Northwestern Cup [Everything Thread|INWU]

[Kaelmar Unionen]

The beautiful city of Vik...

The mighty Lions of the north delivered yet again a crushing defeat on its opponents, this time it was the El Fijian team! The match started off well for the Lions, as #2 Maximilian Stålhamar scored 1-0 in the 11th minute. In the final few moments of the 1st half of the game, the Lions' GK #1 Adrian Henderson was caught off guard and thus the 1st half ended in 1-1. In the 2nd half, it was relatively calm as well due to the unprecedented defensive efforts both teams made. It only in the last couple of minutes the match was won by the Lions, 2-1, thanks to the well-orchestrated cooperative play between #2 Maximilian Stålhamar and #4 Nichlas Kofoed. "Yet again, I'm impressed by me boys; all the matches so far have been quite demanding and whether the opponents have scored or not, the Lions still kept their heads cool and prevail every time by doing so!" a happy Coach Bob Ross told us just right after the match's ending. "The El Fijian coach and I are going to have a dinner together with our boys; great chance of getting to know each other and hopefully we will get to know the others as well". "Yes, tomorrow we will face the Krumland Swans and as usual the team spirit must be kept high at all costs, so me and my partners always encourage the boys to have fun and do their best; Remember, there isn't such a thing called "Mistake", no, it's "a happy accident". Bob Ross also told us one thing before he left; "Lions vs. Swans, I do wonder who would win a fight if those two met ".

From this studio, Have a great football period and God Bless...!

[Tracian Empire]

The Thracian Football Federation-Northwestern Cup

Savalen-Thrace 2-0

And here we are, dear supporters of the Thracian National Team, after an unfortunate defeat on Dodford Park Stadium, where the Tricolors faced the hosts of the tournament, Savalen's National Team, and have lost with 2-0. Despite our team's best efforts, it simply seemed that this wasn't their day, and the hosts have managed to gain a victory, occupying the first place in the group.

In a press conference after the game, coach Mircea Lucescu has expressed his disappointment at the result.

"It was of course, a disappointment, to lose like that especially after the very good games we have had previously, but yes, this is football. You can't always win. In this game, Savalen's team played better than us, and it was only normal that they won. I'd like to congratulate them in the name of the entire team for an excellent game.
The important thing right now is to learn from our mistakes, and improve our play. I am confident that will recover in the next games. We still occupy the second place in the group, with a good advantage, and we have a good chance to continue past the group stage. We have to be strong in the next games, and prove our opponents that we won't collapse after one defeat. We need the support of our fans, and together, we will play our best, and try to win the next games. Thank you very much."

[Savalen]

Have you bagged a spot in the next round?

Group A
El Fiji Grande 1-1 Kathmandue
Crumstain 3-3 Kaelmar Unionen
Bye Topsail Empire

Group B
Raventsvo 1-1 Gatito
Naigeria 0-0 Savalen
Bye Tracian Empire

Group A
........................Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kaelmar Unionen         3    2   1   0     6    4   +2     7 Q
2 Topsail Empire          3    1   2   0     6    5   +1     5
3 Crumstain               3    1   2   0     5    4   +1     5
4 Kathmandue              4    0   2   2     3    5   −2     2 E
5 El Fiji Grande          3    0   1   2     4    6   −2     1 E

Group B
........................Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Savalen                 4    3   1   0     9    2   +7    10 Q
2 Tracian Empire          3    2   0   1     8    3   +5     6
3 Naigeria                3    1   1   1     2    7   −5     4
4 Gatito                  3    0   1   2     3    5   −2     1 E
5 Raventsvo               3    0   1   2     1    6   −5     1 E

Note: Red eliminated, green means Q, black means chance of qualifying for the semis

[Topsail Empire]

The Iguanas faced off against the Fightin' Byes of the Bye Week Republic today on a peewee soccer field in a public park in Trondheim. A whopping two people showed up, both homeless people, however it's very likely that they just wanted to sleep on the adjacent park benches. The game started fast, with right attack midfielder Jose RIcardo scoring a goal on the seemingly invisible Fightin' Byes in the 1st minute, going up 1-0. The Fightin' Byes put up seemingly no fight, and by halftime the Iguanas were ahead by a 65-1 margin, with the Fightin' Byes' only goal coming off an own goal when Topsailia goalkeeper Daniel Priase was mugged by one of the homeless men for his spare change, and while he tried to fight off the pee-soaked foe the ball rolled into the goal. In the second half striker Peter Winters scored 12 straight goals in a span of 3 minutes to lead the Iguanas to a 143-1 victory over the invisible and uncompetitive foe. The game was ended in the 86th minute so a peewee soccer team could use the field. The Iguanas stay at 1-2-0 in league play, as the Northwestern Cup leadership is not counting the spectacular blowout due to "there not being another team", however we all know that that's just a cover story for the conspiracy to cover up the existence of invisible soccer teams.

[Crumstain]

Krumland Swans (1-0-1) Tie Again Versus Kaelmar Unionen (2-1-0)

A game with mixed reactions, the Krumland Swans tied the Kaelmar Union national team 3-3 in group play at the Røros Dome. While fans for both teams were disappointed with a draw (Mostly Krumland fans since this is back to back draws), The Swans showed up on offense scoring 3 goals to avoid the first loss in cup play. Nearly 25,000 rowdy fans showed up to the game as Krumland scored their first goal in the 18th minute to tie the game at 1-1 thanks to a beautiful shot by Striker Pal Noel. Later on, Krumland takes the lead in the 48th minute as Chiyembekezo "Chief" Africano sneaks the ball in for a close score. In the 79th minute, Krumland gets a clutch 3rd goal to tie up the game by Chiyembekezo "Chief" Africano yet again off his head during a corner kick.

Unfortunate news after the match, Krumlands starter Helgi Toole will sit out next game due to a leg injury. It is not known if he will make a comeback soon and will be replaced by backup Weldon Volk.

[Tracian Empire]

The Thracian Football Federation-Northwestern Cup

The Tricolors train for the decisive match

After the defeat at the hands of the hosts of this tournament, Savalen's National Team, yesterday with 2-0, the Thracian National Team needs a victory in the next match with Naigeria, a match that will probably decide who takes the second place and the second qualifying ticket. Even if the Tricolors have defeated Naigeria once at the beginning of the tournament, with an amazing score of 7-1, the last game has proven that anyone can lose. That's why, the Tricolors will play their best in the next match, no matter what.

Today, the Tricolors have trained under their supervision of their coach. Despite the last defeat, the team still has a high morale, and trained accordingly. It is unknown what tactics the Thracians will use in the next game, but one thing is sure. The team will fight as one, ready to do anything to win.

Even if this was just a training session, a fairly large number of supporters showed up, and cheered on the team. The session ended with both the supporters and the players cheering and singing the National Team's "anthem". As coach Lucescu has said: "We are ready, and we will do our best. We hope that Naigeria's team will do the same, and let the best win!"

Ale, ale, ale, ale alee
Ale, ale, ale, ale, ale alee!
Cu toții vrem victorie!

Hai pe ei, pe mama lor!

[Savalen]

cut-offs

[Savalen]

CRUNCH TIME

Group A
Topsail Empire 2-2 Kaelmar Unionen
El Fiji Grande 1-2 Crumstain
Bye Kathmandue

Group B
Tracian Empire 0-0 Gatito
Naigeria 1-0 Raventsvo
Bye Tracian Empire

Group A
........................Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kaelmar Unionen         4    2   2   0     8    6   +2     8 Q
2 Crumstain               4    2   2   0     7    5   +2     8 Q
3 Topsail Empire          4    1   3   0     8    7   +1     6 E
4 Kathmandue              4    0   2   2     3    5   −2     2 E
5 El Fiji Grande          4    0   1   3     5    8   −3     1 E

Group B
........................Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Savalen                 4    3   1   0     9    2   +7    10 Q
2 Tracian Empire          4    2   1   1     8    3   +5     7 Q*
3 Naigeria                4    2   1   1     3    7   −4     7 E*
4 Gatito                  4    0   2   2     3    5   −2     2 E
5 Raventsvo               4    0   1   3     1    7   −6     1 E

*Tracian Empire ahead on goal difference
Note: Red eliminated, green means Q, black means chance of qualifying for the semis

SEMI-FINALS

LEG ONE

Kaelmar Unionen vs Tracian Empire
@Dodford Park, Alvdal

Savalen vs Crumstain
@Waterfront Park, Molde

[Kathmandue]

Time to Throw in the Towel

After an upsetting tournament for the Baguettes, Marcel Toussaint decided it was probably best to retire. His retirement is effective June 1st. After stating that the "other teams were probably doping or we at least should have." and that "his coaching was pretty damn good." His thick, Northern Kathmanduean accent was prevalent during the press conference, and he could be heard cussing before he got up to speak. Neil Kovak has been named his successor. Kovak is currently FC Caliszeau's coach, and will hopefully be better the Toussaint, who had relationship with fans that can only be described as "eh". At any rate, fans hope Kovak can make the Baguettes great again. "But" we hear you say, "that's what we hoped Toussaint would do." You're right, but then again, you probably think that the reality TV is good, so shut up.

It is unclear what Toussaint is going to do, there have been reports that he might take Kovak's job at FC Caliszeau, or he might retire to his Callau Mountain Estate outside of Atrois. "A little young to retire, isn't he?" and 71 year old fan said. Yes, we do agree that he does have AT LEAST 20-30 more years to live, but then again, coaching isn't an easy job by any means, and reports are coming out that the Kathmanduean National teams coaching staff is horridly underpaid, more on that later. We will bring more information to you as we get it, for now, I'm Hugh Jass, goodnight.

[Crumstain]

buh gawd we did it!

The Swans officially qualify for the semis after their 2-1 victory over El Fiji Grande at Bright Hart Lane. 30,000 fans showed up in the cold yet clear weather. In the 18th minute, CB Aod Masson scores off a Swan corner kick delivered by Hartmut Roche to tie the game 1-1. The fans cheering shook the stadium as the game continued to play out close and competitively until the 88th minute when backup Striker Mark Sommer scores off of an amazing bicycle kick to win the game and secure a semis position.

The Krumland Swans will face off against the Savalen Savages in the semis at Waterfront Park while Kaelmar Unionen and Tracian Empire will face off as well.

[Tracian Empire]

The Thracian Football Federation-Northwestern Cup

Thrace- Gatito, 0-0, Thrace qualifies for the semifinals!

In an emotion filled match last night on the Hallmaker Lane Stadium, the Thracian Football Federation tied with the National Team of Gatito, 0-0, in a really good match for both teams. None of them were able to push forward and win, but the victory of Naigeria with only one goal against Raventsvo guaranteed Thrace's team the qualification to the semifinals, ahead by the goal difference.

Talking about the last match, the coach, Mircea Lucescu, has expressed his dissapointment that the team has only managed a tie with Gatito, but his joy at the qualification.

"Of course, we should have won, since we had a good game. Gatito's team played good, but if we would have put only a little more effort, than we might have won. Of course, I have expressed my doubts about the impartiality of the referees, but what was done was done. Even if we have ended it with a tie, we managed to qualify for the semifinals, and that's important. We have to put all of our effort into the next match. The semifinals are starting, and if we want to have a shot at winning the cup, we have to win against KU tomorrow. They ended on the first place in their group, so it's going to be tough. However, I'm expecting a nice game nevertheless. May the best win!"

Thrace will meet the national team of the Kaelmar Union tomorrow. A lot of Thracian supporters are expected to encourage their team, and the players have a high morale. Both teams are probably expecting a nice game, since as a reflection of the relationship between their countries in real life, the teams have always been friendly. Both of them will play at full capacity though, and may the best end victoriously!

[Savalen]

Semi-finals Leg 1

Crumstain 2-2 Savalen
@Waterfront Park, Molde

Kaelmar Unionen 2-2 Tracian Empire
@Dodford Park, Alvdal

Semi-finals Leg 2

Savalen vs Crumstain
@Bright Hart Lane, Trondheim

Tracian Empire vs Kaelmar Unionen
@Røros Dome, Røros

[Kaelmar Unionen]

Outskirts of Alvdal, where the Kalmarian semi-finals will be played against Thrace in the village

After its recent splashes of success, whether in total victory or ties, the Lions of the North have finally reached the semi-finals which will be played in the city-center of Alvdal, a pittoresque location which immediately takes you to the idea of peace and tranquility that Savalen has to offer. Bob Ross was certainly not disappointed with the location:

"Ah, it's so beautiful here where one's mind can simply drift off anywhere; the Savaleners were wise enough to pick this location for our semi-finals against the Vampires!"

The Thracians are another team which has also shared its successes, crushing everyone it has met in its path. Recently it tied with Gatito by 0-0, though it was still enough to let them qualify for the semi-finals.

"It's a great honor for me, my team and the people of Kalmar Union to meet such an honorable and noble folk as the Thracians; Truly inspiring they are, our relations do expand into the past and we've always stood by one another no matter what. The Thracian people are actually nr. 1 when it comes to most foreign viewers of my show "The Joy of Painting" which frankly makes me smile, and many autographs have been signed due to die-hard fans. I made some special episodes when I was visiting their country, painting the infamous Bran castle, the landscape and just having some of that tasty Amandine, a traditional chocolate sponge cake. No matter what happens, I wish my team and coach Mircea Lucescu's a happy game and may the most noteworthy win the day. Forgot to mention that we will indeed celebrate tonight, still deciding where but it will probably be the best dinner yet. God Bless and take care folks"-

Don't forget to check out Coah Ross' livestream of "The Joy of Painting" which will begin in a couple of hours; everyone's also free to join in front of the arena! From this studio, we would also wish a great football time and God Bless

[Savalen]

Make a wish, folks!

Savalen Star
Can they do it?

It's semi-final time. For the first time in an international tournament, our team has got through to the semi-finals. Granted, the 7ball team have a great chance of achieving the same thing, but it would be stupid not to celebrate the fact that this football crazy nation has done it. And done it at home with style.

Many people are putting it down to Marv's managing methods which led the Vikings to the title last year. His idea of attacking football with the players playing in predominantly defensive positions means that Trondheim completely overwhelmed the other teams. And they've done it here too. The only team to reach double figures in the groups and remain unbeaten in Group B, Savalen is playing as the true sporting power of thr INWU.

One could argue that a draw last time out showed the weaknesses in the team, but I, on behalf of the editor, am going to flip that completely. Marv allowed all the players a go - nobody in the squad has been left out. The least that anybody has played is the 86 minutes by Gur (over two matches). This means that team spirit is higher. The players are happier and, most of all in terms of getting the result, the team has proved that they are up for any challenge that comes their way.

Crumstain did take the lead into half-time, but the 40th minute attacking move showed that the young guns, who had been sitting on the bench becoming stale and bored, were up to scratch. And they showed it again. Marv hadn't even had time to make a substitution when Ibsen, a central defender mind you, beat his man wonderfully after recieving an incredible through ball from man of the match Gur, layed off a beauty of a pass to Sviták, who graciously obliged and smashed it into the bottom corner. Yes that's right, a defender on the outside of the opposition box skilling players and giving assists. What a time to be a Savalen supporter!

Now we go on to Trondheim, a notoriously difficult place to play for opposition teams. This time round, however, Marv will have to get all the players to play as if they are at home. Defending is not allowed in the football-loving city.

by David Dumbellbee

[Savalen]

Semi-finals Leg 2
Results in brackets are aggregate.
(3) Crumstain 1-2* Savalen (4)
*1-1 at full time, 1-2 AET
@Waterfront Park, Molde

(7)Kaelmar Unionen 5-2 Tracian Empire (3)
@Dodford Park, Alvdal

Final!

Savalen vs Kaelmar Unionen
@Dodford Park, Alvdal

3rd place play-off!

Tracian Empire vs Crumstain
@Bright Hart Lane, Trondheim

CUT OFFS AN HOUR EARLIER AS PER REQUEST OF THE NATION SCORINATING BOTH GAMES

[Tracian Empire]

The Thracian Football Federation-Northwestern Cup

Kaelmar Union- Thrace 5-2, Disappointing result kicks out Thrace out of the race for the cup

And this was it, dear supporters of the Thracian National Football Team. Yesterday, the Tricolors lost with 5-2 in their game in the second leg of the semifinals against the Kaelmar Union, ending their road to the cup. The result of the game, and especially the high difference of score at which the Thracians have been defeated has inflicted a great huge on the morale of the team and of the supporters. The players weren't able to hide their disappointment, but they will still give their best 3rd place pay-off between Thrace and Crumstain tomorrow.

In a press conference after the game, coach Mircea Lucescu pointed out the main problems in his team's play and formation which led to such a score. While he wasn't able to hide his disappointment either, Coach Lucescu declared:

"Of course, it's disappointing that we lost like this after we had a good road up until the semifinals, and we did fairly well in the first leg of the semifinals. It was mostly the pressure's fault, and the opposite team simply had a better game last night. And after they made the score 3-2, our morale took a great hit. The injuring of Rusescu short afterwards didn't help, and Andone unfortunately wasn't good enough to support our offensives... it's a shame that it has ended this way, but we will learn from it. We have to focus more on developing offensive actions, and everything we learned in this tournament will be put into practice.

And then of course, we will do our best tomorrow against Crumstain. I'm confident that we can still win the 3rd place in this tournament, and our boys will give their best. Thank you."

While our way to the cup has been stopped, we still have a chance to win the third place, so supporters of the Thracian National Team, cheer for your team in tomorrow's game!

[Savalen]

Marv Vetlesen looked at his team. They were ready.

A lynx sees his prey from a mile away. He doesn't pause for a small bird, nor an arctic hare. His prize is further away. He can smell it - the large mass of juicy, bloody meat. The Caribou migration. The risks are high, but the rewards. Oh the reward - a massive beast, three times the size - all his. Just his to eat.

Vetlesen clapped his team. In 40 seconds you will walk out of that door and you will give your country what it has never seen before. A truly incredible team who will fight to the last. They will provide a stern test, but Kaelmar Unionen are not the tournament favourites.

When it's predator vs prey, everyone has the feeling that the predator will win. But there is this feeling, this hopeful thought that te prey can get away. Maybe, maybe at the last second the Caribou can get away.

Marv walked to his bench, where he stood in silence taking in the atmosphere around Dodford Park. There was a while country looking on and he had the task of giving them the cup.

When a lynx senses blood, that animal is gone. No chance of survival. Zilch. And this lynx saw the Caribou that was his as soon as he looked over the herd. Three...two...one.

Paaaaarp went the refs whistle and Marv's hairs stood higgher they ever had - the anthem was blood-chilking, but this was on another level.

The players come out

[Frenline Delpha]

And here is that aforementioned cut-off.

Final
@ Dodford Park, Alvdal

Savalen 2–0 Kaelmar Unionen

Third-Place Game
@Bright Hart Lane, Trondheim

Tracian Empire 3–0 Crumstain

Congrats to all the winners, and commiserations to the losers.