, Namor beats An Déise 4-2

An Yanlin scored Namor's first goal in the fourth CdE

MICHILLIES - A 4-2 win over An Déise guaranteed for the time being that Namor isn't in the bottom of the list in Group F.

Following the defeat to North Cortoguay, the Namorese team emerged into the second day of the Coupe D'Esquarium, this time playing against the debuting An Déise. The game was intense throughout - at first the team of An Déise scored two goals against the Namorese, but the Namorese returned by shooting two goals (courtesy to An Yanlin) by the end of the first half. This was the first time the Namorese team scored a goal in the fourth CdE. An went on to steal the show by scoring a third goal in the 83rd minute and the fourth and last goal in the 89th minute, just thirty seconds before the game ended.

The Namorese victory against An Déise sparked cheers and chanting of "Namora (Namor)" by Namorese fans in the crowd. In the post-game interview, the players seemed relieved that they weren't defeated a second time.

"We definitely put our all in that match, yet there are still things we can improve on," said Tinjan Ancha. "There needs to be more emphasis on the defense, which prevents the opponent from getting near the goal. If we step up our defense, we'll keep the opponent at bay, putting us - and only us - at the position of shooting a goal."

Asked if Namor can do better within Group F, Ancha replied in the affirmative. "There is no reason why we shouldn't be at least somewhere in the top [of Group F], but we'll have to see in future matches. We must keep our act together, and if we do, then the road ahead of us isn't going to be rough."

Back home, the Namorese victory seemed to have redeemed the Namorese team for the time being. As somebody put it on Twitter, "Kudos to the [Namorese] team. At least they're not so bad that they can't defeat anybody." Someone else tweeted, "If the Namorese keep this up, they can get behind North Cortoguay for sure." However, from the looks of it, the team will have to perform just as well in its next game if it wants these positive comments rolling in continuously.

Namor is #3 in Group F. The leading two teams are North Cortoguay and the Ocelot Isles, which surprisingly defeated Ariania, allowing it to slip between North Cortoguay and Namor, stealing second and leaving Namor third. Ariania and An Déise are in the pits, getting 4th and 5th respectively. It must be noted that since the Coupe isn't over, the ranking will continue to change until such time that a clear victor emerges in the group and advances to the semifinals.

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by **Vozergovnia** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:25 pm

Markus Zabinev celebrates after scoring his first international goal along with Vozergovnia's first goal ever in a
Coupe d'Esquarium

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1 April 2014
Vozergovnia v. Atlantia Creek: 1-0 for our Boys in Red! First Coupe d'Esquarium goal for Vozergovnia Celebrated in all Corners of the Nation.

The Vozergovian national football team defeated their counterparts from Atlantia Creek in a tight match which ended 1-0 in favour of the Vozergovnians who are participating in the Coupe d'Esquarium for the first time in the nation's history. Vozergovnia is now second in its group (Group E) behind Ainin but only due to a goal difference; both nations currently have three points.

The Vozergovnian nineteen-year-old centre forward, Markus Zabinev, scored a magnificent goal which the goal-keeper from Atlantia Creek could not defend against. Immediately the the assembled crowds roared in admiration and astonishment at the magnificence of the goal while Mr Zabinev and his team-mates celebrated wildly around the football pitch.

After the game, Mr Zabinev stated he was ''extremely pleased'' by the result of the match, the support of the crowd in a faraway country and to all Vozergovnians for their support of the national team. He cautioned his compatriots against becoming ''overambitious only to be disillusioned shortly thereafter'' saying Vozergovnia is a ''small country that simply cannot compete with the Esquarian football giants''.

The goal-keeper and national team captain, Jon Kabinski, said ''everything'' was ''an extra'' claiming he did not expect the Vozergovnian football side to win any matches at all!

Shortly after the game ended, the Premier spoke briefly on the state broadcaster, RAZ, and said, ''I wish to congratulate our boys in red; they've done an absolutely magnificent job and ultimately managed to emerge victorious in this match. They are certainly very humble young men who underestimate their abilities; I am confident that this is the first of many goals, achievements and successes for our national football side at a prestigious football competition such as the Coupe d'Esquarium".

Nevertheless, around 10,000 met in the capital, Belgrev, to watch the game at large screens installed in public squares while many more watched the game at home or at bars and subsequently ventured onto the streets of the capital to celebrate the victory which has been hailed as a ''glorious moment in the history of Vozergovnia'' by a few dedicated fans.

by **New Waterford** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:33 am

The Messenger
An Teachtaire
De Kurier

An Déise loses to Namor by 2-4

Suibhne Ó Cinnéide expressed disappointment at the results of the match

The An Déise football team is at the bottom of Group F after losing their début match against Namor.

Initially the Bishops had the upper hand, scoring two goals within the first half; however, the Liberators managed to equalise the score with two goals by half time, delivering two more in the 83rd and 89th minute, all by Namorese striker An Yanlin. In an interview given shortly after the match, the team's manager Suibhne Ó Cinnéide said that he was 'gutted' by the defeat, and that he and the team will 'figure out what went wrong ... and see what needs improving'.

Scores of fans on Twitter decried the poor performance of the Déiseach team. One such tweet read 'The Bishops were acting terribly last night. They'll have to perform much better than that if they want to get past the first stage'. Another user defended the team, saying, 'sure they did score two goals you know [sic] they wouldnt of managed that against north cortaguy or whatever'.

by **North Daecon** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 8:59 am

Transcript of Coupe d'Esquarium IV - North Daecon vs Kraq

Beginning
Zachary Benstead: Welcome back to the second NDBC Match Day of the Coupe d’Esquarium IV, and I am Zachary Benstead...

Hugo Burhop: and your co-commentator Hugo Burhop......

Benstead: ......... and this is the March 31 match between North Daecon, and Kraq, the first March 31 match for Group H.

Burhop: The second Group H match, Rasskovy vs Nevanmaa will be on NDBC HD2, and official post-game show will start 1:00 am NDST time.

Benstead: North Daecon will be going into this match on a highnote, as they defeated Rasskovy with a last minute screamer from Summers. Will they have that luck tonight? Lets find out.

North Daecon 0, Kraq 1
WIP

North Daecon 0, Kraq 2
WIP

Kraq down to 10 men

Benstead: ...Cohn is moving forward now. Passes it to Cunningham. Cunningham moving up the defensive line......... CHALLENGE BY DUHA KARIM! CUNNINGHAM GOES DOWN IN PAIN! [loud crowd booing and shouting] REFEREE GIVES NO MERCY TO KARIM AS HE GETS SENT OFF AND RED CARDED! THE KRAQ DEFENCE HAS FALLEN APART!

[camera on referee as red card is given; loud crowd roar]

[replay of tackle]

Burhop: Definite Red Card to Karim, he should have known that tackle is a definite no go, but decided to do it anyway. Very poor challenge from him.

Benstead: And North Daecon now has a chance to claw back from its goal deficit and put up a good fight to Kraq tonight.

North Daecon 1, Kraq 2
WIP

North Daecon 2, Kraq 2

Benstead: The Rangers are pushing the Kraqi defense to the limit, it is now the 85th minute.

Burhop: Amjad is pressuring Cohn....... real tricky....... Amjad kicks out of play. Linesman signals corner to North Daecon.

Benstead: You know, the Kraqi's defense has really just fallen apart in the last half hour. They had a great start, but slowed it towards the end, which has cost them dearly.

Burhop: Arkman is taking the kick. [pause] [whistle] He kicks it into the far side..... real mix of craziness.... Summers is unmarked! HE SCORES! [loud crowd roar] NORTH DAECON HAS CLIMBED BACK FROM THE BRINK TO TIE THE GAME!

[huge crowd roars, replay of goal]

Benstead: Summers was unmarked from the start, the kick was really good, and he just punts it past El-Hashem to make it 2-2.

[break]

[end game whistle]

Benstead: Luck saves North Daecon as goals from Arkman and Summers tie Kraq. That's it from us tonight, North Daecon 2, Kraq 2.

Coupe d’Esquarium IV [IC | Results | Everything] (Esq. ONLY)

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