2022 Summer Invictus Games [Kylaris Only | Canon | IC]

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 8:17 am

For a full breakdown of results, Invictus fans, don't forget to consult our in-depth score analyses!

by **Etruria2** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 8:35 am

by **Lilitou** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 9:19 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:58 am

The Spirit of Sport.
Why we should rejoice in competition in sport, and how we should be happy that we don't always win.

Thierry Noel
July 12th, 2022|Verlois, Gaullica

Manon Patenaude (right) is embraced by fellow Etrurian fencers;
Gloria Del Carretto and Caterina Novelli.

Verlois, Gaullica - The dust has settled in the wake of the athletes on the first day of the 29th Summer Invictus Games. The spirit here in Verlois, and around the world it must be said, is ecstatic. There is a sense of pride fostered in nations and players. There is a drive to see one's sportsmen and sportswomen do the best, all in the search for coveted gold medals and as feats in human fitness.

Yet we have to take a step back and remember that the Invictus Games are more than winning. Gaullica won two gold medals and a silver medal in fencing; yet some commentators online and pundits are decrying that we performed beneath expectations in our strong sport. Firstly, there are eight fencing events left, and secondly -- the Womens Team Foil final had what could be one of the most wholesome and iconic scenes of sportsmanship for this Invictus Games so far.

After their marginal, nail-biting victory, where a decisively timed quinte from Gloria Del Caretto threw off Manon Patenaude, Etruria's gold was secured. But in the moment of revelry, celebration and victory -- the teams shared an embrace. An acknowledgement of each other's fighting spirit, an acknowledgement that beyond the competition and drive to win, there is a heart and soul to the games that is camaraderie. That is fun.

Speaking after the games, Patenaude told L'Equip that: "I felt that I had slipped up. Any athlete will tell you rookie mistake; but the Etrurian team are magnificent. A fantastic rival. Up here with us and the Weranians and everyone else here at the game. It was an honour to play them."

She followed it up with a cheeky wink and a smile. "And what can we say but, well, it'll be ours in 26, eh?"

One of the central themes of Verlois 2022 has been the idea of the "bon retour!" -- the welcome back -- and the element of friendship and support, peace and fun, are all central to the Invictus Games.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:59 am

by **The Kingdom of Eldmark** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 12:25 pm

by **Etruria2** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:10 pm

Opinion: Day 1 in Verlois has seemingly brought peace and unity to a fractured nation
I am not alone in wanting the peace brought about the Invictus Games to last a little while longer.
NOTIZIE by Aurelia Bossi

12 July, 2022

As a country we seem to be utterly consumed by the games.

We are day into the world’s greatest sporting spectacle, and what an intro it was only two nights ago in Verlois. The hosts most certainly gave the world and humanity a good welcome to the Queen of Cities. As the competition got underway, Etrurians have been gripped by a fever, one delivered by our rugby and football teams, a fever of excitement, but also peace and even, dare I say it, unity.

When it comes to sport, we know what happens for we all join in. We are a footballing mad nation, each tournament the Uomini in Blu, La Leoni, either nickname works, head off we become gripped at every twist and turn. We bring out the blue or white, we paint on ourselves the Tricolore, we go to Church and prayer not for our sinful souls, but for progression to the quarterfinals, the final. We pray for no coloured cards, we pray that Candreva’s infamous ability to score off a corner hasn’t been lost. We simply allow ourselves to be consumed by the spectacle, emotion and joy ride of the sport. This year, it appears to be even greater.

Etruria has stormed two team tournaments, football and rugby. For the Lions in Blue, perhaps few of us expected nothing less, but our rugby team has sent shockwaves through the nation with its nail-biting win over Satucin and its 67-0 decimation of poor Hayicinia. We now face the hosts, Gaullica, a mighty force in international rugby and a fierce foe to overcome. That Etruria’s rugby team has even progressed this far, being less popular than football as an aside, has produced it a renaissance within the popular psyche. Some of the most repeated internet searches in the nation are names of the rugby seven. We are united in adoration and adulation of the mysterious team who seemingly came from nowhere to make Etruria a true competitor in a sport long seen by many as an Estmerish import. Millions of Etrurians now eagerly await the showdown with Gaullica, which if won, will see Etruria enter the semi-finals.

As rugby captivated a nation, football delivered us the delirium. According to ARE Sportivo, an estimated 13.39 million people watched the game between Etruria and Rizealand, a 3-1 victory that propels us into the quarterfinals as a serious contender. But it is the traditional mass viewing either at the taverna or the near-mandatory deployment of large screens in the Piazzi, Parks and markets that brings to life the aether of unity and peace prevailing the nation.

The usual travails that follow Etruria with international sport have been lacking this year. The Tribune’s endless moaning over the use of the colour blue in kits, claiming it’s a “legacy of the CN-occupation government” of 1946-1948 and their repeated promises of restoring the historic black colour is nowhere to be found. Our Ultras, globally renowned for violence, their neo-functionalist chants, tattoos and rhetoric did not even travel to Verlois this year. Instead, to my amazement through images shared on social media, are staying home and standing captivated alongside police officers and young students in the cities (their usual targets for a slap). The image of the Terrazza del Doge, the Palazzo Orsini’s main drinking hole for lawmakers, being filled, its tables hosting a cross-party bunch; a true cross-party bunch, watching the Etruria-Rizealand game is heart-warming as it is a spectacle itself. Who knew Vittoria Vasari could manage to share a red wine with Chiara Mastromarino at the same table no less for over 90 minutes?

To be ironic, politics itself has even become mellow. The fight between the government and federal civil service over the controversial reform proposals has gone on the backburner. Today, Deputy President Vittoria Vasari (again?) failed to mock or excoriate the emergence of the Etruria plus Euclea party, telling reporters as she attended talks with the Farmers and Workers Union, “To be honest, this issue is for the internal workings of the CA and SD, they’re losing members. We are not, so I will leave it as that.”

President Francesco Carcaterra, a man well known for his love of football was pictured with his wife and son watching the game at the Isola di Laguna in Povelia. He has however stated that he will attend the final should the Leoni in Blu make it. Credit to him also, for not turning the event into a nationalistic horror show. I always expect him and the Tribunes to declare the amount of black, white and red on a face to be a measure of one’s patriotism, leading to a mass movement of people bedecked in un-washable ink and paint.

As the tournament progresses, I hope that our fascination and focus turns to other fields, the success of our women’s fencing foil team, the young Giovanna Borelli in the Archery Singles needs applauding. I also hope of course, that should, God forbid, we crash out of rugby or worse yet, the football, this aura of peace and unity doesn’t crash too. No doubt it will come to an end with the passing of the Invictus Flame to the next hosts, but for a little while longer, I and I am sure millions of others, would like to carry on living in an Etruria where we are not drowning in hyperpartisan bile and poison. Please?

Other Invictus News

Etruria scores a gold and silver on Day 1
Hopes rise for a gold in football as the Lions in Blue make good progress
Interview with Marco Angelo Giuliani: Etruria's rugby captain says we should be "bold as Sol Invictus himself!"
Watch: Etruria's and Gaullica's women's fencing foil teams show true solidarity post-game
ARE denies claims in a memo that is to censor political statements against Etruria
Opening Ceremony in pictures

by **Eskaeba** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:22 pm

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 2:23 pm

Mei Phoumsa - 12 July 2022

Home ·Lavana · Coius · International · Politics · Finance ·Sports · Entertainment · Health · Travel · Weather · Opinion

Lavanan Football in disarray following surprising upset

Press Conference from Verlois.

Verlois -

The 2022 Verlois Invictus Games, have unfortunately not started on the correct footing for Lavanan Football. The Red Cranes, the current reigning champions, having just recently defeated the Champanians during the Coupe du Monde, held high expectations for the upcoming tournament, where they were seen as clear favorites.

The Lavanan National Women’s team was slotted in Group D alongside Satucin and Adamantina, one of the toughest groups noted by analysts by the two powerhouses of Satucin and Lavana, with solely one passing on. Satucin was a strong opponent who held a record of 5 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses against the Red Cranes. The match was a low scoring affair with Landry from Satucin being the sole scorer following a clear shot at minute 56’ that beat Baizhan Vidimhe. The Red Cranes were never able to gain the upperhand over the Satucines, who held the match with a clear superiority in game, and play. Lavana would then face Adamantina, a team they had only met once in a 2015 friendly that ended in a Lavanan victory of 3-1. The game however was not as easy as analysts expected, and the Adamantines proved a tough nut to crack, until minute 49’ when Siharath was able to deliver a well placed header behind the goalkeeper. However, the Red Cranes were not able to hold on and had the game tied up when on minute 66’ Colavito placed a strong shot behind Vidimhe, beating the veteran goalkeeper. Following this, the Red Cranes were unable to return successfully to the game. In minute 86’ a bad pass allowed Colavito to intercept the ball and make a rush towards Vidimhe, with little possibility Vidimhe attacked Colavito aggressively causing the striker to panic and strike the ball behind Vidimhe hitting the goalpost. However Leoni who was close behind her teammate sought the ball and struck the ball past Vidimhe for the advantage. Lavana fell to Adamantina on a 2-1 count, eliminating all Lavanan possibilities. Adamantina would be unable to stop Satucin and would go on to lose against the Satucines 5-1.

The male Cranes fared stronger however. Being placed in Group B against Estmere and Kantemosha, Lavana was judged to be the absolute underdog in the group against an elite Estmerish squad, and a well trained Kantemoshan squad. However, the Red Cranes shocked all when Lavana walked away from its game against Estmere with a victory. The Estmerish team which held a global record of 10 wins 2 draws and 1 loss against Lavana, was shocked to discover a well placed and footed Lavanan squad, having defeated the Kantemoshans 3-1 days earlier, they found an unbreakable Lavanan defense. Which remained committed against the Estmerish squad. The match would not end however without a winner, and in minute 90+2 Sengprachanh the 21 year old from Pers, who had come in as a substitute 20 minutes prior, delivered a perfectly placed shot behind the Estmerish goalkeeper. The match had been decided, and the Red Cranes would have defeated the Estmerish team. The Red Cranes would need to defeat or draw with the Kantemoshans to gain their entry into the round of 16. The Red Cranes, which had never faced Kantemosha before, found an energetic and aggressive squad, which in minute 22’ managed to evade the staunch Lavanan defenders, allowing Sinola to strike a well placed ball behind Zemhinou. However the Lavanan squad would dominate the rest of the match, and following Sengprachanh’s equalizer off his left foot inside the square in minute 44’, the Lavanan squad focused on the defensive. In minute 76’ however Bouphavanh was aggressively stopped by Kantemoshan defender Juunoli, unfortunately for the Kantemoshans a red card was the least of their worries as Bouphavanh had been in the square. Bouphavanh took his penalty, delivering a well placed shot to the lower left of the net, defeating the goalkeeper. The Lavanan Men’s team was for the first time in its history, past the group stage and into the round of 16.

The Lavanan Men’s team was to face the Zorasani team. Zorasan a strong and well established team, which had defeated the team 4 times and tied 4 times, although Lavana held the advantage having won 6 games, most recently in a 2020 friendly where Lavana won 4-2 against Zorasan. The Zorasani’s however, having had a strong group stage, continued their streak when in minute 14’, Lavanan defender Jeanovny fouled against Sarfeh, allowing a free kick. Sarfeh used the kick well allowing Hojerwala to gain a clear shot against Zemhinou, who was unable to stop the shot towards the left post. The Red Cranes were unable to return to the game, and at minute 22’ a strong and well placed shot by Kohiyar, defeated Zemhinou. The Red Cranes would go on to lose 2-0. The game however represented an achievement in Lavanan football, as the men’s team was able to enter the Group stage of the Invictus games for the first time in its history.

The Men’s National Football Team leaves the tournament with smiles and motivations high, although the same cannot be said about the Women’s team. The upsetting defeat against Satucin, frustrated the team, and with the prospect of high ranking team members retiring before the next Coupe du Monde. The team is left with the need to prepare a strong squad for not only the defense of their title in 2025, but another successful run in the Invictus games in 4 years. “We have the talent, we have the strength, and we definitely have the hunger” stated coach Dazeda Cheruene, following the tournament. She praised the Men’s team stating “Lavanan Football is stronger than ever”. Her thoughts were echoed by Men’s Coach Dastan Sounvannaphouma, who stated that Lavana will forever remember the 2021 achievements of Lavanan Women’s Football. Shara Soulignavong, captain of the Red Cranes, stated that the talent of Lavana is ready to shine, and called it a minor setback compared to the achievement of 2021. Premier Laina Keomany called Lavanan Football a national pride, and stated that all Lavanans should celebrate the strength and sacrifice required of an Invictus Athlete, rather than the results. Many commentators have taken the opportunity to criticize the Women's team, which the Premier condemned as shortsighted.

Although the Red Cranes have been eliminated from Verlois 2024, the Lavanan participation is just starting. Lavanans participate every day, so catch them on our national broadcasts.

Lavanan Financial Times 2022
Serving the economic needs of the citizens for over 50 years. Lavana’s most trusted news source.

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Lavanan Financial Times 2022

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My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 2:35 pm

by **Chemensia** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 3:25 pm

by **Saul Volcano** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 3:36 pm

by **Krovech** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 7:32 pm

by **Hennehouwe** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 7:41 pm

INVICTUS GAMES • 12 July, 21:32

Day 1 in Verlois: Archery heartbreak and football upsets

REPORTING:
Louisa Harmann

After the awe-inspiring Opening Ceremony of last night, the first day of official action of Verlois 2022 had more than its fair share of headlines.

The first nine of the more than 300 gold medals were awarded today across archery and fencing, with knockout action in the men and women's football tournaments.

For Team Hennehouwe, all eyes were on archery with four athletes repping the red-and-yellow bicolour: Walter Bolhoeve, Cédric Declerck and Tobias Lueck competing as both individuals and as a team in the respective men's events, and Marieke Waaiers as the sole entrant in the women's individual event. She formed part of the mixed team event alongside Declerck, which wrapped up in the evening.

From the early rounds of the men's individual competition, it was clear that the medals would be shared between Soravia, Estmere and Rizealand - the question was less if they would claim a medal, more what colour it'd be. The honour ultimately fell to Soravia, claiming the very first gold of the Verlois games. Declerck led the Hennish pack, finishing in a respectable 11th position, having banked 26 ten-pointers and eight clean sweep rounds to score a total of 659 points.

The afternoon saw the turn of the women, where hopes of an early Hennish medal were raised by a stellar opening performance by lone Hennish competitor Marieke Waaiers, whose first two sets were immediate clean sweeps. Coming under sustained pressure from the likes of the Shangean and Gaullican favourites, Waaiers' place on the leaderboard dithered between the top five. However, a final round score of 26 cruelly left her just one point outside the bronze medal position, finishing in fourth place with a total of 664. The gold went to Shangea; silver to Etruria; and bronze to Gaullica.

"I'm devastated, of course," an emotional Waaiers told HNO Sport. "To train for four years and to get so close... to be off by just one... yeah, it's tough. I'm gutted." Nonetheless, she declared the experience of Verlois 2022 to be "incredible", and said that this would only strengthen her resolve for the future.

The combined effort of the men's team resulted in a mid-table finish, placing 25th in a field of 46 teams, with an inaugural gold of the Games for the Estmerish squad. Fresh from her narrow miss of a medal, Waaiers returned to court alongside Declerck in his third outing of the day, competing together in the mixed team event. They finished in fourteenth place, concluding the Hennish archery team's journey - without a medal, but with an abundance of pride.

Elsewhere in Verlois

Not long after the conclusion of a group stage filled with surprises, the knockouts of the men's and women's football tournaments were the big talking point in Verlois.

After the defeat of their world champion women's side, Lavana's men had their own campaign crushed by a 2-0 upset defeat by Zorasan. Hosts Gaullica defeated Dezevau by one goal to nil, with other favourites Etruria sailing three past a flustered Rizean side. In the women's bracket, Caldia defeated Soravia in a nailbiter 4-3 result, with the biggest surprise coming in the form of Emessa's 3-0 thumping of Asterian stalwarts Cassier.

The first day of fencing action got off to a terrific start for hosts Gaullica, who took home both individual golds in the foil discipline. In the men's team foil event, a flatline performance for the host side in the quarter finals paved the way for Werania to take the gold, with Etruria taking gold in the women's event in a tight 40-38 finish.

Day 2 for Team Hennehouwe

Whilst the best is certainly yet to come for the Hennish camp, day two of Verlois 2022 promises to be another jam-packed day of action. There will be Hennish interest in all three of the day's sporting spectacles: basketball, boxing, and épée fencing.

BASKETBALL: Following on from a gallant showing in the group stages, the men in the fire-orange bibs will be back in action on the court during day two. The first Hennish men's team to qualify for an Invictus Games since 1994, the squad finished top of their group, doing so with the highest point difference of any team in the tournament. Betting odds on the Hennish side have been slashed in recent days, prompting hopes of a medal that would have seemed outlandish just a few days ago. Should they make it out of the Round of 16, they will be back on court for a quarter-final appearance in the evening. COVERAGE ON DE TWEEDE from 12:30

BOXING: Hennehouwe hasn't won a medal in boxing since 1954, but four boxers are hoping to turn that tide tomorrow. Among the keen contenders is Loesje Wilmes, a top ten seed in the women's lightweight event. COVERAGE ON HNO SPORT, HIGHLIGHTS ON DE TWEEDE

FENCING: The second day of fencing sees the turn of the épée events, and the first Hennish involvement of the Games in the sport. Marvin de Wever will compete in the men's individual event, primarily hoping to use the experience of Verlois 2022 to further his progress on the international stage. COVERAGE ONLINE, HIGHLIGHTS ON DE TWEEDE

by **-AlEmAnNiA-** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 8:50 pm

by **Rizealand** » Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:58 pm

Invictus Football - Rizealand Men Lose 1-3 to Etruria in Round of 16 Match

JULY 12, 2022 - VERLOIS, GAULLICA

After a clean sheet sweep of the competition during the group stage, the Shooting Stars met their match at the hands of Etruria’s Men in Blue in a game that ended with a 1-3 defeat for Rizealand. Despite the score, fans remained on the edges of their seats with Etruria’s first-half dominance being replaced by Rizealand’s second half of close calls and narrow misses.

While the Shooting Stars led with possession (57%) and a total number of shots taken (17 out of 29), Etruria dominated in shots on goal with 73% of the attempts. Rizealand’s defense struggled to contain Etruria’s attacks and Candrea scored the first goal in the 21st minute with a header. Minutes later, Pablo Ocampo (PSU-South Bend) was able to get on a cross from Donald Rowe (Blankenship) and barely missed, sending the ball inches over the goal. At the 38 minute mark, Etruria’s Zullo scored off a cross, sending the ball into the goal’s corner and barely missing Alex Ellis’s (Ealaghleann) outstretched glove. Five minutes later, Etruria’s Marasco scored off a corner ball for a 3-0 lead over Rizealand by half-time.

During a half-time interview with Renee Sadoul, national team coach Tommy Keegan (PSU-South Bend) admitted their defensive struggles were caused the absence of defenders Caleb Harrison (Cahoka State) and Zareen Prince (USALS), both of whom were injured during the group qualifier match against Caldia. While Harrison was not scheduled to play today’s match, Keegan believed Prince would be able to resume play today. By the 15 minute mark however, Prince was subbed out and replaced with Bjorn Bergquist (Hillsdale) after he began limping following a tackle on Etruria’s Zullo.

In the second half, the Shooting Stars’ offense improved, with Ocampo, Harley Ross (EAU), and Finn Garrihy (Fael State) fighting fiercely to keep the ball on Etruria’s side of the field. At the 51st minute mark, the Shooting Stars scored their first goal of the game when Ocampo made a straight shot right through Etruria’s defense before their goalkeeper could even react. At the 65th minute mark, a handball by an Etrurian defender led to the Shooting Stars being awarded a penalty kick. Rowe took the shot, aiming for the goalkeeper’s left, but the shot was successfully blocked. In the 71st minute, Ross took a header off a corner kick that barely sailed above the goal with a slight touch from Etruria’s goalkeeper. In the 83rd minute, Rowe made a successful shot into the net but was determined to be offside, invalidating the goal. When the final whistle blew, Etruria won 3-1.

In talking with Renee Sadoul after the game, Ocampo congratulated the Men in Blue, stating they were formidable opponents and the Shooting Stars knew they would be facing a formidable opponent. “At the end of the day, we played our best and that is all that matters,” Ocampo said. Keegan praised his team, saying “they really stepped up in the second half and while it was not enough to beat Etruria, no one can say we left anything on the field.” The Etruria-Rizealand matchup drew record viewership on both sides of the Vehemens thanks to the popularity of football, with Etruria’s ARE Sportivo reporting an estimated 13.39 million viewers and more than 12 million views reported on RBC Sports.

READ MORE:

Cahoka's Jude Houghton wins Rizealand's first medal with a bronze in Men's Individual Archery
Rizealand's Men and Women Basketball Teams gear up for tomorrow's Round of 16 and Quarterfinals

by **Eskaeba** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 1:11 am

by **Azmara** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 3:34 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 3:56 am

by **Xiaodong** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 4:07 am

by **Norcandy** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 6:33 am

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 7:55 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 9:05 am

For a full breakdown of results, Invictus fans, don't forget to consult our in-depth score analyses!

2022 Summer Invictus Games [Kylaris Only | Canon | IC]

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