Independent Associations Cup 9 (EVERYTHING THREAD)

[Recuecn]

The end of the IAC group stage has resulted in some unexpected eliminations. The tournament's top seed, Free Republics, hasn't made it to the group stage. Along with some other well-known names such as Omerica, Sajnur, SRS, and Lisander, the face of the tournament has changed drastically as we head into the knockouts.

Reçueçn finally managed to win a game; third time's the charm, they say. The team defeated its neighbors Tara and Cambray by a single goal. The result was up in the air toward the end of the game. Reçueçn won a first-half goal from Raoul Lavigne, subbed on after Luc Pélissier appeared to pull a muscle. but in the seventy-fourth minute Tara and Cambray equalized, which suddenly meant that Reçueçn would be eliminated if things finished as they stood. (In the Ziwana-Monglechabagd game, Ziwana was leading by a goal, meaning they'd have the three extra points needed to pass Reçueçn.) Reçuecian fans were on the edges of their seats until twelve minutes later, when Freeman Lebo finally accomplished what had seemed briefly impossible and scored to put les licornes ahead again. Then, of course, in stoppage time, Monglechabagd equalized, meaning that a draw would have been enough anyway.

But it seems that the theme for Reçueçn this tournament is "living dangerously." Only a single group stage win, and even that a close shave. The borderline performance from the ENRF has resulted in them finishing in second place and having to play a stronger, if less-well-known team in Port Ember. Port Ember, Pot E's top seed, has joined the international footballing scene more recently, more recently even, than Reçueçn. Reçueçn's failure to win its own group means that it misses out on the easier (on paper) game against Abanhfleft, who les licornes have played twice before, once in World Cup 83 playoffs and most recently in the IAC group stage just last cycle. Both matches resulted in close wins for Reçueçn. However, the team has never before played against their upcoming round of sixteen opponents, Port Ember, so we're less sure what to expect.

Bonheur Relié, Reçueçn assistant coach, said when asked, "I'll have time to do my research on them before the game, but I haven't started reading up yet. There's just too much." ENFT spokespeople made clear afterward that Relié's comments belied the team's professionalism, and represented his personal opinion.

Unfortunately, the team has also announced that Luc Pélissier's injury is just as bad as it looked: he has suffered a strained hamstring and is most likely out for the rest of the competition.

Previous Match

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Tara and Cambray 1-2 Reçueçn
Ninth Independent Associations Cup — Matchday 3
Estadio Acuatico, Bello Mar, HUElavia
Reçueçn line-up: Gerauld Firaut (c), Leo Beck, Ägidius Heissler, Norman Bright, Oliver Spencer, Luc Pélissier, Harold Saunders, Maynard Hebron, Hippolyte Lavigne, Frank "Franky" Adams, Freeman Lebo
Substitutions: R. Lavigne for Pélissier (29'), Nasser for Adams (52'), Brochard for H. Lavigne (65')

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Upcoming Match

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Port Ember vs Reçueçn
Ninth Independent Associations Cup — Round of Sixteen
Estadio Porto, Portimao, HUElavia
Predicted Reçueçn line-up: Gerauld Firaut (c), Leo Beck, Ägidius Heissler, Norman Bright, Oliver Spencer, Raoul Lavigne, Harold Saunders, Maynard Hebron, Hippolyte Lavigne, Frank "Franky" Adams, Freeman Lebo

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia, the winners of Group D, took on Terre Septentrionale, the 2nd place team from Group C, at the Estadio Costeiro in HUEsillia. This game was to chaos from the start.

The Nordiques certainly didn't want to lose this game and they pulled out an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa (21st) and Jedrzej Kosciukiewicz (34th). However the Jaguars had some demons from the Baptism of Fire they wanted avenging, so Peliniho (36th) and Kepo Ulawaya (44th) brought the game back level before the break.

The 2nd half was just as chaotic as the first, with the Nordiques regaining the lead thanks to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa' 2nd goal (56th). Joe Green made the game level again (67th) but Sandie McCracken (72nd) put the lead back in the hands of Reprezentacja Nordycki. Then
Kepo Ulawaya (87th) scored his 2nd in the dying embers of the game. 4-4 it finished in regulation, a great spectacle already but we needed a winner.

Extra Time was something some on the team feared. It was during ET that they lost to Ziwana after all. The preiod today would be a tight affair as both goalkeepers, Harold Gylfisson and Georges-Kévin Vainqueur, managed to keep their teams in this game time and time again. The whistle finally blew after 120 minutes. These team were inseparable so it was time for the tiebreaker hated by many but enjoyed by the watching world: a penalty shootout.

TJUN-ia won the toss and elected to kick first. We had never been in a penalty shootout before, so the players drew lots to decide the order.
Prince Carter stepped up first and managed to send Vainqueur the wrong way. 1-0
Sandrine Fontaine was first for the Nordiques and she did the same, sending Gylfisson the wrong way. 1-1
Next was Ruben Gibson, another former Galarian. He slid the ball under Vainqueur. 2-1
Next for the Nordiques was Roksana Kolodziejczyk. This time however, Gylfisson went the right way. 2-1 still
Next was Vladimir Podolov. This time however he missed the goal entirely. Still 2-1
Next was Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa, the one who almost never misses a penalty. She missed this one, blocked by Gylfisson. 2-1.
Archer Andrews then stepped up. He shot the ball the right, sending it over Vainqueur. 3-1 now.

The pressure was now on Sandie McCracken. She had to score, or else the Nordiques were out. She shot towards the bar, expecting to out-wit Gylfisson. He jumped right up and blocked the shot. TJUN-ia had won a knockout game for the first time in any sport, not just football. And it was Gylfisson the hero of the night.

So TJUN-ia moves on in the most unexpected way. The Estadio Nacional in Curumba and New Lusitania and the Algarves await the most successful TJUN-ian campaign so far.

GO JAGS!




SCHEDULE: GROUP D

MD1: vs Space (UR) @Estadio Bendito, San Franco W 1-0 (2nd)
MD2: vs Juvencus (40) @Estadio Sino, Bacnano D 2-2 (2nd [Goals Scored vs Juvencus])
MD3: vs Squornshelan Remnant States (45) @San Ignatius, Itio W 3-1 (1st)

Ro16: vs Terre Septentrionale @Estádio Costeiro, HUEsillia W 4-4 AET (3-1 Pens)
QF: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves @Estadio Nacional, Curumba

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

Port Emberian Dragons Grabs Win In IAC9 Knockout Stages (RO16)

Port Ember 2 - 1 Reçueçn

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

The Port Emberian national football team, the Dragons managed to grab their fourth consecutive victory during their Independent Associations Cup 9 (IAC9)  campaign against the national team of Reçueçn during the Round of 16 Elimination Round.

This victory sends us forth to the Quarter Finals of the IAC9, and one step closer to our first possible international trophy.

The match was played within the Estadio Porto Stadium, - situated in the city of Portimao - within our gracious host nation of HUElavia. This modest stadium's 60 000 seats were a total sell-out, with a majority of Port Emberian (estimated to 35 000) fans filling both the stadium - and atmosphere with passion and support.

As the opening whislte sounded, our national team launched an overwhelming attack against their opponents, hoping to catch their prey off guard. This quick attack and push was met with massive approval from the full house crowd in attendance, jumping from their seats. This was not to last however, as posession was stolen from within the box and the Reçueçn squad launched a massive counter attack. Due to being overextend, the young Dragons were powerless to stop the charge, and conceded the goal in minute 7 as Reçueçn striker Frank "Franky" Adams slotted the ball home when keeper Peter Smith jumped towards the wrong direction.

As the game restarted, the Port Emberians immediately changed their approach towards the game, it being clear that their world class opponents needed to be taken more serious. The Port Emberians immediately set off to repair the damages by dominating and locking down the midfield, doing the utmost best to maintain posession there and force their opponents to try and push against their unmoveable wall, without ever truly pushing for an attack - baiting their opponents to rush and overextend. This clearly frustrated their opponents as they failed to make any meaningfull change to the match - our national team maintaining 92% posession in the first half!

The very same midfield lockdown strategy continued through the second half, still with our national team dominatimg every aspect of the game, shutting their opponents down. In minute 80 the exhuastion and frustration of the Reçueçn team was visible on each of their faces, appearing as if their spirits were finally broken - even as they were still leading the match 1-0! The Dragons sensed this and immediately changed pace, suddenly launching a plethora of high octane attacks upon the shocked opposition, leading to two marvelous goals - once in minute 83 from star striker Danny Nicovic, and lastly from midfield winger Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford as he burst through deep down the flanks in minute 88.

This match displayed that how quickly the game can change, as the Port Emberians snatched victory by scoring to goals within the span of only 5 minutes!

Player Scores For The Match:

(GK)(#1) Peter Smith: 6/10
(CB)(#2) Josh Richards: 6/10
(CB)(#3) Jason Lee: 6/10
(LB)(#4)Alex Kuhn: 6/10
(RB)(#5)Russel Pierce: 6/10
(AM)(#10): Ray Reddington: 9/10
(DM)(#6): Steven Packard: 8/10
(LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain: 8/10
(RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford: 8/10
(CF)(#7) Leon Moult: 7/10
(CF)(#9)Danny Nicovic: 8/10

Substitutes:

(CF)(#22)Steven Packard: 6/10

Match Stats
Match: Port Ember Vs Reçueçn
Location: Democracy of HUElavia
Result: 2 - 1 Win for Port Ember
Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Eric Tosaír of the tribe of Waterford
Goals - Reçueçn: Frank "Franky" Adams
Man of the Match - Port Ember: Eric Tosaír of th tribe of Waterford

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"We tried something else for a playstyle today. While admittetly it was a bit of a boring play, we did provide some few moments of excitement. We hope our fans does not crucify us for this tactic, but it surely worked like magic!" Coach Stuart Baxter

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Next Match Preview - Port Ember Vs Zwangzug

Following their fourth consecutive win of the tournament against Reçueçn during the Round of 16 Elimination Rounds, our national team is preparing to face off against the Zwangzug national team during the Quarter Finals Stages of the IAC9.

This match is to be played at the Estadio HUGames Stadium, - situated in the city of Sega - within our gracious host nation of HUElavia. This modesr stadium seats 72 000 fans, and is situated in a city with a strong japanese culture.

Our own national team enters this next match with 4 wins (from 4 played), scoring a total of 10 goals and allowing 4 goals to be scored. Our team is currently ranked as the 38th best team in the world according to international rankings.

Our opponents, Zwangzug, enters this next match with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, scoring a total of 7 goals and allowing 5 goals to be scored. This team is currently ranked as the 31st best team in the world according to international rankings (thus making them the second highest ranked team left in the tournament after our hosts HUElavia).

Interesting to note, it seems as if the "2nd highest ranked team in the tournament" is a curse of some kind, as both previous teams who held this title were eliminated - The Free Republics in the Group Stages, and Reçueçn eliminated by us in the Round of 16.

Port Ember Momentum: WWWW
Zwangzug Momentum: WLDW

This match marks the first time that these two teams will ever meet on an international football field.

Our own team consists out of a group of young and extremely fit players, who have been playing together for the last seven years, certainly giving them an advantage when it comes to team chemistry. They favour a very fast paced game, playing direct and high octane attacking football, attempting to overwhelm their opposition with their speed of play and extreme fitness levels.

Our opponents are a highly defencive orientated team, playing safe and counter attacking football. Their national team consists mainly of older, veteran players, giving them an edge with technical skills, but at an disadvantage when comparing their fitness levels against our own young team.

Starting Line Up - QF

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.
Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.
Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.
Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.
Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.
Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.
Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain.
Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

Coach Baxter announced that our team will be playing in their Primary Kit - donning our traditional White & Blue kit for the upcoming match.

An Analyst's Input - How do we win this one?!?

"This upcoming match is bound to be an interesting one. This team is ranked higher than us on the international rankings, yet they have fared much worse than us in this tournament so far. Thus we enter with a momentum advantage, yet its possible for our opponents to make a massive comback and return to their 'Glory Days'. Both teams have a strikingly different play - they are highly defensive, and we are highly attacking. If we are to win this one, we must apply constant and overwhelming pressure, tiring out their older players, and not give them a chance to counter attack. The same 'Midfield Lockdown' tactic which we used to surprise and defeat Reçueçn will no doubtedly work against Zwangzug as well." - Gerhard Black, Football Analyst and Journalist for Port Ember Times.

Pre Match Interview with Coach Stuart Baxter:

Erica Davies:

"Congatulations on winning your bout during the Round of 16 Elimination Stages coach! How does it feel?"

Coach Baxter:

"Well winning, whether its a friendly or a International Knockout Stages game - is a good feeling. Plus this obviously places us one step closer to possibly winning our first ever international silverware, so it definititely motivates the lads to stay motivated, focussed and drive to work harder."

Erica Davies:

"So how do you feel about facing Zwangzug next?"

Coach Baxter:

"Well I'm excited! They are definitely a strong team, as the second highest ranked team left in the tournament - yet we have performed a lot better than they did during the group stages. They did play a scarily awesome match during their RO16 howecer. So, all in all, we look forward to a hard fought but beautifull game."

Erica Davies:

"Well said coach! Well thats all for today - and we as a nation hope you all the luck and fortune for tomorow!"

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

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[HUElavia]

HUElavia Wins to Advance to The "Elite Eight!"

HUElavia once again returns to the Round-of-16 of the Independent Associations Cup after winning Group A, and the fans have been phenomenal, cheering and supporting the team with passion. This time around, Los Amarillos were set to face off against Devonta, the runners-up to Group B, after upsetting Free Republics, the highest ranked team of the tournament, and heavy favorites to win it all. The match was set to be played at Estadio Salvador (85,000), in Sao Salvador, the capital of Portuguese Culture in HUElavia. Notably in the Starting Eleven was youngster Marc Navarro, who started over Gonzalez-Rios, who was out with strained calf from training.

The match began with Los Amarillos attacking with good strength and skill, but in the 12th minute, a cross from REDACTED ended up deflecting off the foot of Hierro to go into the net past Lobato for an own-goal, making the scoreline 0-1. The own goal was a shock, as the crowd sat in the stands stunned while the visitors celebrated the error and goal. HUElavia got right back to the attack, sending shot after shot that would just not go in. In the 30th minute, a counter attack saw a pass from Rocheteau meet the foot of Cristiano, who took a low and weak shot that slipped past REDACTED and put the match at 1-1. Cristiano did his power stance celebration while the team came to celebrate with him, the crowd jumping and cheering while the stadium rumbled. The first half ended 1-1, with confidence swung towards Los Amarillos.

The second half saw two goals come in quick succession, as a foul over Navarro by REDACTED in the 48th minute, allowed Cristiano to convert a penalty kick on the 49th minute. HUElavia took the lead at 2-1, the crowd going crazy. Then, substitute Ramirez sent a pass to Rossi in the 52nd minute, who took the shot, which dipped over REDACTED and into the net making it 3-1. The fans celebrated, Rossi was mobbed, and HUElavia took a 3-1 lead. Not much chances were taken from either team and once the referee blew the whistle, HUElavians celebrated the advance to the Quarter-Finals.

The next match will be against Kelssek in Bello Mar, a rematch of the IAC 8 Quarter-Finals. The main squad is expected to start the match against Kelssek, being viewed as an evens match.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Zwangzug]

The Kerlagrad Courier

Sports editor's note: it has come to the attention of our staff that some fans may erroneously believe the team of Port Ember to be related to us, as our Composite Minister during the immediate post-isolation phase was named "Ember Nickel." We would like to clarify that this country and its associated team are completely independent.

Editor's note: We would like to retract the previous notification, as clearly all the subscribers of The Kerlagrad Courier are too smart to believe that kind of nonsense. We are on the lookout for a less gullible sports editor.

Typesetter's note: they just let me put anything I want in here, lol, I don't think anyone is going to actually read this.

Online archivist's note: As our computerized edition has vastly more readers than the original paper version, I think you will find it is really I who will get in the last word.

Sports editor's note: we have received word from our defeated opponents in the second round that they would like their name to be analyzed as a mania that is dark, not the country belonging to a man that is dark.

Editor's note: we have received nothing of the kind and we do not appreciate extrapolating on brief and speculative transmissions.

Typesetter's note: How do you expect me to write out names like Mjøe and Ërimär and Lërnÿn? If I wanted an absurd number of diacritics I'd go cover Farfadillis in the AOCAF.

Online archivist's note: oh, stop being a baby, you should consider yourself lucky you're not working for the Guariday Guardian or something else that has a bunch of multilingual scripts all the time.

(Tÿrn 37, Ødegård 68; Saitta 12, Banach 45+1, Friede 52, Miovuku 81)

[PotatoFarmers]

IAC 9 Group Stage round-up: Upsets everywhere
Report by Nokaris Handerson, Poafmer Times' special correspondent for IAC 9
HUElavia - And Poafmersia left the Group Stage as group winners, staging one famous upset against the established team, while standing strong against another which aimed to upset our Red Panijas.
Poafmersia started off with a 4-1 win against Lisander in the opening matches, kicking off their IAC journey to a strong start. Heading into Match 2 against Zwangzug, Poafmersia continued to pack the midfield with players, opting for a 4-4-2 formation and hoofing the ball to the wings. Packing the players against a rather defensive 4-6-0 (which is shocking to Poafmersia) seemed to work when the players were well determined to pursue offense over defense. Dargis Walshor passed the ball to Bytia Hisel, opening the scoring, before Shakira Handaris made a second goal through a solo effort and Figsh scoring a third from heading in a corner.
Against Silver Beach, Poafmersia had to labour for a win, and it almost seemed like a testimonial match for Henderson. Bytia Hisel got 2 goals denied for off-site, and Silver Beach stormed to a 2-0 lead through 2 really nice solo efforts in the 26th and 44th minutes by Avigdor Federman. Needing fresh legs, Shakira Handaris was subbed on in the 50th minute, and his substitution inspired Poafmersia to come back with Joel Haodao bringing a brace through Shakira Handaris' assists. It begun with Shakira Handaris scoring the first goal in the 67th minute with a through pass from Dargis Walshor, then Jessie Mchargarita made a nice cross over to Shakira Handaris 6 minutes later, and Shakira unselfishly passed it to Joel, who was in a better position to tap the ball in. A nice 1-2 between Shakira and Joel in the 80th minute completed the comeback, while Pete Carisa made it past Tzvi Borach to score the fourth goal in the 88th minute. Silver Beach got one back through Mariana Frankel in stoppage time, but her efforts were not enough to stop Poafmersia from ending the Group Stage with a perfect 3 wins in 3.

Result box:

Matchday 2 - Poafmersia 3-0 Zwangzug
Formation: Henderson (c); A. Pickford, A. Hoboson, D. Hoboson, D. Pickford; Walshor, Moonar, Taisg (Figsh 45'), Mchargarita; Hisel, Handaris
Goals for Poafmersia: Bytia Hisel 24'; Shakira Handaris 38'; Goon Figsh 62'

Matchday 3 - Poafmersia 4-3 Silver Beach
Formation: Henderson (c); A. Pickford, A. Hoboson (Wariq 62'), D. Hoboson, D. Pickford; Walshor, Moonar, Taisg, Mchargarita; Haodao, Hisel (Handaris 50'), Carisa
Goals for Poafmersia: Handaris 67'; Haodao 73', 88'; Carisa 80'

Group H                                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Poafmersia                              3   3  0  0   11   4  +7    9
2 Zwangzug                                3   1  1  1    3   5  −2    4
3 Lisander                                3   0  2  1    5   8  −3    2
4 Silver Beach                            3   0  1  2    7   9  −2    1

[Kelssek]

9TH INDEPENDENTS CUP
Taleb’s double sees Kelssek past Juvencus

KELSSEK – 4
Dionne 8’
Lister 21’
Taleb 64’, 86’

JUVENCUS – 2
treize 38’
mot aleatoire 71’

Kelssek advanced to the quarter-finals of the Independents Cup in HUElavia after a fine second-half display from Shaheen Taleb ensured there would be no comeback from Juvencus. Most punters had the Voyagers favoured to win this second round tie, and Rémy Dionne got them off to a great start as he tucked away a rebound eight minutes in. Matt Lister doubled the lead as he applied the finish on an incisive diagonal pass from Ashley Douglass on the right flank.

Juvencus managed to pull back a goal before half-time, but Shaheen Taleb brought the margin back to two goals on 64 minutes after the Juvencus goalkeeper couldn’t hold on to a powerful shot from Brayden Custworth and ended up parrying it into his path. The angle was tight but a measured dink was all that was needed to put the ball into the net.

Kelssek manager Andrea Crowe seemed to tinker with the formation in a bid to see out the match, exchanging winger Colm Ó Tuathail for more the central Gabriel Lapierre and adopting a more fluid approach with Taleb also tucking into the middle more. This was how he got his second goal to finish off the opposition, popping up late in the box to pick up on Matt Lister’s cutback as the striker’s attempt to dribble saw him surrounded by Juvencus players like a hapless tourist wandering into the wrong alley.

Kelssek now faces the challenge of playing against the home team in a knockout match. Hosts HUElavia await in the quarter-finals, and for once the stadium will probably be both full and hostile in Bello Mar.

Lister seeking loan move after sudden shutdown in Mercedini
Lister’s performance was well-timed as sources informed NSN that the Blue Strike Zoloroni striker is desperate for a loan back to Kelssek or elsewhere after the suspension of the Mercedini domestic league seven matches into the season. The move has left hundreds of top-flight professionals with no club football to play. Players stuck in the country and especially foreign players in the league are likely to face a severe disadvantage if they miss practically an entire a season.

With Mercedini officials unavailable for comment, it is unclear what the options for Lister and other players in Mercedini sports leagues will be. The Kelssek Football League’s registration deadline is long past and the season already in high gear. But having a national team regular missing most of the season is also a real problem that Football Kelssek would seem to have every interest in avoiding.

“Clearly Matt Lister would be part of any national squad, but you can’t stay match fit over a season just playing international matches. Many associations will also be facing this issue if they have key players in that league,” speculated one NSN analyst.

Officials at Football Kelssek expressed confusion and suggested someone had been mixing up a storyline on the popular television series Real Life with actual things happening in reality again.

Kelssek: Despatie, Liadon, Curtin, Fourtin, Douglass, Demetriev, Dionne (Bogdanor 76’), Taleb, Ó Tuathail (Lapierre 64’), Custworth (Langelier 81’), Lister.
Player of the match: Shaheen Taleb
Attendance: 58,775 (Estadio Hueti, Jinaqa)

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
IA9


BEAUTIFUL GAME BY BEAUTIFUL SEA
New Lusitania 3-0 Kriegiersien
@Estádio Acuatico, Bello Mar
(Att: 63 785)

After a tough and moderately good group stage, New Lusitania managed to get first in Group B and progress in the Knockout Rounds. Managing this would mean Devonta would get the tough task of playing HUElavia instead of the Selecção, which they were thankful for in this still early stage. Instead, they got the Runners-Up of Group A, Kriegersien. It was a team they had encountered in the IAC before and at the time it resulted in a win. Now, it was a different game and it could all change. The team composed itself of Patríce, Guerreiros, Leiteiro and Cancela in defence, Nevais, Mário, Fernando, Gama and Veiga would set the midfield with Jota and Paciência up front; Silveira being on the bench during the start of the game. Robert Haudels would put the usual suspects on - Kamber in goal, Vansteenburghe, Benko, Sabiz and Hackl composed the back four as Xiang, Kreutzberg, So and Frison in midfield with Gentsoglou anf Edvrch up front. With everything set in the spanish city of Bello Mar, the referee blew the whistle. New Lusitania, probably for the first time in the competition seemed to be the one with the better start. Jota really went for goal right away but hit the bar with the ball going out after contact, on twelve minutes; and on eighteen minutes, we saw him go just wide. His time would come soon enough and before half-time, a good cross from Fernando saw Jota head it in well to put New Lusitania in the lead. Past half-time, Kreigiersien didn't give up, a great shot by Gentsoglou managed to be saved by Patríce, to the dismay of the Lusitanian opposition. On fifty-five minutes, Sabiz conceded a free-kick to Fernando. Fernando passed the ball to Gama, who reciprocated, putting the ball higher and with a good connection to the ball the team captain sent it flying into the net, despite a touch by Kamber. Paciência would land the final goal on seventy-two minutes - a through ball by Veiga went undetected and gave Paciência to open his tab in the competition, meaning he's the fifth player to score for New Lusitania in this edition. As the whistle blew, the team playing in White and Blue celebrated their progression to the Quarter-Finals, which means they complete the federation's "pre-objective". Meanwhile, Bruno Fernando received the man of the match award after a particularly good game where he believes "the team can go far if we play well, we have a lot of commitment here". New Lusitania now move to the capital once more, to play TJUN-ia, with the winner eventually playing Abanhfleft or Poafmersia. For now, the focus is all on the next game though in the Estádio Nacional .- we've come far and it may seem close but there's still a lot to go... FULL TIME: 3-0

Around the Grounds
In S.Salvador, the hosts HUElavia progressed after a convincing 3-1 win over Devonta. They now play Kelssek in Bello Mar, after their opposition's win against a promising Juvencus (4-2) in Tinaqa. The Selecção play TJUN-ia who won the round's feature match against Terre Septentrionale, a 4-4 classic which couldn't even be seperate the two at Extra Time. A Penalty shootout was in order at the Estádio Costeiro, with the referred team winning 3-1, which shows many warning signs to New Lusitania. Meanwhile, in Portimão, Reçueçn saw the exit after a victory from Port Ember (2-1) now facing Zwangzug who triumphed over Darkmania well (4-2) in Curumba. Tara & Cambray gave a hard time to everyone so far, but finally sucumbed to Abanhfleft (3-2) in a well fought battle in San Rafael. In Sega, their opponent was announced in the round's surprise as the Kick Corps' of Drawkland said goodbye after being beaten by Poafmersia in a 4-3 thriller which might and will share the feature match title with TJUN-ia. HUElavia have given us some great matches so far in the 9th IAC and now the Quarter Finals await. As mentioned and to clear up any doubt, the hosts now play Kelssek in Bello Mar, as Sega welcomes Port Ember and Zwangzug this Monday. Tuesday sees New Lusitania play TJUN-ia in Curumba in the early match and Poafmersia vs. Abanhfleft at the Estádio Costeiro later on, in the road to the final, in Curumba.

PROGRAMMING
Port Ember Vs.Zwangzug - Mon, STL 1, 19h from Sega
HUElavia Vs. Kelssek - Mon,Canal Cinco, 23h from Bello Mar
(repeat Tue, STL Sport 3, 14h)
New Lusitania and the Algarves Vs. TJUN-ia - Tue, STL 1, 19h
Poafmerisa Vs. Abanhfleft - Tue, STL 4, 23h from HUEsilia


THE HUB
GOALS: Jota (2), Silveira, Veiga, Fernando, Paciência.
ASSIST: Fernando (2), Gama (2), Mário, Veiga

LATEST WC STATS
World Cup 84 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (10)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
Matchday: Internationals
coverage of the best
Thu - STL4 22h
-----------------------------------
IAC9 and Regional Tournaments
The best of the action on STL, your National Broadcaster.
New Lusitania in exclusive.
-----------------------------------
STL in association with FLF
MMXX

[HUElavia]

There's "Magic in the Air" as today the Elite Eight will become the Final Four of the tournament. Here's the cutoff for the Quarter-Finals!

W: HUElavia 2-1 Kelssek
(Estadio Acuatico, Bello Mar)
(Scorinated by Northwest Kalactin)

X: Port Ember 2-1 Zwangzug
(Estadio HUGames, Sega)

Y: TJUN-ia 1-2 New Lusitania and the Algarves
(Estadio Nacional, Curumba)

Z: Poafmersia 4-0 Abanhfleft
(Estádio Costeiro, HUEsillia)

Semi-Finals:

SF 1: HUElavia vs Port Ember
(Estadio Salvador, Sao Salvador)

SF 2: New Lusitania and the Algarves vs Poafmersia
(Estadio Internacional, San Rafael)

Matches will be scorinated on Thursday, April 2nd.

[PotatoFarmers]

Previous Post (EDITED to reflect more details)

Semi-Finals placing prove that Poafmersia has immense potential ahead
Report/Commentary by Roisig Hansa, Senior Sports Editor

When Poafmersia defeated former Independent Associations Cup (IAC) winner Drawkland in their 4-3 win 3 nights ago, the happiest people are probably the staff at the Poafmersia Football Association (PFFA). They would probably be praising Adnan Suliaha and thanking him for proposing strong reforms to the Poafmersian football system that made the changes. Last night's 4-0 trashing of Abanhfleft was also met with celebrations everywhere, and many are saying that Adnan Suliaha should be given a medal of service by the Parliament, while fans also claim that this could be Jabik Henderson's nice farewell party.

With a considerably successful first domestic league season (OOC: the season we are submitting to the IFCF, by Poafmersian timeline, was before the World Cup, and this IAC would be in the middle of the second season), and the second league season seeing much changes with new transfers coming in full strength and foreigners allowed in the top tier, football in Poafmersia has changed from the past, for the better. Competitiveness has greatly increased, and we can clearly seen how that has shaped our players. Joel Haodao has shown maturity in his 4-goal effort against Drawkland, while Shakira Handaris' skills have improved ever since he moved to defending IFCF Champions League winners 1830 Cathair.

We look at what happened during out first match against Drawkland. Roger Apollo opened the scoring for Drawkland in the 27th minute after a nice pass from Ross Hunter, stunning Jabik Henderson with a power shot. It was Joel Haodao that equalised in the 40th minute, utilising the rebound from the goalkeeper after Daas Taisg made a nice ranged shot that found the hands of Septimus Xander. Barely 4 minutes later, Pete Carisa got himself on the scoresheet after a defensive error by Elias Keys, putting Poafmersia 2-1 up going into the second half. A Poafmersian team of the past would probably have slacken down, but the players were equally focused, and Drawkland only broke in the 62nd minute through a corner, which found the feet of Jaxon Madison and he tapped it in with ease. But substituting Alex Hoboson off for Pasits Rikachz immediately after made the defense more solid, and Pasits and Danzik Hoboson used their expertise to fend off the attacking Drawkland. Shakira, who was largely silent after being man-marked by the Drawkland defence, was subbed off for veteran striker Santik Mason, who came up to a standing ovation from the Poafmersian fans. Santik was able to help in getting Poafmersia's third goal, after finding Joel Haodao in the corner to set-up for a very nice cross back towards Pete Carisa on the right. A foul in the box on Santik Mason in the 79th minute came, and Santik was asked to convert the resulting penalty and he made the keeper dive the wrong way. Though Ross Hunter of Drawkland managed to slot home a late goal through a free kick from just outside the box, it was all too late as Poafmersia sealed their place in the Quarter Finals.

The quarter-finals looked easier on paper, given that we just defeated the world 32nd side Drawkland. Abanhfleft, ranked worldwide just 15 rugs above Poafmersia, fielded a full women team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. With a mix of young blood and experienced veterans, this was an exciting match, and the exchanges on the field did showcase the potential. However, it was Poafmersia which got a lucky first goal from Santik Manson, who got his first start of the cup, after narrowly beating the offside trap in the 22nd minute and beat goalkeeper Stephanie Bryan in an one-on-one. But it was Joel Haodao that stole the limelight, first scoring a nice bicycle kick in the 40th minute, then getting in his second from a free-kick that left the goalkeeper stunned in the 54th minute. With a 3-0 lead, head coach Adnan Suliaha then rotated out Santik to bring on Bytia Hisel, brought on Matthew Tibrise for Dargis Walshor, and told the team to focus on getting away with a clean sheet and no injuries. That was unusual for Poafmersia, and barely a year ago, if the players were asked to focus on defense, surely one or two goals would be leaked. But they showcased possession-based football, taking more time to pass the ball around and make safer attacks. The fans were pleasantly surprised, and the opposition was promptly surprised to be unable to attack on the counter-offence. It was not much of a "bus-parking", but they managed to rake up the passes. Joel Haodao promptly finished his hat-trick in the 84th minute after Matthew Tibrise found a hole in the defence and slotted the ball through.

The level of maturity and the experience of playing football with the powerhouses of the world has made the players grow and improve. As for the IAC, it can only get tougher from here. Poafmersia next play New Lusitania and the Algarves, a tough side which also had a good run at the World Cup 84 qualification and here in the IAC. The 44th ranked side narrowly missed out on Group Stage last World Cup to Ko-oren and Apox in Group 15, and made it to the Round of 16 where they fell to Pasarga. Meanwhile, in the other Semi-Finals, it would be the battle of the top sides as both HUElavia and Port Ember are among the contenders for the trophy. While hosts HUElavia are hot favourites, it would not be hard to imagine Port Ember staging an upset, as seen by their strong performance in the World Cup Qualifiers. For now, Poafmersia would have to look forward to playing their very best. Getting an easier path to the Semis, as some might say, does not mean anything. As head coach Adnan Suliaha said after the match against Abanhfleft, "Everything will go back to zero from here. The players need to put in their 100% to ensure further progress, especially against many more tougher opponents."

Round of 16 - Poafmersia 4-3 Drawkland
Formation: Henderson; A. Pickford, D. Hoboson (c), A. Hoboson (Rikachz 62'), Gausun; Walshor, Moonar, Mchargarita; Haodao, Handaris (Manson 62'), Carisa
Goals for Poafmersia: Haodao 40', 72'; Carisa 44', Manson 79' (p)

Quarter Finals - Poafmersia 4-0 Abanhfleft
Formation: Henderson; Warisian, D. Hoboson (c), Rikachz, Gausun; Walshor (Tibrise 60'), Figsh, Taisg, Kalson; Haodao, Manson (Hisel 55')
Goals for Poafmersia: Manson 22'; Haodao 40', 54', 84'

[HUElavia]

HUElavia Repeats History En Route to the Semi-Finals!

HUElavia made their 2nd consecutive appearance in the Quarter-Finals after a big win against Devonta, 3-1, in the Round-of-16 at Sao Salvador. Now, Los Amarillos traveled to the Northernmost venue of the tournament at Estadio Acuatico in Bello Mar, to take on Kelssek, one of the favorites of the tournament. This match was considered to be the "Match of the Round," as this was a rematch of the Quarter-Finals match in IAC 8, which saw Los Amarillos dispatch The Voyagers 3-0 in Rcecuen. Both teams came into the match with their full squads, with the bookies viewing this match as "Evens," with either team having a good shot at advancing. Except for the roughly 9,000 away supporters from Kelssek, the crowd of about 55,000 was in Yellow, as HUElavia once again came in designated as the Home Team.

The first half was a difficultly fought half, as both teams went at each other taking shots left and right, but not attacking so hard that they would give the opponents a chance to counterattack from a mistake. Shots taken by Rossi and Cristiano were met with saves by Despatie, while Custworth and Demetriev being blocked by Lobato. The first half ended 0-0, with the teams and fans dissatisfied with the scoreline.

The second half came, and again there was more of the same. Shots being taken but being met by excellent goalkeeping. The opening goal of the match would come in the 63rd minute, as a cross from substitute Leblanc met the foot of Rossi, who blasted it past Despatie into the net, making it 1-0. The crowd erupted into joy, screaming and cheering while the stadium once again rumbled from the celebrations. Rossi gave his iconic signing the cross, while being hugged and congratulated by his teammates. Although, Kelssek would respond 10 minutes later in the 73rd minute, as a foul by Toni saw him get a Yellow Card and allow a free kick from 23 yards out. Custworth took the kick and curved it over the wall and pased Lobato to tie the match at 1-1. The groups of Kelssek fans went crazy celebrating the goal, while HUElavians were left in shock at conceding an excellent goal. The match went on, and as time passed it looked as if extra time was going to happen and as the additional time of 5 minutes came in, there was a sense of anxiety and agony in the crowd. Time ticked away and in the 94th minute of the match, HUElavia was given a corner kick. Leblanc took the kick and met the head of the captain Hierro, who headed it past the hands of Despatie to make it 2-1. The crowd erupted, screaming with passion, while Hierro was mobbed by the entire squad and staff for the late winner. Kelssek kicked off to make one last attack, but to no avail as a cross by Demetriev met the hands of Lobato, who grabbed the ball with ease, and the referee blew the whistle to end it 2-1.

HUElavia advance once again to the Semi-Finals, now facing off against Port Ember, the other Pot 1 team remaining, at Estadio Salvador (85,000) in Sao Salvador, which bookies view it as "Evens." The team and fans have good faith that HUElavia can win the match against a very difficult opponent and make their 2nd consecutive Final once again in another tournament. Regardless of what happens, the country is proud of the team for their hard work and talent throughout the tournament.

FORCA HUELAVIA! vAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

Port Emberian Dragons Grabs Wins Quarter Finals Bout In IAC9

Port Ember 2 - 1 Zwangzug

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

The Port Emberian national football team, the Dragons managed to grab their fith consecutive victory during their Independent Associations Cup 9 (IAC9)  campaign against the national team of Zwamgzug during the Quarterfinals of the tournament.

This victory sends our national team forth to the Semi Finals of the IAC9, and one step closer to our first possible international trophy.

The match was played within the Estadio HUGames Stadium, - situated in the city of Sega - within our gracious host nation of HUElavia. This modern stadium's 72 000 seats were a total sell-out, with a majority of Port Emberian (estimated to 40 000) fans filling both the stadium - and atmosphere with passion and support.

The match was an entertaining match and an honour to witness, as both sides displayed remarkable and professional skills and attitude and gave their utmost best for the match at hand. 

The first half of the match saw Zwangzug dominate posession and launched countless barrages of offences upon the Dragons, yet struggling against a unified and passionate defence, struggling to break through a 'on fire' midfield and backline. The Zwangzugians finally managed to break through a solid defencive effort in minute 32 when Jonah McCollins scored an exhuasting goal.

The second half immediately saw a new Port Emberian side as it became clear that the young Dragons sprung their old play - allowing the opposition to give their all in the first half, frustrating and tiring them out with solid defence, and utilising their youth and superior fitness to dominate the second half. The skilled and experienced, yet exhuasted Zwangzug national side attempted a valiant and constant defence, however the still fresh and fit Dragons was relentless with their constant high octane attacks, scoring twice in this half - once in minute 62 by legendary striker Danny Nicovic, and once by up and coming midfield winger Eric Tosair in minute 81 - both goals set up and assisted by Captain Ray Reddington, playing from the Attacking Midfield position.

Although the Zwangzugians attempted to regain control of the derby for the entire second half, their exhuastian coupled with a larger and deeper Port Emberian midfield shut down this attempt constantly, as analysts predicted.

Player Scores For The Match:

(GK)(#1) Peter Smith: 6/10
(CB)(#2) Josh Richards: 6/10
(CB)(#3) Jason Lee: 6/10
(LB)(#4)Alex Kuhn: 6/10
(RB)(#5)Russel Pierce: 6/10
(AM)(#10): Ray Reddington: 9/10
(DM)(#6): Steven Packard: 8/10
(LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain: 8/10
(RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford: 8/10
(CF)(#7) Leon Moult: 7/10
(CF)(#9)Danny Nicovic: 8/10

Substitutes:

(CF)(#22)Steven Packard: 6/10

Match Stats
Match: Port Ember Vs Zwangzug
Location: Democracy of HUElavia
Result: 2 - 1 Win for Port Ember
Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Eric Tosaír of the tribe of Waterford
Goals - Zwangug: Jonah McCollins 
Man of the Match - Port Ember: Eric Tosaír of th tribe of Waterford

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"We returned to our old system of play today for the first time in manu games, and it obviousle surprised our opponents, and managed to get the job done in an entertaining fashion. I must however congratulate our opponents as they have put up a insane fight, keeping us on our toes. Well done!" Coach Stuart Baxter

---

Next Match Preview - Port Ember Vs HUElavia

Following their fith consecutive win of the tournament against Zwangzug during the Quarter finals, our national team is preparing to face off against the tournament's hosts and highest ranked team left in the tournament - the HUElavia national team, during the Semi Finals Stages of the IAC9.

This match is to be played at the Estadio Salvador Stadium, - situated in the city of Sao Salvador - within our gracious host nation (and oppoments) of HUElavia. This modern - and second largest stadium in the nation, seats 85 000 fans, and is situated in a city with a strong Portuguese culture.

Our own national team enters this next match with 5 wins (from 5 played), scoring a total of 12 goals and allowing 5 goals to be scored. Our team is currently ranked as the 38th best team in the world according to international rankings.

Our opponents, HUElavia, enters this next match with 4 wins and 1 draw, scoring a total of 11 goals and allowing 5 goals to be scored. This team is currently ranked as the 23rd best team in the world according to international rankings (thus making them the highest ranked team left in the tournament).

Interesting to note, it seems as if the "2nd highest ranked team in the tournament" is a curse of some kind, as all three previous teams who held this title were eliminated - The Free Republics in the Group Stages, and Reçueçn eliminated by us in the Round of 16, and lastly Zwangug, also eliminated by us during the quarter finals. We currently hold this "cursed title" as we enter the next match.

Port Ember Momentum: WWWWW
Zwangzug Momentum: WDWWW

This match marks the first time that these two teams will ever meet on an international football field.

Our own team consists out of a group of young and extremely fit players, who have been playing together for the last seven years, certainly giving them an advantage when it comes to team chemistry. They favour a very fast paced game, playing direct and high octane attacking football, attempting to overwhelm their opposition with their speed of play and extreme fitness levels.

Our opponents prefers a balanced playstyle of putting up a solid defending effort, launching counter attacks when oppertunity arises, attempting to never over extend on attacks. This makes them quite a dangerous opponent on the pitch. Their national team consists mainly of young amd hungry fresh bloods, yet they have quite a number of skilled and veteran players, giving them an edge with technical skills.

Starting Line Up - SF

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.
Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.
Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.
Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.
Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.
Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington.
Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.
Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain.
Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford
Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.
Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

Coach Baxter announced that our team will be playing in their Primary Kit - donning our traditional White & Blue kit for the upcoming match.

An Analyst's Input - How do we win this one?!?

"This upcoming match is a toughie - no doubt the hardest match of the entire tournament, not only for us, but overall.

Our opponents holds a number of advantages over us - largest of all obviously is the fact that we are facing them in their own backyard. That is a massive advantage which one must not underestimate. Also, they are a determined, motivated team - hungry for their first international gold. Like us they managed to make their debut at the World Cup during the previois cycle, but managed to fare a bit better than our own team.

Our opponents plays a sensible sort of balanced football, placinq equal importance on both defence and attack.

My personal opinion would be that our squad must play this game like its their last, and throw all caution to the wind. We need to grab the ball and launch a billion attacks non stop. Overwhelming momentum and fitness levels is what we need to win this next one." - Gerhard Black, Football Analyst and Journalist for Port Ember Times.

Pre Match Interview with Coach Stuart Baxter:

Erica Davies:

"Congatulations on winning your bout during the Quarterfinals coach! How does it feel?"

Coach Baxter:

"Well winning, whether its a friendly or a International Quarterfinal game - is a good feeling. Plus this obviously places us one step closer to possibly winning our first ever international silverware, so it definititely motivates the lads to stay motivated, focussed and drive to work harder."

Erica Davies:

"So how do you feel about facing HUElavia next?"

Coach Baxter:

"Well I'm excited! Besides being the host team - they are definitely a strong team, arguably the strongest team left in this tournament. This is going to be a true 'Clash of the Titans' affair."

Erica Davies:

"So accoeding to pundits - and your own admission just now, the HUElavians are the favourites for the match ahead. It seems all odds are stack against you. How does this effect you and the team?"

Coach Baxter:

Funny enough - its having an amazing effect on our team. We have proven time after time after time that we perform at our utmost best when we are the underdogs. There is nothing which motivates amd drives our team - and nation in general - than when the whole world believes we are out for the count. I can see it in the eyes of our lads - this will be a bloody match!

Erica Davies:

"Well said coach! Well thats all for today - and we as a nation hope you all the luck and fortune for tomorow!"

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

---

[Zwangzug]

The Kerlagrad Courier

New manager totally just around corner

According to sources not very close to the federation, finding a manager with the experience to lead the Zwangzug national team should be "like no problem" during the upcoming domestic transfer window.

"People who love to play defense but not too much defense are very numerous," said an anonymous pundit. "Also, formations like the (1)-4-6-0 are totally in vogue. Except if we decide to switch it up by adding a forward or someone from Bassabook too."

"Because our league has basically no organized internal time scheme or capitalist salaries, I'm sure reputable foreign managers will be just flocking to come here," came another analysis. "I mean, look at McDonagh from Kelssek! And, uh, Sadler from Nephara, she's hardcore."

"There's Salleh from...shoot...sheet...shut...Sharktail," mentioned a well-read fan. "He looks like he has experience at the under-21 level, which is totally a competition we would participate in and field a national team for."

"Who wouldn't want this job?" rhetorically questioned a happily-employed bureaucrat who, in fact, did not want the job. "Managing the expectations of a large group of people who resist the urge to buy into a collective 'national' archetype while trying to stress to other nations that success is fleeting and not the main goal of competitive enterprise sounds like an easy and low-pressure scenario."

At press time, Bronwyn Sadler was reportedly scouting out youth prospects, both so she could claim to have an organized under-18 team and so she could avoid being recruited by our federation.

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
IA9


THE ROAD GOES ON
TJUN-ia 1-2 New Lusitania
@Estádio Nacional, Curumba
(Att: 98 356)

Returning to the capital, New Lusitania faced their newest opponent, TJUN-ia, at HUElavia's national ground. The Quarter-final hosted a packed arena awaiting to find out who would progress from these two nations. New Lusitania would continue with almost the same team - Patríce would indeed start in goal, Vinagrete, Leiteiro and Cancela would commence in defensive positions as Nevais would supplement the link-up between defence and midfield, where Mário, Fernando, Gama and Veiga would be ready to go forward and supplement the attack to Silveira and Jota, playing in their usual Bordeaux and navy kit. TJUN-ia meanwhile, in sky blue and gold, would start Gylfisson between the sticks as McKenna, Kaliah, Umkala and Donaldson composed the back four. Pedro Vasquez, Peliniho, Johnson and Podolov in midfield with Green and Ulawaya up front as usual.
With the national anthems over, the referee gave the order and the match was underway. The first chance came from the eager TJUN-ia, a shot by Green just about palmed away but the Lusitanian in goal, promising a tough match ahead. Later, on twenty minutes of play, the first goal found it's way to the register. Jota crossed it in with Gama controlling it well, shooting into the back of the net. New Lusitania led the count as things were. However before they could leave to the dressing rooms on a high note, a quick counter-attack by TJUN-ia saw Vasquez pass to Peliniho who passed into Green where the ball would smoothly sail into the net. With the referee blowing the whistle for a quarter-hour break it was one all. Victor Santa Cruz decided to make a change in his midfield bringing back Azinheira into Nevais' position, a well-earned rest. On seventy-minutes of play, the deadlock was finally broken as Mário switched play onto Veiga who confidently entered the area to score the winning goal, in the bottom right corner of the net. 2-1. Ulawaya still hit the post before the game's end but by the time the referee blew the whistle it was all over. New Lusitania were in the Semi-finals, something they had all hoped for. FULL TIME: 1-2

Around the Grounds
Over at the Estádio Costeiro, things were straightforward as Poafmersia cruised past Abanhfleft with a 4-0 score to become the Selecção's semi-final opponent in San Rafael. The hosts made it past Kelssek in Bello Mar in a close 2-1 game, meaning their home triumph hopes are still alive with Port Ember becoming their matchup by the same margin against Zwangzug in Sega.
Last night, Pedro Marques of the STL Sport panel believed there was "no reason why the hosts couldn't make it to the final". They have in fact been one of the best teams in the tournament, scoring thirteen goals so far and yet Port Ember haven't minimally shown signs of weakness, winning all three group matches and their two knockout games with style. Meanwhile, the Selecção meet Poafmersia, international slayers beating such names as Zwangzug, Abanhfleft and Drawkland in their path - "Our Team" may have made it this far but can this will be their toughest test yet. What of our own? They didn't shine in the group stage despite qualifying in first, as they only scored three goals and conceded one in that period. They have only conceded two and have appeared shaky at times but they've been good enough to reach the semis. The ball is round, the pitch is green and all can happen in the endgame of a tournament as prestigious as this one. Keep watching

THE HUB
GOALS: Jota (2), Silveira, Veiga, Fernando, Paciência, Gama.
ASSIST: Fernando (2), Gama (2), Mário Veiga, Jota

LATEST WC STATS
World Cup 84 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (10)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
Matchday: Internationals
coverage of the best
Thu - STL4 22h
-----------------------------------
IAC9 and Regional Tournaments
The best of the action on STL, your National Broadcaster.
New Lusitania in exclusive.
-----------------------------------
STL in association with FLF
MMXX

[HUElavia]

It's time for one last "Zumba" before our four Semi-Finalists play their 7th match of their runs. Here's the cutoff for the Semi-Finals!

HUElavia 3-1 Port Ember

(Estadio Salvador, Sao Salvador)
(Scorinated by Northwest Kalactin)

New Lusitania and the Algarves 3-1 Poafmersia

(Estadio Internacional, San Rafael)

3rd Place Match:

Port Ember vs Poafmersia

(Estadio Hueti, Jinaqa)
Will be scorinated on Saturday, April 4th

The Final:

HUElavia vs New Lusitania and the Algarves

(Estadio Nacional, Curumba)
Will be scorinated on Sunday, April 5th

[HUElavia]

HUElavia Advances To Their 2nd Consecutive IAC Final!

Coming into the Semi-Finals, HUElavia has had a very improved run when compared to the last tournament. After a last-minute winner against Kelssek, HUElavia traveled to Sao Salvador to play against Port Ember in Estadio Salvador (85,000). Bookies saw the match as "evens," as both teams had a strong squad to play in the match. This match is the first time both of the teams face off against each other, as well as these two made their World Cup debuts in WC 84. Although HUElavia fared better in the tournament than Port Ember, despite both being eliminated in the Group Stage. The stadium was sold out, with 12,750 Port Emberians present at one of the endzones and corners, while the rest was a sea of yellow with flags and banners adorned around the stadium. Both teams came in with their best eleven players.

The match started with full attack, with shots being made left and right, but were saved with ease by Lobato and Smith. While the first half was looking like it was going to be scoreless, the opening goal would fall in the 43rd minute, as a corner kick taken by Chamberlain met the head of Lee to head it past Lobato and into the net to make it 0-1. Port Ember celebrated the goal, with the 12K supporters going crazy, while the HUElavians were left stunned and silenced. Not much would be made as half time came at 0-1.

The second half came, and HUElavia went into the attack, giving hard but legal tackles to disposses The Dragons. The tying goal came in 53rd minute, as a cross by Gallegos met the boot of Cristiano to chip it past Smith and into the goal to make it 1-1. Cristiano got the ball and ran back to the center circle while the crowd went crazy and celebrated, chanting "Si Se Puede" ("Yes We Can") with the hopes of advancing to The Final. Kickoff came, and Reddington was dispossed, as Petit took the ball from him and ran past two defenders, before chipping it past Smith to make it 2-1 on the 54th minute. Lightning struck twice, and the stadium went crazy and rumbled from all the jumping and cheering. Petit was mobbed and the crowd was pleased of the turnaround. Port Ember went on the attack, giving shot after shot, only to be saved by Lobato, or blocked by Hierro or Toni. As additional time came in, a counter attack saw substitute Ramirez make a long pass on the ground for Hamada to slide it past Smith to make it 3-1 at the 91st minute. Hamada was mobbed by teammates, while the crowd jumped and cheered with passion, making the stadium rumble. The comback was complete, and the referee blew the whistle to end it at 3-1, with HUElavia making their 2nd consecutive Independent Associations Cup Final.

With the victory, HUElavia will play once again in the Final of the tournament, this time against Group B winner New Lusitania and the Algarves, who defeated Poafmersia 3-1. The two will meet on Sunday's Final at Estadio Nacional (100,000) in Curumba, where it is expected to be sold-out. The bookies see the match as "Evens." Both of these teams are looking to win their first every IAC Title, in what can be a very entertaining Final between these two Lusophone nations.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Sajnur]

Car crash at intersection = Car crash out of IAC9

Esther Marinov (Delayed Broadcast)

Sajnur's campaign at the 9th Independent Associations Cup in Huelavia has ended at the group stages after it was derailed by a car crash involving captain Jessica Siafik and gun defender Kahala Murje. The two players were driving from their training camp when their estate wagon was sideswiped by another vehicle who had run a red light at an intersection. Murje sustained head and leg injuries that meant she could not play any matches for the duration of the group stages, and Siafik suffered neck injuries that put her out of action until the Huelavia fixture on Matchday Three, by which time Sajnur had already been eliminated.

Tomasi Vuierev took the armband for the two losses to Omerica and Kriegiersien. The opener against Omerica was a relatively sedate match as the stand in captain marshalled the defence well, however the 32nd minute saw the only goal of the match come for Omerica as Christina Falkirk beat Stefan Jana to a Jessica Beckett cross and volley past Piotr Laghiev to score what would turn out to be the winner. While the Sajnuran defence was otherwise very good, the Omerica defence turned out to be better as Sian Levici and co were frustrated in the midfield, unable to get passes downfield, and Andre Naulo and Ahmed Nazar were left starved of possession in the final third.

The Kriegiersien match was more interesting, and not just for the garish uniforms. While Sajnurans do not normally mind skimpy clothing, and would object to Kriegiersien's mandatory nudity on freedom of expression grounds rather than the actual nudity itself, the opponent uniforms were considered unfashionable by our players, staff, and fans alike and elicited many laughs and grimaces. The football, however, proved to be much better from the black underpants as they beat Sajnur 3-2 to eliminate our team from the tournament. Kriegiersien's players used a direct 4-4-2 in lieu of the 5-4-1 they used against the host nation and their players proved well suited to the muscular directness their coach, Robert Haudels, prescibed for them. It paid off handsomely in the first half as Jian-cheng Xiang was cruelly scythed down by Salloah. The Sajnur fullback was sent off, the injured Kriegier winger was substituted for Alfred Sommer, and Erich Traab converted the penalty to take the lead. The opponents then won another penalty as Silja Jorse took down Vasdekis in the box, but Vasdekis wasn't injured and Jorse only received a yellow. This time it was Onofrious Gentsoglou's turn to convery, sending it top bins to double the lead. Sajnur had renewed hope at the break, however, as Andre Naulo volleyed in an exquisite early cross from Ella Ciuru to send Josef Kamber leaping at thin air to pin it back just before half time. It was Kriegiersien's day, however, as Erich Traab would score a third goal off a Vasdekis cross, leaping over Vuierev to head it past Alek Khadur to make it 3-1. While Sajnur got it back to within one again, Kriegiersien would hold on to take victory. What would be only a consolation goal was once again at the feet of Naulo, with a Zain Hasan through ball cutting the opposition defence, leaving Naulo with an easy one on one to slice into the bottom corner.

Sajnur's final match was against Huelavia, the host nation, top of Group A, and a favourite to win the tournament on home soil. Sajnur was playing for pride, Huelavia was playing to secure top spot. In front of 82,500 fans, most of them Huelavian, the first half elicited few cheers as neither team could penetrate the other's defence. Jessica Siafik returned to take the armband, and her tricks provided small joy to the crowd, but with no goals before the break, it was anyone's guess as to what would happen after it. What did happen? Four goals, and a much more excited crowd. It was even Sajnur who struck first, and who better to provide service other than the returning captain, sending an early cross to Dario Tule, the winger shooting first time past Ana Vallares. The lead was very short lived, however, as Cristiano sent his own early cross to Ayuka Hamada, who sent it through Alek Khadur to equalise. The yellow hosts would take a lead of their own as Samuel Sissoko blasted one just under the cross bar, but the match would end all square as Ella Ciuru would score her first, and Sajnur's last, goal of the tournament courtesy of a Metiria Ocango pass.

In Lourdes, the fans watched another shock upset as Kriegiersien dispatched IAC7 champions Omerica to take a berth in the Round of 16, where they would fall 3-0 to New Lusitania and the Algarves. They make up one half of a Lusophone derby grand final, with Huelavia making their second straight after beating Port Ember 3-1 at Estadio Salvador. Port Ember had earlier upset defending champions Recuecn 2-1 in the Round of 16, and the biggest upset of the knockouts was Poafmersia beating Drawkland 4-3, their dream run to the semi finals also featuring a 4-0 floor sweep of Abanhfleft in the quarters, before New Lusitania beat them 3-1 to end their tournament.

Sajnur 0-1 Omerica

Sajnur

Lineup
GK: Laghiev
RB: Salloah
CB: Vuierev (c)
CB: Jana
LB: Kiral [Jorse 80']
CDM: Hajat [Kerero 73']
CM: Hasan
CM: Levici
RW: Tule
ST: Naulo [Maktar 68']
LW: Nazar

Omerica

Goals
Falkirk: 32' (Beckett)

Lineup
GK: Augustin
RB: Michelakakis
CB: Kayode
CB: de Felice
LB: Jet
CDM: Bianchi [Bennett 82']
CM: Bolton (c)
CM: Soares
RW: Beckett [Cabral 70']
ST: Falkirk
LW: Palmeiro [Argyris 63']

Sajnur 2-3 Kriegiersien

Sajnur

Goals
Naulo: 45' (Ciuru), 77' (Hasan)

Lineup
GK: Khadur
RB: Jorse
CB: Vuierev (c)
CB: Hajat
LB: Salloah [29']
CDM: Ocango [Jana HT']
CM: Hasan
CM: Levici
RW: Down [Parjazu 72']
ST: Naulo
LW: Ciuru [Nazar 51']

Kriegiersien

Goals
Traab: 29' (p), 62' (Vasdekis)
Gentsoglou: 38' (p)

Lineup
GK: Kamber
RB: Vansteenburghe
CB: Sobisz
CB: Hackl
LB: Goldberg
RM: Xiang [Sommer 29']
CM: Kreutzberg
CM: So
LM: Vasdekis
ST: Gentsoglou [Edurch HT']
ST: Traab

Sajnur 2-2 Huelavia

Sajnur

Goals
Tule: 57' (Siafik)
Ciuru: 75' (Ocango)

Lineup
GK: Khadur
RB: Haji
CB: Vuierev
CB: Jana
LB: Salloah [Isarghie 75']
CDM: Hajat
CM: Ocango
CM: Siafik (c)
RW: Tule [Down 75']
ST: Maktar [Parjazu 67']
LW: Ciuru

Huelavia

Goals
Hamada: 59' (Cristiano)
Sissoko: 67' (Almeida)

Lineup
GK: Vallares
RB: Duran
CB: Toni
CB: Hierro
LB: Amaru
RM: Gonzalez [Sissoko 59']
CM: Gallego
CM: Rocheteau [Rossi HT]
LM: Cristiano [Navarro 85']
CAM: Almeida
ST: Hamada

[HUElavia]

Even though these two teams were eliminated, "Que Viva La Vida!" There's still a bronze medal to be played for, and today we will find out who finishes in 3rd and 4th Place respectively. This is your cutoff for the 3rd Place Match!

Port Ember (PE) 3–3 Poafmersia (PFM) (3–3 AET) (3–2 pen.)

(Estadio Hueti, Jinaqa)

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

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UNFORGETTABLE
New Lusitania 3-1 Poafmersia
@Estádio Internacional, San Rafael
(Att: 81 362)

Only one match separated New Lusitania from the final back in Curumba - Poafmersia. The travel back into the Castilian territory of HUElavia, San Rafael would host the second semi-final, where the Lusitanians equalled their best performance in the competition (3rd). Poafmersia were what you'd call a tough cookie though - to get here they excelled in the groups and defeated Drawkland and Abanhfleft on their knockout route. The sun was shining brightly in the Southern Sky as the match was getting ready at the Internacional in front of a packed stadium, demonstrating the true passion for the sport around the country. Starting for New Lusitania today were Patríce, Guerreiros, Leiteiro, Cancela in defence, Nevais, Horta, Fernando, Gama and Veiga in the middle of the park as Jota and Silveira took customary positions up front. Meanwhile, Poafmersia would start their main team - Jahalla in goal, backed up by the Pickfords, Hoboson, Rikachz, in midfield Walshor, Mchargarita and Moonar in their unconventional positions as Haodo, Hadris and Carisa would play in attacking positions.
With the formalities taken care of, the game was under way. Both teams were up for the challenge showing a midfield battle for a good part of the first half. Poafmersia would draw first blood though. Carisa would cross it into Haodo who would smash it in with a volley - the goal was in as the Poafmersian fans celebrating and chanting. Just before halftime, the equaliser came, a moment to show that the game had just begun. As Silveira made his shot a deflection by Rikachz showed the ball its way to the post, where Jota would tap it in. It was a high note of the half, as they entered halftime in San Rafael. Back for the second half, things seemed to change for the Selecção. The comeback was seemingly on, Gama had previously missed by inches but now, on fifty-five minutes of play Gama once more had the ball, crossing it into Fernando who just outside the box curled it into the top of the net. A good goal to be sure but it's effect shadowed by the crowds of the Internacional celebrating what could well may be their ticket to a first final. Soon after though, Poafmersia seemed to have the equaliser as Hadris now received the ball and ran to the goal, putting into the back of the net.... with the flag on the sideline being flown as the ball crossed the line. The second controversial moment in this tournament in a Lusitanian match. Whilst the replays and video assistance show the existence of an offside foul by a few visible centremeters, the main problem here is the time that took the linesman to actually act on the play. False hopes giving to a team which was already under pressure, just like the Lusitanians due to the high stakes of the match. Later on, they'd hit the bar, as Gama too would have a good shot saved by the goalkeeper. In stoppage time - the nail in the coffin. Fernando put in a pass with some good vision into Silveira who had only the keeper to beat, as he put it well and truly low into the goal to make it 3-1. The crowds knew it and made tremendous noise in the three remaining minutes, as Poafmersia attempted to score two in such a short space of time. It wasn't without trying - Rikachz shot the ball from long range, with Patríce just putting fingers to preventing it going through and a corner saw Hadris headed it just above goal as well. However, when the referee blew the whistle all the tension had been lifted - New Lusitania were in the final. Victor Santa Cruz in the sidelines as Mário and company on the bench jumped for joy as the whole team made its way to it's supporters. FULL TIME: 3-1

Post-Match Coverage
As the team and fans stayed in the grounds for a while, there was still plenty to do as a final is where the stakes are at it's highest. Winger Gama, was lost for words in the interview though captain Fernando had a message for the opposition, praising them: "They played well and despite the scoreline I think it could've gone either way. Our defence handled a tough team well.". Upon being asked, on his own performance he added that his goal in San Rafael "was one of those great moments in (his) career".
National coach Victor Santa Cruz showed big smiles upon arriving but attempted to indicate it was business as usual in the coming days. "We've gotten far and it's great to be this far but we still have plenty of work to do if we want to be in contention for the trophy, we're up against a good team and we have to be at the top of our game to catch them out"


Around the Grounds
In São Salvador, a few ours before the Selecção's match, HUElavia hosted a full stadium in S.Salvador against Port Ember. Here too, the host would defeat its opposition to make it to the final.
Later this week, yesterday, the Third Place Playoff was played between Port Ember and Poafmersia. These two teams had given us great football during the tournament and it's only fitting that their send off would reflect this, as one of the better games in the tournament. Many argue that it's a game that is only playing for honour but teams certainly wanted a win in Jinaqa. After ninety minutes of thrilling action, it was 3-3 and not even another half hour could seperate the two sides. This meant the match resorted to penalties where Port Ember would take the bronze medals home with a 3-2 victory from the spot.


THE BUILD-UP BEGINS
A Preview of the Grand Final
... and Catching Up with the Selecção

Two teams remain and somehow New Lusitania is one of them, with the other being hosts HUElavia. In what is forecasted to be a good sunny day in Curumba the match begins in the end of the afternoon. Back home though, everyone will be watching past dinnertime, from their households or even from the big screens in some of the big cities as well as the Estádio Nacional where many events are to be organised throughout the day for everyone. Yet back in New Lusitania the team is in their training centre outside the capital where the immigrant communities and many fans awaited their return from San Rafael at the end of the night following the semis. The national coach Victor Santa Cruz organised almost a whole day with the family and friends for the Selecção, which believes in a good morale in times like this. "Between us, it's been a great experience, we've been together for practically a month and I think it's turned us into a more compact team. I believe our unity is one of our strengths and a valuable one at that", this being the opinion of Patríce in goal. Training hasn't been off the menu as the coaches seem to be discussing the many possibilities for the Selecção in the final. Some positions have been varying from game to game such as left-midfielder, which has been alteranting between Mário and Horta and left-defender between Guerreiros and Vinagrete; which result in the confront of generations in the beginning of a transition phase.
HUElavia are currently in the World's top thirty and the only team that demonstrated any sort of weakness in the fellow lusophones was surprisingly Sajnur. Currently the odds over there are considered "even" by bookies, even if in New Lusitania the odds show slight favour to HUElavia. This may have to do with their strong form but also home advantage. A young team with immense talent will be a real challenge for New Lusitania, but anything can happen in the IAC and the stakes could never be higher in such a historic game for New Lusitania, marking the first presence of the Selecção in a final of any kind. All we can say on our end is, of course, "Força Nova Lusitânia!"


THE GRAND FINAL: HUElavia X New Lusitania - From Curumba, STL 1, 22h {Coverage from 18h45}

THE HUB
GOALS: Jota (3), Silveira (2), Fernando (2), Veiga, Paciência, Gama.
ASSIST: Fernando (3), Gama (3), Mário, Veiga, Jota, Silveira

LATEST WC STATS
World Cup 84 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (10)
Assists: Fernando (8)
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[HUElavia]

The Final:

HUElavia 3-4 New Lusitania and The Algarves

(Estadio Nacional, Curumba)
(Scorinated by Bolgano)

Congratulations to the Champion and thank you for all who participated and RPed in the tournament. It was a lot of work, but it was fun reading many of the RPs throughout these past 13 days.