AOCAF 48 Everything Thread (Atlantian Oceania Only)

[Austenersey]

The Austenersian press react to Matchday 1.

[95X]

from Livespace:
Username: 95XSoccer
When: 17 minutes ago
In their AOCAF 48 opener, 95X defeated Greater Watford 2-0 on two goals from Jordyn Third (:11, :78). Next up is Protectoria (0-0-1). Be sure to catch all the action on XBN!

[Farfadillis]

Aged nineteen, he was already trusted by Pekarik. Trusted enough to enter the pitch, replacing Delafuente no less, in the opening match of the AOCAF Cup, no less. Sure, against Austenersey. He was good at kicking balls, not geography, so he had absolutely no idea who they were. He had a vague recollection of one of Farfadillis' record wins being against them, but nothing less.

But they were two-one down. Not exactly an ideal way to begin a campaign. Still, Fôrté, ever-so-confident, was absolutely sure they would get the result. In fact, he was sure he would be the one to turn things around. Walking the fine line between confidence and narcissism was hard for Fôrté, as you can imagine. But maybe, just maybe, his confidence was justified. Not everyone was regarded as the future best player of the national team, after all. Friekder Dandalleion, Risko Kâí and him. Nobody else.

Kâí himself stripped Ethans of the ball dangerously close to the box. Lacking space, the Rulandese striker tried finding some to no avail, and backed out to the flank a bit. This was usually a kind of signal for everyone to be somewhere in the box, anywhere, as Risko was probably the best Farf player in history, at the very least when it came to crossing. Wínrôuge dreaded that a bit, actually. He wasn't good at jumping or heading, it just wasn't part of his allegedly 'beautiful' way of playing football. One could say it was not his... forte. Alright, alright. Sorry.

Still, obeying Pekarik's orders in training, as he knew he had to do else he get scolded to no end, he headed towards the box. Intentionally or not, the cross ended up right in his chest. He didn't think twice, chested it up and, in his everpresent and absolutely unnecessary cheekiness, went for an overhead kick. He had scored like that maybe twice in his life, and it had never been even remotely important. But hey, here he was trying it in an important match defending his nation's colors. This kind of attitude was probably what had gotten him there, though. And, as luck would have it, it wouldn't really hinder him. Bam, the ball hit the post and went right in.

He got up and looked at the goal in apparent disbelief. No amount of conceit will make you assume you scored an overhead kick without looking, after all. His teammates rushed towards him in celebration. Except Kâí, of course, who was far too concerned sprinting towards the goal to get the ball before the opponents, just in case.

The minutes passed, and Fôrté's confidence started making him play at the top of his game. He distributed the ball perfectly and became, probably, one of the biggest nightmares the Austenersey midfield had had to face in a long time. He was also helped by an Alex Terán who was having one of his good days. He couldn't wait to read the newspapers the day later. Being under the spotlight was something he quite liked.

But, sometimes, it's not meant to be. Sometimes someone else pulls off something even more ridiculous than you and overshadows you. That someone was his idol, funnily enough. The very same man that had assisted his fantastic goal.

In the dying minutes of the game, Risko got the ball from Mêndêlöíndçêl right outside the box, after a great chance for Austenersey that was stopped by Tzâín. He dribbled one, two, looked up, and went for a shot from pretty much half the fucking field. For some absolutely inexplicable reason, the goalkeeper was not in, let's say, the best of positions. So bam, last minute ridiculous goal. Bittersweet for Fôrté, of course. On the one hand, he'd not be showered in as many compliments as he expected, but, well, on the other, the team had won. Even for someone like him, that takes precedence.

[Krytenia]

After a few maverick results on MD1, wat does MD2 hold? CUTOFF! (Valanora's post below counts for this MD.)

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
DRats.

It was not a good start for the Marauders as they began their quest to make good on a promising World Cup cycle with a solid showing in the AOCAF to finish off the two year journey. With a renewed sense of purpose following a great showing during the World Cup, coming in as a Quarterfinalist whilst playing the host, and a group that seemed easily winnable, the Marauders perhaps were too confident heading into their first match. An unexpected flood of goals conceded by what is supposed to be one of the best defenses that the Marauders have ever put on a team sheet is very worrying, as the side lost to the third pot team of Ratastan in the opening matchday, a team with little renown across the sporting universe.

The frustration was visible upon the bodies of the players as they looked uncomfortable and stand offish with reporters following the match, with even the legendary Hawk dismissing reporters with gruff and short words. While the captain has always been sparse with his words with the media, only fulfilling his contractual responsibility, never before has it seemed as if he were annoyed with the reporters asking their inquiries. The same could be said of most players and even the manager, who brushed all questions regarding tactics and the composition of the squad as "We had a bad game, we have to move on to the next." Given that the manager made a pair of changes from the roster that made the quarterfinals, you have to wonder if perhaps they are feeling a bit pressure and worry that the Marauders good cycle may all just be a fluke in what many have described as the gradual decline in Vanorian talent.

Thankfully not all is lost, with Starblaydia finding themselves also the victim of the upset bug, as they were held to a nearly unbelievable Rejistania inspired draw from Tallaga la Falla. The unknown side kept the five time World champions at bay the entire game and will be looking to repeat the feat with our own five time champions in matchday two. Clearly the offense will need to be in top gear and the defense can not be seen giving up the same lapses that happened with Ratastan that lead to those three goals. If they had been merely average in their defense on the day, the offense had put two pat the opposition and the side would have had the draw and the group still squared away. Those blunders can not be held now, especially with Tallaga seeming to be the giant killers and Starblaydia and ourselves now behind the eight ball to advance out of the group. Hawk and va Drake are heralded as heroes throughout the empire for their exploits, it is very likely they may need to be writing another chapter of those if the Marauders are to overcome this misstep in the first game.

[Krytenia]

Group A
Krytenia 3–1 Swilatia
Ko-oren 3–1 Semarland

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
 =1 Ko-oren              2  2  0  0  4  1  +3  6  Q
 =1 Krytenia             2  2  0  0  4  1  +3  6  Q
 =3 Semarland            2  0  0  2  1  4  -3  0
 =3 Swilatia             2  0  0  2  1  4  -3  0

Group B
Vilita and Turori 2–2 Lindmark
Mertagne 3–0 Western Sunrise Islands

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Mertagne             2  2  0  0  6  0  +6  6  Q
  2 Vilita and Turori    2  1  1  0  4  2  +2  4  
  3 Lindmark             2  0  1  1  2  5  -3  1  
  4 W. Sunrise Islands   2  0  0  2  0  5  -5  0

Group C
Osarius 1–0 Weimania
Cosumar 3–4 Equestrian States

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Osarius              2  2  0  0  5  3  +2  6  Q*
  2 Cosumar              2  1  0  1  6  4  +2  3  
  3 Equestrian States    2  1  0  1  7  7  ==  3
  4 Weimania             2  0  0  2  0  4  -4  0

*Osarius have qualified as they are assured of at worst being one of the four best third-placed sides.

Group D
Valanora 3–0 Tallaga la Falla
Starblaydia 1–1 Ratastan

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Ratastan             2  1  1  0  4  3  +1  4  
  2 Valanora             2  1  0  1  5  3  +2  3  
  3 Starblaydia          2  0  2  0  1  1  ==  2
  4 Tallaga la Falla     2  0  1  1  0  3  -3  1

Group E
Audioslavia 1–0 Austenersey
Farfadillis 3–1 West Guiana

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Farfadillis          2  2  0  0  6  3  +3  6  Q
  2 Audioslavia          2  1  1  0  3  2  +1  4  
  3 West Guiana          2  0  1  1  3  5  -2  1  
  4 Austenersey          2  0  0  2  2  4  -2  0

Group F
95X 4–0 Protectoria
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 2–2 Greater Watford

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 95X                  2  2  0  0  6  0  +6  6  Q
  2 R. K. Quebec         2  1  1  0  6  4  +2  4  
  3 Greater Watford      2  0  1  1  2  4  -2  1  
  4 Protectoria          2  0  0  2  2  8  -6  0

[Cosumar]

LIVE MATCH FEED: Cosumar vs. Equestrian States

Hey-oh! You're here with Ava Morgong, your AOCAF beat reporter with The Cosumarite Courier. I am about to bring you live updates and analysis from the site of the today's match! We've got just 10 minutes to go until kickoff, and the atmosphere is beginning to build here at Emberton's Olympic Stadium. There is a very pro-Cosumarite crowd due to the Fiefdom's proximity to Krytenia, but there are boisterous patches of Equestrian supporters as well!

The two teams are lining up to sing their national anthems as I type. As usual, Jukka Lindroos is loudly singing Glorious And Majestic!

COSUMAR XI: Winterfyll, Gorham, Farsgaard, Akindele, Tenebrosa, Sigler, Na'Noni, Lucassen, Öhman, Engström, Newman

Prediction? On paper, these two sides are very evenly-matched. The result is up for grabs! I'll go with Cosumar 3-2 Equestrian States.

...

1st minute: We have kickoff in Emberton! The teams are feeling each other out with simple passes right now, not willing to expose themselves too much yet.

8th minute: Chance Cosumar! Ace Newman swoops in and dispossesses an Equestrian defender and spanks a ball towards the far post! The keeper is able to dive forward and palm it wide.

15th minute: Chance Cosumar! Anders Engström takes advantage of a shocking amount of space in the final third to plow forward and suck in the defense before laying it off to a wide-open Ace Newman. Surely this is the opening goal... D'oh!!! Newman rifles it too high and into the stands. You would expect him to finish that one.

21st minute: GOOOOOOAAAAAL COSUMAR! 1-0! Darwyn Lucassen heads down Engström's hopeful cross from the left inside the near post!

23rd minute: Lucassen passes the ball out to Ole Öhman on the right. Öhman’s cross is tipped dangerously in front of goal by a defender. Their goalkeeper is forced to dive to parry away the awkward bounce. It's a foot-race between Ace Newman and their left back for the ball! This is promising.... And right after the restart, Cosumar has struck again! 2-0! GOOOAAAAAAAL! Newman got the first touch on it, cutting back inside to lose the defender and sailing the ball into the top of the net over the still-scrambling keeper. It's a dream-start for the Cosumarites!!!

29th minute: Another chance for Cosumar! A skipping ball in from Maynard Gorham on the left somehow makes its way through several Equestrian defenders all the way to Lucassen on the other side, but he whips his first-time effort wide and behind the goal. Many in the crowd here thought he had scored!

31st minute: Another GOOOOOAAAAAAL for Cosumar! El tercer! Mauricio Sigler is magnificent! He fakes to his right, turns and curls the ball inside the right post from 15 yards out! It capped off some beautiful build-up play from the Dragons' front six, and I think both Lucassen and Newman will be credited with assists.

35th minute: GOAL Equestrian States! The World Cup 72 hosts pull one back for what is already the fourth goal here in the early stages. 3-1. Arndu Farsgaard inexplicably gave the ball away with a ill-conceived pass, and the Equestrian States captain intercepted and drove in a low, hard shot from 14 yards. The Cosumarite cheers were filling the stadium a minute ago, but they're silenced now.

36th minute: Öhman cautioned for a rough foul.

41st minute: Great chance for Equestrian States. Their striker has been active all game, but they finally got a reward for their labor when they were played perfectly into space. The hurried shot had pace but not placement, as Jakk Winterfyll was able to block it at the near post with two hands. Farsgaard has cleared it away.

44th minute: Chance Cosumar! The Equestrian States goalkeeper is forced to make two world-class saves! First on Engström's initial effort, then again on Lucassen's follow-up. This preserves a manageable deficit for the Equestrians going into the dressing room. 4-1 might've just sealed it.

45th minute: Half-time! Gethin Ramsey will be thrilled with his team's three first half goals. And it could've easily been more!

50th minute: GOAL Equestrian States! 3-2! They have hope! Cosumar fails to clear the corner, leaving a loose ball in the box. An Equestrian winger opportunistically pokes it home through traffic. That's really poor from the Dragons. Gethin Ramsey looks livid. You could fry an egg on his head right now!

53rd minute: Engström cautioned for clashing into the Equestrian keeper as both went for a ball in the air.

60th minute: Substitution Equestrian States at the striker position. The new player comes on and goes for glory right away with a 35-yard effort that dips enticingly but is controlled by Winterfyll with no problem.

61st minute: An Equestrian midfielder is cautioned for a shirt-tug.

62nd minute: Substitutions Cosumar: Tevin Lilley replaces Ace Newman up top. Sheldon Serra replaces Tomasso Tenebrosa at right back.

64th minute: Ouch. Robahn Akindele is sent off with a straight red for a rash sliding tackle into the ankles of an Equestrian player. The tides of this match seem to be shifting. Can Equestrian States use the advantage to complete their comeback?

68th minute: The roles have reversed since the first half, as the Equestrians are now the aggressors. They are taking advantage of 10-man Cosumar's tired legs to dominate and have held comfortable possession here in the Dragons' half for the last five or ten minutes. Oh, chance for Equestrian States! A beautiful triangle of passing leads to an open shot! It looks like Winterfyll was able to tip it over the bar, but it might've been going high anyways.

74th minute: Substitution Cosumar: Frazan Va'Goshal replaces Ole Öhman in midfield. Hopefully this injection of pace will give Cosumar some new life and cure our tired-legged demeanor.

77th minute: Chance Equestrian States! The Ponies continue to run rampant in the second half, coming close to an equalizer just now with a smashing header that deflected back off the crossbar after a perfect corner.

83rd minute: Serra takes a card for the team to prevent an Equestrian States breakaway.

91st minute: GOOOAAAL for Equestrian States! 3-3! It truly is a game of two halves, as the Ponies finally deservedly equalize. It's poor set-piece defending that has bit Cosumar again here. An Equestrian center-back loses his marker and heads powerfully on frame from close-range. Winterfyll does great to deflect it back out, but their second-half sub (also with no marker in sight) is there to clean up the rebound. That goal was won with superior desperation and effort.

93rd minute: Engström tries an 8-yard bicycle kick to restore Cosumar's lead in wondrous fashion, but it goes wide.

94th minute: Oh no.... it's another one for Equestrian States. GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!! Their second in stoppage time! A dagger to Cosumarite hearts at the death! 4-3 in favor of the southwestern Atlantians! It started with the Equestrian right back's cross to the far post, which the recipient headed back across the mouth of goal. The same substitute striker as three minutes ago was in the right place at the right time, again, to just barely sneak it over the goal-line past Winterfyll's dive. The Cosumarite defenders are bent over in exhaustion and frustration.

95th minute: The referee puts Cosumar out of its misery with a loud final whistle. They have choked up a 3-0 lead! Equestrian States' four unanswered goals steal all three points from the fixture, leaving the Dragons in disbelief and with a great deal of uncertainty about their AOCAF future with Osarius looming in the final matchday.

---

Cosumar's AOCAF 48 Path
Matchday 1: Cosumar 3-0 Weimania (@ Cygnus Stadium, Bromham)
Matchday 2: Cosumar 3-4 Equestrian States (@ Olympic Stadium, Emberton)
Matchday 3: Osarius vs. Cosumar (@ Southern Arena, Ousevale)
Green: Victory
Blue: Draw
Red: Defeat

Cosumar AOCAF 48 Statistical Leaders
Anders Engström - 3 goals, 1 assist
Darwyn Lucassen - 1 goal, 2 assists
Ace Newman - 1 goal, 1 assist
Mauricio Sigler - 1 goal
Maynard Gorham - 1 assist

[Krytenia]

Welcome! Let Us Hand You Your Arse
By Trevor O'Carroll in Stanton

RAMESES Niblick worked his magic on the Aces on the world stage two years ago, with a Cinderella run to the last sixteen. On the regioal front, Krytenia are now guaranteed to go at least that far following a routine win over competition new boys Swilatia. That results, combined with Ko-oren matching the score against Semarland, means the K teams will play for top spot, and the S sides for third, on matchday three.

The result was never in doubt in a game that Krytenia dominated throughout, with Sam Alinas finding plenty of space to pepper the ball around in midfield, and Ronnie van Rijn bringing his domestic form to the table. Playing in a league where attack is so revered will teach even a veteran striker a few new tricks. It was, perhaps, unsurprisingly, the Avenida Victoria man who opened the scoring; not that he had much to do, as Adrian Anuzzi - in for the injured Liam Larsson - drew the defence out wide before fizzing in a low pass that van Rijn simply needed to tap past a horribly out of position Andrej Marsanski and into the Swilatian net. Not to be outdone, Valrauncion, now back at his "home" club after Telecontarë flashed the elven silver, finished off an excellent passing move with a powerful strike from the edge of the box just before half-time. If Marsanski was partly to blame for the first goal, he had no chance with this one.

Krytenia picked up where they left off after the break, piling on the pressure to the beleaguered Swilatian back three. The Bielocerveni are no slouches going forward, but that means nothing when your opponents are pinning you inside your own half. Darren Radcliffe hit the bar with a long-range cracker, van Rijn was denied a penalty shout after a fierce (but just about fair) tackle from Pavel Tojamov, and Alinas saw a stunning free-kick tipped past the post by an improving Marsanski. The Aces, though, were not to be denied. In the end, it was a corner from Anuzzi that did for them, with Joel Scott jumping highest and nodding the ball into the far corner; an advertisement for putting men on the post if ever there was one. Three-nil, and the game was as good as over with more than half an hour to play. The pace subsided somewhat, Swilatia finally got some freedom, and they bagged a late consolation when a through-ball from Elena Hasenov caught Vinny Frenz flat-footed and allowed Miroslav Rybjanski to slot past David Heaton and restore a modicum of pride for the men in red shirts. That was all they managed, though, and Krytenia will be happy with the three points.

Krytenia's final group game is a top-of-the-table decider against Ko-oren, and after that? Shock results mean that potential opponents could be former world champions Osarius, Cup of Harmony holders Cosumar, or even (dare we say it) Valanora, Starblaydia, or Audioslavia, who could all conceivably finish third in their group. With that triumvirate potentially laying in wait for the Group A winners, it might be better to lose.

KRYTENIA - 3
van Rijn 27
Valrauncion 44
Scott 57

SWILATIA - 1
Rybjanski 79

[Farfadillis]

Expectations can be very heavy. Those of other people, I mean. I never asked for it, but in no time they were dropped on me like an anvil. It either makes or breaks you, and I'm not quite sure which category I fall on - or, rather, will fall on. I've been told I have the attitude needed to succeed at the very top level of this so-called game, though. I can see why they say it.

Why do they say it? Well, it's because I'm a born leader. I'm not that good with words, mind. It's true that words are very powerful - one of the most powerful weapons a leader has at his disposal - but I'm just not great with them. I use them from time to time, but I lead in a different way. I lead by example. It is, of course, a requirement for any leader, you don't need to tell me that. It's just it seems I've mastered it, and I did it well before even noticing. It's pretty simple, really. As long as you get along with your teammates, it will work. You have to show more desire than them, consistently, and you have to show it. Running laps 'round the pitch? Do it faster than anyone else. Training's over? Not for you, you're staying to train whatever you need to train. Be it set pieces, passes, shots - whatever, really. But never let it look like you're competing with your teammates. That's not what a leader would do.

During matches, there is no moment when you can think 'Ah, well, I'll just avoid tiring myself chasing the ball this time.' There really isn't, even if you know there's no point, and maybe there is and you just didn't know it, laziness is not something a leader can show. In fact, anything short of unquenchable thirst for winning is unacceptable.

The key here is that, if you're likeable enough, this kind of attitude will rub onto everyone else eventually. Be it because of guilt, competitiveness, admiration or whatever, it just does. The only ones who are immune are those with low self-confidence, but that's when you have to use words anyway. If you do that well, you've got a loyal follower right there.

As a captain, your input goes far beyond your skills. The traditional ones, at least. Flashy skills are entertaining and all, but you are the one who makes the others play better. The one who guides the team to victory when things have gone awry. In fact, I'd dare say a standard captain would never pull off flashy skills. The dirty work is much better for the role. You even make a sacrifice yourself to allow your teammates to do the fun stuff, and you end up looking like you'd sell your grandma for a win. Which may actually hold true. Trust me, inside the pitch, there's times when I would consider it. It's baffling. Some of us footballers just lose our minds when we take the pitch. Maybe that's why we're here in the first place.

However, after saying all of this, I've got to admit being a part of the Farf national team has been a pretty humble experience. Playing for Avenida Leal, the only guy I held above me on hierarchy was Ostadar Arambilet, funnily enough my opponent for the starting spot from now on. But here, everyone's a very good player. Almost all of them better than me right now, I'd dare say. Some of them I faced already, but it's very different when you share a dressing room. And you train with them. With names like Kâí, Dandalleion, Mêndêlöíndçêl and Terán. All those you looked up to not long ago. And you become the butt of their jokes pretty often if you're a newcomer, I've come to learn. Though thankfully that happens mostly to Wínrôuge due to his ever so public overconfidence.

Ah, yeah, almost forgot. My name's Ruy Monrazón. Capped at a young age, defensive midfielder, born leader (think you got that already), currently a Gwinevra Barbarians player (and they're pretty good, you know?), and, it is believed, Mêndêlöíndçêl's heir as captain of la Vherderoja. Also extremely humble, as you can tell.

2- Risko Kâí
1- José Torino Fuego
1- Fôrté Wínrôuge
1- Alex Terán
1- Mâás Fôx

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Hello Again

Starblaydia, there is no other nation that the Marauders like facing more when it comes to football. Perhaps that is because the two nations share the record for the most World Cup victories, each having five titles to their names. It is a long held belief by Vanorians that the Starbladi are the sole reason why the Marauders were not able to complete what would have been a terrifying feat of the "five-peat", wining the World Cup in the 40th through the 45th cycle. Having won the 40, 42nd, and 43rd cycle, the Marauders were felled by the Purple Peril in the semifinals of the 41st and 44th cycle, with the Starblaydi instead winning the title in those two cycles. It was a time long forgotten by most who now partake in the World Cup but it was a time where Only Two Stand, the World Cup a playground for only two. Like all things though, that time period came to a halt and the Starblaydi have fallen on very hard times since their victory in the 47th Final, a title won over our side in Raynor City no less.

So here we are in the group stages of the AOCAF, renewing this once majestic rivalry for something quite smaller than a possible championship on the line. Instead the two will be playing to decide who will be advancing outside of their group, with the Starblaydi having failed to win in their two matches. However they have also failed to lose, with a pair of draws in their first two matches, as Ratastan was able to keep them in check much in the same way that they held our own squad. Our own side was able to bounce back after the surprise loss to the Rats with a very solid and easy making do with Tallaga la Falla. A brace from Espy va Drake as well as a nice effort from Fresco completed the three to nil showing.

Both sides could make it through despite not winning as the structure of the tournament will allow for the four best third placed sides to make it to the knockouts. However failing to win this match will leave it out of the hands of both of the sides, as their destiny will be determined by others results. That becomes even more precarious when you realize that there may only be three of those spots to fight for, with Osarius having already clinching at least a best third place with their pair of victories. Knowing the mentality of sportsmen and women, you know that they do not want to have to rely on the right results to see them through if they lost, getting in a bit through the backdoor as it were.

There is also pride to consider, the pride in getting one in over your rival, which is something that these two sides will take great pleasure in. With neither side expected to be the one to be lifting the trophy at the tournament's end, it is these encounters that will provide bragging rights for the time being, given their equality in World Cup trophies. Grudges are very hard to let go, even when you get one over on those who have caused the grudge, so there is that extra passion as well with the Starblaydi nabbing that title back in forty-seven. Can Hawk show the Starblaydi that there time is indeed done or will the Purple Peril have a renaissance and look to recover that old age of when it was Navy or Purple ribbons that decorated trophies?

[Osarius]

"They made it difficult," Osarius manager Azarai Robinson conceded. "They didn't cometo try and outplay us, they had a gameplan and they executed well. It almost worked." He was diplomatic in his comments on Weimania's stifling tactics last night, again disappointing those who had hoped to see more of Jermain Lewis in the new gaffer.

Robinson had named an almost unchanged side for the second game of the group stage, with Saunders replacing Pudoremu -- who was left out as a precaution, concerning a slight injury sustained against Equestrian States -- but everyone else starting a second consecutive game. The first half saw Osarius effectively camp in the Weimanian half, prodding and probing at a resolute defence to attempt to force openings. Chances came, but only one was clear-cut; Daraik Samuels mis-timing his leap at the back post, meeting Jerome Monroe's cross on the way down, thus sending his header over the bar.

At half time, Robinson made his first change, introducing the creativity of Zoe Barnes to replace Luther Bailey's enforcer-like presence. Assistant manager Reiss Ryerson explained "we didn't seem to be under much pressure, so we thought we could probably afford to open up the midfield a bit. Zoe brings a skillset that Luther doesn't on the attack, and we needed an edge to break them down. Harsh on Luther maybe, but he understands what we're doing here."

Barnes did make an immediate impact. Her first touch was to play a one-touch diagonal pass to Darik Samuels, who cut inside and curled his shot -- on his weaker right foot -- just outside the far post. A warning, perhaps. Weimania responded in kind, defending more tightly, and pressing the midfield to deny Barnes the time and space they felt she needed. This paid off on a few occasions, when Weimania were able to counter with pace, forcing Jorge Santana, and later India Turner, into dramatic last-ditch tackles. "Her timing had to be impeccable." Robinson said of Turner's sixty-fifth minute challenge to thwart an otherwise clear goalscoring opportunity. "I froze up for a second as she went for it, it could have gone completely wrong. But she nailed it."

As the game wore on, the stresses of trying to win the ball from a technically gifted Osarian midfield trio began to take its toll on the Weimanian midfield, and gaps started opening more frequently. Soon, Robinson replaced Samuels with young playmaker Alan Drummond, instructing the team to re-form into a diamond system, with Monroe playing as a makeshift striker. The changes had an instant impact, with Drummond collecting from Barnes, and sending an incisive ball between fullback and centre back for Monroe. The Trothwands winger's strike was wide, but the Firebirds were getting closer.

Robinson's side continued to methodically pick and poke, creating openings in an increasinly tired Weimanian defence. Their calmness reflecting the manager's icy cool on the touchline, as he appeared entirely unflustered by his team's seventy goalless minutes of football. The eventual breakthrough came thanks to Ashley Saunders' short-range finish on seventy-nine minutes, wherein the Utica forward collected a through ball from teammate Alan Drummond, beating the offside trap. "Alan was good. I brought him in to do exactly that." Robinson said. "He's still young, still got a lot to learn, a long way to go. But if he keeps doing the little things right, there's no reason he can't eventually be as good as his uncle [former Osarius playmaker Toby Drummond] some day."

Saunders and Drummond know each other well, playing alongside each other for Utica United, though Drummond didn't join the club until last year. "Yeah I got the call, and I was really excited. I called Uncle Toby and he told me he thought I had to take it. Told me about the club, the manager, everything." Alan Drummond revealed. "Playing alongside Ash has been great, he's smart, so he makes the right runs every time. Makes me look good." Saunders was similarly generous in his praise of Drummond. "Al sees the gaps before I do sometimes, and he kind of... looks there to signal me on the sly. I make the run, and boom, there's the ball. It's like magic sometimes how he gets it through." The duo operate a little differently for Utica, with Saunders frequently dropping off the front line to make space for Drummond's attacking runs, but Robinson has asked them to "keep it simple" for Osarius. Their swift adaptation has impressed pundits, who feel that Utica might have the future of Osarian attacking on their books. The youngsters are keen to downplay this idea, though. "We're just doing what the gaffer asks, to be honest." Drummond told us. "It's not the usual way we play, but he knows what he's doing and it's working. It's a learning thing." The duo's connection for the winner against Weimania looks likely to be the first of many, no matter how Robinson asks them to play. "I kind of prefer it this way, if I'm honest. I don't get as many chances for Utica because Alan's a bit greedy sometimes." Saunders joked.

With Osarius already guaranteed to progress to the knockout stages, some have suggested Robinson will make changes, and try other players, but the gaffer seemed to dismiss the notion. "It's another win to be had. Cosumar are a strong team, there's no reason to make things easier for them." He said. Ah. There's one Jermain Lewis similarity. Though there is a distinct feeling that he's trying his best to avoid those comparisons, going all out against Cosumar would probably win over large numbers of his doubters. One thing seems certain, though; Saunders and Drummond will start, surely?

Match Stats:
Osarius [4-3-3] Monteforte, Scott, Calabrese, Santana, Turner, Bailey (Barnes 45), Mitchell, Mancini, Samuels (Drummond 67), Saunders, Monroe

Player of the Game: Zoe Barnes

79' [GOAL] A. Saunders (A. Drummond)

[95X]

95X had qualified for the next round of the AOCAF, however the focus remained on their third and final game of the Group Stage; the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. 95X had faced them before, however the group favorites felt this was a must-win game.

Throughout the tournament, Xi Foureleven and Jordyn Third had packed the most powerful one-two punch thus far and Third is being compared offensively to Foureleven, furthering rumors this is the final international go-around for Xi Foureleven.

"How dare you!", she continues to answer questions about the future on either the national team or SC Oceanside, as many are wanting to know where her fountain of youth is.

"We've never seen anything like it," Marvin Stark said of Foureleven. "The best doctors have seen her, they have no explanation at all. No cosmetic surgery signs. She's not cybernetically-enhanced either. As long as she's capable and talented, she'll remain on the national team."

[Audioslavia]

There are many things that trouble the mind of a middle-aged elvish woman. Strikes to the jaw by an antique hipflask covered in a well-weathered, off-white trenchcoat-cum-mackintosh aren't usually among of them. Except perhaps if they were to go to a newly gentrified district of Cathair and pick a fight in a brothel. Which elven women do not do.

The middle-aged elf grimaced, checked her cheek for blood, and waited for an apology that never really came, at least to the standards of her own culture.

If this had happened in Valanora, the correct mode of apology, after accidentally striking a lady with a drinking vessel wrapped in a dirty coat, would be to stop, bow, offer a few choice words in Elvish and wait, head bowed, for some sign of forgiveness. In Krytenia, apparently, this was not the case. The man simply kept walking. The fact that he shouted 'sorry bigears' over his shoulder wasn't quite up to standard.

A true elf wouldn't dream of shouting '**** you you Krytenian ****' after mackintosh man. They probably wouldn't even think it. This one, who had had to live for the past twelve years in the hustle and bustle of north-west Bromham, almost caught herself yelling an obscenity, but stopped.

Did she stop because she couldn't be sure whether the offending mac-wielder was actually Krytenian or not? No, but she'd have been right to. If she was the observant type she might have noticed the smaller frame, the darker skin, the fact that he had a hipflask, all signs that pointed less to Krytenia and more to it's more attractive neighbour-but-one-(and a lake)-and-an-island-or-two Audioslavia. But she wasn't, so she didn't.

The average person from this part of the world, whether from Audioslavia, Krytenia or elsewhere, would definitely have shouted something mean at the retreating man in the man with the mackintosh and, now that she noticed, ill-fitting trilby.

That fact might well have been why the man, before the elf had even considered the idea of saying something rude, had turned and shouted 'aye, up yours ye coo' while performing an inflammatory gesture with his right fist, left hand, and right forearm.

The elf closed her eyes, counted to eleven, and went about her day.

"That was a bit harsh, Jeremy" said the man next to mackintosh man, or 'Rubio' as he preferred to be called, usually after having had to disabuse others of the notion that 'the man next to mackintosh man' was an acceptable nickname for him.
"Pre-empting it" said Jeremy
"Her, Jeremy, pre-empting 'her'"
"I was talking about the insult"
"Oh"
"I know elves are people, Rubie"
"They aren't 'people' per se, but.... oh whatever. Why did you have to whip your coat off like that?"
"Because it's hot, that's why. It's hot and I don't like it"
"So why wear the coat?"

This time, Jeremy did stop.

He and Rubio locked eyes for about four seconds. Jeremy spent the entirety of those four seconds raising his left eyebrow as slowly as he could manage.

"Fine".

The two kept walking.

"We can hail a taxi here" said Rubio. "Jeremy, Jeremy, I said we could hail a taxi he...where have you gone?"
"Back here, numbnuts" said Jeremy, leaning against a large beige saloon car. He tapped it on the bonnet
"...when the hell did you learn to drive?"
"About a century ago. I just prefer taxis."
"Where did you get this?"
"Well, I was going to rent a car, but thought I'd buy one. Got this at an auction"
"A car auction? When?"
"Last Saturday evening. It was quite exciting"
"You didn't just scratch your nose and accidentally buy it, did you?"
"No, no, nothing like that. There was barely even one of those auctioneer guys. It was a novel idea. Basically, everyone who wanted to buy a car went to this house out in the suburbs. No auctioneer, no nothing. Everyone just put their keys in this bowl and sat around chatting for twenty minutes. Then this lady made a load of mucky jokes and started inviting people to take a set of car keys. It was great. A woman'd go up, jangle a set of keys, and whoever wanted that car went up and got it. The woman would escort them to the car."
"...Jeremy..."
"I ended up with this wee beauty"
"...and... wait... Jeremy"
"Gave the nice wee lady a lift into the town centre. She was a bit confused when I told her to get out. And I got about a million texts on my phone from a guy at the party telling him I'd gone off with his car. Well, that's the idea, isn't it?"
"Jeremy..."
Jeremy opened the door.
"Hop in"
"You don't know where it's been. I mean.... really... you might want to... Jeremy... I don't think that was a car auction... I just... the thing is... what happens is...."
Rubio noticed a glint in the Audioslavian's eye.
"..you're winding me up, aren't you?"
"Yeah, don't know who's car this is"
"Can we get a taxi now?"
"It's open, though. Look. Do you want to drive up to the game?"

Rubio simply turned and hailed a taxi. One arrived within a couple of seconds.

"You getting in?" called Rubio, through the window. Jeremy eyed the car.
"Yeah. Can't stand beige. It's my second least-favourite colour"
"I can guess the first"

[Krytenia]

It's cutoff time for MD3, where there's all to play for in almost every match and you're just looking at Valanora v Starblaydia aren't you?

Then here you go!

Group A
Krytenia 0–3 Ko-oren
Semarland 3–1 Swilatia

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Ko-oren              3  3  0  0  7  1  +6  9  Q
  2 Krytenia             2  2  0  1  4  4  ==  6  Q
  3 Semarland            3  1  0  2  4  5  -1  3  E 
  4 Swilatia             3  0  0  3  2  7  -5  0  E

Group B
Vilita and Turori 1–0 Mertagne
Western Sunrise Islands 2–1 Lindmark

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Vilita and Turori    3  2  1  0  5  2  +3  7  Q
  2 Mertagne             3  2  0  1  6  1  +5  6  Q
  3 W. Sunrise Islands   3  1  0  2  2  6  -4  3  E
  4 Lindmark             3  0  1  2  3  7  -4  1  E

Group C
Osarius 3–0 Cosumar
Equestrian States 1–0 Weimania

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Osarius              3  3  0  0  8  3  +5  9  Q
  2 Equestrian States    3  2  0  1  8  7  +1  6  Q
  3 Cosumar              3  1  0  2  6  7  -1  3  Q
  4 Weimania             3  0  0  3  0  5  -5  0  E

Group D
Valanora 2–2 Starblaydia
Ratastan 1–0 Tallaga la Falla

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Ratastan             3  2  1  0  5  3  +2  7  Q  
  2 Valanora             3  1  1  1  7  5  +2  4  Q
  3 Starblaydia          3  0  3  0  3  3  ==  3  Q
  4 Tallaga la Falla     3  0  1  2  0  4  -4  1  E

Group E
Audioslavia 2–1 Farfadillis
West Guiana 0–2 Austenersey

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 Audioslavia          3  2  1  0  5  3  +2  7  Q
  2 Farfadillis          3  2  0  1  7  5  +2  6  Q
  3 Austenersey          3  1  0  2  4  4  ==  3  Q
  4 West Guiana          3  0  1  2  3  7  -4  1  E

Group F
95X 1–0 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Greater Watford 3–0 Protectoria

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  1 95X                  3  3  0  0  7  0  +7  9  Q
  2 R. K. Quebec         3  1  1  1  6  5  +1  4  Q 
  3 Greater Watford      3  1  1  1  5  4  +1  4  Q
  4 Protectoria          3  0  0  3  2 11  -9  0  E

Third Placed Teams

Pos Team                 P  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pt
  F Greater Watford      3  1  1  1  5  4  +1  4  Q
  E Austenersey          3  1  0  2  4  4  ==  3  Q
  D Starblaydia          3  0  3  0  3  3  ==  3  Q
  C Cosumar              3  1  0  2  6  7  -1  3  Q
  A Semarland            3  1  0  2  4  5  -1  3  E
  B W. Sunrise Islands   3  1  0  2  2  6  -4  3  E

Round Two Draw
Round Two Draw:
1: Ko-oren vs Cosumar (Avidia)
2: Mertagne vs Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Simpson)
(will meet in QF1 in Emberton)

3: Osarius vs Greater Watford (Bromham)
4: Audioslavia vs Valanora (Emberton)
(will meet in QF2 in Caversham)

5: Krytenia vs Equestrian States (Osteria)
6: Ratastan vs Austernersey (Aigburth)
(will meet in QF3 in Ousevale)

7: Vilita and Turori vs Starblaydia (Stanton)
8: 95X vs Farfadillis (Norton)
(will meet in QF4 in Bromham)

[Ko-oren]

State of the Team - AOCAF 48

Goal
In goal, Cláudia Macedo followed up Storm Enshadilsa, and immediately knew what was asked of her. She guided the Dragonflies into the World Cup and just conceded one goal in the AOCAF groups. Ralph Maverick was dropped from the squad after last AOCAF: he is young, he has potential, but he brought his club in a lot of trouble after some extravagant goal tending. Trent Booth was called in his place: a young goalkeeper, but somewhat more trustworthy. Being from Zakhozan, offence is in his blood, but he is a reliable person who knows what it is like to be on your own against a striker. Nosekeni Nbekeni was added at the last possible moment. Not so much a great addition by Bogdan Antonescu, but certainly there is a case to be made for her inclusion.

Defence
Not much has shifted in this line. Shi, Min and Ólafursson were dropped. Shi and Ólafursson are 32, past their best moments, and the influence of Antonescu is clearly visible here. The coach from Furellum has decided to add some youth to every line, leading to most/all 30-plus players not called to the team. In their place, he called Bahvahnin, Carlson and Rodriguez. Bahvahnin was spectacular immediately, a great representative for Polaris soccer. He, as a substitute, leads the defenders in long passes completed and rarely coughs up the ball. Carlson and Rodriguez were called to address a flaw in the defence as it stood, with Min and Aoki on the flanks. De Jong has come instead of Aoki now, and Carlson and Rodriguez give some much needed depth to the team. Carlson's speed is incredible and almost doubles for a winger, while Rodriguez is a conservative fullback. The core of Davenport and Juliasterinthen was left intact and Iorweth was added to the centre backs, though he is rapidly losing his spot to Bahvahnin.

Midfield
The biggest mental revolution happened in midfield. Instead of a pressing/conservative unit, Antonescu turned them into a group that happily is in possession. Heilyn would have fit this team greatly, though she was pulled from the team. Bagaurunir and Volkov now play as defensive mids. Bagaurunir really takes on the role of a dogfighter while Volkov is much more a playmaker. Volkov thrives with somebody next to him to attract some of the heat, and it's not just Bagaurunir but also the centre backs who can keep the defence of the opponents at bay. Davenport (CB) is also to be found in midfield occasionally. Wakefield and Millet are responsible for the creative, attacking side of the midfield: Wakefield as the one who can send the ball wherever she wants: shots, crosses, free kicks. Millet is the better passer, but the Dragonflies lack a true dribbler like Eregrent was.

The midfield was replaced almost completely by Antonescu. He didn't just select young new players: the youngest is Hortensius, from New Emona in the Nine Sisters, at 21. The average age of the starters is 26,5, with Arevalo (24) and Wilderink (26) as subs next to Hortensius. What remains is a way more attractive midfield that does not have to rely on the defenders to keep them safe. It leads to many more shots on goal, directly or indirectly, while not really allowing a lot of space for the opponent anyway.

Attack
The attack, or rather the single striker in the team, was left relatively unscathed. As in, affecting this position even more would mean there would be no striker left in the starting XI. Leroux and Sutherland retained their places, Chuluun, arguably the most successful of the three, was left out. Hlöðvarðursdottir was added in her place (nicknamed 'Loddy'), and with an average age of 25 the three strikers on the selection are a diverse bunch. Sutherland showboats, Leroux finishes properly, and Loddy is the first Skyvindorenite to make the team ever! The nation of barely more than 200,000 inhabitants finally has a player on the team.

[Krytenia]

Horses for Courses
By Trevor O'Carroll in Osteria

TOMORROW, as they say, is another day. And as the dust settled on the group stage, and the second round pairings revealed themselves, there were those who found the result to be more satisfactory than others.

Certainly, one must wonder if the Vanors are being tested by Elune, or have just pissed her off no end. Having progressed ahead of traditional rivals Starblaydia, they now have to tame the Bulls...and whoever navigates that bombshell of a second round tie will almost certainly be rewarded with a quarter-final against Osarius. Not that it gets any easier for the Men In Mauve, as they're up against the combined might of the Vilitan Cove, with either the reigning regional champions or the inexplicable lexical acrobatics of Farfadillis.

Ko-oren, conquerors of Krytenia in their last game, will be happy with their lot. Yes, they have to face Cosumar, but it's a Cosumar side that haven't looked like the "Vanquishers" that came to these shores for the Cup of Harmony. Speaking of which, our erstwhile co-hosts, Quebec, will be hoping to down Mertagne in the same bracket.

Perhaps, though, the most surprising foursome of all will be those facing off here in Osteria and over on the west coast. Ratastan were surprise group winners, that's for sure, but beating Valanora and earning a point against them purple beggars means they got there on merit. Austernersey, meanwhile, rather scraped through; the fact they're playing the Rats, though, might just give them some hope of reaching the last eight.

Which brings us to the main course: pony on a platter. Krytenia face Equestrian States her at Coalfields tomorrow afternoon. With the Equestrians making steady but quiet progress, nobody is under the illusion that this will be an easy tie for the Aces, it's "Rami's Boys Against The Odds" all over again...and we've seen how that tends to turn out.

I'm Trevor O'Carroll, and you ain't seen nothing yet!

[Audioslavia]

A History of Violence
The Blood Feud: Audioslavia and Valanora have a rivalry that is escalated by each passing battle

Audioslavia vs Valanora is not the go-to rivalry for most football fans when asked about the legendary derbies of the multiverse. Valanora vs Starblaydia? That's a rivalry, as is Audioslavia vs Krytenia, not to mention the Kry/Star derby in Calania. Polar Islandstates have Sargossa, Valladares have Darmen, this is just the way things are. Audioslavia vs Valanora? No, surely not. Doesn't the claret bull have Starblaydia, Mertagne and Osarius to butt heads with? Aren't the Marauders more concerned with conquering neighbouring Equestrian States and Farfadillis?

It all starts a long time ago.

In fact, let's go back further, and let's go up north to Polar Islandstates. Long before even Timo Skye walked the earth, the Valhallans were split into tribes and families, and occasionally those families would get drunk and fight. Maybe a member of one family would kill another. Accidentally or otherwise. It didn't matter so much in those times. The death of a son in one family would cause a retalliation - the murder of a son in the killer's family. Retribution would then return via the death of the first's brother, then the second family would find another family member's head on a spike. Before long, the vendetta, or 'blood feud' would cascade out of control, decimating both families.

Audioslavia first met Valanora back in the qualifying phase of World Cup 29. The fledgling Vanors would prove no match for Audioslavia, who would go on to reach that tournament's final, in two one-sided football matches - the first 4-2, the latter finishing in a four-nil win for Audioslavia in what remains Valanora's heaviest every defeat.

Match three between the sides would happen at World Cup 37, and this time the head was on the other pike. Audioslavia, having bowed out of world football before World Cup 30, sent a weak side to contest World Cup 37 and found themselves facing new superpowers Valanora, who routed the Bulls twice in lop-sided scorelines - one of which a five-nil loss which remains Audioslavia's heaviest ever defeat.

Audioslavia made their first real return in cycle 59, by which time Valanora would add four World Cups to their collection and had gained a fifth by the time AOCAF 39 came around. For all their dominance in the sport's greatest tournament, however, they had never quite done it on the regional stage. AOCAF 39, held in Valanora, was pipped to be their moment to shine and to collect the trophy that had eluded them so often in the past.

Step up Audioslavia. A hotly contested final between the two sides finished 4-2 to the visitors, inflicting upon Valanora a defeat by the same scoreline as in their first ever match. A very public and humiliating reminder of Valanora's first failure as a football team.

Valanora had promised to add that elusive, world-record sixth star to their crest in the following World Cups, and looked best poised to do just that in World Cup 67, getting to the semi-final where they would utterly dominate an encounter with an Audioslavia side who looked utterly ill-equipped to deal with the rampaging Marauders. Valanora took an early lead, peppered Audioslavia's goal with shots, but conceded a fluke cross-cum-shot on forty-four minutes which rocked their concentration at a vital time. Audioslavia, barely treading water for most of the game, would continue to ebb away at Valanora's confidence before the match went to penalties. Hawk and Fresco would find the net for Valanora, but va Drake lost his nerve with the third penalty and Gwaval would be denied by a save from current manager Kajaxo Imaslavii, and that would be that for Valanora's title ambitions, denied another major final in the cruellest way.

Hawk scores, but Valanora would pay the penalty in WC67's semi-final

Valanora ached for revenge, and would find their next opportunity just around the corner, two years and four matches later, in an AOCAF knockout round against the Bulls. It was in this game where the first sign of needle between the two sides came about, as seven yellow cards and two reds were awarded in a niggling encounter that finished goal-less. Once again, it would come down to penalties, the cruellest way to lose a football match. Audioslavia would blink first. James Courier's feeble fifth penalty would be the last kick of the great Audioslavian's career, and would propel Valanora to their first post-AOCAF39 final.

Then, three cycles later, they would meet again. Another AOCAF Final, another match where, again, the levels of violence and aggression increased. It would be another humiliation, but this time the men in the north-east would be the ones to leave with their tails between their legs. Ronda Styrn and Calitxo Prudentzio would both see red as Audioslavia, down to nine-men by the end, would succumb by five goals to two in a very public whipping. Prudentzio would never play for the first team again, and goalkeeper Serge Rollins has only now, eight years on, forced his way back into the national team's first eleven.

Prudentzio's last act as an international footballer as Audioslavia, in white, are thrashed by the Marauders

Those Valhallan blood feuds would result in devastation for both families. Will one of Audioslavia or Valanora be left reeling from this defeat? Maybe not in the same way, but it cannot be denied: This is a match neither side want to lose. A match neither can afford to lose. Tempers may flare in Caversham on Thursday night. Viewers beware.

IBJJ,G'NB

[Greater Watford]

Roster:

Code: Select all

Position   Number   Name   Age   Caps   Goals
GK   1   Kendrick Hannon   30   55   
DEF   2   Jonny Gregor   27   78   1
DEF   3   Elmo Dowling   30   44   1
DEF   4   Armando Westberg   22   28   1
DEF   5   Osvaldo Current   29   32   1
MID   6   Tommy Deer   27   57   3
MID   7   Kyle Kerney   30   17   1
MID   8   Garry Oldfen   32   58   10
ATT   9   Mario Mannetti   30   125   69
ATT   10   Ignacio Peréz   29   79   36
MID   11   Samuel Harris   29   117   22
GK   12   Gordon Watson   31   14   
DEF   13   Steven Shields   27   28   
DEF   14   Ryan Warthon   32   99   2
DEF   15   Teddy Eatman   22   3   
DEF   16   Ryan Franks   30   23   
MID   17   Mitchell Tavern   30   8   
MID   18   Rueben Mcbee   23   21   2
MID   19   Stefan Schwartz   23      
ATT   20   Lorenzo Lanzo   24   13   1
ATT   21   Chas Bischoff   23      
MID   22   Teodoro Raff   25      
GK   23   Leland Winchester   27      


Manager-Alessandro de Rosso
Age: 49
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2

Code: Select all

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes (discuss it via Telegram first)
Godmod other events: Yes
Style modifier-0


Sorry for my lack of RP-OOC explanation is due to getting a new laptop, and also having less time on my hands. IC explanation is a power struggle in the GWFA, which is why Greater Watford did not attend the last Cup of Harmony.

[Austenersey]

WE'VE MADE ROUND TWO!
Second-place third-placed team secure round two match against Ratastan
SUNDAY SPORT SPECIAL - Chris Joel, AOCAF Cup Correspondant

A stunning performance from the boys in teal over West Guiana ensured the side would enter round two of AOCAF Cup 48 in Krytenia. Both sides came into the match off of loses - for West Guiana, a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Farfadillis; Austenersey, a narrow 1-0 loss to Audioslavia. For both sides, a big win would see them with a chance in making the second round - as a results, tensions ran high behind the scenes, with West Guiana coach John Ule worried he might to the side the same as domestic club FC United - struggle to make it past the group stage of the play-offs; for Nicholas Willoughby, it could see his tenure under further scrutiny.

Josiah Papke, who had sustained a leg injury in the side's first match against Farfadillis, returned for the away side to a polite applause from the small Austenersian crowd. The 27 year old would shine early in the match, defending a strong kick from Tim Sanders in the fourth. Sanders would try again in the fifth; this time the ball would rebound off of the crossbar into the open chest of Bernd Kohler. Kohler would set up the first for Hugh Oakley via the quick-footed Will Heyman, landing the away side on the scoreboard within the opening 6 minutes. An elated Kohler told journalists post-game that he was "just doing what he had to do," thanking the crossbar for "being the real MVP."

In all truth, Austenersey's real MVP was 32 year old Hugh Oakley. Up until the cup, his future in the Liga A - especially at Francis - was in doubt. Now, it would make sense for the club to hold on to him - that, or sell high. Despite an otherwise uneventful remainder to the first half, he opened up the second with an almost instant goal; little did he know that he had just secured victory for the side. The away side held strong, while West Guiana held them from continuing the enslaught. Tensions boiled in the 52nd minute, with Bassam Al-Faya awarded a yellow card for tripping up Jonathan Mactier, however the Eucalypts failed to capitalise on this.

Attention now turns to Friday's clash with 18th seed Ratastan. "It's doable," said Willoughby post match. "If we keep the pressure on and keep playing good football, we can make it." Austenersey's first international tournament was AOCAF 45 in Ratastan, in which the side only managed to score 1 goal over three games, finishing wooden spooners at #36.

As it happened
05" GOAL! West Guiana 0 - 1 Austenersey
45" GOAL! West Guiana 0 - 2 Austenersey
52" YELLOW CARD Bassam Al-Faya, West Guiana

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Titans Clash

Well that was something, the Purple Peril having more pride than we thought to give them credit for even now. We should not be surprised that Starblaydia came out like a different team against our side, they too value the rivalry our squads have in a very fierce and devoted way. Only the host nation themselves could be said to have anything that might be comparable to the rivalry between Starblaydia and Valanora when it comes to football. So that the Purple Peril kept the Marauders from winning, holding us to a two all draw, well that is hardly something that would make you blink, regardless of the level of play usually accompanied with the Starblaydia squad the last several years.

So then, who will the Marauders be playing in the second round after coming up second in the group, with the Rats finding a surprise victory and the group title? Well, that would be no other than Audioslavia, or as some might call them, the number one ranked team in the region. Going by the regional ranks, this would mean that the number one and number two squads in the region will be playing against each other in a Round of Sixteen fixture, rather than a Semifinal or Final fixture. Oh and if that were not enough to make you start scratching your heads and sighing, whoever emerges from the clash will most likely get to face the third ranked team in the region and back to back World Cup champions in Osarius, though they did bow out in a remarkable fashion in last months World Cup.

As Audioslavia's media has already pointed out, there is a long and somewhat bitter history between the two nations football teams and this will be another chapter in an emerging rivalry. The Bulls are no doubt the favorites here, having had the better form in both the AOCAF and World Cup over the last four to six years, though that time does include the merciless destruction of the lousy Bulls side in AOCAF 46. It was the last time that the Marauders have tasted success of the highest order, while that defeat spurred on the Bulls to change up their style, if only a little bit. Now four years later they meet again in the knockouts with one of them having the embarrassment of a very early exit, while one of Ratastan or Austenersey will be making the quarterfinals thanks to the hosts' odd knockout format.

The Bulls will be physical and try to rough up the Marauders, we have seen it time and time again from their side. That style of play can sometimes have its dividends but if you are able to endure and then put them on the back foot, they usually lose their discipline both personally and in their tactical approach. Hawk will be the centerpiece towards pushing the Bulls off their own game, as he knows how to absorb the sort of punishment that they like to dole out and unleash it back at the opposition in the form of precision passes and rocket goals. The backline will have to get more physical as well or else the Audioslavia strikers will bulldog their way to the easiest of opportunities to convert on.

This is a clash of two footballing titans and it is quite a pity that they are meeting so early in the tournament. The Marauders will be going into the game as an underdog, however that will not matter to the VSC should they fail to advance, even after a good showing in the World Cup. It will be too many failures by this squad in too little a time and they will likely see new management should they fail to advance. For that, you can expect to see the players putting it all on the line, to keep their manager safe and the dream of a third AOCAF trophy alive.

[Farfadillis]

For Çìró, the last fortnight had been a completely awe-inspiring experience. Few people get a call-up to their national team aged seventeen. Steffan had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he'd been called up mainly because of a shortage of substitute wingers, but he'd definitely take it anyway. He was having an unreal experience anyway.

There's something particularly weird - though that's probably not the best word for it - about getting to know your childhood heroes. Yurpá had been on the team for longer than he could remember. That's because he hadn't been born at the time of his debút, actually, but that's besides the point.

It was kind of funny getting to know all of these people. The pitch of some of their voices in particular. Who would've thought Tzâín would sound so much like a sissy? Though Bârr's intimidating tone didn't surprise him in the least...

Some of them he was specially eager to meet. Kâí, his idol (even considering he played for Mâ Âlâmëómë), turned out to like pranks quite a lot. His most frequent victim? Wínrôuge, not him, to his relief. Still a pretty cool guy. Maybe he'd work up the courage to ask him to teach him a few things about the winger role at some point? Who knows. Dandalleion turned out to be more... professional, but also a pretty cool and respectful guy, who even took the time to personally apologize to him for something that wasn't really his fault. Mêndêlöínçdêl? A lot quieter than he expected, but still admirable in every way. After just one day, he'd already realized Yurpá was one of those guys that just led by example. It was a shame he'd probably never share the pitch with him for more than ten minutes at a time.

Of course, not everyone was super rad. Wínrôuge seemed pretty caught up in his own talent, though he never treated anyone very disrespectfully. He also didn't take well to jokes, which, needless to say, made him the butt of all of them. Mata was evidently not a fan of authority. Jê'd heard from the others that his presence had been particularly controversial at times. He was a cool guy, but it's true he never quite got along with Pekarik. At least until recently. Monrazón was stiff and Dragonslayer loved to go for rough challenges in training, but that was it. Oh, and Arambilet could say the meanest things if he was having a bad day. It was (secretly) hard to take him seriously with his Astograthian accent, though.

Some of them had turned out super rad, though. Some unexpectedly. Mâás Fôx had always looked like a condescending prick to him. Turns out watching him on TV doesn't give you an accurate summary of a player's off-the-pitch personality. He'd actually helped him ease into the team the most. His advice for cutting in had proved pretty useful, too, though it was nothing that enhanced his skills in particular. Mixé was also really cool, though he kept to himself most of the time. Tôr and Ibarra had turned out to be extremely cool people, much to his relief. He expected some really tense training sessions with them bitter over him probably taking their place at some point in the future. There was none of that. Oh, and Röènôùjýâ really knew how to crack a joke. He'd been told Cornelio was better at it, though. But he wasn't called up in favour of younger blood (he took this to mean him). Of course, he couldn't be too sad for not meeting him already.

Pekarik had turned out to be a really tough manager. Really into discipline and all that. He could only imagine how much of a nightmare taking the post must've been for him in the beginning. The squad still looked like a bunch of amateurs in terms of attitude, with a few exceptions. Hell, Terán never knew what to do in training. After just fifteen minutes he could tell he had some kind of serious mental illness that affected his attention span. Disgustingly talented player, though, so not calling him up just wasn't an option.

Overall, a great experience! He'd even lost to Audioslavia already. As the saying goes 'You haven't played for Farfadillis if you haven't lost to Audioslavia'.

[Krytenia]

Cutoff for the first round of knockouts.

ROUND TWO
Ko-oren 2–0 Cosumar
Mertagne 1–0 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Osarius 2–1 Greater Watford
Audioslavia 2–0 Valanora
Krytenia 1–0 Equestrian States
Ratastan 0–1 Austenersey
Vilita and Turori 2–1 Starblaydia
95X 0–0 Farfadillis (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)

QUARTER-FINALS
Ko-oren vs Mertagne
Osarius vs Audioslavia
Krytenia vs Austernersey
Vilita and Turori vs Farfadillis

[95X]

(OOC: I was already writing my concession RP. I'm posting what I have thus far.)
Future Darker Following 95X Defeat
The 95X title defense fell short in their loss to a strong Farfadillis team that could go all the way in AOCAF 48.
To add to the issue, Marvin Stark announced the match was his final game on the 95X National Team sidelines.
"We're doing great things in Cascadia, where I'm adding additional duties beginning next season," referring to his relationship with 95X domestic team SC Cascadia. "It's been a great run and a pleasure to be the brains behind a 95X AOCAF win as well as the honor of working with the most talented group of athletes 95X has ever had."
On a side note, Stark was asked if he thought the 95X AOCAF 47 team could defeat the AOCAF 22 team.
"Absolutely."

[Farfadillis]

Sometimes the ball just doesn't want to get into the goal. It just doesn't. Obviously, I've been in matches where my team was so humiliatingly outplayed that we failed to score(!). But this was not the case. This time, the ball didn't want to go in, no matter who tried to score. 95X hit the post four times. Had those four gone in, it could've been a repeat of last edition's heartbreaking thrashing. Similarly, Farfadillis struck the crossbar twice and graced the post as many times. To top it off, Tzâín and Solo had had very good games.

A hundred and twenty minutes of not scoring was a disgrace, though, and no excuse would cut it back home. We were in too deep, and the only thing that could save us was advancing. Problem was there was a penalty shoot-out before us. The only time he could remember Farfadillis winning like that was back in AOCAF Cup 39, in the quarterfinals against Thatius. And even then, it wasn't really because they were good at penalties, it was rather because Thatius sucked more. Farfadillis scored two and Thatius just one. However, there was a penalty shoot-out in very recent memory. Çìró wasn't the only Farf absolutely heartbroken when Dandalleion missed that penalty. The oratorio's singing back then is probably the saddest music you can play in the island nowadays. 'O Dandalleion, where is thy victory?'

But football allows for rematches. That was what Dandalleion had told him at the airport, anyway. This was Dandalleion's chance to redeem himself - not that he actually needed to do that, to be fair - against the reigning champions. The team looked set on winning. Things couldn't go awry.

Pekarik gathered us by the touch-line so we could decide the penalty takers. Dandalleion would go first, hardly a surprise. Kâí second. Again, hardly a surprise. After that, Mêndêlöíndçêl asked to go third. Hard not to have the captain taking a penalty, right? His wish was granted, he would go third. And after that? I raised my hand. Felt like I could use some confidence with penalties. I was determined to score. I had already missed the most important penalty of my life; this was nothing in comparison. Hinting discomfort, the team agreed. I am sure everyone thought it was a bad idea. Because it was. Who allows a seventeen-year-old with psychological scars regarding penalties take the fourth one of a shoot-out of an important international competition? Pekarik, that's who. It was then agreed that Bârr would go after me.

The coin was tossed and it turned out we'd go second. Unsurprisingly, the ageless Xi Foureleven took the first penalty. She smashed it to the upper-left corner. Tzâín couldn't possibly stop it. One-nil down. I could feel the pressure building up. After just one penalty. Maybe asking to take one was a bad idea?

Dandalleion was next. He walked up to the spot with a look of sheer determination. It looked that way in the replays, at least. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. 'El fútbol da revancha' . It was his moment. He took the ball, placed it a bit to the right of the penalty spot and took five steps. He made his run and hit the ball with all his might. The split-second after he hit the ball felt like an eternity to me. To Dandalleion as well, I am sure. The ball cut through the air at stunning speed before... smashing the crossbar and bouncing back. I almost cried. He did.

Jordyn Third would go next. The forward hadn't had the best of games. I could only hope her penalty would reflect that. Sadly, though she didn't take it perfectly, she scored thanks to Tzâín diving the wrong way. Two-nil down, and now things could go awry.

Risko was up next. If his childhood hero was to miss a penalty as well, effectively almost eliminating us, he was sure he himself would break down crying. He looked extremely confident, though, with his trademarks smirk painting a face far too conceited for the situation. His penalty was almost identical to Foureleven's, only it went the other way. Risko then showed he'd had a hint of doubt as he let out a visible sigh as he realized he'd scored. Two-one down.

Cynthia Brixton next. She'd had a great game, making Steffan replace Fuego for Dandalleion, who, to be honest, didn't fare much better. However, just as Third scored hers, Brixton didn't. Rôhj guessed correctly this time and stopped the creeping shot. Alright, now was our chance.

Yurpá was up next. This was the one penalty I had no doubt we would score. Mêndêlöíndçêl was, unlike Kâí, absolutely determined. Not a bit of doubt in his face. He smashed his penalty just like Dandalleion, only it barely avoided the crossbar before going in. Two-two and things started looking better.

Lizeth Beaverton was next. It was the penalty before mine. If she missed, I'd be able to take it with a lot more peace of mind. If she scored, though, I'd be under immense pressure. I missed it and we were pretty much out. Either way, Lizeth scored.

The weight on my shoulders was heavy. Really heavy. But it had been my choice and my choice alone. Sometimes you've got to learn to take risks and try to grab the match - or life - by the balls and do as you wish. Ok, yeah, I would've had to skip meals as a philosopher, but I'm thankfully a footballer. But I digress, I was prepared. Perhaps doubt crept up to my mind because of Dandalleion. I don't know, but I wasn't as determined as I expected to be. I looked at Solo and all I could see was that kid that stopped my penalty back then. 'El fútbol da revancha' I repeated in my mind, time and time again, as I walked up to the box. The ref handed me the ball and I placed it on the spot. Took six steps, only because Friekder took five. I was ready. I was gonna go for a low shot to the right. However, mid-way to taking the shot, I changed my mind. That had been the exact way I'd missed back then. I'd send it the other way. I hit the ball with the characteristic hesitation of a choker. It went straight to the middle. Solo used her right foot to stop the penalty. I could feel my world crumbling. Like Dandalleion, I started crying. In my mind, we were out.

I walked my way back to the centre of the pitch. I was ashamed. I'd let down my teammates, even though I'd asked to take the penalty. As I got there, Ivaktör hugged me and tapped my head. 'Don't worry, happens to the best of us.' He whispered. As I finally recomposed, I turned around to see Thirteenth send the ball flying a metre above the crossbar. Everyone jumped in celebration except me. I hadn't even been able to process it.

Bârr himself was up next. He looked even more determined than Yurpá. I was a bit numb after the missed penalty, to be honest. I could barely realize that if he missed, we'd be out. I was just praying to whatever being that may exist that he scored that one. With the match he'd had, and with how a great all-around person he was, it would be far too cruel for him to miss the decisive penalty. Ivaktör was much more similar to Yurpá than Friekder and me, though. He didn't have the technique to take great penalties, but he had the brute force and the composure. BAM. His shot was unstoppable for the goalkeeper, who could barely touch the ball with the tip of her fingers. We were still in, apparently.

'The game's level again!' I thought for a moment. I was no longer sure; the tension had gotten to me. I started remembering penalty by penalty, but it was impossible for me to count in that situation. I believe I wasn't even fully conscious.

It's a bit blurry in my mind, but I think it was Leadbetter who was next. She shot well, but Rôhj became the hero as he pulled off one of the best saves of his career. This time I did celebrate. Like crazy. Though we hadn't won yet, and I was not completely sure how things stood. Mâás told me that scoring the following penalty would mean winning.

Turns out we hadn't even decided who'd go sixth, though. After a few seconds of nobody making his way to the spot, we started looking at each other. Before anyone could say anything, Terán let out a deep breath and walked to the box. I had a bit of a flashback to the match against Valanora. Ten years or so ago. I was just a little kid when the same man about to take such an important penalty was fouled inside the box by an Elf - his name escapes me - and he nonchalantly chipped it in. That final was easily the most glorious page of Farf football.

Terán was as mysterious as they came. Always obnoxiously absent-minded and careless. But that was probably what made him the best choice for (hopefully) the last penalty. He couldn't chip it this time, of course. That penalty against Valanora had become infamous. Instead, he placed it even better than Fourleven and Kâí, though more elegantly as well. Solo stayed put, perhaps expecting him to chip it. I distinctly remember his euphoric face while running towards us.

I fell to my knees and started... crying, I think? Again, I can't really remember. Next thing I know, Friekder brings me up with a traces of tears in his face and a big, wide smile. Of course, before he opens his mouth, I know exactly what he's going to say.

'El fútbol da revancha' He announced triumphantly. After so much stress, that was music to my years. Penalty shoot-outs are such a roller-coaster of emotions. It's impossible to describe.

But still, I was still aware enough of the situation to remind him it was not over yet.

'Yes, it does. So we'd better watch out for the Vilitans.' It was a terrible joke, though I wouldn't even consider it that. We laughed hysterically nonetheless.

Foureleven ✓
Dandalleion ✗
Third ✓
Kâí ✓
Brixton ✗
Mêndêlöíndçêl ✓
Beaverton ✓
Çìró ✗
Thirteenth ✗
Bârr ✓
Leadbetter ✗
Terán ✓

[Krytenia]

It's times like these you need a bit of luck (cutoff)

QUARTER-FINAL SCORES
Ko-oren 3–0 Mertagne
Osarius 4–3 Audioslavia
Krytenia 2–1 Austenersey
Vilita and Turori 1–1 Farfadillis (1–2 AET)

SEMI-FINALS
Ko-oren vs Osarius (Southern Arena, Ousevale)
Krytenia vs Farfadillis (New City Stadium, Avidia)