Port Ember Times
Sports Journal Seven In a Row For Our Dragons!
Port Ember 3 - 1 Bears ArmedBy 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
Bears Armed National Team in an home match this past Match Day 17.
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
Bears Armed was a chance for our young team to prove to themselves and the world that it was not luck that brought them their previous 2-1 victory.
This win has resulted in slightly settling
Port Ember into the hotly contested second place on the group table, which is a Qualification spot. Altough qualifying now seems to be a reality, the road ahead is boding to be a hard fought one, as the closest competing teams played on less match than our
Dragons.
This win now sets our national team on an impressive seven game winstreak.
This home match was played at a fully packed
Waterstad International Stadium, situated in the Waterstad Borough of the capital - Port Ember Megalopolis; Republic of Port Ember.
The Game - SummaryThis match marked the seventh match of the second half of the qualifier season, and was a truly entertaining match as both sides gave it their all on the pitch.
Just a reminder - we have been informed that our opponents are true sentinent - and talking bears, and not large humans in bear costumes as some gossip tabloids suggests.The game commenced with the
Bears launching attacks from the get go, but the
Port Emberian captain
Ray Reddington kept putting pressure to the attackers, stealing posession and launching an immediate counter, faltering against a strong defence - and this continued rellentlessly as the
Bears continued launching attacks, and the
Dragon's midfield shutting it down and following up with counters - linking up with star striker Danny Nicovic having his shot at goal stopped by the opposing keeper in minute 13, reproving the danger the
Port Emberian midfield can pose when they are on form. This trend continued as the
Bears continued attacking rellentlessly, and the
Port Emberian midfield continiously shutting it down and launching counters, until one of these counters paid off with striker
Leon Moult breaking through and scoring with an assist from
Reddington in minute 39.
The second half commences with the
Bears yet again going onto the attack and caught the defenders sleeping, with
Rangh’harr scoring in minute 47.
Immediately following this goal,
Lightning picks up a nasty hamstring injury and is forced to be recalled from play - but as the
Bears has allready used all three substitutes, they are left with 10 players on the field, which forces this team to adopt a more defencive play.
The
Dragons immediately capitalises on this weaklink and presses constant attacks down range, with
Danny Nicovic scoring in minute 70 and substitute striker
Ryan Bowman scoring with a header in minute 86, closing the match with a 3-1 win for the hosts.
The FansThe 100 000 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 quite day between the sticks as the midfield and defence held firm. Allowed only one goal past him.
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 - 10/10. 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. Assisted an excellent goal due to good midfield-striker chenistry. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 8/10. Great day for Steven as he worked hard, and managed to link up well with Reddington to create counter attack oppertunities. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory.
Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 7/10. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory. Also assisted in a score.
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 an excellent goal due to good midfield-striker chenistry.
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 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.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Proved to the world that he is deserving of his Star Status, picking up a excellent goal.
Match StatsMatch: Port Ember Vs Bear Armed
Location: Port Ember
Result: 3 - 1 Win for Port Ember
Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Leon Moult; Ryan Bowman.
Goals - Bears Armed: Rangh’harr
Man of the Match - Port Ember: Ray Reddington
Aftermatch word from the Coach"I am very proud of how our lads played today. We truly have a champion team representing our nation. I just wish to thank our visitors for giving us hell today, as its an honor to play against strong teams - its what drives us to become a better team. I am also dissapointed in the effects which our tropical heat bode - and the fact that you were forced to play with 10 players for the entire second half. These factors were no ones's fault, but it g gave us a small advantage which I despise. Sorry for your troubles!" 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 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 19 is upon the Port Emberian side.
Port Ember's national team will square off against
Ethane in their eighteenth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the
King Edward IV Stadium, - the traditional home of the
Ethane National Team, located in New Sarum, Ethane.
This match marks the second time that these two teams will meet on the football field, Port Ember having lost their first encounter earlier this season with a narrow 2 - 1 score.
Team Stats AnalysisEthane:This team is currently ranked as the 32nd 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.
This team is currently placed in position 3 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 33 points ammassed so far, with 10 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses, scoring a total of 42 goals while allowing 27 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 rhythm 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 7 game winning streak.
This team is currently placed in position 2 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 34 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 41 goals while allowing 29 goals to be scored against them.
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 seven wins in a row, three 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-W-W-W
This team is on a current 7 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 - EthaneOffense:
This team employes a system dubbed "Rotational Football" - a system which caught our inexperienced team completely offguard in our previous encounter. This system's core is placing constant pressure on the opposition, and the idea that individual players aren't stuck to their positions but can move around and change positions throughout the game, allowing a strong level of fluidity within the team's tactics.
Midfield:
This team employes a system dubbed "Rotational Football" - a system which caught our inexperienced team completely offguard in our previous encounter. This system's core is placing constant pressure on the opposition, and the idea that individual players aren't stuck to their positions but can move around and change positions throughout the game, allowing a strong level of fluidity within the team's tactics.
Defence:
This team employes a system dubbed "Rotational Football" - a system which caught our inexperienced team completely offguard in our previous encounter. This system's core is placing constant pressure on the opposition, and the idea that individual players aren't stuck to their positions but can move around and change positions throughout the game, allowing a strong level of fluidity within the team's tactics.
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 is one of the strongest teams in the group, and were practically assured of a qualification spot from the start. However a few nasty setbacks combined with constant good performances from
Port Ember and
Kelssek are now jeapordising this honor, and it remains to be seen how they will deal with this pressure.
Current Form: W-W-L-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-L-D-D-D-L-W
Despite a brilliant start to their season, they have struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half of the season, throwing points and morale away against teams they were expected to win.
Typical Gameplan:
"Rotational Football"
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.
EthaneAltough the team roster is available, the starting squad for the upcoming match has not been 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
Bears Armed 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! Its always an honor to play such a talented team.
Erica Davies: Thanks for that Coach! So you are about to face the very team whom poses your largest and closest threat for your qualification hopes. Feeling any pressure?
Coach Baxter: Offcourse I am feeling the pressure Erica. I do not foresee
Ethane losing any of their remaining matches, so if we lose against them tomorow, our qualification dream is snuffed. The next match is a MUST WIN for us - no doubt about that.
Erica Davies: So coach,
Ethane is next. How are you feeling?
Coach Baxter: Well like I said, its a must win match for us, so the pressure is steeping in. Then there is other facts to contend with, for example they are the second strongest team in this group on paper, and have proven to be footballing legends. They have also defeated us in our previous encounter offcourse, and this time they have the added he ground advantage. And their 'Rotational Football' system is something very unorthodox and difficult to prepare for.
But its not all doom and gloom news for us though! We are on our greatest ever form with 7 consecutive victories in a row as proof. Furthermore, I studied their playstyle intensively - and I think I have cracked the key to their defeat.
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 18 Results & Analytical OpinionValanora 4–0 Appalachian NationNo surprises here, as the 5 times world champions returned to form and smashed their opponents. Its an pleasure to watch these legends perform at their peak form.
Ouna 3–2 Five CitiesIt was a enteraining match and ended as predicted.
Lisander 2–3 XanneriaThe thundering offensive tactics of
Xanneria is always a pleasure to observe, and it paid off for them against a much weaker side, who gave it their all. Hats off to both teams.
Port Ember 3–1 Bears ArmedA entertaining and tough match, just as predicted. Our young
Dragons are truly on their greatest form to date.
Razneta 1–2 EthaneAlthough I would have preffered if
Ethane lost this match in order to further our team's possibility of qualifying, it was indeed entertaining to see this great team return to form and raise hell on the pitch.
(Nations listed first was the host of the specific match)
An Analysts opinions on Each Team After Match Day 16ValanoraThis 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, followed with two masterclass victories. Even though they are went through a rough patch, I am confident that they will recover and will still end this season on top. Its simple providence.
EthaneAlthough qualification seemed garuanteed for a long time, since the end of Match Day 17, they have lost their spot to our
Dragons. They will have to bring forth something hard and special to reclaim their spot from a determimed Port Ember.
KelssekThey started off slow but have gained massive momentum and is looking dangerous. One of the three teams with a realistic chance to grab the second qualification spot.
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 their 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.
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 have 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 16 12 2 2 58 20 +38 38
2 Port Ember 17 11 1 5 41 29 +12 34
3 Ethane 16 10 3 3 42 27 +15 33
4 Kelssek 16 10 0 6 42 32 +10 30
5 Bears Armed 16 8 2 6 32 30 +2 26
6 Xanneria 16 7 1 8 37 42 −5 22
7 Lisander 16 5 3 8 30 42 −12 18
8 Razneta 17 5 2 10 19 31 −12 17
9 Ouna 16 4 5 7 22 36 −14 17
10 Five Cities 17 3 3 11 31 50 −19 12
11 Appalachian Nation 17 2 4 11 31 46 −15 10
Article by Gerhard Black
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal