Handball World Cup 26 Everything Thread

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                     Eud Mirabilis       22–26       Græntfjall
                                  Jessman, Netli 5      (14–18)      Goðmundur 5
                                          3× 3×                   3× 3×


An excellent game from Græntfjall's Goðmundur Jürgennsson, who led in both goals (5) and assists (4), saw the Bouncy Wolves safely past Eud Mirabilis and gives the team a strong chance of progressing to the second round of the Handball World Cup. Playing in Eud Mirabilis, the Bouncy Wolves led by at least 3 through much of the first half of a match in which they enjoyed a strong height advantage over their opponents, but were forced to weather a late rally as the nimble Gal Jesmann exploited some poor defense by Emmanuel Achola, who looked slow footed and will miss the remainder of the group stage injured.

[Bollonich]

cutoff

---

Group 1
Kannap 28–24 Whitecroft
HUElavia 25–34 Gatchingerrak Union

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gatchingerrak Union     6    5   0   1   172  153  +19    10
2 HUElavia                7    5   0   2   187  175  +12    10
3 Sylestone               6    4   0   2   168  140  +28     8
4 Kannap                  6    1   1   4   150  165  −15     3
5 Whitecroft              7    0   1   6   169  213  −44     1

Group 2
Delaclava 30–24 Octapolis
Abanhfleft 28–24 Bollonich

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Abanhfleft              7    5   0   2   194  169  +25    10
2 Bollonich               6    4   1   1   160  150  +10     9
3 Srednjaci               6    3   1   2   171  163   +8     7
4 Delaclava               6    2   1   3   153  167  −14     5
5 Octapolis               7    0   1   6   176  205  −29     1

Group 3
Lisander 23–28 Darkmania
Quebec and Shingoryeo 24–26 Sarzonia

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Sarzonia                 6    4   1   1   170  131  +39     9
2 Lisander                 6    4   1   1   167  149  +18     9
3 Quebec and Shingoryeo    7    3   2   2   178  179   −1     8
4 Darkmania                7    2   1   4   164  199  −35     5
5 Strayaroos               6    0   1   5   154  175  −21     1

Group 4
Graintfjall 28–23 Juvencus
Kriegiersien 24–29 Godchouzetsu

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Græntfjall              6    5   0   1   171  143  +28    10
2 Kriegiersien            7    4   0   3   182  168  +14     8
3 Godchouzetsu            6    3   0   3   159  162   −3     6
4 Juvencus                7    3   0   4   171  183  −12     6
5 Eud Mirabilis           6    1   0   5   140  167  −27     2

[Kriegiersien]

The set of a film studio. Jaya Gail, dressed in the Kriegiersien jersey, is holding a can and a handball, standing in front of a green screen.

“Hi. My name is Jaya Gail and I am a professional Handball player. I won Gold at the Olympics and thanks to Iso Power you can make that too…”

“CUT!”
The director comes over to the player.
“Sorry, Mrs. Gail, you need to smile a bit more, to give a positive attitude. Ok, next try, action!”

“Hi. My name is Jaya Gail and I am a professional Handball player. I won Gold at the Olympics and thanks to Iso Power you can make that.."

“CUT!”
“A bit more smiling and maybe you could show the can closer into the camera and the ball in the background. Yes, that is good. Next try. Action!”

“Hi. My name is Jaya Gail and I am a professional Handball player. I won at the Olympics and thanks to…”

“CUT!”
“You forgot to say that you won Gold. That is important. And if you could speak with a bit more proudness and determination. Again.”

“…...”
“Hi. My name is Jaya Gail and I am a proofessional Handball playa. I won Goooold at the ..”

“CUT!”
“I am sorry, you hamfisted it a bit too much, please stay with the script. Action!”

Gail sighs.
“Hi. We lost to Godchouzetsu. Godfucking Godchouzetsu. Do you really want to drink this shit after we lost two times against them? Better go training a bit more, I am doing that now, maybe that helps.”

Gail throws can and ball away and leaves the scene.



“Ok, we are using the first take.”

[Sylestone]

The Sylestonean > Sport > Handball > HWC 26

THE RUN HOME: THREE TEAMS IN CONTENTION FOR TWO SPOTS AT POINTY END OF FIRST GROUP STAGE

Well, here we are. All teams in Group A, save the second-placed HUElavia and bottom-dwellers Whitecroft, only have two games to play. Thanks to a couple of surprising results, no team has officially qualified yet and none will on their own accord until the final round is played. The Group A table stands as follows.

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gatchingerrak Union     6    5   0   1   172  153  +19    10
2 HUElavia                7    5   0   2   187  175  +12    10
3 Sylestone               6    4   0   2   168  140  +28     8
4 Kannap                  6    1   1   4   150  165  −15     3
5 Whitecroft              7    0   1   6   169  213  −44     1

Considering only the top two qualify to participate in the second group stage, it’s pretty clear that each of Gatchingerrak Union, HUElavia and our beloved Hawthorns have everything to play for in their final matches, while Kannap and Whitecroft are, perhaps unsurprisingly, already well and truly out of contention for a top two finish. Now, we will analyse the remaining matches each of the top three has and finally, provide a final table of what we predict will occur.

---

#1: Gatchingerrak Union (5-0-1, +19 GD)

The Run Home:
MD9 vs Kannap
MD10 @ Sylestone

Ever since their 32-24 loss to HUElavia on matchday three, the Seven Stars have been simply brilliant. Possessing a four-game win streak, the multiverse’s twelfth-ranked team will be looking to continue that in Palmyra against Kannap, before travelling to Sylestone for what is shaping up to be a highly-anticipated return leg. In Gatchingerrak Union’s first, home match against the Hawthorns, a last-minute goal to pivot Vadim Tavrizyan saw the hosts emerge victorious in arguably their best-ever performance. Their victory there has boosted confidence within the team substantially, recently exhibited through a 34-23 thrashing of Whitecroft and even more importantly, a 34-25 triumph over HUElavia to move atop the Group A table. Kannap are the next opponents of this strong Gatchingerrak outfit, who, despite winning their last match against Whitecroft, are unlikely to possess the firepower to defeat a side in such form. A win there will all but send the Seven Stars through to the second group stage on goal difference, although if Sylestone are able to dispose of Whitecroft, they will still be in danger of elimination due to the Hawthorns’ superior goal difference. It sets up a crucial matchday ten game at Avondale’s boringly-named Avondale Arena, although the result of that match may not be as crucial as it is for the hosts.

#2: HUElavia (5-0-2, +12 GD)

The Run Home:
MD10 @ Kannap

While Gatchingerrak Union has been on the way up, HUElavia has been trending in exactly the opposite direction. After kicking off their campaign with four wins on the trot, including strong ones over Sylestone and Gatchingerrak Union, what has occurred since has been nothing short of disastrous. Hosting a struggling Hawthorn outfit on matchday six, HUElavia were comprehensively beaten by eleven goals, the hosts barely standing a chance against their awoken nemesis. Following that was an unconvincing 24-21 victory in Whitecroft before their latest shellacking, by nine goals at the hands of the Gatchingerrak Union at home. Thankfully for the HUElavians and their avid supporters, they have a bye on matchday nine, giving them time to regroup and form a team that can travel to Kannap and come back with two more points. However, considering HUElavia’s recent form, defeating the Kannapians is likely to be a difficult task, the fourth-placed side in the group beating Whitecroft by one more goal that HUElavia did in the preceding week. A loss there is likely to send the HUElavians, who were at one point looking so good, packing without even reaching Bollonich.

#3: Sylestone (4-0-2, +28 GD)

The Run Home:
MD9 @ Whitecroft
MD10 vs Gatchingerrak Union

Coming into the tournament as a favourite to take out the title, the first half of the group stage was nothing short of calamitous for the Hawthorns. They kicked things off with a shock loss to HUElavia in Chamberley and despite comfortably beating whipping boys Kannap and Whitecroft, succumbed to the pressure once again in Palmyra against the Seven Stars, blowing a three-goal lead with only minutes to play. With two wins and two losses from the first round, the Hawthorns were going to have to rely on either obtaining a superb goal difference or other results to go their way, as well as winning all of their next four games. Thankfully, though, as of now, Sylestone have responded, and powerfully. Away against HUElavia on matchday six, they were able to compile one of their best-ever performances on the court, winning 30-19, before defeating Kannap in Betham while experimenting with some different formations and styles of play. However, the Hawthorns still find themselves in third place and while two wins should see them through to the final eight on goal difference, nothing is absolutely certain yet. An away game against Whitecroft should theoretically result in a victory and while being lax is only a recipe for disaster, expending too much effort on that match will not help. Instead, it is Sylestone’s matchday ten game against Gatchingerrak Union in Avondale that will be the crunch match, particularly if HUElavia do beat Kannap. A win there and the Hawthorns finish top two, but a loss will almost certainly send them packing in one of the biggest upsets in recent handball history.

---

Our Predictions

Matchday Nine:
Gatchingerrak Union 33-24 Kannap
Whitecroft 20-31 Sylestone

Matchday Ten:
Sylestone 24-24 Gatchingerrak Union
Kannap 30-27 HUElavia

Final Table:

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gatchingerrak Union     8    6   1   1   229  201  +28    13
2 Sylestone               8    5   1   2   223  184  +39    11
3 HUElavia                8    5   0   3   214  205  +9     10
4 Kannap                  8    2   1   5   204  225  −21     5
5 Whitecroft              8    0   1   7   189  244  −55     1

---

Starting Lineup vs Whitecroft @ Somewhere, Whitecroft

Rowan; Strange - Hussey (c) - Younger; Radcliffe - McKean - Barnsley

Schedule:

Matchday One: Sylestone 23-27 HUElavia @ Institute Arena, Chamberley, Sylestone
Matchday Two: Kannap 23-30 Sylestone @ Somewhere, Kannap
Matchday Four: Sylestone 35-24 Whitecroft @ Sentient Dome, Kirkham, Sylestone
Matchday Five: Gatchingerrak Union 23-22 Sylestone @ Grand Sports Palace, Palmyra, Gatchingerrak Union
Matchday Six: HUElavia 19-30 Sylestone @ Somewhere, HUElavia
Matchday Seven: Sylestone 28-24 Kannap @ Seaside Arena, Betham, Sylestone
Matchday Nine: Whitecroft - Sylestone @ Somewhere, Whitecroft
Matchday Ten: Sylestone - Gatchingerrak Union @ Avondale Arena, Avondale

[Godchouzetsu]

“We know now what is coming for us and are prepared. We have to win this. I personally bet thousands of shiny things on our team….Aw, crap, I mean, not at a betting portal of course, we are … just virtually a thousand times better than Godchouzetsu. Yes. That’s what I meant.”

Kriegiersien, interview with Eric Rosél after the match

"These were the words of coach Flavia Flöt, what do you think after another impressive victory against Kriegiersien"

"Well... it saddens me a little to think how she feels now, she must be wallowing alive. After the game we just greeted each other but we didn't say a word to each other. This type of comment is not correct before a game, we come to give the best we can offer and seek victory. Not because it is our first time means that we will give away 2 points to our rivals."

"About the team. Are you satisfied with the great job they did today and so far in the tournament?"

"Satisfied is not enough because at the beginning we did not expect these results. Since the tournament began, the players felt an extra motivation and their work is giving"

"His next match is against Graintfjall who outclassed Godchouzetsu in the first game. Do you think this time GCZ can win?"

"Well at this point anything could happen. But we will give everything to win and celebrate with the people of Godchouzetsu. In addition, it will be a decisive match for the classification and that makes the next game even more important."

"We're out of time Eric, thank you very much for the interview"

"Thanks to you and Hala GCZ"

Goalscorers:Teringham (10) Wolow (7) Ostaf (6) Koris (2) Frausto (2) Calderón (1) Bogard (1)

[Lisander]

Your to-go TV Blog!

NOT THE BEST DAY FOR LISANDERIAN SPORTS FANS TO WATCH TV

Yesterday was not a very good day for watching sports. When RTL finally decided to give space to handball on RTL2 (channel 2), the national team lost the match against Darkmania at home! The match this afternoon had a good audience, even from people who don't know the sport very well. But the adverse result was not a good one to captivate potential fans. If it happens again in the next home game, a defeat on the court could mean the end of handball broadcasts on free-to-air TV for some time.

A little later in the evening, the women's football team hosted the Qasden national team in a friendly in preparation for the Jenna Raven Cup, on the same RTL2. Looking for a return to winning ways after the last JRC, the team led by Ludwika Hiltmann could only manage a 1-1 draw against the WoVans. It was an underwhelming result, especially since women's football has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. Thanks to the time zone, those who switched to channel 6SPORT (channel 6) right after the women's match saw a rather indigestible result. Newly promoted Premiership side Beaumont Athletic suffered a real thrashing at the hands of Yeaddin Owls of Vilita. 0-5 at home and the northern side saw their chances in the 'B League Champions Trophy' go down the drain.

At the end of the night, those who were still in the mood for sports could watch, on YesTV International (channel 23), the first baseball game of the best-of-5 final series of the Atlantic Cup, between the Leones of San Beltrán (Montesina) and the Mariners of Lemieux (Saint Ianina), the latter where Lisanderian pitcher Tiago Loures plays. If anyone was hoping to see Loures in action, they were just waiting. This time, the former University of Soria pitcher did not even travel to Montesina.

Whether with ball in hand, in feet or at bat, it was not a good day for Lisander. Let's hope it's better today.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

From here.

To: José Carizzo, Minister For Foreign Affairs, Greater Sargossan Republic
From: Isidore Platt-Houseflower, Chair of the Royal Commission of Quebec and Shingoryeo to Pasarga
CC: Prime Minister's Office (Exec), Foreign Office (Exec)
Re: A Possible Summit

Dear Minister Carizzo,

Thank you for your prompt response in regards to the ongoing situation. I have discussed the matter of concern in Pasarga, and the Sargossan stance with what is going on Torgos, and feel positive in that Sargossan stance remains firm to our original predictions. Commitment to a firm stance is always crucial, after all.

Of course, I would advise both sides of the fence, whether yours or mine, to remain alert to potential threats down the line. While the situation in Pasarga may appear to have calmed down for the time being, the situation elsewhere in Cassadaigua suggests something else, as a claimant and her daughter continues to propagate calls of legitimacy and even fratricide against an incumbent and righteous.

The timing of everything suggests that a blue-coloured hydra with yellow eyes, whether near or far, may not be ready to sleep for the time being. While there is no doubt that some questionable play on the murkier waters may have occurred elsewhere in Rushmore, there is distinct possibility that much of it may have come from Bastion under the disguise of 'special operations'. And if they would target a relatively quiet country that has, even with their unusual form of governance, stayed quiet on international affairs, what is there to say that a country would target yours in the name of democracy? While I am not suggesting that threats may be coming towards the Greater Republic the next, it is always a good concern to have in this day and age of nonsensical massacres and fratricidal civil wars.

With this in mind, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary would like to schedule a state visit to the Greater Republic Sargossa on the earliest time possible, to discuss further diplomatic arrangements the two nations, who are located on the polar ends of their respective region, can arrange to share the same values of stability. Sooner the better, though I would understand if time flies slowly over there. As we have likely come to a silent nod or two upon reading of our letters, there will be no military arrangement for the time being. But there is always a lot of work to do on a summit where relationships can be strengthened, and networks to be built.

Yours Sincerely,
Isidore Platt-Housefather,
Duke of Kingston
Chair of the Royal Commission of Quebec and Shingoryeo to Pasarga

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                     Græntfjall       28–23       Juvencus
                                         Jack 8      (13–9)       LB 5
                                       4× 4×                   3× 6×


A strong game from Jack Jockisson amidst a quiet tournament to date for the left back saw the Bouncy Wolves avenge their first round defeat over Juvencus and move within sight of guaranteeing qualification. Jockisson, the Bouncy Wolves' leading scorer at HWC25, has largely played a supporting role here to Goðmundur Jürgennsson and Noah Josefsson, but sparked an impressive first half run with a steal and fast-break goal that saw the Bouncy Wolves score 6 without answer. Samuele Henriksson, with a 41% save rate, had an excellent game to prevent any second half comeback from the visitors. A win in their trip to Godchouzetsu would guarantee a first seeding for the Bouncy Wolves.

[Bollonich]

Bollonischian Roster for the 26th Handball World Cup

Handball in Bollonich
Handball has a rich history and heritage and an intricate relationship with Bollonischian culture at large. Despite our national teams not having a large history of partaking in international competitions, handball has been more than an important sport for the people for centuries. Known to be coastal people coconuts have always been found in the abundance. An ancient form of the game was played in Bollonich using these coconuts known as ibhola yengalo, in the native language translating to arm ball. The rules and methods of playing the sport has evolved throughout the ages however the place it holds in the hearts of thousands of Bollonischians hasn’t changed.
The stature Handball held in the pyramid of sports was a fairly low one with players usually being amateurs or semi-professionals however with the setting up of the Bollonischian Handball Federation and the BHL this has completely changed how handball was played. Youth players get chances and huge contracts at franchises and their youth teams with players also heading off to foreign leagues. This saw even more rapid change with us hosting the 23rd Handball World Cup. The 23rd Handball World Cup was not just a tournament hosted by us, it was also the tournament where our players debuted in the biggest handball competition. The Handball World Cup had been our introduction to the international foray of handball and we had done splendidly making a fabulous run to the quarterfinals of the competition before losing out to eventual champions Sarzonia.
This however was not our beautiful well known story of glory, or the moment when our players rose from the ground to the pedestal of among the best teams in the world. This moment came for our nation in the 15th Olympics held in Electrum. The Women’s team had been plowing on like the men but they suffered a narrow but no less harrowing defeat to Tikariot’s women in the quarterfinals. This was a painful reminder to our HWC quarterfinal exit back at home. The men however had made their way to the semifinals and didn’t look back for even a moment in the entirety of the tournament crushing all opposition and taking the gold medal from Bunjil following a great showing of strength as they won all of the matches they played in the tournament. Arriving to play in the 24th Handball World Cup, the team arrived with ta weight on their shoulders. A weight to deliver as they carry the expectations of thousands of fans. The team didn’t fail to deliver on these expectations however as they put in their best in all the matches and despite suffering the sole loss in the first group stage we had made it through as the group winners. Given the slightly unorthodox format in the opinion of the Federation, this meant the Bollonischian side would now also partake in a second group stage for the eight quarterfinal berths. The team in this stage too showed no refrain as they won all their games except the one against Lisander which was a hard defeat for the side. The team however was now where they needed to be, from this point on any previous results didn’t matter as we only needed to win three more games to get the much desired and deserved Handball World Cup trophy. Facing off against Græntfjall, this was a game between two Rushmori heavyweights in handball looking to make it through. The Bollonischians however managed to completely bamboozle the Græntfjaller side snatching a massive victory and moving onto face another Rushmori side, Gatchingerrak Union in the semifinals another game which we comfortably won. The stage had been set, for a massive showdown between two Handball giants, Sylestone and ourselves. This was going to be an extremely difficult challenge for the team, but we were not lacking in confidence whatsoever and in similar fashion to our Olympic gold medal we won our second piece of silverware in the world of handball winning the highest accolade possible making us the champions of the world. Days of celebration later things died down but they never got back to normal and as we came into the Græntfjaller Commonwealth to retain our crown. That however was not a easy task for the side, which came into the tournament with minimal changes. This side once again displaying their superior quality snatched the title in yet another final putting us right up there with some of the great Handball nations. The 25th World Cup was the last world cup of legendary player, Reggie Mutton as he retired following the victory having given up captaincy of the side to Heath Adair following the victory in the 24th World Cup. To celebrate a potentially momentous third victory, the Federation pulled out everything from the bag to bring the World Cup which they succeeded in doing giving this one much more importance. The team will be desperate to secure a victory to meet expectations of home fans and also to put us right up there with the most HWCs won alongside nations such as Savojarna. The team once again saw minimal changes to maintain the chemistry of the side.

Style of Play
Similarly to most of Bollonich’s other teams sports, the handball side focuses on its passing game looking to get out of situations with quick speed or finesse instead of going hands on physical. The players however are not afraid to have physical encounters if they are provoked. The right and left backs are a crucial piece in the team’s entire play often orchestrating some of the best chances as the centre back is always the solid player, the player to protect and rescue us from terrifying situations.
The pole or centre is player is almost always that one man who is infant of the goal and the main threat to put goals in opposition nets. The wings are mainly there to assist the centre player in doping his or her job.
The handball side prefers quick, attacking and beautiful play to the often useful but dull defensive techniques utilised by many sides.

Coaching Staff

Name               Age   Position
Trix Joseph        49    Head Coach
Annabel Rider      42    Assistant Coach
Floretta Beaumont  41    Physio

Roster

Name                 Age    Pos.
Maynard Bridges      27     GK
Laci Harper          25     GK
Lizzy Rhodes         32     GK

Jeanna Waldroup      33     LB
Ingvar Scott         31     LB
Arthur Cowley        21     LB

Neil Newell          27     CB
Lovell Ayers         27     CB
Lewis Adkins         23     CB

Brianna Tailor       28     RB
Fern Tailor          37     RB
Wilbur Sandford      24     RB

Marietta Johns       30     LW
Tom Thorly           34     LW
Marje Jewel          33     LW

Heath Adair          39     P
Smith Hampson        25     P
Lizbeth Townsend     22     P

Colin Akermen        26     RW
Johnny Harell        38     RW
Andrea Jeanes        25     RW

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my scorers Y
RP injuries to my players Y but with permission
RP yellow cards / 2-minute suspensions / red cards to my players (bold all that apply)
Godmode scoring / injury / other events (bold all that apply)
Anything not bolded you can do but just let me know what it is you plan on doing first

[Bollonich]

First loss, in a strong campaign

The expectations of the Bollonischian Handball side were extremely high heading into the first group stage of the tournament following their domination in the past two editions. Whether the side would fall prey to their very own standards we would only get to know following the onset of the competition. Reggie Mutton’s retirement from the side would have been a major blow despite the expectable nature of the event as his leadership was crucial to all major handball titles for Bollonich. The team under Heath Adair’s leadership had achieved a fair bit however they were still going to feel the absence of a leader such as Mutton.

The start to the group stage was similar to the last two editions of the HWC, as we blasted through some of our early opponents recording simple wins putting us in a comfortable position for qualification to the second group stage unlike some of our colleagues who struggled quite a bit such as rivals Sylestone and Quebec and Shingoryeo. This start to the competition in a positive step was important to provide us with some wiggle room later in the tournament to facilitate a rather easy qualification run for us without having to worry much. This came in handy on the eighth matchday itself as the side suffered a surprising defeat to Abanhfleft an opposition we had faced last time the Handball World Cup came to Bollonich in the 23rd edition of the tournament. Abanhfleft who had had their share of troubles thus far managed to record a crucial victory against us giving them the edge over Srednjaci for their qualification spot with two matchdays to go.

Our position in the group however is one of relative comfort with Srednjaci requiring a miraculous two games to jump us on the table and us requiring to play out two disastrous encounters. It shall not be surprise if the coaching staff opts to change things around for the last two matchdays trying new combinations with the Olympics on the horizon which represents another goal the side will be looking to achieve including defending our gold in Men's Handball.

[Bollonich]

cutoff

---

Group 1
Gatchingerrak Union 29–24 Kannap
Whitecroft 20–29 Sylestone

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gatchingerrak Union     7    6   0   1   201  177  +24    12
2 Sylestone               7    5   0   2   197  160  +37    10
3 HUElavia                7    5   0   2   187  175  +12    10
4 Kannap                  7    1   1   5   174  194  −20     3
5 Whitecroft              8    0   1   7   189  242  −53     1

Group 2
Bollonich 29–23 Delaclava
Octapolis 24–29 Srednjaci

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Bollonich               7    5   1   1   189  173  +16    11
2 Abanhfleft              7    5   0   2   194  169  +25    10
3 Srednjaci               7    4   1   2   200  187  +13     9
4 Delaclava               7    2   1   4   176  196  −20     5
5 Octapolis               8    0   1   7   200  234  −34     1

Group 3
Sarzonia 23–30 Lisander
Darkmania 30–30 Strayaroos

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Lisander                 7    5   1   1   197  172  +25    11
2 Sarzonia                 7    4   1   2   193  161  +32     9
3 Quebec and Shingoryeo    7    3   2   2   178  179   −1     8
4 Darkmania                8    2   2   4   194  229  −35     6
5 Strayaroos               7    0   2   5   184  205  −21     2

Group 4
Godchouzetsu 21–29 Græntfjall
Juvencus 24–24 Eud Mirabilis

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Græntfjall              7    6   0   1   200  164  +36    12
2 Kriegiersien            7    4   0   3   182  168  +14     8
3 Juvencus                8    3   1   4   195  207  −12     7
4 Godchouzetsu            7    3   0   4   180  191  −11     6
5 Eud Mirabilis           7    1   1   5   164  191  −27     3

[Kriegiersien]

Handball World Cup 26

Group 4
Godchouzetsu 21–29 Græntfjall
Juvencus 24–24 Eud Mirabilis

Thanks to the help from Græntfjall, Kriegiersien has it now in their own hands to get to the play-offs. A draw against Græntfjall would be enough, or if Eud Mirabilis would steal points from Godchouzetsu. But in case of a loss and a win from Godchouzetsu in the last matchday, the two losses against Godchouzetsu in direct encounters would mean the end of the dream for a World Cup medal.


But while this highly anticipated last matchday is coming, trouble reaches the team.
Coach Flavia Flöt has been accused of match fixing the game against Godchouzetsu, apparently having bet money against her own team.
“That would explain why she played without goalkeeper so often. Even if we were in defense”, said one of the players, who wanted to stay anonymous.

Moreover one of the main sponsors of the team, Iso Power, said that they wouldn’t renew the contract with the team for the moment, because of the alarming news around the coach and other discrepancies with players, to not harm the reputation of their clean and fair product.

[Sylestone]

The Sylestonean > Sport > Handball > HWC 26

SYLESTONE VS GATCHINGERRAK: PREVIEW

AVONDALE, SYLESTONE - It really should not have come down to this, but it has. Earlier losses to HUElavia in Chamberley and Gatchingerrak Union in Palmyra left Sylestone’s campaign hanging by a thread, with two wins and two losses at the halfway point of the first group stage. But ever since, the Hawthorns have rallied, beginning with a clinical, 30-19 victory over the unbeaten HUElavians before disposing of Kannap (28-24) and Whitecroft (29-20) just as powerfully, both times not even playing a full-strength lineup. However, around them, Gatchingerrak Union have won all of their matches, extending their win streak to five matches, but on the other hand, HUElavia have been trending downwards just as exponentially as they began the campaign in the ascendancy.

However, despite their disastrous start, the Hawthorns’ fate rests in their own hands. All they need to do is beat Gatchingerrak Union’s Seven Stars in front of a capacity Avondale crowd and their position in the top two is confirmed, as is progression to the final eight. But defeating Gatchingerrak Union… that is not going to be easy. In the first leg between the two nations, the Hawthorns held the lead for most of the match before the Seven Stars stole it off them in the final seconds. This time, though, Sylestone are playing far better - as a team as well as individually - but so are the Seven Stars. Particularly in their last three games, they have emerged as arguably the form team of the tournament, and stopping them is going to take something.

For the Unionians, pivot Vadim Tavrizyan is going to take some stopping and Lucas Bochsa or Samantha Hussey is going to have a fun time defending him. As has been proven throughout the Seven Stars’ campaign, too, getting the ball past Galina Nachtaller takes some doing, too and without her, Gatchingerrak Union would not be in the position they currently are. Meanwhile, right-back Lole Strezlecki has been playing some of her best handball over the past couple of games, as has 31-year-old pivot Amber James. Oscar Dumaresq in goals has also done his job more often than not, proving himself to be a capable ascendant of Bianca Gotch. If those three can perform the way they have throughout the tournament and the rest of the team can continue their form from previous matches, a Sylestonean triumph may certainly be on the cards.

For both the Seven Stars and the Hawthorns, a win will see them through to the second group stage, held in Bollonich itself, but whoever loses relies on the result of the match between HUElavia and Kannap. If HUElavia win and Sylestone loses, then Gatchingerrak Union and HUElavia will finish as top two, in that order. If HUElavia loses, they’re out no matter what, but if both Sylestone and HUElavia lose, then second place will depend on goal difference, a tiebreaker that the Seven Stars have a twelve-goal lead in. And if there’s a tie… yeah nah I can’t be bothered to explain that.

Can the Hawthorns make it, or will they fall at the final hurdle?

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Starting Lineup vs Gatchingerrak Union @ Avondale Arena, Avondale, Sylestone

Dumaresq; Pitt - Bochsa - Strezlecki; Radcliffe - James - Fosbrook (c)

Schedule:

Matchday One: Sylestone 23-27 HUElavia @ Institute Arena, Chamberley, Sylestone
Matchday Two: Kannap 23-30 Sylestone @ Somewhere, Kannap
Matchday Four: Sylestone 35-24 Whitecroft @ Sentient Dome, Kirkham, Sylestone
Matchday Five: Gatchingerrak Union 23-22 Sylestone @ Grand Sports Palace, Palmyra, Gatchingerrak Union
Matchday Six: HUElavia 19-30 Sylestone @ Somewhere, HUElavia
Matchday Seven: Sylestone 28-24 Kannap @ Seaside Arena, Betham, Sylestone
Matchday Nine: Whitecroft 20-29 Sylestone @ Somewhere, Whitecroft
Matchday Ten: Sylestone - Gatchingerrak Union @ Avondale Arena, Avondale

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                   Godchouzetsu       21–29       Græntfjall
                                 Koris, Ostaf 4      (11–13)      Vékell 7
                                       4× 4×                   4× 5×


7 goals from Vékell Jósepsson and 5 from Goðmundur Jürgennsson sewed up qualification for the Bouncy Wolves on their trip to Godchouzetsu, with a guarantee of winning Group 4. A spirited first half was kept close by solid goalkeeping from Tules Vrock, but in the second half Vékell and Goðmundur ran away with it to open up an 8 goal lead. The Bouncy Wolves' final group game will have no impact on seeding so Marís Nikolaisson may opt for some rest and rotation among his starters. He can reflect on a group stage that has seen a much improved discipline and few injury worries, both factors that have held back previous Bouncy Wolves' campaigns, and look forward to entering the second round as leading contenders.

[Bollonich]

cutoff

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Group 1
Sylestone 28–16 Gatchingerrak Union
Kannap 27–27 HUElavia

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Sylestone               8    6   0   2   225  176  +49    12*
2 Gatchingerrak Union     8    6   0   2   217  205  +12    12*
3 HUElavia                8    5   1   2   214  202  +12    11
4 Kannap                  8    1   2   5   201  221  −20     4
5 Whitecroft              8    0   1   7   189  242  −53     1
* Sylestone ahead of Gatchingerrak Union on H2H GD

Group 2
Srednjaci 27–36 Bollonich
Delaclava 29–25 Abanhfleft

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Bollonich               8    6   1   1   225  200  +25    13
2 Abanhfleft              8    5   0   3   219  198  +21    10
3 Srednjaci               8    4   1   3   227  223   +4     9
4 Delaclava               8    3   1   4   205  221  −16     7
5 Octapolis               8    0   1   7   200  234  −34     1

Group 3
Strayaroos 24–27 Sarzonia
Lisander 24–27 Quebec and Shingoryeo

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Lisander                 8    5   1   2   221  199  +22    11*
2 Sarzonia                 8    5   1   2   220  185  +35    11*
3 Quebec and Shingoryeo    8    4   2   2   205  203   +2    10
4 Darkmania                8    2   2   4   194  229  −35     6
5 Strayaroos               8    0   2   6   208  232  −24     2
* Lisander is ahead of Sarzonia on H2H record

Group 4
Eud Mirabilis 26–24 Godchouzetsu
Græntfjall 32–24 Kriegiersien

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Græntfjall              8    7   0   1   232  188  +44    14
2 Kriegiersien            8    4   0   4   206  200   +6     8
3 Juvencus                8    3   1   4   195  207  −12     7
4 Godchouzetsu            8    3   0   5   204  217  −13     6
5 Eud Mirabilis           8    2   1   5   190  215  −25     5

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First scorination window for the second group stage will be the 28th, groups and other details will be posted tomorrow.

[Bollonich]

2nd Group Stage

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
Græntfjall                8    7   0   1   232  188  +44    14
Bollonich                 8    6   1   1   225  200  +25    13
Sylestone                 8    6   0   2   225  176  +49    12
Gatchingerrak Union       8    6   0   2   217  205  +12    12
Sarzonia                  8    5   1   2   220  185  +35    11
Lisander                  8    5   1   2   221  199  +22    11
Abanhfleft                8    5   0   3   219  198  +21    10
Kriegiersien              8    4   0   4   206  200   +6     8

Pot 1
Græntfjall (1)
Bollonich (2)

Pot 2
Sylestone (3)
Gatchingerrak Union (4)

Pot 3
Sarzonia (5)
Lisander (6)

Pot 4
Abnhfleft (7)
Kriegiersien (8)

Group 1
Græntfjall (1)
Gatchingerrak Union (4)
Sarzonia (5)
Kriegiersien (8)

Group 2
Bollonich (2)
Sylestone (3)
Lisander (6)
Abanhfleft (7)

Updated Schedule and Groups are in the OP

[Kriegiersien]

Eud Mirabilis 26–24 Godchouzetsu
Græntfjall 32–24 Kriegiersien


After the disastrous 24-32 loss against Græntfjall the team was devastated and shocked. For a moment silence reigned supreme on the court, before the next shocking news brought screams of relief and joy. Eud Mirabilis had beaten Dodchouzetsu and the team was in the next round.


“We owe Eud Mirablis now, I don’t know…a lot of mirabelle plum brandy?”, said the Coach.


But even so the future doesn’t look good. Coach Flavia Flöt is under observation because of betting fraud, she still denies happening, the team is in mayhem, the match plan not working.

Somehow the Kriegiersien team reached the next group stage with 4 losses. After being humiliated by Godchouzetsu two times. A nearly impossible accomplishment but nothing to be proud of.

In the next group stage the Gatchingerrak Union, Sarzonia and again Græntfjall await.
That the team could be able to beat them to reach the semi final is in the moment form implausible.

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                   Græntfjall       32–24       Kriegiersien
                                     Vékell 8      (11–12)      Gail 5
                                 3× 6× 1×                  4× 5×


The Bouncy Wolves progressed to the second round of the Handball World Cup in Bollonich with a comfortable victory over Kriegiersien, with Vékell Jósepsson's hot shooting touch continuing as he added 8 goals to his team-leading tournament tally. The win put the Bouncy Wolves into first seeding overall for the second group stage, the only team to have claimed 7 wins. The pressure will amp up with a rematch against Kriegiersien first on the agenda before games against Rushmori rivals Gatchingerrak Union, and familiar foes Sarzonia. Berent Spjällesson, who started instead of the rested Goðmundur Jürgennsson, earned the team's first red card of the tournament and will miss the game through suspension, but otherwise Marís Nikolaisson and Annes Sigvarðursson can look forward to a full strength team suiting up.

[Bollonich]

cutoff

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Group 1
Græntfjall 27–24 Kriegiersien
Gatchingerrak Union 24–24 Sarzonia

Group 2
Bollonich 27–25 Abanhfleft
Sylestone 31–21 Lisander

[Kriegiersien]

Just can't beat them....

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                Græntfjall       27–24       Kriegiersien
                     Þjífþælmidr, Vékell 5      (15–13)      Aniya 7
                                  3× 3×                   3× 2×


The Bouncy Wolves kept their winning streak alive and notched up a third win over Kriegiersien in Bollonich at the Handball World Cup, but suffered their first significant injury setback of the tournament, and will miss pivot Þjífþælmidr Þjugnöndángsson for the remaining two second group games as he is rested as a concussion precaution. Though Þjugnöndángsson appeared uninjured in a collision with Krieg keeper Moe Edna, his confused ramblings in which he compared them to a pelican and himself to a capybara led medical experts to rule that he will fail the concussion protocol. With KG taking advanced measures to improve player welfare specifically with regard to head injuries and possible traumatic brain injury arising from post-concussion syndrome, Þjugnöndángsson will sit out games against Gatchingerrak Union and Sarzonia. "The capybara is notoriously the most chill of all animals, so a pelican would have to be a real dick to try to eat it," said Dr. Sigvaldi Glúmsson. "It's just not credible... clearly, these are the ramblings of a dazed and confused mind."

[Bollonich]

cutoff

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Group 1
Kriegiersien 27–26 Sarzonia
Græntfjall 33–22 Gatchingerrak Union

  Group 1                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Græntfjall               2   2  0  0   60  46 +14    4
2 Kriegiersien             2   1  0  1   51  53  −2    2
3 Sarzonia                 2   0  1  1   50  51  −1    1
4 Gatchingerrak Union      2   0  1  1   46  57 −11    1

Group 2
Abanhfleft 26–24 Lisander
Bollonich 28–22 Sylestone

  Group 2                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Bollonich                2   2  0  0   55  47  +8    4
2 Sylestone                2   1  0  1   53  49  +4    2
3 Abanhfleft               2   1  0  1   51  51   0    2
4 Lisander                 2   0  0  2   45  57 −12    0

[Kriegiersien]

The Moon
True news for the people

The Handball World Cup goes on!

Group 1
Kriegiersien 27–26 Sarzonia
Græntfjall 33–22 Gatchingerrak Union



Ressurection.

After three losses in a row, after three defeats against Græntfjall the Kriegiersien team suddenly pulled themselves out of the misery and beat Sarzonia in a thrilling match.

It was Moe Edna who defused the last bomb fired on her goal and saved the victory, after Isabel Kaylie had scored the 27-26, her first goal in the tournament, being on the bench the most time. And what an important one.

This game had so many stories. Newcomer Hannah Halforc with her stunning performance and 10 goals as defender. The tears of Coach Flöt in the half-time. The decisive saves from Moe Edna who had a mild concussion after her comical crash with Þjífþælmidr Þjugnöndángsson in the last match. The Noodle Incident. Or the match penalty for Edith Ash after knocking down a naked streaker who wanted an autograph on his unmentionables, later commenting the situation with: “I can’t work magic. Even my signature in lowest lower case would have been too long for .. that.”


Now the team can make their way into the semi-final on their own. A draw against the Gatchingerrak Union would be enough, but we have seen that for this team everything seems possible in this tournament. For the good or the bad.

[Graintfjall]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

                                Græntfjall       33–22       Gatchingerrak Union
                 Jack, Vékell, Goðmundur 5      (16–8)       Tavrizyan 5
                                  2× 3×                   3× 7×


A second successive international semifinal beckons for the Bouncy Wolves after Vékell Jósepsson led them past Rushmori rivals Gatchingerrak Union. A spirited effort from Galina Nachtaller wasn't enough as fast ball movement, regular quick-breaks, and some big size mismatches allowed the Bouncy Wolves' offense to dominate, while Jack Jockisson led the defensive line resolutely. The Bouncy Wolves opened up 16-8 lead at the half and, though the second half proved more closely matched, extended their winning lead to 11. Vékell continues to lead the team in scoring. Tístran Steinþórsson had an excellent game at pivot replacing the injured Þjífþælmidr Þjugnöndángsson, and the only downside was some poor 7m throws from Goðmundur Jürgennsson. The Bouncy Wolves need a point against Sarzonia to guarantee top seeding but will progress even with a defeat, while the familiar names of Bollonich and Sylestone lead the semifinal race in Group 2.

[Bollonich]

sorry for the late cutoff, if anyone needs an extension for the 2nd let me know

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Group 1
Gatchingerrak Union 29–32 Kriegiersien
Sarzonia 20–31 Græntfjall

  Group 1                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Græntfjall               3   3  0  0   91  66 +25    6    Q
2 Kriegiersien             3   2  0  1   83  82  +1    4    Q
3 Sarzonia                 3   0  1  2   70  82 −12    1
4 Gatchingerrak Union      3   0  1  2   75  89 −14    1

Group 2
Sylestone 27–22 Abanhfleft
Lisander 24–32 Bollonich

  Group 2                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Bollonich                3   3  0  0   87  71 +16    6    Q
2 Sylestone                3   2  0  1   80  71  +9    4    Q
3 Abanhfleft               3   1  0  2   73  78  −5    2
4 Lisander                 3   0  0  3   69  89 −20    0

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Semifinal Matchups

Græntfjall vs Sylestone @ Vreton City State Indoor Stadium, Vreton

Bollonich vs Kriegiersien @ Karvia Indoor Stadium