Di Bradini Cup 48/U21WC69 Everything Thread

[Springmont]

Project Lion: Edition N° 3

Palmworth Hornwick Park Walkabout

A: Wyverndraft Museums, 255-1 Park Ave., FREE. This can be a building that has numerous historical centers and shows. The complex of exhibition halls is well worth going by. Mint Lobby houses an display of ancient Colombian cash, which a few Springmont predecessor was a latin sailor. In case you're fortunate a staffer will grant you a coin trinket, fake one, of course.

B: de Honorblower Restaurante, 12G Park Cross.This western eatery may be a good place to eat breakfast in Palmworth. You'll get eggs, bread, coffee and new crushed orange juice for $T1.00. They too serve a great Montian lunch and supper. This is often a great eatery to discover breakfast on Sundays in Palmworth.

C: The Baron Phoenixward Arena, 500-G Pine Ave., This is often one of Palmworth's greatest theaters. Melodic concerts, plays, expressive dance, move exhibitions and numerous other sorts of appears are performed at this theater.

D: Ironshard Mill, 661-A, Pine Cross. The Ironshard Mill has salons of ceramics, figures and other socially important artifacts. There's moreover a active cafe which permits you to appreciate coffee in a lovely yard within the gallery.

E: Sheikh Chamillevé Kebab, 412-G, Park Ave., Sheikh Chamillevé Kebab could be a excellent eatery that serves excellent Arabian nourishment. Exceptionally pleasantly brightened and features a unwinding environment. Gigantic hookah's are accessible for utilization. Bunches can get combination plates of numerous one of a kind things.

F: Plaza von Fallenstrike is the most seasoned and biggest square in Palmworth. Within the past, it facilitated ancient administrative buildings. There are encompassing buildings with columns and curves. This zone of columns is called the Amazon Pass and there you'll discover sweet, plum sweet and other local favorites.

G: Lady Glowforge Square. A decent put to sit and take a break from touring. There are a number of eateries and cafes within the square. The square is directly before the Cindergazer Road monument and park.

H: Hornwick Lake Park The biggest stop within the city has rock concerts and other occasions. There are biking, running and strolling ways. There's a large lake within the center where you'll be able lease a paddle boat. There moreover have a biking rent post and web cafe.

MD3: VS. Equestria
Art Dempsey (C)
Roman Park, Jesse Sosa, Lowell Blevins, Leroy Treyham
James Mejia, Nestor Darkclouds, Johnson Jordan Hicks
Prince Reyes, Igor Parax, Lorenzo Leibfried

[Starblaydia]

Five-Star Performance
Starblaydia are the team to beat after 2 games

If the competition ended today, and you had to put everyone into one big league and figure out who had the best record to decide who the winners would be, Starblaydia would be champions. Two wins from two, eight goals scored and none conceded puts them at the top of the pile. Not a single other team has kept two clean sheets in the tournament and even with their attack-minded attitude, Onish Vadaparthy has yet to see his goal breached, while at the other end the goals have been flying in from all angles. Unfortunately, however, there's still seven rounds of matches to go before the actual champions are decided, and Starblaydia's early form is only an indicator of their eventual placing, not a guarantee.

One thing that does seem to be guaranteed, however, is that Betanni Jetvanna will be among the goals. One of the few bright spots in the 10th Under-18 World Cup, Jetvanna's two goals in that tournament were 66% of Starblaydia's entire total, the other coming from Jewel Maddison. What the two of them managed in three games as teenagers, though, they managed in just ninety minutes against Indusse. After this match against Libonesia, the side have racked up more goals in two matches as they did in the entirety of the 46th and 47th Di Bradini Cups combined.

It was Nicholas Stanton who got the goals flowing, with the early promise he showed in the Indusse match coming to fruition at Hellgate with the opening goal. The tight, crowded pitch packed right up to the edge of the pitch was the perfect environment for the young Montepool Waves forward. Showing off his close control and ability to hold off a challenge, Stanton dug the ball out from under his feet to clip a smart shot beyond the reach of the Liboneisan goalie and creeping inside the far post. Donald Royce doubled the advantage a few minutes later as he took an Erik Romaine knockdown in his stride, blasting a rising drive into the back of the net from just outside the penalty area.

The game was effectively over as a contest within half an hour once Betanni Jetvanna had showed her skills with a third goal in two games. Picking the ball up in the middle of the park, a quick one-two with Maddison set her racing away. Jetvanna played it out wide on the right to the onrushing Shireen Orvalee and cut inside herself. Orvalee held it up on the outside for just long enough for Jetvanna to find some space, and all it took was for the Kitara AA forward to neatly divert the subsequent pinged in cross with the side of her boot. A solid defence, despite the attacking intent of Libonesia, saw Starblaydia out to the end of the first half, with both Hoyt and Bernini cutting out the passes and heading strongly when having to deal with the increasingly more desperate long balls that were being lumped in their general direction.

Even with Starblaydia easing off the gas and ringing the changes in the second half, it still didn't stop the Starblaydi system from working. It's only been in the past few tournaments where the style of this Starblaydia setup is starting to gel at all levels, and the real philosophy is really embedding itself across the national team setups. Andvar Galdarhim came on and slotted straight into the right-back slot as if he'd been playing in the team since its inception. Immediately the Dwarf was in the action, bombing down the right-hand side to flash a cross along the six-yard line that only needed the slightest of touches to be buried in the back of the net, and it was again Stanton who made it count.

The fifth was from Omar Al Qubaisi and it completely killed of any threat remaining from Libonesia, getting space and rising high at a corner to head home solidly to complete the victory and put Ázëwyn Fëanáro's side firmly in the championship picture.

Final score from Hellgate, Raynor City (48,614):
Libonesia 0 - 5 Starblaydia
(None) - (Stanton 16 & 62, Royce 19, Jetvanna 28, Al Qubaisi 75)

Under-21 World Cup 69 / Di Bradini Cup 48
Group B, MD2            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Starblaydia            2     2   0   0     8    0   +8    6
2 Pasarga                2     2   0   0     6    2   +4    6
3 Staypuftonia           2     1   0   1     5    3   +2    3
4 Jeckland               2     0   1   1     1    4   −3    1
5 Libonesia              2     0   1   1     1    6   −5    1
6 Indusse                2     0   0   2     0    6   −6    0

[Sarzonia]

To say Joanie Rhys wasn't feeling her best before the Sarzonian Under 21 national football team's match against Sylestone would be to make a colossal understatement.

She was barely at the grounds in time to get dressed after battling cramps that started at approximately 0255 in the early morning hours and kept her up the rest of the night. When she saw manager Nathan Hanifer and saw his concern, she whispered, "I had my period." He gave a quick look of understanding, but Rhys quickly reassured him that she could take her customary place in the starting 11.

So there she was awaiting forward Thurman West's opening kickoff to Suzi Calderon, still feeling less than her best. She would be able to run on a combination of adrenaline and fumes and ultimately banged home a rebound of a West shot for the only goal in the match to give the Junior Stars a 1-0 victory over Sylestone.

The result gives Sarzonia a 2-0-0 record, matching the total number of victories Sarzonia earned during the previous Under 21 World Cup. The Junior Stars would be first in the Group E table. Sarzonia's next opponents HUElavia are coming off a crushing 7-1 defeat to Baker Park which leave Los Amarillos at bottom of the table with a minus-six goal differential.

However, Hanifer cautioned his team against being overconfident against HUElavia.

"We're going to have to approach this like you would a wounded animal. They're more dangerous, and they're desperate with three matches left and having to make up three points and goal differential."

Rhys admitted after the match that she would forego the team's intended celebration of a trip to the bar, saying she hoped to catch up on sleep after her nights sleep was made more difficult by cramping. However, she also pointed out that she was able to channel her adrenaline to put her lack of sleep and her discomfort aside and earn player of the match honours.

"It's about toughing it out," she said of her performance against Sylestone. "Props to [reserve goalkeeper] Eleanor [Keating]," who made five saves to earn a clean sheet.

It doesn't get any easier after HUElavia. Baker Park, authors of that 7-1 victory over Los Amarillos will be the opponent after HUElavia before Sarzonia concludes the group stage against Sajnur.

Right now, Hanifer and the Junior Stars are looking to the rest between fixtures before Glen Baker returns to net against Los Amarillos. They'll need the breather.

[Valladares]

THE METROPOLIS HERALD
Metropolis, Wednesday, July 22^nd, 2020

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DI BRADINI CUP | Trolli leads the Mininacional to victory over Savojarna

CAPRI, VALANORA (VAP) — The Valladar national under-21 football team made it six points in two outings in the current edition of the Di Bradini Cup, following a 3-1 win over their counterparts from Savojarna at the Hatire Memorial in Capri with goals by Adrien Trolli, Iván Valenzuela, and substitute striker Thiago Pizzutti. The team coached by Claudio Londero seemed to have learned from most of the mistakes made in their previous match against Waisnor, showing a more solid defense while also keeping their offensive performance at a high level, albeit with less chances to score against a rival that was coming into this match with the need to win following their opening day loss to Megistos, and could not afford a second defeat in a row.

The first half began with the Valladar side with possession of the ball and charging against the Savojar goal, with Marcelo Escobar and Fabio Cardetti exploiting both flanks of the field in order to either send crosses to the heads of Iván Valenzuela and last game's MVP Gabriel Riveros, or associating themselves with playmaker Adrien Trolli, whose mobility caused lots of trouble to the opposing defenders in the first minutes of the match. The Mininacional created a couple of chances in the first 15 minutes of the game, first with Riveros after 7 minutes and then five minutes later with Valenzuela, however, the Savojar goalie Sergey Sharin managed to dispel the danger both times. After the 15th minute, Savojarna reacted and gradually balanced the game, creating chances of their own on the goal defended by Steven Piatti, which nevertheless ended up being inconsequential. The deadlock would be broken after the 23rd minute, when Adrien Trolli placed himself between centrebacks Dmitri Dmitriev and Fridtjof Grönberg and managed to intercept a pass between them, catching Sharin off-guard and shooting on goal shortly afterwards instead of delivering an assist to either Valladar striker in order to avoid an offside call. Finding themselves ahead in the scoreboard, Valladares opted to give Savojarna possession of the ball and had their midfield exert a strong pressure on the Savojar players, which had effective results for a few minutes until the fellow Rushmori rivals found an opening through the Valladar left flank, thus bypassing William Alonso who was doing a good job at keeping them at bay through the center of the field. Göran Jaerbyn took the chance to fire an accurate cross to the head of Teemu Jeraväinen, who capitalized on his physique to beat Daniel Martín to the ball and send it to the back of the net to equalize the match in the 37th minute. Following this goal, the Mininacional attempted to restore the one-goal gap with Iván Valenzuela finding himself on a one-on-one with the Savojar goalkeeper, but his shot in the 41st minute went wide. Thus both sides reached halftime with the match leveled at one goal for each side.

The start of the second half saw both Valladares and Savojarna trading ball possession, and the match turned into an interesting back-and-forth affair with both sides replying to the other's offensive moves with attempts of their own. Riveros had another couple of chances to put the Valladars ahead once again but unlike the match against Waisnor, he was unable to translate those chances into goals, which prompted coach Londero to replace him with the short but speedy Thiago Pizzutti after an hour of play. The 20-year-old AD Cerro player was brave enough to fire a mid-range shot in his first contact with the ball, which ended up awarding a corner kick to the Valladars as it was deflected by Sharin. The second goal for the Mininacional was once again born at the feet of Adrien Trolli, who this time was able to find Iván Valenzuela better positioned to shoot on goal and thus passed the ball to the Pradera FC player, who fired a shot at the upper left corner of the Savojar goal to put Valladares 2-1 ahead in the 68th minute. This goal caused Savojarna to start firing on all cylinders against the Valladars for another equalizer, leaving spaces which the Valladar players were able to exploit well, especially Trolli, who served a vital role by moving the ball from the midfield to the strikers. Trolli would eventually confirm himself as the best player of the match by assisting Pizzutti, who blitzed towards the Savojar goal and left keeper Sharin behind with a feint in order to score the third and final Valladar goal with no opposition in front in the 83rd minute, thus sealing victory for Valladares in their second match of the tournament.

The Mininacional now find themselves on top of Group H of this Di Bradini Cup edition along with Nephara, both sides having six out of six points after two victories, and both having to play each other on the next match of the competition at Castle de Mot in Wexax. A victory for either side will mean a huge step towards qualification for the knockout stage, while a draw would keep both in command of the group, although with a smaller gap with the other teams in the group.

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[Oberour Ar Moro]

You are Jean-Pierre le Lancier, the recently named "Football and Technical Director" for the Oberour Ar Moro Football Management Committee. You've decided that the proposed Tourbillon Forest location is perfect for the planned headquarters of the FMC. But trouble has emerged when it was discovered that the original location within the forest is actually the site of an over century old cemetary. Grown up and hidden amongst the trees, but a cemetary none the less.

You still find that when you're faced with an issue that it is good to have a quick debate with a few choices to decide from, so you've gathered representatives of the different perspectives in your office.

The Debate

1. "You cannot desecrate the graves of the dead!" said an animated Hugues Laurier, Bishop of the Cathedraist Church for Sophoria. "I'm almost certain that would be some kind of mortal sin. Fortunately, I've spoken to the Minister of Resources and he indicated interest in clear cutting a section of the forest to the east. There may be a colony of endangered Sérigné Owls there, but that's fine, they don't have immortal souls."

✔ Accept

2. Gustave de Mercatel, the Mayor of Veuzid, spoke next. "There's a less densely forested area across the Serigmar lake from Veuzid. As best as anyone can tell there's a single mysterious woman living in a cabin there. She's the only one living there for kilometres and kilometres. Kick her out and build there and you're doing your part to protect the forest and respect the dead."

✔ Accept

3. The Bishop and the Mayor went to leave, but the Mayor swung back around and came back into your office. "You know you can just build in the original proposed area," he said in a conspiratorial tone. "Those graves are over a century old, there isn't enough to disturb there at all. And I'm sure the Ministry can convince the church to give the plan its blessing. Literally and figuratively!"

✔ Accept

4. Later on a pale FMC staffer asked to speak to you personally. In a low voice he said: "My grandmother grew up near the Tourbillon Forest. She says it's a cursed place. It would be better to leave the graves and cabins and the trees alone and search for somewhere else"

✔ Accept

[Chromatika]

Chromatik City Courier
Jordan Lawless, Sports Columnist

DBC 48 Matchday 2: Oberour Ar Moro 3, Chromatika 3
DONNA CATHEDRAL, MAR SARA, VALANORA -

Oberour Ar Moro proved to be a much more difficult opponent, as was expected. The Dominion's peculiar formation - 2-2-3-3 - meant that when the attack came, it came in waves that crashed against the Chromatik defense; three times, the ball went through and Fillar wasn't able to quite stop the ball.

Fortunately for the Anomalies, Elliott, Lyllard, and Haggard wouldn't go quietly in the night, either. Three times, the Chromatiks were able to execute lightning-quick counterattacks that knifed through the middle of the Dominion midfield and press the ball up towards goal; Haggard made sure two of his shots found their mark, and Hauser made certain that the game would at least end in a tie.

Ten goals scored in two games is tied for second highest, though Baker Park and Poafmersia have both scored eleven; as long as the defense can hold, Chromatika should be fine, though only the first two teams make it - 16 out of 48.

Next up is Terre Septentrionale - a name that Chromatika has gotten quite used to lately. After facing them in the World Cup 85 Qualifiers, and the most recent U-18 World Cup, Chromatika will hope to even the score once again.

[Waisnor]

Nephara 1-0 Waisnor

In the second match of Di Bradini Cup Waisnor met with Nephara. At the beginning of the match there were a couple of rather dangerous moments that could end in a goal. At the 13th minute, Evgeny Ivanenko bypassed the defenders of Nephara and shot on target, but goalkeeper Olexander was able to reflect the blow. In the second half there was a much more competitive struggle, the moments were the same from Waisnor and from Nephara. One of the moments from Nephara resulted in the only goal in the match - in the 81st minute after the transfer of Matthias Belgrade scored a goal, butt to the bottom corner.

The squad for the next match:
Goalkeeper: Maxim Shishlov
Defenders: Nikolay Romanyuk, David Sobol, Mikhail Kozhedub, Maxim Shvagirev
Midfielders: Victor Gusev, Konstantin Rudenok, Renat Marchenko
Forwards: Evgeny Ivanenko, Ivan Konovalov, Ilya Motalygo

[The Jovannic]

At a local Tavern in Jovannica

It was a day of mixed feelings for some men at the tavern today. Although Sami Ning, the Captain and often called the motivator by his team mates scored in the 71th minute to give The Jovannic the victory against Ethane, the baseball team had also just lost their series again.

That was some amazing football eh Darren? Wonderful passing play by the team!

Couldn't say the same for Baseball.

How about we don't care about the loss? Let's celebrate the victory!

Non.

I'll treat you.

Darren is dragged by his friend to order

So...what do you want?

Nothing.

Don't be shy. Two Joleu Rose Wines please!

Ok!

Please don't fret. Just be hopeful and optimistic!

Ok, ok...

[PotatoFarmers]

Poafmersia 4
Makana Tuft 14', 80'
Aleka Dufour 29'
Nero Wood 40'

Kohnhead 1
John Smith 63'

Starting 11: Nicole Potts; Ariel Casey, Hollis Stephenson, Clara Brivio, Wayne Simpson; Woden Sweet (DM); Zelda McKenna, Lucia Stuart; Nero Wood (AM); Aleka Dufour, Makana Tuft (c)
Substitute: Mitchel Rosales (Casey 66')

The goals never stop.
This time round, it was Makana Tuft who thoroughly deserves the man of the match away, scoring 2 goals and setting up Nero Wood for the 3rd goal. A strong captain performance from Tuft meant that Kohnhead was kept at bay throughout the game, as Poafmersia made a grand total of 21 shots, with 14 shots on target. If not for Bertha Sanders' heroics, possibly Poafmersia could have got more in and the scoreline would not be as calm as this.
Fans here in Baker Park and back home in Poafmersia was shocked at how dominant the U21 players are throughout the game. One fan posted online his thoughts on the game, saying that their performance makes the senior team "tremble". "Absolutely brutal," she wrote. "The players have perfected the Poafmersian brand of football, where the players focus on fast-paced football and attack quickly. This group of players are likely to be our true golden generation in 3 World Cup cycles to time, if they continue to play like this. Adnan should be calling these players up to the senior team." Another fan interview by a Poafmersian reporter in Baker Park said, "Fantastic performance. I was constantly getting excitement from the players. Managing close to 70% of the possession, playing fast paced attacking football."
Captain Makana Tuft spoke about the results after the game. "I feel that everyone did really well today. After the win over Lovisa, the players became motivated and everyone trained really hard to ensure that they keep those standards. Nero helped with 2 assists, Aleka was the key creator of many opportunities, but was unlucky not to get even more goals in and build on his hat-trick. Against Mavinet 3 days later, we need to keep this level of performance. We cannot afford to be arrogant or over-confident, since every team here presents different difficulties."
Nelson Sanchez confirmed that the team will make 1 change from the squad, playing Mitchel Rosales in leftback for Ariel Casey. When interviewed, he said that the team has improved on the defence and the players should keep this performance for the next match.

Starting 11 against Mavinet: Nicole Potts; Mitchel Rosales, Hollis Stephenson, Clara Brivio, Wayne Simpson; Woden Sweet (DM); Zelda McKenna, Lucia Stuart; Nero Wood (AM); Aleka Dufour, Makana Tuft (c)

[Abanhfleft]

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independents sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

---

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Football Fallacies
with Graham O'Doherty

INSERT WITTY TITLE HERE, I GUESS?

Hello guys, and welcome back to another edition of The Football Fallacies with me, your gay Irishman Graham O'Doherty. Yes guys, your eyes doth not deceive you. We have won a youth football game. We've actually won a youth football game! It's been so long since we last saw this, I've actually forgotten the feeling of actually winning a game! All we've ever known in the past few years is losing and losing and frankly, after so much losing the heart and the mind both just go numb. You begin to wonder why you even began caring in the first place. But when the moment like this finally comes, everything all falls away and you remember why, just why, they call this the beautiful game.

There's also a reason why watching youth football tournaments like the Di Bradini Cup can be so rewarding. You're basically watching the next generation of players from every country participating in the tournament. Then you begin picking out the players that catch your eye, following them throughout the course of the tournament if their team is good enough to make it deep, and then once the tournament is over you keep following these players through their club careers, and when even just one of those players that you chose to follow finally make their name on football itself, you feel a certain source of pride because, in a certain way, you feel like you were there when this player or that player blossomed into being in the Di Bradini Cup and finally got the chance to show that they can make a difference at such a young age. Which is often the age that people expect players to become big contributors to their clubs. And on the other hand, when this player you've chosen to follow doesn't fulfill the potential you (and/or many others) saw in them, it kind of feels disappointing. Like you finally begin to get an appreciation of the feelings and emotions your parents went through while watching you muck about and waste your youth. Yeah, it does tend to bring out the philosopher in me, I must admit...

Anyway, why am I talking about this? Because of Hiroko Kellerman. Far be it for me to be the Markovskite who praises someone who plays for Rosenpfelblatz City but based on how Kellerman has performed in this game against Devonta, I might not be the only one now. She still has to keep this up for at least the rest of the group stage, but based on what I've seen of her from this game, she could very well just do it. Half-Fleftic and half-Hinodejin (or half-Flardanian, I don't know), Kellerman has definitely got the footballing pedigree. And Rosenpfelblatz City has a reputation for churning out great players at a young age. The road is right in front of Hiroko Kellerman, in my humble opinion. My only wonder (or worry) is if she will take that path, or if she will go down a different one.

In any case, Hiroko will have be on the top of her game if we are to stand a chance against Krytenia. Yes, they lost their second game against Lochario (those guys again!) but that is no guarantee that they are going to roll over and show their belly to us. No, quite the opposite. And I must say this goes not only to Kellerman but to the rest of the team as well. Keep your eyes peeled on Krytenia, girls. We know they're a very tricky opponent, so no mistakes can be tolerated against them. And no more stupid own goals please, girls. We've had more than enough of them right now, if I may say so. Just stop. No more own goals. If we can all put the ball in the proper net then everything would be fine. That's all I have to say. XOXO from Graham....

█           DEVONTA 2 - 5 ABANHFLEFT
BUSTAMANTE (51' og)       VITAGLIANO (3')
     HOUCK (88' og)       KELLERMAN (10', 18' pen, 66')
                          KATIGBAK (57')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Devonta: 40%
Abanhfleft: 60%
Shots
Devonta: 10 (4 on target)
Abanhfleft: 21 (11 on target)
Corners
Devonta: 6
Abanhfleft: 15
Fouls
Devonta: 13
Abanhfleft: 23

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale crushed by Springmont

Cartmot, Valanora - Terre Septentrionale got crushed 6-3 by Springmont on matchday 2. Is group C the group of death? We have Springmont who'se relatively unknown, I don't know if they've ever participated in a World Cup, but their U21 team is dominant. Oberour Ar Moro, the team who eliminated us from the U18 Cup in eight finals, is also in our group and maybe their U21 team is as good as their U18 team. Then, Chromatika, who probably don't want us to finish ahead of them again in the group standings, is also in our group. They always put up really good teams no matter what the competiotion is. Equestria and Québec are usually good either but probably not this time. And there's us currently fielding a really good U21 team on paper. Are we in the group of death? Maybe, but maybe not because group H looks really strong too.

So, on matchday 2 the Nordiques played against Springmont and let's skip the first haf cuz that was a frustrating one. Springmont was leading 3-0 at the halftime and Igor Parax scored a hat trick at the 61st minute to bring the score to 4-0. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 66th minute when Grzegorz Hajdukiewicz passed to Krystyna Walczykiewicz who kicks the ball but Art Dempsey touches the ball and it goes wide left and it's a corner kick. Grzegorz Hajdukiewicz kicks the ball in the penalty area, Kévin Cauchon jumps higher than Jesse Sosa and heads the ball into the net. 4-1 Springmont. The Reprezentacja Nordycki attacked again at the 74th minute when Krasnodar Schildenfeld dribbled with the ball and made a cross to Kévin Cauchon who faked to shoot and made a short pass to Grzegorz Hajdukiewicz who turned sharply and shot from close range and he scores. Springmont's lead is reduced to 4-2. Just when Terre Septentrionale thought they have a chance to equalize, Nestor Darkcloud scored from eight yards and Springmont increase their lead to 5-2. Terre Septentrionale attacked again two minutes later when Arkadiusz Krzykowski passed to Dzsenifer Szenteleki-Csoka who dribbled with the ball and she passed to Krasnodar Schildenfeld who passed backwards to Grzegorz Hajdukiewicz who dribbled and shoots. It's a goal and Springmont's lead is reduced to 5-3. They added another goal on a corner just before the end of the game and we lost 6-3. Lets skip the boxscore for this game.

3rd place in group C

Terre Septentrionale is in 3rd place with one point behind Chromatika and Springmont, the two group leaders. They both have a win and a draw with 4 points and we have a win and a loss for 3 points, same for Equestria who we beat on matchday 1. Oberour Ar Moro trails with 2 draws. On matchday 3 we go back to Mar Sara and play against Chromatika while Oberour Ar Moro will probably have their first win of the tournament against Québec and Springmont will probably win either, against Equestria. This game against Chromatika will be determining for both team's faith cuz in a group like this one, you can't afford losing. The Northmen will have their standard starting XI as we have no injuries or suspension.

Karine Gingras,
La tribune Septentrionale

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

After the not-so-stellar start of TJUN-ian youth football against Geektopia, Philip van Oosterend was looking for more from his Young Jags as we took on Vdara. While we have no history with Vdara, there was a sense that this fixture might be entertaining for the off. Both teams went into this match following defeat on MD1, so the need for points was certainly there.

Right from the off, TJUN-ia looked to pounce. It took only 5 minutes for the Young Jags to finally score, as a superb corner by Peter von Krjker was headed in by Max van Oosterend. Young 16-year-old Max, brother of Philip, had scored the first ever goal in TJUN-ian Youth Football. After that, the pressure remained on the Vdaran defence for the rest of the first half and PvO saw his side double their lead just before half time, Manu Kepelewako managing to find the net from just inside the box.

The second half saw much of the same, but with Vdara managing to tight their defence just a little bit. But TJUN-ia persisted and it would be 3-0 before long, as the 76th saw Prince Carter find the back of the net himself. Vdara would get a gaol back before full time, but the damage had already been done.

After that great performance, we are now in 4th. 3 point separated these Jaguars from the Round of 16 with 3 games to play. We finally leave Valanari as we now head to the Raynor Memorial in Hondo to take on Tolopel. This nation, from The North Pacifc, is unfamiliar to many but they must be doing something right as they currently lead this group. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE
MD1: vs Geektopia - Duran Palace, Valanari (51,000) L 0-3
MD2: vs Vdara - Duran Palace, Valanari (51,000) W 3-1 (4th)
MD3: vs Tolopel - Raynor Memorial, Hondo (40,000)
MD4: vs Nagore - Aranfield Bridge, Everlin (52,000)
MD5: vs Darmen - Raynor Memorial, Hondo (40,000)

[Springmont]

An Interview with Arron Vemura, Director, TCTRC Sports Desk Sports Desk [SD]: Today we are lucky to be able to interview the Director, Titus Campolongo Tactics Research Center, Arron Vemura to get a little bit of football info especially the U21 Championship which is taking place in Valanora, where our youth team, Project Lion also participated . Arron Vemura [AV]: Thank you for inviting me. SD: Some say Springmont is not an active country with the sport of football, and doubt, have we ever participated in big tournaments like the World Cup etc., your comment? AV: I admit, we have not participated in any major tournaments lately, but that does not mean we are not a backward country in sports, especially football. Springmont once participated in World Cup 68 which took place Legalese and Free Republics. We also participated in Baptism of Fire 55 in the Northern Sunrise Islands and Paradystopia. The current Project Lion Manager, Dillon Matsumoto, was our main player at the time. Let's not forget, most Project Lion players now are players of our U15 team who participated 7th U15WC in Vettrera, which we qualified for up to ROUND OF 16. At that time Jacob Erick Carson was the team captain and Hons. Secretary of Springmont Football Association, Dr. Owen Partuss is their manager. SD: We were also quite successful at the Under 18 World Championship (SWC 11) at the Commonwealth of Baker Park. AV: Yes, we can qualify for the quarterfinals, and these U18 players will also be absorbed into the next U21 team. We also managed to produce a talented striker at the tournament, Noah Crownfish, with ten of our 19 goals coming from him . SD: Crownfish will reportedly migrate to the outside league next season? AV: Yes, he was bought by Chan City for a transfer fee of $ 3 million. SD: What are your views on Project Lion's performance during this U21 tournament? AV: To me, they have shown excellent performance and achievement, as an under-dog team and with no pressure, they can show off their best action more easily. SD: Thank you for spending time with us AV: Yes, all right MD3: VS. Equestria

[Sharktail]

SHARKTAIL POST EP 22
VALANORA, WE BOUNCE BACK

Second match of DiBradini Cup 48, Sharktail back breathing. After losing the first match against Mavinet, it seem like this team may have the same result as U-18 team. Even Carrol ready to face anything that may happen. However, Sharktail U-21 player did a good job today and go for a win against Taeshan. Before the match started, everyone said and tell how the hell did this little team can beat the team who fill with talented and great young prospect. If you want to say straightforward, 'Sharktail can go home and cry'. But for yoday, the stadium not purple but it blue. Sharktail overcome Taeshan 2-1. It can be said juat a luck, but overall their playstyle deserve to be praised.

The star of the match today will be Sharktail young golden boy, Azaim. 21 year old center midfield who appointed to lead this team have done great today. Even he fail to score any goal. But he have played a big part for both goal for Sharktail. 2 goal for Sharktail U-21 scored by Hidawi and Win Aziz.

Now the end of second match, this team still cannot be relax. That win not give this team anything other than just 3 point and some hope. It not give this team a ticket to qualify. So this team have to stay focussed fir the next game. Will this team be able to swim in the big ocean or will once again be dragged to the land. Carroll, she cannot sit yet. All the player need her lead. They need her command for next match. Go Sharktail, win the next match. We always stand behind you.


WE ARE BLUE WE ALWAYS HUNT,
WE ARE THE BLUE PREDATOR

[Kohnhead]

Moderately Sized Brains disappoint in 4-1 loss



Coming off of a close 2-1 loss to Taeshan, Kohnhead players knew getting points against Poafmersia would be crucial. It didn't turn out at all as we had hoped as we embarrassingly lost 4-1 to The Young Panjias. Despite this Coach Barber has been adamant that changes do not need to be made and that this team can turn it around.

The scoring for our opposition opened just before the 15 minute mark as Nero Wood sent a nice pass in front of the goal to Makana Tuft who scored the first goal of the game. Manter took responsibility for failing to guard Wood well but why Tuft was wide open in the box was unknown and needs to be fixed.

Alexa Dufour would double the lead in the 29th minute and this was a very preventable goal. This goal was caused by Warter failing to clear the ball effectively and it was picked up by Zelda McKenna who sent it over to Dufour to make the score 2-0. This is when panic set in for our moderately sized Brains as they knew quite possibly their fate in the tournament hung in the balance.

Wood would make the score 3-0 just before halftime hitting a header off of a cross from Tuft who was having a very good game really dominating our three person back line. They were making Bertha Sanders work, and just to be clear Sanders played well this game as Poafmersia managed 14 shots on goal, it's just Sanders couldn't keep them all out.

John Smith would ruin their clean sheet with a shot in the 60th minute. He was assisted by Sophie Johnson, and while it was a good play we were down 3-1 so it didn't feel good at all.

Tuft would get her brace in the 80th minute as our defense continued to look dumbfounded and refused to play anything resembling defense. Bertha Sanders was pissed with how they were playing and she didn't mince words after the game. "When the three of them give up when we are down 2-0, 30 minutes in what am I supposed to do? I played my heart out, nothing I can do if my defenders don't play defense." Sanders has not said anything else following this.

P Group G                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Paofmersia                  2   2  0  0   11   4  +7    6
2 Mavinet                     2   2  0  0    7   3  +4    6
3 Sharktail                   2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Taeshan                     2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 Kohnhead                    2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0
6 Lovisa                      2   0  0  2    6  13  −7    0

Looking at the standings we sit in 5th level on points with Lovisa who have also failed to get any points. Next game we take on 3rd placed Sharktail, I really hope we can get the win against them or we may very well be done in the 69th U-21 World Cup. The starting XI will remain the same which is something I really don't agree with. I hope for Barber's sake her trust in her starters pays off. I personally would get Manter out of the lineup but we shall see what happens.

[Krytenia]

Further Education
By Rami Niblick in Longview, Valanora

WITH the Under-18s sadly eliminated in Baker Park, full attention now moves west to Valanora for the Di Bradini Cup. The Wyverns' showing against Vdara may not have been up to the standards the team themselves had set during the competition, but their overall performance will both engender hope for the future and put the pressure onto Paul Davis' charges to emulate their junior partners.

AOCAF 61 is but a scant twelve months away, and there will surely be places in the squad up for grabs as the team attempts to evolve and grow into a contender for senior trophies. It's up to the likes of Joey Sinton, Clark Holz, and Curtis Sunday to stake a claim with a good long run in this competition.

One person who probably doesn't need to do that is captain Neil Smith. He's become a regular in the national team since his debut three years ago; his job here is as teaching assistant, motivating the side to play to their full potential. His influence is already rubbing off on fellow striker Apollo Peters, who's been the standout player for the Young Dragons thus far.

Abanhfleft are the next opponents, and with the group on a knife-edge, every point will be crucial from hereon in. Let's hope for the full helping of three points to further Krytenia's road towards qualification. Onward!

[Valanora]

Would you kindly wait for these scores? Matchday 3 cutoff

Matchday 3

Group A
Abanfleft 0–0 Krytenia
Siovanija and Teusland 2–0 Devonta
Lochario 4–3 Pemcutan

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Siovanija and Teusland      3   2  1  0    8   3  +5    7
2 Lochario                    3   2  1  0   10   8  +2    7
3 Abanfleft                   3   1  1  1    5   3  +2    4
4 Krytenia                    3   1  1  1    6   5  +1    4
5 Pemcutan                    3   1  0  2    4   7  −3    3
6 Devonta                     3   0  0  3    4  11  −7    0

Group B
Jeckland 1–2 Pasarga
Starblaydia 1–0 Staypftonia
Indusse 0–1 Libonesia

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Starblaydia                 3   3  0  0    9   0  +9    9
2 Pasarga                     3   3  0  0    8   3  +5    9
3 Libonesia                   3   1  1  1    2   6  −4    4
4 Staypftonia                 3   1  0  2    5   4  +1    3
5 Jeckland                    3   0  1  2    2   6  −4    1
6 Indusse                     3   0  0  3    0   7  −7    0

Group C
Springmont 4–2 Equestria
Chromatika 3–1 Terre Septentrionale
Quebec 1–2 Oberour Ar Moro

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Chromatika                  3   2  1  0   13   4  +9    7
2 Springmont                  3   2  1  0   13   8  +5    7
3 Oberour Ar Moro             3   1  2  0    8   7  +1    5
4 Terre Septentrionale        3   1  0  2    6   9  −3    3
5 Equestria                   3   1  0  2    5   8  −3    3
6 Quebec                      3   0  0  3    3  12  −9    0

Group D
Geektopia 2–0 Nagore
Vdara 2–5 Darmen
Tolopel 1–1 TJUN-ia

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Darmen                      3   3  0  0    8   3  +5    9
2 Tolopel                     3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7
3 Geektopia                   3   2  0  1    6   2  +4    6
4 TJUN-ia                     3   1  1  1    4   5  −1    4
5 Nagore                      3   0  0  3    2   6  −4    0
6 Vdara                       3   0  0  3    3   9  −6    0

Group E
Kita-Hinode 1–0 Baker Park
Sylestone 0–1 Sajnur
HUElavia 0–3 Sarzonia

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sarzonia                    3   3  0  0    9   4  +5    9
2 Kita-Hinode                 3   2  0  1   10   7  +3    6
3 Baker Park                  3   1  1  1   11   6  +5    4
4 Sajnur                      3   1  1  1    7   9  −2    4
5 Sylestone                   3   0  1  2    0   2  −2    1
6 HUElavia                    3   0  1  2    1  10  −9    1

Group F
The Jovannic 6–4 Eraman
Cassadaigua 1–0 Ethane
Riennic Isles 0–2 Blouman Empire

P Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Jovannic                3   3  0  0   12   5  +7    9
2 Cassadaigua                 3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7
3 Blouman Empire              3   1  1  1    4   6  −2    4
4 Eraman                      3   1  0  2   11  11   0    3
5 Ethane                      3   1  0  2    2   3  −1    3
6 Riennic Isles               3   0  0  3    4  10  −6    0

Group G
Sharktail 1–2 Kohnhead
Lovisa 0–0 Taeshan
Paofmersia 4–2 Mavinet

P Group G                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Paofmersia                  3   3  0  0   15   6  +9    9
2 Mavinet                     3   2  0  1    9   7  +2    6
3 Taeshan                     3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
4 Sharktail                   3   1  0  2    3   4  −1    3
5 Kohnhead                    3   1  0  2    4   7  −3    3
6 Lovisa                      3   0  1  2    6  13  −7    1

Group H
Mriin 0–0 Savojarna
Waisnor 3–0 Megistos
Valladares 1–1 Nephara

P Group H                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Valladares                  3   2  1  0    9   6  +3    7
2 Nephara                     3   2  1  0    5   2  +3    7
3 Mriin                       3   1  1  1    5   6  −1    4
4 Waisnor                     3   1  0  2    7   6  +1    3
5 Megistos                    3   1  0  2    6   9  −3    3
6 Savojarna                   3   0  1  2    3   6  −3    1

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

BP wary of Hinodejins
Scott McRae
The Daily Mail Soccer Writer

The looming midpoint of the DBC Group Stage will see the National Under 21's face off against Kita-Hinode at the White Fortress. Both sides trail Sarzonia in the table, with the Hinodejins falling to the Stars on matchday 1, and Baker Park having them next on the fixture list.

Manager Liam Sullivan knows this will be the pivotal 90 minutes if the black & gold want to progress to the knockout stages.
"They have one of the best player development programs in the multiverse, we know that as we have players that have come through it playing in our leagues and our own Christa Vuckovic spent 2 years there. The FAC has wanted to develop a working relationship to learn about some of their ideas for some time. We haven't needed to oversell the ability and quality of their squad to our players, they know what they're up against."

The 7-1 defeat of HUElavia in the previous round was quickly swept aside as a topic at the training base in Sharala. "If we played them 4 more times, I doubt we'd come out with that scoreline again. They had an off night and we showed a lot of progress from the first match. We need to keep focus on the things we're doing well so far, and continue to iron out the little problems."

Sullivan believes that the increase in participation here and during the Under 18 Championships is a sign that youth development is seen as a way to grow national team continuity in the same way that the FAC have pursued for many years.
"My ego hopes that some countries have seen how we've climbed the ladder on the back of our investment in intensive youth training, since that is part of my remit." (laughter) "The other associations we share info with (Cassadaigua's CASE & Banija's RBSA to name two prominent examples) have different stylistic differences--I'm not sure if that's the right word, we all take a slightly different path towards the same destination--and I know we look closely at ways we can adapt their ideas into our way of doing things. We've always had the opinion that raising the standard for up & coming nations benefits everyone."

Asked if he's been in contact with NT Manager Ichi Tuzzio, Sullivan smiled before answering. "Maestro was on a break back in Farfadillis after the World Cup, but he is always available for advice, suggestions, encouragement. I've not spoken with him, but I believe Hailey (Reinhart-Zavakos, assistant manager) has spoken with him, or least exchanged texts. It's been no secret that he pays close attention to all of the squads, and talks frequently with Trevor."

[Springmont]

Project Lion: Edition N° 3

Group C
Springmont 4–2 Equestria

Springmont Scorer: Scott Jerrod Collier 44' & 76' | Lorenzo Leibfried 52' & 55'
- Scott Jerrod Collier (44): Collier picked up a loose ball before outpacing Equestria defender and sprint against their last man and to score with a low left-footed shot from 17 yards.
- Lorenzo Leibfried (52): Made no mistake with a powerful right-footed finish beyond Equestria goalkeeper from the edge of the area.
- Lorenzo Leibfried (55): Another precision header by Liebfried
- Scott Jerrod Collier (76): James Mejia's magnificent deep pass into the left side of the Equestria box found Collier and home with powerful shot.

Equestria Scorer : Equestria #11 05' | Equestria #7 61'
- Equestria #11 (05): A diving header at the far post from six yards.
- Equestria #7 (61): A glancing near post header from eight yards.

---

---

Three games, two wins, one draw, a very good record for Project Lion even though they did not give any target in this tournament. Placed almost all of the starting line-ups except Lorenzo Leibfried who replaced the rested Igor Parax. Leibfried's entry was also celebrated with his first two goals giving Project Lion a second win. The fourth match against Chromatika is highly anticipated because that is where Project Lion will be fully tested. Manager Dillon Matsumoto when contacted said his boys are ready for the next match, because for him every game is just as important and the performance of the boys should be above 100%.

MD4: VS. Chromatika
Art Dempsey (C)
Roman Park, Jesse Sosa, Lowell Blevins, Leroy Treyham
James Mejia, Nestor Darkclouds, Johnson Jordan Hicks
Prince Reyes, Igor Parax, Lorenzo Leibfried

[Waisnor]

Waisnor 3-0 Megistos

Waisnor's third rival in Di Bradini Cup was Megistos. At first, the game was played in relatively equal conditions - both teams had chances for a goal. However, Vaisnor scored the first - in the 44th minute Ilya Motalygo was able to convert a corner from Renata Marchenko with a header in the center of the goal. At the 73rd minute, the advantage was doubled by the efforts of Evgeny Ivanenko, who went one on one with the goalkeeper of Megistos Becks and sent the ball into the goal. Waisnor fans were still not sure of victory, remembering the outcome of the match with Valladares, where Waisnor took the lead twice with a two-goal lead but ended up losing 4-5. The final victory was secured by the goal of Ivan Konovalov in the 81st minute after the free kick.

The squad for the next match:
Goalkeeper: Maxim Shishlov
Defenders: Nikolay Romanyuk, David Sobol, Mikhail Kozhedub, Maxim Shvagirev
Midfielders: Victor Gusev, Konstantin Rudenok, Renat Marchenko
Forwards: Evgeny Ivanenko, Ivan Konovalov, Ilya Motalygo

Goal scorers:
Evgeny Ivanenko - 3
Pavel Chesnovsky - 1
Anton Namistyuk - 1
Ilya Motalygo - 1
Ivan Konovalov - 1

[HUElavia]

HUElavia National U21 Football Team

Uniforms

+1.5 Style

Squad

Goalkeepers:
#1- Antonio Rossi (20 Years Old)(1.90 m)
#13: Heleneda Tran (19 Years Old) (1.70 m)
#23: Gloria Puig (19 Years Old) (1.77 m)

Defenders:
#2: Jean Fernandez-Roux (21 Years Old) (1.85 m) (CB)
#3: Helena Castro Bitencourt (19 Years Old) (1.75 m) (CB)
#4: Barbara Pirillo (1.65 m) (RB-LB)
#5: Ivan Akinfeev (20 Years Old) (1.83 m) (LB-RB)
#12: Luciana Leite Kanashiro (19 Years Old) (1.67 m) (LB-RB)
#15: Giuseppe D'Aquila (21 Years Old) (1.80 m) (CB)
#18: Manuel Mendieta (20 Years Old) (1.80 m) (CB)
#19: Isabella Fernandes-Gomes (20 Years Old) (1.64 m) (RB-LB)

Midfielders:
#6: Carolina Furtado (20 Years Old) (1.60 m) (DM-CM)
#8: Clara Beaudin (19 Years Old) (1.63 m) (DM-CM-AM)
#10: Xinto Colombres (21 Years Old) (1.82 m) (CM-AM)
#14: Huang Shi (19 Years Old) (1.75 m) (DM-CM)
#16: Chi Belonwu (18 Years Old) (1.66 m) (CM-AM)
#22: Mikel Aragones (19 Years Old) (1.78 m) (DM-CM-AM)

Forwards:
#7: Rosario Villca (20 Years Old) (1.60 m) (LW-RW)
#9: Ayuka Hamada (20 Years Old) (1.57 m) (ST-CF)
#11: Filipe Rocha (19 Years Old) (1.82 m) (RW-LW)
#17: Iago Esparraguera (18 Years Old) (1.77 m) (LW-RW)
#20: Bruno Moutinho-Figo (21 Years Old) (1.88 m) (ST-CF)
#21: Gabriela Tiong Belleza (18 Years Old) (1.54 m) (RW-LW)

Starting XI:
1 Rossi
19 Fernandes, 2 Fernandez, 18 Mendieta, 12 Leite
6 Furtado, 10 Colombres, 8 Beaudin
7 Villca, 9 Hamada, 11 Rocha

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
RP scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y, but nothing too serious
Give red cards to my players: Y, but please send me a TG or message via discord about what it is
Godmod other events: Y

[HUElavia]

HUElavia Start Out Very Difficult in the U21 WC!

HUElavia has had a curse when playing the Di Brandini Cup. In the tournament that has the best number of all, 69, it also applies once more. An opening 0-0 draw against Sylestone has been the only positive compared to the 7-1 obliteration against Baker Park, and the 0-3 loss against Sarzonia has given a sour start to a team that has World Cup experienced players in the likes of Hamada, Villca, and Moutinho. So far, Hamada has scored the lone goal of the tournament for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos.

Still, HUElavia have options to advance and do look to improve to hopefully get a win and give some confidence to this young group of players. They especially want to do well after the U18 Team could not repeat their success and went out of the Group Stage with a 1-2-2 record. Regardless, a sizable amount of fans are coming to the games looking to cheer on the team, especially for the likes of Hamada, Villca and Moutinho. No matter what happens, HUElavians still feel confident on the growth of the National Football Team for the future.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Sarzonia]

During the previous Di Bradini Cup, the Sarzonian Under 21 national team somehow squeezed out of the group stage into the knockout rounds with one victory from three matches. They brought a 1-2-0 record into their knockout round match against Cassadaigua, where they needed penalties to advance past the Fillies. They would remain stuck on two victories after losing in extra time to Schottia.

This time, Nathan Hanifer and the Junior Stars already have three victories from three matches, for one more win than they managed in their five matches last time out. This time, they put both the offence and defence together in a comfortable 3-0 victory over HUElavia that sets the stage for the real drama. Sarzonia's next opponent are Baker Park, a team that the Junior Stars may not be familiar with, but have become a fairly regular opponent in lacrosse. The commonwealth's Under 21s previously beat HUElavia 7-1, a result that has Hanifer publicly talking up his opponents.

"We're aware of that result, absolutely," Hanifer told the assembled media after the Junior Stars had returned to the dressing room following the HUElavia match. "We know they can explode at any time, so we've got to be on top of our form."

The Junior Stars struck first in the 19th minute of play as Suzi Calderon won a ball near the centre circle and decided to charge up the pitch with it herself to draw Los Armarillos defenders to her before slotting the ball to defensive midfielder Marc Kemp, who had been running unmarked because the player assigned to mark him slid over to help out on Calderon. He fired a shot that caught Los Armarillos goalkeeper Antonio Rossi completely flatfooted, and the Junior Stars had the early lead courtesy of a player few considered a threat to do much of anything offensively. The rare goal saw Kemp lift his shirt over his head and run around briefly with the shirt obscuring his eyes until he felt the weight of Hanifer's scowl on him and he slid the shirt back in place.

Sarzonia would add to the lead in the waning moments of first half stoppage time through Thurman West, another player who benefited from extra attention being paid to Calderon. He was left unmarked when Calderon fired a shot despite three Armarillos players converging on her. Rossi did well to parry the shot away, but the ball caromed directly to West, and he did what forwards so often do, making the scoreline 0-2 in favour of the Junior Stars. The score would remain that way until the 74th minute when Calderon finally found the scoresheet herself thanks to reserve striker Nick Raiden drawing a penalty in the box as Los Armarillos began to be desperate to claw back into the match. Defender Jean Fernandez-Roux tried to tackle the ball off Raiden's boot, but got more of Raiden's ankle than he intended, and the referee signaled toward the spot. Calderon didn't miss her opportunity, and the Stars weathered a last ditch offensive onslaught to earn the result.

After the match, Hanifer shook his head but couldn't suppress a grin when he saw the headline on The Woodstock Daily Mail website for the match report about Sarzonia's victory: "Junior Stars leave Los Armarillos singing the blues." He wouldn't comment publicly, except to call it a "punny" headline, but then waited until the Junior Stars returned to their hotel rooms and he did the same before he opened his laptop to read the article. Then, he finally let out the belly laugh he'd been suppressing at the stadium.

[Starblaydia]

U21s Roll Onwards
Starblaydia go three for three in Groups

Three games, three wins, and Ázëwyn Fëanáro's side rolls on through the Group Stage, needing barely a couple of points to ensure they'll go through to the Round of Sixteen. Though the 1-0 victory over Staypuftonia wasn't the barnstormer of the Libonesia game, or even the solid and respectable Indusse match, it still highlights a 100% record for the team and a third clean sheet in a row. Tournament play very rarely lends itself unblemished defensive displays, given the fluid nature of international level matches - especially when youth teams are involved.

Starblaydia's opponents, drawn from within the S-League in the Staypuftonian Professional Leagues, kept Starblaydia at bay for most of the game, limiting them to just six shots, four of which were on target. It represents a fairly close run game, despite Starblaydia enjoying the lion's share of possession, and highlights that there are no easy games in the Di Bradini Cup.

Erik Romaine was the one who broke the deadlock, as Donald Royce whipped in a cross from out on the left, curling it right-footed into the centre of the penalty area. Erik Romaine, sprinting on to it as it dropped into the space between the defenders, perfectly deflected the ball with his head into the far right corner to give Starblaydia the lead and, ultimately, the win. Three more points on the board, in the stage of the competition when points matter.

In two matches time, it'll be only wins that matter, as Starblaydia will attempt to plot a course through the knockouts. Group C will, barring a car crash of a final two group games, bring Starblaydia's first opponents in the do-or-die, win or go home of the next phase of the competition. Chromatika and Springmont, both high scoring teams in high scoring matches, are in the front seats at the moment, and it's only defences like Starblaydia's, along with perhaps Cassadaigua and Nephara, who might have a solid hope of holding them off across 90 minutes.

It'll be a challenge, of course, but Fëanáro is not admitting to looking that far ahead, and nor should she. The entirety of preparation is now focused on Jeckland and claiming the three points from that match, back at the Turmondale Grounds. The Young Wanderers are waiting in the wings, however, and that shadowy - ventablack, even - threat lingers at the Battleground in the final group game. Will that be winner take all, or will Jeckland and Libonesia have something to say about that beforehand?

Final score from Hellgate, Raynor City (49,216):
Starblaydia 1 - 0 Staypuftonia
(Romaine 37) - (None)

Under-21 World Cup 69 / Di Bradini Cup 48
Group B, MD3                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Starblaydia                 3   3  0  0    9   0  +9    9
2 Pasarga                     3   3  0  0    8   3  +5    9
3 Libonesia                   3   1  1  1    2   6  −4    4
4 Staypftonia                 3   1  0  2    5   4  +1    3
5 Jeckland                    3   0  1  2    2   6  −4    1
6 Indusse                     3   0  0  3    0   7  −7    0

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

After a nice performance against Vdara, the Young Jags could finally head out of Valanari and head to the Raynor Memorial in Hondo. Philip van Oosterend has certainly seen both the highs and the lows of this game so far in this tournament, but he faced an interesting challenge today in the form of Tolopel. From The North Pacific, they were leading this group even though we had no information about their team. We would be entering Raynor Memorial blind...

This game was as scrappy as it was difficult. Both sides were challenging the other and both offences were struggling to find anything to use on the other. It would take until the final 10 minutes before the game opened up for both teams. Tolopel managed to find the net in the 81st, just about going under David N'kude. But at the 88th it was tied once again, substitute Kelo Ngwemanagawa scoring just outside the box. The players were looking for another as the final whistle went.

A draw is not the worst result in the world, but it does mean a few things: TJUN-ia must win both their remaining games and hope some results go their way if they want to make it the Round of 16 at their first attempt. It will be make or break in Everlin when we take on Nagore. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE
MD1: vs Geektopia - Duran Palace, Valanari (51,000) L 0-3
MD2: vs Vdara - Duran Palace, Valanari (51,000) W 3-1 (4th)
MD3: vs Tolopel - Raynor Memorial, Hondo (40,000) D 1-1 (4th)
MD4: vs Nagore - Aranfield Bridge, Everlin (52,000)
MD5: vs Darmen - Raynor Memorial, Hondo (40,000)