The LCRUA Championship IC (LCRUA only)

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Welcome to Calfuego and Baja-Janerio for the LCRUA Championships

8 teams. 12 games. 1 Champion.

This is CBJTV's exclusive Championship broadcast centre bringing you live updates from the television centres of all the participating nations.

We can now confirm the draw, and schedule, for the tournament.

Group A
1. Calfuego and Baja-Janerio
2. South Asians
3. Folzofia
4. Larnion

Group B
1. Linnuis
2. Salmonistic States
3. Yymea
4. Poulton-with-Fernhead

July 14th

Group A- Calfuego & Baja-Janerio vs Larnion, Estadio Nacional

July 15th

Group A- South Asians vs Folzofia, Stade de Pòtoprens
Group B- Linnius vs Poulton, Allbank ArenA
Salmonistic States vs Yymea, Stade de Kap Ayisyen

July 17th

Group A- Calfuego & Baja-Janerio vs Folzofia, Estadio Morera Soto
South Asians vs Larnion, Estadio Presidente Geraldo Lopes

July 18th

Group B- Yymea vs Poulton, Estadio Rosabal Cordero
Salmonistic States vs Linnius, Arena Tacuba

July 21st

Group A- South Asians vs Calfuego & Baja-Janerio, Estadio Dominica
Folzofia vs Larnion, Estadio Nacional

Group B- Salmonistic States vs Poltoun, Estadio Morera Soto
Yymea vs Linnius, Stade de Kap Ayisyen

July 24th

Semi Final 1- Winner A vs Runner Up B, Stade de Pòtoprens

July 25th
Semi Final 2- Winner B vs Runner Up A, Estadio Dominica

July 27th

Third Place Playoff, Stade de Kap Ayisyen

July 28th

Final, Estadio Nacional


Broadcasting is now live!

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Calfuegan supporters are eagerly anticipating the start of the LCRUA Championship, with the opening match in the Estadio Nacional against Larnion a total sell-out. Tournament organisers report that some 94% of tickets for the tournament have sold-out, with good uptake reported from each of the participating nations.
Organisers have announced that fans who have purchased tickets for the semi finals and final whose nations do not progress can utilise a Ticket Return system where they will be refunded the price of their pre-paid ticket, which will then be released in a general sale.

Fans have praised the organisation of the ticket collection system, located in 10 locations in each host city ranging from schools to local halls. Home supporters are especially excited at the prospect of seeing the Seleção in a major tournament on home soil. Pre-tournament support rallies have seen wild scenes.

This promises to be an event that fans will never forget.


National team supporters gather in the streets of Habana

_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Jackson promises fans a show

National team coach Charles Jackson used his pre-tournament press conference at the Seleção just outside Habana to issue a rallying cry to the team's fans.
"The boys have been training hard, they are motivated, they are focused. They know the fans want them to be successful, and they are ready to go out and deliver for the country as a whole. There's been a lot of talk of political and soical and ethnic divisions in this country- this team represents all of our communities, it represents the best of us. The fans needs to come together, and between us we will put on a performance the whole nation can be proud of."

[Yymea]

Ilake Jike sat in his favourite stool in his favourite bar, a large felt bag full of peanuts in his large, rough hands, his eyes glued to the screen of a hanging television set in the corner of the room. The bartender, a short, stout woman, her hair up in a tall bun, walked up to him with a glass of cheap white wine, exchanged a few friendly words, and left. The news was about to end, and soon the sports section would blare its loud flashy intro through the bar. And it did.

A huge 3D model of a football rolled around the screen, until suddenly an equally big boot kicked it out of sight. As soon as the animation ended, two very rowdy commentators appeared, almost shouting, both wearing matching kits of the yymean team. LCRUA Championship! It has been years since the last one, and the whole country was putting their hopes on the team. Footage of Yymean fans filling the streets was impressive, apparently the assemblies in the airport districts had got together to give away as many tickets as possible to Calfuego, and now thousands of yymeans were ready to support their team in the host country. Next came videos of the team bus, painted white red and green, and the players and manager getting off to the hotel. Fans cried out as soon as they saw Iln Ijblijh, goalkeeper, captain and national icon, and many got to enjoy his autograph. Manager Il Mrugjikla seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood, nodding at the press and cheerily saying something in broken portuguese that no one actually understood.

Soon followed a few clips from the press conference, in which Mrugjikla tried to cool down the mood, reminding fans that Yymea was facing the toughest teams in the competition, but also clearing up that he was quite happy with their chances this championship, 'Yes, we're in good shape this year, I was quite happy with the chemistry in the defence, and our midfielders are dynamic and versatile, I bet my knees we could pull a change halfway into a 3-4-3 and still do well, yes, I'm sure, but we'll have to be careful anyway, Condealism, Linnuis, PwF, all really tough teams, but we're much better than last time, yes'

A few more minutes of sport news passed, but Ilake wasn't as interested. What he really wanted was watching the matches. And that was coming soon. Ilake left the bar, and headed up to his house, football filling his head.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

In the lead up to the Championship, foreign fans travelling over have been sent welcome packs explaining the finer points of life and culture here in the Commonwealth. With this in mind, we here at CBJTV have decided to give you all at home at little insight into our island home.

Located on the islands of Calfeugo and Baja-Janerio, the country is divided into 3 main devolved communities. Calfuego, which is laregly Portugese speaking, Ayiti on the western part of the island of Baja-Janerio which is mostly Creole, and Janerio on the eastern part of the island where the majority of the population speak Spanish. This has created a multi-cultural melting pot where the three communities thrive and interact across the two islands.

Historically, there have been major tensions. The country was ravaged by a civil war which lasted 15 years and saw massive pain across all three major ethnic groups, but there has been two decades of peace and reconcillition. Now, all three languages and cultures have shared official status, recognition and protection. Security does remain a key concern, and you will see a noticable presence of National Police officers throughout the tournament. Please be assured they are here for your safety and security, and will be most happy to assist you in anyway possible. You are advised to respect local customs and laws at all times whilst visiting our lovely land.

The culture of the country is eclectic reflecting the influences off all three ethno-linguistic communities, although independent strengths exist in all three.

All citizens are educated trilingually, and around 92% of citizens are totally fluent in all three main languages. But don't worry, English is widely spoken as well and there are Fan Ambassador Centres located in all host cities where visitors are sure to find help in their native tongue.

Prices for food and beverages vary across our host cities. Our bustling capital Habana is the most expensive, with an average price of a litre of beer being P4.80. But don't despair- cheap food and drink is widely available in our dedicated Fan Parks across all our host cities.

We Calfuegans speak 3 languages and come from 3 cultures, but football is what unites us. We are so thrilled to welcome you here, and cannot wait for the matches to begin.

[Linnuis]

Three Years of Hurt

The new, revitalised LCRUA Championship (formerly known as The People's Cup) will be the first international tournament Linnuis has competed in for two years. The Trojans won the very first tournament back in 2015, but subsequently faced frustration in the following two tournaments going out in the group stages - once unbeaten and the other on goal difference. However, we ended up with an impressive third place finish in the last tournament having dominated the group stages, but losing to the then holders Noladea.

The Linnuan team has changed a lot since those days. Bassett, Kinnaird, and Jones provide much needed experience to our young stars like McDonald and Fitzroy, who looked in prime form last season. With the sad passing of old manager Bill Suddel, Trinovan FC manager Graham Chapman has stepped up to fill the toughest post in Linnuan football.

Chapman said of our group, "It's a very tough group of course that will challenge the team to the fullest. However, we're confident of victory. The young lads are all keen and raring to go, especially against the last winners of the People's Cup, Yymea. We're just going to take everything one game at a time."

Will it be frustration for Linnuis for a fouth time, or will we secure the all new trophy? It's all in the hands of the gods now.

[Sakhemi]

After Sakhemi’s application into the LCRUA cup was denied, Sakhemian fans were outraged. Riots all over the nation, especially Sakhemi City, have killed at least 3 people and injured hundreds more. Sakhemian ex-pats in Calfuego have not taken too kindly either. At least 7 people died in a terrorist attack, and more numbers are coming in. Sakhemi urges Calfuego to rethink their decision and read Sakhemi’s post in the forum consider using Sakhemi’s alternative solution.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

After Sakhemi’s application into the LCRUA cup was denied, Sakhemian fans were outraged. Riots all over the nation, especially Sakhemi City, have killed at least 3 people and injured hundreds more. Sakhemian ex-pats in Calfuego have not taken too kindly either. At least 7 people died in a terrorist attack, and more numbers are coming in. Sakhemi urges Calfuego to rethink their decision and read Sakhemi’s post in the forum consider using Sakhemi’s alternative solutionmaybe should have signed up sooner.

((OOC you first of all cannot godmod in a terrorist attack on my nation, so I'm just ignoring this. Secondly, you've missed the boat on this occassion. Sign up more promptly next time.))

[Larnion]

The Larnioni team awaited the take-off full of excitement. After all, the tournmanent in Calfuego, to which the space shuttle was headed, this was supposed to be their first international bout in about two years. Granted, this was also the first use of their transport method outside of military launches, so the passengers were rather nervous; however, the journey to Erosia was just short of a day long with this brand-new technology.

The shuttle left the atmosphere shortly after sunrise, with all players, staff and management onboard, including several prominent guests; the Chief of the Court of Internal Issues, Sethrac Maalio, was enjoying the flight, too. While the players conversed with both the guests and the rest of their team, the pilots announced that the predicted time of arrival will be just before four in the morning local time. Therefore, the coach instructed his squad to leave for their rooms early in the evening, as to prevent fatigue before the first fixture.

With Ocraion in the imaginary mirrors, the spacecraft gracefully travelled the vast expanses between the moon and the neighbouring planet for which it aimed; the team was in good spirits, looking forward to the first match - with the hosting country, no less.

The team manager, Coriolis Tevesco, raised a glass of blood red wine and muttered a few words to the team medic before speaking out. "If the hotels in BJ are at least half as good as this little beauty, then we're being spoiled like kids, lads... Don't lose your focus and drive, though. Tomorrow's your big day. Some of you are with the team since day one, some are complete greenhorns - no worries, it doesn't matter - on the pitch, the only thing that does matter is how you play. I hope we make a lasting impression. And don't forget to enjoy the game, too!"

[Salomonistic States]

Across the Salomonistic States, there is a huge exodus of soccer fans to the distant islands of Calfuego and Baja-Janeiro. Priests, craftsmen, republicans, loyalists, nobles, serfs, kosaks, and men of all classes and walks of life boarded Salomonistic National Airlines, Salominian Royal Airlines, and Salomonistic Holy Airlines all buzzing with the same energy and sportslike fervor. Men with horses, of which there are numerous amounts in the SS, board specially made stable boats to have a source of transportation in the distant country. The citizens of the States, prolific owners of swords and legally required to possess firearms, were more than reluctant to give up their weapons at the airport gates, but after certain assurances of safekeeping, they went through without further argument.

The Salominian team, a colorful bunch of native Salominians alongside representatives of the country's numerous immigrant groups, were similarly abuzz on two private jets zooming through the great blue sky, drinking heavily and singing hyms and jaunty national tunes. There was a brief turbulence in the second plane, which resulted in a sombre silence for several minutes, but the remaining flight went smoothly. They touched down at the Habana national airport, exiting the plane to the cheers of already arrived Salominian fans.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Jubiliation as Selecao win opening fixture

Calfeugo & Baja-Janerio 2 (Vásquez 56, Etienne 90)
Larnion 1 (4)

Attendance- 32,000

The LCRUA Championship got off to an incredible start at the Estadio Nacional as the national team kicked off Group A with a shock win over traditional powerhouses Larnion.
The packed stadium was treated to an extravagent carnival opening ceremony before the teams entered the stadium. The estimated four and a half thousand Larioni fans inside the stadium gave a wholehearted rendition of their national anthem, as did their compatriots in the fan zone outside, but they were outdone by the passion of the home supporters.

Things did not get off to the best start for Calfuego & Baja-Janerio, who found themselves a goal down inside just four minutes. The team had to weather a storm for the opening twenty as the Larioni pushed to kill the game off, with Tano Bonnín almost gifting a second on twenty-three minutes with a slack backwards pass. As the half wore on the Selecao edged their way back into contention, creating a host of chances although the front two of Ronaldo Vásquez and Cristo Espuny failed to find the net.

The Selecao came out fighting in the second half, dominating the first fifteen minutes of the game during which time Vasquez found the net with a sweet volley from the edge of the eighteen yard box after good work outwide by Gerard Lavergne. Vasquez's goal sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium. Larnion refused to lay down to the onslaught from the Selecao, however, and the game became a tense end to end affair. With 10 minutes to go Espuny was denied by the linesman's flag when he thought to have won it. In a nail-biting finish, the Selecao claimed an incredible victory after a clever counterattack following a Larnioni corner. A lungbursting run by Roberto Caballero allowed him to square the ball just inside the box to substitue Derrick Etienne, who calmly slotted the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper to spark madness inside the Estadio Nacional and across the nation.

The opening match of the competition sets the scene for a brilliant contest, and leaves the hosts at the summit of Group A ahead of the rest of the opening fixtures tomorrow.

[South Asians]

South Asian Football Fans are all hyped up as the LCRUA Football Championship begins. The first match concluded with Calfuego and Baja-Janerio pipped Larnion for a 2-1 victory. The Opening Ceremony was grand and greatly organized by the CABJ.

Manager Syed Rahman Nabi Addressed the press conference saying that "this team consists the most talented footballers from all around the Country. This team has a great mixture of young and experienced players. We are excited and ready for our first match against Folzofia. Boys have been training tirelessly for the last three months."
South Asian Football Team (Formerly known as Bengal Tigers) is the most dominant team in South Asia. They were formed 2 years ago after the dismal performance of the National Football Team in International Competition. The Sports Ministry decided to assign a number scouts to find the best football talents all around the country. After a year of hardwork the Scouts found 25 players with exceptional footballing skills and abilities. They were named the Bengal Tigers and Participated in the South Asia Football Championship. They won every single match easily and also held the Nation-wide record of scoring 12 goals in a match. After winning various overseas tours, They were officially declared as the National Football Team of South Asia.

[Poulton-with-Fearnhead]

A sincere round of applause from Varcarian fans around the stadium, as Poulton manage to secure a draw with the famous, successful team of Linnuis.

A few words from the manager:
It was a great performance from the lads, great performance from the opposition too, I'm glad that we kept it clean. That's what this is game is about and I love it. We trained very hard for today's game and I think that has shown t here today. We now have to prepare for our match against Yymea, we know its gonna be tough and we have to work hard and be determined to win, I do certainly believe we can do it, but needless to say, fate will decide

[Folzofia]

After it's defeat against South Asians, Folzofian fans have started rampaging in the stadium breaking seats and barriers

Faarsaal Kalrberg commentary : It was a good match, better team won but i can say with confidence that our boys were playing good and with honour.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Violence greeted the end of the Group A encounter between South Asians, who triumphed 2-1, and Folzofia.
Folzofian fans reacted terribly to their team's defeat at the Stade de Pòtoprens, trashing the areas of the stadium in which they were housed. Seats and barriers were destroyed, with South Asians and neutral supporters coming under attack. 32 people have been hospitalised following the violence.

Policia Nacional officers eventually restored order, with the riot squad making around 100 arrests. Organisers are confident any damage can be repaired in time for the semi-final at the stadium. Policia commanding officer Commisioner Geraldo Lopez announced that extra officers would be drafted in to police Folzofia's next match with Calfeugo & Baja-Janerio at the Estadio Morera Soto on Tuesday July 17th.

An official statement by the organising committee reads;

"We regret and utterly condemn the shocking violence at today's match in Pòtoprens. We would like to assure fans that segregation of fans is being managed correctly, and that for the remainder of the competition security inside stadiums will be tightened. We have invited the delegates from the Folzofian football federation to a meeting to discuss today's events."

[Linnuis]

Linnuis 3-3 Poulton-with-Fearnhead


Linnuis' cup campaign kicked off with a thrilling game against an impressive looking Poulton side. Chapman's attacking philosophy was evident right from the start of the match as McDonald scored twice in the opening 20. However, Poulton responded with two goals of their own before half-time.

Both sides looked more solid defensively in the second half, with good clean defending on both sides. Poulton scored again in the 82nd minute, nearly shattering the hopes of the Linnuan fans. But, in traditional fashion, Bassett headed in a corner right when it mattered to level things up in time for the final whistle.

The manager said after the game: "We put in a good performance today but sadly couldn't beat a very classy team. However, we are confident of victory against Salomonistic States, which will set up a difficult game against Yymea."

[Yymea]

Salomonistic States 1-4 Yymea

SS: 14'
Yymea: Ililail Bujdil, 16' 45+1' 82', Ilui Murkigr, 60'

Baji Uke was sat down comfortably, her daughter to her side, basking in the Calfuegan heat. The match was about to start and she was ready for it, surrounded by thousands of fellow yymeans, many already chanting in mockery of the Salomonistic side. She kept silent. She was saving up energy for the match.

After the ceremonies of every match were observed, anthems sung, children marched, coin tossed, the referee blew the whistle, sending everyone on the yymean side into a shouting frenzy. From the beggining, it seemed that Yymea was playing at a very high level, holding the ball well and constantly attacking the salomonistic goalposts. But something was missing, and after a few failed back and forth attacks and counterattacks, the salomonistic team scored, thanks to a smart pass, a particularly fit player outrunning the yymean defence and a beautiful kick, almost sliding the ball into the top left side of the net. Although many in the Yymean side went suddenly silent after the goal, Baji shouted even harder, beaten only by her daughter, who loudly insulted the mother of the salomonistic striker.

However, the sadness of the yymeans would be shortlived, as immediately after the goal, goalie Iln Ijblijh sent the ball flying to midfielder Imnil bujil, who then moved forward for an attack against the states team, passing the ball over a couple of times between him and the two forwards until Bujdil spotted an opportunity in an opening in the SS defence, running with the ball and scoring a low height goal that the Salomonistic goalie was unable to stop. The volume of the yymeans had been getting louder and louder, until the fateful moment of the goal, at which point the yymeans went completely wild, shouting at the top of their lungs. Baji and her daughter jumped up almost at the same time, both realizing that Yymea was back with force.

After the shock goal, Yymea dominated the match, but took a while to break the stalemate. It finally came in the extra time of the first half, from a free kick. A salomonistic defender pushed Bujdil by the side in the middle of an attack, relatively close to the goalposts. Bujdil kicked the foul, and slipped the ball in masterfully through the tiniest corner, barely avoiding the goalies fingers. Once again, the yymean fans exploded, and Yymea went one to continue their stride with two more goals in the second half, the first a corner scored by defender Murkigr, jumping up and hitting the ball with the head, and the second a goal by Bujdil, quite similar to his first.

Baji and her daughter left the stadium singing along with thousands of exalted yymean fans, happy, but with something in their stomach, the unavoidable feeling that this was only the very beggining, and that not everything could end as well as this. They headed back to their hotel room together, talking quickly and taking a few pictures of strange buildings and alien corporate signs.

Once back in the hotel, they watched the press conference of the yymean team together. Manager Il Mrugjikla spoke calm words calmly, he congratulated his team, said he was happy with the performance of his players, but he insisted on not becoming overly confident, Linnuis was a historically strong team, and PwF had put up a huge fight against them, both would take Yymea a big effort to beat. But he ended in a positive note, Yymea could do it, they were one of the top level teams in the competition, hope had to stay strong.

Mother and daughter closed off the stream, and got ready for the rest of the day, the rest of the month too. There was a lot to look forward to.

[Larnion]

Match Summary by Larnioni News One

The first fixture of the group stages of The LCRUA Championship, in which we have witnessed the clash between the host team of Calfuego and Baja-Janerio facing against our squad from Larnion ended in a close victory 2-1 for the home team. The Larnioni took an early edge over the opponent in the 4th minute with a precise strike from Riotar Tomassa after a stellar pass from his brother Áron. The match then opened up significantly, with both sides trying to score; Larnion came in close twice before the halfway mark, arguably being the better team for the first half, when Spherionii hit the top net after a header in 22' after a defender's mistake and Psionyx stretching the almost flawless goalkeeper Placide three minutes afterwards. Towards the end, CABJ showed some incentive to net aan equaliser, with two opportunities that were squandered by Naverrta.

The second half was much less successful for our squad, as the Calfuegans quickly gained the upper hand and pressured the Larnioni defence. A lone shot on goal in the first twenty minutes of the second half brought a tie to the scoreboard after a mistake in the stoppers' positioning allowed the CABJ's star striker Vasquéz find the top left corner of Naverrta's goal. After that, it was an affair of running to the end, both teams went guns blazing into the closing stages with more chances, albeit unsuccessful, on both sides. However, the status quo was ultimately broken after a botched corner kick in 89' as there was a misunderstanding between the kick executor and the pass recipient; a swift interception followed by a blistering run saw the keeper Naverrta face a two-on-zero situation, in which the Calfuegans made the most of this fatal mistake and snatched all points from the opening fixture.

Despite the fall of our team in the match, it was truly a sight to behold; a real advertisement for football as a sport. Here are some of the players' reactions to this breathtaking battle.

Coriolis Tevesco, team manager
"Well, we might have been the better team in the first 45 minutes, but the match lasts ninety, and it cost us the points in the end. I don't think there's much to criticise from our performance, both teams were playing exceptionally well tonight and luck has decided that we're leaving the pitch with a loss. Frankly, I wouldn't expect it any other way, given the enormous support of the home team, so I take our premiere here as a fine one, if a bit bitter."
Maxio Naverrta, goalkeeper
"Not much to say about this really. We had it in our hands from the start and think we got a little too comfortable. Then it came and bit us in the [redacted], so it's really our fault for losing this, anyway."
Nornal Stavelot, substitute defender
"Good game, eh? Pity we didn't win, but there's two more, so let's make the most outta them, eh."

[Salomonistic States]

Salomonistic States suffers humiliating defeat to Yymea 4-1

A day of great sadness crosses over the Salominian Dual Republic of Modinia and Akvezys

In the Divine Republic of the Salomonistic States, there is a wave of silence, washed over cities and townships alike, as families and friends gather in one another's homes to watch the first internationally played soccer game the SS has ever participated in. Due to restrictive regimes of the past, the SS was never involved in any worldwide sports, and the LCRUA cup was seen as the glorious entrance of a long overdue national spirit that would wipe away any opponent. However, the Salominian team was crushed. 4-1. With the first goal, the Salominians back home had erupted in applause. But by the end, when it successively got worse and worse, by 1, by 2, and by 3, the Salominians were awash with tears. Leos Lipa af Hapzstein z Hlavnovice, the Grand Deputy of the nation, sat back in his chair with his wife and family, as they took hushed tones and somber faces. But by the end, the Hapzsteins, as well as the rest of the nation, realized that, while defeat was a terrible upset, they lost honorably and had never before been tested. Wladyslaw Inflante, the Grand Consul, said in a speech regarding the game, "We could not have lost to a more honorable opponent." And, while many fans were bitter about losing, all of the nation had always held a respect for the Yymeans, a natural ally and friend to the country in the past.

In Calfuego and Baja-Janeiro, the Salominians suffered a similar upset. While initially engaging in the friendly rivalry and smack-talk, the Salominians burst out with happiness after the first goal, the first goal ever hit by the Saloministic States in an international competition. Afterward, however, the crowd became more and more dejected, until an entire side of the stadium was quiet. After the goal was set 3-1, with little time, the Salominians, a reserved people, accepted their fate, and many sat down with downcast faces. After the match was lost, the Salominian crowd, with polite applause, was deafened by the uproar and excitement of the Yymeans. One Salominian, an Akvezyn who fought in the recent war against the Salominian monarchy, said in jest, "I haven't seen such a sorry defeat since I was at Lepoltz!" Which earned him a few polite laughs, but most people felt too dejected to respond. They solemnly returned to their hotels, grappling with their humiliation, but also not wanted to embarrass themselves further like Folzofia had. Yymea was, after all, hardly the worst country to beat us, they thought. And many would later root for them against Linnius.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Hello and welcome to our round-up of the opening fixtures in the LCRUA Championship!

Let's start by looking at Group A.
After the opening match day, Calfeugo & Baja-Janerio sit top of the group with an eqaul record to South Asians but ranked higher on alphabetical priority. For the same reason, Folzofia sit third and Larnion bottom of the group.
The violence which marred the end of the tie between Folzofia and South Asians has taken the shine off the opening round of games, especially after the emotional scenes witnessed outside the Estadio Nacional when a group of Larnioni fans joined in a ceremony paying tribute to Anderson Almeriez, the first black Ayitian player to play for the Selecao who was brutally killed by the military junta who governed the land in the 1950s for protesting their treatment of the Ayitian people. Assurances have been made that security for the tantalising tie between the Selecao and Folzofia will be adequate.

State of the Group
Calfuego and Baja-Janerio and South Asians- in the hunt. 3 more points sees the hosts and South Asians clinch the semis.
Folzofia and Larnion- in the game...just. Both require 2 wins to overhaul the current top two, but the fixture run in means that only one of them can claim the 6 points that could see them through. They would require either the Selecao or South Asians to either lose both games or only pick up 4 points from the group.

Group B proves to be a more tantalising prospect.
Yymea's thumping 4-1 win over the Salomonistic States sets them at the summit, with Linnuis and PwF setting level below them. A win for Yymea over PwF in Bayamo would send them to the semi finals and leave PwF needing a victory over the States in their final game and for Yymea to defeat the Trojans of Linnuis- and have a better goal difference. Likewise, a win for Linnuis over the States would eliminate them and leave the Trojans requiring only a point to progress. However, should PwF defeat Yymea and Linnuis defeat the States, the final group game becomes intense with PwF needing only a point and Yymea requiring nothing short of victory over the Trojans.

State of the Group
Yymea- in the hunt. The task is simple- defeat PwF, and it's the semi finals.
Linnuis and PwF- fighting chance. 2 wins each means qualification for the semis. 4 more points each means quaification for the semis provided Yymea slip up. Prepare for a battle.
The States- hanging in by a thread. Teams have recovered from opening defeats before to progress, but the 4-1 loss will knock the stuffing from the new boys on the block and even if they could grab 6 points and leave the group all level their goal difference may knock them out. 2 tough games await, and the prospect of the Trojans in Tcuba is not likely to fill them with confidence. Defeat means it's the first plane home. A draw means a very thin thread of hope. Victory, and it's game on.

[South Asians]

15th July 2018
Stade de Pòtoprens, Calfuego and Baja-Janerio

South Asians 2 (Sunil Chhetri 34, 69)
Folzofia 1 (86)
Man of the Match- Sunil Chhetri
Attendence- 25,000

South Asians Football team won their opening match against Folzofia by 2-1. The Match started with both the teams constantly passing and dribbling the ball but no one was able to score a goal for the first 30 minutes. The first goal came when South Asians was awarded a corner kick after a brilliant safe by the Folzofian Goalkeeper. Jackichand Singh passed the ball straight to Sunil Chhetri and he shot the ball on the goalpost with a powerful kick the Folzofian Goalkeeper had no chance to deflect the ball. South Asians were ahead by a goal during the half time. The next goal was also scored by Sunil Chhetri who did a bicycle kick from the pass made by Udanta Singh. Thus, increasing the lead to 2-0. Folzofians changed their game style started attacking for the last 15 minutes of the game. Which resulted a goal for them in the 86th minute but it was too late for them as South Asians won the match. 1,000 South Asian Football Fans were offered free tickets from the South Asian Government ahead of the opening match. While 500 children from South Asians National Orphanage also enjoyed the game.
Folzofian Fans started riots after their lose
During post-match presentation Ceremony. Folzofian Fans have started rampaging in the stadium breaking seats and barriers. 100 troublemakers were arrested and 32 people were hospitalized aftermath of the incident. While the organizer assured that any damage made will be repaired before the semi-final match. Organizeing Committee condemned the incident and assured that it won't be repeated again as the security will be tight for the remaining matches.

Manager Syed Rahman Nabi heaped praises for the fantastic performance by the Midfielders at the post match press conference. He also said that Ananth Tamang was added in the set-up at the last minute and he did a great job in defense. "Boys did a great job. Especially the Midfielders, the constant passes and dribbles helped us get past the Folzofian Defense. Ananth Tamang was added in our set-up at the very last minute. He is one of the most exceptional young football talents in South Asia and he proved his worth today. Sunil Chhetri never misses a chance when it comes to scoring goals. He is the best Striker South Asians have ever produced. Boys are excited to play against Larnion, it is the first time they are playing a game against people coming from another planet.". He has also condemned the riots made by Folzofian fans and said that they shouldn't do these things. They are doing nothing but ruining the image of their country. Lose shouldn't be taken seriously in Sports.

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

Estadio Morera Soto, Santiago de los Caballeros
Attendance- 24,860

Calfuego & Baja-Janerio 2 (Ettiene 25, 58)
Folzofia 2 (44, 55)

Amidst a heavy police presence in Santiago de los Caballeros, the Selecao played out a thrilling draw with Folzofia in their second group stage match. The opening of the match was tense, with few chances in the first 20 minutes. Affairs sprung into life on 25 minutes, when young star Derrick Ettiene burst forward after some slack passing at the back by the Folzofians and lifted the ball over the keeper from just inside the box to take him to two goals for the tournament. The Folzofians continued to press and probe the Calfeugan backline, succeeding in breaking through just before half time after miscommunication allowed the ball to run loose following a corner allowing the Folzofian forwards to score.

A flare lit by an overly excited fan in the Calfugean end caused mild panic at half time and saw extra police officers ringing the pitch for the second half- not wishing to take any chances after events in Portoprens.

Folzofia took the lead in the game unexpectedly ten minutes into the second half, stunning the Selecao. It took them just three minutes to respond however, with Ettiene again the scorer, thundering home a splendid freekick from 20 yards. The Selecao pressed in the last half hour for the goal that would secure the semi finals, but to no avail.

The Selecao top Group A on 4 points, one point ahead of Larnion who sit ahead of South Asians with whom they have an exactly identical record by virtue of having received one fewer yellow card. Folzofia sit on 1 point in fourth place, knowing that nothing short of a win over Larnion and a Calfeugan victory over South Asians is required for them to slip into the semi-finals.

[Larnion]

Matchday 2 Summary by Larnioni News One

A turnaround for the better took place during last evening's clash between the team of South Asians and our national squad. Ending with the same score of 2-1, this time, it was the Larnioni who had the upper hand and secured the very important victory and three points for the group table. However, the match hasn't started well for them, as the players of South Asians took control of the match early on with a post hit in 6', followed by a precise strike four minutes later from one of their forwards that slid past the falling Naverrta. The opposing team held control over the ball for much of the opening 30 minutes, with the Larnioni team being pushed back and responding only in counterattacks. One of these stretched the South Asians' goaltender in 27'. From then on, the game calmed down significantly with the opponent cutting back on their attacks and conserving energy before the end of the half, much like our boys.

The second half was opened by an outstanding shot from Fleren, who aimed for the top left corner from 35 metres and was only denied a goal because of a fantastic save. From the following corner, however, an opportunity presented itself for the scorer against CABJ, Riotar Tomassa. His shot defeated the goalkeeper, but did not end in the net - instead, the ball was deflected to Psionyx, who had an easy job on his feet. From then on, it was our squad that had the edge over the opponent, and the pressure paid off mere eight minutes after the first goal, in 54'. A mistake in a pass from an SA stopper allowed Psionyx to rush past the defence unguarded and net the winning goal with an exquisite lob from the edge of the penalty box, leaving the run-out goalkeeper utterly hopeless. Following this score change, our team controlled the match and didn't let South Asians a chance to equalise, with Pietrio Carquá having a shot at extending the score to 3-1 near the end, narrowly missing.

With this victory, our national team moved to second place in the group, even on points with their latest opponents from SA, but being ahead because of the result of their mutual match. That leaves Larnion in a very good position for the last group fixture - another win sends us straight into the knock-out stages regardless of the other match's result, and a draw is enough in case CABJ either defeat or draw with South Asians in their clash.The only scenario where our boys are required to win is if SA defeate Calfuego, because a draw would not be sufficient to surpass them in the leaderboard.

Goals' summary: Larnion 2 - 1 South Asians (Psionyx 46' 54' - ___ 10')

The members of our national squad gave us some of their time to comment on the result.

Mortimer Psionyx, forward
"Good match. We gave it our best and it paid off. It was easy to blame the last match on bad luck but we had our hand in the loss as well; this time though, we really worked hard for the win despite the complications at the start. I'm really glad we are not written off yet and can still fight for the knock-out stages. The goals just make it all a bit sweeter."
Loic Ristal, midfielder
"I am inclined to believe that in spite of this important victory, our mission is still far from complete. The situation is still quite unpredictable and we cannot rely on our opponents slipping up in the third fixture, so to speak. Hopefully, we will stand victorious in the upcoming match and seize a spot in the final tournament."
Maast Odenpii, substitute defender
"Gotta strike 'ere it counts. Will be givin' it everythin' against the Folzofs, I swear on me life! For Larnion!"

[Calfuego and Baja-Janerio]

LCRUA Championship Round-Up, episode 2

Well, the Championship has certainly been dialled all the way up to eleven in terms of excitement in the second round of group fixture!
We already have 1 semi-finalist from Group B. 2 teams in that group remain in the hunt for the second semi-final spot on that side of the draw. Group A...well, it's a bit more complicated. All four teams could still make it to the semi-finals.
Let's take a look at the groups.

Starting off with Group A;
Calfeugo & Baja-Janerio remain top with 4 points following their 2-2 draw with Folzofia. Larnion climb into second with 3 points, ahead of South Asians who also sit on 3 points, thanks to their superior head to head record. Folzofia sit bottom with a single point and the knowledge that nothing short of a miracle will see them progress to the semi finals.
State of the Group
Calfuego & Baja-Janerio, Larnion, South Asians, Folzofia- In The Hunt. The Selecao remain favourites to go through, but defeat against South Asians coupled with a draw or win for Larnion could still see them go out. South Asians simply have to win against Calfeugo and Baja-Janerio and come out with a goal difference superior to that of Larnion to progress. A win for Folzofia would see them move onto 4 points, but they would still require a positive goal difference to overhaul South Asians and Larnion. Larnion know a draw is enough for them to progress to the semi-finals regardless only if the Selecao lose. With all 4 fixtures on Saturday kicking off at 3pm, buckle up folks. This is going to be wild.

Turning now to Group B;
Yymea have done it. They have hit the magic number of 6 points required to progress to the semi-finals and look to be emerging as the new favourites- bookmakers have slashed odds on them winning the Championship. Second place in Group B remains up for grabs. Linnuis are in control on 4 points and a goal difference of +1. PwF sit in third on 1 point following their defeat to Yymea, but know that a victory by two or more goals over the States would be enough to send them through at the expense of the former champions if Yymea make it three from three with a victory. Even if PwF beat the States and run up a score, a draw between Yymea and Linnuis would be enough to send them through. However, given how frustrating and lacklustre this group campaign has been for the Trojans, don't expect to see them sit back and settle for a point in Kap Ayisyen. The States journey in the Championship is, sadly, over. They battled hard against the Trojans but the defeat leaves them rock bottom of the group and out. Whilst they will be devastated of course, remember this is only their first foray into international footballing competition. Their players fought hard, they should immense heart and plenty of potential. Their fans were awe-inspiring in their passionate and their support- not one of them left early as they were swept aside by Yymea, and they all stayed to show their appreciation for their team's gallant efforts in Tcuba against Linnuis.
State of the Group
Yymea- into the last 4. The new tournament favourites will be confident they can sweep away any to stand before them and the trophy now.
Linnuis- almost there. 4 points and a superior goal difference means a draw sends the powerhouses through, although they will be cautious of whoever wins Group A if they finish second so expect a full-blooded effort in the final match with Yymea to decide who tops the group.
PwF- all but out. Nothing short of victory by 2 or more goals coupled with a Yymean win will send them through. It's squeaky-bum time.
The States- first plane home. Thanks for coming, guys. Hopefully you can try to restore pride against PwF by denying them a semi-final through a win or draw.

The tournament is hotting up. Yymea are the favourites. The Trojans of Linnuis lurk in the dark. Group A could still throw out a shock.
Get ready for Super Saturday. 4 games at 3pm. This will be something special.

[Poulton-with-Fearnhead]

PwF fans looks glum and depressed as they walk out of the stadium, their only hope now its a landslide victory over Solomonistic states.

The manager had this to say:
"We tried hard we know that but in the end they were too good and we couldn't find the right goal. We now have to turn our attention on the next match, train hard and I hope we can get something out of it to please our fans.

[Yymea]

Yymea 2-0 Poulton-with-Fearnhead

Yymea, Ils Kgiglmbil '24, '81

Ishhil Msujilj watched from the bench as his teammates got ready to start the match. The air was so thick with tension it was almost as if you could cut it with a knife. He took a small sip from his drink, the referee put the whistle to his lips, and blew. The sound rang through the field, and the game was on. Il Mrugjikla started shouting at the defence as soon as the PwF team touched the ball, and the initial attack died as soon as it started, with Ilui Murkigr taking over the ball. The Yymean team played safe, defensively, but making sure to pressure the PwF team whenever they had a chance to get the ball. Soon, it was clear that Yymea was in control of the situation, and the team began to play more and more aggresively, trying to break the PwF defence by moving the field of play towards the opposite goal. At first, the PwF goalie stopped the Yymean advance, particularly impressive when Ililail Bujdil almost walked into the goal, and the goalie ripped the ball from his feet and held onto it as Bujdil jumped into the net. However, in the very next attack, Msujilj knew something would be different. He got up to see better as Ail Mjilj ran with the ball, Ils Kgiglmbil with him. Ail then passed elegantly towards Kgiglmbil, who nailed a shot deep into the net.

Msujilj shouted, the crowd roared, and Mrugjikla put his hands in his pockets and nodded very hard. On the PwF side, silence, though some of the fans tried to cheer on after the goal. The PwF team, however, had not given up. In fact, they almost bounced back. The next few minutes were the worst moment of the match, as a string of PwF attacks almost broke through the Yymean defence, and forced the team to play more defensively. Only the great work of Murkigr and the rest of the defence avoided the disaster of a PwF goal. From the PwF side, the constant sound of cheering, followed by silence, then cheering, then silence, over and over again, while the Yymeans shouted only when Iln Ijblijh took the ball in his hands, or a defender took away the ball. This dynamic of constant PwF attacks luckily did not last for long, as soon the Yymean team took back control of the ball and the field, and as the team began to feel comfortable again, the Yymean offensive started once more.

Minutes passed, the two minutes of extra time too, with neither team making particularly impressive advances. The referee blew the whistle once more, and both teams went back into the changing rooms. Msujilj walked up to Ail Mjilj, and the two players started talking. Apparently some in the defence were tired out, so Msujilj would probably substitute soon. He was delighted, he'd been waiting months for the opportunity to play again with the team, and Mrugjilka had trusted him despite his age, or maybe because of it even. Walking down the stairs and the corridor to the room, he felt energized and ready. PwF would not break through, he was determined. As soon as everyone was in, Mrugjilka started talking to the team, a usual, run of the mill pep talk, but it worked, Msujilj noticed how all his teammates started itching to play, to go into the field and show the world what Yymea could do. Everyone drank up, or ran to the bog, or whatever they needed to do, and soon it was time to go up once again.

Msujilj had sat down in the bench once again, and started talking, hand covering his mouth, to his fellow substitute Ilsla Ikmil, when Mrugjilka called him, telling him to start heating up. Both teams had been fairly equal for the first few minutes of the match, with Yymea only having a slight edge, but Muisil jaibil was dragging down the defence, as he was completely exhausted, having put some of the greatest pressure on PwF during the first half. Msujilj got ready immediately, and after two minutes a PwF player kicked the ball outside, and it was time for him to get in. Msujilj was in better form than the rest of the defence, and even though his technique was a bit rough around the edges, he helped stop a few PwF attacks in their tracks. Soon enough, the match became more and more dominated by the Yymean team, who ran PwF into a corner as they advanced further and further. Msujilj himself made a long pass towards Bujdil, who got close to scoring, but hit the goal post. The following minutes were frustrating for the Yymeans, as despite their best efforts the team just didn't seem to score. PwF, on the other hand, were incapable of even reaching the Yymean goalie, and it seemed as if the bolt of energy given by the first goal had run out.

The goal drought was about to end, however, as Ail jmnubjil passed the ball up to Bujdil, who kicked hard towards the net. The PwF goalie tried to stop the shot, deflecting it with their hands and sending the ball flying. Yymean striker Ils Kgiglmbil saw an opportunity, taking the ball in its course and quickly shooting it between the goalposts, scoring his second goal while the PwF keeper looked on in horror. The crowd exploded, the PwF fans sank into their seats, and the whole team shouted in joy. The rest of the match the Yymean team kept trying to score a third goal, but noone was dissapointed when it didn't happen, the 2-0 victory against PwF was more than enough for the Yymeans, they had gone through, and now the whole LCRUA looked at them with awe.

The exaltation of fans and team was cooled down in the following press conference, however. Msujilj nodded in agreement as he watched his manager, first congratulate his team and the fans for their work and support, but then warning all that Linnuis would be a mighty rival, and that the Trojans should not be allowed to pass as the first in the group. Step by step, that was the only way of winning the Championship. Step by step.