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

by **Liecthenbourg** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 3:06 am

QUARTER FINALS: DAY 35

The world was invited to another spectacular Coupe du monde rematch today at the Estádio Missionário in Porto Sotiri as the Asterian Federative Republic and the Île d'Émeraude faced off for the second time in the coupe. Tensions were high, passion was prevalent and dreams were both made and shattered on the pitch of the Missionário, were a coincidental series of spectacular matches, bloodbaths and routs have occurred this year.

The last time both of these teams had played each other, the Emeraudians forced the AFR to a draw - widely lauded as a victory on their part. And for much of this game it appeared as if a similar situation was brewing. Though the AFR was the first to score, a 36th minute tap in from Vaz following a beautiful set up from Moreira, the Black Renegades were not making it easy on Os Abutres. It took until the second half for this to come to fruition, however, as Metellus volleyed a long-ball from captain Fenelon straight past an unprepared Texeira in one of the few instances the Asterian goalie has been completely blindsided in these games.

Intense football led to numerous attempts on goal by both sides, showing the spirit of the Asterian attack and the determination of the Emeraudian forwards up against the strongest defensive lineup in the CDM. As a result, the teams went into AET - where the Black Renegades shocked the world with a stunning 8 second goal into the start of the first half of extra time, with Metellus being passed the ball by Rene to completely overrun the entire defence of Os Abutres and score a screamer in the back of the neck between Texeira's attempt to grab it. Things were looking bleak for the AFR, though Camara committed to his formation. Both sides played fairly rigidly aside from a handful of substitutions on either side.

Eutímio was able to bring the ball dangerously close to the Emeraudian goal in the 117th minute, but a save from Pascal granted the AFR a much needed corner. Leitão, who had been subbed on for Moreira, took the kick, and allowed a beautiful header from Balbinho to go in to equalise the game.

Penalties were required, and following five shots a piece to each team, it was Saraiva who was able to score his monstrous 6th penalty against a bewildered Pascal that Ernst Rene was unable to replicate as Texeira saved his first and only penalty of the shootout.

Goals: Cesar Vaz (34'), Marcelin Metellus (64', (91'), Afonso Balbinho (118')
Penalties: Miguel Eutímio, Cesar Vaz, Manoel Leitão, Afonso Balbinho, Luis Florencio, Samuel Saraiva | Marcelin Metellus, Michelet Denis, Philippe Laguerre, Nicolas Pierre, Enock Fenelon, Ernst Rene (Missed)
Cards: N/A
Player of the Match: Marcelin Metellus (IDE)

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 8:04 am

ETRURIA 3 - 4 SATUCIN

Estádio dos Gausanos, São Agostinho

Attendance: 61,937

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00 Bem-vindo to São Agostinho! This is going to be a spectacular match between Etruria and Satucin for a Quarter-Finals clash in this packed stadium, there are no seats empty, everyone is here to watch what I imagine will be a game for the ages, as these two heavy hitters face off.
-45:00 Etruria ranked first in the entire tournament upon entering the Round of 32, easily defeated Auzance followed by West Miersa. Satucin ranked 9th, had a hard fought game against Satavia and a more dominated affair against Senria. This is by far the hardest game both teams have had this tournament.
-30:00 The fans of both teams are making their presence felt, as chants and songs are played. This will be a game for the ages.
-20:00 Today Massimiliano Ugo Narducci will be in the starting lineup after bleeding during the previous match, manager Vecchiato, called it a "natural move" insisting on th player having earned his spot.
-10:00 Both teams are entering the pitch, a Galinho mascot follows the team inside the stadium.
-08:00 The anthem of Etruria will now playI figli di Romolo!
-05:00 A beautiful anthem, now Satucin's will play. Allons Armée Catholique!
-02:00 Vincenzo Sciarri has arrived to meet with Maa'iz el-Assaf, Sciarri says tails, and the referee flips the coin. tails say's the 39 year old referee. Etruria will play the ball first.

FIRST HALF
1' Casarin plays a simple ball to Tarantini, let us recall that extremely quick goal the Knights had in the group stage, this team knows about offense.
1' Tarantini holds it calmly, as the Etrurian team breaks into a trot into the King's side.
1' Tarantini passes it to Altieri in a long pass! Altieri is rushing down that left side. el-Amiri rushing to keep him in check.
1' Altieri dribbles past el-Amiri, he's looking to center Casarin in the box! Altieri centers that ball for his teammate!
1' Casarin jumps to head that one in! Thanh and Chénier heading it as well!
2' Over the cross bar! Casarin couldn't get comfortable and that one is over the goal bar. It is an Ikeda Goal kick for Mr. Després.
4' Despres plays a deep pass to his team with Juteau receiving the ball, and playing a quick pass to Saulnier, who holds onto the ball.
5' Saulnier moving the ball down the center playing a simple pass to el-Amiri, the midfielder finds Bonvillain down the right side, and makes a pass to him.
5' Bonvillain holds it as he is harassed by Vida, Jedjav arriving in to help. Bonvillain breaks into a trot trying to find a way around Vida.
6' Vida is insistent Bonvillain won't be getting through. He moves down the right side of Vida struggle and all, and takes a shot as the incoming Jedjav is jumping.
6' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! What a shot from Bonvillain, to hit that ball to the opposite goal from his left-leg! Donnatella was absolutely fooled we are 1-0 Satucin.
8' The Etrurians have been careful, and considerate with their ball movement, the fact is that Bonvillain engineered that goal from trigs, what a player to give his team the lead.
10' Vida has it in the center, intercepting a pass from Juteau. Vida passes it to Struna, who makes a quick pass to Tarantini, the youngster, which now attempts to penetrate through the right.
11' Tarantini moving the ball well despite the harrasment from Qaderi. The kings are tightening their defence, Tarantini unable to center that ball.
12' Sloppy it deflects from Reixachs and out the pitch. Subarasi corner kick for the Knights, in a sloppy play by Reixachs.
13' Sciarri to play this ball for his team, the experienced captain instructed to make the most out of this chance, as the Knights look to tie this at 1.
14' Sciarri giving instructions from the sideline, as the Knights ready themselves.
14' Sciarri with a perfect center shot, the ball is high, looking for an Etrurian player!
14' Between Juteau, and Thanh, Casarin jumps up to head the ball!
14' Casarin now with a comfortable header down the right side of the net, Després drops to save it!
15' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Despres not able to fully stop it, it slides off his gloves and into the net! Splendid equalizer from Casarin.
17' Both teams playing considerably more defensive now, that we have a 1-1 game before minute 20. Splendid game so far, we were promised offense, there has been offense.
18' Saulnier holding it in the left but Oršić is there to knock it out, throw in from the Kings now.
18' Saulnier throws it to el-Amiri, who plays a quick pass to Juteau, who centers it for Poirier. Great reception by the player, who now holds it on the center of the pitch. Are they looking for another shot outside the box goal?
19' Poirier trying to get Narducci off of him, but he is unable to. Narducci steals the ball and passes it to Sciarri. Great defending from Narducci.
21' Struna is playing a simple pass to Vida, who makes a back pass to Jedjav, who passes it back to Donnatella. Now Jimmy what are you doing? I'm eating a delicious hot dog from Top Dog.
21' Donnatella receives the ball, and plays a deep pass to Oršić, who is there to receive it and pass it to Sciarri, who quickly plays it to Altieri.
21' Alrieri moving it well on the left, but too much pressure, he returns the ball to Sciarri to coordinate the attack better.
22' Sciarri plays a pass to Tarantini, who arrives from the right to receive the ball, and he passes it to Casarin, who has held a monopoly on goal attempts so far in this game.
22' Casarin holding it in the center, he passes it back to Vida, who puts a kick for a running Tarantini.
22' Tarantini has the ball and rushing into the goal he goes Chénier not enough to hold him, with Thanh rushing in to stop him!
22' Tarantini has a splendid angle SHOOT, SHOOT!
22' Tarantini shoots but off the leg of Thanh and out of the pitch. Tarantini should of just shot that one, dissapointing look from the youngster.
24' Sciarri again to make this Subarasi corner kick, as the Knights are looking for the lead.
24' Sciarri plays another perfect center for the Knights!
24' Després is well suited, and he barely manages to punch that ball away Bonvillain receiving it, and clearing it off the pitch. Solid goal keeping.
26' Good game so far, plenty of attack, but solid defending and goal keeping, although the Knights definitely controlling this one so far, despite the early goal from Satucin.
28' Saulnier plays a pass to el-Amiri, then back to Qaderi who is overseeing the pitch.
28' Qaderi to Bernier. He is holding it on the right side of the pitch. Now Jimmy what are you doing? I'm taking high quality pictures with my brand new Hikaron camera. the chants are loud in this Dos Gausanos stadium. The Ardesians getting their money's worth out of each of these stadiums.
32' Bernier receives a pass from Chénier, long pass from Chénier. Bernier is inspecting the pitch, and plays a long pass himself over to Saulnier, who is playing it well, Juteau running from the center. Saulnier centers it for Juteau who takes a shot from the back!
33' Solid defending, that ball goes over the crossbar, good shot nonetheless.
34' Sciarri receives a deep pass from Donnatella, he plays it to Altieri, who plays it back to Oršić, Oršić plays a deep ball for Tarantini, who is again making attacks on that right side.
34' Tarantini moving it well, but Qaderi just there to knock it out, its a throw in.
35' Tarantini plays a simple one to Struna, who quickly moves it to Vida, then to Sciarri.
35' Sciarri organizing the Etrurian attack, as he passes it to Struna, who moves it forward.
35' Altieri rushing in from the left, and that ball is for him, and he shoots it!
36' No shot! He feigns it against el-Amiri, and he's moving forward Reixachs rushing to stop that ball!
36' Altieri takes a shot!
36' Crossbar, splendid shot, but denied by the goalpost.
39' Good play in the center from Vidal in the center to Struna, but a roung entry by Qaderi on Struna. Struna is on the floor, but el-Assaf just tells him to get up, but grants the Knights the free kick in the center of the pitch. Oh Oh Give him some Vitaflenayko
40' Play resumes with a pass from Sciarri to Oršić. Good game so far, although neither team unable to finalize and obtain that 2nd goal, and the lead.
42' Saulnier plays a pass to el-Amiri, who moves it over to Poirier, but he plays it back to Saulnier. The Kings looking for a chance here.
43' Saulnier moves it over to Qaderi as they look for something on that right side he plays a deep pass to Bonvillain, who is dragging Jedjav, and Albano with him, leaving the center all alone.
43' Bonvillain pulling it into the box, what a chance! He holds it and passes it to Poirier! Who is harassed by Narducci!
43' Shot from the leg of Poirier!
43' Saved by a splendid acrobatic move from Donnatella, what a play by the Kings, narrowly saved by Donnatella. The stadium is abuzz with cries and chants, what a save.
45' 2 more minutes says the referee. Splendid game so far.
45+1' I think both teams can't help but enjoy a 1-1 game, could easily be 2-2, or a lead for either, Sciarri passing it to Albano, who moves it to Donnatella. Donnatella giving it a deep shot to the center.
45+2' The official says we have time for no more. 1-1 game

HALF-TIME

SECOND HALF
45' The game is getting started as Poirier plays a pass to Bonvillain. The second half is underway.
47' Saulnier has it on that left side, he's been dangerous there, he plays it back to el-Amiri, who holds it and returns it to Saulnier.
47' Saulnier scans the field, and throws on a center for his team headed towards the box.
47' Poirier rises to head it in!
47' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Poirier just heads that one past the goalie! What a pass from Saulnier, world class center from the sideline. And the Kings have a 2-1 game.
48' Casarin starts us off with a pass to Tarantini.
50' The Knights trying to recover from that early goal, Tarantini has it on that right side. He returns it to Struna, who centers it for Sciarri.
50' Sciarri makes a beautiful pass to Casarin, as it just evades the defending Juteau, Casarin who breaks into a trot, past the defenders. He's all alone on that left side of the box.
50' Casarin moves the ball to Altieri. Altieri preparing to shoot!
50' Decisive play from Thanh who throws himself to prevent that shot!
51' Altieri plays the ball back he has a good angle!
51' Altieri's shot is blocked by Chénier. Rebound in the air, it lands in front of Oršić, who is all alone with Després now.
51' Odd shot from Oršić
51' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Oršić with that acrobatic kick to get the ball past Després, we are tied at 2 again 2-2
51' Two quick goals to start the second half, splendid game. Bonvillain will start us off, with a back pass to Juteau.
54' Splendid game so far from both teams, plenty of offense, as the Kings are moving it down the center into an attack.
55' Juteau holding onto the ball and passing it to el-Amiri, who has seen Bernier and plays a deep pass to him.
55' Bernier has it on that right side, he has space and time!
55' Bernier centers it, beautiful ball.
55' Poirier jumps to head it in!
55' Right into the hands of Donnatella, splendid positioning from the goalie, looks like Poirier just unable to get comfortable on that second attempt with which he scored the goal.
57' Both sides playing defensively but eyeing that opportunity to take the lead. Many wondering if this match will be decided by penalties, or if 90 minutes is enough.
59' Good ball movement coming in from the Knights, as they have it on the Kings side.
59' Pass from Struna to Vida. But the Kings are well positioned, the Knights struggling to push through.
59' Vida eyes Altieri and passes the ball to him who moves it down that left side, moving it back to Oršić, who centers it for Struna who finds Sciarri, who is rushing ahead!
59' Sciarri receives the ball and takes a shot!
60' Just slightly over the goal bar for the veteran, and he is shaking his head.
60' Its a Ikeda Goal kick for Despres.
62' Good defensive flow to the game currently, neither team risking it.
63' The Knights have it on the Kings side, moving the ball well. They're looking for any type of opening.
64 ' Vida makes a pass to Struna, who is there to receive it. Qaderi goes after him, with Struna making a pass to Taratini. But wait its intercepted by Chénier, who plays it to Juteau, who makes a deep pass for Bonvillain.
64 ' Bonvillain receives it, and is struggling with Narducci, but he keeps on pushing, Bonvillain awaiting some sort of help, but the Kings were pretty back. Albano is arriving to provide aid.
64 ' Bonvillain looks to shoot!
65 ' Splendid save by Donnatella who removes it from the pitch. Corner kick to the Kings. Vecchiato orders some substitions. The Kings will look at the opportunity as well.
(Etrurian substitution: 6. Camillo Augustino Barzizza ⇆ 10. Dominik Oršić)

(Satucine substitution: 12. Thibaud Bombelles ⇆ 63. Samir el-Amiri)
65 ' Bombelles to come in and make this corner kick, effective player at that. Effective at the Subarasi corner kick
67 ' Bombelles makes the corner kick, arching it well for the Kings!
67 ' Struggle in the box, but Albano able to beat Bonvillain for the header, it arrives at the feet of Qaderi. He takes a shot.
67 ' Rebound and deflected off a Satucine player its an Ikeda Goal kick
69 ' The Knights have it well on the center of the pitch Barzizza holding onto it, and passing it to Altieri, who breaks into a run down the left side, he centers it for Sciarri
69 ' Sciarri with a riveting shot, but it deflects off Chénier, and into the hand of Thanh! What bad luck!
69 ' The Kings are conversing, dare I say pleading with the official, but its clear as day, but it seems that Maa'iz el-Assaf will not be convinced, that it is a yellow card situation, just a dangerous free kick for the Knights!
71 ' Sciarri and Bombelles are standing debating what to do, as their team is positioned to take the shot. Bernier lays on the floor to stop any low shots, tensions running high in the Dos Gausanos.
71 ' Sciarri moves towards the ball the experienced striker just outside the box, ready to deliver a bomb!
71 ' Sciarri PLAYS A SIMPLE PASS!
71 ' Casarin receives it, Chénier attempts to attack him!
71 ' Casarin shots it between the legs of Chénier GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Casarin with the simple kick to beat Despres, in this exceptional set piece 3-2 Etruria!
71 ' Some more substitions ordered.
(Satucine substitution: 36. Guy Vallée ⇆ 23.Maverick Bernier)
72' Poirier will get us started with a pass to Vallée on the right. Two straight goals from the Knights.
75' Saulnier has it on the left side as the Kings put pressure on the Knights.
76' Saulnier plays a deep one to Qaderi who lowers it, but he is quickly harassed by the Knights. He plays a ball back to Juteau.
76' Juteau is too far back, but he runs to take a shot! Despite the multiple defenders standing in front of him.
76' The ball evades the head of Narducci, and the body of Albano!
76' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! JUTEAU! With the long range shot, aimed perfectly just past the two defenders and past Donnatella. You won't see a more beautiful goal than that 3-3 We are tied!
78' Taratini will get us started with a pass to Altieri.
80' The Etrurians have it on the King's side putting pressure on the game. Struna holds the ball making a convincing pass to Taratini, who tries to move it to Vida in a quick pass. However Vallée is there, to steal it with a slide and make a deep pass!
80' Bonvillain receives it and rushes with it, the Etrurians are not well footed for this one, as Bonvillain rushes with exceptional speed.
80' Bonvillain is all alone, he centers the ball for Poirier, and Bombelles, who are running at full speed into the box.
80' Poirier goes for the header!
81' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Poirier! Heads that one in! What a pass from both Vallee and Bonvillain, for the header 4-3 Satucin! Tarantini running to pick up the ball and rush it to midfield, not a single second to waste.
81' Casarin makes a back pass to Sciarri. More substitutions incoming
(Satucine substitution: 69. Jean Yves Saint Juste ⇆ 92. Karl Chénier)

(Etrurian substitution: 21. Vanja Radovan ⇆ 17. Francesco Altieri)
83' The Knights on crisis mode, the Kings, onto Hold and Bite that lead at all costs.
84' Sciarri making a pass to Radovan who is moving it well on that left side with his fresh legs, the Kings are there to defend him. Radovan makes a pass to Barzizza who is now moving it well, pass to Tarantini, who moves it to Casarin.
84' Casarin releasing a missile from his boot, but too wide, not a danger for Depres, as the Etrurians attempt to calm themselves. Another substitution.
(Etrurian substitution: 18. Giovanni Paladino ⇆ 9. Aurelio Tarantini)
85' Depres clears the ball deep, as deep as he can. Bonvillain is there to receive it, moving it to Bombelles, who holds it and passes it back to Reixachs, who moves it to Juste. Who plays a deep pass over to Qaderi. Who is there to receive it, he makes a pass over to Juteau who makes a rush and pass to a running Poirier! He's all alone!
85' Offside signals the official, as that might have just saved the Etrurians, this stadium is one of mixed emotions, but both teams holding onto their breaths!
86' Donnatella plays a deep pass over to Barzizza, who quickly moves it to Radovan, he attacks with speed, making a pitch change to Paladino who moves it well now. Being followed by two Satucines, Paladino holds onto the ball, and makes a cross! Knights crowding the box.
86' Després is there to catch the ball. Killing the Etrurian attack.
87' The Kings playing it safe, the Etrurians are on edge, Juteau makes a pass to Qaderi, but Qaderi is tackled by Vida. The official is walking over to give him a Yellow! Uyyyyyyy you have gotten a yellow card
88' The Kings trying to waste as much time as possible with Juteau finally making a pass to Saulnier.
90' The official is signaling for 3 more minutes will it be enough to send this to extra time?
90+1' Thanh with the ball passing it to Juste, who makes a deep pass to Bombelles, who has it in the center he moves it over to Vallée who is attacking deep into the Etrurian pitch, boos can be heard from the stands.
90+1' Vallée centers it for Poirier, who heads it! The Etrurians are completely misplaced!
90+2' My oh my, what a miss for Poirier to seal this one. Quite over the crossbar, it makes me think he didn't want to score that one!
90+3' Donnatella with a deep kick, the official letting this one play out. Struna receives it, and quickly moves it over to Vida, who makes a deep pass to Paladino. Paladino rushing down that right side, with incredible speed.
90+3' Paladino makes the cross for both Casarin and Radovan! The Kings struggling to keep up.
90+3' Radovan receives the ball he is all alone with Després!
90+3' Radovan shoots!
90+3' He aims for between the legs of Després.
90+3' Després is too overeager, the shot beats him. But wait Juste throws himself!
90+3' Juste stops it and kicks it away, the Etrurians are demanding VAR, Maa'iz el-Assaf says it did not go in at all!
90+4' el-Assaf states that the ball never crossed the line. Let us see the replay.
90+4' Concurred this is not a VAR situation the ball is clearly not inside, now the stadium has gone silent. It clearly never came close to the line.
90+4' The Etrurians are arguing for the sake of arguing. Maa'iz el-Assaf begins flashing yellow cards! And the fans are stunned by what they're seeing, the Etrurian players drop to the floor and begin crying. Vecchiato is doing what he can, but it never went in. Yellow cards to Vida, Casarin, and Barzizza. Oh oh you have gotten a yellow card
90+4' Maa'iz el-Assaf hands the ball to Després, who kicks it deep, and he blows his whistle, we have time for no more.

Player of the match
Valéry Poirier CF

by **Eskaeba** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:56 am

by **Etruria2** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 12:53 pm

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:35 am

by **Eskaeba** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 9:02 am

QUARTER-FINALS: DAY 36

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:04 am

GAULLICA 2 - 2 ARDESIA

Estádio Zapote, Rémont

Attendance: 57,000

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00 Bem-vindo to Rèmont! Where the hosts Ardesia face off against Gaullica, in this thrilling matchup of the Quarter finals.
-45:00 The Os Galos looking to keep up their dreams alive, against a strong Gaullican team. The Os Galos enter the competition being the most succesful team in finding the back of the net. With Arturo Vasco being the sole player remaining with 6 goals. This Gaullican team has been a well functioning machine all tournament.
-30:00 Lourenço Câmara is out today, with Adelmar Rebelo filling in for the suspended Câmara.
-10:00 Both teams are entering the pitch, a Galinho mascot follows the teams inside the stadium. The Galinho mascot has quickly become a fan favorite here in Ardesia, we can see children and women sporting shirts that say "I am Galinho". Fans in the Ruttland-Estmere game celebrated by pretending to bark, truly a sight to behold, as Ruttland is engulfed in Coupe du Monde fever.
-08:00 The anthem of Ardesia will now playHino do Ardése!
-05:00 A beautiful anthem, now Gaullica's will play. Chant des Gaullois!
-02:00 Serge Côté has arrived to meet with Sakia Goetz, Côté says tails, and the referee flips the coin. Heads say's the Mauchan referee. Ardesia will play the ball first.

FIRST HALF
1' Vasco plays a back pass to Salgado, and this game is underway.
1' Salgado makes a pass to Coelho, the yougster attracting plenty of attention for his play. Coelho moving it on that left side.
1' Coelho makes a pass to Saraiva, who kicks a deep pass over to Furfaro, who is battling Feraoun for the ball.
1' Furfaro wins the ball and he is running towards the Gaullican goal, the defense quickly looking to stop him.
1' Vasseur arrives tackling the ball away from Furfaro, but the Ardesian player hits the field, as is asking for a foul. Goetz quickly going to inspect.
1' Free kick to the Ardesians, as Vasseur narrowly evades a yellow card. Don't think I agree with the decision here Jimmy, looked like a yellow to me. Regardless the Ardesians coming out aggressive.
3' It is a Free Kick Top Dog that the captain Vasco will be taking, in dangerous territory for the Gaullicans.
4' Vasco plays a pass to Rebelo, who returns the ball to Vasco who takes a splendid shot over the heads of the wall!
4' Vaugrenard jumps to stop that one, leaping towards the left.
4' Saved by Pascal, who was protecting that left goal post, he clears it with a header. Vasco kicking it too close to the left goal post. Almost a hand ball there, too.
6' Côté has it on midfield moving it well, playing a pass to Bonnel, who centers it for Dupuis, he's looking for Sartre. Making a great pass to the forward.
7' Sartre is battling Rodio for the ball as de Sá is rushing in to help.
7' Sartre kicks it, but de Sa is there to block the shot, the ball deflected off the de Sa to the sideline, Cardoso unable to get to it in time.
9' Serge Côté the captain of this Gaullican team, to make this Subarasi corner kick for the Crusaders. Splendid career from this Côté.
9' Côté makes a good center headed towards the box!
10' Cardoso is on it however, leaping to punch it away, right at the feet of Souchon.
10' Ay no, Souchon with a rocket headed for the goal net in the stands! Ikeda Goal kick to Cardoso.
15' Ardouin intercepts a pass from Saraiva to Mata, he's looking for a friend and finds it in Souchon who centers that ball deep to Pascal, who heads it for Sartre. This offense functioning well so far.
15' Sartre receives the ball and breaks into a run, the Ardesians struggling to keep up with his speed!
16' Sartre holds the ball and is dribbling towards the net, de Sá being insistent. Sartre shoots!
16' Right at the hands of Cardoso, splendid defending from de Sa, good speed from the young defenseman, even deflecting that ball slightly and reducing its power.
19' Good back and forward. Mata has it on the Gaullican side, making a pass to Saraiva, who moves it over to Coelho. Ettore barking orders from the sideline.
19' Coelho making the deep pass to Vasco who receives it on his chest and moves it to Salgado, who makes a pass to Furfaro. He is completely alone!
20' Offside! Yes we can see the offside on the replay. Just a foot too far for Furfaro.
24' Mata has it on the Gaullican side moving it to Furfaro who centers it to Vasco.
25' Vasco running with the ball well, but stubborn defense from Pape, who steals and moves the ball forward to Bonnel. The Gaullicans now on the attack.
25' Bonnel has it and moves it over to Côté, who quickly pushes in, moving it to Dupuis, who is moving it close to that right sideline. The Ardesians appear slow to switch to the defense.
25' Dupuis centers it to Sartre, who heads it between Rodio and de Sa!
25' Cardoso dives and stops that header. Rodio clearing it out. Splendid center from Dupuis and Sartre but even more brilliant goal keeping from Cardoso, to keep us at 0.
28' Gusmão holds onto the ball and moves it vertically to Coelho, with Souchon attacking him.
29' Too aggressive from Souchon, and Goetz warns Souchon. Coelho on the ground holding onto his foot.
29' Coelho is back up and he plays a simple pass to Saraiva who centers it for Salgado, who breaks into a run down the center, he moves it over to Furfaro coming in from the right.
29' Furfaro with a long distance shot!
29' Vaugrenard unable to get to it, but the right goalpost saves that shot. In 30 minutes both Vasco and Furfaro raising the blood pressure of both sides!
31' Ardouin holding it in the middle of the field Now Jimmy what are you doing? I'm eating a delicious hot dog from Top Dog, where you can order now, straight from the app for no additional costs.
34' Bonnel has it on the Ardesian side as he crosses the center line. He's giving instructions, and centering it to Côté. He's looking at Pascal, and makes a deep pass at him.
35' Pascal moving it on that right side being attacked by Gusmão, the defenseman not letting him through. Pascal attempts to center it, but deflected away by Gusmão, it is a throw in.
35' Côté throws it in for Pascal who plays it back to Bonnel. That player finding Dupuis, who moves it to Sartre, who holds it and passes it back to Dupuis, who is running into the box!
35' Dupuis with a shot from inside the box Rebelo, unable to defend him properly.
35' Too wide! It goes safely down the left side, Cardoso taking a deep breath. Eugénio Ettore is not happy with Rebelo, and is giving instructions from the sideline. More like barking them, he looks uneasy.
37' Mata moves it over to Salgado on the Gaullican side, Salgado trying to find Vasco but he is well defended, he moves it back to Mata, who holds onto it.
37' Mata finds Coelho who breaks into a run down that left side, looking for Vasco but he is too well defended. Coelho running out of space
38' Coelho plays a pass back to Salgado who is coming in to the center, and shoots it!
38' Over the goal bar, a bit too much on that shot, its an Ikeda Goal kick
42' Both sides settling into an even back and forward, but the Gaullicans looking for a leading goal in these last minutes.
44' Ardouin has the ball on the center, and makes a deep pass to Dupuis who receives it gracefully, and they're moving the ball well. Dupuis to Sartre, then to Bonnel, then to Pascal.
44' Pascal moves it over to Côté, then to Dupuis, who shoots it!
44' Too high, Dupuis regretting shooting that one.
45' 3 more minutes says the official
45+2' Mata has the ball hoping for something in the last few minutes.
45+2' Mata plays a pass to Furfaro who moves it down that right side, against a staunch Gaullican defense. Vasco is running looking for that header or kick inside the box.
45+2' Furfaro centers it for Vasco, who is ready and eager to head that one in.
45+2' Vaugrenard stops the chance with a splendid leap up to catch that one. Vasco a bit too back, but that Gaullican defense is unrelenting. Solid game.
45+3' The official says we have time for no more. 0-0 at the half.

HALF TIME

SECOND HALF
46' Sartre will get us started with a pass to Pascal
48' Mata holds the ball, finding Salgado for the pass, he moves it over to Coelho, who has it and holds it on that left side.
49' Simple pass to Vasco who takes a shot!
49' Stopped by Vaugrenard with his hands as he bounces it down and clears it. Almost hit his face too.
51' The Ardesians are again on the attack with Salgado having the ball on the center, moving it to Coelho, who returns it to Salgado, he's looking for options
52' Vasco makes his presence known and Salgado passes it to Vasco, who tries to maneuver around that defense but can't, instead returning it to Salgado.
52' Salgado takes a shot! But deflected by Vasseur's foot off the field. Corner to the Ardesians.
54' Isac Salgado is to take this Subarasi corner kick. Which he does with a pass to the box. Bonnel trying to head it away but he misses, the ball landing squarely on Saraiva's feet.
54' Saraiva takes a splendid shot to the left post.
54' Saved by Vaugrenard who throws himself in an acrobatic move to stop that one. Its another corner kick. Splendid save from Vaugrenard.
56' Mata to take this Subarasi corner kick. Which he does splendidly, both teams raising to head it in.
56' Teodósio rising and heading that ball!
56' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Coelho has headed that one in past Vaugrenard splendid header from the youngster! 1-0 Ardesia
57' Sartre starting us off with a pass to Pascal, the crowd in Zapote is going wild.
59' Bonnel holding onto the ball moving it over to Dupuis. Who is behind the Ardesian defender. Dupuis makes a center to Sartre.
59' Sartre skillfully receiving it, despite Rodio. He's turning around to kick the ball!
59' Cardoso stops that shot, splendid deflection. With de Sà clearing that ball out. Cardoso barely deflecting that with the top of his leg.
62' This stadium is screaming, Gaullican fans are demanding another goal, while Ardesians are chanting.
64' Bonnel has the ball and passes it to Dupuis, but its too far for the forward, with Rebelo intercepting the pass and moving it to Mata.
64' Bad decision as Mata is being attacked by Ardouin and Côté. Ardouin steals the ball from Mata.
64' Ardouin plays a pass to Côté who is moving it well, he's trying to find an angle, to take a shot from.
64' Côté takes a shot, splendid shot.
64' Saved by Cardoso but theres a rebound!
64' The rebound lands in Sartre's feet. And he shoots at a wide empty net! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Sartre is there with the equalizer! 1-1 we are tied.
64' Eugénio Ettore has decided its time to make a substition.
(Ardesian substitution: 17. Osvaldo Varela ⇆ 14. Sotiriano Saraiva)
66' Vasco will get us started with a pass to Salgado.
72' Varela has the ball in the left side of the pitch he's looking for Coelho, and he finds him, the Ardesians are deep inside the Gaullican side.
72' Coelho is looking to move it to Vasco, but no luck Souchon knocks that pass up in the air.
73' Salgado jumps and heads that one back into the box, where Vasco is waiting.
73' Vasco has the ball and is maneuvering around Pape. Vasco takes a shot, Vaugrenard is in front of him!
73' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! VASCO is there with his seventh goal of the tournament! VASCO makes this 2-1.
75' Sartre will get us started with a pass to Pascal again. New substitions requested
(Gaullican substitution: 83. Marian Dieulafoy ⇆ 6. Cyril Ardouin)
(Gaullican substitution: 92. Jérémy Lucy ⇆ 20. Claude Dupuis)
(Ardesian substitution: 18. Carlos Pinho ⇆ 16. Assimo Mata)
78' Dieulafoy has the ball at the back moving it forward to Côté, who moves it to Bonnel. The Crusaders are looking at tying this one back up.
78' Bonnel has the ball and passes it to Lucy, who moves it well, but not well enough for Rebelo steals that and sends it the other way for Furfaro.
78' Furfaro is leading this counter attack with peace, making a pass to to Salgado who has a great angle.
78' Salgado shoots
78' Stopped by Vaugrenard, he caught it in time, what a player.
83' Dieulafoy has the ball and passes it to Côté, who moves it over to a crossing Pascal. Gusmão trying to keep up.
83' Bad play by Gusmão, Pascal goes down just outside the box. Goetz coming in, and pulling a yellow card for Gusmão. Not a good look for the defenseman. Free kick to Gaullica.
(Gaullican substitution: 39. Johan Tu ⇆ 18. Isaïe Bonnel)
(Ardesian substitution: 24. Ezequiel Vieira ⇆ 23. Igor Furfaro)
85' This Gaullican offense has been functioning splendidly tonight. Pascal to take this Free Kick Top Dog.
85' Pascal takes the shot! its a perfect curve above the heads of the defenders!
85' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Pascal with a perfect shot on the goal, splendid opportunity, an even better shot 2-2
87' Vasco and Salgado will get us started, they must be frustrated at allowing such an easy tie again. This stadium is ready to burst.
89' Both times trying to avoid extra time, but neither team willing to give.
90' the officials have announced 3 minutes of extra time
90+2' Salgado trying something, but it just won't work. Pass to Vasco is intercepted.
90+3' The Ref says we have time for no more. 2-2 at the end of Regulation.

EXTRA TIME (2-2)

EXTRA TIME FIRST HALF
91' Vasco will get us started with a pass to Salgado.
(Gaullican substitution: 72. Étienne Clérico ⇆ 2. Armel Vasseur)
(Ardesian substitution: 4. Raul Costa ⇆ 11. Felipe Gusmão)

94' Salgado has the ball and is moving it well passing it to Vieira. He holds it and dribbles past Feraoun, great ball movement. Vieira takes a shot but easily saved by Vaugrenard. He's been splendid all game.
97' Salgado again with the ball passing it to Coelho then to Varela, who loses it to Dieulafoy. He plays a long range pass to Pascal who rushes ahead. Splendid speed.
98' Pascal takes a shot from midrange as Costa approaches him.
98' Splendid shot, Cardoso diving to stop that one. Corner to the Gaullicans.
98' Côté taking this Subarasi corner kick. Its a good kick finding the head of Lucy!
99' Too much to the side, that header just missed the goalpost.
103' Salgado moving the ball to Vasco, who moves it over to Varela. Who passes it to Vieira. Who takes another shot!
104' Easily caught by Vaugrenard, it was more a center to Vasco than a shot.
105' The official says 2 more minutes
105+2' Côté moving the ball well to Bonnel, who delivers a cannon but just off the side, good shot however from the midrange.
105+3' The official says we have time for no more. 2-2 we remain.

EXTRA TIME SECOND HALF
105' Sartre will get us started with a pass to Pascal, we remain at 2-2.
108' Good ball movement again from Salgado who finds Vasco, Vasco is in a perfect angle to shoot!
108' Vasco feints, passing it to Vieira who is coming from the right side. Coelho is on the other side!
108' Viera's pass is interrupted by the leg of Clérico, and cleared. Would have been an assured goal had Coelho received it.
110' The Gallos are on the attack again with costa putting in a good pass to Pinho, who moves it to Vieira, who returns it to Pinho.
111' Pinho makes a long pass to Coelho, but its a bad pass, Coelho has to to jump to catch it, and can't pass it quickly to a wide open Vasco. Coelho now holding it and moving it back to Varela.
111' Varela has it but Dieulafoy comes in to attempt to steal it!
112' Bad sweep from Dieulafoy, Goetz is pulling a yellow card. UYYYYYYYYY you have gotten a yellow card
113' Varela is up, and the Os Gallos play a simple pass. The Crusaders have completely turned over this second half to the Ardesians.
116' Coelho has the ball moving it well down that left side, he makes a center for Vasco!
117' Clérico is trying to stop Vasco!
117' Collision inside the Box! Clérico was over eager, and he's holding onto his head as Vasco holds onto his foot. Goetz is running to the scene.
117' No its outside the box by a foot, Goetz running in to check with VAR, regardless of the outcome, yellow to Clérico, and either a penalty or dangerous free kick in front of the box.Oh oh you have gotten a yellow card
119' Goetz returns no penalty it was outside the box, but we have a free kick! A Top Dog Free Kick
120' 3 more minutes indicates the officials, as the Gaullicans prepare their defenses.
120+1' Vasco takes his free kick! its a beautiful ball over the wall!
120+2' Vaugrenard jumps up and stops it. What a chance for the Os Gallos. But Vaugrenard keeps this at 2-2
120+5' Vaugrenard will clear this ball, and the official says we have time for no more, 2-2 ONWARDS TO PENALTIES.
EXTRA TIME FULL TIME

PENALTIES
GAULLICA 4 - 2 ARDESIA

Gaullican: Penalty 1 (Sartre): Sartre who already has a goal has been entrusted with being the first kicker in this shootout, both goalies have been splendid.
Gaullican: Penalty 1 (Sartre): GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL Splendid shot by Sartre he raises it and hits the top left corner just over Cardosos head, the goalie looks frustrated
Ardesian: Penalty 1 (Vasco): Arturo Vasco, leading the charge. leader in goals scored, captain of the Ardesian team, 1 goal tonight, team mate of Galihno, the whole nation rests on his shoulders. He moves to kick the ball.
Ardesian: Penalty 1 (Vasco): GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL Arturo Vasco lands it in the bottom right corner, completely fooling Vaugrenard.
Gaullican: Penalty 2 (Lucy): Jérémy Lucy the late substitution will be taking the penalty, splendid player back in Gaullica, today selected for that second penalty.
Gaullican: Penalty 2 (Lucy): CARDOSO! Cardoso read that one perfectly, as he dives for the lower right, stopping that shot on its tracks
Ardesian: Penalty 2 (Coelho): Sensation, future, super star those are the words used to describe Teodósio Coelho the 18 year old, who has one goal tonight, and has been crucial for this team. Remember this man's face, regardless of what happens tonight Coelho has been catapulted to the elite players in this world.
Ardesian: Penalty 2 (Coelho):GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL. With a finger to the sky, Coelho makes this a 2-1 game. Down the center he completely fooled Vaugrenard.
Gaullican: Penalty 3 (Pascal): With a goal tonight, and another of the rising stars in this sport, Jean-Noël Pascal, prepares to take his shot.
Gaullican: Penalty 3 (Pascal): GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL. Pascal top right he just beats Cardoso to tie this 2-2 Splendid shot, just like his free kick earlier in the night.[/b]
Ardesian: Penalty 3 (Salgado): Salgado, essential player in this Os Gallos team, now preparing to take his shot. What a player this one.
Ardesian: Penalty 3 (Salgado):Vaugrenard figured that shot out, and stops it with a spetacular dive, keeping this game tied. This man right here, has been world class.[/b]
Gaullican: Penalty 4 (Tu): Late substitution, he's looking at giving Gaullica the lead in this game. He's a careful shooter, lets see if he can beat the hyper-aggressive Cardoso. The mind games, as the Ardesian crowd gets loud.
Gaullican: Penalty 4 (Tu): GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL. Tu drives it down the center of the net Cardoso was absolutely fooled. Gaullica takes its first lead, in all the game.[/b]
Ardesian: Penalty 4 (Vieira): Vieira another late substitution had a splendid shot in the extra time lets see if he can repeat that.
Ardesian: Penalty 4 (Vieira):VIEIRA! Too much to the left, Vaugrenard dived to the right, the shot rams against the goal post. Vaugrenard going to give the goal post a kiss, and a hug. [/b]
Gaullican: Penalty 4 (Côté): The captain Serge Côté. 28 years of age. Essential in the functioning of this team, to take the 5th goal. If he scores Gaullica is off to the Semis, if he doesn't Varela has to tie it at 3. The pressure of a nation on his shoulders.
Gaullican: Penalty 4 (Côté): GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAL. GOAL GOAL GOAL COTE COTE, he scores on a brilliant top right corner, Cardoso dived properly but unable to deflect it fully, it strikes the top of the net. Gaullica has won 4-2.

FULL TIME
Player of the Match:GK. Gustave Vaugrenard (GAL)

by **Lunas Legion** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 6:39 am

Home · AFR · Asterias · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather ·World News
Os Abutres progress to the Semi-Finals of the Coupe du Monde.
6th August, 2023 | By Fábio Fontes

Teixeira makes the game-winning save against Île d'Émeraude midfielder Ernst Rene.

Porto Sotiri, Ardesia - Os Abutres won a too close for comfort victory over the Île d'Émeraude on Friday after the two teams met in a quarter-final rematch of their 1-1 draw in the group stage that AFR manager Marco Camara had vocally hoped for earlier in the knockout rounds.

The game was far more nail-biting than the AFR manager had hoped, however, with the Île d'Émeraude showing that their earlier performance against the AFR in the group stages and during the knockout stages had been far from a fluke. An early goal from Vaz in the 34th minute was equalised by Metellus in the 64th minute. An otherwise goalless second half saw repeated attacks by both sides failing to land any goals. Extra time opened with a lightning goal by Metellus that must have simply caught Os Abutres off-guard with the speed and decisiveness that the Île d'Émeraude prosecuted it. With it looking like the Île d'Émeraude would continue to shock the world by defeating the AFR 2-1, an AFR attack in the closing minutes seemingly came to naught after Pascal made an impressive save against Eutímio. A corner by Leitão as a result, however, would allow a beautiful header by Balbinho who had been cleared by the team's doctors to play following his injury against Scovern to equalise and force the matter to penalties.

Both teams displayed an impressive level of confidence and competence with not a single penalty being missed by either team's forwards or saved by their opposition's goalkeeper, but as it moved into sudden death, and perhaps moved by the fear of actually having to take a penalty for the second time this CdM, Teixeira proved his position as one of the CdM's best keepers by saving Ernst Rene's penalty, winning the game 6-5 on penalties.

In a post-match press conference, Marco Camara was remarkably complimentary of his opponents. "What I and I think many others dismissed as a simple fluke was demonstrated not to be by this match. For a nation with a population smaller than the smallest state of the AFR, the Île d'Émeraude team, indeed, shocked the world by making it to the quarter-finals in what must have been a dream to them, but all dreams end eventually. I'm not quite sure what's responsible for their success against the AFR where teams like Paretia and Scovern faltered; perhaps its simply some combination of their specific formation with their specific players is simply extremely good against us and no one else can replicate it."

In a press cofnerence today ahead of the semi-finals, where the AFR will be playing Gaullica on Thursday 10th August, Camara gave a rare candid assessment. "Gaullica are good. Very good. I'm disappointed we won't have the chance to face Ardesia, but it is what it is. Gaullica's defence has only conceded five times; that's one less than our own defence, reckoned to be the strongest in the CdM. But Ardesia fought them to a draw, and as good as Ardesia are offensively? Their defence is nowhere near as good as ours with their multiple 4-3 victories in the knockouts over mid-tier teams like Hennehouwe and their own personal equivalent of the Île d'Émeraude in Nainan. And Gaullica almost lost to Alsland if not for some heroics late in the game while Alsland were down a man. We have a good chance of victory. Not a certainty, for sure, but I think we have a decent chance of winning."

Win or loss in the semi-finals, Camara will at the very least have led the AFR to 4th place if they lose the 3rd place match, which marks its best performance in the CdM since its win in 1987. "I still hope to repeat my victory as a player in 1987 as a manager." Camara remarked. "Although I believe victory is still possible, if not in 2023 I hope to be manager in 2027 for another attempt following the AFR's revival in performance at this CdM."

by **Xiaodong** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 4:16 pm

by **Lilitou** » Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:49 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Aug 09, 2023 8:51 am

SATUCIN 3 - 1 RUTTLAND

Estádio do Anel de Prata, Porto Sotiri

Attendance: 47,907

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00: BEM-VINDO! The first of this year's Coupe du monde's semi-finals is here! A thrilling rematch between Satucin's Les Rois and the Ruttish Hounds brings them to the Estádio do Anel de Prata as they both look to reach the final!
-50:00: Whoever wins this match will be fighting for a coveted Coupe winner title on the 14th against either Gaullica or the Asterian Federative Republic.
-40:00: We're expecting quite the match ahead of us; with Ruttland having defied every odd to reach this far. Through IFF rankings, teams 2, 3, 9 and 34 are left in the tournament. Ruttland, often the underdog, has faced off Rizealand and Estmere, as well as a fantastic footballing team in Montecara, to reach this far.
-35:00: Les Rois, conversely, entered the tournament as one of the strongest - but suffered a hiccough against Hennehouwe that they've not replicated since.
-30:00: Internet traffic on the games indicate a strong preference among many around the world to see Ruttland reach the finals, with the team having thanked its fans at home and around the world for the support they had received.
-25:00: Turnout at the games has not dipped following Ardesia's loss; a strong fear of the organisers. It seems enthusiasm and energy remains in the host country, even following a bitter penalty shootout loss.
-15:00: Fifteen minutes to go until kick-off and the atmosphere is restless. Banners of Ruttland, of Satucin, of Ardesia, are flowing in the stadium. Plush alligators, hounds and roosters line the stands.
-10:00: The teams have entered the stadium, succeeding their flags! It'll be the Satucine anthem first; which they sing loud and proud! Allons Armée Catholique!
-6:00: Beautiful! And now for the Ruttish anthem: Atgims jauna tėvynė!. A truly moving piece of music!
-2:00: With both Juteau and Judeikis approaching the middle, the match is close to beginning. Time for the toin-coss.
-1:00: Judeikis calls it! A Ruttish start!

FIRST HALF:
1': It'll be Dibulskis ball thanks to the captain, and the game begins with a tremendous roar as he kicks it to Köppen!
2': The Ruttish are advancing with their mid-field wedge playing in unison.
2': Köppen clears the ball from an encroaching Qaderi by crossing it along the width of the field to the other wing of the wedge.
3': Beautifully received by Gauba, bringing it up the Ruttish left wing to near the Satucine goal!
4': Gauba crosses into the box following a wrestle with Chénier, but the defender is hot on his tail...!
4': The Ruttish midfielder is very far up, on his own, as the wedge begins to disintegrate back to the middle - but Gauba passes to Baumstein! Within the box!
5': Collected by Després! No chance for the Ruttish forwards, here. Les Rois' ball.
6': The goalie rolls the ball to Thanh, and the set-up for a counter-attack - though slow - begins.
6': Thanh is able to avoid a body-block from Baumstein by chipping the ball over his attacker and getting it to el-Amiri with a clean kick! Beautiful play.
7': We find ourselves crossing the mid here as el-Amiri dribbles with some fanciful footwork around Kraunaitis and Dibulskis.
8': Further up the field, Saulnier's made a clearing for himself and beckons for the ball. el-Amiri is happy to oblige!
8': A tremendous cross sees the ball enter dangerous territory; and Saulnier is entering the box! He shoots!
9': Palmed away by the tips of Vilminskas' fingers! That's a save!
9': But the ball rolls out of play and gives way to a Satucine corner.
10': Bernier will be taking this corner. Pressure is mounting for an early goal here, which Les Rois will need to give some distance against these tenacious hounds. Hooting, hollering and barking erupt from the Ruttish stands in the lead up to Bernier's build up for a kick.
10': Struck dead square at the base of the ball, it is flying!
11': Both Poirier and Svirskis leap for the header! Game-changing possibilities are inbound!
11': Poirier's unable to reach the same height as that Ruttish defender, who headers the ball away from the box!
12': Tragedy for the Ruttish though, as it is Les Rois who gain possession against some 20 metres from the box. Beautiful receptive football from Bonvillain here, clearing past through the sea of Ruttish defenders.
13': He's making a run for the box.
13': Bonvillain is a great player, but it's him against six at the moment. He's taking the risk of a shot!
14': Caught by Vilminskas! The question every Ruttish fan is probably asking themselves right now is "where would we be without our goalie?" Disgruntled Weranian fans would probably tell them "out in the group stages", and to them we here in the commentator's box say "just like Werania".
15': Vilminskas with a long-ball!
16': Both Qaderi and Köppen are battling it out for this ball; and they've both leapt for it.
17': Qaderi's leap is just higher, and he's able to header it - but he and Köppen collide in the sky! Both are down!
18': Ryan Baker, the referee, is on the scene - and he's got a decision clear as day in mind. That's a yellow-card for Köppen! He's citing the bad decision making to go for the ball mere fragments of a second after Qaderi leapt, penalising him for colliding with the Satucine!
18': An unpopular decision! Listen to the stadium roar! This is a fresh wound for many fans; who remember an "outrageous" game earlier in the Coupe that featured two Satucine goals in extra-time, and a Ruttish own-goal.
18': He's not having it! The game is playing on, Qaderi's ball from the point of contact.
19': Back round to an attack from Les Rois!
20': Qaderi to Juteau sees the ball cross the mid-field again, and Juteau is able to dance around the point of the Ruttish wedge in mid-field. But a quick interception from Gauba brings the ball back down the field.
21': But Gauba is not prepared for the forwardness of a Satucine defender!
22': Reixachs, playing fairly far forward, gets the ball and lobs it across the pitch again. Hoping to find a forward from his side.
23': Bernier! He's on it, up the right wing! Impressive pace from the right-winger, seeing him keep the ball with good control and enviable dribbling.
23': He's past Wittgenstein and Vũ! He's crossing to to Bonvillain!
24': BONVILLAIN! HE COLLECTS IT AND SPEEDS IT INTO THE BOX! WITH A KICK!
24': GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! BONVILLAIN FOR LES ROIS, SATUCIN IS UP 1-0!
25': Vilminskas looks disappointed in himself, having been just short of the ball with his diving attempt to stop it. But he collects the ball and passes it down pitch; for the centre start.
26': So far this game has been dominated by Les Rois, who have hammered the Ruttish defence incessantly for the past twenty minutes. There've been many attempts on goal; and the Hounds are probably happy that only one has been conceded.
27': Kraunaitis starts with a light tap to Gauba, who passes back, and the wedge reforms.
27': The Hounds are playing a bit more conservatively than before; and Gauba passes back to Svirskis.
28': Svirskis up the field to Judeikis who makes a run for it; with the wedge travelling up the field behind him!
29': Fantastic coordination from the Ruttish centre, their strongest point this game.
29': Svirskis is unable to make headway ahead of him, so the ball makes its way down the wedge until it reaches Dibulskis!
30': He's up the field, running between the Satucine centre!
31': He's unable to keep his momentum following a timely intervention from Juteau and an interception from Thanh, but the Ruttish still have the ball as it's kicked up the pitch to Danauskas.
32': He's crossed the line, it's only him and Després and he's kicked!
32': WHAT A CATCH FROM LES ROIS' GOALIE! Heartbreak for the Hounds, as Després holds onto that ball firm.
32': Després gives a cheeky smirk and wink to his defenders, before dropping the ball and sending it to the Sythes with such power.
33': For Juteau to wonderfully collect in the middle! These teams are being coordination machines, playing as one, but so far Les Rois' have a flow that can't be beat.
33': Juteau to Qaderi.
34': Back to Juteau, to el-Amiri, and they navigate through the centre with little difficulty! Awful news for the Hounds!
35': el-Amiri kicks the ball to Saulnier, a real headache of a player to play against.
35': Saulnier is past Svirskis, and then Vu, as if they aren't there - and he's into the box!
36': He passes to Bonvillain, and Vilminskas readjusts to compensate!
36': Wittgenstein moves to intercept Bonvillain and pressure him, but he's crossed back to Saulnier!
37': Who finishes that display with a graceful tap in to the goal to make it 2-0! Vilminskas, one of the strongest goalies in contention so far, utterly reduced to a mocking display here. This is poor, poor defensive form from the Ruttish.
38': Vilminskas is having a heart-to-heart with his defenders. He's wiping away a tear. Where many goalies have yelled at their defenders for, in their opinion, poor defending - the Ruttish goalie looks to be apologising to his team for failing them.
39': Baumstein has come back from his forward position to start from the centre. He crosses to the left to Gauba, and he's immediately up the pitch.
40': Gauba's left with the choice to make here, and he's dribbling up. Past el-Amiri with a disgraceful kick through the midfielder's legs before collecting the ball from behind him.
41': Gauba! Gauba manages to get the ball up a fair bit - and crosses to his parallel; Judeikis! The Hounds! Could this be their counter-attack?!
41': Judeikis is quick to move up the right wing, consolidating his position as Reixachs moves to intercept - but he's already got the ball away from the Satucine defender with a pass to Danauskas!
42': Danauskas gets the ball, but an incoming tackle from Thanh brings him down!
42': Baker is here to answer the protests of the Ruttish forward by giving Thanh a yellow-card. He's avoided the red on the lack of severity of the tackle.
43': Danauskas wont care either way, he's got a penalty now. Suffice to say these are wondrous to have.
44': He's trying to dissuade Després with some confusing footwork on the lead up to the kick...!
44': But that's... well over the cross-bar in a disappointing shot from the Ruttish forward. You can feel the atmosphere here at the stadium, and Danauskas becomes the second Ruttish player to succumb to his emotions - with his hands holding his face.
45': We'll be playing for an extra four minutes here.
45' +1: Després ball, and he's passing it to Reixachs. Reixachs to Thanh.
45' +1: To Chénier. Defensive play, or time-wasting? Depends on who you support!
45' +2: The ball is kicked up the mid-field and collected by Qaderi.
45' +2: Qaderi's able to get the ball over Judeikis attempt at stopping him!
45' +2: The Ruttish mid-field is aiming to hold, with a tackle bringing the ball out of Satucine play - but the ball rolls out for a throw-in to the blues! No one to work with Gauba's tackle, here.
45' +3: Juteau is taking this throw in, and he's immediately found his man in Saulnier with an overhead toss.
45' +3: Saulnier's speed is unmatched at the moment! What pace, clearing past the Ruttish defenders for the third time this game!
45' +4: He's shooting from outside the box! This could be the last kick of the half!
45' +4: HEART-ACHE FOR RUTTLAND! VILMINSKAS IS JUST SHORT AGAIN, AS THE BALL CURVES INTO THE TOP CORNER AND HIS PALMING OUT OF THE BALL ISN'T ENOUGH TO STOP IT CLATTERING AGAINST THE CROSSBAR AND BOUNCING IN! The first half ends with a resounding 3-0 for Satucin!

HALF-TIME:
46': This is a tough half to enter from for the Ruttish Hounds. They've had to change their players a bit in a hope of reformulating their team. They've swapped to a 3-4-3 formation, with some substitutions. Satucin have replaced a player.
(Ruttish substitution: Frank Köstler ⇆ Karl Köppen)
(Ruttish substitution: Lionginas Grigucevicius ⇆ Mecislovas Gauba)
(Satucine substitution: Mathys Grondin ⇆ Valéry Poirier)
47': A start from Les Rois sees el-Amiri in possession with the ball, and a kick to Grondin to open the game.
47': Grondin, playing further back than many anticipated, is functioning as a sort of fluid forward here. He seeks to disrupt the Ruttish defence.
48': But his skills can't compensate for the fact the formation is half-set up, and the Ruttish defence make short work of his attempts. Grigucevicius receives the ball from Judeikis, and the game swings in the Ruttish favour!
48': Grigucevicius dribbles past el-Amiri and manages to use his body to block Juteau from taking the ball from him, but he's quick to find some breathing room.
49': There's a sense of desperation from the other forwards in looking for a pass, but Grigucevicius defies convention by passing back to his midfielders!
49': Kraunaitis' ball, and as soon as he's got it it's crossed to Dibulskis.
50': Dibulskis and Juteau are head-and-head for this, but the Ruttish mid-fielder bests the Satucine captain in the chase for the ball; before he kicks it away!
51': Dibulskis has a phenomenal clearance here, and he's set up a good attempt on goal for the Ruttish forwards. Baumstein's a golden retriever here, and he's managed to remain on-side with a backpass to Danauskas.
52': Danauskas has set himself up beautifully here, even as he's marked by Thanh, and with that backpass half-volleys it at the goal!
52': But Reixachs uses his defending spurs here to knee it away from the goal! The goal is safe, for now, but it'll be a Ruttish corner.
53': Baumstein is taking this corner. The Ruttish forwards and a good contingent of their midfielders fill the box; seeing the Hounds and Les Rois contend in a sea of blue and yellow.
54': Baumstein sends it curving towards the box!
54': And it'll be Grigucevicius who it lands at!
54': He's wasting no time with this kick!
55': CLANK! goes the rebound off of the goalpost, but it's still in play as Danauskas lines up his shot and kicks...!
55': GOAL FOR THE HOUNDS! 3-1 here! The game is Satucin's to lose, but the Hounds have made it clear they aren't out yet!
56': There is sheer passion in the fans of the Ruttish team today, they may be on the back-foot, but they are proud to be here. Kas paleido šunis?! reverberates in a chant throughout the stadium.
58': A Satucine start sees Juteau begin with the ball, with a back pass to Thanh.
59': Thanh to Chénier, back to Juteau.
60': The captain begins a run, with a parallel run up followed by Qaderi. el-Amiri remains behind, the sole- midfielder to do so.
61': Satucin has a lot of bodies here upfront, and it could be the pressure they need to mount a fourth goal on the Hounds.
62': Qaderi receives the ball in a pass to avoid Kronkaitis.
63': Qaderi's past, and he's giving the ball to Bonvillain! Dangerously close for Ruttland!
64': Bonvillain's kick is a fearsome one, and its on a hurtling collision course with the goal - even from 30 metres from the goal line!
65': KICKED AWAY BY VILMINSKAS! The ball is in play, away from the Satucine forwards, and it's a counter from the hounds now!
66': In the mid-field it's received by Judeikis and the captain sends it down the Satucine half to an awaiting Grigucevicius. He's ahead! He's got speed! He's in the clear, the Satucin defence is scrambling to stop him!
67': Grigucevicius against Després for the chance to make Satucin reel from two goals within 10 minutes.
~~67': WITH A SINGLE DECISIVE KICK WITH HIS WEAKER FOOT, HE'S GOT IT INTO THE TOP OF THE NET 3-2, Satucin-Ruttland! That three-nil lead is slipping away!~~
68': Can this small, regional team be the world's first subdivision to make it to a final? Will Ruttland defy all convention? The fans seem to think so with their chanting, their passion, their admiration - but it all grinds to a halt, to anger, as Baker is nearing the goal.
69': Grigucevicius was off-side, as Judeikis was on the Satucine half of the pitch when he gave him the long-ball. 3-1 it remains.
70': The fans here of either side are growing more restless! Les Rois are content at their lead remaining two goals ahead, the Hounds' fans are frothing in fury! They demand honesty in their football; but the ref's call has been reinforced by VAR. This is a rematch, after-all, and many Hounds fans feel they've been wronged before.
71': Després ball. These ten minutes could've potentially redefined the game as we know it; but Ruttish error - not Satucine defending - has prevented them from bringing them a goal closer to equalisation.
72': Després has sent this ball to the mid-field, ignoring his preference of playing with Thanh, Chénier and Reixachs. Potential punishment for sloppy defending?
73': Juteau, the reliable captain, makes himself available for the ball.
74': But he's got to get the ball away from the pressure of the Ruttish mid-field, which converge on him.
74': His attempt to get it to Qaderi are squashed by Kronkaitis, who's kicked it to his fellow defender Dibulskis.
75': Fifteen minutes to go, and Ruttland are down two goals but are in possession of the ball. The Ruttish mid-field have played a beautiful game today, and have set up the three at the front for another chance with a ball from Dibulskis down the pitch to Judeikis to Baumstein.
76': Baumstein! Baumstein sees a good shot from Judeikis land at his feet, and as he crosses into the box, he's shooting! It's an awkward shot with the placement of the Satucine defenders, and with Reixachs just next to him.
77': Deflected from goal by Després! It's not his ball, it's still in play, but it's Thanh's ball.
77': Thanh to Reixachs.
78': Poor decision making from Thanh, as Baumstein is still around Reixachs - but the Satucine defender is able to push away the Ruttish forward with his body, and he sends the ball to the mid-field to el-Amiri.
79': el-Amiri to Saulnier for a dreadful set up, but the Ruttish mid-field and defenders are ready.
80': Saulnier's run up is halted by a good effort from Svirskis and Vu, taking the wind out of Saulnier's sails and bringing him to an abrupt halt.
81': An attempt to kick to Grondin is intercepted by Vu, and the ball is Ruttish once again.
82': Vu passes back to Vilminskas.
82': But Vilminskas passes it straight back to him, and Vu's confirmation to continue this slower game is all he needs to begin a set-up via Wittgenstein to Kraunaitis.
83': We're back in the mid-field now for Kraunaitis to finish receiving that pass from Wittgenstein, holding off against Juteau in doing so.
84': Kraunaitis pushes ahead of his position and finds himself in the Satucine half, but a sloppy tackle from Juteau brings him down!
85': That's a yellow card for the Satucine captain, and a free kick for Ruttland!
86': Kraunaitis is taking this free kick. He's a good distance from the box, let alone goal, but stranger things have happened.
87': He's got no aspirations to shoot at goal though, and rather uses the free kick to pass to Grigucevicius.
87': Grigucevicius to Baumstein!
88': Baumstein's in the box, difficult pass to make, but it's accomplished even as Reixachs throws his entire body behind trying to stop the ball!
88': Baumstein kicks!
89': But that's a save from Després! It remains 3-1, with a minute to go until full time!
90': We're going to be playing for another five minutes. Ruttland have 5 minutes to score two goals; Satucin has five minutes to stop them. Usually such a thing would be close to impossible; but their last game together had Satucin score two goals in extra-time.
90' +1: Després to Thanh, to Reixachs, to Chénier, in a defensive set up to the mid-field.
90' +1: Passed up to Juteau.
90' +2: Juteau's attempt to cross the midfield is brought to a screeching halt from Grigucevicius, who's turning around to bring the ball back to the Satucine half!
90' +3: Grigucevicius, now supported by the Ruttish forwards, head-to-head with the Satucine defenders.
90' +3: He crosses to Baumstein, hoping to avoid Thanh's charge!
90' +4: Baumstein plays the ring-around with Chénier, and he's crossed it back to Grigucevicius who takes a shot at goal as he enters the box!
90' +4: The ball hurtles at goal, but it ricochets off of the crossbar!
90' +5: CLEARED OUT OF PLAY BY REIXACHS! THAT'S IT. THE WHISTLE BLOWS!

FULL TIME
Player of the Match: Evariste Saulnier

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:29 pm

by **Liecthenbourg** » Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:02 am

GAULLICA 2 - 3 AFR

Estádio Luzelês, Porto Belo

Attendance: 44,300

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00: Welcome, one and all! The final semi-final that will determine who will be playing against Satucin in the final of this Coupe du monde is close to commencing!
-50:00: We've got a packed stadium here in Porto Belo, as AFR and Gaullica fans are turning up by the thousands to cheer on their teams.
-45:00: There's a sense of cautious optimism from both sides here. If you've reached this far, you're expecting to win. But Gaullica have been reinvigorated following their defeat of the hosts, whilst the AFR remains steadfast with a solid defence. It is worth noting that Gaullica is perceived to be a team of the offence, but have conceded only one more goal against one of the most stalwart teams in the tournament.
-30:00: Half-an-hour until crunch time here at the stadium. We can spy banners of red, yellow and black, and the AFR's yellow white and green. Men, women and children waving these flags, dressed as vultures and knights, adorn the stadium.
-20:00: Both of these teams have consistently had people appear in the IFF's 'dream teams'. It's going to be a clash of the titans here.
-10:00: The teams have entered the stadium, to much fanfare and applause! First, the Gaullican anthem: Chant des Gaullois!, sung with vigour from the team and fans alike.
-6:00: The Asterians respond in kind with their magnanimous anthem! The Hino da República!
-2:00: Florencio and Côté meet at the middle, alongside Tsolmon Thammavong - the referee - to do the coin toss.
-1:00: Called by the Gaullican captain; they start!

FIRST HALF:
1': Côté passes to Bonnel to begin the game, who gently taps it back to the captain.
2': Côté's run up through the left of the mid-field is attempted to be intercepted by Florencio and Balbinho; with the latter marking the Gaullican captain.
2': But Côté's passing the ball back to his side by way of Ardouin, ever-present where he needs to be.
3': And Ardouin completes the circuit by crossing with his right foot to Bonnel; who's able to body-block Florencio from getting the ball.
4': Intense football in the first four minutes has seen a battle of the mid-field! These teams are defined by their defence and their attack, so this is particularly unsual. Bonnel gets a long pass to Dupuis off, however, and the momentum shifts to a Gaullican attack.
4': Dupuis and Valente are sprinting down the pitch!
5': The Gaullican right-winger avoids the Asterian left-back by aiming to cross to Pascal, but it's intercepted with a kick - a bit too strong perhaps? - from Luz.
5': The ball is no-one's at the moment as it rolls back to the half-way line, but there are contenders from both sides on it!
6': Ardouin beats Saraiva to the punch and kicks it back to Pascal, on the left wing of the pitch, closing in on the AFR's box!
6': Pascal crosses into the box! He's neck and neck with de Sá, a formidable defender with a track record of causing headaches!
6': Collission! both players are brought to the ground!
7': Thammavong arrives with his hand to an earpiece and his watch held close; and that'll be that: Gaullican penalty, but no card for de Sá.
8': Pascal's penalty. This could set the tone of the game, really.
8': Pascal prepares his shot with a quick sign of the cross and an affirming nod to his team. He runs up...!
8': And successfully tricks Teixeira into a dive, only to chip it in! That's a GOAL FOR GAULLICA! 1-0!
9': A lot of celebration in the stadium for that wonderful shot from Pascal that has put Les Croisés in the lead. Varne looks pleased, as he celebrates with an upwards punch. Why is he wearing a coat?
10': Florencio starts us off from the middle with a kick to Balbinho.
11': Balbinho passes it back to Saraiva.
11': Saraiva to Vidal.
12': Vidal with a long ball to a waiting Florencio; but he's marked by Bonnel here.
12': The Asterian captain is clear, but stumbles slightly as he dribbles. The ball's out of his control, and rolls near out of play...
13': But Valente intercepts it, collects it, and the game continues!
14': Valente kicks it up the pitch to Moreira, but the pass is intercepted by Vasseur - who kicks it away!
14': Solid defensive work here. Bonnel's attempt to get the ball succeeds, and he's quick to free himself of it with a kick to Bonnel.
15': Bonnel to Dupuis.
16': There's a ferocity to the Gaullican attack at the moment that seems to be beating against the Asterian defence, Luz and Valente are doing their best to hold down Dupuis - but his fluid passing to Sartre allow the forward to take a shot on goal from just outside the box...!
17': SAVED BY TEIXERIA AS THE GOALIE LEAPS INTO THE AIR AND CATCHES IT WITH HIS CHEST! That's the Asterian goalie we all know of!
18': The Asterian goalie holds on tight at the sweet relief of being able to save the ball. He begins with a low roll to Vidal.
19': Vidal to Luz, to Valente. A defensive footwork unlike any other at the Coupe, really.
19': Valente avoids the run from Dupuis with a quick cross to Saraiva, who's eager to get the ball and begins a run up to the half-way line and barrels past Pascal.
20': Saraiva is able to get the ball to Vaz up on the Asterian right wing, and he's off!
21': An opportunity for the Gaullican defence to show their worth here, but Vaz is past Souchon.
22': A beautiful tackle from Pape sees the ball leave Vaz's possession, and roll down to Ardouin.
23': Ardouin to Bonnel, to reorient the game on the Gaullican side.
24': This continues to be a game of the mid-field, awkwardly, for both sides.
24': Bonnel's attempts to get the ball to Sartre are thwarted by quick defensive thinking from de Sá, who's sliding tackle gets the ball to Florencio who advances up the half-way line with Balbinho.
25': Florencio crosses to Balbinho to avoid the body-blocking of the Gaullican captain, and Balbinho is able to get Eutímio on the ball! First time he's touched it in 20 minutes!
26': Eutímio's run up is phenomenal here; a solid attacker in a defensively minded team - he still clears past Pape and Vasseur to lob the ball straight at goal.
27': Crossbar! A relief for the Gaullican defenders, as Feraoun collects the rebounding ball and sends it clear with a half-volley!
28': But Bonnel's beaten by Balbinho to the header, and its Os Abutres' ball again!
29': Florencio crosses a beautiful ball to Moreira and sets him up for a shot - and he takes it!
30': But Vaugrenard is no slouch, a phenomenal goalie in his own right and he dives for it!
30': He saves! but the ball is only jostled away from goal, it's still in play.
31': Eutímio runs to kick it in, but he's stopped by a timely jump from Feraoun!
31': Close calls for Gaullica, here - but that'll be an Asterian corner.
32': Eutímio is taking this kick from the top left corner flag.
32': He offers a quick prayer to Sotiras as he reflexively rubs at a tattoo of Our Lady of Assunçã. He kicks!
32': AND THAT'LL BE VAZ WITH A BEAUTIFUL LEAP AND A HEADER..!
33': VAUGRENARD DIVES FOR IT!
33': BUT THAT'S IN, CLEAR AS DAY - VAZ HAS EQUALISED FOR THE VULTURES! 1-1 here at Porto Belo!
34': Sheer joy from Asterian fans, as a vulture dressed fan aims to jump into the pitch - the second time this CDM - but is promptly stopped by security!
34': Sartre will be starting us off from the centre.
35': He rolls the ball behind him, to Ardouin, and runs ahead. The message is clear.
35': Ardouin gets a the ball past Florencio by a pass through his legs to Côté, which sees the Gaullican mid-fielder break his formation and run upwards to support Sartre at the front.
36': Saraiva and Vidal are marking Satre and Côté, with impressive defensive team-work, forcing an impromptu pass to Pascal - who's cornered in the corner.
37': Pascal blasts the ball at Vidal, who reflexively kicks his foot out and gets the ball out for a Gaullican corner!
38': Pascal will be taking this corner. The tension is high. This could be a needed goal, and a moral boosting rout to an Asterian team who scored five minutes ago.
38': He's taking a few extra moments on the run up, but the ball is launched fast and true.
38': de Sá's attempt at intercepting with a header misses...!
38': And it soars to Sartre who jumps with a leg behind him for a brilliant scorpion kick...!
38': TEIXEIRA LEAPS!
38': BUT THAT'S IN! WHAT A GOAL! THAT'S GOING TO BE REMEMBERED! 2-1 FOR GAULLICA, MERE MINUTES AFTER EQUALISATION! The Gaullican striker is celebrating with a run across the pitch and a slide towards a corner flag.
40': It'll be Balbinho starting us off here, which he does with a quick roll back to de Sá, who passes it along to Vidal.
40': Vidal to Vaz, but the attacker isn't happy with his prospects - and the ball is sent back to Vidal.
41': Vaz crosses the ball away from Pascal and Dupuis with a shot to the mid-field, where Florencio leaps over Ardouin for a successfully connecting header to Moreira.
42': Moreira's run up! Uncontested!
42': He's nearing the box, but he's blocked from advancing by Feraoun...!
43': He's lost the ball to the Gaullican defender! Sheer scenes, here!
43': Feraoun passes to Vaugrenard.
44': And that's along ball across the pitch, collected wonderfully by Côté.
44': Côté to Bonnel, to Ardouin, to Côté. Triangular passing, it seems to disorient the Asterian mid-field.
45': Until Florencio is able to wrest the ball away from Ardouin's control and lead a push back into the Gaullican half. Three minutes of extra-time!
45' +1: Ardouin's on the ground, but it is of no consequence to the ref - and Florencio is speeding ahead to support his forwards!
45' +2: He succeeds on a cross to Vaz, who's able to cross into the box...!
45' +3: But a swift interception from Souchon sees the ball roll out of play, and the whistle blows.

HALF TIME
46': It'll be an Asterian start here at the resumption of the second half. The Gaullicans are retaining form and players; whilst Camara has seen a shift in the formation from 5-4-1 to a stronger mid-field of 4-5-1.
(Asterian substitution: Manoel Leitão ⇆ Eustaquio Luz)
46': Leitão, who's just been brought on, is taking the start for the Vultures.
47': Florencio takes a commanding pass and pushes ahead of Côté and Bonnel. With an extra-man in his mid-field, he's got more support here.
48': He crosses to Leitão.
48': The Vultures have a reinvigorated control of the centre at the moment, and from what we've seen so far - it's the centre that'll win this game.
49': Leitão's run up along the middle of the left-wing is cut short by Pape, who manages to kick the ball away from him to Ardouin.
49': Ardouin passes to Bonnel, to Dupuis.
50': Dupuis finds an emptier ground than before, and runs along the right-wing to find himself face-to-face with Valente.
51': The two have been fighting over this ball for the better part of ten seconds; a flurry of taps and kicks with their boots. Dupuis, however, loses the ball - but goes down too!
52': The ref is adamant at that. Valente is carded with a yellow and it'll be a Gaullican free-kick.
53': Dupuis is here, the Asterians have formed a wall, and the tension is rife.
53': The Gaullican right-winger kicks!
54': But what a leap from de Sá! He's jumped up and headered it clear from goal!
55': Vidal is the first one on the scene to make the most of that ball, and he's quick to kick it across the pitch to Vaz! What a counter-attack!
56': Vaz crosses to Leitão to avoid Feraoun, and Leitão crosses to Moreira to get the ball out of the way of Vasseur.
57': Moreira! MOREIRA! He kicks as he crosses into the box!
57': SOARS PASSED PAPE, IT IS UP TO VAUGRENARD!
57': WHO IS ON IT WITH A DIVE THAT PALMS OUT THE BALL!
58': Souchon is the first on the ball and he kicks it clear to Bonnel in the mid-field, who's already sprinting the other way.
59': A running tackle from Vidal is unable to wrestle the ball free from Bonnel as he leaps over the defender's legs and crosses to Pascal!
59': Pascal follows up with a half-volley straight at Teixeira!
60': But the goalie has to seldom move, it was going straight for him. To incredibly rapid counters one after the other sees the AFR retain the ball.
61': Teixeira is kicking the ball with a low pass to Saraiva.
61': Saraiva to Balbinho.
61': But Balbinho is intercepted by Côté!
62': The Gaullican captain is free with the ball at his feet, and the pressure is on as Varne clearly wants another goal before the tactics can change.
62': Côté and Bonnel, with Ardouin at their rear, make an impressive foray into the Asterian half through a series of passes and back passes.
63': Bonnel finds Sartre free, and launches the ball at the striker!
64': Who launches a full volley at the goal from 25 metres away!
65': But it's not to be as de Sá is there to header it away, out, for a Gaullican corner.
65': Sartre's volunteered to take this corner and Côté's agreed.
66': He's wasting no time with this, as the Gaullicans converge on the box.
67': He's getting glares from the ref, but Sartre makes a move to kick... and he does!
67': The ball soars into the box...!
67': It's Bonnel who's leapt into the air, even above formidable Valente...!
67': CROSSBAR! That has to sting! So close, yet so far.
68': A brawl for the ball erupts in the box before its Teixeira who leaps into the fray, clasps onto it with his hands, and throws his entire body on the ball. He's able to wrestle it free and return to the goal line.
69': He's not giving the Gaullicans time to recover here, nor his own mid-field, and that ball is launched!
70': Into the awaiting path of Florencio, who's breaking into his reserve of pace here and sprinting along the pitch!
71': Ardouin's trying to catch up to him, but he can't!
72': Florencio is ahead of even his own forwards at this point as he's completing a run up, even as Pape and Souchon move to stop him! He's taking a shot!
73': Vaugrenard is off by a few short centimetres as the ball strikes the back of the net! All is equal here at Porto Belo, 2-2!
74': This is probably one of the most intense, hair-raising games of the Coupe! The fate of both teams hangs in the balance.
74': Varne is making two substitutions.
(Gaullican substitution: Zakhele Garreau ⇆ Claude Dupuis)
(Gaullican substitution: Suhail al-Turay ⇆ Isaïe Bonnel)
75': al-Turay, in the place of Bonnel, is kicking off from the middle.
76': It arrives at Garreau's possession beyond the half-way line following a pass from al-Turay to Feraoun, up to Garreau.
76': al-Turay signals he's clear, but Garreau is being body-blocked by Valente - a titan of a player. Valente moves to kick the ball away from Garreau.
77': But the substitute is fresh, whereas Valente has been playing for 77 minutes. He's able to outpace and out move the defender, wiggling around him to cross to Sartre who runs up the middle to the goal.
78': A brilliant display of attacking prowess may be giving Gaullica their second goal in the immediate counter of the game.
78': Sartre shoots a ball from a half-volley and it goes straight to its mark...!
78': BUT THE UNSTOPPABLE FORCE MEETS THE IMMOVABLE OBJECT AND TEIXEIRA HOLDS UP THE BALL TRIUMPHANTLY IN BOTH OF HIS HANDS!
79': Teixeira to de Sá, to Vidal.
80': Ten minutes for a goal to be scored, or we're heading straight into extra-time. Some bookies seem to be highlighting this game will come down to penalties; and both teams have a fairly impressive record these games.
81': Vidal's ventures with the ball are cut short with an interception from Côté, who crosses to Pascal.
81': But Pascal's positioning is just off, and the ball rolls out on the Asterian half for their own throw in.
82': It'll be Florencio taking the throw-in, and he tosses it over-head to Leitão.
82': Leitão crosses to Balbinho, and the two make it through the mid-field. There's a struggle between al-Turay and Florencio, though, as each begin trying to get ahead of one another. Hands are involved, shirts are tugged at - and Florencio goes down.
82': al-Turay protests his innocence, arguing that Florencio has dived, but the ref gives him a yellow-card and the Asterians are awarded an indirect free kick just beyond the half-way line.
82': Florencio will take this shot, he’s just waiting for the line to be sprayed on. He looks okay.
83': The kick is an impressively quick one, just a long ball to Moreira.
83': Moreira runs up the Asterian left-wing to find himself marked by Feraoun and his closest assistant, Vaz, marked by Vasseur. Tough spot.
84': He’s forced to pass back to Balbinho, but Balbinho’s sprint down the middle is enough for a crossing kick to Vaz - free of Vasseur.
85': Vaz is dangerously close to the box, and he’s able to get away from Pape..!
85': He’s taking a shot at goal!
86': Vaugrenard leaps to catch it!
86': BUT THAT IS IN FOR THE VULTURES! 2-3 FOR THEM, AS THE BALL CURVES IN THE AIR AND OUT OF VAUGRENARD’S REACH.
87': The Gaullican team move to console Vaugrenard. The feeling must be dire, but Varne is encouraging them to continue for what is left - that equalisation is possible.
87': al-Turay is resuming with another kick from the centre. Precious little time is left. The AFR team is consolidating on the defence now; they don’t need to score a goal - the first time the whole game.
88': al-Turay to Feraoun, to Souchon.
88': Souchon moves up the field to around the half-way line, ensuring a smooth pass to Côté.
89': Côté up to Pascal, avoiding the attempted interception from Florencio - and the ball rolling out of Saraiva's path.
90': Pascal's pushed to the corner by Vidal, but a kick off of Vidal's knee sees a Gaullican corner.
90': Six-minutes of extra time.
90 +1': Pascal takes his corner kick!
90 +2': The ball is on target, straight at the box... and it's Garreau who leaps up into the air to header it!
90 +2': UNBELIEVABLE! An outstretched hand from de Sá has blocked the ball from going in!
90 +3': Thammavong immediately gives de Sá a red-card. The AFR is a man down in crucial minutes of the game that could see it extend into extra-time. Gaullica is awarded a penalty.
90 +4': Garreau moves to take the penalty. This is the moment his team requires.
90 +5': The tension is rife. The tension is high. And Garreau moves to take the shot, hoping to confuse Teixeira.
90 +5': The ball shoots forward!
90 +5': WHAT A SAVE FROM TEIXEIRA! HE'S CLASPED IT AGAINST HIS CHEST IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF THE GAME.
90 +6': Teixeira kicks the ball across the pitch. The ball lands at Florencio's feet, who begins a run up to the Gaullican goal before losing the ball to Côté. The end of the attack, the changing of hands, signals the end of the game through the referee's whistle.

FULL TIME
Player of the match: Tomé Vidal

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 1:28 am

by **Lunas Legion** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 6:04 am

Home · AFR · Asterias · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather ·World News
Os Abutres progress to the Final of the Coupe du Monde.
13th August, 2023 | By Fábio Fontes

Manager Marco Camara celebrates following the AFR's 3-2 victory over Gaullica.

Porto Sotiri, Ardesia - Os Abutres won another close victory over Gaullica on the 10th of August in a game they entered as far from the favourites to win. Gaullica, a team renowned for its formidable offense but had also conceded less goals than the AFR's formidable defence, were favourites by a large margin to win in a game that AFR manager Marco Camara called 'the hardest game that the AFR will have faced in the Coupe.'

The match was home to its fair share of heroics and controversy. Camara's shift in formaton was poorly recieved online as it failed to deliver results until the 73rd minute, with only some brilliant goalkeeping from Teixeira keeping the AFR in the game for Cesar Vaz to equalise. Cesar Vaz's performance in this CdM has surprised many, as most of the media focus has gone to the AFR's star player in Miguel Eutímio, well-known from his playing in Euclean leagues. Cesar Vaz, who plays for Porto Arenoso in the Campeonato Nacional Série A, was much less well-known but showed his quality this game, being responsible for both the AFR's initial equalising goal and the game-winning shot in the 86th minute, with captain Florencio providing the AFR's second equaliser.

Vice-Captain de Sá, by comparison, may have added himself to the books of history's most controversial moments of the Coupe du Monde, with an outstretched hand blocking a header by Garreau from equalising and forcing extra time in the 2nd minute of injury time in the second half. Some AFR fans have claimed that it was an accident, while other fans have said that de Sá did it deliberately. The resulting penalty was saved by Teixeira, winning the AFR the game. But de Sá's handball not only means the veteran vice-captain, who is 33, misses out on what will likely be his only chance to play in the final of the Coupe du Monde, it will mean his team is down the center and leader of its defensive lineup.

AFR manager Marco Camara was, once again, rather frank about the upcoming final. "Facing Satucin is going to be a trial and a test. We've overcome everything we've faced so far, but Satucin are the favourites and go into this match with but a single draw against Hennehouwe. They go into this game with 19 goals scored and 9 conceded, to our 12 scored and 8 conceded. They played Etruria, yes, but the only other highly-ranked team they've played are Senria who had been notably lacking in form this Coupe. Satucin haven't been properly tested against a good, solid and extremely well-tested defensive line like the AFR's. Even with de Sá suspended, I'm confident that we can, at a minimum, put on a very good show, if not win."

de Sá is believed to be likely to be replaced by Manuel Serra by the majority of domestic football commentators and pundits, who played for the AFR against Scovern if Camara keeps to his proven 5-4-1 formation. Other pundits have suggested Teodoro Damasceno Paz, who replaced de Sá in the starting 11 against Amathia in the group stages. Flávio Sato has been suggested as an option, but the young defender playing his first match at this CdM in the final while replacing the veteran vice-captain would place a lot of weight on his shoulders. A fourth, more radical option would be for Camara to stick with the 4-5-1 that worked against Gaullica in the second half and replace de Sá with Manoel Leitão who seemingly slid very smoothly into the unfamiliar formation after his substitution. None of these options, however, would give the same kind of defensive leadership that de Sá could, which the AFR will sorely miss against a team like Satucin. Matias Teixeira will likely have to take over that role from the goal, a role which he is used to from defending the net of SC Assunçã.

The final of the Coupe du Monde is tomorrow, August 14th. Ruttland play Gaullica later today for the 3rd place match.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 1:28 pm

THIRD PLACE: DAY 44

by **Krugmar** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:24 pm

by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon Aug 14, 2023 9:01 am

SATUCIN 5 - 3 AFR

Estádio dos Santos, São Agostinho

Attendance: 63,903

LIVE COMMENTARY
-60:00: Bem-vindo! Today is the day; after a month of intense footballing - the Coupe du monde's finals are upon us! A fantastic display of footballing prowess between a host of different teams has led to this moment; as Satucin and the AFR prepare to play for it all - to be the world champions.
-50:00: Yesterday, Gaullica and Ruttland played one another for the third-place spot; in a game that saw the Gaullicans best Ruttland 4-1.
-45:00: The Asterians, Os Abutres, are down a centre-piece of their defensive line. de Sá, the team's vice captain, was given an immediate red in the 3rd minute of extra-time during the team's match against Gaullica in the semi-finals - and he is absent for this game. He's been replaced by Manuel Serra. In his place Valente is serving the roll of Vice-Captain.
-40:00: We've got a packed stadium, virtually every seat in the house is full. In addition to regular fans like you and I, we've got heads of state and government watching here at the stadium - Presidents Frédéric Ardila and Tomas Pereira and Premier Martin Allaire. This'll also be a royal game, as Satucine Emperor Theodore I is attending.
-30:00: Half-an-hour to go until kick-off! We've received word that it is estimated that over 1 billion people are viewing this game from around the world, in addition to those 60,000 plus watching live. Hopefully, for their sakes, it'll be a game to remember!
-20:00: What the internet is calling the 'Asteriabowl' is set to begin in twenty minutes, and fans here in Ardesia are divided on whom they want to win.
-15:00: Let's take a moment to reflect on the Coupe we've had this year. Immense upsets, the day of the South, the Montecaran and Ruttish attempts; the awesome displays of footballing from the Arucian countries of Imagua and the Île d'Émeraude - it’s been immensely memorable; and we still have the final to go!
-10:00: For the last time here at Ardesia 2023, the flags of both playing teams are paraded onto the pitch and followed by stern lins of footballers who’s fate hangs in the balance. For all here, this is their first Coupe final - and for others, it is the last possible chance for any hope of winning a title. The pressure is high. But the Satucinais cut through that feeling with a bellowing of their anthem: Allons Armée Catholique!
-6:00: The Hino da República is the Asterian response, as a moving piece brings members of their fans in the audience to tears.
-2:00: Both Captains, Hayden Juteau and Luis Florencio, meet with a shake of their hands as the Etrurian referee Velio Cipolla prepares the coin toss.
-1:00: Florencio calls it with heads! It’ll be a start for the AFR!

FIRST HALF
1': There is no time to waste in this game as Florencio rolls the ball over to Balbinho, who kicks it back to him.
1': Florencio's immediately had to pass the ball backwards, though. Juteau, Qaderi and el-Amiri are on a forceful offensive against the Asterian midfield.
2': Serra's ball, crossed to Luz.
2': Luz takes the ball up the field again, managing to avoid the attempt from Bonvillain from getting the ball off of him.
3': But his attempt to get the ball to Balbinho is intercepted with a sliding tackle from Bernier! Bernier's able to sweep the ball away from the AFR's defender, and the ball is no-one's!
3': Saulnier - who so far has been an incredible asset in Satucin's games - collects the ball with incredible speed and heads straight for the box.
4': Saulnier is in the box, though he's been hounded down by Vidal and Serra!
5': There's an attempted body blocking this close to the goal from Vidal; but Saulnier's around him!
6': Saulnier's kicking!
6': But it's not to be! Texieira, quick as ever, jumps to collect the ball!
7': Texieira rolls the ball to Vidal, and the game resumes.
7': Vidal crosses up to Saraiva, who looks to pass to Balbinho - but the Satucine forwards and mid-fielders are looking to apply the pressure where they can.
8': Saraiva crosses the ball along the width of the pitch on the diagonal; beautifully received by Florencio.
9': Florencio's making his run across the pitch, but Juteau is marking Balbinho - and el-Amiri is trying to slow him down.
11': Unfortunately for Os Abutres, Florencio is hard-pressed to make a good attacking run. He's moving to pass the ball back to Valente.
11': Valente's ball, though not without difficulty from Qaderi. The defender finds himself cornered.
12': Qaderi and Valente are here with a flurry of footwork, and the ball ends up going out of play! Who's ball is it?!
12': Cipolla is quick to assess the situation and awards Les Rois with a throw-in. Valente moves to counter the ref, but bites his tongue.
13': Qaderi takes the chance for the throw-in, finds Qaderi, and tosses the ball straight at him.
13': Bernier collects it on his chest, before half-volleying it across to Saulnier.
14': Saulnier sends it screaming to Poirier!
15': WHO IMPACTS IT IN THE AIR TO GIVE A BEAUTIFUL VOLLEY INTO GOAL! STRAIGHT PAST TEXIEIRA! WOAH! 1-0 to Les Rois!
16': The stadium erupts, the Satucine Emperor and Premier look to be ecstatic with their fists in the air! Vencelas Maillard is cheering on the side-lines! Camara, however, looks disgruntled - this is going to be tough, his face seems to read.
16': Florencio begins again from the centre-circle.
17': Balbinho pushes forward, but gets the ball around el-Amiri with a cross to Moreira.
17': Moreira is able to collect, always reliable for his team, and is able to barrel through Chénier's attempt to stop him.
18': Moreira's stumbling following that brush with Chénier, and he relinquishes the ball to Eutímio!
19': Eutímio finds himself held off by some defenders, but he makes a shot regardless..!
19': CROSSBAR! The ball rebounds into play; and it'll be Thanh who collects.
20': Thanh aims to kick the ball clear, and he's gotten it out of play from the Asterians with a swift kick to the middle of the pitch.
21': Juteau's on it first, but he and Florencio are competing for it in a tussle!
22': Florencio emerges victorious from that, and he's crossing to Balbinho - to Vaz! Back to the Satucine half!
23': Vaz speeds along the right-wing of his side, breezing past Reixachs and approaching goal!
23': He finds himself tugged on the back of the shirt by Reixachs, but he's able to kick it free of their attempts to slow him down!
24': Punched out by Després! A timely save from the Les Rois' keeper, but it's a corner for the Vultures.
25': Florencio opts to take this corner kick for his team to allow the three forwards a better chance of positioning to score a goal.
25': The Vultures' captain moves to take the corner and he kicks...!
26': But a blown whistle from Cipolla indicates that the corner needs to be taken again, as Reixachs is issued a warning for standing too close to the corner.
27': Florencio moves to retake it, and does so.
27': He kicks!
28': And the ball soars into the box, to be found by Eutímio...!
28': Eutímio catches the ball on the half-volley and sends it straight at the goal!
28': GOAL FOR THE AFR, AS EUTÍMIO'S BALL IS UNABLE TO BE CAUGHT BY DESPRÉS! All equal!
29': Joy erupts from the AFR's fans half of the stadium, as they cheer. Flags of green, white and yellow are waved wildly, and hosts of fans in vulture get-up and paraphernalia cheer.
30': It'll be Qaderi who begins for Les Rois.
31': Qaderi to el-Amiri, but the normally aggressively minded Satucines are passing it back to Thanh.
31': Thanh manages a cross to Reixachs, who kicks it up to Juteau.
32': Juteau to Qaderi completes this circuit around the Asterian forwards.
33': But there's been a lull in Les Rois' efforts, and Qaderi is engaged by Balbinho in an attempt for the ball!
34': Qaderi is able to roll the ball in the direction of Juteau, but it is Florencio who snatches it up in a running sprint towards the Satucine-goal!
35': Florencio has a tough battle ahead of him, especially with the consolidation of Les Rois defenders. He's unable to spot Vaz from beyond Thanh's blocking, and opts for a cross to Moreira.
35': Moreira receives the ball, but not without difficulty!
36': It's crossed by Moreira into the box to meet with Eutímio, but Reixachs intercepts to kick it away!
37': The ball is kicked out of the box, and a competition between Thanh, Florencio and Qaderi is underway!
38': Qaderi receives the ball, but he's cleanly tackled by Florencio in a shocking display - and Balbinho ends up with the ball! He kicks back down the pitch to Vaz, now!
39': Vaz's collection is wondrous football, as he swerves between Reixachs and Chénier - into the box he goes.
39': The right-wing hits the ball with the insole of his left foot, sending the ball curving into goal...!
40': Després' dive is not enough to catch that, however, and it's... IN! MAKING THIS 2-1 FOR THE AFR!
41': The comfortable control of Les Rois at the beginning of the game has been steadily eroded, and Os Abutres have emerged with a goal lead just before half-time.
42': It'll be Qaderi beginning at the centre-circle, with a back-pass to Chénier who's run up the field.
42': Moreira's attempt to get the ball away from the Satucine defender is met with a swift body-block and kick to Juteau.
43': Juteau's efforts are recognised by his team as he's able to wrestle free of Balbinho's attempt to stop him, and he gets the ball to Bernier on the Satucine right and AFR left.
43': Bernier's got the ball and begins a run up the right-wing, but finds himself cornered away by Valente and Luz.
44': Bernier's able to outplay the AFR's defenders by kicking the ball at Valente, who's knee sends it out of play for a Satucine corner!
45': Four minutes of extra-time!
45': Bernier is taking this corner for his team. It'll likely be one of the last actions of the half; and it's a tough spot for the AFR to find themselves in just before this occurs.
45+1': Bernier kicks!
45+1': It lands in the box, with Luz's attempt at a header missing the mark. A scramble of boots hits around the ball; but one connects.
45+2': Struck at goal by Saulnier!
45+2': BUT IT REBOUNDS OFF OF THE GOALPOST!
45+3': The AFR defence is running for it; and it'll be Serra who reaches it and kicks it away!
45+3': But it's caught by Bonvillain on his chest, who kicks it with a half-volley!
45+4': SAVED BY TEXIEIRA! THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN!

HALF-TIME
46': We're starting again, this time with a Satucine beginning - Juteau's ball. No side has opted for subs at this stage.
46': Juteau lightly passes to el-Amiri.
47': el-Amiri is able to avoid a retaliatory tackle from Florencio.
47': Florencio is blinded by el-Amiri's efforts to get around him, and a ball is launched to Saulnier to pick up the pace for the Satucine attack.
48': Saulnier's able to collect that ball with little difficulty, run beyond Saraiva, and swerves towards the box.
49': But he's lost the ball to a valiant defensive effort from Luz! He kicks the ball clear!
50': Balbinho collects where Luz has left it for him, but as quick as the ball gets to him it's gone towards Florencio.
50': Florencio's wrestling for the ball with Juteau, again the two captains are neck-and-neck.
51': Florencio gets the ball clear to Moreira!
51': Moreira to Balbinho, back to Moreira to avoid el-Amiri, and the left-winger is sprinting for it!
52': el-Amiri's left in the dust as Moreira finds himself getting the ball around Chénier.
53': Moreira crosses into the box, but is toppled over by Thanh! This is dangerous!
53': Penalty for the AFR and a red card for Thanh! Les Rois are down a man!
54': Moreira is taking this penalty; and the sights are looking up for Os Abutres.
55': Moreira lines up to take his shot and moves to try to disorient Després!
55': He shoots!
55': SAVED BY DESPRÉS WITH THE GRASPING PUSH OF HIS FINGERS! IT ISN'T CAUGHT, BUT IT'S OUT! A defender down, the ball still being in play is rough for Les Rois.
56': Chénier is able to get the ball, and he aims to cross it to Bonvillain - who's hovering in the mid-field.
56': BUT IT IS FLORENCIO WHO GETS THE BALL WITH AN INTERCEPTION AND HE FIRES STRAIGHT AT GOAL!
56': HEART-BREAKINFG FOR LES ROIS; AS THE AFR NET A GOAL IN A MINUTE AFTER MISSING A PENALTY! 3-1 FOR OS ABUTRES!
57': A Satucine substitution, as Maillard makes a formation change to 4-3-3
(Satucin: Jean Yves Saint Juste ⇆ Maverick Bernier).
58': Bonvillain is taking the kick from the centre-circle, and he crosses it rapidly to Qaderi.
58': Qaderi and Bonvillain play a passing game to get past Balbinho and Florencio.
60': The two are playing a brilliant passing game here; but Bonvillain takes the ball some 15metres away from the box and punts it up the pitch to Poirier who takes the ball on his chest and half-volleys it over Vidal!
61': The ball soars towards goal, and Texieira is able to punch it out for a Satucine corner!
62': Saulnier's corner to take; and this sis something Les Rois need desperately.
62': Saulnier kicks it at the box!
62': It hurtles at the goal off of a header from Poirier!
62': TEXIERIA CANNOT STOP THAT HEADER! LES ROIS HAVE SCORED, BRINGING THEM OUT OF A TWO-GOAL DOWN POSITION! A MAN DOWN AND ALL!
63': This new formation seems to have rejuvenated Les Rois' playing; and they're playing in concert!
63': It'll be Balbinho's to begin with.
64': Balbinho to Florencio; Florencio moves swiftly with the ball and sets up a nice play for Vaz.
64': Vaz's collection is interrupted by solid defensive work from Reixachs; and the two are fighting over the ball.
65': The ball rolls out on Vaz's touch! Satucine throw in, but more importantly for them - the AFR's offensive is over!
66': Reixachs throws it overhead to Qaderi, who headers it at Juteau.
66': Juteau and Balbinho battle it out, with the Satucine captain making the headway he needs to get the ball to el-Amiri.
66': el-Amiri back to Qaderi; in a game of passing that hasn't seen the ball leave the mid-field in two minutes!
67': Balbinho's trying his best here, but a swift kick with the back heel of el-Amiri's boot sees the ball roll towards Bonvillain.
67': Bonvillain and Luz are here, with the Vulture's defender trying to stop the onslaught of speed from the Satucine forward - but he crosses to Poirier to avoid the defender's attempts!
68': HIS BEEN MARKED AND BLOCKED BY BOTH SARAIVA AND VIDAL AND POIRIER STILL EMERGES INTO THE BOX WITH THE BALL! WHAT A PLAYER, WHAT SPEED, WHAT SKILL! HE SHOOTS!
68': LES ROIS HAVE PROVEN WHY THEY ARE CALLED 'THE KINGS' WITH A WONDROUS DISPLAY OF OFFENSIVE ACTION THAT'S TOPPLED OVER THE AFR'S BULWARK! 3-3 TEXIEIRA DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR THAT SHOT!
69': No-one will ever say that a six-goal at the very least final is going to be forgotten to history; but with a man-down as well? Tis game will be remembered forever, no matter the outcome. Camara looks as if he's going to chew out his defenders, Texieira looks confused, and the Satucines look overjoyed! The fans are awash with joy, and Allaire is grinning ear-to-ear!
70': We've twenty minutes to go, aside from extra-time, here at São Agostinho. It'll be Vaz's ball to begin with.
70': Vaz taps it to Florencio. The AFR are in need of a goal; they've not been able to rest into their comfort zone given the ferocity of Les Rois attack.
71': As unlikely as it is for this team, they'll need to orient on the offensive - Satucin is a man down in the backline. It'll be Moreira's ball from Florencio.
72': Moreira and Vaz are playing a lot closer than they have throughout the game, but with Chénier between the two their passing game grows difficult. Saint Juste and Reixachs are holding it close to goal.
72': Vaz gets the ball ahead of Chénier and Moreira has the speed to make it up; and suddenly he's in the clear to take a shot unimpeded - but the goal is crowded!
73': Moreira takes his shot, he's going for the risk!
73': But that shot cannot make it in from a timely intervention on behalf of a header from Reixachs! AFR corner, though!
74': It'll be Balbinho taking this corner.
74': The weight on Balbinho's shoulders is visible to all to see.
74': He readies this shot and takes it!
75': There's a competition of players all rushing to header that in every direction; but it is Saint Juste who reaches it first with a header out of the box!
75': Utter chaos out of the box as a torrent of players are making a move for that ball!
76': The Satucine players are in over-drive, over-compensating for their man-down status - but this could burn out a lot of them if we got into extra-time.
76': But it'll be Vaz's ball to get from here, and he's able to keep Reixachs at bay before he makes a desperate shot at goal!
76': ... From this distance, at that angle though, it's shot over the crossbar! Disappointment from the Asterian side!
77': Després gets a substitute ball in rapidly, and he's launching it across the stadium. There's no time to wait for his team to consolidate, he's aimed to get the AFR on the back-foot.
77': The ball lands at Bonvillain's feet on the Satucine side of the pitch, and he's running across that line as if his life depended on it.
77': The AFR defence is in motion, Saraiva and Valente were playing around mid-field level to support the midfields in collecting balls from that venture into the box; but between Bonvillain and goal lie three more and the goalie.
78': Bonvillain's run up is immense, but even he can't stop Serra, Luz and Vidal - he crosses to Saulnier, slightly behind him to his left.
78': Saulnier and Bonvillain part, with Serra and Vidal breaking off to block either of them.
78': It's a cross again as Saulnier slips the ball between Serra's feet and sets up Bonvillain for a shot so close to goal!
~~79': TEXIEIRA DIVES TO STOP THIS ASSAULT, AND HE'S CAUGHT IT IN HIS HANDS AS HE SLIDES ACROSS THE GROUND!~~
79': There's cheers from the Asterian fans and defenders, but they're short lived - Cipolla's got a hand to his ear-piece...
79': This is going to be a controversial ruling! That's a goal for Les Rois, with the Texieira catching the ball just beyond the line! 4-3 for Les Rois in the most intense 20 minutes of football we may have ever seen! Goal Line Technology has ensured a Satucine lead!
80': The entirety of the stadium is in shock. The absolute fact, a man down, Satucin have clenched victory from the jaws of defeat is astounding. 2-1 down at half time, 3-1 down at the sixtieth minute - and now 4-3 ahead at the eightieth.
81': Florencio, looking tired - on the cusp of a victory for his nation at the Coupe du monde, readies the ball at the centre-circle.
81': Florencio to Balbinho.
82': The two mid-fielders are hard pressed for room here, with a wall of el-Amiri, Qaderi and Juteau holding firm.
82': But Florencio manages to roll around el-Amiri and get the ball up to Vaz!
83': Vaz crosses to Eutimío, who's playing a bit further back to be responsive to his wingers - and he's off!
84': Eutimío and Moreira near the box; Reixachs moves out to try to intercept the ball from Eutimío!
84': Eutimío crosses to Moreira to get Reixachs away!
84': Moreira, like so many times before, finds himself curving into the box from the left-wing - and crossing back to Eutimío.
85': Eutimío takes a shot, hoping to equalise!
85': But that's a save from Després! He's thrown himself onto the ground, but it's paid dividends as his weight and form halt the ball just outside the goal!
86': Després takes a breather. He rolls the ball down to Chénier.
87': Chénier to Saint Juste, to Reixachs.
87': Reixachs gets the ball away from Eutimío by getting the ball to Juteau in the centre of the field.
88': Juteau to el-Amiri.
88': But Balbinho executes a wonderful tackle that sees the ball taken away from el-Amiri!
89': Balbinho's tackle sees Vaz collect a ball that could very well redefine this game!
89': Vaz is running across the pitch; but he's had to relinquish the ball to Moreira to get around Saint Juste.
89': Moreira crosses back to Vaz to stop Chénier's wrestling of the ball; but Vaz has to tap it to Eutimío - the pressure is mounting!
90': But Vaz's pass is overshot; and it's caught swiftly by Després who runs out of goal and immediately launches it across the field! Six minutes of added time!
90' +1: The ball is headered by Qaderi to the awaiting feet of Saulnier.
90' +1: Saulnier's been instrumental in many goals for Les Rois before; but the ball is lost from him by a timely intervention from Saraiva - who gets the ball to Balbinho.
90' +1: Balbinho! He's having a tough time with both Juteau on him and el-Amiri holding Florencio from a clear path to the ball.
90' +2: The ball is sent away by a good kick from Juteau, and the ball is no longer in anyone's play!
90' +2: Valente is able to stop the ball from rolling out - but that would have given his team a throw-in? Maybe he thought it was Balbinho who kicked it?
90' +3: Valente passes up the field to Moreira.
90' +3: But Moreira's attempts to reach the ball are intercepted by el-Amiri!
90' +3: el-Amiri's sending the ball back down the Asterian side! Is it time for one last attack from Les Rois?
90' +4: el-Amiri to Juteau, to Saulnier.
90' +4: Saulnier's run up to the box is something of dreams, but he's had to cross to Poirier and Bonvillain in a trinagular pass to best avoid the Asterian defenders.
90' +5: There's precious little time left for anything here; with a crowded box from all sides - and Saulnier's got the ball.
90' +5: Serra's put pressure on Saulnier, doing his best to get the ball away - causing the forward to kick it clear. It rebounds off of Vidal's leg, out of the box - the players are stunned! Is it over?
90' +5: There is no blow from the referee yet - and it is Juteau, who is running to the box, that collects the ball off of Vidal's rebound! He shoots!
90' +5: Texieira dives!
90' +5: But he's just short...! GOAL FROM LES ROIS' CAPTAIN! 5-3!
90' +5: The whistle is blown! GAME! THAT'S IT! SATUCIN HAVE DONE IT! THEY'RE WORLD CHAMPIONS; A FOURTH COUPE TITLE UNDER THEIR BELT TO BECOME THE TEAM WITH THE MOST CDM WINS!
90' +5: The celebration from fans, from players, from the manager - it's unreal. The joy is immense. They've all run onto the pitch, shirts are off, Poirier is hoisted up into the air as a hero!

Player of the Match: Valéry Poirier.

by **Lunas Legion** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 3:11 pm

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Os Abutres lose 5-3 to Satucin.
15th August, 2023 | By Fábio Fontes

Manager Marco Camara after the AFR's defeat.

Porto Sotiri, Ardesia - Os Abutres were defeated 5-3 by Satucin yesterday, with Satucin becoming the first team to win four Coupe du Mondes and Satucin's Valéry Poirier become one of the few players in the Coupe to score a hat-trick. The AFR were down veteran defender and vice-captain Davi de Sá following his suspension due to a handball against Gaullica that earned him a red card, a loss which has been blamed by many AFR fans for the defeat and Satucin's victory.

In a post-match press conference, AFR manager Marco Camara was notably downcast. 'The team tried their absolute best, but sometimes, in football, you simply come across a team that's just better. Satucin spent most of the second half down a man, and yet they nonetheless grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat. Their shift from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 caught us off guard and gave them that extra man forwards that they needed to get past our line of defenders. They're a very young team too, especally forwards, and I think that extra energy also helped them in the latter stages of the match.'

'We were down de Sá, and I feel his loss on the defence was sorely felt. As capable a goalkeeper as Teixeira is, he was tested far too many times by Satucin. Perhaps a change in formation, swapping Luz or Serra out for Leitão or Paiva could have given us another man forwards to better our chances, but the past is the past. It's been a great achievement for a team that didn't qualify in 2019 to have made it so far in the CdM in 2023 and go the furthest any AFR team has gone since I had my boots on and was on the pitch in 1987.'

On his future as the AFR's manager, Camara was ambiguous. 'It's an honour to manage the national team, and this has been a great performance. I'd love to lead the AFR at the next Coupe in 2027, but four years is a long time and a lot can happen.'

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

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