FFA Copa D'Aeia 2017 [Aeia only]

[Navack]

SEMI FINAL MATCHES

AJERRIN X TIMERIA

CRYLANTE X MIDRASIA

[Midrasia]

Marc Mullonde @Marc_Mul YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 RECHIRPSFAVORITE 7.2k10k 8:00 pm - 15/08/17

Midrasiaball @MYDBall @NAVball_ How d'ya like them apples? #Copa2017 #NAVvMYD RECHIRPSFAVORITE 10.2k9.4k 8:10 pm - 15/08/17

Démarrer @Démarrer I believe we may have just witnessed the greatest 120 minutes of football ever broadcast in the modern age #Copa2017 #NAVvMYD RECHIRPSFAVORITE 3.2k5.1k 8:20 pm - 15/08/17

[Tarasanovia]

tarasanovia suck damn it nvm

[Ajerrin]

Queen Lani @AjerrinsQueen What a game! Aquidneck played well but the Sharks now go to Semi-Finals! Go Sharks Go! #Copa2017 #Semis #Ajerrin #Sharks #Aquidneck RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 29k RECHIRPS52.5k FAVOURITES 4:36 pm - Sun August 18

[Crylante]

Dagmar Katrinsdottir @msdagmarofvestby By the grace of Trúathi, we're through to the semi-finals! #Copa RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 21413123 21:01 - 15/08/17

Liana Vescovi @lianaVescoviReform Well, that went awfully well. #Copa RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 87,01474,284 21:13 - 15/08/17

[Ajerrin]

Soccer News KOA @SoccerNewsKOA BREAKING: Kei Mika PROMOTED to starting team; Ola DEMOTED after Sharks Quarter-Final victory. #Copa2017 #Semis #Ajerrin #Sharks #Mika #Ola RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 29.9k RECHIRPS42.5k FAVOURITES 4:36 pm - Sun August 18

[Ajerrin]

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Ajerrin's Hopaeo to make lineup changes vs. undefeated New Timeria

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Berke, Navack- Competition for places. Every manager in the world wants to foster it, but it's a theme Ajerrin head coach Hopaeo takes more seriously than most. And so when the Sharks takes on the Dragons in the semi-finals of the Copa match on Thursday in the grand Lillåshöer Stadeium, the starting team is likely to be different than the one that took to the field in the Shark's gutsy 2-1 win against Aquidneck on Tuesday.

"We're thinking of giving opportunities to others to once again put out a very fresh and very competitive team," Hopaeo said upon arrival in the stadium on Wednesday. "There are some very good options to refresh the team, but we will take into account the medical examinations to make the decisions."

Hopaeo will consider carefully just how many changes to make. It isn't inconceivable there could be as many as three changes, although Hopaeo will want to find a balance given that the team needs at least three points against the undefeated team in the tournament. Ajerrin is, however, in a good place and buoyed by multiple shutouts and coming from behind twice to win, even though in the last game captain Wainai Mano warned that Aquidneck only has a point and nobody should be "deceived" by what was supposed to be the team's most difficult group game now having past.

Hopaeo doesn't believe that his team will be taking New Timeria lightly.

"There are two fundamental points [from the Aquidneck game]," Hopaeo said. "First is the confidence of the team and second is the combative spirit, because this group is continuing to get stronger."

As for what changes Hopaeo could make, it is expected that Kei Mika will start over Kaholo Ola as striker against a direct opposition, having scored two of the three past goals for the Sharks. A surprise to many, Ola has not scored a goal in the Copa. Along the back four, it's likely Nahalo at left-back, Iiolani and Mano as the center-backs but the right sides needs to be strengthened. Either Hina, Hekekia or Maile could be used over Keona, and Moana is surely set to start as the holding midfielder.

If Ola doesn't feature, he might not play a part at all in the Copa Cup, with the 34-year-old -- still considered an important cog in the team by Hopaeo -- only having featured for a little more than 25 minutes since the second half of Game 3.

For New Timeria -- a team currently at 25/1 odds to win in the rankings -- the game against Ajerrin is also fundamental to its chances in the tournament. The Dragons previous win against Frestovenia in the Quarterfinals was the third time a team scored 5 goals in the Copa but New Timeria is the first with a shut out of that score. Ajerrin is known for their defense, having three shutouts this season against Vvarden, Crylante, and most recently Oserland - a Copa record that ties with Crylante this year.

"We have another opportunity now to show the world and bigger countries that we can play," the defender and Captain Wainani Mano said Tuesday. "This isn't a learning experience for us. We want to get results." Mano described New Timeria as a "world class" team on Tuesday, but said his side won't be caught up by the occasion. "It's an incredible test for us, but one we are really looking forward to," he said. "We're not fearful or over-awed."

The Ajerri isn't sure which players Hopaeo will end up using, but he doesn't think it'll make a huge difference to the overall test for his side. "We've been trying to figure out if [Timeria] will make changes," he said. "They have such a good squad. They have players in all positions and the quality is still the same."

Mano will be hoping that his slightly changed team will be focused on getting the job done.

[Ajerrin]

Island Soccer @IslandSoccerPro BREAKING: Ola DEMOTED. Sick, or SUCK? My vote is SUCK. #Copa2017 #Semis #Ajerrin #Sharks RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1.9k RECHIRPS2.5k FAVOURITES 4:36 pm - Sun August 18

Princess Malani @LahuiPrincess Sharks vs. Dragons Sea vs. Air North vs. South It's a battle in the Blue Topaz Sea! CONTINENTAL WARFARE IS ON! #Copa2017 #Semis #Ajerrin #Sharks #Ola RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 2.1k RECHIRPS12.5k FAVOURITES 4:36 pm - Sun August 18

[New Timeria]

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Dragons Ready for Semis

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After going through the Copa undefeated the Dragons are approaching their final destination. With victory in sight, the team is working hard not to lose focus and continue to thrive. Tomorow the Dragons will take on the Sharks in the Semi Finals to determine who will advance to the next round. We were able to sit down with Sano Toyozo at the end of practice.

He stated that "This practice was very different... We really broke down the fundamentals of the game. We worked on ball handling, passing, placement, team movement. We really took it back to basics. Some may say we ran a middle school practice but I think that's good every once in a while... Without fundamentals, you can't win and I think today's practice really got the boys grounded and ready to take on the next match."

The Dragon's practices have been very unordinary lately. While most teams are running rigorous and complex programs things have been very simple at the practice facility over the last few days. Players have been watched closely by medical staff and the team has utilized a variety of advanced medical equipment to track the player's health. Not only has the medical staff been more active, secondary Manager Tobe Misato has been leading meditation sessions before and after practice. While many may find this strange Misato took the time out to explain the reasoning behind this.
"The most important part of winning is being mentally ready. A lot of teams have the talents and the physical training down but they don't have what it takes mentally to win games. We want our team to go out there and be sure that victory will come. When they step out on the field we want them to be calm and focused...When they go out there their nervous won't get to them and they'll play to win."

While this may come as a shock to most the team has spent nearly as much time in the film room as the actual practice field. Before this week the team spent around 2 hours in the film room. Yesterday the team headed to the field after 4 hours of film. The practice has also changed from 3 hours to 4 but isn't as physically demanding. Toyozo stated that "We've been analyzing every part of their game. Every player. Every move. Everything. When we go out there we'll know when they want to pass...When they're trying to score...When the coach wants to sub....When they need to pee... We've studied everything about these guys; their weakness... their strength all of it. As Misato said earlier... The mind is the most important part of the game."

While many expect this to be a tightly contested match star striker Shima Ryu had something different in mind when we mentioned wanting to see a good match. "A good match for me isn't what the fans want. We've been studying their weaknesses and their strength. Ajerrin has a great team and those guys that go out and play and work every day to get better... They're phenomenal but my job is to go out there and have everyone wonder what happened. I don't want a close game. I know that in this game things rarely work out perfectly but that's what we're striving for...Perfection. We want to pick them apart. We want to shut down their strengths and expose their weaknesses. After that match we want people to wonder why they were even on the same field as us."

While many people are worried that the team isn't getting the proper workout in to maintain their physical edge Toyozo took his time to silence the critics.
"Yea... We've been going light on the physical fitness at practice but I'm not worried about that... I know when these boys get done they hit the gym. Just yesterday I headed down to get some tea before I went to bed and I saw Ryu, Mito, and Kata working in the gym... These boys want it and they're doing what they need to win."

At home in Timeria people are still crowding the streets cheering on the Dragons. In Lia a camp site has been setup in the middle of downtown with more than 20,000 people flooding into the area. Mayor Mae Palathai has allowed them to stay until Timeria's Copa run comes to an end. With thousands of people in the streets, many businesses have seen a growth in revenue and are using this time to promote major deals. At Goodfillas Pizza the lines lead outside of the store as they promote their 2 topping medium pizza for 2.99. We took our time to ask some of the fans about this years Copa

Song from eastern Timeria said that "We have to win this year... It would be great for the nation. Shima Ryu keep playing hard we're rooting for you!"

With hopes high the rest is up to the boys in pink to bring home the win.

[Midrasia]

Marcel Belou

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SPECTACULAR CLASH KEEPS MIDRASIAN HOPES ALIVE

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Striker Enzo Lazare celebrates after scoring the winning goal in Extra-time

Navack 4-5 Midrasia (AET)

Midrasia have successfully secured their place in the semi-finals of the Copa d'Aeia 2017 after defeating bitter rivals Navack by five goals to four after extra time in their quarter-final clash. The team will now move on to face a Crylantian team which has defied the odds by defeating last-years' runners up Tarasanovia by two goals to nil. Midrasia's victory has ensured that the team has at least equalled its performance in last years' tournament in reaching the semi-finals, though fans and players alike are sure to hope that the team will be able to go much further.

The clash between Midrasia and Navack was much anticipated on both sides of the field. Coming off of the three-nil defeat in their opening game, the Midrasian side were determined to have their revenge on the as-yet undefeated Navish side which had glided through their past four games; conceding once and scoring a total of fourteen goals throughout the entire tournament, far surpassing any other competitor. The Purples were hoping to once and for all put the nail in the coffin of Midrasia's hopes of Copa glory, cementing their place as a top-tier international footballing powerhouse. The stakes were high for both sides, and neither would be backing down from the challenge which presented itself ahead.

The lineups for the match were as follows:
Navack: 1. GK - Lukas Killgraën, 6. LWB - Måark Pëtersk, 4. CB - Guståv Gargæn, 2. CB - Axël Noåh, 3. RWB - Aleksander Houlånd, 7. LM - Chåsenn Mathiësk, 11. CM - Jüjån Posternäk, 8. CAM - Mark Skaën, 13. CM - Mathias Yürmond, 10. RM - Regiënald Akhråm (c), 9. CF - Yagg Ëmill

Midrasia: 1. GK - Thierry Florient, 4. LB - Marius Tiboru, 2. LCB - Alexis Meridon, 20. RCB - Éric Loupe, 6. RB - Philippe Wallonde, 17. LCM - Robert Hadrien, 8. RCM - Henri Sabon (c), 14. LAM - Henri de Lenare, 15. CAM - David Hevré, 10. RAM - Simone Qualquart, 9. CF - Enzo Lazare

The match was off to a quick start, with Navack attempting to up the tempo of the game from the off, potentially trying to take advantage of Midrasia's extra tiredness following their extra-time clash with the CPSN. The Navish team attempted a high-pressing strategy to put the Midrasians on edge. Possession in the first half was mostly held by the Navish who continually assaulted the Midrasian defence, with little to no avail. The Midrasians did push with several counter-attacks after gaining possession from Navish attackers, however they were only able to secure two shots on target throughout most of the first half. The Navish finally opened the scoreline in the 27th minute though, with captain Akhråm muscling past Philippe Wallonde to get into the box and slot the ball past keeper Florient to make it 1-0 to the hosts. This was followed up in the 39th minute by the up and coming striker Yagg Ëmill to make it 2-0 to Navack. By this point in the match many expected Midrasia to crumble under the pressure, however the team were able to hold it together for the remainder of the half. Under the leadership of captain Henri Sabon, Midrasia stood strong. In first-half injury time the team scored a much needed goal to boost their confidence before the break, with winger Simone Qualquart curving the ball over keeper Killgraën and into the back of the net to make it 2-1. Behind the scenes reports suggest that captain Henri Sabon, who was potentially playing his final game for the national team that night, gave a rousing speech in the dressing room pushing the players to give it their all in what could potentially be their final match of the tournament. Furthermore, manager Van Emerik made several changes to the side before the second half. Right-back Philippe Wallonde was replaced with Bastien Desmarais and David Hevré was replaced by youngster Cosme Ferrando.

Right out of the gate of the second half Midrasia appeared on top of the game, pushing the Navish to react to their high-pressing play. Winger Simone Qualquart had also been pushed further forward to aid Lazare, putting much more pressure on the Navish back four to act. In the 48th minute Midrasia had equalised the score from a corner, with a header from Éric Loupe landing in the back of the net to make it 2-2. At this point the Navish began to panic, the constant onslaught of the Midrasian offensive clearly getting to the team. A sloppy tackle by Jüjån Posternäk resulted in a Midrasian free-kick just outside of the box. The perfect shot taken by captain Sabon curved around the wall and into the Navish goal to put Midrasia ahead at 3-2. It would not stop here however, as the Midrasians managed to skirt passed the Navish defence once more, with youngster Cosme Ferrando, planting the ball in the goal in the 62nd minute to score his first goal for Midrasia, and make it 4-2. This spectacular comeback would have been good enough on its own, but the Copa had another trick up its sleeve to play on the Midrasian side. Feeling confident in their position, Manager Van Emerik called off the offensive and pull back his midfielders into a more defensive position. Henri de Lenare would also be swapped out for Jerome Albret, changing the midfield 5 into a more defensive orientation. This confidence would be the downfall of Midrasia's lead and almost their position in the Copa as the Navish began to once again take up possession, pushing a tiring Midrasia to their limits. Chance after chance came Midrasia's way as the Purples went on the offensive and their commitment paid off with a goal in the 72nd minute to take the scoreline to 4-3. Then the nightmare of all Midrasia came true as the Navish were able to push through and equalise in the 88th minute, taking the scoreline to 4-4. Fortunately the Midrasian defence was able to hold on for the remainder of the half, taking the game into extra time.

By this point both teams were feeling the strain of the match, bouts of cramp breaking out throughout both teams. The next thirty minutes would be a hard slog, no matter what team the players represented. The first fifteen minutes saw Navack once again on the offensive, brushing up against a Midrasian defence struggling to hold on. Several chances came close, with Yagg Ëmill coming the closest, only for his shot to be saved by keeper Florient. Midrasia would sit back for the most of the first fifteen, with what many suggested was a 'masterplan' by manager Van Emerik to tire out the Navish attackers. Whether this was truly the case is another matter for discussion. Nevertheless, by the second portion of extra time Midrasia had held on and the Navish players were down to their last breaths. This time Midrasia went on the offensive, throwing the kitchen sink at the Navish defence, lest their Copa hopes go up in flames. In the 115th minute however Midrasia broke through, with striker Enzo Lazare skirting around the Navish defence with a feint, placing the ball in the opposite bottom corner to trick keeper Killgraën and send Midrasia through to the semi-finals with a scoreline of 5-4.

Speaking after the match Manager Van Emerik said:
'The team should be very proud of their performance, they not only beat the tournament favourites and kept our cup hopes alive, they also regained our national honour following the humiliating defeat in our opening game. They should be very proud.' When asked about the team's lax approach to the latter stages of the second half: 'Yes, we had issues and we can only learn from our mistakes. Letting our guard down may have been a poor choice in the short term, but in the long term it enabled our team to recover. They had the stamina in the latter stages when it mattered, the opponent did not.' When asked if Midrasia are now the favourites to win the tournament, the manager had this to say: 'Sure, many will be saying that, but I don't like to play with fire. We approach every game as it comes. That's that. Sure, many may say we will be tired from two extra-time matches, and many players will be, but we have men on the bench who can take their places and great physios who can help the team get back to full strength. We have to face Crylante next. A team which has done very well beating Tarasanovia. We must not let them do the same to us.'
Démarrer also spoke to captain Henri Sabon after the match who said he was 'delighted' that the team's hopes had been kept alive. But assured us that more must be done if Midrasia wishes to go all the way.
'Many will say now, oh Midrasia beat Navack, that's that, game over. No. It's never over, not until the final minute, we have to keep up our winning streak and play well against Crylante if we want to have any future hope in this tournament. If we want to go all the way, we have to play like we deserve to, no more lax defending, no more sloppy mistakes, just pure football.'

Elsewhere in the tournament, Crylante pulled off a surprise victory against Tarasanovia, defeating last-years runners up by two goals to nil. Tarasanovia never truly regained the form displayed at last years' tournament and Xzavier Armistead was really nowehere to be seen for the Tarasanovian side. With the midfielder coming to the end of his career it is unknown if he will make a reappearance in next years' tournament, or if Tarasanovia can improve on their performance next year. Elsewhere Frestovenia were obliterated five-nil by Timeria. This loss puts a sad end to an under-performing streak at this years' Copa, despite the massive amount of hope that was poured on the team before the tournament's start. As such, Timeria remains the only unbeaten team remaining in the tournament. They will face Ajerrin in the semi-finals, making the final a definite clash between Asura and Yidao. Ajerrin, much like Midrasia recovered from an early setback in their first game to reach this far. The team was able to defeat the surprising late-resurgent Aquidneck by two goals to one. Whatever happens next, the semi-finals are sure to live up to the rest of the tournament's action!

Be sure to stay tuned to Démarrer, Midrasia's premier footballing magazine for more updates and info on this years' Copa d'Aeia!

[Ajerrin]

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Shark's New Stadium Ready For Their Epic Return

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The new Shark Stadium and its official name will be unveiled August 27, when the Sharks Return from the Copa

New Hope, Ajerrin- As Ajerrin moves full speed ahead on the construction of four stadiums around its nation, the Crown announced their premier stadium, dubbed "Shark Stadium" is now complete. When it comes to stadiums, Ajerrin has made a unique venue, such as having enough space for roughly 150 photographers to shoot from the pitch perimeter, for example. But the Crown's message was that the upgraded A$82 million stadium should also take into account local needs.

The job of refurbishing the nearly three decade-old facility was given to a joint venture comprised of local contracting firm Lahono and a subsidiary of a Aquidneck-headquartered AlBordo. Albordo knows Shark Stadium well - it was part of the team involved in renovating the stadium in 1991, according to its website.

Constructed in 1976 and upgraded in in 1991, Shark Stadium is slated to receive a major overhaul, including a new roof and cooling technology. Other work to the stadium, according to a source, includes more landscaping to the complex, including trees, playgrounds, an outdoor covered gym as well as walking, jogging and bicycling tracks. Inside, re-engineering and dismantling lighting arches as well as the engineering, supply, fabrication and construction of various steel structures will be made.

The air conditioning will keep the pitch a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the stands around 24-28 degrees year round while using 40% less energy than other cooling measures. New changing rooms, VIP areas and sportsmuseum, as well as a new roof design that covers all seas are what the Sharks will see when they return from the Copa. With the last set of design changes Shark Stadium is now slated to accommodate up to 55,000 people, while previous reports suggested the facility would be able to seat 49,000.

Rumors are floating around the Kingdom and sports world that the island nation is trying to be one of the main venues for the future Football World Championships or other international Cups. And the Crown has said it is determined to be a global partner in sports despite their location. Regardless of the results of the Copa, the Ajerri Kingdom and the Sharks have made their presence known. The new stadium and its team, shows they have the potential for greatness.

[Midrasia]

Démarrer @Démarrer Can Midrasia make it through? Will Timeria's unbeaten streak continue? Tune in to find out! #Copa2017 RECHIRPSFAVORITE 987732 7:20 pm - 17/08/17

Midrasia National Football Team @LesCourones Sabon: Proud to get this far, but we have to go all the way now! #Copa2017 #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 4.8k5.1k 7:15 pm - 17/08/17

Leo Soulle @LSoulle Hopefully we can send Crylante home CRYing... I'll see myself out #Copa2017 #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVORITE 124 7:23 pm - 17/08/17

[New Timeria]

Popstar Jasmine Will Sing National Anthem at Semis

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It has just been confirmed that rising star Jasmine will sing the national anthem before the semis. It had been a kept a secret who would sing but the 21 year old confirmed through a chirp that she would be singing this evening. The star grew up in Upper Gardens a district on the west end of Lia. She is a real home grown Timerian that spent her time around the city making and enjoying music. She attended Golden Sierra School of Arts but dropped out at age 17 before she could graduate. After her father passed away her mother went into a state of depression and wasn't able to function alone. Jasmine dropped out to care for her mother and started to create what she calls her "official music" for her mother to get her through hard times. Her mother encouraged her to share it, which she did uploading it to streaming site MusicYou.

Jasmine rose to fame through her debut EP Warm Heart which was released last month and is currently sitting at the number 2 spot on the charts. Without major promotion and no label support, people have accredited her success to having genuinely great music. Critics have all agreed that this was one of the best projects released this year and see the potential for longevity and worldwide success. Her album has been certified gold and has recently announced a nation wide tour Summer's End which will hit 30 cities across the nation.

This will be her first major performance and her fans have been going crazy. Her chirper account was flooded with mentions and likes after the announcement and many predict her album sales to double after her performance at this years Copa. This would be her first time being recognized on a world stage. Many people are cheering for her to give a stellar performance; hoping that it will boost team morale and really give them a spiritual boost.

[New Timeria]

Jasmine @FlowerJas OMG!! Thank you for all the support! I look forward to singing out national anthem tonight #morethanateam RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 104,093193,983 2:32 pm - 17 August 17

Shima Ryu @RealRyu ... I think I shoot my shots pretty good #Copa2017 #Jasmine RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 43,40987,293 3:31 pm - 17 August 17

[Crylante]

Sven Jonson @thatsven37 Not a fan of football, but I will watch tonight's game with my eyes glued to the screen! #CRYvMYD #Copa RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1715 05:12pm - 17/08/17

Gaius De Casne @GDCasne @LSoulle Is all Midrasian humour as awful as yours? RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1927 05:21pm - 17/08/17

Karl Karlson @karlthesecond Spending millions of taxpayer's hurtens on football? Just what I'd expect from that champagne socialist, Rikard!#BetterGovernmentNow RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 7147 05:24pm - 17/08/17

Selma Dagmarsdottir @ilikesalmonsmørrebrød Vi skriver vores egne skæbner! We can do this! #ViSkriver #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 112121 05:27pm - 17/08/17

Marcus Mancini @crylanteisanicecountry Got a bet with my GF on this match. If CRY loses, I'm paying for our date tomoz. #SoUnfair RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 109 05:31pm - 17/08/17

Doris Schmidt @iamthedoris @crylanteisanicecountry Damn right you are! RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1213 05:34pm - 17/08/17

Ana Mylenesdottir @thewesternerfromglostrup Can't wait to see all the annoyed Midrasians when we thrash their corrupt excuse of a country! #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1512 05:41pm - 17/08/17

[Navack]

--snip--

[Midrasia]

Leo Soulle @LSoulle @GDCasne Sure my humour may be awful, but not as awful as your football team RECHIRPSFAVORITE 5237 7:58 pm - 17/08/17

Midrasia National Football Team @LesCourones Lets do this! C'mon Midrasia! #Copa2017 #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 3.1k2.2k 7:59 pm - 17/08/17

[Navack]

THE THREAD IS CLOSED. ANY RP POST FROM NOW ON WILL COUNT FOR THE FINALS AND 3RD PLACE MATCH. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD COPA.

[Navack]

SEMI FINALS SCORES

Ajerrin (Ajerrin) 0–2 Timeria (Timeria)

Crylante (Crylante) 2–1 Midrasia (Midrasia)

[Midrasia]

Leo Soulle @LSoulle Guess my poor jokes put the team off, better luck next year. #Copa2017 RECHIRPSFAVORITE 64 11:29 am - 18/08/17

Marc Mullonde @Marc_Mul All that effort to be knocked out by Crylante #Copa2017 #Feelsbadman RECHIRPSFAVORITE 92143 10:00 pm - 17/08/17

Midrasia National Football Team @LesCourones Manager Klaes Van Emerik announces his resignation following Midrasia's exit from the Copa RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1.2k1k 9:00 am - 18/08/17

[New Timeria]

New Timeria Today @NTToday Tommorow at noon join us for our special program as we visit the Dragons on their Copa run. An in depth look at the team. #morethanateam RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 23,98354,982 10:45 pm - 18 August 17

[Ajerrin]

Princess Malani @LahuiPrincess Play your heart out baby. #Copa2017 #Semis #Ajerrin #Sharks #Mika RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 2.1k RECHIRPS12.5k FAVOURITES 4:36 pm - Sun August 18

[Crylante]

Sven Jonson @thatsven37 That was very... interesting. Congratulations, Crylante! #CRYvMYD #Copa RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1715 10:12pm - 17/08/17

Gaius De Casne @GDCasne @LSoulle You were saying? RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1927 10:21pm - 17/08/17

Karl Karlson @karlthesecond Football is the opiate of the masses. #ImWoke RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 7147 10:24pm - 17/08/17

Selma Dagmarsdottir @ilikesalmonsmørrebrød Fight on! A nation of three million people, known merely for chocolate and social liberalism, could win! #ViSkriver #Final RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 112121 10:27pm - 17/08/17

Marcus Mancini @crylanteisanicecountry Looks like I'm not paying. @iamthedoris RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 109 10:31pm - 17/08/17

Doris Schmidt @iamthedoris @crylanteisanicecountry Fine, I'll pay. RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1213 10:34pm - 17/08/17

Ana Mylenesdottir @thewesternerfromglostrup I can't believe we did it! Woo! #CRYvMYD RECHIRPSFAVOURITE 1512 10:41pm - 17/08/17

[New Timeria]

Everything the team wanted at the start of the tournament is now within reach. After beating the Sharks 2-0 many people now believe New Timeria will actually bring home the trophy. On Monday the team will take on the Crylantians in the final match. This is the biggest moment of their careers and a historic season is within grasp. We managed to get an inside look at the team's day to day activities.

The team has been living together while away and has spent most of their time with each other on and off the field. It’s 7 in the morning and the team has just woke up, breakfast is cooked and they all gather to eat together. Some of the players woke up early to get a workout in before the day started; among them was veteran Kanno Hikaru. He had been playing on the team for nearly 8 years and is considered to be one of the key pieces to the team success. We talked to him before things got started.

“Yea I wake up early sometimes just to get a little extra work in… I invite some of the younger guys but really its just something to get the day started and get your blood flowing. Rest is also important so some of the guys decide to sleep till 7… All cool either way we all get our work in.”

While eating the team doesn’t talk about soccer. Instead, they discuss a variety of topics from their families to politics and even gossip about celebrities. Some of the older guys joked on star striker Ryu about his failed attempt to get singer Jasmine’s attention on chirper. This goes on for about an hour before they decide to hit the film room. Over the past few weeks, the team has been on a strict schedule but it seems manager Sano Toyozo has changed things up again. According to him, he wants the game to “...feel natural…”

“Yea before the final game we threw that schedule out of the window. From here on out we want everything to feel natural and unplanned we want to get into a natural flow. By Sunday I hope that our boys subconsciously are on a schedule and come game time this will help. They’ll be able to feel the flow of the game and they’ll be synced up… that’s the hope… but I think it’ll work.”

In the film room, they watch mostly clips from Crylantian match with a few other thrown in. The team goes through everything. One of the team strategist Puran Taksin is leading this session. He takes his time to pause the video and point out every little detail. Not only are the players writing things down but he also has a thick pink notebook that he frequently takes notes in. After the film session, we were able to catch up with him and ask him what he wanted to focus on most.

“Everything! If we want to win the final match we’re going to have to pay attention to every detail of the game. While watching film I point things out just to reinforce it. I know they’ve seen it a million times but you can never learn too much... I like to go into film sessions and create situations and translate them into something we could practice. In this notebook, I have counters and attacks for nearly anything they can throw at us.”

Before things kick off on the field player are joking around as the medical staff runs through their daily examinations. The team is very easy going and most of the players are always happy. Including triplets Akio, Fujio, and Tatsui Kawashima who are the center pieces to New Timeria’s midfield game. Over the course of the tournament, no player on the team has recorded more assist than Akio who also has the team's highest pass success percentage. Akio acts somewhat as a general; taking his time with the ball and surveying the field to set up goals. He can frequently be seen communicating with Shima Ryu using a flurry of hand signals.

While on the pitch the team starts with a light workout and then gets into training. The team spends most of the time going over situations and how to turn them into something positive. While sitting on the bench we got a chance to talk with backup Mae Anzai.

“Right now we’re just working on being ready for anything. That’s what the coach wants and we all know why… It works! He really wants us to get to a point where we can adapt to any situation and win the game. Honestly, our coach doesn’t care if we’re down 5-0 with 10 minutes left. He expects adaptation from us and he wants us to be versatile…. I guess that’s kind of like his coaching style also… Very adaptive and diverse."

While we managed to get some good insight into the team they didn’t allow us to get too deep into their inner workings. For example, while Ryu and Akio work on hand signs for the next game we weren't allowed to interview them about this very complex process.

The team has been preparing to win at all cost. No matter what it takes the Dragons are willing and more than happy to take on whatever role will bring a win home to New Timeria.

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THE THREAD IS CLOSED. ANY RP POST FROM NOW ON WILL COUNT FOR THE FINALS. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD COPA.