NATIONAL | BUSINESS | PROVINCIAL | INTERNATIONAL | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT
FOOTBALL
Campionato Esportiva: Pula Garudas into the Round of 16 as they beat South Covello and Ethane
FHULGAMOUS PENINSULA - Along with the co-hosts, Filindostan is yet to be taken points off.
The Filindostanis remained perfect in the group stages of the Campionato Esportiva after their latest 1-0 win over the Ethanese that also ended their opponents' hopes of sneaking into the Round of 16. Bienvenido redeemed himself from a poor performance against the Taiyouese that kept him benched for the crucial match against South Covello, which the Pula Garudas won 1-0 courtesy of a late goal from MMM. That latest result put them four points clear of Buyan, who are yet to concede a single goal after being held to a draw against Nova Anglicana Admin Zone of Esportiva, which confirms the latter as the fourth placed team of Group B with all their matches played.
The match started slowly for the Filindos, with the Ethanese able to put their attacks into dangerous shots. However, Gerry was able to parry those away and keep the match goalless, until Bienvenido scored in the 48th minute. Catching a good through ball from King that beat the offside trap, the Perokojak striker was able to evade the remainder of the defense, and blasted a half-volley just at the edge of the penalty area, giving the goalkeeper no chance. The rest of the match had Filindostan looking for a second, but the experience of Ethane proved to be key to avoid going another goal down. They also had their chances, but Gerry was able to get Filindostan's fourth clean sheet of the tournament, going to their last group stage match against Buyan. The Buyanese need to win this match, or allow South Covello to usurp them to second if the latter beat Noboru Taiyou.
In Group A, things are looking good for the hosts, who secured top spot, and remained unbeaten in the group stage, also with a perfect record. They will face NAAZE in the Round of 16. Filindostan's opponents though are yet to be determined, as four teams are close together for three remaining spots in the round of 16. The hosts close their campaign against a hapless Asiana side who are rumored to exit the Esportiva region after the tournament. Tumbra faces Cheetahs and reptiles Coalison, while Mattijana took their talents to the field against Natanians and Nosts. The Pula Garudas will look to closely monitor the results of the match - three of the four contending teams have already faced the Filindos in the previous Campionato Esportiva, and will most likely to challenge them again for a quarterfinal spot.
In the other hosts' groups, Copper Cuprum leads Group C and will face Saint Pierre Islands on the last matchday. Unlike Groups A and B, Group C is still wide open, with three teams possibly can take top spot. However, a miraculous goal difference swing can only put Vangaziland on top, with FC Vang facing juggernauts Apox, who need to win to avoid being eliminated by 2nd Brazilian Empire who are pitted against Damukuni, who struggled for points this season, yet to log a single point in five matches.
The four teams that will come from Group D have been long decided. However, it was a big surprise to see the Brenecians eliminated this early. They play the last game of their campaign against a Newmanistan team hoping to take top spot from Kita-Hinode; the Hinodejins are also looking to get top position in the group when they face Islana Lunigo, and only a big Newmanistani loss and a enormous goal swing can have the Islanders get top spot in their monumental campaign. Super-Llamaland hope that the Islanders lose and they beat Kalactin B team to snatch third.
Back to the match at hand, coach WIlly is expecting to rotate his starting lineup against Buyan, resting his key players ahead of the round of sixteen.