Di Bradini Cup 33/U21WC54 RP/Roster/Scores Thread

by **United States of Devonta** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 6:47 pm

Draw against SUS
^{Offense on both sides play well}

United States of Devonta 2-2 Star United States

United States of Devonta (4-4-2 Diamond): Vanburen, Styles, Benton, Rice, Martin, Hernandez, Crox, Edwards, Tallahassee, Adams, Madrid

Quick Stats:
53% Possessions, 12 Shots, 9 on goal
47% Possessions, 11 Shots, 8 on goal

Scores:
Adams (3') Crox (73')
Joshua Curtis (33'), Donald Poole (86')

CAUTIONED: Edwards (44')
EJECTED: ----NONE----

by **Mizuyuki** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:37 am

The Suisetsu Empire
Roster for the 33^rd Di Bradini Cup

Kits of the Mizuyuki national team, provided by Kirola Sports

The defending champions are back.

When Fuu Kirishima and Kaede Shirazaka led the last batch of Suisetsu's wonderkids to the Di Bradini Cup, nobody actually expected them to go far. Even though the IFA had made it a point to send young, talented players fresh off the domestic production line to just about every competition they could, the class of '32 were on the extreme end of the age spectrum, with the oldest member of the squad, Misaki Miyazaki, clocking in at just 18 years of age.

As was the norm, the '32 squad contained a glut of technically talented players; the most notable of whom were diminutive wingback Yuiko Kasugano, skillful central midfielder Koeda Sakuranami, and the dynamic vice captain, Kaori Uryū. However, while they could compete with the very best in terms of pure technical talent and raw potential, they couldn't even hold a candle to the other DBC teams when it came to physical contests. Shirazaka and Kiriyama, having once again opted to pick an all-female team, seemed to be playing a dangerous game - while it might have worked wonders in the domestic leagues, forfeiting physicality in favour of pace and technique did not seem to be a wise move, especially not when their charges were of such tender ages.

The prevailing sentiment was that this particular batch of Suisetsu footballers would be well-placed to challenge for the Di Bradini Cup in several cycles' time, when Shirazaka and Kiriyama had had enough time to mould their promising youngsters into a real batch of winners imbued with a craving for success. But not right here, not right now.

The Little Nova opened their DBC campaign with just a hint of shakiness, eventually prevailing 3-2 against a decent Filopines side. Their next match saw a thrilling 3-0 defeat of Patistan, which put them joint top of their group together with the Holy Republican Empire with a game in hand. Looking to pave their way towards progression, however, the Little Nova suffered an unexpected setback in their penultimate game of the group stages at the hands of Semarland, dropping two points in a deathly boring stalemate.

The alarm bells started ringing then. Going into their final group stage match against the Holy Republican Empire, Kiriyama and Shirazaka's side were only a meagre point clear at the top of the table, with Filopines and their rivals on the day both on six. However, the managers' steadfast refusal to press the panic button paid off; the Little Nova turned in an impressive, exhilarating performance on their way to a 3-3 draw - and the round of sixteen.

It was perhaps then that the slightest hint of fatigue crept into the Little Nova's game - they had just come off a grueling group stage, after all, and a decided lack of rotation meant that no fewer than seven players had played the full ninety minutes in every group stage game. Their next opponent, the United States of Devonta, almost managed to capitalise on the Little Nova's resultant lack of energy and penetration, managing to hold Shirazaka and Kiriyama's side to a scoreless draw after a hundred and twenty minutes of energy-sapping football - only for Mizuyuki to show their grit and determination in the ensuing penalty shootout to prevail, 6-5.

Up next was Abanhfleft in the quarterfinals. Radoslaw Montwill's impressive side had turned in several excellent performances over the course of the competition, and their reward was a tasty match-up with Mizuyuki's young guns. This time, however, Suisetsu were prepared and focused - and a solitary goal, scored by the influential and effervescent Uryū, proved to be enough to secure a well-deserved victory. The trend of slender victories, brought about by a self-imposed defensive style, would continue against the much heralded Calanian Union; Sakuranami making the decisive contribution yet again with a well placed twenty yard shot.

The final beckoned. The Little Nova had already surpassed all expectations with their stunning run to the final - the only question remaining was whether they could hold fast for one final match. Their opponents were arguably the favourites to win the competition from the outset - a pacy, physical, powerful Nepharim side led by Tess Riether, the polar opposite of the technical Mizuyukian side. Doubts were raised as to the Little Nova's ability to cope with the taller, stronger Nepharim - could they really hold it together against a side that seemed specifically built to target their deficiencies? Could they overcome the crippling disadvantages of inexperience and lack of physical prowess to prevail, for one last time, in the 32nd edition of the DBC?

Well, you all know the story by now.

Today, they make their return to the DBC - intent on proving that their previous hoisting of the cup was no fluke. And this time, they aren't here as the underdogs, the dark horses, the bridesmaids.

No - they are here as true favourites. They are here as the defending champions.

The Suisetsu Empire - Starting XI

Squad

Note that players are arranged by playing position and squad role in that order; in other words, player(s) listed first for a specific position will be the first choice player(s) for that position. All players are female unless otherwise specified.

Goalkeepers

1 • Eri SHIGURE • 14 years • Goalkeeper

Goalkeeping isn't Mizuyuki's strongest department. In recent cycles, Suisetsu's goalkeepers have often been the weakest link in their respective defences; Kiyoko Takanashi of the senior team was especially prone to high-profile errors under pressure, while the U21s had their own shaky pair of hands in the form of Chiyo Kashiwagi. The silver lining is that this lamentable state of affairs may soon be over; with the advent of new U21 first choice Eri Shigure, one of the hottest goalkeeping prospects within the empire, Mizuyuki's goalkeeping travails may well be solved in the near future.

Possessing a remarkably cool head for her age, Shigure is a competent all-round 'keeper who can play both conventional and sweeper keeper roles, specialising in the former. While she is no flashy, adventurous 'keeper in the mould of Takanashi, Shigure is decent with the ball at her feet, and has the requisite technique to initiate passing moves from her penalty area. Her true strength lies in one-on-one situations; an imposing presence in goal despite her years, Shigure's excellent positioning and instincts allow her to make saves off the toes of opposition strikers with impunity. Her only weakness is her communication; a quiet girl by nature, she sometimes has trouble communicating her instructions to her defence, and as a result the team is rather more prone to defensive breakdowns whenever she's in the side.

23 • Chiyo KASHIWAGI • 15 years • Goalkeeper

80 • Misa NAKAI • 14 years • Goalkeeper

Defenders

14 • Gin ISEYA • 14 years • Left back

Gin Iseya is possibly one of the quickest players in the entire squad. And that's really something for a player playing for a team boasting the likes of Kaori Uryū and Kirara Steiner. A left wing back by trade for her club, Iseya was repurposed into a more conventional defensive role by Shirazaka in DBC32 in an attempt to provide defensive solidity to the typically porous defence. She played her heart out during the Little Nova's amazing run to the trophy, proving her worth to the team with several solid performances on opposition dangermen, and was arguably a core component of the team during that period.

Physically and mentally quick, Iseya usually acts as the conduit for the Little Nova's transition into attack from the left side of defence. While she has had to curtail her attacking instincts somewhat under Shirazaka's instruction, Iseya is still very much a willing runner in attack, often overlapping for an extra attacking outlet. Naturally right-footed, Iseya likes to cut in from the flank for a shooting opportunity, but she is still very much an effective crosser with her weaker foot. She will always look to burn the opponent for pace whenever she can - and a combination of Iseya and Uryū running at a defender is devastating, to say the least.

12 • Yukino MITSUZAWA • 14 years • Left back

16 • Mashiro TACHIBANA • 15 years • Center back

21 • Risa RYŪSAKI • 15 years • Center back

26 • Akane ISHII • 13 years • Center back

25 • Yuiko KASUGANO • 16 years • Right back

64 • Yuka UTSUNOMIYA • 13 years • Right back

Midfielders

27 • Hino ASAHI • 14 years • Central defensive midfielder

18 • Tsubaki MIYASHIRO • 16 years • Central defensive midfielder

22 • Kanade KIRISAKI • 14 years • Central midfielder

Kanade Kirisaki was just seven years of age when she began embracing the beautiful game. The dauntless, adventurous central midfielder grew up kicking a ball together with her friends on the lush plains of rural Aonojuku, and would continue to do so for four years, when her family exchanged the pleasantly sleepy atmosphere of their village for the urban metropolis of Kirayuki. The young girl, naturally, sorely missed her football - and would often frequent a local football development camp sponsored by the IFA after school hours. Playing against opponents several years her senior, Kanade was very much their equal; and thanks to her tigerish performances, she eventually caught the eye of a member of staff, and was duly granted a scholarship to the IFA's special academy in Kinokomura.

A terrier of a midfielder, it is perhaps no surprise that Kanade's natural position is in the pivot. She utilises her nearly limitless reserves of energy to great effect throughout a match, hassling and harrying opponents by constantly snapping at their heels. While she is no man mountain, Kanade's defensive instincts allow her to position herself well; and she does a good job of nipping in for the tackle whenever she sees a chance to win the ball. In terms of distribution, perhaps her sole major deficiency at the moment, Kanade is fairly limited, often choosing to lay off a simple square pass to a creative team mate instead of trying a spectacular cross-field pass. She does have good creative vision, however, and with a bit of fine tuning, seems set to reprise the Ishikawa role at the base of midfield as a full member of the senior team sooner rather than later.

75 • Tsumugi NARITA • 15 years • Central midfielder

80 • Rin SASAHI • 14 years • Central midfielder

8 • Koeda SAKURANAMI • 15 years • Central attacking midfielder

24 • Asuna YUKIKAWA • 14 years • Central attacking midfielder

Forwards

92 • Kaori URYŪ • 15 years • Left winger

Kaori Uryū, at just fifteen years of age, is widely acknowledged as one of the finest, most exciting wingers that Suisetsu has ever produced. Blessed with a dizzying turn of pace and all the technical attributes to thrive in a typical Mizuyukian system, the teenager is a crucial attacking outlet for the Little Nova. She isn't a prolific goalscorer by any means, and can sometimes be guilty of overplaying, but the bag of tricks she has under her belt more than makes up for that minor shortcoming; her inclination for blowing past stranded, flat-footed opponents to produce hatfuls of chances for her teammates to convert has quickly made her a fan favourite.

She specialises in perfectly-timed low crosses, but can also deliver a peach of a floater whenever the situation necessitates it. Skillful finishing is part of the tricky winger's repertoire as well; several memorable strikes have come against top-class opposition, in particular two crucial strikes in the latter stages of the 32nd DBC; the first of which propelled the Little Nova into the final, the second a superbly taken curler that restored parity against Nephara in said final. Needless to say, she will be looking to repeat her DBC heroics once again; and it would take a brave man to bet against her doing so.

88 • Reika ITSUKA • 15 years • Left winger

7 • Kirara STEINER • 15 years • Right winger

20 • Aya KURUSU • 15 years • Right winger

9 • Shizu SAMUKAWA • 15 years • Forward

80 • Misaki MIYAZAKI • 19 years • Forward

Staff

Tactical analysis

All listed information is published with the specific approval of the IFA and is correct as of DBC 33.

All rights reserved. No part of this roster may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior and explicit permission of the IFA.

Roleplay permissions

I give my opponents the right to roleplay absolutely anything, save for the infliction of career-ending injury and/or death on my players.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 7:45 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FAST-PACED SECOND HALF SEES ABANHFLEFT VICTORIOUS IN DI BRADINI CUP RETURN
By Luke Edwards

Yanataurë, STARBLAYDIA - Yes, folks, it's that time of the year again. The Di Bradini U-21 World Cup is back! And this time, Abanhfleft doesn't have to suffer through the qualifying stages by virtue of their quarterfinals finish in the last Di Bradini Cup, held in the Equestrian States. Abanhfleft was eliminated in said quarterfinals by Mizuyuki, and many local football pundits believe that former manager Radoslaw Montwill's still-controversial decision to field an all-female lineup against the Little Nova. Nevertheless, Montwill is already gone, replaced by his Filipino assistant Celerino delos Reyes, and besides, I'm sure you're reading this article not to revisit the past long gone, but to read about Abanhfleft's first victory in the 33rd Di Bradini Cup.

Abanhfleft has been drawn into Group F alongside Yttribia, Semarland, and Venta de la Mesilla. We've faced Yttribia before in the 62nd Cup of Harmony, where they handed us a 2-1 loss. Venta de la Mesilla, which is a newcomer to the international footie scene, has technically already played against a Fleftic team, namely Thereisnogodistan FC which participated in last year's Multiverse Premier League in preparation for their integration into the Fleftic Football League system. Semarland, meanwhile, is a complete stranger for our team, and therefore we actually don't know what to expect from them, although there are rumors that at least one Fleftic Premier League team approached at least one Polaaskan player, and everyone knows that Polaaskan is affiliated with Semarland somehow.

This was the lineup that Semarland fielded in their game against us. It appears to be the same 4-3-1-2 formation that we're fielding.
SEMARLAND - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Marco Valbuena
LB: Christian Parr
CB: Niko Schone
CB: Marquez Sbangunu
RB: Reto Janssen
CDM: Gunner Brickwalk
LM: Marc Strand
CAM: Marcel Labonne
RM: Diego Snow
LS: Jakob Stretner
RS: Erik Moss

Meanwhile, this was the lineup fielded by Celerino delos Reyes. It appears to be the standard Fleftic lineup as posted on the FA website.
ABANHFLEFT - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Carlos Cohen
RB: Florence Patterson
RCB: Kristin Pittmann
LCB: Ainsley Gibson
LB: Shelly Murray
RDM: Cedric Pearson
CDM: Joe Warren
LDM: Sarita Cairo
CAM: Rory Edwards
RS: Yoshinobu Mori
LS: Karen Villegas

The game began quietly, with both teams playing simple possession football. There were some attacks from both teams, but they were either well defended or the keeper managed to save it. Like I said, nothing much of importance happened, although little brother Rory Edwards almost came close to opening the scoring with a free kick from just 25 yards, but he couldn't control his power and blew the ball way wide and above.

The second half however was a different story altogether. Both teams looked like they've finally managed to know their opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and were looking to exploit them. But it wasn't a goal from open play that started the ball rolling for this game. In the 61st minute, Semarland defender Marquez Sbanugu made an ill-advised tackle on Karen Villegas inside the box. Dude, you're lucky you just got a yellow card for that. You could have easily broken Karen's legs with that tackle! Anyway, Yoshi Mori took the penalty kick, and managed to edge the ball to the left of Marco Valbuena to give Abanhfleft its first goal of the game.

Semarland managed to equalize just about ten minutes later, thanks to Erik Moss managing to evade his defender and launching a shot from just outside the box, a shot which Carlos Cohen did not expect and was therefore not able to save. Although it looked like the ball would be deflected by the crossbar, it was indeed deflected, but it was into the goal and not out. It looked like both teams would just settle for the draw, but Abanhfleft mounted the pressure on the Semarland defense in the last ten minutes. Finally, all this effort paid off in the 89th minute (yes, the 89th minute, you read that right) when Sarita Cairo managed to head in a very dodgy pass from Joe Warren from a very acute angle that went across the face of goal, struck the post, and went in. At that moment, Celerino delos Reyes decided that he wasn't risking another equalizer from Semarland and parked the bus. Despite four minutes of stoppage time, Semarland wasn't able to break down this last-minute Fleftic defense, and Abanhfleft managed to rack up its first win in the 33rd Di Bradini Cup.

Abanhfleft's next opponent will be Venta de la Mesilla and their Baby Bronze, led by Avery Trujillo, veteran footie player from the Mesillano team Strangers FC, winner of the first-ever Multiverse Championship. Venta de la Mesilla appears to be taking the entire footballing world by storm, but Celerino's boys and girls will be looking to stop the high-rolling Baby Bronze in their tracks.

      SEMARLAND 1 - 2 ABANHFLEFT
ERIK MOSS (71')       YOSHINOBU MORI (61') (pen)
                      SARITA CAIRO (89')

by **Super-Llamaland** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:36 pm

Thirty minutes before the first match

Adam Castronova was glad there were nearly no remnants of his first U21 team. It'd been a disaster, the team bowing out in the group stage - the first Llamanean team in history to do that, and the nation was not new to youth footy. It'd been their third cup, and their first without a Ro16 berth to send the players home with. That year, the offense had scored 3.25 goals per match - yet they'd still placed third behind Zenic, but the defense had been atrocious, conceding three a day. Still, two years did a lot to a player, and he could only hope what defenders had stayed on had changed.

"Alright," he said, "I've got the starting lineup down. Ferguson in keeper, Adrian Carmichael at left back, Herlekkson and Smith-Reynolds in the middle, and Tyler Zhou on the right. Tyler, you've one job, and that's to keep their winger out of the box. Fail at that and we're screwed over. Ryan Carmichael, you'll start the first half for sure but I'll have Bogusevic warmed up. I want Kerraway, Jake Raburn, Rainier, and de Vries left to right on midfield - Raburn, take the armband - and Alexis Magnusson up front."

It was a fairly typical lineup - merely substituting Tyler Zhou for the more physical Irvine. But if the Royals were going to counter-punch effectively, they couldn't afford a lumbering, physical wing-back.

"Right," he said blandly, "looking at their team sheet-wait, what-oh my God!" the usually-calm manager shrieked horrifiedly.

"What is it?" Jake Raburn was first to respond.

"The-our opponents-they've been cheating."

"How do you know?" this time it was Tyler Zhou.

"Look at this!" he shouted, brandishing the team-sheet angrily with a snapping flourish: "Those bustards! I'll get them for this, I truly will!"

"Erm, I don't see it," Raburn said.

"What?" Castronova said, blanching, stabbing his finger at a column as if it was the collective chest of his enemies. "Read this! Read this and tell me you don't see it!"

"Eighteen," the captain read out loud, confused, "seventeen. Nineteen...erm, nineteen, seventeen, twenty-one, twenty-"

"DID YOU NOT HEAR THAT?" Castronova screamed. "DISCORDANT, erm, chords TO MY EARS! THOSE DASTARDLY TEA MOUNTAINS!"

"Erm, I still don't see it, I'm afraid," Raburn said quietly.

"THEY ENTERED TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLDS TO THIS TOURNAMENT AND NOBODY NOTICED!"

"..."

"IT'S THE UNDER-TWENTY ONE CUP, NOT THE TWENTY-ONE AND UNDER CUP! GOD!"

"Coach, Cosumar and Wolfbenz entered players that old too, it's not that big of a deal-"

"OH MY GOD! THEY MUST HAVE PAID OFF THE AUTHORITIES! WE'RE AT A HUGE DISADVANTAGE! I'LL BE SACKED IN INSTANTS! NEVER AGAIN WILL I TRUST ANOTHER NATION'S POPULACE!"

"That sounds like racism, coach."

Yet Castronova didn't hear the remark. He had collapsed on the ground, only a single vein in his neck pulsing redly and angrily to indicate that he was still alive.

by **Blouman Empire** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 10:34 pm

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Tensions Flare In Blouman Camp

Tension within the Blouman change rooms erupted on the training pitch while the Eaglets were preparing for their second match in the Di Bradini Cup with reports of Jason Felran and Paul Venator reportedly coming to blows. While team officials denied that anything occurred Venator was sporting a black eye as the team boarded the team bus, which was attributed to a robust challenge during an exercise.

Tensions flared up after the team’s first game against D-Cup where the Eaglets lost 1-0. Those inside the changerooms reported that team members were left frustrated at the result, with Venator the most vocal putting the blame on Felran for his bumbling effort that allowed Dakota to score the winning goal. It is understood that the vocal altercation also saw a boot thrown Felran before it escalated further.

While team officials are remaining tight lipped tensions between the pair have remained high resulting in the alleged fist fight between the two players with both players having to be physically restrained by team mates. The animosity within the Blouman camp will no doubt have a big impact on the team as they prepare to face off against The Sword Bloke for the second match. Both teams will be looking for their first win and to keep alive their cup dreams after The Sword Bloke went down 1-0 against Vermark.

by **Mizuyuki** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 3:33 am

'Bop!'

'Clang!'

Nodding appreciatively at the precision of the shot, I swiped a finger across the screen of my tablet.

"You're not half bad at this for a 'keeper, are you, Nakai? Way things are going, you could probably fill in for Asahi or Kirisaki at the base of midfield if we ever needed you there!"

The lanky 'keeper smiled sheepishly, a tad embarrassed by the praise.

A satisfied smile crossed my face as I watched her trudge over to the target and pick up her ball.

We were currently camping out in Starblaydia for the thirty-third edition of the Di Bradini Cup.

The DBC was a competition of which I had fond memories. It was my first major tournament as a manager; my managerial debut, a competition in which I truly gained recognition as a manager of calibre and class. It also happened to come with a shiny trophy, a replica of which was currently sitting pretty in the confines of my mental trophy cabinet.

That final against Nephara would linger on in the memory, never to be forgotten. The match itself was a nerve-wracking affair; time after time I was compelled to bellow myself hoarse on the touchline as the Nepharim tenaciously battered our defence with, it seemed, a good half-dozen wrecking balls in the shape of their powerful players. I remember - vaguely - almost throttling Fuu in sheer frustration as I watched yet another quick counterattack break down after some sloppy passing.

It appeared to be all over after Nephara scored the opener after just fifteen minutes. The swiftness with which they broke was absolutely stunning; one moment we were on the attack, probing away at the defence without much luck; the next, Kasugano had been dispossessed and Nephara were left three-on-one against Kashiwagi.

As the Nepharim players wheeled away to celebrate their goal, I moodily lashed out at a hapless bottle near me; the way things were going, we would've been lucky to escape the game with a narrow loss - and most of my already bruised pride left intact. Things didn't seem to change for the better even as I made my tactical modifications; pushing an extra player into midfield to shore up the line admittedly did help to alleviate the mounting pressure to a certain extent, but by then the Nepharim were content to sit back and wait for their chance to pounce.

They had a one goal lead. We didn't - and that made all the difference in the world. The game gradually turned turgid; the Nepharim were defensively sound, and try as we might - we just couldn't seem to find a way past their defensive totems. In fact, we even had several hairy moments - my heart was in my mouth after another wayward pass left us threadbare at the back, only for Kashiwagi to really show her shot-stopping skills by turning Kellard's fiercely-hit shot past the post.

I nearly gave up the fight there and then. We were supposed to be the team actually applying heavy pressure, but instead, Tess Riether's Nephara had the game firmly by the cuff. They had us just where they wanted us - chasing a lead, hoping for a lapse in concentration and a chance to add gloss to the scoreline. Their dominance - tactically and physically, was absolute - and it looked, to me at least, that they would ride to victory at a canter.

Ten minutes later, our defensive line conspired to put together a perfectly coordinated choreography of chaos - Tachibana's miscommunication with the covering Miyashiro led to a Nepharim goal. Or so it seemed, anyway; luckily for us, the linesman ruled the goal out for a foul on Miyashiro in the buildup. In any event, we could have had no complaints had the goal stood; it was a piece of singularly abysmal defending that deserved to be punished.

However, Kirigiri had laid an elaborately-crafted twist in the plot. Taking the free kick, Ryūsaki laid a pass in front of her runner on the left flank; who in turn cut infield and passed the ball to Sakuranami. Our foremost creative force had been more than a little subdued throughout the game, but it was then that she had a rare moment of inspiration; flicking the ball over her defender's head with a cute touch, racing clear of the backpedaling defence before setting Uryū up for a wonderful first time shot that curled into the top right corner of the goal. If any goal in the world was unstoppable, this was it - the swerve was so pronounced, so sudden, that no 'keeper would have managed to keep it out.

The rest of the ninety minutes played out fairly uneventfully; Kellard had a glorious chance to win it for his team late on, but his clever chip just eluded the target, settling on top of the Mizuyukian goal with Kashiwagi stranded twelve yards away. Perhaps aware that the Little Nova were in the ascendancy by then, Nephara did not go all out for the winner, and neither did we. Both teams seemed more than content to allow the game to draw to a turgid close. By the time the whistle blew for the end of the ninety minutes, the score would remain deadlocked at one goal apiece.

The thirty minutes of extra time proved to be similarly devoid of points of interest. Aside from a well struck Sakuranami effort that deflected off Kieran Ritter's shin and just rolled wide, there was very little to write home about in terms of the quality of chances created; and indeed the game petered out, almost anticlimactically after the energy and endeavour of the opening stages, into a penalty shootout.

By then, I was feeling rather more hopeful - after all, we had performed quite credibly in pegging the Nepharim back and nullifying their offensive threat for the most part. Then again, I was also conscious of the fact that penalties were quite literally the lottery of football. Mental strength, nerve, experience and sheer bloody-mindedness counted for far more than technical ability or pace here; and the Nepharim lot had those qualities by the boatload.

Miyashiro, representing the team, won the toss and duly elected to have Nephara take the first shot. Elaine Ashdown set the ball down on the spot and took a few steps backwards, exuding a quiet aura of confidence all the while. She wasn't Nephara's go to player for penalties for nothing - and she proved her penalty-taking prowess with an audacious effort straight down the middle, Kashiwagi trying but failing to block the ball with her shins as she dived the wrong way, a look of anguish evident on her features as she collapsed helplessly to the ground.

Our first penalty-taker, Samukawa, was no slouch in the penalty-taking department herself, having taken and dispatched ten penalties at a hundred percent success rate during the course of her career for club and country. Placidly setting the ball on the spot, Samukawa did a few stretches, loosening her tense muscles, before running up to the ball with purpose, sending a powerful low strike towards Steed Corren's lower left hand corner. The Nepharim guessed right, barely managing to get his fingertips on it - but that slightest of touches proved to be insufficient, the ball stinging his fingertips before nestling in the back of the net.

The next two penalty-takers did their finishing skills justice with a couple of excellently-taken finishes, taking the 'keeper out of the equation with their power and placement; Kellard's shot, laced with pure power, flew past Kashiwagi even before she'd had a chance to react. Steiner, always a flamboyant player, couldn't resist the chance to showboat with a stutter-step run-up - but her shot flew true, striking the underside of the crossbar before bouncing into Corren's goal.

Next up was Elsa Layland, who, like Ashdown, had scored a penalty in Nephara's shootout against the Sunrisians last match. She ran a gauntlet of hostile stares from the Mizuyukian fans as she clung to the ball tightly with both hands. If the Nepharim were going to fail on a spot-kick, this girl seemed to be the most likely candidate - she was a sack of nerves, hesitant and visibly shaking as she set the ball down and took a few deep breaths to compose herself. It didn't help in the slightest; her shot was tame, and Kashiwagi gratefully collected at her right hand post as Layland sank to her knees in dejection. Uryū, always a composed presence in front of goal, rifled home a low shot at Corren's left hand post to pile on the pressure.

The next Nepharim penalty-taker, Crisisbless's Brigid Kestrel, was far more effective from twelve yards than her compatriot Layland had been, quickly smashing the ball home hard and high to leave Kashiwagi flailing at fresh air. The pressure was now on the Little Nova - thousands of expectant eyes followed the slim, elegant figure of Sakuranami as the playmaker strode languidly to the spot with the ball clutched to her breast.

I had to suppress a cry borne of stress and tension through gritted teeth as Sakuranami casually juggled the ball with a foot in front of the growling Nepharim fans before firmly planting the ball down on the spot. The girl didn't appear to feel the pressure that was, even then, mounting on my shoulders. I could only watch on as she jogged back a fair distance from the spot; almost at the edge of the area, before signalling her readiness to the referee.

Almost as soon as the shrill whistle echoed around an ominously silent Royal Equestria Stadium, I squeezed my eyes shut and muttered a silent plea to the kami.

The maths was exceedingly simple. If Sakuranami scored, we would be champions. If she didn't, I would have to brace myself for the panic-inducing sudden death shootout.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as I waited, waited for the avalanche of noise that would signal either sweet victory or the continuance of the heartstopping shootout. An eternity seemed to pass - although in reality it was only about five seconds - before the first wave of noise crashed over me. Hardly daring to open my eyes, I reached out a hand for my trusty co-manager beside me.

" ... did we win, Fuu? Did we win?"

I heard a silent chuckle as Fuu took my hand.

"Yes, Kaede. We won."

That was almost a year ago. Yet, the memories are fresh in my mind, and I can visualise even the finer details like it was yesterday.

The first taste of victory is addictive. Once you've sipped from the cup of champions, you'll never be content with settling for second-best ever again.

I know that the team will be fit and raring to go, champing at the bit to defend their precious crown. I know that Fuu will, similarly, be eager to have another crack at the Di Bradini Cup. And most of all, I myself will be gunning for success, for the title of champions, for that addictive, intense sensation of joy and euphoria that accompanies the sweetest of victories.

"Right, next up! Don't slack off, now; we've got a trophy to win!"

by **Estenia** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:57 am

Samu News

Prohibition of guns law on Samu and South Voivodeship

Tomatev speaking after the ban law was enacted

Samu Hall, also known as the Southern Hall, is the seat of the South Viovodeship Department. This time, the new progressive party majority parliament of the voivodeship has enacted a new law prohibting gun use outside the military bases of the Southern Voivedeship meaning being used only for voivodeship security and national security. President of the Progressive Party in Southern Voivodeship is Igor Tomatev and he along with the rest of the progressives of the parliament are also responsible for the laws regarding the voivodeship.

The reason why the law was enacted is because of the increased death-by-accident kills and there are also calls regarding that, with people getting outside with guns and fighting with each other, of course with no bullets but you never know. The Security Council of the city of Samu had done a lot law reforms with no good results, now they hope that this law regarding the whole voivodeship will reduce those deaths and increase the birth rate of the voivodeship and finally stop the sparse population problem that it has since the unification with the South-Central Voivodeship on the 1980's.

The next day after the law was enacted, there was a drastically smaller amount of death-by-accident kills. No sanctions happened and people seemed happier. Now a week after the people walk safely to the city without the danger of being shot in the head by someone who poses against your opinions just to think he/she lives in a fair world. Speech by Tomatev was "People, today we enacted a new law for your safety. We have banned guns out of the military bases and anything defence affiliated such as police department and sometimes even the fire departmen and forest security department. From today people, you shall live safer and you won't be in dange of those old Conservative laws that have made our voivodeship sparse populated." Soon thereafter the city of Samu, the 4.5 million people city had massive activity into the roads again after 30 years of waiting this law. Samu rejoined the finance market and the majestic Samu University has a lot of applications, that many applications haven't been posted since 1956, the rise of Samu University.

In other news:

Eastern Voivodeship re-enacts prohibition of guns law(2.500.000 views)
Samu is the largest growing city of Estenia(1.900.000 views)
Samu Orthodox Cathedral to be renovated(1.700.000 views)
Defence Ministry Congratulates Southern Voivodeship(1.500.000 views)
Estenian U-21 team ends in a draw against Allied Omaha(1.200.000 views)

by **Starblaydia** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:59 am

Matchday Two
Scores & Tables

Group A
Darmen 1-2 Star United States
United States Of Devonta 0-1 Filopines

#                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Star United States          2    1   1   0     4    3   +1     4
2 Darmen                      2    1   0   1     2    2    0     3
3 Filopines                   2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
4 United States Of Devonta    2    0   1   1     2    3   −1     1

Group B
Pasarga 3-0 Nassau-Hessen
Nephara 1-2 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec

#                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                        2    2   0   0     5    1   +4     6
2 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3
3 Nephara                        2    1   0   1     2    2    0     3
4 Nassau-Hessen                  2    0   0   2     0    4   −4     0  E

Group C
Vermark 2-1 D-Cup
Blouman Empire 2-0 The Sword Bloke

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vermark                 2    2   0   0     3    1   +2     6
2 Blouman Empire          2    1   0   1     2    1   +1     3
3 D-Cup                   2    1   0   1     2    2    0     3
4 The Sword Bloke         2    0   0   2     0    3   −3     0

Group D
Free Republics 2-2 The Calanian Union
Mizuyuki 3-1 Kernansquillec

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Free Republics          2    1   1   0     5    3   +2     4
  Mizuyuki                2    1   1   0     5    3   +2     4
3 The Calanian Union      2    0   2   0     4    4    0     2
4 Kernansquillec          2    0   0   2     2    6   −4     0  E

[b]Group E
Wolfbenz 2-2 Taeshan0
Super-Llamaland 0-1 Cosumar

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Taeshan                 2    1   1   0     4    3   +1     4
2 Wolfbenz                2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
3 Cosumar                 2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
4 Super-Llamaland         2    0   0   2     1    3   −2     0  E

Group F
Yttribia 2-1 Semarland
Abanhfleft 1-1 Venta de la Mesilla

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Yttribia                2    1   1   0     4    3   +1     4
2 Abanhfleft              2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
3 Venta de la Mesilla     2    0   2   0     3    3    0     2
4 Semarland               2    0   0   2     2    4   −2     0  E

Group G
Polar Islandstates 1-0 San Jose Guayabal
Jeckland 1-2 Felix

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Felix                   2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
2 Polar Islandstates      2    1   1   0     2    1   +1     4
3 San Jose Guayabal       2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
4 Jeckland                2    0   0   2     1    3   −2     0  E

Group H
Schottia 2-2 Allied Omaha
Estenia 1-2 Equestrian States

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Equestrian States       2    2   0   0     4    2   +2     6  Q
2 Allied Omaha            2    0   2   0     4    4    0     2
3 Estenia                 2    0   1   1     3    4   −1     1
  Schottia                2    0   1   1     3    4   −1     1

by **Star United States** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 3:03 pm

A New Beginning

Part One | Part Two

From Part One:

"Are you all ready?" the mother questioned, as she unbuckled her seat belt.

Part Two

She stepped into the pouring rain, and quickly made it to the airport. She spent less than a minute or so in the rain and she was already soaking. She did not bother helping her mother with the luggage. She grabbed her own, and entered the building. The airport stood proud. The front wall was almost completely made out of glass. Oddly enough, nothing inside was visible. Two great columns stood right before the entrance. They were placed there as if someone important is to walk in between them.

The glass doors slid open as she stepped into the warm building. She glanced around the airport. It was new. She was gazing when her mother finally entered the airport. She turned back, and saw her brother get off the grey car. She had never liked the color of the car. She thought it gave this depressing atmosphere. Soon enough, n assistant drove the car away.

"Thanks for helping," remarked her mother as she tugged at the luggage behind her. Her brother stumbled into the building. Still have asleep, he yawned. She sighed. She followed her mother, who was already making her way to the gate.

"Such a beautiful place," she thought sadly, "and I have to leave it before. I'm still here and I already miss my friends. Her mother had told her that she would make new friends, but she did not want new friends. She wants the ones on the island, nowhere else. She walked through the prestigious and vast halls of the airport. She passed a diversity of stores and restaurants as she made her way to the gate.

After a few minutes, or so, of walking, they arrived at the entrance of the gate. The lady working there quickly stamped her ticket, and she proceed. With no time to waste, they were called onto the plane. A flight attendant guided them to their seats.

"Oh good," she thought, "I got the window seat. Ugh." She took placed her handbag in the superior compartment, and took her small backpack with her. She took her seat.

The usually announcements about the time, destination, and seat belts were made. She struggled securing her seat belt. A flight attendant noticed her frustration, and assisted here. She was embarrassed.

She got comfortable, somewhat. She took a deep breath as the plane begun to move.

by **Wolfbenz** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:05 pm

The Jettenbach Chronicle
"We must get past the group stages," Oskar Neuhaus says

Head coach Oskar Neuhaus watches the Wolfbenz U-21 team take on the U-21 Taeshan team

Wolfbenz Scorers:
Baldur Takala, 42'
Gøran Aldersflügel, 77'

Taeshan Scorers:
Peter Wiggin, 21'
Josmer Medici, 52'

Jhanna, Starblaydia- The Dire Wolves took on Taeshan for their second match in Group E after a win against Super-Llamaland. Taeshan went into the match also with a win against Cosumar, who currently sit at third in their group. After the two matches, the Lil' Knights took the top of the table by goals scored, with our own Dire Wolves currently in second in the group. Cosumar is currently in third with a win against Super-Llamaland and an aforementioned loss against Taeshan in the opening match of the group stage.

The team looks as if they're in a good position to get into the Round of 16, but manager Oskar Neuhaus would hope for more.

"There is no question that we must get out of the group stages," Neuhaus spoke in the post-match conference, "Cosumar has a good team, but I believe we can beat them in our upcoming match. I'm hoping that this team will progress farther and farther, and will at least make it to the quarter finals. It would be nice to get past the quarterfinals, of course, but this is all I'm expecting at the moment, and the players know this."

Although the Dire Wolves are in a good position of getting out of the group, there is quite a way to go before they get there. The Dire Wolves were felled by The Calanian Union last Di Bradini Cup in the round of 16, and was expected of the Dire Wolves to get eliminated. It was somewhat of a miracle of them to get out of the group, and now is the time for them to prove that they have more than luck on their side.

MrSensible a few seconds ago
Soooooo... where's the match report?
980 up 12 down

Bobbeh 27 minutes ago
Come on boys! We can make it to the next round!
530 up 93 down

pencilneckedtroll 30 minutes ago
i hab nothin gross to sae now ;-;
8095 up -1 down

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:13 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

ABANHFLEFT STANDS FIRM AGAINST VENTA DE LA MESILLA, DRAWS 1-1
By Luke Edwards

Yanataurë, STARBLAYDIA - The Young Revolutionaries are back in The White Tower in Yanataurë, Starblaydia, and this time they're facing off against Venta de la Mesilla's Baby Bronze. The first half was very fast-paced, but unfortunately, nothing much else happened after those first 45 minutes. Abanhfleft's starting lineup remains mostly unchanged, as well as the Mesillano lineup. Here they are.

ABANHFLEFT - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Carlos Cohen
RB: Florence Patterson
RCB: Kristin Pittmann
LCB: Ainsley Gibson
LB: Shelly Murray
RDM: Cedric Pearson
CDM: Joe Warren
LDM: Sarita Cairo
CAM: Rory Edwards
RS: Yoshinobu Mori
LS: Karen Villegas

VENTA DE LA MESILLA - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Miles Hurst
RB: Ivy Burton
CB: Andre Brennan
CB: Virgil Wilkins
LB: Brooke Nolan
CM: Mohammed Gilmore
RW: Christopher Moore
LW: Sophie Buckley
CAM: Octavia Thomas
FW: Manuel Reid
FW: Ishmael Andrews

Kickoff began with the Baby Bronze having first kick, and the Mesillanos immediately sought to show that they could hold their own against the big-name teams in the big leagues. The Mesillano offense maintained consistent pressure on the Young Revolutionaries, and their efforts finally bore fruit thanks to a sublime volley from Ishmael Andrews in the 19th minute. This goal from Mesilla put the Fleftics on the backpedal, but eventually they got themselves together and began the counterattack. Sixteen minutes after Andrews' goal, Sarita Cairo was brought down by Brooke Nolan at 30 yards directly in front of goal. Despite a five-man wall, Rory Edwards managed to curve the ball above and beyond them, and just out of the reach of Miles Hurst's hands to give Abanhfleft the equalizer. 1-1 was the score at halftime, and that was the score at the end of the match. It wasn't for lack of trying, though. Yoshinobu Mori had an impressive shot from just beside the penalty spot that was barely shoved aside by Hurst, and Octavia Thomas's free kick almost, but not quite, bothered Carlos Cohen before it struck the crossbar and flew up. There were many more near-misses such as these, mostly from Miles Hurst, and you have to give credit to the kid for staying calm between the posts against the Young Revolutionaries. But, like I said before, the game ended 1-1, and Abanhfleft stays in second place just below Yttribia.

Mesillano keeper's performance stirs up interest in Premier League managers

Godric Wexler of Arsenal de Releinthi is also an assistant manager for the Abanhfleft national football team, and has confirmed an interest in signing Miles Hurst of Venta de la Mesilla following the conclusion of the Abanhfleft-Venta de la Mesilla match in the 33rd Di Bradini Cup. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Oliver Fairman)

With many Fleftic Premier League managers serving double roles as assistant managers for the Fleftic national football teams, it's no surprise that local football pundits call international tournaments such as the Di Bradini Cup "shopping season," because the managers use their time as assistants to scout foreign players that they feel would be good fits for their respective teams. Now, it may look like that the managers are practically fighting each other over rights for the players, but reliable sources within the team has told me that all managers have a "gentlemen's agreement" in which they agree to let each other approach their prospective players without interference. They still make competing offers if they are interested in the same player, but there is no backhanded attempts to secure the player's signature.

It is into this climate that Miles Hurst has come to the attention of Godric Wexler, manager of Premier League side Arsenal de Releinthi. Hurst had been "the image of calm and collected goalkeeping in the face of unforgiving opposition" in Venta de la Mesilla's last game against Abanhfleft, according to Wexler. And it is because of this performance that he is looking to secure the services of Hurst for his side.

"He's going to be a definite long-term investment, that's a given," Wexler told CNN Sports. "But sometimes, you need long-term investments. And some of Arsenal's other goalkeepers are also getting long in the tooth. Jim Tarragona, Danny Saroge, they're already on the wrong side of thirty. Oliver Vargas could technically stand in for the team, but he's still a diamond in the rough, and I'm still uneasy about starting him regularly. But Hurst's already proven himself internationally. Now, the only problems are how much Strangers will be willing to let him go, and if his international performance will translate to league performance."

When asked about Hurst's role in the team if he signs for Arsenal, Wexler replied, "Miles will certainly play a role in the domestic cups. And he might also see some league time against some of the lower teams."

        ABANHFLEFT 1 - 1 VENTA DE LA MESILLA
RORY EDWARDS (35')       ISHMAEL ANDREWS (19')

by **Schottia** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:23 pm

The Daily Worker
Di Bradini Cup Special
Marrian McFadden reports

Schottia 2-2 Alied Omaha
Foundation Road, Jhanna - Iskara Daii (75,000)
Goals: 33" Killanen, 84" Dawson (Schottia)
Possession: 51% - 49%

A late goal from substitute Fred Dawson kept Schottic Di Badini Cup dreams alive; the vital equaliser rescuing a precious point for Jock Sonny's men against Allied Omaha. The game was a frantic contest from the outset with both sides knowing a defeat would more of less put pay to their chances of qualification.

Schottia kicked-off unchanged from the side that narrowly lost out to The Equestrian States, and started off brightly. Midfielders Kim Coultan and Eoin Killanen both enjoyed a great deal off position early on, the former nearly opened the scoring on 15 minutes when her 20-yard chip into the box was deflected just wide. The pass had been originally meant for striker Glen Stephens, however, the ball cannoned off the back of Ham'xa Xalem and Muaaz Noman had to be on his toes to tip the ball wide.

Despite their early possession it was to be Schottia's opponents who broke the deadlock. The defence again was found wanting, failing to heed the many warnings in the media about just how good this Allied Omaha team are. Schottia were in danger of giving themselves another mountain to clime as, for a second match in succession, they were going to have to come from behind.

The White and Greens didn't take long to pull level. Craig O'Maramy, once again combining with Coultan managed to find himself a little space down the right, wriggling free of the defenders, before unleashing a blistering, low drive towards the goal. The shot, which went just wide, was kept in play by captain Killanen who took one touch before squeezing the ball home from a tight angle to send the teams up the tunnel all square.

During the opening period of the second half Schottia had to endure a frustrating spell, where they were unable to really test Noman in the Omaha goal. Coultan and midfield partner Thio Crillin were being closed down exceptionally quickly by the tenacious Omaha midfield and were struggling to string any passes together. Some of Schottia's smaller players were being given a torrid time, unable to get their style of possession football to stick. In the end it was to be the story of the team from Cornellia's tournament so far; as they yet again found themselves a goal behind with Omaha retaking the lead.

The goal sparked a double change from Jock Sonny, who brought on Fred Dawson and Ismal Keruit in place of Glen Stephens and Chris Dickson. The substitution seemed to be inspired, as Keruit tested Noman almost straight away with a strike from the edge of the D. Schottia pushed on from there, sensing their tournament slipping away from them with every ebbing minute. Killanen also went close, getting his head on the end of an O'Maramy cross, but he mistimed his jump and couldn't get any purchase on his header. There was also another chance for Coultan, the youngster plying her trade in Buyan, could only look on in despair as her side-footed effort clipped the edge of the post.

There were also chances for Omaha and there was definitely the feeling that there were more goals in the game. Luckily for the several thousand Schottic fans who made the journey to Starblaydia, it came for their side. Killanen who was outstanding for most of the game picked up the ball in the centre of the park and made a surging run forward, finding his was inside the box. Unselfishly he laid the ball to the side for Fred Dawson, who couldn't believe his luck as he was presented with the ball, goal at his mercy. The Port Sebastian striker kept his cool to score his first goal for the U-21s.

The Draw gives Schottia a slim chance of qualification, however, the situation is slightly out of their own hands. They will be praying that they are able to beat Estenia and that The Equestrian States can keep Allied Omaha honest in the last round of fixtures.

If they are to go through Jock Sonny will really need to work on defending especially in the middle third if his tram are not to be completely overpowered in their next game.

Line-up: McNott 5, Watt 6, Doig 6, Burton 7, Souter 5, O'Maramy 7, Dickson 6 (Keirut 7), Crillin 6, Coultan 7, Killanen 8, Stephens 5 (Dawson 6)

Man fo the match: Killanen. The FC Zürich man lead his team well, and was at the heart of every attack Schottia made.

by **Venta de la Mesilla** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 3:52 pm

Abanhfleft 1-1 Venta de la Mesilla

STRANGER DANGER PRESENTS:

Natus ex Aere

The Unofficial Fan Blog of Mesillano International Sports

Baby Bronze Ties Abanhfleft, Must Win Against Semarland to Advance
By Carlos del Negro, less than a day ago

An early goal by Ishmael Andrews was insufficient to garner Baby Bronze their first win of the Di Bradini Cup finals, and now the final match against winless Semarland has become critical to the team's advancement into the round of sixteen. With Abanhfleft and Yttribia at four points each, La Mesilla needs to win against Semarland and for the Abanhfleft-Yttribia match to end in a victory for one team in order to have a clear chance at advancing. A Mesillano win coupled with a draw at The White Tower could make for a complicated advancement picture, with three teams at five points each.

Andrews locked away the team's only goal in the first twenty minutes of the match, giving the Baby Bronze a lead that would last only sixteen minutes before Rory Edwards scored to equalize in the thirty-fifth. Edwards' goal came off a critical mistake by Brooke Nolan that gave him a free path to the goal, one of several such mistakes Nolan has made this tournament. That the teams were evenly matched was plain from the start; the entire second half resembled a ping-pong game with possession changing hands every few minutes but to no avail.

Miles Hurst continued his case for the team's MVP of the tournament, leading to rumors that he was being targeted by administrators at Arsenal de Releinthi. Hurst was called up from the reserve team to the Strangers full side midway through the previous Multiverse Premier League season after Nestor Rojas was transferred to Mareibat, but the nature of his contract with the full side is somewhat in question. Strangers reservists are generally not signed to binding contracts, but having played half a season for the senior team, it is possible that Hurst signed a contract for a longer period.

by **Mizuyuki** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 1:44 am

Di Bradini Cup 33 - Mizuyuki 3-1 Kernansquillec
Three thoughts on comfortable MD2 victory for the Little Nova

Organisation, composure, precision. These three words neatly summed up a disciplined performance from the Little Nova in their second match of the DBC group stages; a performance that proved to be more than sufficient to see off Kernansquillec by a relatively comfortable two-goal margin. Here are three thoughts from our specialist panel on the win and the performance.

1 • Kirisaki is an absolute gem of a player

Step forward Kanade Kirisaki; the enforcer of the Little Nova's new look midfield.

One of the defining characteristics of Shirazaka and Kiriyama's tenure as managers have been their willingness to blood new talent on an almost unprecedented scale. We're not talking about the odd prodigious talent, either; under the duo's oversight of the youth teams, there has been a significant influx of scholars into the IFA's footballing academies and development camps.

The brilliance and success of this policy is perhaps best represented by the emergence of Kirisaki. A strong, tireless terrier of a defensive midfielder, boasting one hell of a bite in the tackle to boot, the young Aonojuku native had been hailed as a rising star by pundits and managers alike. Lacking match sharpness for the Little Nova's first match against the Calanian Union, Kirisaki had to make her debut against a decent Kernansquillec team, and looked every inch a potential superstar as she patrolled and secured the midfield with remarkable tenacity.

Mizuyuki certainly did not look like they missed their former captain Miyashiro, who had to be satisfied with a spot on the bench and a late cameo. If anything, Kirisaki's energetic performance, full of bite, was a refreshing change from Miyashiro's often anaemic performances. One particular moment, late in second half stoppage time, served to perfectly illustrate Kirisaki's capabilities - having lost the ball to an excellent tackle by Lilly James, Kirisaki charged the full length of the field, in the knowledge that the game was already won, in order to dispossess the Kernansquillecan winger.

Our assessment? Tenacious, brave, and bloody-minded. Kirisaki will make a name for herself yet.

2 • Shirazaka needs to fine tune her defensive tactics

While Kirisaki did an admirable job of keeping a firm hold of proceedings in midfield, you can't reasonably expect a fourteen year old to be everywhere at once. The defensive midfielder was generally effective in breaking up play and recycling possession for her team with quick passes, but she was at times taken out of the equation - long balls, especially, evaded her due to her lack of physical presence as compared to the player she replaced, Miyashiro.

These long balls, although a rare sight, brought about several hairy moments for Shirazaka's defence; individually, Ryūsaki and Tachibana are competent defenders more than capable of holding their own against an aerial barrage, but they showed some uncharacteristic signs of hesitance here. Tachibana, usually a solid header of the ball, misjudged the flight of a floated ball early in the second half and inadvertently directed her defensive header onto a post, with Shigure nowhere near. Her defensive partner Ryūsaki was also far from her usual composed self, more inclined to dive into tackles than she usually is. This eventually cost her as she mistimed a sliding challenge on Rebecca Findlay on the hour mark, earning herself a yellow card for her troubles.

While it might be easy to shift all the blame for the defensive shenanigans onto individual players such as Tachibana and Ryūsaki, the fact remains that Shirazaka's elaborate zonal marking system still needs some serious polishing. Last Di Bradini Cup saw Shirazaka going for a more pragmatic, conventional man marking system which worked wonders en route to the Little Nova's cup triumph, but her newly-implemented defensive system doesn't seem to do her players many favours. Tachibana's errant header that so nearly resulted in an equaliser for Kernansquillec was directly caused by a breakdown in communication between herself and Shigure, while Ryūsaki's naturally aggressive positional instincts saw her position herself, on average, almost ten yards ahead of Tachibana throughout the match.

Shirazaka's system isn't, by any means, entirely at fault for this less-than-impressive defensive performance, but if the Little Nova are to defend the Di Bradini Cup, they need to do it on a solid defensive platform - and Shirazaka will need to put in the hours on the training ground together with her players if she's to provide that platform.

3 • Shigure is a capable replacement for Kashiwagi

Another cycle, another new first choice. Shirazaka and Kiriyama seem to take pleasure in shuffling their abundant pack of talent, and this time they've made a change in an unexpected position - replacing their first-choice goalkeeper for the past two cycles, Chiyo Kashiwagi, with the rising prospect Eri Shigure. It seemed to be a change made purely for changes' sake; while she wasn't the most competent of goalkeepers, Kashiwagi had arguably been an important part of last cycle's cup winners. On the other hand, Shigure was mostly an unknown quantity, having played in all of fifteen professional matches before yesterday's clash with Kernansquillec. It seemed to be some questionable reasoning on the managers' part - why fix something that wasn't broken, and run the risk of the change upsetting the team's balance and organisation?

However, Shigure showed us what she was truly capable of. She might not have been very busy during yesterday's match, having only four fairly routine saves to take care of during the course of the ninety minutes, but she is, above all, a safe pair of hands. In this respect, she is far and away superior to Kashiwagi. No unnecessary showboating, no fuss, no catastrophic mistakes, only one goal conceded - and that was a well struck Jakki Snijder free kick that any goalkeeper would have been hard pressed to keep out.

As a pure shotstopper, there can be no doubt that Shigure comes out on top; on the fifteen minute mark, Lauryn Hollands unleashed a powerful long range cracker that a lesser 'keeper might have done well to parry. Shigure, however, had different ideas, judging the situation almost to perfection and saving the shot at the first time of asking with a minimum of fuss. While Shigure is no classy operator on the ball as Kashiwagi is, this is also one of her strengths; her safety-first approach translates to less clangers, less mistakes, and above all, less concessions. Shigure's style might be anathema to the current vogue in the form of technical sweeper 'keepers, but she is undoubtedly the best option that Shirazaka possesses at the moment.

In summary : Kashiwagi can do a job in a pinch, but Shigure will surely make the number one jersey her own in the near future.

by **Starblaydia** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 6:38 pm

Matchday Three
Scores, Tables & Second Round Fixtures

Group A
Filopines 1-2 Star United States
United States Of Devonta 1-1 Darmen

#                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Star United States          3    2   1   0     6    4   +2     7
2 Darmen                      3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
3 Filopines                   3    1   0   2     2    3   −1     3
4 United States Of Devonta    3    0   2   1     3    4   −1     2

Group B
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 2-1 Nassau-Hessen
Nephara 0-1 Pasarga

#                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                        3    3   0   0     6    1   +5     9
2 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    3    2   0   1     5    4   +1     6
3 Nephara                        3    1   0   2     2    3   −1     3
4 Nassau-Hessen                  3    0   0   3     1    6   −5     0

Group C
The Sword Bloke 2-1 D-Cup
Blouman Empire 0-1 Vermark

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vermark                 3    3   0   0     4    1   +3     9
2 Blouman Empire          3    1   0   2     2    2    0     3
3 D-Cup                   3    1   0   2     3    4   −1     3
4 The Sword Bloke         3    1   0   2     2    4   −2     3

Group D
Kernansquillec 1-1 The Calanian Union
Mizuyuki 2-0 Free Republics

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Mizuyuki                3    2   1   0     7    3   +4     7
2 Free Republics          3    1   1   1     5    5    0     4
3 The Calanian Union      3    0   3   0     5    5    0     3
4 Kernansquillec          3    0   1   2     3    7   −4     1

Group E
Cosumar 1-1 Taeshan
Super-Llamaland 1-3 Wolfbenz

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Wolfbenz                3    2   1   0     6    3   +3     7
2 Taeshan                 3    1   2   0     5    4   +1     5
3 Cosumar                 3    1   1   1     2    2    0     4
4 Super-Llamaland         3    0   0   3     2    6   −4     0

Group F
Venta de la Mesilla 3-1 Semarland
Abanhfleft 2-1 Yttribia

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Abanhfleft              3    2   1   0     5    3   +2     7
2 Venta de la Mesilla     3    1   2   0     6    4   +2     5
3 Yttribia                3    1   1   1     5    5    0     4
4 Semarland               3    0   0   3     3    7   −4     0

Group G
Felix 2-1 San Jose Guayabal
Jeckland 1-1 Polar Islandstates

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Felix                   3    2   1   0     5    3   +2     7
2 Polar Islandstates      3    1   2   0     3    2   +1     5
3 San Jose Guayabal       3    1   0   2     2    3   −1     3
4 Jeckland                3    0   1   2     2    4   −2     1

Group H
Equestrian States 2-2 Allied Omaha
Estenia 0-3 Schottia

#                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Equestrian States       3    2   1   0     6    4   +2     7
2 Schottia                3    1   1   1     6    4   +2     4
3 Allied Omaha            3    0   3   0     6    6    0     3
4 Estenia                 3    0   1   2     3    7   −4     1

Second Round

Star United States v The Royal Kingdom of Quebec at [i]Montepool Bayside Stadium, Montepool - Home club Montepool Waves (32,000)
Vermark v Free Republics at Hallad City Stadium, Hallad City - Hallad Reavers (49,000)
Pasarga v Blouman Empire at Victory Park, Vecchio - Vecchio Victors (48,000)
Mizuyuki v Darmen at Nemyan National Stadium, Hecia - Hecia (27,000)
Wolfbenz v Venta de la MesillaJaffacake Memorial Arena[/i], Cedrus - Cedrus Soundgardia (33,000)
Felix v Schottia at Ectar Traxx Stadium, Foxchester - Foxchester Raiders (28,000)
Abanhfleft v Polar Islandstates at Bekkside Arena, Tabeck - Tabeck FC (33,000)
Equestrian States v Taeshan at The White Tower, Yanataurë - Telecontarë (18,000)

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:18 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

CUP OF HARMONY DEFEAT AVENGED! ABANHFLEFT TRIUMPHS OVER YTTRIBIA, 2-1
By Luke Edwards

Yanataurë, STARBLAYDIA - For the third time in three games, Abanhfleft has managed to stay undefeated in Yanataurë's White Tower, and this time, they collected a surprise victory over highly-touted side Yttribia, a side which every Fleftic footie fanatic remembers as the one that completed Abanhfleft's utter humiliation in the 62nd Cup of Harmony. Yoshinobu Mori and Karen Villegas led the way in Abanhfleft's revenge trip, but it did take the Young Revolutionaries up until the second half before they could properly avenge their elders. But before the match report itself, let's take a look at our teams' starting lineups.

ABANHFLEFT - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Samwell Crownover
RB: Florence Patterson
RCB: Kristin Pittmann
LCB: Ainsley Gibson
LB: Shelly Murray
RDM: Cedric Pearson
CDM: Joe Warren
LDM: Sarita Cairo
CAM: Rory Edwards
RS: Yoshinobu Mori
LS: Karen Villegas

YTTRIBIA - STARTING LINEUP
GK: Wilhelm Passant
RB: Glenn Eberhardt
CB: Ulysses Bonaventura
CB: Hahmez Cliff
LB: Millard Kelmendi
CDM: Eric Bernasconi
CDM: Harrison Yildirim
RM: Julian Micallef
CAM: Josef Cisternino
LM: Christoph Quirogi
ST: Diego Ruy

You will note that Samwell Crownover is standing between the goalposts for Abanhfleft in place of Carlos Cohen. Cohen unfortunately suffered a hyperextended wrist during training before the match, and Stephanie Bryan was also out of action for this match because of unexpected cramps, and therefore Celerino delos Reyes was forced to call up Crownover for this match. Aside from a few games for Thereisnogodistan FC in the Multiverse Premier League, Crownover doesn't have much experience between the posts, but during those few games, he proved to be a decent and capable keeper, so this was a calculated gamble on delos Reyes's part to sub Crownover into this game.

At first, it appeared that Celerino had made the wrong decision, when Yttribia's Diego Ruy got through the Fleftic defense and scored an absolutely astonishing rocket from within the D once he had caught Crownover off guard in just the first minute. It didn't bode well for the Young Revolutionaries, but thankfully for them, and for all of us, they managed to lock down their half and give old Sammy a bit of a breather. Sure, Yttribia continued their pressure on the Fleftics, with Ruy almost scoring another goal after some passing play with Christoph Quirogi, and Josef Cisternino had a good attempt at goal thanks to a 29-yard free kick conceded by Ainsley Gibson when he tripped up Ruy. But, just two minutes before the end of the first half, Yoshi Mori managed to get a header from a Cedric Pearson corner through the hands of the Yttribian keeper, putting both teams level as the first half ended.

In the second half, it was still Yttribia making the attacks, and Abanhfleft being put on the defensive, but somehow, against the run of play, it was Abanhfleft that managed to bag the winning goal, thanks to a 78th minute goal from Karen Villegas. The goal itself isn't very noteworthy, except that Karen had made it from an insane 38 yards! I'm not even entirely sure what was going through her mind when she made the kick, but it certainly wasn't "I'm going to get this goal!"

With this victory, Abanhfleft has moved to the top of Group F with 7 points. Also, Venta de la Mesilla won their game against Semarland, which propels them to second place in the group. Unlucky Yttribia, is all I can say. And speaking of Venta de la Mesilla, apparently there are unconfirmed rumors saying that Arsenal de Releinthi and Strangers are now in talks for Miles Hurst's future. As to what these talks will bring, or if they will indeed lead somewhere is still up to chance. But meanwhile, now that the group stage is over, we can now focus on the knockout stages. Our first opponent will be Polar Islandstates, another highly-touted team in this competition. We're still not yet sure how we're going to handle them, but by God, we will handle them as best as we can!

          ABANHFLEFT 2 - 1 YTTRIBIA
YOSHINOBU MORI (43')       DIEGO RUY (1')
KAREN VILLEGAS (78')

by **Taeshan** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:23 pm

http://chirb.it/fycyd0

by **Felix** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:54 pm

Unbiased Media In Felix

Di Bradini Cup 33: Dictatorship In The "Free" Republics?
By: Steven Smith

In the oddest of ways and reasons "journalist" Nova Hellstrom declared in her latest blog post that the leader of the Free Republics, Consul Reino Kulseth, was a tyrant and said her Republic was under a state of dictatorship. And for the first time ever, I actually agree with her. The Free Republics has turned into from a conservative, xenophobic republic to a fundamentalist theological dictatorship run by the Church of Saintland. I'll save you the time reading her whole article by saying she bashed us and our allies but right after that crap part she actually raised some concerns I had about the election of Reino Kulseth.

In the consul elections, Kulseth from a Church of Saintland aligned party won the election by a fine margin. But something didn't seem right. Especially in polling in certain districts of the Free Republics. In areas usually labelled as liberal or less conservative than the average in FFR the ultra-conservative Holy Party won against strong Progressive candidate, Samuel Izmailov. Now that just doesn't make any sense, right? I am not the one throw conspiracies around but it's highly suspicious that a progressive republic would vote the Holy Party in.

So what does mean? I believe, like Ms. Hellstrom, the RepublicSoft voting machines must've been rigged. It makes sense if it was. RepublicSoft is a company that has numerous connections to the Santii kingdom. Isn't that a little bit suspicious? After I am done writing this article I am going to send a letter formally requesting the Felixian government to start an investigation on the election results in the Free Republics. It is worrying how a government can literally influence a election of another sovereign nation and pick a puppet to rule another independent nation. It screams the days back when Felix was borderline Imperialist nation and convinced the Nurovoan state to abolish their king back in the 1870s.

The point is this troubling influence cannot go any longer, what if the Santii government somehow influences Felixian elections? Or tries to expand their agenda to other Esportivan nations? As one of the enforcer nations of Esportiva Felix has a responsibility to defend the region from outside threats that threaten our ideals of democracy. Which reminds me that I implore the Senate and House reconsider in joining the Esportivan Union, we have to have out voice in that parliament and must not exclude ourselves from the Esportiva's future.

So in summary, Felix needs to do two things. Join the EU and finally, checkout those results in that election that happened during the WC 70.

In The News:

>> President Limbaugh To Visit Apox For Advanced Talks Between The Two Nations
>> Mendoya Upsets Starblaydia In AOCAF To Advance To The Quarterfinals, Will Face Valanora
>> Minister Of Foreign Affairs To Visit Nurovo
>> Crisis In Pasarga Heating Up
>> Bill To Withdraw Felix From WA Is Defeated In Senate

(OOC: This was originally written for the CE but I didn't have time to finish it.)

by **Mizuyuki** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:18 am

"Say, Hino, you wanna go grab a bowl of ramen with us? Kanade, Akane, and several of the seniors are coming along as well~"

It was five in the evening, and we'd just finished another boring double training session. It had been a long three hours - we'd done tactical and defensive drills over and over again. I was dog tired by the time we called it a day.

Glancing up from my boots upon hearing the familiarly cheerful voice, I gave a non-committal shrug.

"Eh, Mugi, do they even have proper ramen in Starblaydia? This isn't exactly Aurinsula or Goryeo, you know."

Tsumugi Narita, the girl standing before me with a gentle smile playing around her lips, was one of my bestest friends. We'd been hanging out together ever since we'd been wearing nappies; and we'd joined the Kinokomura camp together once we were old enough. Wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that we were inseparable, much like those Siamese twins I'd once saw on TV.

"Yup, I'm pretty sure there's a decent eatery somewhere in the neighbourhood. When it comes to food, you can bet your bottom dollar that I do my research!"

"Eh, I don't know, I'm pretty worn out from all that sprinting and tackling ... "

"Oh, come on, do you really want to miss out on a bowl of steaming hot tonkotsu ramen? Imagine the rich broth, the succulent vegetables floating in it ... "

I furrowed my brow.

"Now you're just making me hungry."

Mugi clapped her hands together and let out a little laugh.

"That was exactly what I wanted to accomplish~"

I slowly eased myself into a standing position, like an old man with lumbago, and gave Mugi a lighthearted punch on the shoulder.

"Oh, you. Guess I'll tag along, then."

A fifteen minute traipse later, our party arrived at a pretty nondescript restaurant. It was absolutely nothing like the swanky eateries we had in Kirayuki; rather, the place didn't look an iota out of place in the Starblaydi city of Corinth. It looked a hell of a lot like a typical Starblaydi place; in fact, the only thing that actually different about it was the Miranian food on the menu.

"Hmm ... yeah, I'll have the tonkotsu. I need something really nourishing after that session with Shirazaka ..."

"I want a chicken chop! With black pepper sauce!"

"Caesar salad and a side order of mushroom soup, please. Oh, and a glass of warm water."

Snapping my menu closed, I collected the rest of the menus and handed them over to the smiling waiter, who gave us a courteous bow before scuttling away on fleet feet to fill our orders.

The other girls, who hadn't seemed to be in a hurry to place their orders, had left me nursing a growling tummy for more than ten minutes while they took their sweet time deciding. I was practically faint from hunger by the time we were done.

Patting my stomach ruefully, I had to make do with a sip of water from my bottle as we patiently waited for our orders to arrive.

"Uwaah, that was a good game we had yesterday!" Stretching lazily in her seat, one of the seniors - our first choice forward, Shizu - let out an exclamation of satisfaction.

Picking up a peanut from the snack plate on the table, Mashiro inspected it minutely before popping it in her mouth, chewing it to pieces with relish. "Yes, we certainly did well against the Holy Republican Empire, didn't we? Kaede seemed very pleased during her post-match press conference - it's a refreshing change from the gloomy mask she put on after the first matchday."

Her usual defensive partner, Risa, reached forward and gave her usual partner-in-crime a cheeky poke on the forehead.

"Yes, that's because you didn't mess up your defensive headers like you did against Kernansquillec!"

At her words, Mashiro turned a delicate shade of pink.

"Oh, stop it, you. Didn't you nearly send a bullet header into the wrong goal in that same match? You were hardly any better than I was!"

"Ehehe, guess you're right, Mashiro. Though you must admit, it was a magnificent header! Now if only it had been on target at the right end ... "

"I dunno, I think I would have rather enjoyed seeing it go in at the wrong end! I can just picture Kaede stamping her foot in rage on the touchline!"

Peals of laughter broke out around the table as Risa made a face, puffing her cheeks up in exaggerated fashion. I let out a little giggle; the face she made reminded me of my pet hamster stuffing its cheeks with tasty morsels.

"Here are your orders - one chicken chop with black pepper seasoning, one tonkotsu ramen, one chicken soup, one mushroom soup ... " A matter of moments later, the smiling waiter returned, bearing a tray laden with food. He rattled off the orders as he set down plate after plate of steaming food before us. Once all our food was in front of us, he again gave us a polite bow before leaving us to our meal.

"Hey, Mugi, I'll swap you a bite of your fish for a spoonful of my ramen."

"Mhm, okay!" Mugi, who had been tearing away at her plate of fish and chips, speared a chunk of succulent fish on her fork and dunked it in the nearest bowl of mayonnaise.

"Hey, Tsumugi, that's the mayo for my salad!"

"I'll give you some of my chips in a bit, don't worry!"

Still laughing that happy laugh of hers, Mugi transferred the piece of fish, dripping in rich mayonnaise, to my mouth.

"I know you love your mayo, so here you go~"

I hungrily chomped down on the fish, savouring its salty flavour and the tang of the mayonnaise.

"Mmm ... it's good. Very good."

"Right? Mugi has excellent taste in food, fufufu ... "

I let out a dry chuckle. "Yes, you most certainly are, Mugi. Right, here's your reward for being such a discerning food-grubber!"

Scooping up a spoonful of my ramen, I speared a piece of pork and added it to the mix before offering my spoon to Mugi.

"Here you go; one spoonful of tonkotsu ramen, as promised."

Mugi opened her mouth wide and gulped down the spoonful of ramen in a flash.

" ... and here I was thinking you'd at least savour it a little. That's no way to treat a mouthful of perfectly good ramen."

by **Schottia** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:43 am

The Daily Worker
Di Bradini Cup Special
Marrian McFadden reports

Schottia 3-0 Estenia
Albion Arena, Hersch
Goals: 11" O'Maramy, 39" Burton, 72" Coultan (Schottia)
Possession: 54% - 46%
Shots: 11 - 6
On-target: 5 - 3

Schottia’s young-guns sailed into the last 16 of the Di Bridini Cup with an impressive 3-0 win over Estenia yesterday. Until now it had not been the easiest of tournaments for Jock Sonny’s men in Starblaydia. A 2-1 defeat to The Equestrian states, and a frustrating 2-2 draw against a resolute Allied Omaha side had seen much of the initial optimism surrounding this young squad dissipate. For that reason the management team would have been over the moon to seal second place with such an emphatic win.

Captain Eoin Killanen had said in a pre-match interview that his team were going to “come out all guns blazing,” and that was exactly what they did. Killanen himself had one of the best early chances, and had the FC Zurich man been able to get onto the end of a Chris Dickson long ball then his side could have been 1-0 up after only 3 minutes. Schottia didn’t have to wait long to make the breakthrough, Kim Coultan, who was given far too much time on the ball, strated things off when she expertly picked out Glen Stephens. The Handon United striker, who scored his side’s only goal against the Little Ponies, held the ball up well riding the challenge of Rannin’s Filipp Kuuto. He showed great composure to slot the ball through to Craig O’Maramy, who timed his run to perfection, and kept a cool head to slide the ball home under Yuri Alekseyevich.

The goal gave Schottia a much needed confidence boost, as they took the lead in a game for the first time in the tournament. The White and Greens pushed on from there, and began to display the style of football which the traveling fans thought they had came to the Atlantian Ocean see. For a time Schottia were even in complete control, pinging one touch passes across the turf. Again it was the midfield trio of Killanen, Coultan, and O'Maramy who were dictating much of the play, and the three of them will surely have done their chances of selection for the next World Cup qualifiers no harm at all.

As the halftime whistle approached Schottia continued to press home their advantage. There was always the feeling that there was another goal in this game and on the 39th minute the Schottic fans had their nerves eased a little. A Paul Doig long throw, deep into the 18-yard-box, caused panic among the Estenian defence and under pressure from Thio Crillin, Alekseyevich was force to push the ball behind for a corner. The resulting kick, swung in by Killanen, was met by defender Scott Burton who sent his bullet header straight into the back of the net. The Cornellains FC player, now playing in the MPL was clearly over the moon with his first international goal, and if his celebration was anything to go by then it will surely be one that he will remember for a long time.

Schottia were cautiously optimistic heading up the tunnel at half time. While they seemed to have the game under control, they were still dependent on the result of the Ponies -- Omaha game, which seemed like it was going to go to the wire. All they could do was try to make sure the result against Estenia was beyond doubt and hope for a favour at Foundation Road.

The second half was definitely more of a contest, with chances at both ends. Filipp Orgonov went close for Estenia with long-range strike which McNott did well to save, and at the other end Killanen got the better of Feliks Andreev down the right, before hitting the ball straight at the keeper. One of the interesting factors in this tournament has been that when teams take the game to Schottia, it inadvertently has the effect of creating more space for their smaller players like Coultan to play. Although the 18-year-old is often guilty of being bullied off the ball; when she has time to pick a pass the results can be devastating; as many a player in the Buyanese Top League has discovered. Her side's third goal came from just one of these instances, when Crillin was able to get a toe to a slack Stamat Yorvov pass, feeding the ball through to Coultan in acres of space. Using her pace she quickly went up through the gears, baring down on the opposition goal. A clever dummy run from Stephens took one of the centre backs with him, leaving the the space for Coultan to get a shot away. Her 20-yard strike took a wicked bounce just before it reached Alekseyevich, leaving the Hammerton man unable to react. There was an element of luck in the shot to be sure, but Coultan and her teammates won't have minded, as the goal on 72 minutes effectively ended the game as a contest.

There were other chances in the match, but the scoreline remained unchanged. With the other game in the group finishing 2-2, Sonny got the result he was looking for, setting up a mouthwatering last 16 tie with Felix.

Schottia are really going to have to be at their best when the sides meet at the Ectar Traxx Stadium. Felix's senior side are of course one of the top ranked sides on the planet, and were the runners-up at the last world cup. The Felixian side boast some fantastic players: Lars Stoppelbein and Ivo Araújo, just to name a couple. However having returned to some semblance of their true form, the Schottic players will feel that a result is definitely not out of the question.

Line-up: McNott 6, Watt 7, Doig 7, Burton 8, Souter 7, O'Maramy 8 (87 - L'Attue), Dickson 7, Crillin 7, Coultan 9 (82 - Keirut 5), Killanen 7, Stephens 7 (51 -Konstidios 6)

Man of the match: Coultan. The young Jottnar Kallsmudden midfielder showed what all the hype was about with a commanding display in the final third.

by **Venta de la Mesilla** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:28 pm

Venta de la Mesilla 3-1 Semarland

STRANGER DANGER PRESENTS:

Natus ex Aere

The Unofficial Fan Blog of Mesillano International Sports

Baby Bronze Defeat Semarland, Advance to Di Bradini Cup Round of 16
By Carlos del Negro, less than a day ago

After a series of three rather inconclusive draws, the Baby Bronze made a statement today with their match against points-less Semarland to leapfrog Yttribia into the round of sixteen in the thirty-third Di Bradini Cup. That statement is that far from the one-trick ponies they had shown themselves to be in the previous three matches, the Bronze is a versatile team capable of making the back of the net quake with some regularity.

"I'm more than satisfied with today's match," said Coach Trujillo, "This was the kind of soccer I've been looking for since I selected my team."

A changeup in coaching style may have made the difference as two new names made their way to the scoring table; central defensive mid Mohammed Gilmore and striker Virgil Hunt, both signed to the Strangers Reserves. "Coach really opened the game up to us," said team captain Sophie Buckley, "Before the game, he said do whatever it takes to win, and we did. It was a lot of fun."

A far cry from Trujillo's usual military precision, the guidance nevertheless appears to have worked. After the Bronze went down by one in the twenty-fifth minute, Octavia Thomas took advantage of an immediate opportunity when she was left open in space. Off a slightly wild cross from Ishmael Andrews deep in the box, Thomas laid out for a bicycle kick, the likes of which had never been seen before in Mesillano soccer at this level, and found the back of the net to answer Semarland's goal.

"I have no idea how she did that," Trujillo said, "I certainly didn't teach my players to use bicycle kicks, but it worked, and I'll take it."

"I got lucky, quite frankly," said Thomas following the game, "I'd seen it on TV a couple times, practiced it on my own, but I had no way of knowing that ball would go in. I just knew it had a better chance than a conventional shot at that range, so I went for it."

Whatever the specifics behind her play, Thomas's goal seemed to remedy the stiffness that had cost the Bronze six points in three games. At forty-five, Mohammed Gilmore skied for a header off a corner kick and found the low corner before the Semarland keeper could react, and with the Bronze already up 2-1, substitute striker Virgil Hunt still found the back of the net to double La Mesilla's lead late in the match.

by **Blouman Empire** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:29 pm

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eaglets Through To Second Round

Despite recording two losses during the group stage the Eaglets managed to progress into the round of 16 thanks to a win by The Sword Bloke over D Cup. The win gave the bottom three teams equal points and the Eaglets better goal difference was enough to ensure they would play at least one more game before heading home.

The Eaglets faced undefeated Vermark and despite a strong showing lost 1-0 after a Daniel Kissinger netted a goal in the 75th minute. The eaglets appeared rejuvenated after their 2-0 victory against The Sword Bloke and started the game by taking early control forcing their opponents on the back foot. While both George Krausen and Peter Tiner had attempts on goal their accuracy was left wanting and neither seriously challenged the keeper. In the 35th minute the Eaglets looked to have scored after Allan Lozz managed to get his foot on a cross from Tiner and put it into the net but the linesman had raised his flag cutting off celebrations by the Blouman side. At the other end of the field the Hounds were faring no better as the Blouman defence held them off pressing high and limiting their time on the ball. Paul Olsson came close with a header off a corner but the ball hit the crossbar before going out of play. Alec Djorn took a free kick from 25 yards out after Henry Thorn took down Erik Hjamar, Djorn took a powerful accurate kick but the Blouman keeper managed to get his fingers to it tipping it around the bar. Despite a number of chances on both sides the first half ended scoreless.

The second half played much like the first with both sides looking to open the scoring, at times the game became scrappy as possession quickly passed from one team to the other and got stuck in midfield. After being banned from playing the team’s second match for team disunity both Paul Venator and Jason Felran were substituted on in the 60th minute determined to make an impact. The Eaglets managed to create a few more chances but once again their profligacy in front of goal denied them the much needed goal. It wasn’t until the 75th minute that a goal would be scored courtesy of Kissinger after intercepting a pass he moved around two defenders and deftly placed the ball into the bottom left corner giving his side the lead and ultimately the win.

The Eagles will be facing Pasarga at Victory Park for their second round clash, Pasarga finished their group undefeated scoring a total of six goals and will no doubt be taking their good form and confidence against the Eaglets. Blouman manager Luke Yersen in a post match interview expressed the need for his side to improve their performance if they wish to progress any further in the tournament “We have been poor and are only here because of luck, we will be working hard to fix our weaknesses before the next match”.

by **Starblaydia** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 11:48 am

Matchday Three

Second Round

Star United States 2-0 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Vermark 1-3 Free Republics
Pasarga 1-1 Blouman Empire (AET, FT 0-0, Pasarga wins 3-2 on penalties)
Mizuyuki 2-0 Darmen
Wolfbenz 1-2 Venta de la Mesilla
Felix 1-3 Schottia
Abanhfleft 2-0 Polar Islandstates
Equestrian States 1-2 Taeshan (AET, FT 1-1)

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Star United States v Free Republics at Foundation Road, Jhanna - Iskara Daii (75,000)
Pasarga v Mizuyuki at Silverlands, Corinth - Corinthian Spirits (65,000)
Venta de la Mesilla v Schottia at Sports Hall, Karak D'Ragh - Karak Ungor Chiefs (60,000)
Abanhfleft v Taeshan at Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, - Jhanna City (51,000)

by **Free Republics** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:46 pm

Chatter.co.republica

Christian State
@WagesOfSin
We carry out the Will of God and see that the Wages of Sin are paid to the wicked. The righteous need not fear us, but the wicked should tremble before us.

Pinned Chat
Christian State @WagesOfSin - 3h
Stephen Smith, your lies insult the One True God. You will pay for your sins! God Wills It!

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 3m
Quebec, Equestrian States and Felix all out of the DBC. God persecutes those who persecute His servants.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 5m
Holy Republican U-21s win in the DBC Round of 16. More proof that God supports the Godly.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 7m
Watch a harlot get what was coming to her: sanctustube.pop.sanctvs/343409goushh4343opwpo3434hgbn5433kepr

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 11m
Ladies, remember to be good girls and wear your head covering in public.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 22m
Remember to tithe 10% of your earnings to your local True Church. God Commands It!

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 24m
Having trouble with your wife? Read: cses.co.republica/8794/7-tips-for-correcting-your-wifes-misbehavior

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 29m
However, we celebrate the death of this infidel!

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 30m
Breaking News: Taxachussan atheist pays for his sins. The Christian State denies responsibility.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 39m
Logan Allen is a Godly man. His team's success in the World Bowl is part of God's Will.

Christian State re-chatted
Sporting World @SportingWorld - 3h
Logan Allen on his faith: sw.co.republica/football/logan-allen-discusses-his-faith

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 54m
Women can join too. Our brave Crusaders need loyal and loving wives and God will forgive their sins as well.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 55m
If you join the Christian State, all of your sins will be forgiven.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 56m
To kill an infidel is not murder. It is the carrying out of the Will of God.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 57m
If you haven't already, repent of your sins, join the True Church and join the Christian State.

Christian State @WagesOfSin - 1h
Who should pay for their sins next? Tell us, our brothers and sisters in Christus, whom we should deport to Infernus...

OOC DIsclaimer: Any views expressed in this RP are the IC views of a terrorist organization and theirs alone.

by **Felix** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 5:11 pm

Official Communiqué
From The Office Of

In light of recent articles publicly asking for Felix to investigate the elections in the Free Republics and to enter the EU the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce that Felix will NOT be engaging in any investigation over the results of the election of Consul Reino Kulseth in the Free Republics. Felix has held a neutral stance over most foreign events for a century and will continue to follow this policy unless certain events force us to act. Felix will also not join the Esportivan Union as a full member for now. A earlier vote in the Senate made Felix a observer nation not a full fledged member of the pan-Esportivan organization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the President herself will not revisit this issue for another year unless certain events happen that force the government of Felix and the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reconsider and bring the issue of EU back to the forefront.

Signed,

Raúl Blanco
Minister of Foreign Affairs

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