Copa Mundial 2020 [IC/Mundial Only]

[Mundial Founder]

---

WELCOME TO RENNEQUE!

---

The Rennecois Football Federation, on behalf of the Associação de Futebol would like to welcome all nations to the 2020 edition of the Copa Mundial. Over the next few months, Renneque shall play host to some of the finest footballing talents the world has to offer. Sixteen teams shall fight it out, but only one of them can be crowned as 2020 Mundial champion.
Who will take the crown of international football this year?

---

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

---

Friday 19 June - Opening ceremony
Sunday 21 June - Group matchday 1
Wednesday 24 June - Group matchday 2
Sunday 28 June - Group matchday 3
Tuesday 30 June/Friday 3 July - Quarter-finals
Saturday 4/Sunday 5 July - Semi-finals
Tuesday 7 July - Third-place playoff
Wednesday 8 July - Final

---

GROUP DRAW

---

GROUP A
Renneque
Thiaric Republic
Thracia
Huaxia
----
GROUP B
Atresca
The Mawusi
Newrey
Gold Coast
----
GROUP C
Navack
Veleaz
Suevia
Otahiete
----
GROUP D
Midrasia
Vidoria
Bevenia
Aramas

---

VENUES

---

[Midrasia]

Fédération Mydrazia de Football

---

Information
Nation: Midrasia
Denonym: Midrasian
Nickname: Les Rayes (The Stripes)
Manager: Domenico Draveo
Secondary Manager: Nicolas Chaney
Captain: Alexis Meridon (CB)
Secondary Captain: Simone Qualquart (CAM)

Starting XI
1. GK - Thierry Florient, 29
12. LB - Miquees Crespi, 27
2. CB - Alexis Meridon, 31 (c)
4. CB - Robert Nieué, 28
5. RB - Bastien Desmarais, 27
6. CM - Jacques Joulles, 29
7. CM - Silvestre Satorras, 25
10. CAM - Simone Qualquart, 32
11. LWF - Jerome Albret, 22
16. RWF - Patrice Crozier - 26
9. CF - Enzo Lazaré, 27

Substitutes
13. GK - Francis Darlen, 26
23. GK - Gabriel Gérin, 25
3. CB - Éric Loupe, 31
14. CB - Robin Dufour - 25
15. LB - Rubèn Regàs - 25
20. RB - Kévin Blaise - 23
8. CM - Basile Chevalier - 29
17. CDM - Henri de Lenare - 27
18. CAM - Denez Gallou - 24
19. FW - David Hevre - 27
21. FW - Xavier Garcia - 24
22. FW - Redonda - 20

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Style modifier: +4

---

Football Kit

---

Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
RP Injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y (just don't kill them)
Godmod other events: Y

[Vidoria]

Asociación Vidora de Fútbol

---

Information

Nation: Vidoria
Denonym: Vidorian
Nickname: Los Blancos-Rojos (The White and Reds)
Manager: Cecilio Brugúes
Captain: Hamid Mahdavi (CF)
Secondary Captain: Daniel del Monte (LWF)

Starting XI
1. GK - Ysmael Timego, 35
3. LB - Eric Gonzalez, 29
14. CB - Nicolás Arvenú, 23
4. CB - Julio Ortez, 29
12. RB - Miguel Carajas, 29
8. LM - Hugo Quirogo, 23
6. CM - Jesus Gojtia, 26
18. RM - Pablo Varabeño, 23
10. LWF - Daniel del Monte, 32
23. RWF - Rico Sanchez - 23
9. CF - Hamid Mahdavi, 26 (C)

Substitutes
11. GK - Franco La Torre, 38
21. GK - Salvador Torres Jr., 26
2. LB - Leandro Adrian, 34
5. CB - Valentin Domesco, 32
13. CB - Pablo Chóquo, 25
99. RB - Lino Nogales, 19
20. LM - Nico Darenja, 31
7. CM - Juan Sáenz, 20
17. RM - Dominico Perera, 29
19. FW - Aarón Hidalgo, 21
22. FW - Samuel Cavallera, 29
40. FW - Alexis Fernandéz, 31

Formation: 4-3-3
Style modifier: +3

---

Football Kit

---

Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
RP Injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y (just don't kill them)
Godmod other events: Y

[Vidoria]

Copa 2020 Squad, Explained
Cecilio Brugúes has made lots of changes this year, will they backfire?
By Matías de León
21 June 2020

---

Cecilio Brugúes has made lots changes to the squad for the 2020 Copa, for better or for worse.

Cecilio Brugúes' changes to the Vidorian national team squad have been fairly controversial, to say the least.

The squad was announced a month prior to the event, and there has been some amount of backlash - mainly due to the lack of stars like Leandro Adrian in the starting XI. Many fans trust his decision, often quoting the fact that many of the players dismissed form the starting XI were older players whose physical ability were decaying. However, there are also a large amount of fans who are not pleased by the decision - these often state that a dismissal of people with more experience may and will hurt the team strategically.

Now, to the squad, and a comparison to the squad who appeared last year.

This Year

1. GK - Ysmael Timego, 35
3. LB - Eric Gonzalez, 29
14. CB - Nicolás Arvenú, 23
4. CB - Julio Ortez, 29
12. RB - Miguel Carajas, 29
8. LM - Hugo Quirogo, 23
6. CM - Jesus Gojtia, 26
18. RM - Pablo Varabeño, 23
10. LWF - Daniel del Monte, 32
23. RWF - Rico Sanchez - 23
9. CF - Hamid Mahdavi, 26 (C)

Last Year

1. GK - Ysmael Timego, 34
2. LB - Leandro Adrian, 33
3. CB - Eric Gonzalez, 28
4. RB - Julio Ortez, 28
20. LMF - Nico Darenja, 30
6. CDM - Jesus Gojtia, 25
16. CDM - Ernesto Martinez Jr., 32 (C)
8. RMF - Hugo Quirogo, 22
10. AMF - Daniel del Monte, 31
9. FW - Hamid Mahdavi, 25

There is a clear difference in age, as the average age in the squad has decreased.

More specifically, the average age has decreased by 1.8, from 28.8 to 27. Though that may not seem like much, it makes quite a lot of difference regarding physical ability. Cecilio Brugúes is employing a more aggressive formation than last time, which is fitting. The 4-3-3 is good for pressing and preventing attacks, as the formation decreases the odds of easy balls into the attacking half when defending. However, the 4-3-3 has a big downside, which is that it has the risk of counter-attacks. This may be why Brugúes has opted for a younger defence, with the exclusion of more experienced, but weaker players, such as Leandro Adrian.

Quite noticeably, the biggest change was in the midfield. With Ernesto Martinez Jr.'s retirement last year, the midfield has gone through quit a big overhaul, changing from the powerful 4-man midfield of Nico Darenja, Jesus Gojtia, Ernesto Martinez Jr. and Hugo Quirogo, to 3-man midfield of Hugo Quirogo, Jesus Quirogo and Pablo Varabeño. The exclusion of Ernesto Martinez Jr. was inevitable, as he had announced that he would retire 6 months prior to the 2019 Copa, but the reasoning for the exclusion of Nico Darenja is most likely due to the limits of an 11 man starting squad.

---

In Other News


- New star player - Lino Nogales!
- How will Vidoria respond to the Midrasian threat?
- Group D - The Group to Watch
- Second year of success, or a year of failure?

[Mundial Founder]

The post window is now closed.
Any posts made beyond this point will count towards Matchday 2.

[Mundial Founder]

---

MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS

---

Group A
Renneque 3-0 Huaxia
Tasias (14',32'), Ilyapa (62') //
Thiaric Republic 0-1 Thracia
// (45+1') Dimitrios

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Renneque                 1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Thracia                  1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Thiaric Rep.             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Huaxia                   1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

---

Group B
Atresca 3-1 Gold Coast
Dauda (3'), Giammona (50'), Varri (82') // (74') Komi
The Mawusi 0-0 Newrey

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Atresca                  1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
2 The Mawusi               1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
- Newrey                   1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 Gold Coast               1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

---

Group C
Navack 4-1 Otahiete
Nesz (28', 70'), Hilderum (44'), Lizancos (60') // (12') Matahi
Veleaz 1-0 Suevia
de Villegas (54') //

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Navack                   1   1  0  0    4   1  +3    3
2 Veleaz                   1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Suevia                   1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Otahiete                 1   0  0  1    1   4  −3    0

---

Group D
Midrasia 4-0 Aramas
Lazaré (40'), Crozier (47'), Redonda (67'), Nieue (80') //
Vidoria 3-1 Bevenia
del Monte (22', 48'), Mahdavi (33') // (82') Stankovic

  Group D                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Midrasia                 1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2 Vidoria                  1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Bevenia                  1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
4 Aramas                   1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

---

[Navack]

Navsk Fotballforbund

---

Information

Nation: Navack
Denonym: Navish
Nickname: Den Lilla (The Purples)
Manager: Álvaro Câmara
Secondary Manager: Manville Martineau
Captain: Karsten Johansen (AMF)
Secondary Captain: Nikodem Nesz (FW)

Starting XI
1. GK - Ken Bruer, 31
2. RB - Henrik Elstad, 28
3. CB - Marius Rokhaug, 26
22. CB - Jonah Jakobsen, 31
6. LB - Nicolai Halvorsen, 24
5. CDM - Viktro Lizancos, 30
8. CM - Cristian Helland, 27
11. CM - Christer Brevig, 20
10. AMF - Karsten Johansen, 27 (c)
21. FW - Vetle Hildrum, 19
9. CF - Nikódem Nesz, 25

Substitutes
12. GK - John Hellerud, 27
23. GK - Mathias Grøndhal, 25
13. CB - Thomas Olsen,
4. CB - Hallgrim Lyngstad, 30
17. RB - Ernest Mossing, 27
22. LB - Abraham Amanuel, 21
15. MF - Knutt Ullmann,
16. MF - Stefan Holstad, 23
18. MF - Jonathan Sogge, 26
20. MF - Andreas Stennes, 28
19. FW - Nathan Howard, 19
7. LMF - Jørgen Hammer, 30

Formation: 4-3-1-2 (4-3-3)
Style modifier: +5

---

Football Kit

---

Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
RP Injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y (just don't kill them)
Godmod other events: Y

[Navack]

Fédération Mouéoussi de Football

---

Information

Nation: Mawusi
Denonym: Mawuese
Nickname: The Leopards
Manager: Erco De Bruyn (MAR)
Secondary Manager: Nelius Grobler (MAR)
Captain: Tyson de Launay (CB)
Secondary Captain: Hami Yar'Adua (GK)

Starting XI
1. GK - Hami Yar'Adua, 33
3. CB - Marshall Ngige, 27
4. CB - Tyson de Launay, 34 (c)
2. CB - Medoro Zakia, 30
13. RMF - Bakari Gbadamosi, 25
7. CMF - Beno, 23
5. CMF - Salehe Asari-Dokubo, 27
10. LMF - Charlot Mshindi, 29
11. CF - Loring Duval, 25
9. CF - Shani, 20
21. CF - Timothée Létourneau, 22

Substitutes
14. GK - Edgar Akerele
23. GK - Bruno Hérisson
6. DF - Mosiya Okafor
15. DF - Georges Sharpe
16. DF - René Attah
8. MF - Hamisi Jakande
12. MF - Kwanza Madaki
17. MF - Fabien Lefeuvre
22. MF - Remy
18. FW - Imanif Nzeogwu
19. FW - Bello
20. FW - Madaki

Formation: 3-4-3
Style modifier: +3

---

Football Kit

---

Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
RP Injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y (just don't kill them)
Godmod other events: Y

[Mundial Founder]

The post window is now closed.
Any posts made beyond this point will count towards Matchday 3.

[Mundial Founder]

---

MATCHDAY 2 RESULTS

---

Group A
Huaxia 1-1 Thracia
Kang (64') // (71') Ballesteros
Renneque 2-0 Thiaric Republic
Ilyapa (32'), di Oriendente (88') //

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Renneque                 2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Thracia                  2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Huaxia                   2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1
4 Thiaric Rep.             2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0

---

Group B
Gold Coast 0-0 Newrey

Atresca 6-3 The Mawusi
Lucchese (6', 45+1', 90'), Dauda (31'), Giammona (56'), Lucano (77') // (61', 80', 89') Duval

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Atresca                  2   2  0  0    9   4  +5    6
2 Newrey                   2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
3 Gold Coast               2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1
4 The Mawusi               2   0  1  1    3   6  −3    1

---

Group C
Otahiete 1-0 Suevia
Vainui (67') //
Navack 0-1 Veleaz
// (34') del Toro

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Veleaz                   2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
2 Navack                   2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
3 Otaheite                 2   1  0  1    2   4  −2    3
4 Suevia                   2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

---

Group D
Aramas 1-1 Bevenia
Duca (68') // (44') Paol Fiore
Midrasia 0-1 Vidoria
// (74') Mahdavi

  Group D                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Vidoria                  2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 Midrasia                 2   1  0  1    4   1  +3    3
3 Bevenia                  2   0  1  1    2   4  −2    1
4 Aramas                   2   0  1  1    1   5  −4    1

---

[Eskaeba]

Federcalcio Etresciano

Information

Nation: Atresca
Demonym: Atrescan
Nickname: Gli Azzurri e Bianchi (The Blue and Whites)
Manager: Marco di Lamia
Captain: Leon Varri (CB)
Secondary Captain: Rolando de Toro (CB)

Starting XI

1. GK - Giuseppe Raggio, 27
2. LB - Marco Baresi, 23
3. CB - Leon Varri, 27
4. CB - Rolando de Toro, 31
17. RB - Arsalan Mahdavi, 28
11. CDM - Eligio Finocchio, 20
13. CDM - Quarentino Marchesi, 25
10. CAM - Emiliano Giammona, 21
8. LW - Adrian Dauda, 20
7. RW - Alemano Picco, 26
27. CF - Giordiano Palladino, 31

Substitutes

5. CB - Miraglia, 31
6. CM, Antonio Bellini, 24
9. ST - Stefano Lucchese, 25
12. CM. Vittorio Bianchi, 20
14. LW - Mario Maurin, 23
15. RB - Diego Lucano, 22
18. RW - Eustacio Canto, 22
19. CAM - Vedasto Arico, 28
23. CDM - Karmnu Trionfi, 25
29. ST - Teobaldo Tramontozzi, 30
30. CB - Silvio Gallo, 25

[Mundial Founder]

The post window is now closed.
Any posts made beyond this point will count towards Matchday 4.

[Mundial Founder]

---

MATCHDAY 3 RESULTS

---

Group A
Thiaric Republic 2-0 Huaxia
Gwenn (67'), O'Coille (84') //
Thracia 1-4 Renneque
Dimitrios (60') // (4') Sinchi, (11', 36') Ilyapa, (84') Rispau

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Renneque                 3   3  0  0    9   1  +8    9
2 Thracia                  3   1  1  1    3   5  −2    4
3 Thiaric Rep.             3   1  0  2    2   3  −1    3
4 Huaxia                   3   0  1  2    1   6  −5    1

---

Group B
The Mawusi 1-0 Gold Coast
Létourneau (57') //
Newrey 0-1 Atresca
// (90+1') Picco

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Atresca                  3   3  0  0   10   4  +6    9
2 The Mawusi               3   1  1  1    4   6  −2    4
3 Newrey                   3   0  2  1    0   1  −1    2
4 Gold Coast               3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1

---

Group C
Veleaz 2-0 Otahiete
de Villegas (4'), Altamirano (6')//
Suevia 0-2 Navack
// (44') Johansen, (79') Hildrum

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Veleaz                   3   3  0  0    4   0  +4    9
2 Navack                   3   2  0  1    6   2  +4    6
3 Otahiete                 3   1  0  2    2   6  −4    3
4 Suevia                   3   0  0  3    0   4  −4    0

---

Group D
Vidoria 0-1 Aramas
// (88') Muscat
Bevenia 0-2 Midrasia
// (52') Lazaré, (67') Albret

  Group D                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Midrasia                 3   2  0  1    6   1  +5    6
2 Vidoria                  3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6
3 Aramas                   3   1  1  1    2   5  −3    4
4 Bevenia                  3   0  1  2    2   6  −4    1

---

[Vidoria]

Quarterfinals - Do we have a chance?
Cecilio Brugúes' squad has managed to pull through in a 'group of death'; what now?
By Anna Godinez
30 June 2020

---

The Vidorians fought hard, defeating current champions Midrasia, but failed to defeat Aramas in the last fixture.

The Vidorians managed to fight their way out of the group stage; however, they now face an even stronger challenge.

The effort of the Vidorians has been evident. They had success in the game against Midrasia, which they won 1-0. The current formation, which is quite alien to the squad, has been quite successful in battling against teams with weaker defences and less possessive capabilities. However, they were unable to form a strong dominating force against weaker rivals, which resulted in a fair amount of slip-ups in lower-stake games. Now that we are reaching into the quarter-finals, with high risk of elimination, such weak points must be resolved.

"It's a matter of trust," states football analyst Emiliano Callejas: "it's a matter of whether the players are willing to follow up with Brugúes' strategic expectations, despite them being outside of their comfort zone. This year, Cecilio Brugúes has stated his willingness to experiment with the squad, and it has been evident from the group stage that it has been working out fairly well. Now, it's a matter of whether the players are willing to change it once more."

When inquired about Brugúes' necessity to make changes to the team prior to the quarter-finals, Callejas responded, "Yeah, there's definitely a necessity for it. Not a major one, of course, but I am not entirely certain that the current squad has the capabilities of battling against major powers like Navack. Now that the risk is much higher, I personally do not think it is working with a strategy that did not meet success in the scenarios we will face in the near future."

In the recent past, Hamid Mahdavi has become a much more important member of the squad, with his recent move to captain of the squad. Though it is not certain that this is the cause of the recent success in the front line compared to last year, it is definitely a cause for speculation over the coming weeks. Expectations are high for the coming games, and lets all hope that the Vidorians provide us with the gameplay we always dreamed of.

---

In Other News


- New star player - Lino Nogales!
- Vidoria v Aramas - A Weakpoint Located
- The group stage - an analysis
- Grand Serie - What to expect in the coming season

[Vidoria]

Renneque v Vidoria - What should we expect?
The quarter-finals draw on Wednesday paired Vidoria with neighbours Renneque - will it be a hurdle we can overcome?
By Anna Godinez
4th July 2020

---

Hamid Mahdavi, who is the new captain of the Vidorian national team, has been labelled 'a star like no other'.

Passing through the group stage in an apparent group of death, the Vidorians have a future in sight - but it may be cut short by neighbouring Renneque.

Given how strong the Vidorians appeared in the group stage, despite the evident struggles, there is clear reason to be hopeful. However, the next battle against Renneque is certain to be a difficult one. Renneque passed through the group stage with ease, defeating all 3 rivals with a goal difference of +8 - the highest of anyone in the competition. Additionally, their home advantage means the game is sure to be in their favour. This reality has been of huge importance to the Vidorians, as they know that any mistake they make will have a profound effect on the outcome of the match.

"We know it will be difficult, but we are hopeful," stated Cecilio Brugúes, in a recent interview with Oceano: "We know it will be difficult, but we have a strong belief that we will come out on top. This threat isn't unlike any other, we have went through worse - we will give it our all and will come out on top. I give you that promise.

When asked about strategy, Brugúes stated, "Renneque is quite aggressive, and we will have to fight against that much more than with previous rivals. Other than that, our current strategic plans will remain mostly intact. We don't want confusion, we need integration. We need communication. We need co-operation."

The current odds for Vidoria to win the game against Renneque are 7/6.

---

In Other News


- New star player - Lino Nogales!
- Vidoria v Aramas - A Weakpoint Located
- The group stage - an analysis
- Grand Serie - What to expect in the coming season

[Vidoria]

Vidorian Kit - New future or total failure?
With the group stage out of the way, the fans have all been asking one thing - what is up with the kit?
By Luis Díaz
4th July 2020

---

The Vidoria 2020 kit, designed by Pablo Caroba, has been named one of the most divisive kit designs ever.

The fans have been questioning the design choices for this year's kit for a while, however others have been praising it for a different take on the art form.

Despite some critical acclaim, Vidoria's kit design has been questioned by many fans of the previous classic kit designs. This year, the kit was designed by Pablo Caroba, an artist known for incorporating native Rennekkan designs into his works. This one has been no different, the home kit incorporating the finger designs of Cobi'i people in northern Vidoria, and the away kit incorporating the floral artworks of post-colonial native Rennekkans. This is the major source of critical acclaim, many artists stating that this design 'tells about the history of the nation it represents like no other'.

However, many people are not fond of the design, for reasons including the mediocre execution and diversion from the classic design choices known to be used by Vidoria. Many people state that Pablo Caroba was not the right man for the job, due to his lesser knowledge in the art form of football kit design.

"I was less focused on its functionality on the playing field, and more as to what I should express in the limiting artwork of clothing," states Pablo Caroba, Vidorian artist and designer of this year's kit, "I understand the criticism, however my goal was to make something new. I actively tried to work above and beyond expectations to make a product I was happy with personally."

"I love the classic designs for their recognisability. However, it was clear that this year marked a change in route to a different path, and we wanted the design to mark such a change. I agree that the execution wasn't perfect, but it was fitting, personally - I'm fairly new in the football kit world, so it's understandable that I didn't get everything right that the fans expected."

When asked about his future endeavours in the sports world, Caroba responded, "Nothing is certain, but I loved what I did this year. I hope to do something more in the future, as this is something I adore."

---

In Other News


- New star player - Lino Nogales!
- Vidoria v Aramas - A Weakpoint Located
- The group stage - an analysis
- Grand Serie - What to expect in the coming season

[Mundial Founder]

RENNEQUE 0-1 VIDORIA

Copa Mundial 2020, Quarter-final
Stade Zane, Bonaire
18:00 kick-off

---

FIRST-HALF

0': We're underway in Bonaire for the first of the four quarter-final matches in the 2020 Copa Mundial. Here Renneque take on neighbours Vidoria for a place in the final four.
1': Both sides come into this game in a strong position. Renneque dominated their group with three wins, though it could probably be seen to have been the easiest group of the tournament. Vidoria meanwhile managed to escape the group of death with one surprise loss against Aramas. They did defeat Midrasia however, so could arguably be seen as the favourite for this clash.
5': Relatively even between the two sides so far. Renneque focusing the brunt of their attacks down the wings, whilst Vidoria seem strongest in the centre.
8': Chance for Vidoria as del Monte holds up play on the left, passes to Adrian who whips it in!
9': Onto Mahdavi! But it's headed over for a goal-kick.
13': Seems Renneque are sitting back a little more now, perhaps looking to hit the Vidorians on the break.
17': Varabeno is dispossessed by Sinchi who now unleashes Oriendente on the break. What can they do here?
18': Low ball into the box and fired towards goal by Tasias!
19':But it's straight at the keeper! Timego parries the shot onto the ground and catches the rebound. Just a glimpse at the threat Renneque pose however.
23': Red and white flares burn on both sides of the stadium as the drums beat in the background. A game between Renneque and Vidoria is never a dull affair, and today we're seeing one of the best footballing atmospheres this continent has to offer.
25': Vidoria now playing some wide diagonals in an attempt to get around the Rennecois low-block. Nogales at right-back is stepping in today for Carajas, but he's proving himself worthy with some good overlaps with Sanchez. Like now as he fires the ball into the box! It just misses Mahdavi...BUT CAN DEL MONTE FOLLOW THROUGH?...
26': The ball fizzes over the bar! del Monte holds his head in his hands, it just needed a bit less power.
30': Vidoria starting the flex their muscles a bit more now as the continue to hold the ball in the middle of the park.
31': But they're quickly dispossessed by Sinchi, but that's a rough challenge earning him a yellow card and Vidoria a free-kick.
34': Quirogo drifting out very wide now trying to break through the Rennecois midfield. Ilyapa and Tasias pressing the Vidorian players whilst the rest of the team look to sit back.
37': A quick one-two between Quirogo and Mahdavi sees the midfielder skip through the defence to get a shot on goal...
38': But Prosper Puerto is able to parry it away for a corner. The goalkeeper screams at his defenders for losing their concentration.
40': The corner is fired in by del Monte, but Puerto beats it away towards Ilyapa. HE CAN BREAK AWAY HERE. THERE ARE VERY FEW VIDORIANS BACK. ITS ILYAPA!....
41': How did he miss that?!? He was through on goal, but the scuffed shot from Ilyapa sees the ball roll wide of the post. He shakes his head in disbelief. That's probably with all the time he's spending on the bench at Almiaro these days.
45': One minute of added time at the end of the half.
45+1': Half-time. Relatively even at the break, though Vidoria dominating possession. Renneque seem handy on the break though. Can another 45 separate these two sides?

---

SECOND-HALF

45': We're underway once more here in Bonaire as the score currently stands at 0-0. Can either side break the deadlock and claim a place in the final 4?
47': Vidoria out of the blocks very quickly with their attacking intent. Clearly their manager has given them a good talking to at the break. Perhaps he feels they should already be ahead?
51': Sanchez pushing down the right with Nogales on the overlap. With no direct route the ball is directed across to del Monte to try work it on on the left.
54': With no room to push forward, Varabeno tries a shot from distance...
55': OFF THE POST! But the rebound is booted away by Urgeles.
59': Vidoria really going in for the kill here, they can sense Renneque are on the back foot. A breakthrough might be possible here.
61':del Monte and Quirogo with some nice interchange down the left. Mahdavi dropping back to receive the ball now.
62': He gives it to Sanchez, WHO HAS A SHOT ON GOAL...
63': Puerto saves it BUT MAHDAVI COMES IN FOR THE REBOUND....
63': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! HAMID MAHDAVI! The deadlock is broken as Mahdavi fires in from the rebound on a Rico Sanchez shot. Puerto can't be happy with himself or his defenders for that one. One-nil!
GOAL: Hamid Mahdavi 63'
65': Deadlock broken 1-0. Renneque will have to step up now. No use defending a nonexistent lead. Some activity on the bench. Looks like there will be a few changes.
Substitution: Niclas Esau, (CM) ⇄ Thierry Pahuac (LW) (REN)
Substitution: Leandro Adrian, (LB) ⇄ Eric Gonzalez (LB) (VID)
68': Two very different changes here. Renneque with a positional shift as a midfielder is sacrificed for a winger. Seems Jair Blade will move to attacking-midfield. Could the team now be vulnerable on the wings? Vidoria meanwhile putting some fresh bodies at the back as Gonzalez replaced Adrian at left-back.
75': Renneque trying to push up more, but they can't seem to hold onto the ball. They seem to be looking for very short passes now.
79': Oriendente doesn't seem happy in that new deeper position. Would not be surprised if he's the next to leave the field.
Substitution: Jose di Oriendente, (RWB) ⇄ Coniraya (RWB) (REN)
81': And sure enough Oriendente leaves the field in a huff. He's far more used to playing in an attacking role than being defensive cover.
84': Finally Renneque with a good chance on the break. Atoc with the long ball to Blade who unleashes Sinchi for a shot!
85': But its very wide. Time is running out for the team in white.
Substitution: Atoc, (CM) ⇄ Ekkekko (CM) (REN)
87': One last roll of the dice for Renneque as Ekkekko enters the field.
90': Three minutes added on.
90+3': Full time. Renneque 0-1 Vidoria. Vidoria advance to the semi-finals of the 2020 Copa Mundial!

[Mundial Founder]

MIDRASIA 2-1 NAVACK

Copa Mundial 2020, Quarter-final
Parc de Palma, Saint Tropez
19:00 kick-off

---

FIRST-HALF

0': And we're off for this hotly contested clash for a place in the last 4 of the Copa Mundial. Tonight defending champions Midrasia will take on their bitter rivals Navack.
5': Navack with an unchanged eleven, but one change for Midrasia from their usual side as Simone Qualquart is only fit enough for the bench. Whilst he did play in all the team's group-stage matches he didn't look his usual self. Youngster Denez Gallou will take his place in attacking-midfield, a big show of faith by the manager.
9': Both sides have new managers for this tournament with Pere Clar having departed for US Monte Sora and Odd Sannes for Olympique de Lotrique. It may take some time for both sides to get back into their strides, but I can't see much difference so far, both teams are really going at it.
13': Navack really pressing Midrasia on the ball and they've lost it in a dangerous area here as Helland releases Nesz out wide. What can he do here?
14': JOHANSEN RUSHING LATE INTO THE BOX AND SHOOTS!... Over the bar, but an early sign of danger for Midrasia.
16': A long kick out by Florient is quickly pounced on by Lizancos who fires it up to Hildrum, Midrasia certainly on the back foot now. EARLY CROSS TO NESZ...
16': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! NIKÓDEM NESZ FIRES NAVACK INTO THE LEAD WITH A GREAT HEADER! He flew into the air far higher than Nieué could manager. An early lead for Navack!
GOAL: Nikódem Nesz 16'
18': It's been all Navack so far and that was a lightning-quick attack, just a glimpse at that team's clinical finishing ability. Midrasia will have to drag themselves back into this game. Manager Draveo is barking orders at his midfielders.
20': And they can break again here as Satorras gives the ball away far too easily, the Navish midfield going strong here. BREVIG TO JOHANSEN, TO NESZ, SURELY!
21': But the ball sails over the bar. Nesz shakes his head in frustration. He could and should have taken a touch there. In games like these you have to take those chances.
25': Midrasia with their first sustained spell of possession now. They're looking to short passes to build it up the field. Gallou looking pretty sharp dropping in to assist the double pivot.
28': Midrasia with the ball in the final third for the first time this match, Albret and Crespi on the left, the latter whips the ball in towards Enzo Lazaré!
29': But a commanding leap by Bruer was enough to stop the attack in its tracks, he quickly releases Elstad but a foul by Joulles brings that counter to an end quickly.
32': Navack dropping off the press a little now aiming to preserve a bit more energy. Midrasia with the ball in the middle again, but very few avenues to advance it.
36': Foul by Helland earns him a yellow card chance here for Midrasian free-kick.
37': The shot hit by Satorras! But the ball ricochets off the wall and out for a goal-kick.
41': Navack turning up the heat again for the remainder of the half. The Midrasian midfield looks almost scared to keep hold of the ball whenever they get closed down now.
45': Two minutes added time in this half.
45+2': Half-time. Midrasia 0-1 Navack.

---

FIRST-HALF
45': We're underway once more here in Saint Tropez as Midrasia trail Navack by one-goal-to-nil. There's been one change at half-time as Draveo swaps out Satorras for Chevalier, perhaps hoping for a bit more experience and control in the middle of the park.
Substitution: Silvestre Satorras, (CM) ⇄ Basile Chevalier (CM) (MDR)
48': Midrasia seem to have come into this half a more determined side, they seem a lot more organised and are holding onto the ball better. We'll have to see if this lasts however.
53': Navack still seem to be switched on however, they're pressing very high up the pitch not giving Midrasia any time to think on the ball. It's out wide with Desmarais now.
54': He switches through a diagonal to Crespi, he can't seem to get past Halvorsen. Crespi to Gallou, WHO PUTS CROZIER THROUGH!
55': An awful mis-kick from Crozier who gets more than the usual stick from the Midrasian fans for his effort. Draveo is none too pleased either.
59': The last effort was a great bit of play by the youngster Gallou though. And he's active again. A bit of interplay with Joulles and Chevalier.
61': Gallou gets it back from Albret, he holds up the play, BUT THEN POKES IT THROUGH FOR LAZARÉ...
61': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ENZO LAZARÉ! A great piece of skill by Gallou set the striker and Lazaré did what he does best. It's all square.
GOAL: Enzo Lazaré 61'
62': Draveo not stopping there as he makes an offensive substitution before play restarts.
Substitution: Patrice Crozier, (RW) ⇄ Redonda (RW) (MDR)
65': Navack look visibly shaken from that goal. It seemed to come out of nowhere. And now Midrasia are going again, the Navish midfield is all over the place. It's Albret down the left.
66': The ball into the box doesn't come to anything, but that left-hand side seems to be where Midrasia are having the most luck. Elstad really struggling.
67': Another cross from Crespi is headed out of the box by Rokhaug, BUT ONLY AS FAR AS JOULLES WHO SHOOTS...
67': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! JACQUES JOULLES! A wondrous strike by the defensive-midfielder rifled into the back of the net. Bruer had no chance. Midrasia goes wild. Draveo goes crazy on the sidelines, and the Navish are in despair of how they've managed to conceded 2 in just 6 minutes.
GOAL: Jacques Joulles 67'
70': Álvaro Câmara and his assistants attempting to gee up the Navish side as Midrasia hold onto the ball in the middle. The game has been turned on its head.
73': Midrasia going again now, this time through Redonda, but it's Gallou once more pulling the strings. This time Halvorsen manages to send it out for a throw-in, but Navack clearly on the back foot now.
75': Navack's first change of the night and it will be a triple, yes TRIPLE substitution as Stennes and Hammer enter the field. Câmara likely looking to go on the attack with a 4-3-3.
Substitution: Cristian Helland, (CM) ⇄ Andreas Stennes (CM) (NAV)
Substitution: Christer Brevig, (CM) ⇄ Jørgen Hammer (LMF) (NAV)
Substitution: Vetle Hildrum, (FW) ⇄ Nathan Howard (FW) (NAV)
78': This to me reeks of a little desperation from Câmara, trying to put as many attacking players on as possible. And what's more he's left Elstad on the field who was clearly struggling whenever Midrasia got deep down that left-hand side. But let's see if it yields any results.
80': Navack getting a little more into this game now, but Midrasia also sitting back more. Halvorsen now bombing down the wing.
83': Hammer now for Navack, red and white shirts litter the box, he cuts it back for JOHANSEN AT RANGE....
84': But Florient has that one under control and he falls to the ground clutching the ball between his gloves.
85': Midrasia with their final change of the night. Gallou leaves the field to a chorus of applause from the Midrasian fans. Seems Draveo is keen to see this one out and moved to five at the back with a 5-4-1.
Substitution: Denez Gallou, (CAM) ⇄ Robin Dufour (CB) (MDR)
87': Navack continuing to push up, but that box is now flooded with red and white. Crosses come in and instantly go back out. Can the youngster Howard do anything here?
88': Stennes plays the blow fast and low, its onto HAMMER CAN HE FINISH IT OFF?!
89': Hammer's shot bumbled wide, the striker lets out a streak of anger for his miss, but it looks like he was offside anyway.
90': Three minutes added time.
90+1': Navack still pushing everything they have up the field. The purples with one last chance from a corner. Câmara signals for Bruer to join the attackers in the box.
90+2': The ball is swung in by Johansen. BRUER JUMPS FOR IT! BUT HIS HEADER IS OFF AND THE BALL FLIES UPWARDS! HE GOES AGAIN! But he clashes with Florient who also goes to collect, and Bruer is judged to have fouled his opposite number in the process. Surely that must be it now.
90+3': That's it. Full time. Midrasia advance to the semi-finals after defeating their bitter-rivals 2-1.

[Mundial Founder]

---

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

---

RENNEQUE 0-1 VIDORIA

Mahdavi 63' - (VID)

---

VELEAZ 1-0 THE MAWUSI

(VEL) - del Toro 38'

---

ATRESCA 1-0 THRACIA

(ATR) - Giammona 77'

---

MIDRASIA 2-1 NAVACK

(MDR) - Lazaré 61' , Joulles 67' // Nesz 16' - (NAV)

[Mundial Founder]

VIDORIA 3-1 VELEAZ

Copa Mundial 2020, Semi-final
Ketrawe, Botacura
18:30 kick-off

---

FIRST-HALF

0': We're now underway here at Botacura for the semi-final of the Copa Mundial 2020. Tonight we will see Vidoria face off against Veleaz to see who will be in the final!
5': Vidoria defiant in their attempts so far, playing very far up the pitch. Veleaz looking to be sitting deep so far, perhaps hoping to hit their opponents on the break.
11': Early chance for Vidoria through Mahdavi! But he spoons the ball wide of the post for a goal kick.
17': Vidoria trying to break through the Veleazan low block through crosses, but most seem to be headed straight back out of the box. It's going to take a lot to break this side down.
24': Gojita is dispossessed by Ruíz, now can Veleaz break? A long ball over the top to Villegas!
25': But the ball goes straight over the bar. Villegas should have probably taken a touch rather than volleying straight away.
28': Vidoria putting more pressure on now. A lot more diagonals and runs late into the box now.
31: Hidalgo now holding the ball up on the far left, Gonzalez on the overlap, INTO THE BOX WITH SANCHEZ LURKING!
32': GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! RICO SANCHEZ! A late run from the edge of the box met perfectly with Gonzalez's cross, shot neatly into the bottom corner. Vidoria are one-nil up!
GOAL: Rico Sanchez 32'
34': Veleaz will have to really fight to get back into this game. They've been on the back foot defending for most of the half. They need something positive now.
38': Vidoria continuing to apply the pressure, they're not happy with only the one goal.
41': But Gonzalez is dispossessed and Veleaz can break here through Valverde, its up towards Pinzón. Who is clattered by Gojita. That's a yellow card and a free-kick in a dangerous area.
43': It will be Martin Ruíz to take the free-kick. AND HE HAS A GO...
43': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! MARTIN RUÍZ! A brilliant response by Veleaz as the midfielder hits the free-kick into the top corner. No saving that! 1-1 game on!
GOAL: Martin Ruíz 43'
45': Three minutes added on.
45+3': Half-time. 1-1.

---

SECOND-HALF

45': The second half is now underway as the score stands at 1-1 in the first of two matches in the Copa Mundial semi-finals. One change for Vidoria at the break as del Monte replaces Hidalgo.
Substitution: Aarón Hidalgo, (LW) ⇄ Daniel del Monte (LW) (VID)
49': Veleaz putting a little more pressure on Vidoria now in the early parts of the second half. That goal just on half time has given them a bit of a boost it seems.
53': Shot from distance by del Pozo! It's on target, but the keeper had that one under control.
58': Corner to Vidoria. Whipped in by del Monte...ONTO THE HEAD OF ORTEZ!...
59': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL! JULIO ORTEZ! The experienced centre-back towered over all others to head in Vidoria's second. They're 2-1 up!
GOAL: Julio Ortez 59'
62': Veleaz look distraught with themselves with how they let that one in. They looked the better team for the start of the half. It just shows you need to be clinical in games like these.
68': Vidoria starting to take control of the game now. The confidence is flowing. Veleaz can't seem to string two passes together.
73': Chance for del Monte as he beats his man! But the shot is just wide of the post. That could have been the chance to make it safe!
76': Mahdavi has been unusually quiet for most of this game. Certainly not his best, but with him you know he can turn it on in an instant. Altamirano keeping him honest so far.
78': And just as I say that, here's Mahdavi. HE'S SKINNED ALTAMIRANO! SURELY HE'S IN NOW MAHDAVI TO FINISH IT!
79': BUT HE'S PULLED DOWN BY THE DEFENDER! SURELY THAT'S A PENALTY! The referee agrees and points to the spot. yellow card for Altamirano.
80': Mahdavi with the penalty. MAHDAVI TO WIN IT...
80': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! HAMID MAHDAVI! He's been nowhere all match, but he steps up when needed! Hamid Mahdavi has surely put this game beyond all doubt now!
GOAL: Hamid Mahdavi 80'
84': The Veleazan players just seem to have ran out of steam now. One mistake by Altamirano has surely put this out of reach. But to be fair Vidoria have been the better team here for most of the match.
90': Three minutes added on. Time is ticking away for Veleaz to get back into this game now.
90+3': Full time. Vidoria 3-1 Veleaz. Vidoria are in the final of the 2020 Copa Mundial!

[Mundial Founder]

ATRESCA 4-1 MIDRASIA

Copa Mundial 2020, Semi-final
Stade Zane, Bonaire
18:30 kick-off

---

FIRST-HALF

0': We're underway here at Bonaire for the last semi-final game of the tournament. Two giants take to the field as Atresca face Midrasia in what is sure to be a thrilling ninety minutes. Only one of these teams can face Vidoria in the final.
2': Very strong start from Atresca really going at it from the off. Giammona driving forward, through to Pico, WHO FIRES IT ACROSS THE BOX!...
3': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ADRIAN DAUDA! The best possible start for Atresca! Pico fired the ball across the box, Dauda arrived late and drove it into the bottom corner, Midrasia caught totally unaware and unready. It's only three minutes in and they've already conceded. One-nil.
GOAL: Adrian Dauda 3'
5': A terrible start for Midrasia who need to switch on now. Still a long time to go in this match, but in games like this, you can't afford to switch off.
9': Midrasia pushing forward more now. They need a bit of drive to get back in this game. Albret springing down the wing now, a one-two with Gallou and INTO THE BOX!...
10': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ENZO LAZARÉ! It's goals galore in the first 10 minutes here in Bonaire! Enzo Lazaré levels the score only 7 minutes after it was lost. Both sets of defenders need to take a long look at themselves.
GOAL: Enzo Lazaré 10'
13': A high-intensity end-to-end game so far, let's hope it stays like this for the rest of the game!
17': Atresca starting to come out ahead a little, especially down the wings. The more experienced Midrasian midfield seems to be winning the battle in the middle of the park though.
22': Picco down the right, forced across by Crespi. LOW BALL INTO THE BOX...
23': PALLADINO WITH THE SHOT!... But it's easily caught by Florient who slows the game down again. Midrasia looking for a bit more control now.
28': Atresca really building momentum down the left as Baresi carries the ball up the pitch, he gives it to Dauda. Who cuts inside AND UNLEASHES A SHOT!
29': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ADRIAN DAUDA! A first-half brace already for the Atrescan winger! That was a wonderous strike, no saving that! 2-1!
GOAL: Adrian Dauda 29'
32': A stroke of brilliance from Dauda pushes Atresca ahead, but it's been close for much of the half, don't be surprised if there are plenty more goals in this match.
36': Midrasia with the ball in the middle now. Satorras to Gallou, and through to Crozier, who unleashes a curling shot!
37': But it's just over the bar! Goal-kick.
42': Atresca looking to close the game down for the remainder of the half. They're sitting back a little more now.
45': Three minutes added.
45+3': Half-time, Atresca 2-1 Midrasia. An intense half of football here, let's hope we get more of the same in the remainder of the match.

---

SECOND-HALF

45': Second half underway here in the semi-final clash between Atresca and Midrasia. The stripes currently trail the blues by two goals to one, but with how this match has been going, there could be a few more goals in this yet.
47': Atresca pushing hard from the off, immediately dispossessing Midrasia Finocchio fires the ball up to Palladino who's already made the run. PALLADINO SHOOTS!
48': Saved by Florient and cleared away by Meridon, But only as far as Marchesi WHO LETS FLY!
48': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! QUARENTINO MARCHESI! A long chipped shot over the top of the keeper gives Atresca breathing room, but again Midrasia not switching on early on in the half. Maybe we gave Draveo a bit too much credit on his rebuilding job. It's clear some work needs to be done here.
GOAL: Quarentino Marchesi 48'
52': Devastating for Midrasia to concede so early in the half, but they've lacked intensity at the start of each 45. They'll need a lot to get back into this game.
58': Atresca closing the game down now Midrasia not getting any sight of goal now. They need a little more creativity now.
63': Chance for Midrasia now with Albret down the left, into Lazaré who has a go!
64': But Raggio just about gets there. Corner kick.
69': Midrasia with their first change as Crozier makes way for Redonda.
Substitution: Patrice Crozier, (RW) ⇄ Redonda, (RW) (MDR)
72': Redonda putting a bit more pressure down the right now, though how much of that is down to Atresca sitting back remains to be seen.
77': Time running out for Midrasia, they keep pushing up but they can't find a way into the box, its just a flood of blue shirts at the moment.
80': But a chance here for Redonda, who squirms his way in front of goal! But an easy save for Raggio Who fires it downfield to Dauda, he beats the offside trap Dauda for the hattrick!
82': But its saved by Florient and out for a corner-kick!
83':Corner fired into the box by Dauda, ONTO THE HEAD OF DE TORO!
84': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ROLANDO DE TORO! It's FOUR for Atresca as de Toro heads home to surely put Atresca in the final. The scoreline may not accurately reflect the match, but its an example of Atresca's clinical ability in front of goal and they surely deserve to go through.
GOAL: Rolando de Toro 84'
Substitution: Silvestre Satorras, (CM) ⇄ Henri de Lenare, (CM) (MDR)
Substitution: Jerome Albret, (LW) ⇄ Xavier Garcia, (LW) (MDR)
85': Double substitution by Midrasia to try and rescue something, but it is surely far too late at this point. Perhaps a sign of Draveo's managerial inexperience at the highest level?
90': Two minutes added on. Midrasia look zoned out, they know its already lost.
90+2': Full time! Atresca 4-1 Midrasia. Atresca through to the final of the Copa Mundial where they will face Vidoria. The score may be more one-sided than the match, but nobody can deny Atresca emerged as deserving winners. Midrasia meanwhile will face Veleaz in the 3rd place playoff where Draveo will need to ponder how to build this team in the coming years.

[Mundial Founder]

---

THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF

---

VELEAZ 1-2 MIDRASIA

(VEL) del Pozo 45+1' // Albret 23', Hevré 77' - (MDR)

---

[Eskaeba]

[Vidoria]

Vidoria are finalists - What now?
Vidoria reached the finals of the Copa Mundial for the first time in over 10 years - what should we expect against Atresca?
By Alexa Carita
23rd July 2020

---

Cecilio Brugúes' changes to the Vidorian team have, to many people's surprises, led the team to the Copa final.

The Vidorians formed their path to the Copa final by bulldozing their quarter-and-semi-final opponents Renneque and Veleaz; can their outstanding performance follow through into the clash with Atresca?

The final conflict, by many, is expected to be an aggressive and gruelling battle; Vidoria's fantastic performance against Veleaz, defeating them 3-1, and Atresca's exquisite performance against Midrasia, defeating them 4-1, shows how both teams are expected to battle. They are both teams with lots of attacking and defensive strength, and limitless determination to lift the golden trophy up into the sky. With teams of such impeccable forward strength, many expect a breathtaking conflict to finalise the tournament.

Both teams have front 3's to die for. Atresca's Dauda-Picco-Palladino trio is a devestating one, capable of demolishing defence lines of the likes of Midrasia. Vidoria's front 3 of del Monte, Mahdavi and Sanchez contains 3 of the highest valued forwards in the modern-day, with a miles-long list of impeccable performances against some of the biggest threats in history. However, Hamid Mahdavi, one of the forwards argued to be the best in the world right now, has been fairly quiet as of late - if this silence leaks into the final, the Vidorians may have a security breach that would take lots of determination to patch up.

A player that the Vidorians have to look out for is Rolando de Toro - according to Atrescan sports news outlet Partimonio Calcistico, "a world-class defensive performance by 31-year old central defender Rolando de Toro is being overlooked, despite statistically being one of this year's best." The Atrescan back line is a fluorescent concern for the Vidorians, as a strong back line would prevent the Vidorians from having many chances.

We should all expect a gruelling, entertaining battle to conclude this fantastic tournament. The expectations are high this year - lets hope that the players deliver like they have in the previous fixtures.

---

In Other News


- New star player - Lino Nogales!
- Mahdavi's silence - What is going on?
- The group stage - an analysis
- Grand Serie - What to expect in the coming season

[Mundial Founder]

VIDORIA 1-0 ATRESCA

Copa Mundial 2020, Final
La Challa, Bonaire
19:00 kick-off

---

FIRST-HALF

0': We're underway here at Bonaire for the final of the Copa Mundial 2020 as Vidoria take on Atresca. Three-time winners versus four-time winners who will add another to their tally. Only time will tell. Sit back, there's ninety minutes of football to play to decide!
3': Atresca deploying their traditional 4-2-3-1, the same side that soundly beat Midrasia 4-1 takes to the field in the final. A strong display of faith by the manager in his players to get the job done. Vidoria meanwhile playing a 5-3-2, clearly looking for rigidity in defence for an occasion such as this. Whether their defensive outlook pays off remains to be seen.
7': Early pressure from Atresca here as Dauda looks to find a breakthrough down the left, but the Vidorian numbers at the back are more than enough to turn the winger away.
12': Giamonna with a shot from distance! But its wide of the mark, goal kick to VIdoria.
15': Little more pressure from Atresca now as they up the tempo, VIdoria continue to sit deep, doesn't seem as though any openings will appear any time soon.
19': But Finnochio trips on the ball, he's given it away and Mahdavi here with the counter, he rounds the defender CAN HE PUT IT IN THE BACK OF THE NET?
20': But its a good stop from Raggio, he clung onto that ball like his life depended on it. Vidoria move back into their defensive shape, and Atresca build from the back once more.
24': Vidoria have bearly stung too passes together so far such has been the dominance of Atresca in possession, very few chances either way though. There's so much on the line in this match, it only takes one small mistake and everything can change.
29': Mahdavi on the overlap here for Atresca, the OTHER Mahdavi, Arsalan. A bit of interplay with Picco Who crosses into the box, too high for Palladino, BUT DAUDA WITH THE FOLLOW UP!..
30': Just over the bar! He went for power over accuracy and it cost him dearly. He knows he should have finished that. These chances won't come all too often for either side.
35': Vidoria here with their first sustained spell with the ball. Atresca just easing off the press a little as the half goes on. Domesco dribbling out from the back, a little timid right now from the rojiblancos.
37': But now its Gonzalez on the left, Sanchez drifting out wide as well, But its a low ball towards DEL MONTE WHO'S DRIVING INTO THE BOX, DEL MONTE!...
38': BUT HE'S BROUGHT DOWN BY DE TORO! The ref points to the spot! He's given a penalty! Atrescan players plead with the ref and shout for a dive but he looks unfazed.
40': A massive decision near the half for Vidoria. A chance to really take hold of this game. Mahdavi holds the ball at the spot. Hold on... It seems like the ref is taking his time here, he's talking with the people behind the scenes, looks as though it will be going to VAR here.
41': The referee signals he's reviewing the decision, he's going over to the monitor to have a look himself.
42': He has reviewed the decision and.....NO PENALTY. The referee has judged del Monte to have dived and shows a yellow card for simulation. Free-kick to Atresca.
45': Four minutes of added time in this half thanks to the wonders of technology. Four minutes.
45+2': Atresca turning up the wick again for the remainder of the half, hoping to get a goal late on. Vidoria holding firm at the back though.
45+3': Speculative shot from Marchesi! But its nowhere near and lands somewhere in row Z.
45+4': Half-time. 0-0 in this half of football. Atresca dominating the ball, but very few chances from both sides. A penalty that wasn't the main talking point of the half, lets hope for more action in the next 45.

---

SECOND-HALF

45': The second half is underway here in the final of the 2020 Copa Mundial. It currently stands at 0-0. No changes in personnel at the half, though Vidoria now appear to be lining up in a 4-4-2 as Nogales moves to midfield. I think 4-4-2 gets a bit of a bad reputation for apparently being 'outdated' but it has its uses. Solid in defence and numbers in midfield. Let's see what that changes in this half.
48': A little early pressure from Vidoria, their manager has clearly given them some fighting words at the half. Perhaps he thinks they were a bit too timid in the first 45.
53': That pressure seems to have paid off as Quirogo wins it off Marchesi, he plays it to Sachez and NOW TO MAHDAVI!
54': But its just wide. Goal-kick to Atresca. They got away with that one. Quality finishing seems in short supply on both sides so far.
59': Atresca getting a little less success down the wings now. That 4-4-2 seems to be giving Vidoria more stability out wide. The biancazzuri will need a little more creativity from the likes of Marchesi and Finocchio now.
Substitution: Giordiano Palladino, (CF) ⇄ Mario Maurin, (LW) (ATR)
Substitution: Daniel del Monte, (CM) ⇄ Aarón Hidalgo, (CF) (VID)
62': Long ball forward from Varri towards Dauda who now seems to be playing centre-forward, GREAT CHANCE!
63': But Timego was quick off his line for that one! Dauda was bundled over in the process and appeals for a penalty, but the referee is having absolutely none of it.
67': Atresca not having much luck down the middle. The centre of the park just seems far too packed. But Varri tries a long ball again, AND VIDORIA ARE CAUGHT OUT AGAIN. ITS A REAL PROBLEM THAT MOVE AND DAUDA IS IN HERE. HE CHESTS IT AND VOLLIES....
68': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! ADRIAN DAUDA! Second time's the charm for Adrian Dauda. It was deja-vu, but this time he made sure to get there in time!
69': But wait, what's this?!?!? The referee is checking VAR. It seems Dauda may have been offside when the ball was played over the top. He's having a look at the monitor.
71': They're taking their time drawing the lines here. It must be inches, hair lengths between onside and off.
73': NO GOAL. Adrian Dauda is judged to have been in an offside position when Varri played the ball. The winger-turned-strikes shakes his head in disbelief and shares a few words with the ref. He's shown a yellow card for sharing his beliefs a bit too loudly and openly.
76': Atrescan boos ring around the stadium in light of the recent decision. A real lifeline has been thrown to Vidoria here, they were literally an inch from going a goal down and potentially losing control of the match.
79': Vidoria playing with a little more confidence now the second half seems to be going their way. Nogales with the ball down the right. It seems Atresca are the ones doing most of the defending now.
82': Vidoria really turning it up now. It's Quirogo now out on the left, ball into the BOX! TO HIDALGO!..
83': But the striker mis-hits it and its easily booted to safety by de Toro, but only as far as Varabeno!
84': Varabeno is hacked down by de Toro who earns a yellow card and a free kick for Vidoria in a dangerous position.
86': About three Vidorian players are hovering over the ball, Sanchez, Mahdavi, Quirogo. ITS SANCHEZ WITH THE SHOT But it hits the wall and bumbles away INTO THE PATH OF HIDALGO!...
86': GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! AARÓN HIDALGO! He's completely mis-hit it! But that's all it needed! The ball bobbled past Raggio, Hidalgo doesn't even know he's scored. Not until all his teammates jumped on top of him!
GOAL: Aarón Hidalgo 86'
87': Three minutes left on the clock. Atresca came so close just moments earlier. This must be so heartbreaking, but is there yet another twist in this tale?...
Substitution: Quarentino Marchesi, (CM) ⇄ Karmnu Trionfi, (CM) (ATR)
Substitution: Alemano Picco, (RW) ⇄ Eustacio Canto, (RW) (ATR)
88': Fresh legs thrown on for Atresca in these dying minutes. Can they rescue something from the dying embers of this match? Vidoria seem to be throwing almost everybody behind the ball now.
90': There will be FIVE minutes of added time. FIVE MINUTES. A mighty roar comes out from the Atrescan fans in the stadium. There is still time.
90+2': Atresca throwing everything goalward. Vidoria seem to have 6 at the back at times. Canto lets fly at range!... deflection. It will be a corner. di Lamia signals for Raggio to go up.
90+3': Its in by Dauda onto the HEAD OF VARRI But the keeper brushes it out, not far though! RAGGIO HEADS IT, UPWARDS THOUGH. DE TORO WITH AN OVERHEAD KICK!...
90+4': But it lands firmly into the hands of Timego. The keeper collapses to the ground, clutching the ball like his favourite grandma. His teammates ruffle his hair and give him a slap on the back. He's just about saved them.
90+5': Timego boots the ball up to the opposite corner flag....AND THAT'S THAT. VIDORIA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS! FULL-TIME VIDORIA 1-0 ATRESCA.