It's literally just three things this time
Salwan Mynhier
Three Things sorts itself out rather nicely for this edition. There are two matches to discuss, and another selection of possible transfer targets to review.
A Warm-Up Loss
Before arriving in the Equestrain States, the Black-and-Reds played a warm-up friendly against the Condottieri from the Confederation of Freeport. This move was both a refresher match for the players, who had not played since the 3-1 defeat to Qasden that concluded our qualifying campaign, as well as an introduction to the sort of non-human culture that our team and fans will shortly be immersed in. "As soon as the draw was announced and we knew that we would be playing in the Equestrian States," said manager Lopal Daror, "I knew that I wanted to schedule a friendly against a team including some non-humans. In retrospect it might actually have been better practice to visit Freeport, but either way, I think it was a good experience for our players and fans to have had." While the Emerald Coast Colosseum is certainly not the newest or largest stadium in the country, Vassilian's coastal beauty and the stadium's classic looks made this an excellent choice of venue. Freeporter fans and players alike had a chance to enjoy the stately lines of the Colosseum's art deco facade, as well as Vassilian's fabulous beaches.
The Vassilian Waterfront
The match itself was a closely fought tactical battle between the Freeporter midfield overload and Squornshelan defensive shell. Manager Mad Dash elected to go with only three at the back, playing Temptation and Thorn Bristle in more holding roles, but throwing five players forward. Between the intensity of the Freeporter attack and the unfamiliarity of facing a starting lineup completely devoid of human players, the Black-and-Reds were on the back foot for much of the early going. For a while, it certainly looked like the visitors were going to have their way, and force the home side to attempt to keep pace with their scoring prowess. After several decent chances went wanting early on, it was one of the team's youngsters, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Meadow Evergreen who broke through. The unicorn found herself isolated against Tervi Oleb after receiving a quick pass forward from Thorn Bristle, and made a quick turn to allow herself space for a shot before the Confederate Vice Captain could close her down.
With the visitors now on the board after just 21 minutes, the visiting fans were jubilant, and one couldn't be blamed for expecting a high-scoring match to follow, but Oleb and Munib rallied their troops at the back and suddenly it seemed that there were black and red shirts everywhere. Despite the fact that a few of the attackers quite literally had wings, there seemed to be no way through to follow up on the early goal. Instead, it was now the home side who began to go on the attack, moving quickly to capitalize on turnovers and counter against the understrength defense, and Kukiri was tested for the first time, most notably by a wickedly curling 34th minute shot from Vladcik which she deflected just wide with a diving save. While the physicality of the Freeporter defense might have been off-putting for some teams, it was nothing new for the Confederates. Indeed, players like Bloodblade and Alastair would find themselves right at home anchoring the back four of most any SCFA side. While chances were created, the two teams entered the dressing room for the half with the score still at 0-1 to the visitors.
Both managers elected to make changes at halftime, with Daror bringing the volatile Zemen Ystrad on for Oleb, and with Mad Dash bringing on midfielder Eindride Cleary for Guinevere, leaving him with only two genuine defenders left. The Black-and-Reds were unable to take much advantage of that state of affairs, however, as they had very little of the ball during the early stages of the second half. Hoping to spark some offense, Daror made a pair of changes after 58 minutes, bringing on Geladi for Dzarkhin, and Tambura for Zonde. When this seemed to be working, Mad Dash responded in the 64th by front-loading his lineup even more, subbing off holding midfielder Temptation for attacker Emerald Eyes, and resting star winger Puzzle Piece while giving Dawn Walker an opportunity. Both managers made a further two changes with about twenty minutes to play, and the end result seemed that both teams were a bit disjointed. Passes were misplaced, free kicks were given away on awkward challenges, and things generally did not go smoothly in the attack as the match ground toward the finish. Ordinarily it would have been a state of affairs perfectly to the liking of a Lopal Daror side, but without a goal on the board after over 70 minutes of play, his team was looking increasingly unlikely to get one. Jzvanic and Vladcik both had multiple instances where they were open to receive a ball forward that would have broken open a window for nearly a sure scoring chance, but the defense could not find a way to effectively play the ball to them through the maze of blue and white shirts in midfield. While hardly an entertaining match for any neutrals in attendance, or for the Confederate faithful for that matter, it serves as an important learning experience for the team, and should serve them in good stead as they journey to the Equestrian States.
Squornshelan Remnant States 0-1 Freeport
Meadow Evergreen (Thorn Bristle) 21'
Venue: Emerald Coast Colosseum (cap. 33,400), Vassilian, Algolia, SRS
SRS: (5-4-1): Munib; Dzarkhin (Geladi 58'), Raktsov, Oleb (Ystrad 45'), Tkermec, Ulcviecel, Vladcik, Strepol (Hagaz 72'), Damot, Zonde (Tambura 58'), Ajao (Jzvanic 72')
FPT (3-5-2): Kukiri; Bloodblade, Alastair (Calyx Dawn '71), Guinevere (Eindride Cleary '45); Temptation (Emerald Eyes '64), Thorn Bristle, Puzzle Piece (Dawn Walker '64), Meadow Evergreen, Valiant Heart; Sonar Amethyst (Katrien Hagen '71), Brigitte
Stealing a Point
After their defeat at home, the Black-and-Reds traveled to the Equestrian metropolis of Manehattan for their opening match against Group C top seeds Acronius. The 49th ranked team in the world appeared in their tricolored away jersey, while the Black-and-Reds wore, well, black and red, donning their home jerseys. Acronius have yet to officially announce their roster for the Cup of Harmony, but working with their roster from qualifying is at least a good start. Speaking of good starts, this time it was the Black-and-Reds who scored early. Vladcik was able to find Jzvanic with a low centering pass from along the goal line, just inside the box that the forward slotted home into the bottom corner, leaving de Brassaï sprawling. The Acronian side were certainly somewhat surprised at having conceded so quickly to such a defensive team, but were able to regroup and take control of possession fairly quickly led by the captain Trésor. Methodically, their midfielders probed for a weak spot in the Confederate defense, generating several decent chances over the next 20 minutes, but for the most part, their finishing let them down, as Munib was not seriously tested until just before half time. Trésor played an excellent ball forward to Pascale, but his first touch shot was blocked by Oleb. Fontanils trapped the ball from his chest, and made a quick turn to open up some space against Tkermec before smashing the ball toward the top corner. Munib, left slightly out of position reacting to Pascale's shot, had no chance. One all at the half.
Coming back out after the break, the Acronians seemed encouraged by their equalizer, and pressed the attack early. The Confederates looked somewhat flat footed during this time, and very nearly conceded the lead after just five minutes, as a shot from the edge of the box by le Kervelec flew by less than a foot over the bar. The pressure continued, and was eventually rewarded in the 66th minute. le Kervelec once again found himself near the edge of the area in possession, but this time played a short but perfectly timed through ball for Fontanils, who lunged forward to poke the ball past Munib and take the lead. Things were looking grim for the Black-and-Reds, with less than 25 minutes to find an equalizer while still containing the potent Acronian attack. Fortune was with them, however, and shortly after the ensuing kickoff, Zonde sent Ulcviecel down the line on a run that saw him simply outrun a mistimed tackle from Althusse. The open space behind the Acronian left back let Ulcviecel play a low, hard cross inside to Jzvanic, who dropped it back for Damot on his first touch. After taking a quick touch to settle the ball, Damot let fly from 25 yards. The ball, struck nearly dead center, knuckled and dipped, deceiving de Brassaï and sliding just inside the right post. Four minutes later, Daror brought Geladi off for Dzarkhin, signalling that he was content with a single point from the opening match, and intended to park the bus the rest of the way. Acronius threw players forward in numbers, but with the Black-and-Reds content to sit back, there was very little space available to create anything, especially after Hagaz came on for Jzvanic, who received a rousing ovation from the Confederate fans. By the time Gebara came on the replace Vladcik during stoppage time, it seemed pretty clear that no further goals would occur.
Elsewhere in Group C (Ponyville to be precise) fourth seed Mytanija earned an upset victory of Mattijana by a score of 2-1. This result leaves the Mytanar on top of the group, with the Confederacy and Acronius tied for second place. While there are no unimportant matches in a single round-robin format, our matchday two meeting with Mytanija now takes on even more importance. A win for Mytanija would see them clinch advancement to the second round, while a win for the Confederacy would, see us tied for the group lead at the very least. A draw would likely leave both side disappointed, but leave Mytanija in a much better position. The match should certainly be a closely fought affair, as neither team are particularly prone to conceding goals.
Squornshelan Remnant States 2-2 Acronius
Jzvanic (Vladcik) 23' Fontanils (Pascale) 44', (le Kervelec) 66'
Damot (Jzvanic) 70'
Venue: Manehattan Industrial Park (cap. 47,160), Manehattan, Equestrian States
SRS: Munib; Geladi (Dzarkhin 74'), Raktsov, Oleb, Tkermec, Ulcviecel; Vladcik (Gebara 90+1), Strepol, Damot, Zonde; Jzvanic (Hagaz 85')
Transfer Prospects: Szlengro na Molvania!
No, I don't speak Molvanian, but foreign scouts should consider picking up a phrasebook if they want to get in on the best opportunity to add Confederate players to their rosters. Eleven players from the "Big Two" of Molvanian football made at least one appearance during qualifying, and several of them might end up elsewhere by this time next year. While better days are coming in Molvania, even their biggest clubs are still plagued by cash flow issues, and neither Interblag nor Lublova are expected to be significant buyers this off-season.
Lublova Reds Football Club
Five Lublova players featured in the qualifying campaign, ranging from defense to the attack, and while Lublova probably to not have the cash to add any big pieces to their lineup, they should at least be able to retain most of their team in order to make another run at the championship.
Dymek Raktsov - CB - 24
Raktsov is a strong, physical presence on the back line, and forms a big part of the intimidation factor for Lublova, along with his hulking teammate, Strepol. Only 24 years of age, he has years and years of contribution left to make. Lublova may not be in a financial position to make big additions to their team, but Raktsov is too important to their hopes of finishing higher than second for them to part with him this year.
Djabgor Dzarkin - LB - 24
Another 24-year-old defender, Dzarkin is probably the likeliest player for Lublova to sell. He is an important part of their back line, no doubt, but he will probably never command a higher transfer fee than this year, and his sale would provide a much needed cash infusion. While he could certainly end up with any number of SCFA teams, he should also be on the radar for foreign clubs with gaps at left back.
Vaarin Strepol - CM - 26
Strepol's sheer bulk would be nearly impossible to replace, and his departure would likely signal a complete change in philosophy at Lublova. For this reason, I expect Strepol to stay, at least for a few more years. If Lublova can't get over the hump in the coming seasons though, he may leave to chase a title elsewhere.
Jzeovak Vladcik - LM - 21
A player of Vladcik's skill and experience at only 21 is far too important to Lublova's future for them to even consider selling him at present, and for the moment, the young winger appears content to remain at his hometown club. Whether his ambitions will rise in the future remains to be seen.
Demkjo Jzvanic - CF - 27
Jzvanic played his way into a starting role for the Black-and-Reds over the course of qualifying, and rumors say he is eyeing a bigger contract than Lublova can afford. He is still signed through the end of next year, so the Reds could retain him for another title shot, but if the right offer comes along, they might be convinced to sell.
Interblag Football Club
Interblag, simply put, are in financial trouble. While money is tight at Lublova, it is near nonexistent in Lutenblag. Molvania's oldest and best supported club has been shamefully, if not criminally mismanaged, and rumors abound that the SCFA and CBP are working on a joint investigation into their finances. Interblag will certainly be selling this year, and it could turn into a fire sale.
Stovar Krieven - GK - 24
Krieven could be the goaltender of the future for a club with an aging start, or, as he is at Interblag, the goaltender of the now. His excellent play, not allowing a single goal in 225 minutes played during qualifying showed that he is ready to take on a starting role against high level opposition. There will almost certainly be a bidding war for his services, both among the rich Brantid and Algolian clubs in the Confederacy, as well as clubs abroad.
Ctibor Tkermec - CB - 29
Tkermec is another player who made a good enough impression during qualifying to move himself up into the starting lineup. While slightly undersized for a Squornshelan center back, he has good instincts and a wealth of experience. He won't bring as high a price as he might have a few years ago, but he definitely still has a few years to give to whichever club takes him on.
Jinkzta Ulcivecel - RB/WB - 26
Ulcviecel is speed incarnate. He is played at wing back on the national team, and in a slightly more defensive position for his club, but could transition to play winger if necessary. His age will definitely add to the expected fee, and I would definitely look for him to take his talents abroad.
Gezan Djanetic - LM - 26
After making only a single appearance during qualifying and losing his spot in the top 23 to Ozol Gebara, Djanetic's star is not rising. As the left midfielder enters his prime and his club looks to raise money, he is a prime candidate to play elsewhere next year.
Zholtokh Dzrenin - CM - 34
Long-time team captain Dzrenin is probably the only player on this Interblag list who is absolutely not going to be sold. Literal riots would likely occur if he were sold, and in his mid-thirties, it's questionable that another club would want to spend enough money on him to make that PR disaster worth Interblag's while.
Przemors Dzetker - CF - 29
Dzetker was impressive in limited appearances during qualifying, and though he is nearing the end of his physical prime, he has the ability to be a cerebral, veteran presence at center forward, facilitating the attack of any club. Domestically, he mostly seems to be targeted by Brantid clubs, most notably Olympia Arkintoofle and Megabrantid SC, but his play could also draw attention from foreign clubs.
Until next time, I'm Salwan, you're not. Keep reading.
Squornshelan Remnant States Cup of Harmony 73 Schedule:
MD1: Squornshelan Remnant States 2-2 Acronius (Manehattan Industrial Park, Manehattan, ES)
MD2: Squornshelan Remnant States v Mytanija (Elements Stadium, Ponyville, ES)
MD3: Mattijana v Squornshelan Remnant States (Manehattan Industrial Park, Manehattan, ES)