Port Ember Times
Sports Journal The Dragons snatches fourth consecutive win in the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!
Port Ember 3 - 2 Bears ArmedBy Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports SectionThe
Dragons have managed to clinch their fourth consecutive victory, following a terrible start to their season, including their opening 3 match losing streak and their contraversial victory against
Five Cities which was steeped in contraversy as both the pitch and stands broke into a full on brawl. Their latest victory puts the team on a 4 game victory streak as they defeated the sentinent
Bears Armed side with a final 3-2 score.
This away match was played at the
Northlands National Stadium, NorthPort.
The Game - SummaryThe match was an entertaining match and an honour to witness, as both sides displayed remarkable and professional skills and attitude and gave their utmost best for the match at hand.
The first half of the match saw the
Bear Bellas dominate posession and launched countless barrages of offences upon the
Dragons, yet struggling against a unified and passionate defence, struggling to break through a 'on fire' midfield and backline. The
Bears managed to break through a solid defencive effort in minute 03 when #10 Kuthbearrh scored an impressive goal. The assualts continued through the first half, but was halted by a solid defencive effort
The second half immediately saw a new Port Emberian side as it became clear that the young
Dragons sprung their old play - allowing the opposition to give their all in the first half, frustrating and tiring them out with solid defence, and then utilising their youth and superior fitness to dominate the second half. The skilled and experienced, yet exhuasted
Bears side attempted a valiant and constant defence, however the still fresh and fit
Dragons was relentless with their constant high octane attacks, scoring thrice in this half - once in minute 50 by legendary striker Danny Nicovic, and once again in minute 54. The
Bears struck back with a decisive counter attack in minute 56 as #5 O Sarrndale scores for the
Bears, leveling the score. Striker Leon Moult clinched the game with a excellent header goal in minute 79 as a last hoorah.
Although the
Bear Bellas attempted to regain control of the derby for the entire second half, their exhuastion coupled with a larger and deeper Port Emberian midfield shut down this attempt constantly, as analysts predicted.
The FansThe 8 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance were back to their standard noisy and passionate antics, cheering and energising their young team to victory. It is reported that victory parties back home - all over the capital city lasted well into the following morning as the entire nation rallied behind their team and celebrated their return to form.
Port Emberian Player ScoresGoalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 9/10. The 'Rock' was back to his normal brilliant form and managed to stop 3/5 attempts at goal with complete confidence.
Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Josh was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.
Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 8/10. 'The Backline Prince' did what he does best for the full 90 minutes - organise and rally the backline. His backline command truly was the bane of the opposition and allowed frustation to steep in quite early.
Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 6/10. The opposition mostly avoided the left backline for most of the match, giving Alex a peacefull match, which was not his mistake. When shots were taken into his reach, Alex managed to hold up his own.
Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 7/10. Russel was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.
Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington - 9/10. The Captain managed to redeem himself after his previous struggling matches. His command of the midfield, solid technical skills, chemistry with the strikers and keen eye for oppertunity was the ultimate counter to the aggressive opposition, and most probaly the largest factor which led to victory. He also set up two of the three goals for his team and was busy everywhere. Well deserved Man Of The Match Award.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 8/10. Steven returned to form as he stole more posession than any other player on the field. Displayed good leadership akills and vastly improved technical skills.
Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 6/10. Had a peacefull day as his flank was mostly left untested. The few chances he got to prove himself, he displayed solid passion and skill.
Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford - 8/10. Managed to display excellent technical skills and chemistry with the strikers, and scored a brilliant goal from deep within his flank.
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 7/10. Although Leon was busy and launched many attacks and displayed good chemistry and teamwork with fellow striker Nicovic, he failed to convert several 'should have goals', finally scoring in minute 89 all on his own, flabergasting the tired opponents.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Proved his star status again with top level technical skills, fitness and eye for oppertunity. Scored an excellent goal when he defeated 3 defending opponents with next-level dribbling skills.
Match StatsMatch: Port Ember Vs Bears Armed
Location: Republic of Port Ember
Result: 3 - 2 Win for Port Ember
Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic x 2; Leon Moult
Goals - Bears Armed: Kuthbearrh; O Sarrndale
Man of the Match - Port Ember: Ray Reddington
Aftermatch word from the Coach"I could not be more proud of the lads. After a struggling start to the season we have finally and without a doubt revovered and showed the world that the Dark Horses of the tournament is back to our dangerous selves, beating a excellent Bear Bellas side. It was an honour to be able to play against such a strong team." Coach Baxter
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against Ethane as part of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!
Pre Match Analysis & InterviewBy Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports JournalThe road to World Cup 84 Qualifiers is in full swing as Match Day 8 is upon the Port Emberian side.
Port Ember's national team will square off against
Ethane in their eigth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the
Waterstad International Stadium, located in the Waterstad Borough; Port Ember Megalopolis; Republic of Port Ember.
This match marks the first time that these two teams will meet on the football field, and the opponents is well known to be footballing legends, being one of the strongest teams in the world, and stromg favourites to end the group in the second position at the end of the qualification season.
Team Stats AnalysisEthane:This team is currently ranked as the 32nd best team in the world on the international ranking system, and posesses an excellent footballing history and a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. They are fielding a team with a sensible mixture of youthfulness and experienced veteran players, giving them a excellent and well rounded mixture of youthfull passion and technical skils.
This team is currently placed in position 2 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 15 points ammassed so far, with 5 wins and 1 loss, scoring a total of 17 goals while allowing 10 goals to be scored against them.
Port Ember:This team is ranked as the 86th best team in the world currently and has proven to be a formiddable and adaptable new team on the international field prior to the start of this season.
This is only the second international season in which Port Ember is partaking, and they have managed to jump to their current ranking in only that short period. The international sports media have regularly called this team the 'Dark Horse' of the group due to them making a name for themselves so quickly.
Even though the team has managed to build such a positive brand and reputation, their recent 3 losses in a row has severely damaged both their reputation and their chance at qualifying for the World Cup. They however have managed to end this terrible streak with four consecutive victories in their last four matchdays.
This team is currently placed in position 3 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 12 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 12 goals while allowing 14 goals to be scored against them.
From a pure statistics point of view, analysts have deemed that Port Ember is once again the underdogs of the match, facing off against a top level and solid team.
Team Analysis - Port EmberOffense:
This team used to be known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers, yet they have only managed to score twelve goals in their last seven matches.
Midfield:
Traditionally the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield used to be a dangerous element to its oponents, acting as an attacking defence and sets up the front line well with attacking oppertunities, yet the midfield has failed to display anything special lately, although the previous two matches has hinted a glimpse of its previous glory.
Defence:
The backline is back to their old struggling ways, with fourteen goals allowed through in seven games. However the backline managed to keep in check the total onslaught of the Xannerian and Bears Armed side in the previous two matches, giving a glimpse of hope.
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. The extra attention they have received from the assistant coach is sure to play a important role as well.
Team Morale & Cohesion: This is not the same team we came to love and respect, even though its the same players and staff. The previous two victories was indeed welcomed, yet the team is not yet on the level we know they can be. The previous two victories over Xanneria and Bears Armed did display a glimpse of their previous glory however.
Current Form: L-L-L-W-W-W-W
Their three consecutive losses marked their worst losing streak to date, which they ended with four consecutive victories.
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.
Team Analysis - EthaneOffense:
This team holds one of the most skilled and experienced front row, and have proven that they are deadly on the offence, becoming near unstoppable once they start steamrolling on the offence. Our analysts however have stated that this high octane and aggressive offense may be the downfall and key for a Port Emberian victory if the young
Dragons can bait full scale attacks.
Midfield:
This team holds one of the most skilled and experienced midfields, and have proven that they are deadly on both the offence and defence becoming near unstoppable once they start steamrolling on the offence, having perfect chemistry with the front row.
Defence:
This team holds one of the most skilled and experienced back row, and have proven that they are solid on the defence, becoming near unbreakable once they start steamrolling on the defence.
Goalkeeping:
Analysts have nothing but praise for the starting goalie, and have proven to be a goalkeeping machine between the sticks.
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: This team screams 'profeasional' and has the look of a unified and well oiled machine.
Current Form: W-W-L-W-W-W
This team is on very impressive form, having only lost one match so far during this season and seems to be heading solidly for qualification.
Typical Gameplan: This team plays a veteran and skilled, balanced game, equally as good on the offence as defence.
Starting Line-UpsPort EmberGoalkeeper (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): Ray Reddington.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.
Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain.
Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.
EthaneNo roster released
Team KitPort Ember have announced that they will play with their primary kit in their upcoming match.
Coach Stuart Baxter was not available for the traditional Pre Match Interview due to PEFA forbidding it due to the contraversy regarding the Five Cities matchArticle by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal