Baptism of Fire 70 Everything Thread

[Bliuji]

In yesterday's game, Bliuji had a close 1 to nothing victory over New Karelograd. It was a very bad preformance by Bliuji. Even the fans knew it; the players on Bliuji's team looked very sluggish. Goalkeeping however, was good; Andriy Pyatov stoped 5 out of 5 shots on net for the shutout. And midfielder Gabriel Kolesnikov with the only goal.

[Bliuji]

In yesterday's game, Bliuji had a close 1 to nothing victory over New Karelograd. It was a very bad preformance by Bliuji. Even the fans knew it; the players on Bliuji's team looked very sluggish. Goalkeeping however, was good; Andriy Pyatov stoped 5 out of 5 shots on net for the shutout. And midfielder Gabriel Kolesnikov with the only goal.

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times

Port Ember Unleashes Hell In Their Last Group Match!

Port Ember 5 - Amurbia 1

By Erica Davies - Federation of Free Republics.

Port Ember's national football team has grabbed their fith consecutive international victory, as part of the Baptism of Fire League this thursday, with a emphatic 5-1 final score against Amurbia.

The match took place in the Fierro del Infierno Stadium, and the 93,204 seats was filled to capacity, with an enormous turnout from Port Emberian fans, for the sixth time in a row. The passion of the Port Emberian fans have become legend, with most tickets sold in this tournament being to Port Emberian citizens.

In layman terms, Port Ember's national team has unleashed hell in their last match, decimating their oponents with a 5-1 final score.

The solid on-form national team steam rolled through the Amurbia team, displaying amazing skills on the offence and deffence on the field, clearly displaying that previous concerns of a weak backline is no longer valid.

Port Ember once again focussed heavily on team play during the match, making a large number of successfull passes during the game, forcing their opponents to run around aimlessly for the entire 90 mimutes, when they barely broke a sweat. This slightly different gameplan, compared to their normal reckless attack strategy, was used for the second consecutive match, to great effect. The result of this system is a very clinical game, only pushing for a score when their opponents overextended their lines.

The first goal was scored in minute 22 by the 'Golden Child', Striker Danny Nicovic when he rushed through a gaping hole in the defence which was set up between Reddington, passing hard to the left flank where Striker Leon Moult awaited, who passed the ball to Nicovic's awaiting feet, who finished the job whilst making it look easy.

Amurbia struck back quickly pushing hard and attempted a goal, stopped easily by Keeper Smith, whom unfortunately let the ball slip over the backline, forcing a corner kick. This allowed a quick and clinical header into the nets in minute 31, drawing the score equal.

This was the last scoring oppertunity of the match for Amurbia, as the on-form Port Emberian backline continued to shut down any attempt of offence continiously, in a epic defencive display which deserves its own movie!

The continious possesion play was used by Port Ember, starving Amurbia from posession, and effectively tired out and frustrated them tremendously for the remainder of the match.

Minute 43 saw Nicovic scoring his second goal launched from a deep field counter attack, entering half time with a 2-1 lead.

The second half went even worse for Amurbia as fatigue and frustration set in, barely managing to ever touch the ball again.

Nicovic scored his next goal in minute 52, earning him the match ball as he achieved his hatrick.

Striker Moult scored twice, in minute 66 and 88, both launched from deep field counter attacks.

When the match ended in minute 90, it was clear that Amurbia was very happy that the match has ended, with them having no awnser to stop the Port Emberian steamroll.

This victory has ended the group stages for Port Ember, and allows them to enter the knockout stages with high morale and momentum.

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Match Analysis - Port Ember

The on form Port Emberian side looked solid in this match, and once again managed to remain a lot calmer amd clinical than before. Their confidemce was clearly boosted from their previous wins, allowing them to act more calm and collected. The previous concern of a weak backline has also been put to rest permanently, as their defence was on top form for three games now, properly rounding out and balancing the team. In fact, their backline was the most impressive of all teams in this tournament, in my opinion.

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Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 5/10. The legendary keeper had no chance to work for glory, as his backline dominated the field before him. The only shot at goal he received, he failed to stop it.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 9/10. The Prince of the backline - he defended hard and punished the opponent's strikers. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence. Proved his utility player status by regularly linking up with the midfield, assisting in creating counter attack oppertunities. Well deserved Man of the Match award.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Raymond Reddington - 8/10. The captain again proved his worth on the field (as he has consistently done since the start of the league). From defence, organising the back line, offense and setting up attacks for his strikers, the lad was everywhere on the field. A true impact player from start to finish.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Steve Rogers - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 7/10. Used his dribbling skills and superp fitness effectively. The chemistry between him and Nicovic is clearly showing, and is a valuable asset on the field. Scored two impressive goals.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 9/10. As always played an impressive game, outrunning and outsmarting the oppoments midfield and defence. Played a critical role in tiring out the opponents backline. Also scored a herioc hatrick. Could have easily been awarded man of the match award.

Match Stats - Port Ember Point of View

Goals Scored: 5 Total - D. Nicovic x 3 L. Moult x 2

Goals Secceeded: x 1

Man of the Match:Jason Lee

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After match word from the coach

"What can I say which the scoreboard does not tell on its own? All I can really say is that I thank the players and fans alike for their passion today. We now go to prepare for our next game in the Knockout Stages, where we will continue to carry our good form!"

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Current Standings

El Fierro Group                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Timuria                             6   6  0  0   15   2 +13   18
2 Port Ember                          6   5  0  1   20   7 +13   15
3 Kandonica                           6   3  1  2    7  13  −6   10
4 Shatla                              6   2  0  4    9  12  −3    6
5 Amurbia                             6   1  2  3   11  14  −3    5
6 Saciu                               6   1  1  4    6  11  −5    4
7 Caras                               6   1  0  5    7  16  −9    3

The group stages has ended. As Port Ember have secured a bye for the Round of 20, they will only play again in the Round of 20.

The following list names the team's who have reached the Knockout Stages:

Seeding Table                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Hapilopper                          6   6  0  0   23   7 +16   18
 2 Abercontin-Jereaux                  6   6  0  0   20   5 +15   18
 3 Timuria                             6   6  0  0   15   2 +13   18
 4 San Félix                           6   5  1  0   18   8 +10   16
 5 Bliuji                              6   5  0  1   11   4  +7   15
 6 West Phoenicia                      6   5  0  1   18   3 +15   15
 7 Port Ember                          6   5  0  1   20   7 +13   15
 8 Starcom Racing                      6   4  1  1   31  20 +11   13
 9 Terre Septentrionale                6   4  1  1   20  11  +9   13
10 Zealandiana                         6   4  1  1   10   5  +5   13
11 Amuaplye                            6   4  1  1   15   8  +7   13
12 Kandonica                           6   3  1  2    7  13  −6   10
13 The Szcerkina Federacy              6   2  3  1    8   7  +1    9
14 Bolgano                             6   2  2  2   10   9  +1    8
15 Pius Desurongcrandis                6   2  1  3   12  15  −3    7
16 Aurevbush                           6   2  1  3    8   8   0    7
17 Bernegastad                         6   2  1  3   10  10   0    7
18 Asdia                               6   2  1  3   10  13  −3    7
19 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison      6   2  0  4   14  15  −1    6
20 Shatla                              6   2  0  4    9  12  −3    6

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Next Match

Port Ember will face off next against Zealandiana in the Barteaux Stadium, as part of the Round if 16 Knockout Stage.

[Terre Septentrionale]

The Terre Septentrionale national team was visiting Los Martires attractions, including the Republican Studios and the Walk of Fame on their bye week when they relised someone was missing.

Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz: Hey... where's Krzysztof Pajaczkowski?

Przemyslaw Zawistowski: I thought he was with us...

Slawomir Skrzeszewski: Yeah me too...

Amelia Zalwowska: I'm gonna call him, he probably stayed at the hotel with Zbigniew...

Amelia calls Krzysztof Pajaczkowski but he didn't answers. Then she calls Zbigniew Zajaczkowski who stayed at the hotel.

Amelia: Hey Zbigniew, is Krzysztof Pajaczkowski with you at the hotel?

Zbigniew Zajaczkowski: No, I thought he was visiting Los Martires with you!

Amelia: No, he's not with us, we thought he stayed at the hotel.

Zbigniew: That's strange, I don't know where he is.

Amelia: Yeah me too... well I'm gonna hang up, see you later

Zbigniew: Later

Amelia hangs up and continue visiting Los Martires with the group.



Meanwhile in Republica, the capital city of the Free Republics, Krzysztof Pajaczkowski takes a taxi from the airport to the New Legislative Building where Scarlett Nicholls had her rally. Krzysztof was obsessed with Scarlett Nicholls, he sent her numerous love emails, which she never responded and this time he wanted to meet her in person and talk to her. Suddenly, Krzysztof was surrounded by high school male students wearing "Common Good" hats and chanting "Shut Up Harlot". The police escorted the students and Krzysztof away and he succesfully explained them that he was there cuz he likes Miss Nicholls and he's not one of those students hating on her. He comes back at the rally and manages to stand in the front row. As soon as she finish her speach, he comes onto the stage and approach her:

"Hi Scarlett, my name is Krzysztof and I sent you many love letters and I'd like to know why you don't..."

Then he's interrupted by her body guard, he's taken away and he's kept in custody. He was accused of attempting to Scarlett Nicholls' life by the Republican police. Krzysztof Pajaczkowski is still in jail in Republica and won't be available to play the round of 16 and further games.

[Timuria]

Comfortable Win Seals Perfect Record

by Tufan Nursultan

Timuria 2-0 Shatla
Yusuf Ihsanoglu (33), Ertan Renda (72)

The national team wrapped up group stage play and secured top spot in the group with an unbeaten record following an efficient and clean performance against Shatla. A returning Ertan Renda rounded off an excellent victory for the national team who go into the knockout stages as one of 3 teams with a perfect record and a healthy 3rd seed in the competition.

The match began with the national team besieging Shatla's goal, Vatan Ercetin constantly threatened the Shatlan goal, though he was more than a little wasteful in the first 20 minutes. Ertan Renda also signaled that he hadn't lost a step since his brief absence due to injury and hit the crossbar from a well struck free-kick. Shatla did manage to muster one attack, ably dealt with by the defence who were not troubled much this game.

As the first half progressed a goal for the national team appeared to be inevitable and so it came to be. Yusuf Ihsanoglu, who rarely troubles opposing goalkeepers guided the ball over the line as the ball pinballed in the danger area following a dangerous corner. He almost shockingly doubled his tally with an astounding strike that appeared speculative at first but curved wildly, needing the attention of the Shatlan goalkeeper. As half time approached Vatan Ercetin launched another effort just wide of the near post from inside the penalty area.

After half time, the national team maintained the pressure and were eventually rewarded in the 72nd minute by Ertan Renda, who scored a free-kick fromt he edge of the box, finally making good on the earlier occasion where he hit the bar. The Shatla team would have one final attempt at goal which Iskender Nur clawed out acrobatically.

The result leaves the national team as the third seed for the knockouts meaning they will face either Bolgano or Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison. Saban Inekci is still doubtful to return, however other than him all players are expected to be healthy for the round of 16 match up.

What they said after the game:

Bekir Altingunes: "Obviously we're happy to have been perfect in the group stage, it wasn't easy and every team, regardless of the final result has made us work for it and we've become a better team as a result. We're looking forward to a short break, with a bit of tactical training as we'll be meeting stronger teams going forward. We're keeping a close eye on Saban, especially given how severe concussions can be and how delicately they have to be handled, but I'm comfortable with Iskender Nur holding down the fort going forward."

Ratings:

Iskender Nur 7/10 - A solid follow up to his stunning man of the match performance in relief for Saban Inekci.

Ozbek Sarikaya 7/10 - Another solid performance. His early struggles seem to be well behind him..

Tuna Rustemoglu 6/10 - A dull day for the centre back who was rarely challenged.

Osman Hasanoglu 6/10 - Another player who had a (thankfully) dull day. The less we hear the defenders name, the better our days typically go.

Gokdeniz Dag 6/10 - Yet again a quiet day, with no real chances to show excellence.

Atilla Acar 6/10 - Adequate in relief for Hakan Diren, he was missing some of the zip from his previous appearance.

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 8/10 - A great day from the midfielder, who grabbed the man of the match award.

Tekin Yavuz 6/10 - A day where he was substituted quite rightly, a pedestrian performance from the wide man.

Ertan Renda 8/10 - Unlucky not to win man of the match honours upon his return, as usual a great performer for the national team.

Tayyar Ozel 7/10 - A better day for Tayyar than his colleague on the opposite flank, was a thorn in the side of the defence all game long.

Vatan Ercetin 6/10 - Despite great movement off the ball, he was ultimately very wasteful when it counted most.

Subs:

Mehmet Karaman 6/10 - A cameo appearance that didn't really amount to much.

Caner Turan 7/10 - Was more of a threat than Tekin Yavuz, though that's not saying much based on this match.

Metin Boz 6/10 - Another cameo appearance from the bench with not much to do.

Man of the Match: Yusuf Ihsanoglu - He's not had a flashy tournament, but he had an amazing day this game.

The next match: The round of 16 match will take place in the Coliseum of the Crucifixion, Los Martires, against either Bolgano or Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison. Bolgano qualified from 3rd place while Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison qualified from 4th. Both will provide a stern opposition when the time comes for the national team to face them. Bekir Altingunes has indicated a full strength squad will be available with the exception of Saban Inekci who is being limited as a precaution due to the severity of his concussion being greater than previously feared.

[Hapilopper]

Coliseum of the Crucifixion, Los Martires, Malifornia Charter Society
Match six – Hapilopper vs. Lavize
The Hapilopper National Football Team knew what they needed to do. Their group had been clinched. All they truly needed to do was beat Lavize and maybe, just maybe, they could become the top seed in the knockout stage of the Baptism of Fire, a tournament they had done so well in up to this point. The thing was, however, was that the HNFT was one of the dominant forces thus far in the Baptism of Fire and Lavize, well, wasn’t. Because of this, the HNFT felt very little pressure heading into the match.

Manager Thom Perkins looked at his players and smiled. There was no need for yelling or to put undue pressure on his team. The team was ready for a pre-game speech, and were wondering what, exactly, their head coach would say just before this last match of the group phase. Thom sat down and smiled. He was in a great mood, and that matched the rest of the team.

“I’m not sure there’s much for me to say,” Thom said. “You know what to do. We’ve had some real great training sessions. I think we can beat this last team, and then let’s see how we’re treated in the playoff rankings.”

Just as their head coach felt, the HNFT didn’t need to worry. They were a better team than the Lavizians, and they knew it. That showed from the start of the match, to Ernie Stevenson’s goal in the 4th minute to make it 1-0. Ernie, receiving the ball from “Beautiful Bobby” East, effortlessly took it into the left side of the net, giving the team a 1-0 lead. The goalkeeper had no idea what had hit him.

In the 26th minute, Kelvin Beverly passed the ball to Murray Hunnisett, who passed it to Ernie, who surprisingly passed it back to Murray.

“Score this one,” Ernie shouted at Murray. He did just that – from right down the middle, and Hapilopper led 2-0.

In the 41st minute, Murray passed it to “Beautiful Bobby” who saw an opening and took it. The team could score at will, but that was all they scored. When the halftime break came, Thom subbed out Ernie, Steve and Murray, and took Hapilopper’s foot way off the gas. There was no need to overexert themselves and possibly sustain an injury just before the crucial knockout phase of the tournament.

The instructions given to the team were pretty simple. Park the bus, take possession of the ball, and play a game of keep-away with the ball, keeping it away from Lavize’s players at all cost. It resulted in a substantially boring second half of football, but Hapilopper felt no need to run up the score. They had already done their jobs, they had already built a 3-0 lead, and there was no need to let this other side get any kind of advantage. The media hated it, some of the fans hated it, and even a couple of players hated it, but it was effective. Hapilopper kept that 3-0 lead for the rest of the match.

After the final group stage matches came to an end, they learned, much to their delight, that they had secured the top seed in the knockout stage. Undefeated in the group stage, with the largest group differential of any team and the second-most goals scored, only trailing Starcom Racing, whose matches during the Baptism of Fire could be charitably classified as insane, Hapilopper was pegged as the nation to beat in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Interestingly enough, players on the HNFT kind of cringed when they heard the news. They weren’t going to brag about being the number one seed. To them, it meant they had a huge target on their back.

“People are going to want to take the top seed out,” Ernie told reporters. “It’ll be a huge feather in their cap to take out the top team in the tournament. We’ll just have to train harder and work more for it. We’ll do what got us here.”

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Cooter Harris, team captain. “We can’t just get arrogant and think we’ll just roll over these guys, because they’ll be gunning for that top-seeded team. Unfortunately for us, that top-seeded team is us.”

Being the top seed had its perks, however. One of them was a first-round bye. The team would sit and watch as the bottom eight teams among the 20 qualified teams battled for victory in the first round of the knockout rounds. The Haps would watch one match in particular, the match between Aurevbush and Bernegastad at Via Damascus Stadium in Saintland. The winner of that match would battle Hapilopper in the Round of 16.

For the most part, the Haps were pretty confident they would be playing Aurevbush in the round of 16.

“We’ll be playing the Gators,” Ernie told reporters the day after the playoff draws were made. “I can’t say I’ve heard anything from Bernegastad, and I’ve even heard rumors that Bernegastad actually doesn’t exist. Aurevbush’s team is pretty underrated and I think we’ll be facing them. We’ll be training for them.”

Not surprisingly, the day of the Round of 20, the televisions in the Hapilopper clubhouse would be tuned into the Aurevbush/Bernegastad match. The HNFT wanted to see how their potential opponents would look like, and what kind of holes they could exploit in either their defense or offense.

[Aurevbush]

THE WOLVES AGAINST THE GATORS


Well, for the first 10 minutes seems rather slow, with practically neither team positioning to make a goal.

But come at 19 minutes, when Leonard Dayton (#4) steals the ball from David Novakson to pass it on to Roberts and Prado, followed by a Prado positioning to get a clear shot, only to be blocked by Andrew Covic.

The Game Gators try their luck again at 27 minutes when Ummana makes a corner kick, it didn't even make it on the goalpost…How embarassing….

It became very clear that though Spensar had the higher possession of about 57%, Aurevbush was out to seize every opportunity they had to steal and shoot. In fact, so much so, that at 48 min Hugh King tripped over
Scott German in an attempt to make his manuever. He got a yellow card.

Now, Spensar was poised to strike at Aurevbush's goal, and while Link Moy is at the top of his game so far in this tournament, he couldn't outflank the ball shot from the opponent forward, and thus bringing one to Spensar, at 52 min, the expense of King's penalty. Nice going, Hugh!

Though, Aurevbush suffers another defeat in a row, they have accumulated enough points to advance to the Round of 20. Already, in their first international competition, the Aurevs have made it very far and trained hard to make it the 20s and Coach Galen Iavarone says he has no intention of stopping there, that he wants Aurevbush to be recognized as a legend in assosication futbol.

"It is quite a high goal to aspire to, but I am there as coach to assure all of my best players, not just my forwards, all of my players will not cave in when they see those that are big pros out there waiting to play their part. And as we are a new team, I believe we can go higher, we can be them pros, if not the elite!" Aurevbush is expected to play Bernegastad @ Via Damascus Stadium and it will determine their continuation in this tournament, as this is an entrance game and one of the matches that will determine the Round of 16. Everyone across the country is jubilant and estatic, and their pride is at an all time high at this tournament season. We will have to wait and see.

[Free Republics]

Round of 20 Results

The Szcerkina Federacy 3–1 Shatla
Aurevbush 1–0 Bernegastad
Pius Desurongcrandis 1–0 Asdia
Bolgano 0–1 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison

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Round of 16

1) Hapilopper v. 16) Aurevbush @ Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland
8) Starcom Racing v. 9) Terre Septentionale @ Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland
5) Bliuji v. 12) Kandonica @ Via Damascus Stadium, St. Paulus, Saintland
4) San Félix v. 13) The Szcerkina Federacy @ Via Damascus Stadium, St. Paulus, Saintland
3) Timuria v. 19) Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison winner @ Coliseum of the Crucifixion, Los Martires, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics
6) West Phoenicia v. 11) Amuaplye @ Barteaux Stadium, San Hacienda, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics
7) Port Ember v. 10) Zealandiana @ Barteaux Stadium, San Hacienda, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics
2) Abercontin-Jereaux v. 15) Pius Desurongcrandis winner @ Fierro del Infierno Stadium, El Fierro, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times

Sports Column - Baptism of Fire League

Pre Match Analysis & Interview

By Erica Davies - Federation of Free Republics.

Port Ember will face off against Zealandiana in their seventh match of the Baptism of Fire League this Sunday, to be played in the Barteaux Stadium, San Hacienda, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics. This match forms part of the Knockout Stages, specifically the Round of 16.

Team Stats Analysis

Zealandiana:

This team has played 6 matches so far, of which they won 4 matches, drew 1 match and lost 1 match. They have scored a total of 10 goals and have allowed 5 goals to be scored against them, giving them a score difference of +5. They are currently ranked 10th on the combined Seeding Table with a total of 13 points accumuated in the group stages.

Port Ember

This team has played 6 matches so far, of which they won 5 matches, and lost 1 match. They have scored a total of 20 goals and have allowed 7 goals to be scored against them, giving them a score difference of +13. They are currently ranked 7th on the combined Seeding Fiero Table, with a total of 15 points accumulated in the group stages.

From a pure statistics point of view, Port Ember is favoured for the win in the upcoming derby. Port Ember has one more win in the bag compared to their opponents, and have scored a total of 10 goals more, and have only allowed 2 more goals to be scored against them when compared with Zealandiana.

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Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense: Definitely this team's strong suite. Their strikers are on excellent form and there is great chemistry between the midfield and strikers, creating amazing attacking oppertunities. Also their signature 'Bait Ambush' tactic is yet to be countered in this league. The 20 goals scored in their last 6 matches is also a glowing sign of potential.

Midfield: Another massive strong suite under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield plays a perfect balance between organising the defence, and creating oppertunities for attack.

Defence: The backline has improved tremendously since the start of the league, and has put up true world class displayed in their recent matches.

Goalkeeping: Analysts have nothing but praise for Peter Smith the starting goalie. The young man is a legend in the making.

Substitutes: The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed.

Team Morale & Cohesion: The 4 year youth program is paying of dividends in this tournament, as the team has excellent cohesion and on-the-field chemistry. The five wins in a row also contributes to the teams current high morale.

Current Form In layman terms, the team is on 'fire'. Their five consecutive victories and their continious improvements are all great indicators, especially in their backline. The striker pair is also a dangerous component.

Typical Gameplan: Their typical system of tiring out and frustrating their opponents in an attempt to pull their 'Bait Ambush' is a risky play which can easily go wrong and concede a goal. However when it works, it is highly effective, and so far this is still effective in the league, proved by the five consecutive wins.

Team Analysis - Zealandiana

Offense: Not this team's real strong suite, having a average of 1.6 goals scored per match, compared to Port Ember's 3.3. Their strikers have not truly found their rhythm in this league, with nost goals scored coming from their midfield. Can be a challenge for them due to Port Ember's unique playstyle.

Midfield: The strongest area of this team, with their midfielders performing well. Contibutes heavily in defence, and takes over the attack when the strikers are struggling. However they risk exhaustion if they multi task like normal against Port Ember's fit players.

Defence: Another star area of this team, allowing only 5 goals to be scored in 6 games. Could present a problem for Port Ember's aggressive playstyle.

Goalkeeping: The star goalie, Vinamra Kumar has suffered a recent injury. It remains to be seen whether he has fully recovered and whether it will hamper his performance.

Substitutes: The team has not publisiced their available substitutes. We only know that these possible substitutes have not received field time. This creates a challenge of lack of depth.

Team Morale & Cohesion: The team lools united on the field, working well together. However the team is known for handball penalties, which can create team tension during matches.

Current Form The team won a decisive victory during their last match, after losing their previous match.

Typical Gameplan: Impossible to determine at the moment

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Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

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Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Raymond Reddington.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Steve Rogers.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

ZEALANDIANA

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VINAMRA KUMAR

PRATIM BHARADWAJ

RUDRA SHARMA

RESHMAN GUPTA

KEKAHSWAR SATYARTHI

TANMAY PANT

KARTIKEYA MUSAFIR

MUSHASINO KENTA

EGLOMON HERSTO

CHRISS MANDIVER

AMAN SHRIVASTAV

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Pre Match Interview with Port Emberian Coach - Stuart Baxter

Erica Davies: Morning Coach. Congratulations on reaching the Knockouts! How are you preparing for your upcoming match?

Stuart Baxter: Morning Erica, thank you! Well we have developed a simple pre-match system which we always use. The hard work was finished back home, so here we study tapes of our opponents' previous games, follow a light fitness regime and soft field drills.

Erica Davies: Makes sense. So, the backline in the previous match... wow!

Stuart Baxter: -Coach Baxter laughs- Wow indeed! The lads were tremendous, true international players. I hope we have now silinced the naysayers criticising our backline..

Erica Davies: I wish for the same coach, the lads have deserved that much. Are you worried about the next game? Its the knockout stages, so no room for mistakes.

Stuart Baxter: Worried? Definitely not. Firstly I would like to congratulate and admire Zeelandia for reaching the Knockout stages, only the best teams do afterall. So obviously our games will get tougher from here on out indeed..

BUT, secondly, a stronger opponent compared with a knockout format does not decrease the lads skills, passion or morale. And you know that we are on fire.. I am extremely confident going into our next match, and not worried in the least.

Erica Davies: I like the fire coach! So for the next game, any changes in your gameplan, based on your opponents play?

Stuart Baxter: Like I said before, we dictate the play - not the other way round. There is obviously a weakness or two which I have noticed from the other team, which we will hammer upon, but we will not change our overall play.

Erica Davies: Good awnser! Lastly, prediction for the upcoming match?

Stuart Baxter: I am personally aiming for a 3-1 victory - minimum.

[Bliuji]

5) Bliuji v. 12) Kandonica @ Via Damascus Stadium, St. Paulus, Saintland Pre game analysis and interview.

Bliuji has made it clear that they're a under rated team. Finishing 1st in their group with 5 wins and 1 loss as well as 11 gf and 4 ga. Now that the group stage is over; Bliuji's getting ready for the round of 16 match against Kandonica. Yesterday Bliuji went over game film and had a light practice. In other news, the game is expected to sell out, fans back at home in Bliuji will most likely be watching the game at home or at the watch party in downtown Prussia, it's expected that 376 million will be watching the game in Bliuji.

Bliuji Team Analysis.
We can predict a few things, before heading into the match. It's going to be the Bliujish defensemen trying to counterattack after stoping Kandonica's strikers and passing the ball to their star midfielder Erik Belov. Honestly I think we will see Bliuji playing smart football, and doing their best to not make mistakes. Bliuji needs to take advantage of the team chemistry on offense rather than relying on pure talent.

Pre game interview.
We sent down reporter Angela Alexandrova to interview Bliuji's staff and players.

How did you guys clinch the round of 16 asked reporter Angela Alexandrova

I think it was the team chemistry that played a role in this, aside from having very strong midfielders and a great goalkeeper; our players play very well together out on the field. said Head coach Andriy Shevchenko


What's the main stratagy to win today's game? asked reporter Angela Alexandrova

We can't go into this game thinking it's gonna be an easy victory, from the stats we might look better than this team but we need to do it on the field. This is a team effort and it's gonna be no different this game; our players are ready to get out there and try their best for the victory.

Starting Lineup for Bliuji (And their ratings throughout the bof)

Andriy Pyatov GK (9/10)
Karp Yuriev DF (6/10)
Roman Aksakov DF (4/10)
Lawrence Biryukov DF (5/10)
Ruben Boholyubov DF (5/10)
Erik Belov MF (9/10)
Sidor Alexandrov MF (7/10)
Leon Bocharov MF (3/10)
Gabriel Kolesnikov MF (7/10)
David Izmaylov ST (6/10)
Daniel Lyskov ST (6/10)

[West Phoenicia]

The West Phoenician Stampedes fans will be storming the Barteaux Stadium in San Hacienda, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics for the Round of 16 game against Amuaplye.

Coach Patrick Newman and Team Manager Yusuf Weir both announced in a pre-game interview with WP Sports Magazine Sweat writer Jacob Pollack; "We could not more prouder of the team. They have come so far in this competition, they have funding struggles and lack of apathy from many citizens but they did not let a few hurdles get in their way of some brilliant game play that has landed them them in the round of 16 where overall they have scored 18 goals so far which is a good effort for the team. We look forward to talking on Amuaplye."

The West Phoenician Stampedes have seen a steady rise in fans attending matches. Tomorrow's match against Amuaplye is sure to see a large increase in fans cheering on the team. Where a win will see them move to the quarter-finals. West Phoenicia's have alot to cheer about with both Football and Gridiron progressing to the next stage of the game on tneir first appearence on an international level that was not an Olympics.

"I just hope when we win they don't blow us up," Midfielder Chandler Goodwin joked which sent ripples of laughter from the delegation in reference to the recent history of bombings in Amuaplye that has caused West Phoenicia to order a travel ban towards the nation until issues improve.

West Phoenician bookies have reported being working over time placing bets for The Baptism of Fire and the World Bowl XXXVII where thousands of bets have been placed in the last 24 hours. Bookies report the West Phoenicians are at 2-1 to win against Amuaplye, while Amuaplye is sitting at 5-1.

[Hapilopper]

Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland
Just before the Round of 16: Hapilopper vs. Aurevbush
Just as the Hapilopper National Football Team predicted, they would be facing the team from Aurevbush in the round of 16, after they knocked off Bernegastad in the first round of the knockout rounds of the 70th Baptism of Fire. For the last several days, the team had been training to take on the Gators, and by the time the team had arrived in the locker room for Thom Perkins’ pre-game speech, they were pretty much ready to take on their opponents. They had watched game film. They had gone through routines. They had choreographed moves they wanted to perform on Aurevbush, and they felt they were ready for, hopefully, the first of four playoff matches.

While some players were confident, others had butterflies in their stomachs as they put on the “playoff special” uniforms. One of them was Murray Hunnisett, who, the night before, had dinner with his brother, Leroy, who experienced the pain of a first-round elimination in the World Baseball Classic recently.

At dinner, Leroy warned his brother about getting too ahead of himself, and of getting too overconfident.

“That special uniform you wear does not mean you’ll make it all the way,” Leroy told his brother. “You have to work for it. You’ve got the capability to make it, but you have to work for it. Aurevbush might be a great team, too. You can’t just assume that they’ll be a pushover just because you’re a 1-seed and they’re 16.”

Leroy had a point. Anything was possible in international sport. There had been massive upsets in the past, and some within the Hapiloppian National Football Team feared that Aurevbush could shock everyone with a magnificent performance and a few well-timed goals.

One of them was Ernie Stevenson, who was being told by his teammates to “please have a huge game” to ensure the team could make it to the quarterfinals. Ernie knew what he had to do, and he was sitting at his locker, quietly, nervously, waiting for the match to start.

His mannerisms were shared by virtually every other player on the team. Nobody was saying anything. Nobody needed to say anything. They knew what each one of their teammates needed to do. Players would stare at each other, nod their heads and look a different way. Nobody needed to be reminded of the importance of this match, and the importance of being in the knockout round of the Baptism of Fire. To say something at this point would be a waste of time and a waste of breath.

Even Thom Perkins’ pre-match speech didn’t have a whole lot to it. There wasn’t much that needed to be said. He didn’t raise his voice, which was normal, and he didn’t go into melodramatics. He didn’t really need to.

“I think everyone here knows what needs to be done,” Thom said calmly. “All of us here need a big match. All of us need to be on the same page. All of us need to work together as a unit. If we do that, we’ll advance. I have faith in all of you that we’ll do that. Any questions?”

Players looked up. Some smiled. They knew what was needed of them, and they knew what they had to do.

Meanwhile, outside, every seat of the 62,383-seat Royal Stadium, the national stadium of Saintland, was filled, and many of them were dressed in Hapilopper’s colors. Leroy was one of those people in the stands, as were many of the national baseball team, which was brought about by a two-week break in the NLH schedule to accommodate baseball players traveling to the Free Republics and Saintland to watch their fellow countrymen compete, probably at the request of Leroy Hunnisett, who vowed to take the time off regardless of if he was granted it or not. A number of players of joined him in this request, and the two weeks off were granted.

It was just as well. Back in Hapilopper, the domestic sports leagues had become background noise, at best, after virtually everyone in the nation had fallen in love with the football team. Ernie Stevenson, the Midnight Express Trio, Steve Erickson, Murray Hunnisett and Cooter Harris had become rock stars in Hapilopper, after years of being largely forgotten in the nation, a nation whose most popular sports include auto racing, baseball, gridiron football, basketball, boxing and professional wrestling. In fact, with the exception of the nation’s two top auto racing series, the HASCAR Challenge Cup stock-car series and the Championship Series, the open-wheel single seater series, the nation’s domestic leagues had actually ground to a halt.

All across Hapilopper, fans gathered in pubs, restaurants, in private residences, clubs, and other gathering places to watch their first playoff match in the Baptism of Fire. One of the most prominent locations was Hamilton Square, the sentimental center of town in Hapilopper City, a place where you went to go to see and to be seen. It was still morning in Hapilopper, but that wasn’t about to stop the Hapiloppians from cheering on their countrymen.

As the players walked out onto Royal Stadium’s pitch, the tension was electric, and even more so as the Hapiloppian National Anthem, “The Sun Always Shines on Hapilopper,” was played just before the match. The HNFT, singing along to the anthem, were joined by the thousands of Hapiloppians in Royal Stadium. The chorus of fans singing along was actually somewhat bone-chilling, but not as much as the crowds in Hamilton Square, who sang along as well.

And this was the round of 16. One could only imagine what that intensity would be like if Hapilopper went all the way. The fans were confident they would make it. After 90 minutes of play on this day, they would know what the knockout rounds would look like.

[Terre Septentrionale]

Baptism of Fire playoffs preview and predictions

Terre Septentrionale finished 2nd in Los Martires group and had the 9th seed in the playoffs, which means we play against the 8th seed, and if we win, we'll play against the winner between the 1st seed and a bottom seed. That first seed is Hapilopper...

Let's analyze these round of 16 matchups

#1 - Hapilopper vs #16 - Aurevbush: Hapilopper is the clear winner here, they're the 1st seed, they beat us in the group stage and Aurevbush won't be a threat to them.

#8 - Starcom Racing vs #9 - Terre Septentrionale: Well, we play against a racing team. They could be better than us in nascar racing, but we're better than them in association football.


#5 - Bliuji vs #12 - Kandonica: Bliuji is gonna win this matchup in extra time.

#4 - San Félix vs #13 - The Szcerkina Federacy: San Felix is stronger than the Federacy.


#3 - Timuria vs #19 - Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison: The Coalison had a huge win in round of 20 but their jouney will stop here against Timuria.

#6 - West Phoenicia vs #11 Amuaplye - An interesting matchup, I believe West Phoenicia will win in penalty kicks.


#7 - Port Ember vs #10 - Zealandiana - Another interesting matchup, Port Ember can win it.

#2 - Abercontin-Jereaux vs #15 - Pius Desurongcrandis: Gauls against Romans. The Gauls will kick Romans' ass.


Quarterfinals

#1 - Hapilopper vs #9 - Terre Septentrionale: A rematch of the group stage. Let's be optimistic, the Nordiques are gonna win in penalty kicks!

#5 - Bliuji vs #4 - San Félix: San Felix has a slight advantage here.

#3 - Timuria vs #6 - West Phoenicia: Two great teams, but Timuria has the advantage here.

#7 - Port Ember vs #2 - Abercontin-Jereaux: Two other great team but we feel Port Ember is the best one.

Semi finals

#9 - Terre Septentrionale vs #4 - San Félix: If Terre Septentrionale can beat Hapilopper, we can beat San Felix too.

#3 - Timuria vs #7 - Port Ember: Timuria has a slight advantage in this matchup

3rd place

#4 - San Félix vs #7 - Port Ember: Port Ember can win this one.

1st place

#9 - Terre Septentrionale vs #3 - Timuria: Terre Septentrionale all the way, we're the best team in the tournament!

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senoir writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Saintland]

Round of 16 Results

Hapilopper 5–0 Aurevbush
Starcom Racing 2–2 Terre Septentrionale (2–3 AET)
Bliuji 3–1 Kandonica
San Félix 3–0 The Szcerkina Federacy
Timuria 4–1 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison
West Phoenicia 2–1 Amuaplye
Port Ember 3–0 Zealandiana
Abercontin-Jereaux 1–1 Pius Desurongcrandis (1–1 AET) (5–6 pen.)

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Quarterfinals

1) Hapilopper v. 9) Terre Septentionale @ Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland
5) Bliuji v. 4) San Félix @ Via Damascus Stadium, St. Paulus, Saintland
3) Timuria v. 6) West Phoenicia @ Coliseum of the Crucifixion, Los Martires, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics
7) Port Ember v. 15) Pius Desurongcrandis @ Fierro del Infierno Stadium, El Fierro, Malifornia Charter Society, Free Republics

[Hapilopper]

Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland
The Round of 16: Hapilopper vs. Aurevbush
Once all the prematch ceremonies had concluded, and once the singing of the national anthems had been completed, it was time to play a playoff football match. The intensity from the Hapiloppians was off the page, both among the players, and the fans, who were furiously pounding their drums to the tune of a popular late-70s funk hit that had become an unofficial theme song for the HNFT. The players got into position, and heard the drums above anything else. They knew what song it was, and they smiled. It was time for Hapilopper to show why they were the top seed.

In the second minute of the match, “Beautiful Bobby” East got the ball, and passed it to Ernie Stevenson, who did a flipping bicycle kick towards the goal. Goaltender Link Moy had no idea what was coming his way. Come to think of it, Ernie had no idea his shot was on target until he turned around and saw the ball hit the back of the net and his players rushing to celebrate with him.

“I scored that?” Ernie asked his teammates. “Holy shit!”

It was actually a bit of a shock. Ernie was not known for his acrobatic goals, just his power goals from short and medium range. Needless to say, it set the tone for the rest of the match, as the Haps seemed to catch the Game Gators (and themselves, at times) off guard for the rest of the going. Perhaps Aurevbush had been rattled by the dominant presence of the Hapiloppians. Perhaps the Hapiloppians had been motivated to bust some ass like never before. What was known, however, was this match was over right then and there.

With a more conventional goal, and assists from “Beautiful Bobby” and Steve Erickson, Ernie found the back of the net again in the 9th minute and two unassisted goals, one in the 12th minute and one in the 37th minute. One of the top goal-scorers in the Baptism of Fire had a four-goal match before the halftime break even came.

When the players returned from the locker room for the second half, Ernie made his way to the bench, and John Cornett took his place in the forward’s position. Steve joined Ernie at the bench – they’d both earned it, and “Sweet Stan” Long took his place.

In the 64th minute, Cornett found the back of the net, with assists from both “Beautiful Bobby” and “Sweet Stan” and it was 5-0 in Hapilopper’s favor. That’s how the match wound end, and Hapilopper advanced to the quarterfinals.

Not surprisingly, the scene across the gathering places in Hapilopper were the same. Raucous, rambunctious celebration. The Haps had advanced, and they had, hopefully, three more matches to go, and they would be, sure enough, very tough matches to go.

After the other tournament matches concluded, Hapilopper learned the identity their opponent – Terre Septentrionale. In the group stage of the Baptism of Fire, the two played one of the more intense matches of the entire phase, with the Haps coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2. That match also became known for a near-brawl between the two teams when Nate Ellis stopped Zbigniew Zajaczkowski from scoring a sure goal. The two got in each other’s faces, and a brief shoving match ensued, but thanks to the intervention from every other player on the pitch, it was stopped from escalating into a full-scale brawl.

When members of the HNFT saw that the Nordiques would be their opponents in the quarterfinals, reaction varied from nonplussed to concerned. The Nordiques had provided Hapilopper with its toughest challenge to date, and the Haps weren’t sure if they would make it out twice from a tough challenge from Terre Septentrionale.
Reporters asked Thom Perkins about his expectations for the coming match.

“A tough physical match,” Thom said. “Hapilopper/Terre Septentrionale II will be one of the toughest matches all year. It’ll be just like that heavyweight prizefight a few years ago where the two fighters kept fighting after the bell. You’re going to see a tough, emotional fight for victory. And that’s what it will be. A fight. We’ll need to be at our absolute best to beat them, because they’ll be at their best. They’re a great football team, to say the least.”

The next morning, training got going at Hapilopper’s compound. The next few days would be intense, to say the very least. They were preparing for a fight. Not just a match, but a fight. Between reviewing game film and practicing various drills and moves, Hapilopper was hell-bent on making it 2-0 against the team that had given them the biggest challenge in the group phase.

The fans knew the importance of the match, and so did the media. On the morning of the match, hundreds of credentialed members of the media – much more than there had been for any of Hapilopper’s previous matches – turned up in St. Petrus for the match. This match was sure to be a slugfest, and everyone knew it.

Your headlines from this match!

The Buckridge Morning Sentinel: HAPILOPPER TAKES DOWN AUREVBUSH - NORDIQUE REMATCH NEXT | H-Sports: STEVENSON WOWS WITH BICYCLE KICK, SETS TONE FOR MATCH | Venerable Televison: PERKINS PREDICTS A "FIGHT" IN THE QUARTERFINALS | The Hapilopper City Herald: HAPILOPPER/TERRE SEPTENTRIONALE II NEXT: WILL THIS ONE BE AS PHYSICAL AS THE LAST ONE? | Hapilopper Television Network: HAPILOPPER TO MEET AN OLD FOE IN THE QUARTERFINALS

[West Phoenicia]

West Phoenicia will now take on Timuria in the quarterfinal of the Baptism of Fire after defeating Amuaplye 2-1. Government officials have urged caution to be on the watch for any suspicious unattended Amuaplye bags in West Phoenician areas just in case of a bombing retribution for the football loss today by some unhinged fan.

The progression into the quarter-finals has whipped The Stampedes fans into a frenzy, as the football team is doing far better than most West Phoenicians thought possible.
Team Manager Yusuf Weir stated it's a young and passionate team with alot of skilled players. The Stampedes have been overlooked for years due to football not being a core sport to watch or support by the bulk of West Phoenicians who prefer Baseball, Cricket, Lacrosse and Water Polo. He also slammed the Ministry of Sports who help fund sports, for years of neglecting football in favour of splashing cash to high performing teams and Olympic Sports. Millions of dollars are given to the Olympic Games sports that pull in medals; if some of that funding was to be diverted to us you would see West Phoenicia eventually pulling in medals for football also.
Mr Weir has challenged the Ministry of Sports to give football a fair go and a fair share of the funding. If West Phoenicia was to reach the semi-finals or the finals than it was time to start coughing up money; money that can be used to promote football across the West Phoenician Empire, upgrade stadiums and equipment and ensure we are paying players enough that we retain them and they do not travel abroad to play for opposing teams.



For a former government Agricultural Minister, Bekir Altingunes has led the Timuria to a great point so far quarter-finals is an amazing acheivement; we are almost certain once they leave tomorrow after falling to the West Phoenician Stampedes he would do very well as a Sports Minister.
West Phoenicia has high hopes of winning tomorrow against Timuria, currently the Coalition which is an alliance of right wing political parties control the government with a safe majority, they would hate to lose against such a left leaning nation.
However not every citizen is crossing their fingers for a West Phoenicia win; Mr Lucas Haggerty leader of the West Phoenician Communist Party which holds 89 of the 2464 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 310 seats in the Senate has called on fellow Communists to support the opposing team rather than yolk themselves to a tyrannical indulgent and opulent West Phoenician government.

A speech that is sure to ruffle alot of feathers among the predominantly Center to Right Wing population.

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times

Port Ember steamrolls to the Quarter Finals

Port Ember 3 - Zealandiana 0

By Erica Davies - Federation of Free Republics.

Port Ember's national football team has grabbed their sixth consecutive international victory, as part of the Baptism of Fire League this thursday, with a tremendous 3-0 final score against Zealandiana.

The match took place in the Barteaux Stadium, and the 73,421 seats was filled to capacity, with an enormous turnout from Port Emberian fans, for the seventh time in a row. The passion of the Port Emberian fans have become legend, with most tickets sold in this tournament being to Port Emberian citizens.

The atmosphere in the stadium was filled with excitement as the match build up continued, as both the fans of Port Ember and Zeelandania demanded a win over the other side, with this electrifying passion holding until the end.

From kickoff it was clear that Port Ember would continue their previous clinical gameplay, clinically maintaining posession and passing the ball into opening gaps to force the opponents to scramble in defence. This continued until minute 30, with no shots at goal having been made from either side, but with the Zeelandandia side being clearly frustrated and tired. The frustrates Zeelandania managed to get possession in the 30th minute and launched continious barrages on the Port Emberian defence until the end of the first half, being shut down with each attack, the Port Emberian backline being completely unstoppable.

The second half commenced with another hard push from Zeelandania, but being visibly tired and frustrated, opened gaps in their line during the offense, which saw the typical 'Bait Ambush' occuring - Reddington stealing possession, launching it down field into a gap with striker Nicovic chasing it down, and rocketing it into the net in minute 55.

The rest of the game saw the still fresh Port Emberians taking control of the field once more and constantly attacking and applying pressure on their exhuasted opponents, twice paying off with goals in minute 69 and minute 82 from strikers Nicovic and Moult respectively.

This victory sees Port Ember moving on to the Quarterfinals, placing them one sep closer to possibly grabbing the trophy.

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Match Analysis - Port Ember

The Port Emberian side is now firmly settled into their own playstyle, focussing on a very technical and high paced game. Each player seems to know their roles and works well together. No analyst would be able to find crituque regarding this match from this team.

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Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 6/10. The legendary keeper had no chance to work for glory, as his backline dominated the field before him. He managed to stop the only shot at goal with ease.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 8/10. The Prince of the backline - he defended hard and punished the opponent's strikers. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence. Proved his utility player status by regularly linking up with the midfield, assisting in creating counter attack oppertunities.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 7/10. Excelled both in individual and combined backline capacity. Alongside the rest of the backline, formed a unstoppable iron wall of defence.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Raymond Reddington - 8/10. The captain again proved his worth on the field (as he has consistently done since the start of the league). From defence, organising the back line, offense and setting up attacks for his strikers, the lad was everywhere on the field.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Steve Rogers - 7/10. Was instrumental in maintaing possession for the full 90 minutes of the match, playing beautifull team football, which had a tremendous effect of tiring out and frustrating the opponents team.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 8/10. Used his dribbling skills and superp fitness effectively. The chemistry between him and Nicovic is clearly showing, and is a valuable asset on the field. Scored a impressive goal late game.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 9/10. As always played an impressive game, outrunning and outsmarting the oppoments midfield and defence. Played a critical role in tiring out the opponents backline. Also scored two surgical goals in the second half. Well deserved Man of the Match award.

Match Stats - Port Ember Point of View

Goals Scored: 3 Total - D. Nicovic x 2; L. Moult x 1

Goals Secceeded: x 0

Man of the Match:Danny Nicovic

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After match word from the coach

"The lads did not dissapoint today. The game went excactly as I planned it, slightly better actually. I am confident in the team and I feel that we can go all the way now."

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Current Standings

As the Round of 16 comes to an end, the Quarter Finals lies ahead, with 8 teams battling it out to reach the Semi Finals. The 8 Quarter Final Teams are:

- Hapilopper
- Terre Septentionale
- Bliuji
- San Félix
- Timuria
- West Phoenicia
- Port Ember
- Pius Desurongcrandis

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Next Match

Port Ember will face off next against Pius Desurongcrandis in the Fierro del Infierno Stadium, as part of the Quarter Finals.

[Timuria]

West Phoenicia Await Following Comprehensive Victory

by Tufan Nursultan

Timuria 4-1 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison
Vatan Ercetin (26, 42), Tayyar Ozel (67), Mehmet Karaman (88);C&RC Player (2)

The national team's march in the Baptism of Fire continued following a 4-1 victory over the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison to set up a quarter-final match up with West Phonecia at the Coliseum of the Crucifixion in Los Martires where the round of 16 match up occurred. C&RC will be happy with their upset victory in the previous round, however the national team just had too much for them, but at the final whistle the national team applauded the opponents traveling fans as a gesture of kindness.

C&RC struck first, shocking the national team, a mistake from Tuna Rustemoglu allowed the opposition enough space to challenge Iskender Nur who spilled the weaker than average shot into his own net, for his first big mistake in his tenure as the starting goalkeeper. The national team managed to compose themselves following this shock and began to dominate both possession and territory on the pitch with the national team clearly the fitter of the two teams. This pressure would eventually result in a Vatan Ercetin header that left Ubiratã Ubirajara Ubiraci scrambling.

C&RC would get another chance at the national team's goal, with Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá forcing Iskender Nur into a smart save, Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá was by far his teams most solid performer and the only player who consistently managed to muster a significant threat to the national team's defence. As halftime approached C&RC's players appeared to wane, allowing Vatan Ercetin to double his tally, a misplaced backpass by João Miguel Irima was seized upon by the striker who was never likely to miss from such close range.

Following the half time break, Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá almost replicated his teams early success in the first half, forcing Iskender Nur into a very awkward save where he was left improvising to claw the ball out of the top corner. Yet again, C&RC would come to regret not taking their chances when they were presented to them. In the 67th minute Tayyar Ozel struck a shot from 30 yards out into the top corner, finally exorcising the demons of his lackluster performances so far this Baptism of Fire.

The national team then engaged in possession based control of the game, able to move the opposition as they saw fit, gradually wearing them down with their superior technical ability. With victory looking certain, Ertan Renda played in Mehmet Karaman who took his rare opportunity on the pitch to slot home rounding off the victory for the national team ensuring they progressed to the Quarter Finals in style. C&RC can be very proud of the effort their team put forward and will not be terribly disappointed with their progress in this tournament.

What they said after the game:

Bekir Altingunes: "The boys can be very proud of that match. We have to remember that every game we play is now the biggest game in our history so each one will be a learning experience. The opposition today put up a stern challenge like we expected them to, hopefully with a bit learning they can have a very successful World Cup qualifying campaign and we wish them the best of luck with that so long as they're not in our group. There are some mistakes we need to clean up and obviously we'll be keeping an eye on Saban, with luck we'll be back to full strength soon."

Tayyar Ozel: "It just feels good to get on the scoresheet, but obviously it's much more important and enjoyable that we win these games and continue to make progress deep into the competition."

Ratings:

Iskender Nur 7/10 - Had to recover from his early mistake, but he managed to do so and put in a very good performance when called upon, Bekir Altingunes will find it hard to justify putting Saban Inekci back into the first team if he's cleared from his concussion.

Ozbek Sarikaya 7/10 - Another good performance from the man anchoring the left of defence. Has really found his place in the team, much to his and Bekir Altingunes' delight.

Tuna Rustemoglu 6/10 - Made the mistake that led to the goal, was substituted after never really recovering from the mistake.

Osman Hasanoglu 7/10 - Looked a step faster than the opposition all night, managed to make up for the mistakes of Tuna Rustemoglu who often let his defensive partner down.

Gokdeniz Dag 7//10 - Gokdeniz yet again quietly had a very good game. Is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the team, he doesn't make mistakes and he always comes to play.

Hakan Diren 7/10 - A good performance from the midfield dynamo before he was taken off. Looks like his injury hasn't effected him at all.

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 7/10 - Yet another good day for the defensive half of the midfield pivot. Provided critical support for the back 4 and for Ertan Renda and the attacking midfield trio.

Tayyar Ozel 8/10 - Got the goal that put the game beyond doubt and caused trouble all day long.

Ertan Renda 7/10 - Continued his encouraging return from injury with a solid performance getting an assist for the last goal.

Tekin Yavuz 7/10 - A good, solid performance from the winger who managed to caused trouble in flashes for the opposition, will need to do this more consistently if the team is going to continue to progress.

Vatan Ercetin 9/10 - A brace from the young striker who has made the starting position his own. Was taken off as a precaution late in the game, but the injury was not as severe as first thought.

Subs:

Mehmet Karaman 7/10 - Took his opportunity from the bench and grabbed the fourth goal. Not bad for a cameo appearance

Metin Boz 7/10 - Ably replaced Tuna and is making a legitimate run at the starting position.

Atilla Acar 6/10 - Didn't really have the time to make a substantial impact, but didn't make any severe mistakes.

Man of the match: Vatan Ercetin - What can be said other than he was simply the best player on the pitch, masterful control of the ball and two excellent goals.

Player of the game for C&RC: Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá - The opposition captain showed why he is the leader of his team, consistently a trouble maker who will probably attract suitors for his services following this performance.

The next match: The next match in the quarter finals will be against West Phoenicia who are coming off a 2-1 victory over Amuaplye. They are the 6th seeded team and will provide a stern challenge for the national team with talent throughout their squad. The West Phoenician team has never lacked for passion in this tournament and the national team will need to bring their best if they're to progress to the semi-final. The national team will have a source of unusual support, from the West Phoenician's own Communist Party and their supporters, a gesture that is greatly appreciated by Timuria.

[Zealandiana]

Zealandiana today losses itself in the macth between Port ember and it. The macth went very hard for zealandiana's due to hard startegy for their goalkeeper. Initially the players went very hard but unfortunately the luck didn't find knock behind them. The people are somehow disappointed with the performance.

ANALYSIS

THE MACTH WENT RUBBISH FOR SOME PEOPLE WHEN GOAL KEEPER LEFT MORE THAN 2GOALS IN FORNT OF THEIR HANDS

COACH WORDS

'ITS THE WORST MACTH WE PLAYED BUT STILL IT DOESN'T MEAN WE DIDN'T PLAY HARD. MAYBE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME. CONGRATULATIONS TO PORT EMBER FOR WINING THIS GAME!!"


Next macth- we don't think so

[Bliuji]

Bliuji, such an under rated team made it this far into the bof. Players were nervous for this game, for the past days Bliuji had been working hard in practice and in the weight room to prepare for this game. Heading into the locker room coach Andriy Shevchenko was giving his words of wisdom before the match. I quote "This is our opertunity to advance in the bof, I know you guys are capable of beat ing this team, but you need to show it on the field". And that's exactly what happened, Bliuji showed their skill on offense. here's what General manager Andriy Voronin had to say about the game. "I am happy with everyones preformance, we really showed what are strikers are capable of we worked so hard as a team to even get to this point and that's crazy to even think such a unexperienced soccer team like us is making it this far.

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times

Sports Column - Baptism of Fire League

Pre Match Analysis & Interview

By Erica Davies - Federation of Free Republics.

Port Ember will face off against Pius Desurongcrandis in their eigth match of the Baptism of Fire League this Sunday, to be played in the Fierro del Infierno Stadium, Free Republics. This match forms part of the Quarter Finals.

Team Stats Analysis

Pius Desurongcrandis:

This team has played 8 matches so far, of which they won 4 matches, drew 1 match and lost 3 match. They have scored a total of 14 goals and have allowed 16 goals to be scored against them, giving them a score difference of -2. They played one more match than Port Ember due to have being part of the Round of 20.

Port Ember

This team has played 7 matches so far, of which they won 6 matches, and lost 1 match. They have scored a total of 23 goals and have allowed 7 goals to be scored against them, giving them a score difference of +16. They have played one less match compared to their opponents due to have being part of Round of 16.

From a pure statistics point of view, Port Ember is favoured for the win in the upcoming derby. Port Ember has two more wins in the bag compared to their opponents - even though they played one match less, and have scored a total of 07 goals more, and have only allowed 9 less goals to be scored against them when compared to their opponents.

---

Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense: The technical offensive skills of the team is on suberb form. The chemistry between their starting striker duo and their midfield creates amazing attacking oppertunities. Also their signature 'Bait Ambush' tactic is yet to be countered in this league. The 23 goals scored in their last 7 matches is also a glowing sign of potential.

Midfield: Arguably the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield plays a perfect balance between organising the defence, and creating oppertunities for attack.

Defence: The backline has grew into a true iron wall of defence. It will take something special to get past them.

Goalkeeping: Analysts have nothing but praise for Peter Smith the starting goalie. The young man is a legend in the making.

Substitutes: The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed.

Team Morale & Cohesion: The 4 year youth program is paying of dividends in this tournament, as the team has excellent cohesion and on-the-field chemistry. The six wins in a row also contributes to the teams current high morale.

Current Form In layman terms, the team is on 'fire'. Their six consecutive victories and their continious improvements are all great indicators, especially in their backline. The striker pair is also a dangerous component.

Typical Gameplan: Their typical system of tiring out and frustrating their opponents in an attempt to pull their 'Bait Ambush' is a risky play which can easily go wrong and concede a goal. However when it works, it is highly effective, and so far this is still effective in the league, proved by the five consecutive wins.

Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

---

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Raymond Reddington.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Steve Rogers.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

---

Pre Match Interview with Port Emberian Coach - Stuart Baxter

Erica Davies: Morning Coach. Congratulations on reaching the Quarter Finals! How are you preparing for your upcoming match?

Stuart Baxter: Morning Erica, thank you! Well we have developed a simple pre-match system which we always use. The hard work was finished back home, so here we study tapes of our opponents' previous games, follow a light fitness regime and soft field drills. Its worked so far, so we continue to stick to it.

Erica Davies: Makes sense. The team seems to be in excellent form.

Stuart Baxter: Indeed they are Erica. They are making me proud in every match they play. They are truly are a world class team at the moment. They are truly at their peak.

Erica Davies: Are you worried about the next game?

Stuart Baxter: Worried? Definitely not. As I said, the team is on form and are steamrolling our opponents. We are basically close to being unstoppable. And I know this is going to sound rude and arrogant - but our opponents are going to be destroyed tomorow. Honestly, they are the weakest team left in the tournament, and made it this far on luck. Their luck has ran out, and will hand us our semi final spot on a silver platter.

Erica Davies: I like the fire coach! So for the next game, any changes in your gameplan, based on your opponents play?

Stuart Baxter: Like I said before, we dictate the play - not the other way round. There is obviously a weakness or two which I have noticed from the other team, which we will hammer upon, but we will not change our overall play.

Erica Davies: Good awnser! Lastly, prediction for the upcoming match?

Stuart Baxter: I am personally aiming for a 5-1 victory - minimum.

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale wins in extra time, advances to the quarterfinals!

St. Petrus, Saintland - For the playoffs, Terre Septentrionale moved to a more hostile nation, full of religious terrorists and pedophiles, called Saintland. Winger Krzysztof Pajaczkowski is missing since the Nordiques' bye week on matchday 6. No one on the team knows where he is and the Septentrional embassy in the Free Republics is trying to locate him. Terre Septentrionale started the game against Starcom Racing on a good note when, at the 25th minute, Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa's shot was deflected by #00 Jeff Vernon and it's a corner kick for Terre Septentrionale. Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz kicks the ball in the penalty area, Derricke LeMoyne jumps higher than any Septentrional players and clears the ball with his forehead. Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk gets the ball and shoots from 65 meters, the ball touches no one in front of him and goes directly into the net and the Reprezentacja Nordyckiis leading 1-0. It was he ponly goal of the first half.

Starcom Racing attacked at the 49th minute when Leon Bradley made a long pass to Jay Bradley who made a header pass to Ronnie Goodwin who heads the ball into the net and the game was tied at 1-1. Terre Septentrionale answered back at the 65th minute when Sarah Surprenant passed the ball to Amelia Zalwowska who passed on her right to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who dribbled with the ball and shoots. It's a goal and the Northmen are leading 2-1! Starcom Racing didn't say their last word and they tied the game at the 90 + 2 minute when Miles Jurjic passed to James Sa'Affa who made a cross to Trey Gideon who shoots and scores. 2-2 and extra time is needed.

Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 111th minute when Tymoteusz Swierczewski passed to Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz on his left. Wawrzynkiewicz dribbled and made a cross to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who kicks the ball right into the net! No one else score and Terre Septentrionale won 3-2 in extra time.

BOXSCORE
25th minute: Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk (unassisted)
49th minute: Ronnie Goodwin assisted by Jay Bradley
65th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Amelia Zalwowska
90th + 2 minute: Trey Gideon assisted by James Sa'Affa
111th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz

YELLOW CARDS
38th minute: Amelia Zalwowska
61st minute: Bretrand Harris
77th minute: Evan Ernbosser
99th minute: Franciszek Niedzwiecki

RED CARDS
None

Hapilopper

Hapilopper easily beat Aurevbush and they're our next opponent. Terre Septentrionale only lost once in the group stage, and it was against Hapilopper. Everyone remember that heated game, which we were winning 2-0 at the halftime but we lost 4-2. But what people remembers the most is that near fight between Zbigniew Zajaczkowski and Nate Ellis. The rematch between these two teams is expected to be physical again, and this time the looser go back home while the winner advances to the semi finals.

It's such a shame that one of these two teams is going to end it's tournament pretty much early and it clearly shows that it's badly organized because a good host would have switched Terre Septentrionale with another team to avoid two group mates to face each other again so early in the playoffs. Especially after what happened in the group stage match.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Bliuji]

Bliuji vs San Félix @ Via Damascus Stadium, St. Paulus, Saintland

Bliuji analysis: Bliuji has played amazing in the bof and worked very hard to get up to this point. However this match is going to be harder than previous ones. San Felix is a very skilled team and Bliuji will have a difficult time dealing with them on the field. The main concern for Bliuji in this match is San Felix's ability on offense. San Felix has scored far more goals than Bliuji in the tournament, however Bliuji's goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov is hot right now and looking to shut San Felix's offense down with the help of his defense.

San Felix analysis: It's clear that San Felix has an advantage in this match. San Felix's offense is going to be a threat to Bliuji's defense. San Felix doesn't have a bad defense either only letting in 8 goals in the group stage.

Players to watch Bliuji: Erik Belov, Sidor Alexandrov, Andriy Pyatov

Players to watch San Felix: Bryan Laguna, Gabriel Sanz, Richard Correa

Via Damascus Stadium: The Via Damascus Stadium is expected to sell out all 32,189 seats for the game. Back in Bliuji an estimated 17,500,000 are going to be watching the game.

Interview: MF Sidor Alexandrov, MF Erik Belov and assistant coachMauro Tassotti were interviewed.

"What's the stratagy for today's game?" asked reporter Mikel Alexch

"We are going to avoid bad choices and play smart football, we went over game film of San Felix's previous games. And that's going to help us" Sidor Alexandrov said

"What are you expecting from todays game" asked reporter Mikel Alexch

"It's going to be a hard game, San Felix is a great team and they are going to give us a difficult time" Erik Belov replied

"Good afternoon coach, good job making it this far in the tournament" said reporter Mikel Alexch

"Thank you" Tassotti chuckled

"What was the hardest thing about the bof?" asked reporter Mikel Alexch

"It was maintaining consistency, our players work very hard and to play well every game against skilled teams is a difficult task, most of these guys are young and they want to have a life outside of football; our staff understands that, but we give them the motivation to play and do well. On and off the field." b]Tassotti said[/b]

"Is this game going to be any different?" asked reporter Mikel Alexch

"This is going to be our hardest game yet, we all know that they're a great team and at the end of the day, we have to go out there and play well" Tassotti said

"Thanks coach!" reporter Mikel Alexch said

[San Felix]

Pre-Match Analysis - San Felix v Bliuji
By: Juan Rojas

After San Felix's smashing victory against Szcerkina Federacy on the round of 16, another challenge arrives to the Felixian Squad: Bliuji

It's not a surprise to see Bliuji on the Quarter-Finals, their squad contains some of the best attackers in the world, some experts define Bliuji's high pressure focused attacking a "modern football masterpiece". Bliuji's record is quite impressive: losing only once at the Group Stages against Zealandiana. With 11 goals for, and 4 goals against (half of San Felix's goals against), Bliuji ravaged through the Group Stages with ease and managed to beat Kandonica on a very passionate match.

Bliuji:
Players to Watch: Daniel Lyskov, Andriy Pyatov.

We expect a difficult match against them. Bliuji is known for playing smart; smarter than most of their opponents. They can easily counter-attack and deal critical damage to our defenses. But, the good news is that a quick comeuppance could easily overwhelm Bliuji's defenses giving a chance for our strikers to score.

All in all, we know it's going to be a fair match between both teams. Although, we have a slight advantage, the ball is round and Bliuji is team that has showed constantly that they are worthy of greatness. We look forward to this match and wish good luck to Bliuji!

---

Post-Match Analysis - San Felix v Szcerkina Federacy

Hold your horses... WE ARE IN THE QUARTER FINALS!

Today's match against Szcerkina was very important. Our 3-0 victory gave us a spot between the world's 8 best amateur nations and being honest: nobody actually expected this. The Baptism of Fire is known for giving birth to some of the world's best National Teams and the fact that we can now seriously consider reaching the finals makes the pressure unbearable for our young players.

Today's line-up presented some changes: noticeably, the absence of Manuel Sarmiento, who was replaced by 17 year old Edgar Arias, making him the youngest player to play on an International Match with San Felix.

Sanz gave a show today, scoring two out of the three goals in the match. A volley that bounced off the post and entered the goal and a strong header that caught the goalkeeper off-guard, making him the man of the match with a rating of 8.5/10, one of the highest ever given to a Mid-fielder. Sanz wasn't the only player to score today, as Juvenil de la Victoria's Marcos Vargas also scored a great header on the 89' plead, Vargas' was carded for taking off his shirt during the celebration, but, not even a yellow card could erase the smile of his face after scoring for his nation.

Some of our supporters have reacted to the news of qualification to the quarters:

fanny @howbouthis well, I stand corrected. we actually did a good job at the group stages. smh now I owe Martin twenty pesos #BoF70 #gonendupbroke 16:33 pm - 22 07 2019 2347Re-beeps654Likes

Your friend, Fabricio. @OHSNAP OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH, SNAP. WE IN THE QUARTERFINALS!!!! NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M LITERALLY SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!#BoF70 11:53 pm - 22 07 2019 4568Re-beeps923Likes

[Timuria]

The Fire is Real Chapter 6:

The team were still getting acclimatised to their new locker room for their training facility in Los Martires. As they were getting changed a familiar face walked in, Saban smiled at his team mates as they applauded and cheered his return. Even Iskender who had been enjoying a fine run in the starting XI applauded and walked over to him, grateful that he could regress back to being the backup and hugged Saban. "Great to have you back."

"Well you did a pretty good job while I was getting better. Thanks." The pair smiled at each other as they separated, Iskender offering him a warm thumbs up as Bekir walked into the room Senol in tow. He pierced the room with a whistle as the room fell silent. "Alright team, as you all know Saban was absent the past few games with a concussion. Well he's been cleared by the team doctors to fully engage in training and he will be our starter going into the Quarter Final." Some of the defenders looked awkwardly at each other as a strange tension filled the room. Bekir reading the mood decided to throw his goalkeeper a lifeline to earn the trust of his team again, "But we'll be having a full team scrimmage to show that Saban is ready to come back to the first team. So Iskender, you'll be with the second team today. But well done."

Iskender nodded in acknowledgement as Caner spoke to him, "It doesn't bother you that you're back to the bench?"

"No, why would it. Look Caner I know you're desperate to get on the pitch, but some of us have priorities in life."

Caner rolled his eyes, "Look I know you don't want it, but you were better at it than Saban, didn't you see how the defenders reacted?"

Iskender shrugged, "So? We had a few good games. I had a few good games, it's the peak. Let Saban have the start. He'll be fine!"

"I'll never get why you insist on not taking these opportunities." Caner put his jersey on and punched his friend playfully on the shoulder, "I'll see you out there." He walked off hoping to impress the manager in the scrimmage.

***

Bekir sat down in the office, he wasn't used to these new surroundings. He resented having to adapt to new surroundings, but such was life when you were in a tournament. He looked through the desk and found a note in an envelope. He examined the almost calligraphic handwriting that clearly said "For Bekir Alone." He opened it and read through it, a note from Rabia, he sighed as scanned the document:

"Bekir,

Congratulations on your victory in the round of 16, the party has decided to inform you that we will be extending your tenure as manager of the national team to the end of the current world cup cycle. The excitement you've generated around organised sport has been beyond all of our expectations. Should you reach the semi finals I have been authorised to inform you that you will be free to choose if you continue in this role with no repercussions for leaving the role, though the evidence of your crime will be retained in case we need to call upon you again. Should you reach the final and go on to win, the evidence of your crime would be erased and you would be free to pursue whatever career you so desired, though naturally we would prefer for you to continue in this role were that eventuality to come to pass.

Rabia"

Bekir crumpled up the note, not thinking about whether someone could find it and tossed it into the bin. His mind flashed back. Their faces, cold. The eyes open, without a hint of fear in their eyes only shock and confusion. The smell of oil and a taste of blood in his mouth. His lip quivered as he thought about them all, what he had done in his foolishness. How he could never forgive or forget, even if the party would.

A knock at the door heralded Senol who called out, "Bekir you're needed on the pitch something's happened."

***

The scrimmage had gone exactly as Iskender had hoped, he only had to deal with one meaningful shot from Vatan, other than that the scrimmage was quiet. Saban seemed to be coping well with being back on the pitch having been called. Iskender noted the absence of the manager as they played. A good sign, it meant he was confident Saban was ready and who was he to doubt a man who had never lost a match as manager? As the ball stubbornly switched between the sides in the middle third of the pitch Iskender thought about the strange occurrences around the team. The shady woman who seemed to focus on their manager, the atmosphere of coercion that was hard to shake. He wasn't a fool, he knew that despite the democratic trappings, the government could still leverage people, even if they almost lost their majority at the last election.

The ball squirmed its way to Caner who bore down on goal, Iskender silently hoped his opposite number would be able to hold his nerve. What he saw horrified him, he went to ground far too early clutching his head as Caner gently poked the ball into the net looking confused as Saban rolled on the ground. The team gathered around him, he squealed complaining of every symptom anyone could imagine was vaguely linked to a concussion as Bekir ran out from the office and cleared the players out of his way and Saban looked at him clutching his head, "Coach I don't feel okay."

"But the doctors cleared you? What's wrong?"

"I-I'm still suffering from symptoms, Iskender should start."

Iskender's eyes widened, "N-no you can't do this to me coach." He protested.

Bekir sighed and used every fibre in his body not to scream at his goalkeepers. "Okay, Saban go see the doctor, Iskender be ready to start. Senol walk with me." He blew on his whistle loudly, "Scrimmage is over, go back to conditioning drill for a while until we come back."

The manager-assistant pair walked a short distance away and Bekir lamented as they watched Saban get guided to the doctors area, "Just our luck to have a hypochondriac as a goalkeeper."