Market Cup RP/Rosters/Results

[Mangolana]

Welcome to the 1st ever Market Cup, hosted by Mangolana! This is not just another soccer tournament, it is the soccer tournament. Especially for you if you are looking to see how you team stacks up against other great soccer nations prior to the 54th World cup qualifing. And I Belive Mangolana will be able to put in all the resources it needs to make this a fun tournament!

Teams (12/12)
Mangolana
HellHorn
Corpi tigers
Socialist states Owen
Meguroko
Carasatoga
Treka
Octinstine
Erathore
New Hayesalia
Outlying States
Beldon

Group A                     PL  W  D  L  P  GF  GA  GD 
Mangolana
Socialist states Owen
Carasatoga
Beldon
Octinstine
New Hayesalia

Group B           PL   W   D   L   P   GF   GA   GD
Meguroko
Hellhorn
Corpi Tigers
Treka
Erathore
Outlying States

Match days

1/13/11MD 1 1vs6, 2vs5, 3vs4
1/14/11MD 2 1vs5, 2vs4, 3vs6
1/15/11MD 3 1vs4, 2vs3, 5vs6
1/16/11MD 4 1vs3, 2vs6, 4vs5
1/17/11MD 5 1vs2, 3vs5, 4vs6
1/18/11MD 6 Quarterfinal
1/20/11MD 7 Semifinal
1/22/11MD 8 Third place game/Final game (Games will be scorinated at 11am EST due to events outside of NS)

It will be a 12 team tournament, divided into two goups of six, with each team playing each other once. At the end of the group stage, the second place team from Group B will face the third place team from Group A, the second place team from Group B will face the third place team from Group A. Both first place teams will recieve a quarterfinal bye. The winner of group A will play the winner of the second place team from Group B and the third place team from Group A, while the First place team from group B will play the winner of the second place team from Group B and the third place team from Group A. The two winners of those semifinal games will move on to face each other in the finals while the losers will play each other in the third place game.

Tiebreakers are as follows: Points will be first, followed by goal differential, H2H result, and H2H goal differential.

Vephrall's NSFS3 will be used to scorinate, each night at 8-9 PM EST.

RPs will be graded based on respect for opponents' RP permissions, grammar and spelling (won't be ridiculous and nit-picky here), quality and effort. It wouldn't really be fair to define further what quality means, as people RP differently.
Please include in roster Rp Permissions.

Venues:

Mascona Memorial Stadium
City: Mascona
Capacity: 110,000

Mangolana War Champions Stadium
City: Johanston
Capacity: 95,000

Mangolana City Stadium
City: Mangolana City
Capacity: 85,000

Skyline Field
City: Montusa
Capacity: 60,000

Escaldes Stadium
City: Magonat
Capacity: 60,000

Black Hills Stadium
City: Shortland
Capacity: 55,000

Citizens Payed Stadium
City: Central southland
Capacity: 40,000

Namasco Stadium
City: Namasco
Capacity: 35,000

[Erathore]

-1.3

4-4-2

------------------BENNEDETTO------------------


-----GAVINO -----MANLIO-----ALBERICO------NERO


------EMLIO------NIERAN-------NARAZAO------ FIORELLO


-----MALVOLIO-----MERICCI-----

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events N
RP injuries to my players Yes so long as they ask me first
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events N

Home Kit:

Away Kit:

Alternative kit:

Goalkeeper Home:

Goalkeeper Away:

Goalkeeper Alternative:

Goalkeepers:

1- Roberto BENNEDETTO (Team: FC Mildrid) - CAPTAIN
Height: 196cm - Weight: 81kg – Age: 17 years old
Roberto Bennedetto is regarding by many to be the next great keeper in Erathore. From a very young age it was evident that he was exceptionally skilled at his position. At the age of 9 he was recruited by the FC Mildrid youth team and started in the junior squad. 6 years later he was moved up to the actual Mildrid team for the upcoming season opening game against the then #3 club Manlio. It was immediately evident just how skilled he was. He made several spectacular saves and blocked every single shot. He only gave up one goal and that was a penalty, of which he faced two that night, blocking one. He was offered a position at Juvillian Martinax but stayed with his childhood club.
Rating: A+ - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Form: A+

12- Alessio Affonso GALIGILYGANO (Team: Juvillian Martinax)
Height: 190.5cm - Weight: 87kg – Age: 26 years old
Galigilygano has been considered one of the greatest keepers to play in Erathore after his spectacular cleansheet against the then leading club of Baritiada four years ago. He prefers to pull of saves that are he deems to be comfortable and not too risky, but if a more spectacular save is necessary he will not hesitate to perform it. Galigilygano is reluctant to challenge an enemy offender due to him having broken 3 ribs in his first professional game that saw him missing a few games. He has landed himself a lucrative contract with the leading club in Erathore, Juvillian Martinax.
Rating: A+ - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B+ - Form: A+

22- RICARDO Vito (Team: Vicanto)
Height: 194cm – Weight: 79kg – Age: 31 years old
If not for his fame and his looks, one may never notice Ricardo Vito. The quite, shy, and good mannered keeper prefers it that way. He is much the same in goal, never adopting the popular goalie pose, rather he stands with his hands by his sides, always never seeming to pay attention but almost always making the saves. He is widely considered the best penalty shot blocker in Erathore, his most notable achievement being he blocking 5 penalties in the semi-finals of the Erathore Club Cup against Nicostrato 2 years ago.
Rating: B - Team Relationship: A+ - Morale: B+ - Form: B

Right Defenders:

2- Ermanno GAVINO Amedo (Team: Arro)
Height: 179cm – Weight: 73kg – Age: 27 years old
Gavino belongs to one of the minor clubs so it came as a surprise to Erathore when he was appointed to the national team, and then again when he was placed as starter. It’s not as if he isn’t up to the task however, he is a very skilled and talented player. He does appear to be more concerned with how he looks on the camera over the practicality of his moves, as he is unaccustomed to so much attention. This leads to him making many spectacular and last minute tackles and steals. However, averaging a yellow a game, his method is not too clean.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: B

14- NARAZO Del Pietro (Team: Drago de Celio)
Height: 173cm – Weight: 67kg – Age: 25 years old
Narazo Del Pietro is a player who can play both sides of the field, although he prefers to play on the right side. More often then not, his passes are sloppy but still reach his targets by some miracle, making him one the target for many friendly jokes by his teammates, who love him due to his smiling, joking, all around good natured personality. His coaches don’t however, as he always seems to brush off his errors, although he secretly, or at least he thinks he is, practices what he has been criticized for.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: C

Left Defenders:

3- Fredrico MANLIO (Team: Manlio)
Height: 185cm - Weight: 82kg – Age: 22 years old
Fredrico Manlio is the great-grandson of Diauiditori Manlio, the great striker of Erathore and founder of the Manlio football club. However there are some on the team who resent him for his connection to Manlio. Despite the immense pressure that comes with this relationship, Fredrico performs very well, almost flawlessly.
Rating: A - Team Relationship: B - Morale: A - Form: A

16- Santo VINCENZO Amadore(Team: Juvillian Martinax)
Height: 176cm – Weight: 73kg – Age: 32 years old
A smart player, Cotuba is a player that loves to go to the attack, and is good in dribbling and excellent at passing, being good at making assists too. One of his major flaws in game is his inability to hit the long ball accurately. Outside the pitch, he likes to party and spread himself around with women. This, although being good for his ego, has resulted in much of the team taking a negative approach to working with him.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: C – Morale: A – Form: A

Central Defenders:

4- Mariano ALBERICO (Team: EMI FC)
Height: 189cm - Weight: 86kg – Age: 27 years old
Alberico is not a clean footballer. Given his brief stint in the military, he likes to argue with officials and players from the other team. A lot. This has resulted in many a yellow and the occasional red. However he produces results so he is kept on the team. The main drawback of Alberico is his occasional bouts with anxiety about having to go toe to toe with an offender from the other team. This results in him breaking out in a massive sweat and kicking the ball away from him. Despite this, he plays hard and plays to win.
Rating: B - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Form: A

21- ALFIERI Benzio(Team: Vicanto)
Height: 181cm - Weight: 77kg – Age: 31 years old
The impressive defender from Vicanto has been playing since he was 4. He has played with some of the greatest players and has learned from them resulting in a beautiful mixture between dirty and clean playing. His passes are crisp and right to where his target will be in a few seconds, rather then where he was. He makes beautiful tackles and rarely ever stays on the ground if tackled himself, as he is doing no good rolling around on his knees. This is to be his last season before retirement and he hopes it goes nice and clean.
Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Form: A


Stoppers:


5- NERO Remo (Team: Elidoro FC)
Height: 178cm - Weight: 75kg – Age: 23 years old
One of the few representatives of Elidoro FC on the national team, Nero has been trained to be a top footballer since his youth, participating in most of the youth high level club teams of the country. Even though he had the misfortune of always landing on a losing team during that age, in the professionals he has taken Elidoro FC into the La Leaugia Seriea-A and into the top 10 teams at that. Off the field, Nero can be found reading to classical music on one of Erathore’s beaches.
Rating: B - Team Relationship: B - Morale: C - Form: B

26- Vanni DEL NARAN (Team: Charzzan)
Height: 173cm – Weight: 73kg – Age: 20 years old
Narazn is a promising player although he only starts around half of the games for Charzzan. It is hoped that by placing him on the national team he will develop into a fine footballer capable of playing with the best of the best time after time.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: A

Defensive Midfielders:

6- EMLIO Fredrico(Team: Reial Daran)
Height: 171cm – Weight: 70kg – Age: 29 years old
Emlio is a player that loves to play the game. He trains everyday, wears his jersey around the house and has been known to sleep in it from time to time. As a player, he works as a second defensive midfielder, with more freedom to go to the attacks, mostly due to his ability in controlling the ball and making precise passes. His favored and most classic move is performing a backwards pass with his heel after catching the ball on a bounce.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: B – Morale: A – Form: B

15- BLAKE Fedele (Team: Vicanto)
Height: 179cm – Weight: 71kg – Age: 36 years old
Blake has been playing for Vicanto since the first youth team was created, and seems satisfied with the substitute role, as he often gets playing time for being a very trustworthy person and good at holding the ball and strictly following tactics. He excels at seeing one of his teammates making a long break before they themselves make the break. A fine choice for this position, he does this unlike any other.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: B

Neutral Midfielders:

7- Alexio Del NIERAN (Team: EMI FC)
Height: 168cm – Weight: 66kg – Age: 22 years old
Alexio is a quiet and respectful footballer. He enjoys training whilst listening to dubstep and classical music. He is equally adapt at offense and defense. He is always respectful to the referees, calmly and rationally arguing with them and if proven wrong he apologizes to, and then thanks the referee. He has been compared to an artist creating a masterpiece on the field and it is evident why. He is widely credited with being the most proficient at bending the ball in Erathore. This has caused many a keeper to scramble and fail to save his ball that curves first one way then another.
Rating: A+ – Team Relationship: A+ – Morale: A+ – Form: A+

19- FIORELLO Lupes (Team: Dilby United)
Height: 185cm – Weight: 78kg – Age: 27 years old
Fiorello is almost a polar opposite of Alexio and somehow the two have become the best of friends. Fiorello likes to listen to heavy metal while training, is capable of bending the ball, although to a very limited extent, and argues very loudly with referees. Despite his tall stature and aforementioned attributes, he has beautiful footwork with the ball. Weaving the ball above, around, and under the opponent.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: B – Morale: A – Form: A

Attacking Midfielders:

8- Miguel Duarte SILVIA (Team: Dubor FC)
Height: 182cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 19 years old
Silvia is widely regarding as one of the greatest passers and assisters in Erathore’s history. With the number of assists in triple digits, it’s hard to deny. In his most famous assist, he shot at the goal from 23yd out, only to reveal that his target had been the crossbar. The ball ricocheted and landed at the feet of the Dubor striker who pounded it in for the goal. Off the field, Silvia likes to study geometry. He is also amazing at Pascal’s Triangle.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A

11- ILLIO Narizzidad (Team: Jutear)
Height: 175cm – Weight: 73kg – Age: 39 years old
Illio is one of the best footballers in Erathore so it came as a surprise when he denied the starting position and settled for being a substitute. He stated that he wanted to teach the young Silvia about the sport and he was too old, this would be his last season. A mentor bond has formed between the two and they can be seen practicing with each other. Illio also helps other members of the team and is loved by all.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A

Attackers:

9- Gaspare MALVOLIO (Team: Juvillian Martinax) -CAPTAIN
Height: 177cm – Weight: 75kg – Age: 25 years old
Malvolio is the fastest footballer in Erathore. When he was 13 years old he posted a 4.54 40-yd dash and has continually improved that to wear he runs a 2.56 on a bad day and a 2.14 on a good one. He has impressive dribbling skills to match that speed as well. He doesn’t have powerful shots though, he prefers to lure the goalkeeper into a challenge so he can humiliate the keeper by nutmegging him for the goal.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: B– Morale: B – Form: B

10- Michelangelo De MERICCI (Team: Juvillian Martinax)
Height: 176cm – Weight: 72kg – Age: 26 years old
Mericci is one of the most powerful shooters on the team. He is capable of ripping them past the keeper from 40yd out although he rarely does that in a game. He does not boast impressive dribbling and usually relies on crosses from fellow Juvemar teammate Malvolio to cross it to him to rip it into the corner.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: B – Morale: A – Form: A

18- LUCIFER Andrea (Team: Vicanto)
Height: 192cm – Weight: 85kg – Age: 25 years old
Lucifer is a jack of all trades, master of none. He is not particularly strong in any area, nor is he weak. While this does lead to a well-balanced player it does not lead to a particularly powerful player. He is a very cheery player though and he has developed the habit of smiling at his opposition before he makes a move.
Rating: B – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: C

Stadio National de Dizarino (205,000) (Eliodoro, Itazan)

Football in Erathore has been around for the past 800 years or so. It underwent some changes before becoming the beautiful international sport it is today. The first La Leaguia Primera was recorded 125 years ago. There was no Erathore National Football team until earlier this year, when they entered their first tournament, the 4th Commonwealth Cup. Erathore saw it's success and popularity rise as they went from success to success to place 2nd. The Erathore National Under 21s entered the 16th Di Bradini Cup, making it to the first knockout round of the tournament. They then registered for the World Cup and Baptism of Fire. They made it to the first knockout round of the BoF before being knocked out, although conflicting reports of the circumstances of the oppositions victory persist. The team looks forward to the World Cup with confidence at being able to at least win one game.

[Mangolana]

RP Cut Off, Results

Group A

Mangolana 2-4 New Hayesalia, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Socialist states Owen 0-0 Octinstine, played at Skyline Field
Carasatoga 2-1 Beldon, played at Black Hills Stadium

Group B

Meguroko 0-1 Outlying States, played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium
Hellhorn 1-3 Erathore, played at Mangolana City Stadium
Corpi Tigers 1-1 Treka, played at Escaldes Stadium

Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 1 1 0 0 3 4 2 +2
Carasatoga 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 +1
Socialist states Owen 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Octinstine 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Beldon 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 -1
Mangolana 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 -2

Group B
PL W D L P GF GA GD
Erathore 1 1 0 0 3 3 1 +2
Outlying States 1 1 0 0 3 1 0 +1
Corpi Tigers 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Treka 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Meguroko 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 -1
Hellhorn 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 -2

[HellHorn]

HellHorn Monsterdemons Market Cup Squad

COLORS: orange, brown, black
TEAM NAME: Hellhorn Monsterdemons
MANAGER: Horace Fry
FROM: City of Everlasting Horror, Hellhorn

uniforms

GK Timms Vlaanko
Gk Cameron Strangler
DF Horace Hokkmarth
DF Giovanni Reavin
DF Zakk Zopato
DF Hudson Nur
DF Camillo Corpsez
DF Darren Dethroot
MF Quinton Smogg
MF Fredrik Melanomas
MF Hansen Rancordas
MF Elton Bludspurt
MF Bruce Sanchez
ST Kal Trembell
ST Grant Villano
ST Greg Smakz
ST Shelton Kelvin
ST Asa Stone

[Mangolana]

Rp cut off, Results

Group A

Mangolana 2-0 Octinstine, played at Skyline Field
Socialist states Owen 1-0 Beldon, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Carasatoga 1-2 New Hayesalia , played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Group B
Meguroko 0-1 Erathore , played at Black Hills Stadium
Hellhorn 1-0 Treka , played at Namasco Stadium
Corpi Tigers 0-1 Outlying States, played at Mangolana City Stadium


Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 2 2 0 0 6 6 3 +3
Socialist states Owen 2 1 1 0 4 1 0 +1
Mangolana 2 1 0 1 3 4 4 0
Carasatoga 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 0
Octinstine 2 0 1 1 1 0 2 -2
Beldon 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 -2

Group B
PL W D L P GF GA GD
Erathore 2 2 0 0 6 4 1 +3
Outlying States 2 2 0 0 6 2 0 +2
Hellhorn 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 -1
Corpi Tigers 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 -1
Treka 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 -1
Meguroko 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 -2

[Erathore]

Erathore National Sports Channel (ENSC) Broadcast: J1411-N1122

"A rather plain game in todays fixture against Meguroko in the Market Cup resulted in a 1-0 win for Erathore. Erathore scored its single goal from a close range shot by Nieran. More to come later."

((OOC: Really tired right now so sorry for the shit post.))

[Mangolana]

Rp Cut off, results

Group A

Mangolana 3-1 Beldon , played at Mangolana City Stadium
Socialist states Owen 2-1 Carasatoga, played at Black Hills Stadium
Octinstine 0-3 New Hayesalia , played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Group B
Meguroko 2-2 Treka , played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Hellhorn 1-1 Corpi Tigers , played at Skyline Field
Erathore 3-1 Outlying States, played at Namasco Stadium

Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 3 3 0 0 9 9 3 +6
Socialist states Owen 3 2 1 0 7 3 1 +2
Mangolana 3 2 0 1 6 7 5 +2
Carasatoga 3 1 0 2 3 4 5 -1
Octinstine 3 0 1 2 1 0 5 -5
Beldon 2 0 0 3 0 2 6 -4

Group B
PL W D L P GF GA GD
Erathore 3 3 0 0 9 7 2 +5
Outlying States 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 0
Hellhorn 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 -1
Corpi Tigers 3 0 2 1 2 1 2 -1
Treka 3 0 2 1 2 2 3 -1
Meguroko 3 0 1 2 1 2 4 -2

[Socialist States Owen]

CONFIDENT FSSO SECOND IN GROUP AFTER 2-1 WIN

FSSO captain Steven Thompson celebrates following his spectacular goal

The FSSO are second in their group in the Market Cup after a Steven Thompson overhead kick edged out Carasatoga in the 90th minute, in his 100th match for his country.

The Socialist States of Owen started off the Market Cup full of optimism, especially as they would soon be taking part in the 54th World Cup as well. Their first game against Ocinstine ended in an uneventful draw, but they comfortably beat Beldon 1-0 in their second match as Sam Needle scored from the edge of the box with a low placed drive in the 67th minute. Yesterday evening they donned the red jerseys at the Black Hills Stadium, to take on a strong Carasatoga side. The opposition took an early lead through when a defensive lapse let him clean through on goal. The FSSO were level by half time however as winger James McRoft cooly slotted home from six yards, Lee Sharp providing the assist after dribbling past two opposition defenders. The FSSO controlled the second half although the one chance Carasatoga did have was the best one, as hit the bar from 30 yards out. But captain Steven Thompson sealed a deserved victory in the 90th minute with a brilliant overhead kick from James McRofts corner. The victory leaves the FSSO second in Group A behind New Hayesalia, who will undoubtably be one heck of a challenge.

Group A

Socialist states Owen 0-0 Octinstine, played at Skyline Field
Socialist states Owen 1-0 Beldon, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Socialist states Owen 2-1 Carasatoga, played at Black Hills Stadium

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 3 3 0 0 9 9 3 +6
Socialist states Owen 3 2 1 0 7 3 1 +2
Mangolana 3 2 0 1 6 7 5 +2
Carasatoga 3 1 0 2 3 4 5 -1
Octinstine 3 0 1 2 1 0 5 -5
Beldon 2 0 0 3 0 2 6 -4

[Erathore]

Erathore National Sports Channel (ENSC) Broadcast: J1511-N713

"A sweeping win for Erathore as they defeated the Outlying States 3-1 at Namasco Stadium. The man of the match was undoubtedly the young midfielder Alexio Del Nieran. Scoring two goals, one of a 19 yard free kick, and assisting Malvolio with his goal, Nieran played better then we have ever seen him play."

[Mangolana]

Sorry about not having results for yesterday, my internet was down and the repair man just left. I will post results for yesterday now and todays at regurly scheduled time

Group A

Mangolana 2-0 Carasatoga , played at Black Hills Stadium
Socialist states Owen 2-1 New Hayesalia , played at Skyline Field
played at Octinstine 1-1 Beldon , played at Mangolana City Stadium

Group B
Meguroko 1-0 Corpi Tigers, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Hellhorn 2-1 Outlying States, played at Citizens Payed Stadium
Erathore 2-0 Treka, played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
Socialist states Owen 4 3 1 0 10 5 2 +3
New Hayesalia 4 3 0 1 9 10 5 +5
Mangolana 4 3 0 1 9 9 5 +4
Carasatoga 4 1 0 3 3 4 7 -3
Octinstine 4 0 2 2 2 1 6 -5
Beldon 4 0 1 3 1 3 7 -4
Notes: Socialist States Owen, New Hayesalia, and Mangolana Have all clinched group stage advancement, all other teams in group eliminated

Group B
PL W D L P GF GA GD
Erathore 4 4 0 0 12 9 2 +7
Hellhorn 4 2 1 1 7 5 5 0
Outlying States 4 2 0 2 6 4 5 -1
Meguroko 4 1 1 2 4 3 4 -1
Corpi Tigers 4 0 2 2 2 1 3 -2
Treka 4 0 2 2 2 2 5 -3
Notes: Erathore has clinched the group and will recieve a Quarterfinal Bye, Treka and Corpi have been eliminated.

[Erathore]

Erathore National Sports Channel (ENSC) Broadcast: J1711-N600

"Yet another win for Erathore, this time a 2-0 shutout against Treka. Mericci was the man of the match, scoring both goals, one at 15 minutes and the other at 67. This win clinched Group B and has received a Quarterfinal Bye. Erathore is the most successful team in the Market Cup as the only team with 4 wins and no ties or losses. They also have the highest goals for and goals against stat at +7. They are also tied for least goals given up, with Socialist States Owen also conceding 2 goals."

[Mangolana]

Rp cut off for today, Results

Group A

Mangolana 1-1 Socialist states Owen, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium
Beldon 1-3 New Hayesalia, played at Citizens Payed Stadium
Octinstine 0-1 Carasatoga, played at Black Hills Stadium

Group B
Meguroko 2-1 Hellhorn, played at Mangolana City Stadium
Treka 1-1 Outlying States, played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium
Erathore 3-0 Corpi Tigers, played at Skyline Field

Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 5 4 0 1 12 13 6 +7 (Advanced)
Socialist states Owen 5 3 2 0 11 6 3 +3 (Advanced)
Mangolana 5 3 1 1 10 10 6 +4 (Advanced)
Carasatoga 5 2 0 3 6 7 8 -1
Octinstine 5 0 2 3 2 1 7 -6
Beldon 5 0 1 4 1 4 10 -6

Group B
PL W D L P GF GA GD
Erathore 5 5 0 0 15 12 2 +10 (Advanced)
Meguroko 5 2 1 2 7 5 5 0 (Advanced)
Hellhorn 5 2 1 2 7 6 7 -1 (Advanced on H2H Results Vs Outlying States)
Outlying States 5 2 1 2 7 5 6 -1
Corpi Tigers 5 0 2 3 2 1 6 -5
Treka 5 0 3 2 3 3 6 -3

Notes: Mangolana will play Meguroko in the quarterfinals and the winner will play New Hayesalia in the semifinals, HellHorn will play Socialist States Owen in the quarterfinals, and the winner will play Erathore in the semifinals

[Socialist States Owen]

CLINICAL FSSO STRIKERS AND SOLID DEFENCE SECURE PROGRESSION IN MARKET CUP

Striker Sam Needle produces a sublime finish to deny tournament hosts Mangolana a victory at Mascona Memorial Stadium.

Sam Needle produced a fantastic performance to ensure the FSSO comfortably progressed to the next round of the Market Cup. In their last game the FSSO came out on top after an end to end thriller with high flying New Hayleseia. New H took the lead deservedly after 24 minutes when an unstoppable free kick flew past a dazzeled Daniel Belgrave. However the FSSO fought back and by half time they were controlling posession, but they had to wait until 62 minutes to score when Lee Sharp's curled finish brought the scores level. Only 3 minutes later the FSSO scored the winning goal as centre forward Scott Daley tapped home Joe Arnie Pizzas cross.

After this brilliant performance the FSSO faced a less difficult but still tricky fixture against the hosts of the Market Cup, Mangolana. The Mangolona supporters of course outnumbered the FSSO suporters 4 to 1, and the away fans were very quiet when poor defending let Mangolana's captain head home to give the hosts the 1-0 lead. But on 40 minutes Sam Needle launched himself into a brilliant run, skipping past a defender and then chipping over the keeper to set himself up. With an open goal ahead of him and the Mangolana keeper (See picture) scrambling back to cover his goal, Needle confidently struck the ball home to leave the sides level - and before long, the FSSO fans chants were filling the stadium with a roar rather than a squeak. However the competent home side defenders managed to prevent another goal, and the FSSO had to settle for a draw. The game was extra special for Grant Davis, as it was his 100th cap for his country.

In the next round, the FSSO play Hellhorn for a place in the semi finals. The FSSO face a good opposition side but will be confident. They managed to qualify having scored only 6 times in the group stage, as their superb defending left them with only 3 goals conceded. The question is if they can score enough to beat Hellhorn.

Group A

PL W D L P GF GA GD
New Hayesalia 5 4 0 1 12 13 6 +7 (Advanced)
Socialist states Owen 5 3 2 0 11 6 3 +3 (Advanced)
Mangolana 5 3 1 1 10 10 6 +4 (Advanced)
Carasatoga 5 2 0 3 6 7 8 -1
Octinstine 5 0 2 3 2 1 7 -6
Beldon 5 0 1 4 1 4 10 -6

[Mangolana]

Rp Cut off, Results

Quartefinal game 1

#2 seed group A VS #3 seed group B
Socialist states Owen 2-0 Hellhorn, Played at Skyline Field

Notes: Socialist States Owen Will play Erathore in the Semi-Finals

Quarterfinal Game 2

#2 seed group B VS #3 seed group A
Meguroko 1-3 Mangolana, Played at Mangolana City Stadium

Notes: Mangolana Will Play New Hayesalia in the Semi-Finals

[Socialist States Owen]

OOC: Buggar, why did I have to get Erathore? Oh well, at least I kicked ass for some of the tournament. Not bad for a 0.38, eh?
SHARP HEROICS BRING VICTORY AGAIN

Lee Sharp celebrates his second goal.

Market Cup Semi Final at Skyline Field

SOCIALIST STATES OWEN 2
HELLHORN 0

Lee Sharp scored twice to put the FSSO through to a tough semi final tie against Erathore in the Market Cup. The first goal came in only the third minute when Sharp latched on to Carlos Adunas chip, controlled the ball at a tight angle and smashed the ball into the bottom corner via the post. He almost scored again a few minutes later when his delicate chip went only inches over the bar. Hellhorn dominated large periods of the game but could not break the FSSO's solid defending and Sharp put the result beyond doubt in the 74th minute when his fantastic dribble into the box was ended prematurely by a badly timed tackle. The Hellhorn defender was booked and Sharp handed penalty duty, and he happily slammed it into the top right hand corner as half of the Skyline Field crowd erupted while the other half sunk back into their seats with dejected faces. Sharp almost scored again in the last minute when his long range strike was brilliantly saved by Hellhorn keeper Timms Vlannko, and his striking partner Sam Needle failed to finish the rebound.

[Erathore]

Some random fan blog:

"Semi-Final. Hell yeah we're in the semi-finals of yet another tournament. I must admit I didn't feel like Erathore was really threatened in the Market Cup. We only conceded 2 goals. 2! And our explosive offensive scored 12! 12 god damn goals! Here is a quick look at our goal scorers in no particular order:
Gaspare Malvolio: 4
Alexio Del Nieran: 5
Michelangelo De Mericci: 3
Alexio Del Nieran. Who the hell is that some of you may ask. He is the 5'5'' Midfielder sporting #7. He is the current and most likely all time maestro of dead balls and bending the ball in Erathore. He currently plays for EMI FC, but he has confirmed that he is looking for offers from top level clubs in other countries, as well as the Big 3 in Erathore. Now for an international reader, if I am that lucky to have someone in a different country read my blog, the Big 3 are the three big clubs in Erathore. Juvillian Martinax, with 31 Copa de Era victories, 11 in the past 11 years, and the club residing at the top of Seria-A. Next is Vincanto, with 18 Copa de Era wins. Then comes FC Mildrid, the current favorites for this years Seria-A and with 15 Copa de Era wins.
Now for the international picture, I must say Erathore seems like we have done a kick ass job. 4th Commonwealth Cup, our first international tournament, we take 2nd place. 16th Di Bradini Cup we qualify for the first knockout round, then were eliminated. In the 41st Baptism of Fire, we made it to the round of 16, where we were defeated by the team that would go on to win the event. So far in the World Cup, we are defeated, but seeing as how we have only played one game, a qualifying match against Everdislike or something like that.
Back on topic: Market Cup. Our next game is against Socialist States Owen who, despite not possessing as neat of a Market Cup record as ourselves, may give us a run for our money. In any event it will make for a good watch and gameplay. Also, it's been rumored that several clubs are interested in some SSO players and that SSO has come to be respected as a football team in Erathore. I respect them and I expect them to challenge us. Hell, if they win, I'll sign one of them to write this god damn blog for me. Why the hell do I have a blog any way? Why am I squandering time I don't have by posting all of this complete and utter SHIT ON SOMETHING NO ONE WILL EVER READ?? AND EVEN IF THEY DO, I DON'T GET A COOL NOTIFICATION OR SOMETHING TELLING ME THEY'VE VIEWED MY STUFF. FUCK THIS THING!"

((OOC: SSO, I like the way you RP and I like your players. We should play each other some time in a friendly or whatnot.))

[Socialist States Owen]

OOC: I'd like that. Maybe we could host a tournament together after the world cup? Also, I drew my first world cup game 1-1. How did yours go?
RANDALL: WE FACE OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE YET

The FSSO is, by all means, new to the international scene. Although it has played international football for a long time, they have rarely participated in tournaments. After an exit in the group stages of their first appearance in the Baptism of Fire, doubts were raised over their ability to compete at international level - despite possessing several world class players, including target man Lee Sharp who is valued by his club at a price as high as £60 million quaglifumps. But their impressive performance in the Market Cup has stunned pundits, and gained them respect from prolific side Erathore for their entertaining style of football. Coincidentally, Erathore are the semi final opponents of the FSSO in the Market Cup and manager Ben Randall claims it will be his sides toughest test.

"Erathore are a fantastic team with a lot more experience than us. Not only have they bettered our superb defensive record but they have scored 12 goals in 5 games compared to our 8 goals in 6. However we have a really good young squad and Lee is on form, so anything can happen. Some of their strikers are very prolific as some of the Erathroian bloggers have stated and we are going to find it tough to close them down, although we do have a defender playing in Erathore's domestic leagues now which will be of great help."

The FSSO manager was also asked about whether he worried about the impact on the players confidence now they face such a strong opponent. "This is our biggest test yet, without a shadow of a doubt. But with our world cup campaign underway and such good progress made in this tournament I am really hoping we can pull it off. The guys are confident but cautious and I'm sure we can depend on them to make this one hell of a match. Whatever happens, I'm immensely proud of them and I am sure the fans are too." That was Ben Randall, FSSO manager, being interviewed this morning.

Erathore pose a significant threat - they have not failed to win a game in this tournament yet, and have a prolific record in previous Market Cups and other tournaments. Although their midfield is hardly a pretty display it is hard to break down their passing tactics and the forwards are lethal in front of goal. The big task won't just be trying to score against Erathore, it will be also trying to not concede. Daniel Belgrave's failiure to save a free kick which he should of a couple of games ago could have damaged his confidence.

The ground upon which this semi final takes place is expected to be packed. Due to the over enthusiasm of FSSO fans, their ticket allocation is slightly lower than Erathores but I am sure they will be heard tonight - if they can sing when they are 6-0 down to a local rival as they did a few months ago, they can sing through this one! But maybe, maybe this could be their lucky day. They've shown they can beat the best by beating New Haylesia in the group stage and will press for this one tonight. After all, this stellar performance in the Market Cup is their only achievement to cheer about - they earned a surprise 1-1 draw against the Greater Cotswalds in the 54th World Cup Group Stages.

[Mangolana]

RP Cut off,

RESULTS


Semi-Final 1

Socialist States Owen 1-1 Erathore (AET 1-1, PK 6-5), played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Semi-Final 2

Mangolana 2-1 New Hayesalia, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium

Final games set

Third place Game

New Hayesalia VS Erathore, to be played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Finals

Mangolana VS Socialist States Owen, to be played at Mascona Memorial Stadium

[Socialist States Owen]

BELGRAVE HEROICS PUT FSSO INTO FINAL

Daniel Belgrave makes a stunning penalty save

Daniel Belgraves brilliant goalkeeping during a penalty shootout edged out Erathore as the FSSO progress to replay tournament hosts Mangolana.

The FSSO had a disastorous start after Erathores lead goalscorer Gaspare Malvolio broke through on a dazzling run and scored within a minute. However only 5 minutes later Lee Sharp tapped in a beautiful cross from Dennis Arnold to make it 1-1. The rest of the match was end to end action but both goalkeepers kept it level, the same in extra time. However when the penalty shootout came both sides continually scored penalties, until an Erathore defender looked shocked when Daniel Belgrave swung himself at the ball, tipping it wide. Matt Boyce then buried his penalty to send the crowd wild, shortly followed by Erathore missing again, propelling the FSSO into the final.

The start couldn't have been worse for FSSO, as defender Mike Humphrey made a loose pass towards Joe Arne Pizza that Malvolio took in his strike. Running at goal he sent Grant Davis the wrong way before cooly finishing past Daniel Belgrave. But within a couple of minutes Joe Arne Pizza had hit the post with a thumping drive from distance, and in the 5th minute Pizza's chip over the Erathore defence gave Dennis Arnold the oppurtunity to cross low and hard to Lee Sharp, who easily tapped the ball past the keeper and into the net. Both sides had lots of chances as the game descended into anarchy, and Erathore almost took the lead only for scorer Malvolio to fire miles wide, much to the delight of cheering FSSO supporters as cries of "The goal isn't that wide" descending from the upper echelons of the stands. However the FSSO had a similar chance go awry only a few minutes into the second half, when Sam Needle failed to capitalise on poor defending as his low shot thundered into the side netting from almost point blank range.

With minutes left to go, Lee Sharp managed to break through the defence and waltz into the box. The Erathore keeper went in for the challenge but Sharp cleverly chipped it over his diving body, but an Erathore defender scrambled back and cleared the ball off the line. TV replays showed he had just about kept it out of the goal, although at the time the FSSO players and supporters though it had gone over the line and captain Steve Thompson raged at the referee in disbelief. Upon seeing the replay after the game, the captain shrugged with an apologetic smile. "In games like this you get very passionate. It looked like it was over the line, the Erathore fans behind the goal looked like they were upset so we thought it had gone in. Obviously seeing the replays it didn't and I apologise for getting it wrong." Him and the referee shook hands afterwards, much to the relief of the FSSO FA.

Extra time was comparitavely timid, the only chance coming from Erathores goalkeeper when his powerful clearance at the edge of his own box had to be tipped over the bar by FSSO goalkeeper Daniel Belgrave as it almost went in. Penalties arrived and both sides scored all five penalties. Maliovos almost didn't go in, but Daniel Belgrave athletic save just deflected the ball in via the post. However, the next Erathore kicker struck the ball and Belgrave pulled off a magnificent save, and a collective roar came out from the FSSO fans. Matt Boyce, the defender who recentley moved to Erathore domestic side Internazcionale, buried his next penalty and the crowd went delirous with joy. The final Erathore penalty flew over the bar as the midfielder taking it buried his head in his hands. For a few short minutes one half of the stadium moved and made the noise of a stormy sea as the FSSO players piled into the corner in celebration. The other half were completely silent, looking down at their players who made the agonising walk over to the opposition to shake hands.

But hands were shook - there was no crowd trouble, fans chanted songs that all football fans used and both captains exchanged a handshake and joke at the end of the match. The FSSO are no newbies to the international scene but they have little experience in tournaments, and the mutual respect between two teams with very similar styles of play is obvious - both teams recieved a big round of applause as they exited the pitch, and each teams manager walked off with dignified silence. Ben Randall, FSSO manager, spoke in the post match interview:

"It was a fantastic game. We played it by the book and did our best, and I thought our performance was brilliant considering we lost 5-1 in the World Cup only a few days ago, just like Erathore. The other side were really in it to win it today and after spending a couple of months in Erathore with Matt when he was getting his transfer I really enjoyed the way they play football. This tournament may not have the most high ranked participants but I am genuinely delighted to still be unbeaten. We went out today, gave it our all and got the result we wanted. The Erathore manager exchanged words with me and said he hoped us the best for the final."

The final will be played against tournament hosts Mangolana. The FSSO will not be complacent just yet, but they can smell victory. They have already drawn 1-1 with Mangolana during this tournament, and beaten their semi final opponents New Haylesia. However Mangolana have very confidently made their way to the final and were weakened by injuries when they played the FSSO last time, so it should be a good game. Mangolana are the favourites by odds, so we shall wait and see what happens.

[Mangolana]

Final RP Cut off

Results

Third place Game

New Hayesalia 0-2 Erathore, played at Mangolana War Champions Stadium

Finals

Mangolana 2-2 (AET 2-2, PK 3-4) Socialist States Owen, played at Mascona Memorial Stadium

Socialist States Owen has won the Market Cup

I would like to thank each nation that perticipated and hope to see you back for the next Market Cup

[Socialist States Owen]

(ARIBA ARIBA ARIBA! *Celebrates*)

FSSO WIN MARKET CUP AFTER SUPERB PERFORMANCE
Hundreds party in the street as FSSO beat the odds to win the Market Cup on penalties

MANGOLANA 2 - 2 FSSO (AET 2-2)
FSSO win 4-3 on penalties

The FSSO beat the odds and won the Market Cup, beating hosts Mangolana on penalties in a high tempered final.

Lee Sharp gave the eventual victors the lead in only the fourth minute when he skipped through the Mangolana defence and drove the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net, whirling away to celebrate in front of all 50,000 FSSO fans in the massive stadium. The FSSO dominated the first half, but were somehow only level at half time when a cross by Mangolanas right midfielder deflected in off Mike Humphrey. Things got worse shortly after half time when Mangolana scored again, this time one of their strikers poaching on a loose ball and chipping Daniel Belgrave. However the FSSO reasserted their dominance and eventually scored the equaliser, as substitute Scott Daley headed home. Extra time saw a tired Mangolana pile into the FSSO, but the team under pressure looked solid at the back and Lee Sharp almost won it when he broke clear, only to put the ball wide. It then went down to penalties. Mangolana missed their first penalty, but then Scott Daley missed his. Mangolana scored their next two, as did the FSSO through Steve Thompson and Carlos Aduna.

Then Daniel Belgrave pulled off a classic save to give the FSSO the chance to lead, and Lee Sharp took it as he buried his penalty in the bottom corner. Then the conclusion to their victory finally came, as Mangolanas captain shot a poor penalty past the post as Daniel Belgrave raised his arms and jumped in celebration. The team gathered round and captain Steve Thompson lifted the trophy, while Lee Sharp won Player of the Tournament. Meanwhile, Erathore won 2-0 against New Haylesia to take 3rd place in the tournament.