Port Ember Times
Sports Journal Four In a Row For Our Dragons!
Port Ember 2 - 1 Appalachian NationBy Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports SectionThe
Port Emberian Dragons pulled off yet another consecutive victory in the second half of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, when they defeated the
Appalachian NationNational Team in an away match this past Match Day 14.
The second half of the qualifier season sees Port Ember facing off against all the teams they have allready faced in the first half, allowing the oppertunity to exact revenge on lost matches - or reprove themselves. This second match against
Appalachia was a chance for oir young team to prove to themselves and the world that it was not luck that brought them their previous 1-0 victory.
This win has resulted in firmly anchoring
Port Ember in the fourth place on the group table. Altough qualifying is still an unrealistic dream, this result is sure to sooth the pride of the team and the nation alike.
This win now sets our national team on an impressive four game winstreak.
This home match was played at a fully packed
Appalachia Capital International Stadium, situated in the capital city of the Appalachian Nation.
The Game - SummaryThis match marked the fourth match of the second half of the qualifier season, following the Holiday Break.
Port Ember entered this match as the favourites, and expected a victory for the young team - however the passionate
Hillbillies ensured that the
Dragons work very hard to gain that honor.
Port Ember once again switched their playstyle during this match, reverting back to their traditional
"Bait Ambush" style, as the
Hillbilllies launched a legion of energetic and high octane attacks upon the
Port Emberian defences from the moment the derby commenced. The thundering pressure asserted from the
Appalachians seemed to overwhelm the
Port Emberian defences and seemingly caught them sleeping, as Appalachian striker William Robert used this confusion to slot the ball home in minute 12. This bode an early poor omen for the young
Dragons.
Luckily for
Port Ember, both the midfield and backline managed to regain composure immediately following this opening shock and started putting their gameplan and skills to use. Whilst the
Hillbillies continued their relentless assualts, the
Port Emberian defences held firm. The midfield abd backline worked together like a well oiled footballing machine, constantly shutting down attacks, stealing posession and forcing the opponents to work hard to regain it. The first half ended with this tactics taking place till the whistle blew, and no further goals being scored.
Once the second half commenced it was clear that the Port Emberian play had worked - the opposition was exhuasted and frustrated. The Port Emberians immediately went to task to capitalise on this oppertunity, and started launching a barrage of attacks of their own. Striker Leon Moult and winger Eric Tosaír blasted through deep down in the right flank, culminating in a Moult goal in minute 66.
The final game ending goal was achieved by a beautifull link up play between captain Ray Reddington and star striker Danny Nicovic - ending with Nicovic making the ball sing its victory song in minute 82.
The FansThe 10 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance were back to their standard noisy and passionate antics, cheering and energising their young team.
Port Emberian Player ScoresGoalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 7/10. The 'Rock' had a busy day between the sticks, working overtime to overcome to hyper attacks at goal, stopping 4 of 5 shots at goal.
Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Josh was a solid defender, executing brilliant tackles when required 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. Surely responsible for assisting his side in keeping the opposing score low.
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. Was a solid defender, executing brilliant tackles when required 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. Brilliant day for the Captain on the field. Never failed to exploit potentiol gaps during offences and managed to create gaps when there was none.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 9/10. Great day for Steven as he worked hard, and managed to link up well with Reddington to create counter attack oppertunities. Well deserved Man of the Match Award for his solid work put in.
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 - 7/10. Had a excellent field day and proved his worth as the newcomer to the team. Assisted in an excellent goal due to good midfield-striker chenistry.
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 7/10. Seemed to be back to his normal and brilliant form as he posed constant threats to the opposition defence. Scored an excellent goal.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Seemed to be back to his normal and brilliant form as he posed constant threats to the opposition defence. Scored an excellent goal.
Match StatsMatch: Port Ember Vs Appalachian Nation
Location: Republic of Port Ember
Result: 2 - 1 Win for Port Ember
Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Leon Moult
Goals - Kelssek: William Robert
Man of the Match - Port Ember: Steven Packard
Aftermatch word from the Coach"Whilst its true that I expected and demanded a win from the lads today, one must never underestimate the Appalachian lads. I do not care how strong/weak analysts claims they are on paper - or even what their game stats say - these lads posseses some of biggest hearts and passion I have ever encountered. It was an absolute pleasure to go to war against them." Coach Baxter
Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against Five Cities 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 16 is upon the Port Emberian side.
Port Ember's national team will square off against
Five Cities in their fithteenth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the
Waterstad International Stadium, - the traditional home of the Port Emberian National Team, located in the Waterstad Borough of the capital - Port Ember Megalopolis of The Republic of Port Ember.
This match marks the second time that these two teams will meet on the football field, Port Ember having won their first encounter earlier this season with a narrow 4-3 score.
The eyes of the world will be upon this match, as the first encounter caused much contraversy, with dirty and physical play - and a full scale pitch & stands brawl errupted. The Port Emberian Football Association has warned that the entire national team will be disbanded with immediate effect of such an event should reoccur in the upcoming match.
Team Stats AnalysisFive Cities:This team is currently ranked as the 269th best team in the world on the international ranking system, and posesses a decent footballing history and a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. Sadly however, due to serious civil problems, it appears that their government had collapsed.
This team is currently placed in position 10 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 11 points ammassed so far, with 3 wins, 2 draws and 9 losses, scoring a total of 26 goals while allowing 42 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 struggled to find their rhytm in the first half of the qualifier season, it appears that their old and dangerous form had reappeared after the Holiday Break, as they now are on a 4 game winning streak.
This team is currently placed in position 4 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 25 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 28 goals while allowing 24 goals to be scored against them.
From a pure statistics point of view, analysts have deemed that
Port Ember is the solid and absolute match favourites.
Team Analysis - Port EmberOffense:
This team is known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers. The striker duo also seems on excellent form lately.
Midfield:
Traditionally the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield is a dangerous element to its oponents, acting as an attacking defence and sets up the front line well with attacking oppertunities.
Defence:
The backline is displaying a better form than normal, yet is still not its strongest compoment, focussing more on fluid attacks and counter attacks.
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 team seems to have regained their composure and morale, standing united against any opposition. Their previous four wins in a row, two of those against much stronger opononents, have boosted morale immensely.
Current Form: L-L-L-W-W-W-W-L-L-D-W-W-W-W
This team is on a current 4 game winning streak, and has the looks of a champion team at the moment.
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 - Five CitiesOffense:
This team has a sensible equal focus on offense and defence, systimatically defending their half of the pitch whilst slowly pushing forward on the offence. This slow but deliberate play can pose a problem for Port Ember as they rely on baiting over extended attacks, which this team rarely does.
Midfield:
This team's midfield is solid and supports the front and backlines with decent technical skills.
Defence:
This team has a sensible equal focus on offense and defence, systimatically defending their half of the pitch whilst slowly pushing forward on the offence. This slow but deliberate play can pose a problem for Port Ember as they rely on baiting over extended attacks, which this team rarely does.
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 has had a difficult season with many setbacks, yet they seem to remain positive and united on the field, having been able to cause some shocking upsets at times.
Current Form: L-W-W-L-L-L-D-L-L-L-L-L-D-W
Clearly this team has had a struggling season as can be seen from the stats above. This could either finally have broken their spirit - or motivate them to a legendary comeback.
Typical Gameplan:
Deliberate and systematic balanced gameplay.
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.
Five CitiesStarting Line Up not released
Team KitPort Ember have announced that they will play with their primary kit in their upcoming match.
Pre Match Interview with Coach Stuart Baxter:
Erica Davies: Coach, first off, congratulations are in order - the hard fought for victory over
Appalchian Nation is the talk of the entire nation!
Coach Baxter: Thank you Erica! It was a good match, as was our last encounter. That team truly always brings forth a big and hard fight, and our young team is forced to be at their best in order to bring back the rum!
Erica Davies: Thanks for that Coach! So does this amazing 4 game winning streak change your opinion on the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup Proper?
Coach Baxter: Sadly it does not Erica. My views on the qualification campaign remains realistic. One epic victory in no ways garauntees follow up victories. My original goal of growing as a team whilst obtaining experience, remains just that.
Erica Davies: So coach, Five Cities is next. How are you feeling?
Coach Baxter: I feel good! I will be honest here, we are expected by the fans and analysts alike to emerge victorious, as we are a better team on paper - and offcourse we won our previous encounter. And - I too am expecting and demanding a victorious outcome from our lads. But we should remain calm and prepared for this upcoming match - our opponents are indeed having a struggling season, but they are not harmless. They have a tendency to rock the foundation of norms at certain days.
Erica Davies: Well said coach! Well thats all for today - and we as a nation hope you all the luck and fortune for tomorow!
Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal The World Cup 84 Qualification Season
A Closer Look at Group 9 ResultsBy Gerhard Black - Port Ember Times Sports JournalThis article aims to take a closer look into the broader events and results relating to our opposition whom also forms part of Group 9 of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season.
Match Day 15 Results & Analytical OpinionXanneria 0–0 EthaneAn suprising and fun result for
Xanneria, as Ethane was seen as the match favourites. This result is sure to help the struggling but strong
Xanneria team, and hinder the 2nd strongest team in the group (
Ethane), who is starting to jeapordise their qualification dreams.
Five Cities 1–0 RaznetaAnother surprising result as
Razneta was predicted to maul the struggling
Five Cities side, yet the victorious side has shown that they can become extremely dangerous when uderestimated.
Appalachian Nation 1–2 Port EmberFinally an predicted end result match. Although a win for
Port Ember was expected, the
Hillbillies put up an excellent fight.
Kelssek 7–1 LisanderAlthough
Kelssek was expected to bring home the bacon, no one expected such a thrashing! This team seems to have taken out all of their frustration of their loss against us on
Lisander, who was clearly not prepared for a bullfight.
Valanora 2–2 OunaMost shocking result of the week, as everyone expected more from the strongest teams vs one of the weakest. That rumour of
Port Ember breaking the fighting spirit of
Valanora just sprung to mind...
(Nations listed first was the host of the specific match)
An Analysts opinions on Each Team After Match Day 15ValanoraThis truly legendary team dominated this group before the Holiday Break, yet is currently stuggling in the second half. Their loss against
Port Ember was followed with 2 consecutive draws. Even though they are going through a rough patch, I am confident that they will recover and will still end this season on top. Its simple providence.
EthaneAnother legendary team who steamrolled in the first half of the season, whom has started to struggle in the second half. One or two more poor results may even start risking their qualification spot againt
Kelssek of even
Port Ember.
KelssekThey started off slow but have gained massive momentum and is looking dangerous. They have become a very real threat to unseat
Ethane from that second qualification seat. Their previous 7-1 win against
Lisander was the stuff which inspires ballads.
Port EmberOur young Dragons do not have a true hope of actually reaching a qualification spot, although with a perfect combination of the right blessings & curses it might even happen. But this aside, our national team is on theor best ever form, and is making our nation pride.
Bears ArmedA team who is making waves and causing some brilliant upsets. Definitely a side to keep an close eye on.
RaznetaNo longer has a chance to qualify, yet has proven to be still dangerous. An exciting team delivering exciting matches.
XanneriaOne of the strongest teams having a terrible season. They have the potentiol to still make some absolute and awesome comebacks.
LisanderA team who has once shown potentiol of greatness, but keeps having nasty setbacks. Their last 7-1 loss against
Kelssek could possibly have broken their will.
OunaA weak side whom is known to cause huge upsets when unprepared for, but its too late to do anything meaningfull this season.
Five CitiesA weak side whom is known to cause huge upsets when unprepared for, but its too late to do anything meaningfull this season.
Appalachian Nation A side whom does not belong in last place. I habe watched both games between them and our own national team, and they play their absolute hearts out. Someone needas to fix what ever is broken and fast - such talent and latent potentiol is too good to throw away.
Current Group StandingsGroup 9 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Valanora 14 10 2 2 50 18 +32 32
2 Ethane 14 9 3 2 38 23 +15 30
3 Kelssek 14 9 0 5 36 25 +11 27
4 Port Ember 14 8 1 5 28 24 +4 25
5 Bears Armed 13 6 2 5 27 25 +2 20
6 Razneta 14 5 2 7 15 23 −8 17
7 Xanneria 13 5 1 7 27 31 −4 16
8 Lisander 13 4 2 7 25 38 −13 14
9 Ouna 13 3 4 6 15 29 −14 13
10 Five Cities 14 3 2 9 26 42 −16 11
11 Appalachian Nation 14 2 3 9 30 39 −9 9
Article by Gerhard Black
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal