2023 IFF Coupe du monde [IC|Closed|Kylaris Only]

by **Lunas Legion** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:01 pm

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Os Abutres progress to the Round of 16.
26th July, 2023 | By Fábio Fontes

VAR disallowed two Paretian goals in the 24th and 69th minutes.

Porto Sotiri, Ardesia - Os Abutres emerged victorious following a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw during extra time against Paretia in what all who watched will agree was one of the tensest games of the Coupe so far and also potentially one of the most controversial.

Os Abutres entered the game with an offensive changeup, with national star Miguel Eutímio and supporting right-winger Cesar Vaz both staring on the bench, replaced by André Silva and Lucas Prestes in a move considered widely controversial, while Paretia's starting eleven remained the same except for the suspended Mendonça being replaced by Iñigo Toledo.

The AFR kicked off, but swiftly lost possession to Paretia only for the Paretian attack to be stalled out by a declaration of offside. An AFR free kick led to a spirited attack with Moreira's shot going wide. An interception after a Paretian goal kick and a sprint down the pitch by Moreira gave him a second shot, only to hit the crossbar, while a third shot off the rebound was heroically pushed wide by Toledo. The following AFR corner was quickly cleared and a Paretian counter-attack followed, only for Góes' shot to be easily saved by Teixiera. An attack down the left stalled and ended with an ambitious shot by Florencio going just wide of the post.

The Paretian counter-attack scored a goal, only to have it disallowed by VAR. Marco Camara, who has previously been vocal in his dislike of VAR in the CdM, was notably silent. The following AFR attack ended in a penalty after Mascarenhas brought down Silva. Silva's penalty was saved by Toledo, only for the referee to order the penalty be retaken due to Paretian encroachment on the box and Silva to miss completely the second time, leaving many AFR fans vocally complaining that Eutímio wouldn't have missed. A Paretian attack by Ayuso went to a Paretian throw-in in injury time after Luz kicked it out. A long ball by Mascarenhas found Góes' head, only for Teixeira to save. A brief AFR attack in the closing minutes of injury time by Prestes and Moreira was turned into a corner by Anguera. A very poor corner by Florencio was cleared by Mascarenhas, giving Góes a one-on-one against Teixeira, but Teixeira saved and a rapidly-closing De Sá cleared it for a corner. The Paretian corner went to Texidor who kicked it to Frisco, who narrowly shot over the AFR net. The first half ended, interrupting a final Paretian attack.

The second half opened with Paretia shifting into a classic 4-4-2 for a better defence while Camara, seemingly regretting his earlier starting lineup, swapped out Silva and Prestes for Vaz and Eutímio. An initial Paretian attack was saved by Teixeira, but the second half looked increasingly shaky for Os Abutres with the change in Paretia's formation shutting down their wingers. A second Paretian shot on goal soon after by Góes narrowly missed. A Asterian free kick following a bad tackle by Frisco gave Eutímio the space for a bold, speculative shot from 20 years that missed, and the Paretian counter-attack scored only to have the goal disallowed by VAR. Frisco and Resendes were substituted for Bellsolà and Melendrez, switching back to a more attacking stance. In the closing minutes of the second half De Sá rallied Os Abutres while Florencio remained back with the defence, with De Sá making a throw-in turned into a shot by Vaz, blocked by Mascarenhas. The following corner by Moreira was narrowly blocked by Toledo, both goalkeepers putting in work. A brutal exchange of attempts followed with Vaz kicking the corner short to Moreira who took a shot, the following goal kick being barely cleared away from Eutímio by Llucia to Mascarenhas who properly cleared it, only for Balbinho to make a shot from distance a few minutes before full time that struck the post.

As the game went into the final minutes of normal time, Balbinho was substituted for a fresh pair of legs in Diego Dutra, Camara hoping a bit of extra energy could get a goal in the closing minutes. One final spirited attack from Paretia's Bellsolà who kicked it out wide to Ayuso and crossed to Góes, only for Teixeira to punch it out. From 18 yards Bellsolà shot with Teixeira still on the ground, only for De Sà to deflect the ball away with a slide in the final seconds.

Extra time opened with a tired Moreira being subbed for Paiva and Santiesteban, who had formed the supporting element in most of Paretia's attacks, being swapped for Sequeira. An AFR attack with Luz kicking a beautiful long-ball to the newly-substituted Paiva, who passed it onto Eutímio engaged in a one-on-one with Toledo. Rather than taking the shot himself, Eutímio proved why he's regarded as the AFR's best player by passing to the inbound Vaz who faced an open net-

Vaz missed. Somehow. In a move that absolutely baffled every commentator, Vaz almost slipped as he took the shot, sending it wide before falling over. Eutímio helped him up and clapped him on the shoulder, but it's a failure that might haunt him forever. A Paretian attack from the following goal kick found Melendrez who gave it to Sequeira. A cross-in to Góes going for the header saw De Sà smash into him. A penalty followed, taken by Góes, that clattered into the post and was decisively cleared away by Vidal. The clearance was picked up by Vaz, but he was tackled by Melendrez and Toledo collected the loose ball. A kick down pitch was picked up by Bellsolà but Teixeira was wise to the Paretians tactics by now and he cleanly grabbed the ball before Góes even had a chance.

A Paretian attack down their left in the second half of extra time found no one but De Sà who unfortunately for the AFR cleared it to Sequeira, who took a shot that went wide as Saraiva closed in at lightning speed. Teixeira, seemingly planning on playing for time, kicked it short to De Sà in an attempt to start a passing network but the rapidly-closing Góes forced him to kick it up the field. Dutra controlled it and gave it to the fresh Paiva who breezed past Llucia and crossed it in to Eutímio before Toledo made everyone wonder why he was the substitute goalkeeper by palming it out. Vaz took the corner, only for Mascarenha to drive it out for another corner. Vaz's second corner was punched away from the goal by Toledo, intercepted by Eutímio who made a second shot deflected by Llucia only for Florenco's experience to come shining through as he scored the first goal of the game in the 119th minute of the game. A seemingly final counter-attack by Melendrez and Mascarenhas was quickly intercepted by Florencio and turned into a counter-attack by Eutímio but he was unable to score, hitting the ball into the side of the net after making it past Toledo. A final, desperate, last minute attack from a goal kick by Toledo found Texidor. The AFR defence, perhaps high on victory already, failed to block him from forming a chain to Melendrez to Góes who evaded Vidal, seemingly the only AFR defender awake on the pitch, before smashing it past Teixeira to equalise in the final seconds.

In what can either be described as, depending who one asks, an absolutely stupid and bizzare decision or a supreme expression of confidence in his other penalty takers, Camara sent Teixeira, the AFR goalkeeper, to take the first penalty. A strange run up saw the ball fly straight over the bar. Reportedly Camara, after the game, made a rare apology to Teixeira over the penalty, and the confused goalkeeper was consoled and reassured by Florencio afterwards. Góes, as expected from a veteran of penalties, scored against Teixeira. Eutímio showed Silva how its done with a decisively placed bottom-right hand shot, no doubt on his face about the outcome after. Bellsolà's penalty was where things started to go wrong for Paretia, with Teixeira showing why he's considered one of the best goalkeepers in the CdM by palming the ball away, equalising things. Florencio's following penalty was smashed straight down the middle without fuss or flair, right where Toledo had been standing before he dived. Ayuso was whispered something by Góes, but whatever it was didn't seem to help much as the ball went cleanly over the bar. Dutra dialed up the danger with a clean shot into the corner, too far for Toledo's dive to possibly stop it. Texidor's penalty marked the final one of the game. Despite staggering his tun in an attempt to throw Teixeira off, he did not flinch and flung himself to his right, saving and marking the end of what is potentially the most exciting game of the CdM so far.

The AFR go on to face Scovern in the Round of 16. Camara was reportedly cautious about the AFR's chances. "Paretia are ranked 10th, just below us but had shown some signs of weakness in the group stages, Scovern are ranked 8th just above us and showed no weakness, going undefeated. It will be a tough fight, in a knockout stage that seems determined to give us hard fights at every step of the way." He laughed. "Give us Ardesia's spot or Rizealand's and we'd be through to the quarters for sure. But we do have a good chance."

by **Krovech** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 8:24 pm

by **Krovech** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 8:40 pm

by **Hennehouwe** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:35 pm

COUPE DU MONDE • Yesterday, 17:48

Hope battles doubts as Hennehouwe faces Ardesian hosts

REPORTING:
Benjamin Steenput

The Lions' journey through this Coupe has, so far at least, been a rollercoaster of ups, downs, and scrappy turns.

They flew to Ardesia on the back of a successful qualifying campaign, and a six-game undefeated streak - a run that has extended to nine after a testy group stage.

Their first hurdle were the legendary Satucines - the world number two side heading into the tournament. All odds were on the three-time world champions, who got off to a golden start with an early goal from Poirier. Things got worse when Daniel Bačić got handed the first straight red of the Coupe. It wasn't until a last-minute equalizer from Aron Lefevre elated Hennish hearts, and salvaged a point. After that early fluff-up, everything seemed a lot easier from there onwards.

The Yellows' second match against Siamat went off without much a hitch - a few scares, but ultimately two goals and three additional points secured Hennehouwe a prime position to qualify, a feat that by that point was more-or-less qualified under the expanded 32-team knockout stage system. All that was left to accomplish was a point, at the very least, from Ruttland.

And that's where it all seemed to go wrong.

Inside and outside the camp, there had been rumours of tension between players and staff, an apparent flare-up of discontent towards management and senior players. Arguments over training regimen and times appeared to be the main cause, and growing frustration over the in-game erraticism of the manager, Michael Barrow.

Whatever about the rumours swirling out of the dressing room or the team hotel, the breakdown in discipline was stark. After Hugo Delmotte, known for his brash words as well as his ability to score, began to argue with the Ruttish manager over the manner in which his players formed a wall during a free kick, Barrow got involved. Way too involved.

For the first time in Coupe du Monde history, a head coach was handed a red card, and sent off the pitch. For a team that came to break records, this was far from the one they wanted to set.

And yet, despite a Ruttish lead, it was Safar who would save the day, equalising after just two minutes.

Hennehouwe finished the group in second place, more than enough to make it into their first knockout stage in twelve years.

But after all that - was it worth it?

Well, drawing against the host nation, and one of the most formidable teams in the world right now certainly didn't give the Yellows too much time to relax and recalibrate. Indeed, the only thing going for them was the largest possible gap between their final group game and their upcoming battle.

Over the past few days, there's been as much of a charm offensive in the public eye as there have been preparations of a tactical offensive.

Tabloid reports of Barrow's sacking have been doubled by utopian, glowing images of smiling and co-operative players at their training session in Porto Belo. Captains Delmotte and Lefevre, now both on yellow cards after separate incidents in the previous game, have been giving daily press conferences downplaying the team's troubles and upping the optimism.

"We're putting the past behind us," a more confident sounding Delmotte said earlier in the final pre-game presser. "Tomorrow, we have the biggest game of our lives. Certainly, it's the biggest I've ever faced. We have only one focus now: to win."

Barrow's suspension means that assistant coach Gijs Pauw will take to the Hennish tactical box tomorrow. Pauw, a popular figure among the Hennish squad, will hope to deliver the magic the team have certainly been missing as of late, and may have something to prove by way of a future promotion, with speculation that his boss has already overseen his last game as head coach.

"There's ninety minutes on the table, and we need to take this opportunity," Pauw remarked. "The nation deserves it. The fans deserve it."

Many fans will agree. The scenes they witnessed two Saturday mornings ago at 4am will be hard for Hennish fans to etch from their heads - they'll be hoping for better early morning memories tomorrow.

Coupe du Monde 2023: Ardesia vs Hennehouwe is live on HNO 1 from 2:15am, with kick-off at 3:00am.

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by **Eskaeba** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 1:36 am

by **Cassier** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 7:58 am

by **Eskaeba** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:12 am

ROUND OF 32: DAY 27

by **Liecthenbourg** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:17 am

ROUND OF 32: DAY 27

An otherwise normal Round of 32 game was intensified following the tackling of Ardesian mascot Galinho yesterday during a match between the AFR-Paretia, by what authorities reported was a disgruntled and upset Azmaran fan. Nainan entered the game as favourites of the hosts, as a sudden surge in ticket purchases skyrocketed as natives of Porto Sotiri flocked to watch the game to cheer on the The Lightning Warriors.

The first half was dominated by the Azmaran Irons as they attempted to play a slow, methodical game of football against a comparatively inexperienced Nainese team - the hope was to utilise coordinated passes would overcome Nainan's 4-1-4-1 playing formation. Fantastic passing play from Maarkssun to Alekssun twice almost brought the Irons in range of a goal, but twice did the keeping skills of Tô Phương Triều save his team for conceding. This young keeper has made his mark on the game, and on Nainese football, quickly becoming an iconic keeper - and will likely be sought after by many high tiered footballing leagues.

The second half saw more opportunities for the Lightning Warriors to make their mark; beginning with a beautiful cross into a top of the net volley that saw the ball barrage past Johanssun's attempt at catching it. Vũ Kim Sơn's brilliant kick brought the stadium into huge applause, as Ardesian and Nainese fans alike celebrated in what was perhaps the unlikeliest of scenarios following Ardesia's own defeat by Nainan in the group stages.

The game progressed with more attempts from Alekssun, but a missed penalty in the 74th minute brought about horror as the ball slammed into the cross-bar. As the Irons sought to equalise to bring the game to extra-time, the clock rolled over into six additional minutes of extra-time. An Azmaran attack was repulsed at the moment by keen defending from Lê Vạn Thắn, and on the counter a series of wonderful passes saw Vũ Kim Sơn bring his team 2-0 up in a brilliant one-on-one with the keeper where he brought back style with a successful scorpion kick straight past Johanssun that ignited the stadium's fever, and caused another Galinho mascot to show a bit of favouritism - and celebrate the goal with an assault on a corner flag.

Goals: Vũ Kim Sơn (59'), (90+3')
Cards: Võ Bá Cường (yellow)
Player of the Match: Vũ Kim Sơn (NAI)

by **Liecthenbourg** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:30 am

ARDESIA 4 - 3 HENNEHOUWE

Estadio Luzelês, Porto Belo

Attendance: 44,300

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00: Bem-vindo to Porto Belo! This is going to be a spectacular match between Coupe du monde hosts Ardesia and Hennehouwe for a Round of 32 clash that's seen every single seat here at the Estadio Luzelês sold. We're anticipating a full-house here tonight!
-50:00: There's a lot of enthusiasm and patriotism from the Ardesian fans today. Not only are they watching their team play at home, but many have brought with them placards, posters and plushes of the mascot Galinho - following on from the tackle of a mascot yesterday during the AFR-Paretia game.
-45:00: And the Hennish are out in force as well. We see a lot of tides of yellow in the stands, as well as banners in Hennish - often with an accompanying lion on rampant. It's important to remember that Michael Barrow, the Hennish head coach, is not here today, he's serving a suspension for his conduct during the game against Ruttland. In his stead Gijs Pauw, assistant manager, is leading the Hennish today.
-30:00: We've got 30 minutes to go and this place is packed. We've reports that there are literal villages of tents being erected outside the stadium, as Ardesians and other fans who haven't been able to get a ticket spectate on huge monitors outside. There's been an increase in security measures on-pitch and near to the fan stands. Organisers clearly do not want something akin to yesterday happening again.
-29:00: It appears that Custódio Alves, an Ardesian football commentator and pundit, has arrived at the stadium. He caused controversy the other day by referring to the Garamburan team as "the blacks" in a match against Estmere in what he describes as a slip up in the intensity of the games. Following the mascot Galinho's assault at the AFR-Paretia game he called out an apparent hypocrisy in no action being taken against "Ardesophobes".
-29:00: I am not joking when I tell you he has brought a live chicken with him into the stadium.
-20:00: Twenty minutes to go and the tension is rife. We've got fans from all over the world here, but its clear the majority are for the hosts. Even outside of their half, there are pockets of Ardesian fans spread across the stadium.
-15:00: Whoever wins this match is going to be playing against either Azmara or Nainan, who are playing later at the Estadio Anel de Prata in Porto Sotiri. If Ardesia and Nainan were to both win we would be treated to a Round of 16 rematch of Group A. Tiwura, who was also in Group A, is playing Cassier for the chance to play against Gaullica in the Round of 16.
-10:00: They are entering the field! Lines of players, succeeding the presentations of their flags! The teams meet and greet one another, shaking their hands as they pass, and Os Galos, dressed in their resplendent red and green kits, begin to sing their anthem: Hino do Ardése!
-6:00: The crowd is in tears! The crowd is wild! The stadium erupted into a simultaneous singing of this song, as the Ardesians want the world to know that they are ready to win on their home turf. But now it is the Hennish turn to sing, and the Lions give it their all: Hennehouwe, hout u vroom!
-2:00: As the teams prepare themselves to line up in their formations at either half of the pitch, captains Arturo Vasco and Hugo Delmotte make their way to the central circle.
-1:00: It'll be an Ardesian start here with the Vasco making the right call for his team!

FIRST HALF:
1': Saraiva starts with the ball and he marks a short but decisive pass to Furfaro. The game is on, and the Ardesians are on the offensive.
1': Furfaro dribbles past Safar and Delmotte, making shot work of these two integral members of the Lions' midfield. He spots Coelho, up front, and he makes the cross!
2': Coelho's ball! Fantastic footwork from Os Galos sees them cross into the box in the second minute! Coelho's marked by Jaarsma but here we see the battle of youth and experience, Coelho's pace is unmatched from the defender, and he kicks right at goal...!
2': Palmed away by Knapen! A decisive save that's stopped the Yellows from being put 1-0 down in the second minute. But the ball is out of play, flung out to the right of the goalie and we've got an Ardesian corner.
3': Vasco's corner to take. The captain is taking a short few seconds to assess the box before punting it straight there.
4': Salgado and Lefevre are competing for this, but Salgado headers the ball just mere centimetres above Lefevre's head...!
4': AND IT'S IN! A beautiful set-up from the captain has seen it followed through by Salgado, who's header clears the reach of Knapen and the ball is straight into the top left corner of the net! 1-0 to Ardesia.
5': The stadium is going wild! The Ardesians are ecstatic, the noise is phenomenal! A chant erupts in the stadium: Nós estaremos cantando, quando nós estivermos ganhando, nós estaremos cantando… Eu fui derrubado! Mas eu levanto novamente! Você nunca vai me manter para baixo…!
6': Di Amici’s ball to start us off, lightly tapped to de Klerk, before being tapped back.
7': A kick towards the Hennish forward, Renzo, is successful, and he’s down the wing.
8': He’s closing in on the box with that pace! Fantastic speed, brilliant play, but he’s found himself trapped in the corner by de Sá.
8': de Sá’s retrieved the ball and cleared it, hoping it finds either Mata or Saraiva.
9': Delmotte’s ball! The Lions are back on the offensive!
9': Delmotte’s facing stiff opposition from Gusmão, the Ardesian midfielder doesn’t want him to get away!
10': Delmotte manages to get away, but a kick from Gusmão seems to send him down as the ball rolls away!
10': Charles Baldwin, our Estmerish referee, is on the scene. He consults VAR.
11': He signals for a continuation of play, the Ardesians successfully made that tackle - and Delmotte seems to have tripped over his own momentum! Gusmão’s ball.
11': Gusmão’s kicked it up the field, and it’s caught by Vasco! This could spell trouble for the Hennish!
12': Vasco’s in the runnings for one of the top goalscorers this coupe, with a currently unbeaten four goals in a single game. All players who’ve scored five are part of teams that’ve been kicked out from the tournament.
14': The Ardesian captain’s struggled into the corner position by strong defensive play from the Lions. He kicks the ball, it rebounds off of Benali’s knees and it’s out! Ardesian corner
15': Two Ardesian corners in 10 minutes. This is how they got their last goal. Vasco is forsaking glory and taking the corner kick himself, this time from the parallel corner.
15': It’s in the air…!
16': BUT CAUGHT BY KNAPEN! He's run out into the box and plucked it out of the air!
16': The Hennish goalie wants to take this slow. He’s doing a short roll to Bačić.
17': Bačić gets the ball and runs up the field with it, but does a long pass on the diagonal towards de Klerk on the Hennish left.
18': de Klerk! What control! Avoiding the attempted interception from Rodio, he’s sped past the half-way line and cleared it up the Hennish forward!
19': Safar’s ball! Beautiful passing play here from the Yellows.
19': Safer to Renzo! Renzo takes a shot!
20': PUNCHED OUT OF GOAL BY CARDOSO! It’s still in play, though!
20': Câmara gets the ball first, but his attempt to clear is caught by an intervening Lefevre. Solid placement from the vice-captain there!
21': We’re seeing a lot of play outside of the Ardesian box. Lefevre chips it over de Sá and gets the ball to Renzo!
21': But a collision brings Renzo down!
21': Baldwin signals VAR for their contribution but it’s clear he has an idea here. That’s a yellow for Rodio and a penalty for the Hennish!
22': The Lions have faith in Renzo. His team give him some words of encouragement and he prepares the lead up to the shot.
22': He takes his run up…!
22': WHAT A DIVE! PUSHED OUT BY CARDOSO! but he hasn’t caught it! The ball is still in play!
23': Panic sets in here, it’s not a good situation for either team! Rodio attempts to kick the ball clear but it’s rebound off into the box again off of de Sá’s back!
23': ten Barge is on it faster than defence of Os Galos can react and he’s pummelling that into the goal with a powerful kick!
24': Cardoso goes to dive for it…
24': BUT IT’S IN! WHAT POWER! Cardoso can’t reach it! 1-1 here!
25': The fans of the Lions are overjoyed for the equaliser! The camera’s panned down to acting Hennish manager Gijs Pauw, who celebrates with a cheer as he holds a fried chicken leg into the air. Behind him, a bucket of the fried food.
26': Mata starts us off with a heeled ball back to his defenders, quickly caught by Gusmão.
26': Gusmão manages to kick the ball between the legs of an encroaching Safar, and it’s retaken by Mata as he kicks it towards the Lion’s goal this time.
27': Vasco! Despite his comparative age, he’s still a tremendous asset to his team, and he’s dribbling this ball with style.
27': But any attempt to get that into the net has been stopped by Bačić with solid defensive footwork. Vasco looks disappointed in himself, and uncharacteristically kicks the grass on the pitch - but the game plays on!
29': Bačić’s work has seen his team pass the half-way mark, facing off attempts from Coelho and Salgado into getting the ball - Delmotte’s ball as it crosses the centre.
30': Delmotte finds himself alone, and under a lot of pressure from Mata and Saraiva - he’s got no choice but for a clearance shot across the pitch…!
30': Retrieved by de Klerk before it rolls out of bounds!
31': de Klerk is running with it, and he’s got to get that passed to someone with a more advantageous positon: crossed to Renzo!
32': Renzo’s in a beautiful place here. Os Galos’ defenders aren’t in a position to stop him as he’s one-on-one with Cardoso!
32': RENZO! He's got no better shot than this! And he shoots!
32': The Sanctified goalie is fast enough to kick the ball away from the goal, but it's rolling out of the game!
33': Any hopes for that to roll out is stopped by Câmara! But Delmotte is on his case.
33': Delmotte wrestles the ball out of his possession!
34': Delmotte's back with a kick across the pitch, hoping to get it to ten Barge!
34': ten Barge headers that beautifully, out of the intending interception from de Sá! And it's the Lions at the box again!
34': Number 15 is on the ball, literally and figuratively, and he takes aim to shoot at the goal from just inside the box...!
35': Cardoso's diving for it, hands outstretched...!
35': But the shot from ten Barge is too fast and too far, and the Yellows have brought the game to 2-1 in their favour!
36': The deflation in the stadium is noticeable, but the Ardesian fans aren't going to let being a goal down stop them! Cardoso looks disappointed, but his team reassures him he's doing excellent.
37': Saraiva's starting us off from the centre.
37': Gusmão receives the ball from Saraiva.
38': Back to Saraiva as the Ardesian centre keeps control.
39': Saraiva to Salgado!
39': Salgado's doing a run up to the box! Could this be the Ardesian equaliser?
39': Salgado crosses to Coelho, the young 18 year old!
40': Coelho collects that beautiful pass and crosses into the box! Knapen looks unfazed!
40': Coelho is approaching Knapen!
40': He's on the keeper! This is too close for the Hennish! He kicks!
41': It rebounds off of Knapen's opened palms and back to Coelho, who taps it into the goal!
41': ~~FROM THAT DISTANCE THERE IS NOT A CHANCE IN STOPPING IT! COELHO HAS EQUALISED! 2-2!~~
42': Coelho is celebrating! Vasco is applauding him! Knapen looks defeated! But Baldwin is approaching, his hands waving away.
42': NO GOAL! Baldwin signifies that the Linesmen have highlighted that Coelho was offside when he received the ball from Salgado.
43': The Ardesian fans cannot believe this. A chorus erupts: "O ref é um corno!" and one that translates roughly into Estmerish as "The ref is compromised, he's basically Hennish".
43': Knapen's goal kick. He's going for a long ball.
44': Received by Safar, who's making a run for it. He's passing to de Klerk.
45': de Klerk to Lefevre, forward to ten Barge! Two minutes of extra-time are added!
45' +1: But ten Barge's lost the ball to Câmara! Cheers erupt from the Ardesians!
45' +1: Câmara clears it! Away from the Ardesian box!
45' +2: Mata's ball! Well received, as he leaps heads above Di Amici to take the ball on the Hennish side for Os Galos!
45' +2: Mata is well clear of Di Amici, and he's putting a cross towards Salgado!
45' +2: Salgado's tripping over the ball! Oh no! He's lost it! The ref blows his whistle.

HALF-TIME:
46': We have some half-time substitutions from both Ettore and Pauw.
(Ardesian substitution: 17. Osvaldo Varela ⇆ 14. Sotiriano Saraiva)
(Ardesian substitution: 22. Isac Salgado ⇆ 13. Ambrósio Cruz)
(Hennish substitution: 11. Mourad Al-Fassi ⇆ 2. Sotiriaan Jaarsma)
46': Both teams are keeping their formations, but looking to change how it works internally.
46': A Hennish start sees Di Amici roll it back to Al-Fassi, who gets his first touch on the ball - and kicks it forward to a running Safar.
47': Safar's got good control and pace here as he runs down the right-wing! He attempts to cross it to de Klerk, his parallel, but he's stopped by a beautiful running interception from Varela!
47': Varela is showing his worth here, dribbling past the Hennish wedge.
48': He's got passed Delmotte and cleared the wedge entirely, before crossing it forward to Mata! Mata to Gusmão!
48': Gusmão sends that ball straight to Cruz!
48': Os Galos are on the offensive, but the Hennish backline led by Benali is reorienting to stop him.
49': Benali is marking Cruz, but Cruz rolls around him with effortless skill! Embarrassing for the Hennish defence, this close to the goal!
49': Cruz's in a bit of a tough spot with the convergence of the defence, but he's good to get the ball to Coelho!
50': Coelho wastes no time once that ball lands at his feet and he's kicking it at goal!
50': Bačić's on it and he jumps up to get the ball out of Knapen's way!
51': And he succeeds! The sigh of relief on Knapen's face is paramount; and Pauw looks on in glee as he licks his fingers clean of eleven herbs and spices.
51': But Baldwin is here!
51': This is going to spell trouble for the Hennish, we think. Why else would he be here? He's talking to Knapen, to Bačić and to Coelho.
52': That's a yellow for Bačić! Baldwin and VAR have said he may have jumped, but it was a deflection off of the palm of his hand that brought the ball out of play! Ardesian penalty!
53': Coelho is going to take this penalty. The 18 year old has a monumental weight on his shoulders. Practically all 40,000 sets of eyes in the stadium are watching him.
53': Coelho performs the sign of the cross and raises his shoulder to gently pat at a tattoo of the Virgin Mary.
54': He lines up his kick, performing a moment of attempted distraction on the keeper with a bit of flair as he runs up.
54': The baited breath of the entire stadium watches as his boot connects with the ball of black and white.
54': COELHO'S DONE IT AGAIN! ANOTHER SCREAMER INTO THE NET PAST A WRONGLY DIVEN KNAPEN! We're all equal here at Porto Belo!
55': The momentum from the crowd is immense! Coelho's teammates come to congratulate him, lifting him up onto their shoulders as they run in celebration!
55': Knapen looks disappointed, and he shares a few fiery words with Bačić!
56': Delmotte begins from the centre with a swift kick up to de Klerk.
56': de Klerk to Di Amici as the wedge moves forward together.
57': Bringing it up on the Hennish right, Di Amici clears to Lefevre - who's run up for a chance!
57': Lefevre gets the ball after a brief contest with Câmara, and finds himself kicking the ball around de Sá!
58': He's past de Sá! This is unbelievable! Mere minutes after the equalising goal, Lefevre's within shot of the net and the keeper!
58': Lefevre kicks it in a chance for a goal!
58': A beautiful kick that curves inward in the air as it plummets down towards Cardoso and his goal...!
58': IT'S BEEN 4 MINUTES AND THE YELLOWS HAVE MAINTAINED THEIR LEAD! A BEAUTIFUL CURVED SHOT FROM LEFEVRE CLEARS STRAIGHT PAST CARDOSO'S REACH! 3-2!
59': The stadium is in palpable shock! Only the Hennish can believe it, as they sing! "Lefevre is onze man! Hij kan scoren als niemand anders dat kan!"
60': Os Galos look worried, Ettore looks frustrated, and Cardoso holds his head against the grass.
61': Varela starts us off with a kick straight to Mata.
61': Mata's dribbling is superb here, out classing the attempts from de Klerk to stop him.
62': Mata! Mata's cleared the wedge, perhaps a weakness in the Hennish set-up - or just the Ardesians have grown wiser to it!
62': Mata to Furfaro, who's had very little action comparatively.
63': Furfaro blunders his chance as he staggers, but he's still got the ball.
63': Furfaro needs this ball cleared as the Hennish defenders consolidate around him, marking the fellow forwards - so it's back to Varela!
64': Varela's open for the pass and accepts it beautifully, before sending it across the Ardesian right this time.
65': But the contested ball between Al-Fassi and Vasco is sent out - unclear by whom!
66': We've received confirmation that it is a Hennish ball; Vasco kicked it out unintentionally. Al-Fassi's ball!
66': An overhead throw in sees Al-Fassi pass to Safar, across to de Klerk.
67': A beautiful set of movements from de Klerk see him get the ball before Coelho can pounce, and he's sending this across the half to an awaiting ten Barge!
68': ten Barge is advancing fast here, and a failed tackle from Rodio does not bode well!
68': ten Barge crosses into the box and he shoots...!
68': This could very well be 4-2 for Hennehouwe right now.
68': BUT CARDOSO IS A MACHINE! HE'S LEAPT INTO THE AIR AND CLUTCHED THE BALL AGAINST HIS CHEST. HE'S ON THE GROUND, COCCOONING THE BALL - BUT IT'S HIS!. Still 3-2 here at Porto Belo!
69': He's up. He's happy. And he's ready for a long kick across the pitch for his team to advance on the counter.
70': The ball flies across the pitch, and both Furfaro and Al-Fassi compete for it.
70': Furfaro's ball! Straight on to Vasco, he doesn't want it - but he's running up towards the box as Vasco sprints across the left-wing.
71': Vasco takes a shot as he nears the box from his side's left wing, he's got opposition before him, but he's a veteran who's made these shots before...!
71': It's rebounded off Bačić and it's no-one's ball..!
72': BUT FURFARO HAS BEATEN THE LIONS' DEFENCE TO GET IT - AND HE'S GONE STRAIGHT FOR A KICK TO GOAL!
72': ~~Knapen leaps up to catch it. And he does! Stalwart, determined, with the ball in his hands!~~
73': There's jubilation from the Hennish! Furfaro's on his knees!
73': What's this? The ref has been informed by assistants utilising goal-line technology, that whilst Knapen caught the ball - it was entirely beyond the line! Ardesian goal! Furfaro is elated, and he runs to celebrate! 3-3! ALL EQUAL!
75': There's been some resistance from the Hennish managerial staff; as Pauw protests the "irregularity" of the goal line technology's observation - opting to trust the words of the goalie.
75': Baldwin ignores the Hennish assistant manager.
76': Di Amici's ball. But the Hennish are making a substitution.
(Hennish substitution: 23. Antoon de Bree ⇆ 10. Matteo Renzo)
76': Di Amici passes adjacently, and it's brought to heel by Delmotte.
76': The captain moves on, now making sure that de Bree can get this upcoming pass as he swerves past Mata to kick...!
76': Mata's unable to make a move on that ball, and de Bree receives it.
77': de Bree is forced into the corner, and in an attempt to kick the ball clear, punts it backwards - Ardesian goal kick!
78': Cardoso kisses the ball before an overarm throw sees it given to de Sá.
78': de Sá to Rodio, back to de Sá!
79': de Sá back to Rodio? What are they doing! But it's clear now, straight to the midfield for Gusmão!
79': Gusmão's dribbling is intensifying here, he's got Mata on his left - and he's going to need him to keep the Hennish wedge at bay.
79': Gusmão to Mata, avoiding de Klerk!
79': Mata with the long ball across the pitch! It's received by Coelho, and the crowd roars in anticipation as the young player sprints towards the box!
80': Coelho has been an integral part of his team up until now. Will he perform for them again?
80': Coelho's past Al-Fassi!
80': And he's taking a shot from just in the box!
80': He's punched it out! But it's not in play, it's out!. Corner for Ardesia!
81': Vasco, ever the honourable man, is taking the corner-kick. His team has converged near or in the box.
81': He looks to the sky and runs up to kick...!
81': It's in the box! Bačić and Benali have failed to stop it with their headers!
82': Slammed by Coelho, the young player has a bright future ahead of him!
82': It strikes a goal post... AND IS IN ON THE REBOUND, BEHIND KNAPEN! 4-3 for Os Galos! The stadium erupts into euphoria!
83': Coelho is being hailed as a hero! His team is behind him, elevating him again! The crowds are wild in banners of Ardesia, the Galinho mascot is break-dancing, and Custódio Alves raises the chicken he has brought with him and screams!
84': Delmotte to Lefevre to start this off from the middle.
85': Lefevre's got it and is advancing with the wedge; before making a cross to de Bree.
85': de Bree's contested by Câmara, and an attempt to pass him sees Câmara get the ball!
86': The Ardesians are on the offensive again as their fans begin to chant: "Os Galos! Os Galos! Os Galos! Cocoricó! Cocoricó!"
87': But Câmara's clearance sees the ball land in no-man's land, with both Cruz and Benali heading for it!
87': Benali's ball!
87': It's back across the pitch and back in the hands of de Bree, who's running at goal with Lefevre to his right and ten Barge opposite the box.
88': de Bree to ten Barge is a successful pass at this close distance!!!
88': ten Barge shoots...!
88': CROSSBAR REBOUND! But the ball is swiftly collected by de Bree, who's swerved past de Sá and beaten Rodio to it!
88': DE BREE SHOOTS AT A GOAL WITH ONLY CARDOSO IN THE WAY!
89': CAUGHT BY THE KEEPER! CARDOSO HAS RE-EARNED HIS BEATIFICATION IN THE EYES OF THE ARDESE! HE HOLDS THE BALL UP TRIUMPHANTLY AND ETTORE IS CHEERING HIM ON!
90': Cardoso's ball is a slow pass to de Sá as an additional five minutes of extra time are added.
90' +1: de Sá to Rodino.
90' +1: Rodino to Gusmão
90' +2: Gusmão back to Rodino before it soars across the field in an attempt to reach Cruz and Furfaro!
90' +2: Furfaro and Al-Fassi collide on the attempt for the header!
90' +2: Baldwin is over in a heart-beat, but he's concluded the accidental intentions of both players. They both appear fine with a quick on site check by professionals.
90' +2: Baldwin rules it'll be a Hennish ball, however, given Al-Fassi's success in interception.
90' +3: Al-Fassi to Benali!
90' +3: Benali clears it to the back of the wedge, and it's Safar's ball.
90' +3: Safar to di Amici to de Klerk!
90' +4: de Klerk's on shaky ground as Gusmão comes to intercept, and he's got it back to di Amici who pushes it forward!
90' +4: di Amici's cross is successful and Lefevre sweeps it to ten Barge; but the Ardesians are preparing a solid defence in the box!
90' +5: ten Barge! He's making an attempt on goal, but the situation looks dire!
90' +5: He's shooting from just outside the box!
90' +5: Headered away by Varela! That's time! The game is over! 4-3 to the Ardesians, who will see who they play when the Azmara-Nainan game concludes!

Player of the Match: Teodósio Coelho.

by **Eskaeba** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 9:22 am

by **Krovech** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:03 am

by **Azmara** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 11:43 am

by **Saul Volcano** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 12:24 pm

by **Krovech** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 12:36 pm

by **Krovech** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 12:45 pm

by **Etruria2** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 2:51 pm

by **Krovech** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:23 pm

by **Lunas Legion** » Fri Jul 28, 2023 6:02 am

Home · AFR · Asterias · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather ·World News
What are Os Abutres chances against Scovern tomorrow?
28th July, 2023 | By Fábio Fontes

Scovern and the AFR last met at the Coupe de Monde in the 2011 Group Stage, when Scovern drew 1-1 against the AFR.

São Agostinho, Ardesia -

Tomorrow Scovern play the AFR in the second match of the Round of 16 after Etruria play West Miersa at midday. Of the two matches, the AFR vs Scovern is by far the more anticipated, with world ranked number one Etruria expected to defeat West Miersa comfortably with a team that has almost always decisively been in control of their games throughout the CdM. By comparison, the AFR is ranked ninth in the world and saw off Paretia, ranked tenth in the world, in the Round of 32 to 1-1 followed by a penalty shootout that the AFR won decisively.

Scovern are ranked eighth in the world, placing them as better than the AFR. Despite this, AFR manager Marco Camara, who has generated his fair share of mild controversy over his somewhat questionable tactical and strategic decisions during the match against Paretia, offered a remarkably candid assessment ahead of tomorrow's game.

"Scovern are, supposedly, better than us." Camara said in an interview, the expected cocky grin replaced on his face by a serious expression. "Supposedly. They've gone undefeated this tournament, but on seeing their performance? I think we have a solid chance. They only managed a single goal against Ansan, a team, if I remember correctly, that is literally formed from random people the government grabs off the street. They drew 4 all against Eldmark, a game which speaks to lacking a certain quality in defence. Perhaps they've corrected that since, but I know how hard it is to make a solid defence. A result like that speaks to cracks in the formation to find and exploit that they've likely only managed to paper over. It's a shame that luck's given us a difficult run facing two high-ranking teams back to back before we've even hit the quarter-finals but I'm confident we can achieve victory."

When asked about the other match in the Round of 16 between Asase Lewa and the Île d'Émeraude, Camara laughed. "Of course I'll be rooting for the Île d'Émeraude, I have 500 [Asterian Federal Reals] bet on them winning. Everyone knows leftists can't play football. Also, if we win against Scovern and they do against Asase Lewa, I await the rematch eagerly."

The Asterian Federal Republic vs Scovern kicks off at 18:00 hours local time and will be officiated by Rochan Shah of Rajyaghar.

by **Xiaodong** » Fri Jul 28, 2023 4:56 pm

by **Xiaodong** » Fri Jul 28, 2023 5:39 pm

by **Eskaeba** » Sat Jul 29, 2023 1:48 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Jul 29, 2023 3:30 am

ROUND OF 16: DAY 29

A valiant effort on behalf of the Militarians was unable to overcome destiny at the Estádio Avila today as Etruria fought hard for a 1-0 victory against the central Euclean team that has seen them go through to the quarter finals to face either Senria or Satucin.

The game progressed in a surprising fashion, with the first half dedicated to consistent assaults from the Militarians forwards Kozakiewicz and Janiec. A catastrophic tragedy struck the Etrurian back line as twenty-one year old Albano was concussed in an attempt to header the ball away from Liszka, and he was substituted with Narducci. With no less than five attempts at goal between them within the first twenty five minutes, pressure was on the Etrurians to clear the ball from their half. Narducci led a solid defensive backline, playing a hand in all five of these rejected offensives, able to put himself where he needed to be to header, kick or body-block the ball in a master-class of defensive play. However, an ill-fated tackle from Pagano saw him earn a red, give West Miersa a penalty and saw the Il Cavalieri reduced to ten men. In the face of overwhelming odds, Donnatella proved his knighthood when he was able to both palm the ball out of the way of the goal and kick it away at the subsequent strike from Liszka. The first half ended nil-nil, but surprisingly with West Miersan control - 61%/39% - and with more attempts.

The second half saw a reformation of the Etrurian formation to accommodate for their downed man in a 3-3-3 line up. Fortune favoured the Etrurians in the 65th minute, as Struna ran across the pitch to receive a cleared ball from Donnatella on an Etrurian counter-attack. Able to swerve past the Militarians mid-field, and outpace Kosiba, Struna approached the box on his run up and scored a fantastic goal for Il Cavalieri that gave his team the much needed breathing room it required. Following attempts from the Militarians to equalise were again bested by Narducci - going to the point where a ball struck him repeatedly in the head, and caused him to bleed. A would-be goal was also ruled as not being past goal-line following an observation and intervention of goal line technology. Extra-time was given for seven minutes, but the Etrurians were able to hold and secure their place in the quarter finals.

Goals: Uroš Struna (65')
Cards: Matteo Enrico Pagano (red)
Injury: Marco Alessandro Albano
Player of the Match: Massimiliano Ugo Narducci (ETR)

by **Eskaeba** » Sat Jul 29, 2023 8:56 am

by **Etruria2** » Sat Jul 29, 2023 9:02 am

2023 IFF Coupe du monde [IC|Closed|Kylaris Only]

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