Cup of Harmony 49: RPs/Scores

[Erathore]

---

Well third time wasn't the charm. Yup that's right. Once again La Furia Azule is knocked out of the Cup of Harmony in the semifinals, leading to our third and second consecutive appearance in the Third Place Play Off. Despite our best attempts, we just couldn’t get through the neigh impenetrable defense that Andossa Se Mitrin Vega had erected. They managed to score twice, once of a corner kick, and the other off a beautiful shot from the 18. In the third place play off we face Rhodesiah.

Here’s the squad for that game:

------------------GALONLOTH------------------

-----MANLIO-----DINO-(3c)------NERO-----

------------------LANZIANO------------------

-----DISANTOS-----NAO-----

-----DEL NIERAN(c)-----

------CESC--------RINGËRIL(vc)------VILLA--------

[Valladares]

Valladares Sports Network

LAST STOP: THE FINAL

Valladares defeat Rhodesiah and will play Andossa Se Mitrin Vega for the CoH jackpot

By: Alan Rosero,
Blogger from "The National Kickoff"

ALBIONPOOL, COTDELAPOMS (VP) - Hello again from Cotdelapoms. We are through to the final after defeating a tricky Rhodesiah team in the semifinal match played at the Stade de Cotdelapoms in Albionpool, and our last challenge before lifting the Cup of Harmony trophy will be Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, who defeated Erathore in the other semifinal played in Polar Islandstates. So, the two teams who deserved it the most are going to battle it out in the final in Cotdelapoms, which is really nice.

Spoiling a Cup of Harmony Upset

Rhodesiah, the surprise package of this Cup of Harmony, were our rivals in the Cotdelapomais regional final (aka CoH semifinal), also played here in Albionpool. The Sables arrived to this match after leaving teams like Mangolana, Kazzoria, and FSSO out of contention, and they were willing to make the biggest shock against us. However, getting our rears royally spanked by such a fluky team was not in our plans, and Les Gones hoped Rhodesiah took the hint from the starting whistle.

Part of the first half was a meaning of valladar domination: In 25 minutes, the game was already 2-0, with Jefferson Ospina in the 10th minute, and Frank Zapata twelve minutes later tilting the balance in our favor. What about Rhodesiah? As I predicted, doing nothing until they conceded the second goal. Although it seemed our second goal woke them up, and they even managed to net their first goal of the match in the 37th minute. And we went 2-1 to halftime.

The second half was not as entertaining as the first, but it also brought its dose of excitement with Frank Zapata's second goal of the match in the 59th minute. And well, with the 3-1, José Marín decided to switch his tactics to a 5-2-3, in order to lock his defense in case Rhodesiah managed to rally in the remaining minutes of the match, however the Sables kept trying and found their reward during injury time, which was not enough to push the match to extra time, though. We won, but our defense is still owing us.

The Final: Valladares vs. ASMV

Yes, we're in the finals, as is Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. Two of the favourites to win the competition will face each other at the Stade de Cotdelapoms in Albionpool: ASMV for their second CoH crown, Valladares for their first one. We should also add that both teams won their groups after winning all their four matches, displaying attractive football.

So, how could we beat them? We must bomb their defense with our attacks like we've done throughout the tournament with the teams we've faced so far, certainly the speed of Jefferson Ospina and Frank Zapata will cause them trouble. Also, we need to make sure for once they don't approach Luis Fuentes, getting a clean sheet will be key. So, that's it. Don't forget to bring your popcorn and sodas (beers would be nice, too) and your TV, because the final show looks to be a thrilling match, just like the quarterfinal against Osarius. Best of luck for us!

[Polar Islandstates]

"Look, CoH, I just think we should see other tournaments, that's all. It's not you, it's me. We've had a great run, and I think it's best if we just leave it at that, okay?"
"..."
"Hmm? Whassat? Breakup scorination? Don't see why not..."

CUTOFF.
EDIT:

Third Place Play Off

Rhodesiah 1–1 Erathore (1–2 AET)

Well, was that as good for you as it was for me?
*ends this painful analogy before the 'walk of shame'*

Congratulations to Erathore, who finish third, and commiserations to Rhodesiah, who came close to causing one final upset...

[Cotdelapoms]

It's been a delightful experience hosting the Cup of Harmony, but from all of us in Cotdelapoms- it's time to CUT OFF for the FINAL!

FINAL Stade de Cotdelapoms, Albionpool.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 3–3 Valladares (3–3 AET) (4–2 pen.)

Congratulations to Andossa Se Mitrin Vega for being Cup of Harmony 49 champions! Commiserations to Valladares, who came up just short.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Wow. Damn that was a tight one. Awesome jobs to Valladares, Erathore, and Rhodesiah for a great competition and to PI and Cotdelapoms for a very well run cup. A proper final RP after a bit.