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A pamphlet produced for the AOCAF 15
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Stadium 1*
TeleBaz Stadium, the nations largest and most spectactular piece of sporting archetecture in Fauxhan. A number of Bazalope Statues adorn the stadiums forecourts and facade. It seats an impressive 85 thousand persons and has great facilities for both the spectators as well as fully fitted changing rooms including closed circuit television showing the field and current TV broadcasts.
Stadium 2*
SeaBazalope Arena which is in the city of Cantinople boasts a total of 40,000 seats, and will be used for all group matches. Sitting in an ideal location, right in the centre of Cantinople and what seams only metres away from the cities famous beaches the SeaBazalope Arena is certainly a nice place to visit
Stadium 3*
Drago Soccer Field(DSF) situated in the city of Drago containing a total of 39,000 seats. The DSF is the only 'field' that is managed by the BFSA. Actually containing a fully equiped stadium around it the DSF has been a sporting institution in Bazalonia for as long as anyone can remember
Stadium 4*
Stadium Verona situatied in the idealic city of Hughestown which was founded on a plataeu near an ancient, now dead, Volcano - Mt Hughes, Stadium Verona boasts a 45,000 seat capacity and is the highest major sports field in the nation. Stadium Verona is also a multi-sport stadium that is constantly re-marked to contain whatever sport is comming. So players may get confused. Stadium Verona is sponsored by Verona Inc. Makers of fine quality Bazalonian cars. Check them out.
Stadium 5*
Via Voleta Dome was the nations biggest stadium until TeleBaz Stadium and CBBC Dome. It is located in Pinksford and has 55,000 places for the crowd to park their behinds and watch the game. Pinksford is a very frindly town but also have very strict ideas about what is acceptible behaviour. Expect to end up the night in jail if your celebrations get too boistrous.
Stadium 6*
Trevton City Enclosed Field as the name suggests is in Trevton city, it contains a total of 30,000 seats and is the only stadium/arena/dome/field that is not directly controlled by the BFSA however Trevton city does a great job at making sure this field is up there with the best that this nation has to offer.
Stadium 7*
CBBC Dome in Woolgolga was constructed especially for the Baptism of Fire and was financially supported by the Allanean-based firm Cute Bunny Burgers Corp, which has CBBC markings plastered all over the walls and on the field of this stadium. In addition the Bazalonian arm of the companies security division will be responsible for security once inside any and all stadiums used during the BoF. It contains a total of 75,000 seats and is only outseated by the nations crowning glory of a stadium. The TeleBaz Stadium.
Stadium 8*
Georgetown Nova Stadium, 54 thousand seating capacity stadium in the highest altitude stadium in Bazalonia. It's cooler and has been known to have snow on it in winter. But it isn't winter but there are cold nights. Bring warm clothes.
*Please note: The numbers listed here will be used during official BFSA releases to denote which teams play where.
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Matchday 1 will start Monday afternoon Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Sunday night in the US.
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Once more into the breach with the Starblaydi
Blue Foxes drawn in same group as purple and gold for the third time in four AOCAFs
The Blue Foxes find themselves in an outstanding group for AOCAF15 in Bazalonia, but once again analysts are surprised at the odd luck Pacitalia has in drawing in with Starblaydia nearly each time the AOCAF has been held over the last four years. And each time the two meet it has produced a spectacular match that has never ended in anything but a draw.
The 11th ranked Pacitalians are facing inevitable rematches with those Starblaydi, but also with the Myrtannians, who they beat 2-1 last year in the AOCAF14 third-place playoff. The Blue Foxes are now looking to emulate the successes of last year with a retooled squad that sees one of Pacitalia's brightest footballers return from a international-level drug suspension to be in the best shape of his life while the always dangerous duo of Il Capitano and The Magician return to wreak havoc on the Blue Foxes' opponents.
Pacitalia will also face Milchama and the Islands of Qutar in Group B, the latter of which is playing its first AOCAF Championship. Outside of Group B, it is interesting to note that the Bazalonian group draws have created very evenly-balanced groups: there is no actual Group of Death in the 15th AOCAF. Each group appears to have two perennial footballing powers, one or two mid-range squads and a newcomer, which will actually make it tougher for the lesser-ranked teams to advance in the face of the qualifying-ready powers. |
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The best place on earth. |
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Back to War on the Pitch: Dryads Return For AOCAF XV
BAZALONIA - It's that time again, football fans: the fifteenth edition of the AOCAF is upon us, the third in which Myrtannia has participated. This time, it's difficult to tell just how the Dryads will do, whether they'll surprise people or fall behind the progress made in AOCAF XIV. So, without further ado, let us discuss the draw for Group Verona, AKA Group 2.
Starblaydia - Reigning 5-time AOCAF champions, the Purple Powerhouse is finally ranked atop the Atlantian Oceania rankings, replacing lethargic Vilita. The Dryads are 1-0-2 all time against the Starblaydis, but pulled out a huge 2-1 win in the group stage in AOCAF XIV. Myrtannia will certainly be looking to repeat that result, rather than the 1-5 loss in the semis to the same squad. Expect a Starblaydi victory in a potentially hard-fought match.
Pacitalia - Though they only have one more AOCAF's experience than Myrtannia, the Blue Foxes are a perrenial tournament power. Not in the same regard as Starblaydia yet, but they did finish third in AOCAF XIV. Myrtannia is 0-0-2 against them, losing 0-5 (AOCAF XIII) and 1-2 (Third place match, AOCAF XIV). This time, however, it could be a close loss or a draw. Don't expect a victory in this one just yet.
Milchama - The Israelis are an enigma; will they remain consistent, or be more traditionally inconsistent? Myrtannia has improved by leaps and bounds, and had a 1-1 tie versus Milchama in AOCAF XIV, their only meeting to date, good for a 0-1-0 record against the Israelis. Our prediction: Myrtannia defeats Milchama for the first time.
Islands of Qutar - A newcomer to AOCAF, this will be the doormat nation of Group Verona. Myrtannia will probably squash them in the first meeting between the two nations.
There we have it: a balanced group in which the Dryads figure to finish third, behind Starblaydia and Pacitalia in that order. If Myrtannia can get lucky and pick off Starblaydia again, which is unlikely, they might finish second behind the Blue Foxes. That said, the Dryads have reconfigured their defense a bit to try and add a little more protection for veteran goalkeeper Flo Krabel. The additions of Tamar Ristaino and Charolette Marrington should help, though only the match play will tell.
The keys for Myrtannia in AOCAF XV will be the midfield, which absolutely must hold on better on defense, and help out the forwards more on offense, and the forwards. Myrtannia's front line of Figary/Massetti/Rollock/Gabino figures to be very dangerous for opposing defenses, and could do a lot of damage if unchecked. Now that all of them have AOCAF experience, it could be a very fun team to watch.
"Our front line girls will score, and if our defense can hold back enough attacks, we could well challenge the field and go into the latter stages of the knockouts again," said head coach America McNany.
New defensive coach Filiberto Nedina added, "Our chief concern this time around is using an improved defense to create more ball control. Through controlling the ball more, we create more attacks, and through that we get more goals. Just need to have that killer instinct."
These Dryads look to have at least hints of killer instinct, based upon the last pre-AOCAF practices we saw. Time and matches will determine whether they can repeat the amazing Cinderella run of AOCAF XIV that saw them reach the semis in their first trip to the knockouts, or if their run will end earlier than the semis. Myrtannia looks good to reach the knockout stage for a second consecutive time, and after that, anything is possible. Whatever happens, we'll be there to cover it, and it should be loads of fun to watch. |
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Necromancers Ready For Magical Run
Group BazAir aka Group #3
05 Bettia
09 Bedistan
16 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
20 Bazalonia
27 Dorian & Sonya
Queen Sonya looke over the group draw that the Necromancers had been given for AOCAF XV. One things stood out. Those damnable Dragons from ASMV were in yet another group with the athletes of the Sylvanaes Kingdom. Oh well. That just means we will have to beat them yet again.
The other sides drawn into the group were of more concern to the Queen. Everyone knew that ASMV tended to choke when qualifying for an AOCAF was on the line. It was the “Killer Bs” of the group that needed to be watched. Bettia, Bedistan, and Bazalonia. (Say that three times real fast).
With the top four sides moving on from Group BazAir, it is nearly safe to say that we can move past ASMV for one of them, But how will things actually work out?
Bettia and Bedistan should fight it out for the top spot while Bazalonia and Ourselves move past those overrated choke-artists from ASMV. Until they prove they can move on from the group stages, we will feel confidant we can do this.
1. Bettia
2. Bedistan
3. Bazalonia
4. Dorian and Sonya
5. ASMV
(Now - How many of you could say it without screwing it up. Try again. Anyone who says they did LIED or spoke really slowly  ) |
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Spirits were high in the Blessed Realm. After watching their thrilling 31-17 victory over Virginia Nova in the NS Gridiron Cup, the channel on the Pie and Pixie's big screen was hurridly flicked over to catch the end of the group draw for AOCAF 15.
"Where are we? Where are we?" Ali asked frantically.
"Put yer bloody glasses on and you'll see it. We're in Group 3 - sponsored by BazAir, getting you to Bazalonia and back!"
"Pardon?"
"Don't blame me, that's what it says. Group BazAir."
"Well let's hope the goals fly in for us!"
George groaned. "Have you found your specs yet?"
"No. I must've left em at home."
"That'd explain why you kept cheering for the wrong team."
"Yes, quite. anyway, who have we got?"
"Let's see... first we got Bedistan."
"Bedistan? It's always nice to start with a local derby, isn't it? Who next?"
"Dorian and Sonya."
"Ooh. That's a bit tough. Them Necromancers can beat anyone on their day. And after that?"
"Bazalonia."
"The hosts? Typical - we always seem to be getting the hosts nowadays. Well, apart from the ice hockey, that is. Ah well. And who's after that?"
"Andossa Se Mitrin Vega."
"Oooh."
"That's exactly what I said, but without the girlish 'oooh'. Should be interesting, huh?"
"I'll say. That's a pretty interesting draw. Let's see what the journos are saying... oh, there's not much news in this paper today, is there?"
"Um, George?"
"Yes?"
"That's a napkin."
Fixtures:
MD1: BETTIA vs. Bedistan (Via Voleta Dome, Parkford)
MD2: BETTIA vs. Dorian & Sonya (CBBC Dome, Woolgolga)
MD3: BETTIA vs. Bazalonia (TeleBaz Stadium, Fauxham)
MD4: BETTIA vs. Andoss Se Mitrin Vega (Drago Soccer Fild, Drago)
MD5: Cheerio |
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We don't do defence |
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Once more into the breach, dear friends
Lamoni is ready to avenge it's AOCAF XIV finals loss to Starblaydia here in AOCAF XV. If you might remember, that game went into extra time, where the Starblaydis won it. Regardless, second is the best AOCAF result that a Lamonian team has yet had; even if it does leave something to be desired.
Lamoni has been cast into the ever interesting Group TeleBaz (Group 1), with such nations as Nedalia, Nojika, Legalese, and Manhattan Prime making this a somewhat predictable group. Still, there are always surprises, and you have to play the matches to determine who the best is.
Shall we move on to our group predictions now?
NEDALIA - This is the team that our analysts think that the Hawks will be battling it out for first place in the group with. Given the very friendly relations between Lamoni and Nedalia, this will probably just be seen as a friendly rivalry by both squads. While Nedalia has done very well indeed in the AOCAF standings, the Hawks haven't been doing too bad either. This one could come down to the Lamoni - Nedalia match (to determine first place in the group).
NOJIKA - Lamoni has played Nojika a few times before, and has done pretty well. Given the disparity in the rankings, most of our analysts think that Lamoni will win this game, but we are always wary of surprises.
Legalese - This is the first time in memory that Lamoni and Legalese have met on the AOCAF green, and the Hawks should make their impact felt in this game. We also think that this team will upset Nojika.
Manhattan Prime - This will be the first time that Lamoni will have faced Manhattan Prime, but the analysts feel that Lamoni should have this game in the bag as well.
Looking at our group overall, Lamoni should have a really good time unless something breaks down really, really drastically for the Hawks.
Let's look at how the analysts think that the group standings will look when all is said and done:
1. Lamoni
2. Nedalia
3. Legalese
4. Nojika
5. Manhattan Prime |
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Reclaiming Past Glories
Several years ago the Autocracy withdraw from all international sports competitions. All? Well not quite all. We couldn’t walk away from the AOCAF. Not with priceless regional bragging rights at stake. Not to mention it’s the only tournament in which we can describe ourselves as former winners. Fixture congestion has meant the Hyppos have come into the past couple of competitions somewhat knackered. But with no World Cup to worry about now, the men in blue and white are rested and relaxed and ready for battle.
AOCAF Preview
Group 1
The beaten finalists in the past two tournaments come face to face in Group Telebaz as the Hawks of Lamoni take on the Lions of Nedalia. Both should qualify with ease. Advancing with them should be veterans Legalese and the ever underrated Nojika. Debutants Manhatten Prime will have their work cut out to avoid the wooden spoon.
Group 2
Starblaydia bla bla. 27 time AOCAF champions bla bla. Current holders bla bla. So on and so forth. Pacitalia should be the Purple Peril’s closet challengers after their third place finish four years ago. If they’re to have any chance of advancing from Group Verona the Islands of Qutar will need good results against Milchama and Mrytannia. But the Warriors have a decent AOCAF record while the Dryads have proven themselves to be no pushovers in the past.
Group 3
Perhaps the most fascinating of the groups is Group BazAir. Expect goals, goals and more goals when the Aroras of Bettia get going. Meanwhile former World Champions Bedistan will be looking to put right a distinctly average AOCAF record. Add to the mix the hosts. Bazalonia who will be looking to see just how far their vocal home support will take them. Did we mention Andossa Se Mitrin Vega? No? Well the talented Sea Dragons are in their too. As are those Necromancers from Dorian and Sonya. This one is much to close to call.
Group 4
Krytenia are the top seeds in Group Baza Publishing but like a number of big names on the world stage they’ve not achieved a whole lot in the AOCAF. A third place finish 32 years ago is as good as it’s got for the hosts of the first ever AOCAF tournament. And then there’s Hypocria. After a couple of poor tournaments the Hyppos' have dropped down to tenth in the rankings so some upward movement would be very nice. If there was an award for the world’s greatest underachiever it would have to go to the Lowland Clans. They’ve seemingly been around forever but the Clansmen have achieved . . . well nothing really. They should however be too good for Oliverry and Hiiraan who will be left fighting to avoid last place. |
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Not This Damnable Tourney Again
ASMV has cruised up the world rankings in the WC, but that has not been the case in the AOCAF. Despite being ranked 16th in the region, we have no illusions of granduer for this thing.
3 tourneys ago the ASMV B squad - now called the River Dragons defeated Starblaydia only to see those purple bastards steal the qualification spot from us on the final day.
2 tourneys ago it was much the same as ASMV held onto a spot until the final day, only to be leap-frogged by Bazalonia.
Last tourney was a little better. The River Dragons did qualify before bowing out after just one match without even a wimper.
So what does all that say of our chances this time around? Well, we are going to pick the River Dragons to win the whole damn thing. That's right. You heard it here first. And probably the only time you will hear it. The River Dragons will be AOCAF XV Champions.
Oh. Yeah. Reality Check. We just hope we can avoid a dead last finish in this thing. With Bettia, Bazalonia, Bedistan, and Dorian and Sonya that will be an accomplishment all by itself. |
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"And Welcome to the BazSports AOCAF 15 Round Up, Let's have a look at all the teams that are vying to be the 15th AOCAF Champion. We'll start with Group
TeleBaz, of course sponsored by the national landline and mobile phone communications carrier TeleBaz."
"Let's start with Nedalia"
An image of the Nedalian roster appeared on the Screen.
"2nd in the region, only Starblaydia is above them but have Vilita nipping at their heels. They are expected to make it to the finals but in soccer you never know a team like Mrytannia or even out very own Bazalopes might just cause an upset."
"Lamoni, *roster appears* our allies and very good friends. 8th in the region and are expected to perform very well. They have a good chance to make it to the semi-finals but might also make the finals."
"Nojika, barely ranked above Bazalonia, the team that took up the last spot in the third seedings pot for the draw. Despite the thrid seed, not much is expected of them. Their FA have not even posted a roster. They may well find themselves with the wooden spoon if they are not careful."
"Legalese, a nation of lawyers, why these lawyers are so interested in soccer is anyones guess but they will try their best and there may be a writ or two coming out of them. They should make the knock-out round but probably would fail at the Round of 16 or the quarter finals."
"Manhattan Prime, A new nation to the AOCAF and they will most likely struggle against Nojika to avoid thwe wooden spoon and an early elimination from the tournament."
"Now onto Group Verona, Sponsored by the Bazalonian Car company Verona Inc, Makers of Automobiles for all occasions, featuring The Prospero. We'll start with Starblaydia."
The picture of the Starblaydi roster appears
"All teams are going to find it hard against the Powerhouse of Purple that is the Starblaydi AOCAF squad. Starblaydia are also favourites for a 6th straight run at the title and a guaranteed spot at the top of the AOCAF table for the next AOCAF."
"Pacitalia, *image of the Pacitalian roster appears* ranked 11 in the word Pacitalia is going to have a hard slog to gain any points against the Blur of Purple that is Starblaydia. The only question now is, how many points it can get against the others in the group."
"Milchama, the Jewish warriors might have a bit of trouble with the rest of the group. Mrytannia is a strong team and getting stronger and looking at their World Cup performance so far. Island of Qutar is not a team to take lightly. They may just end up in last position with both Mrytannia and Islands of Qutar overtaking them."
"Mrytannia, *roster appears*a team that could very well pull an upset against Milchama and Pacitalia but Starblaydia in our opinion is still a too powerful force for them to take the championship. They'll most likely finish above their seeding."
"Islands of Qutar, Another new team, the 2nd of three. Islands of Qutar is a powerful team in the World Cup but here in Atlantian Oceania is another matter all together. They may be able to over throw some of the weaker established teams but they will need to spend this time getting used to the AOCAF, it's very different to the World Cup and they may struggle because of that."
"And now onto Group BazAir, sponsored by The national Airline Carrier BazAir. It also happens to be the Group where our very own BazaB team is. However we will start off with Bettia."
*image of roster appears*
"The first seeds in BazAir and ranked 5 in the world. Bettia's all attacking and no-defense mantra will most likely cause all Bettian games to be high-scoring. The only question is what is going to be the biggest score? Though Bettia is not going to have it all their own way."
"Bedistan, The Bedistani team is a team that demands respect whether in the World Cup or here in the AOCAF, It is unknown just how well the Bedistani's will do but with the tight group that is group BazAir all we know is anything is possible."
"Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, The Vegan's are going to have their work cut out for them as a recent slump and teams like our BazaB team and the Dorian & Sonyan Necromancers nipping at their heels."
"Bazalonia, Yep that's us. The highest ranked 4th seed, we expect to make good ground against the Vegans and may even upset Bedistan, we think Bettia is too far out of our league to make a difference all we know this is going to be the hardest group everyone is going to struggle to survive. At least no one can claim we rigged the draw. We hope that we could at least make it to the quarter finals if not the semis."
"Dorian & Sonya, The only 5th seeded team that has played in the AOCAF before. They may take the wooden spoon but it is just as likely for any of the group to take the wooden spoon. We are that close."
"And now Finally onto Group Baza Publishing, publishers of Fine Books such as 'Trevor Hunt and the Immortal Stone', 'Trevor Hunt and the Dungeon of Doom' and finally 'Trevor Hunt and the Secret of Penzance'. We'll start with Krytenia"
"Ranked Sixth in the region, the Stars the limit for Krytenia. We are expecting the Krytenians to face no real opposition until the later stages of the knockout round in the semi's where we think they will come to an end of their AOCAF campaign. The Hypocrians may manage an upset win but they should still remain first at the end of the first round."
"Hypocria, having bad luck in the World Cup is common for this respectfully placed team (rank 10), the only question is will it continue to happen in the AOCAF? They should still, even with the well known 'Hypocrian Luck' still make it easily through to the 2nd round. Where they go from there is anyone's guess."
"The Lowland Clans, the other potential, but unsuccesful, host for this AOCAF, ranked 12th in the world Hypocria and Krytenia will have to perform well to keep this team from over taking them. There should not be any problem with them making the 2nd round and they may just make the quarter finals too"
"Oliverry not much else to say but these French-speaking people may just get the wooden spoon and if they don't they probably would be quickly evicted as soon as the 2nd round started. They have a rank of 24 in the region."
"Hiiraan expected to take the wooden spoon for this group and will only evade this by a surprising good performance by themselves and a surprisingly bad performance by Oliverry."
"That's it for now. And the matches are only hours away. Stay tuned for live coverage of the matches as they occur and a synopsis of the days matches soon. BazSports, the nations home of Soccer." |
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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OOC: Scores for MD1 Posted here |
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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"BazaB Struggles Against the River Dragons" by Nev Gould
There was alot of talk about the "above seed" position that the Bazalonian BazaB team would enjoy by both national and international media, particularily noticing the Dorian and Sonyan's "Magical Run" article. However the BazaB's failed to take the most of the Most likely nation for them to beat. The Andossa Se Mitrin Vegan River Dragons. The BazaB's failed to get a goal in the back of the net and Paul Kanga let 2 Vegan goals through.
Richard Elete, the BazaB's main striker had one good opportunity when a Vegan Defender forgot they where in the penalty zone and fouled Richard as he was preparing to strike. However the shot went way too high and flew over the goal and into the crowd behind the goal.
One of the spectators a Bazalonian, was injured as the ball flew into the persons nose and broke it. The Ambulance was called but unfortunately that was not the only injury in the match, Michaela Dent was injured in the 53rd minute and Adam Rocherford was replaced. The injury was sustained as when Michaela went into slide to tackle a Vegan mid-fielder she started the slide in the wrong position. She did major to her calf muscle muscle Michaela is going to be out for the next 2 matches.
The Vegan's scored 2 goals but there was another couple of shots that could have been added to the Bazalonian humiliation on home soil but Simon Gilliard and Andrew Jakings combined to shut down those opportunities. The BazaB's now languish at the bottom of the BazAir group with Bedistan also being just ahead of them as they lost 2-1 to the offensive powerhouse of Bettia. |
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Bazalonia |
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Eating A Bazalope Burger |
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Back in Action, Dryads Tie Warriors
Myrtannia still both undefeated and winless vs. Milchama
HUGHESTOWN, Bazalonia - After a four-year hiatus, the Myrtannia Dryads picked up right where they left off in the AOCAF group stage as play opened up today. In a group that seems to be fairly well set up for predictions of who shall advance to the Round of 16, Myrtannia is expected to finish probably third in the group. Possibly fourth. Today, the Dryads repeated the same kind of result they most often saw at this stage in AOCAF XIV - a draw.
Once again, the opponent was Milchama, and once again, neither team could figure out how to take down the other. The match opened with the presentation of the national flags and anthems, during which the Myrtannian contingent at Stadium Verona seemed respectful enough. After that, they too picked up where they had left off. Noisy, rowdy, waving flags, wearing orange and sometimes blue, the Dryads Army seemed to have grown in size from AOCAF XIV.
When the match finally got underway, the Warriors managed to dampen their spirits somewhat. As is usual for a Myrtannian side, the opponents scored first, with the first goal coming 30 minutes in off of a free kick that nudged its way past Flo Krabel. With the scoreline Milchama 1 - 0 Myrtannia, the Warriors wouldn't rest, and found the net again right before the half, putting them up 2-0. Hardly the performance the Dryads had been hoping for.
"I kept thinking, 'haven't I seen this all before? It was like a bad dream replaying itself," assistant coach Rachell Gabino told the press, "We always seem to fall behind in the first half of things."
"It was about time to get something going, and I didn't want to see us start off our AOCAF campaign with a loss. So, like usual, I went into that locker room and busted some ears, trying to motivate the players to get right back in this," coach America McNany added.
As before in AOCAF XIV, the halftime talk seemed to work wonders, as the Dryads came out as a whole new football team. The defense, touted as having improved since AOCAF XIV, held the line whenever the Warriors tried to cut in during the second. Orpha Mega and Charolette Marrington in particular counfounded the Warriors' offensive efforts, and this indeed created opportunities for the offense to do its part for the orange and blue.
After playing a defensive twenty minutes, the Dryads went on the attack again, controlling the ball and looking for some daylight. It took a bit, but finally, there seemed to be some. Deeann Massetti had the ball, and was charging for the goal when two Milchaman defenders shot forward to stop her. In the blink of an eye, Massetti had passed the ball over to captain Dania Figary, who took the shot and hammered the ball into the upper right corner of the goal. All of the sudden, the crowd had a game on its hands, the scoreline at Milchama 2 - 1 Myrtannia.
"It was good, but it wasn't enough. We didn't have a whole lot of time left, and we needed an equaliser," Figary said after the match.
After the first goal, the Dryads continued to control the ball, and took several well-aimed shots that either deflected off a bar or were saved by the Warriors' goalkeeper. Finally, a long shot by September Rollock was narrowly blocked away from the goal and sent out of bounce after ricocheting off a Milchaman defender. It was time for a corner kick, and Daisey Martignago was only too happy to oblige. Martingago took in the situation, then moved up and put the ball into play - right over to teammate Rozalynn Gabino.
Gabino managed to outleap her Milchaman counterpart and head the ball into the goal. With a roar from the Dryads Army, Myrtannia got its equaliser. No further goals were to be scored, but the Dryads remained on the attack for most of what remained of the match. The last five minutes saw three near-misses that could have won the match for Myrtannia.
"It felt bad to miss 'em, but we'll certainly take a draw any day of the week in AOCAF play. It's better than a loss," Rollock stated, "The fewer losses we record, the better chance of getting into the last 16 is. If we can play with the same intensity we did in the second half for an entire match, we can probably compete with anybody."
The draw places the Drayds comfortably in contention for a knockout round fixture, as they sit at second place in Group Verona. Of course, it's only been one matchday, as well. As the Dryads themselves proved in AOCAF XIV, anything is possible. In the other in-group match, defending champion Starblaydia made a statement by butchering the Pacitalian national side 6-0. An impressive start for the top-ranked team in the region, and raises the question of whether anyone can stop them.
Mrytannia has a bye on Matchday Two, which they'll spend preparing for their next group match - another rematch with the purple powerhouse, Starblaydia. It's unclear just how these Dryads will do against the defending champions. Surely, Starblaydia's offense is monstrous - anyone who manages to score 6 on last AOCAF's third place winner has to be - but the most they've ever scored against Myrtannia is 4. That was the heartbreaking 1-4 loss in the semi-finals of AOCAF XIV. The only other times the two sides have faced one another were in group stage matches. One was a 0-2 victory for Starblaydia in AOCAF XIII, the other was the upset 2-1 Myrtannian win in the last AOCAF.
If Myrtannia's defense can keep up the intensity for 90 minutes, the Dryads might be able to force a draw with the champs. Victory doesn't seem to be likely, so expect Myrtannia to push for an even score ending to the match. However, if they find any openings, you can be sure they'll take them. Any of the Dryads forwards can score when given the opportunity, and if they get one against Big Purple especially, they'll eagerly take it.
With the way the rest of the group is turning out, it seems like Myrtannia might have an outside chance of finishing second in Group Verona. If they avoid losing too badly to Starblaydia, and defeat the staggering Pacitalians and the newcomer Islands of Qutar, the Dryads could certainly have a chance at pulling it out. A loss to Starblaydia, draw with Pacitalia, and win vs. Qutar might also see the Dryads through to the next round. Qutar remains an unknown entity, having never entered the AOCAF before.
Whatever happens, AIR 4 and the Dryads Army will be there to support the Myrtannia Dryads as they quest for a second straight knockout berth!
The final from Stadium Verona in Hughestown:
Myrtannia 2 - 2 Milchama
(Figary 67, Gabino 80) (30, 45) |
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Massacre at Stadium Three
Blue Foxes definitely not at top of their game in Purple Peril slaughter
DRAGO, BAZALONIA (PSN) -- Pacitalia and Starblaydia have opened their AOCAFs against each other three times in the last four championships. In the last two the Blue Foxes held their opponents to two draws, one 2:2, the other 1:1. And recently, in the Puntafora Football Invitational the two squads drew for a third time. However, it appears the Starblaydi were many times more frustrated about the continuous deadlock than the Pacitalian players, for they took their rage out on an unsuspecting and half-arsed-looking Blue Fox squad for a 6-0 drubbing to open the 15th AOCAF in Bazalonia.
Pacitalia's offence was literally non-existent in this opening match, proving it takes a lot more than luck and skill to win matches. It also takes determination, something that was, like goals, lacking from the Pacitalian squad this time around. The Blue Foxes earned themselves two shots total during the match, and neither were on target; adversely, the Starblaydi squad rocked the Blue Fox defence with a record thirty-two shots on goal for the Pacitalians' worst defeat ever in international competition.
The massive rocking by the Purple Peril has raised questions about whether manager Lindifeu Zentrescu made the right choice in selecting Angelo Bordellatta as the starting central defender. It was Bordellatta's first international cap in five years after being suspended from playing at this level in 2001 for a drug-use violation by the FdFP. He continued to play at league level and is considered to be in the best shape of his life but fans of the squad were concerned that his long vacation from international-level tournaments and thus an encroaching inexperience would hurt the team. And it appears they're right, for Bordellatta looked like he was back on crack Sunday afternoon, running erratically and staring aimlessly into the stands after being responsible for three straight goals past Cristianu Raduvani.
Veranace d'Amantano and Ambrosino Giurimano were miles off form Sunday, looking absolutely unable to solve the solid Starblaydi defence. Had they worked harder they might have been able to make a game of it but the blood bled swiftly from the carcass of the Blue Fox squad yesterday afternoon and it will take a miracle for the Blue Foxes to reverse their apparently sliding fortunes. Meanwhile, the midfield was solid as one would come to expect but, as you're taught from the beginning in football, all eleven players need to contribute one-hundred percent of their effort one-hundred percent of the time, not just three. Look for Andolfabio Vunghiasso and Michelangelo Mascagnano to make a concerted effort next match as they try to rally the squad in a way d'Amantano, the captain, was unable to do Sunday afternoon.
Chalk a hat trick up to legendary Starblaydi striker Dasha Tolkacheva, who scored a natural trio starting in the 22nd, with supplementary scores in the 34th and 55th. Adding insult to injury was fellow striker Lawrence Asante in the 64th while his replacement, substitute Durin Bazrimar, poured a little more salt in the wound in the 70th. Matteo Prizzoni, whose name sounds strangely Pacitalian, burned the Blue Foxes for that sixth goal in the 82nd. Pacitalia now face the Milchamans on match day two, who came off a 2-2 tie with upstart Myrtannia, who are proving very much that they are not a one-trick pony.
From Drago, Bazalonia:
Starblaydia 6 : 0 Pacitalia
STB: Tolkacheva 22', 34', 55'; Asante 64', Bazrimar 70', Prizzoni 82'
PAC: None
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Jul 16 2006, 11:54 PM |
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Pacitalia |
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The best place on earth. |
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Posts: 505 |
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Necromancers Ready For Bettia Challenge
The podium seemed huge as Melonie Gaffer of the Necromancers approached it for the Pre-match questions from the media at the AOCAF. Man, there were a lot more of these guys here than there were at the DI.
Reporter 1: “What would you consider your chances to be against #5 Bettia when you open play for this AOCAF?
Melonie: :Uh, 50/50 shot from what I can see. They are going to score, that’s for sure. But we can do some of that as well. They had a very tough match against Bedistan today and we hope that they feel some of that when they play us. It would be nice if they weren’t 100%.
Reporter 2: Reports from some arenas say that it is possible the Necromancers will take the wooden spoon. What have you to say about that?
Melonie: Could happen. Have you looked at Group Baz Air? It is bloody tough. The “killer Bs” as I call them will all do well.
Reporter 3: Do the Necromancers feel better over their chances this time around as compared to last AOCAF?
Melonie: No. and yes. Last time we were fortunate to get a fairly easy grouping to contend with and actually qualified. Fate wasn’t kind to us this time around. This group is tough. But we do have some experience now - both from AOCAF XIV and the 3rd DI. We are a better squad now than we were then.
Reporter 4: What will the Necromancers have to do to defeat Bettia?
Melonie: Score. Run. Score. Pray. Score. Grab oxygen. Score. Get the picture?
Reporter 5: What are the keys for D&S to do well in this tourney?
Melonie: Teamwork and solid play every match. Also refer back to my last answer. That’s all for now. More film on Bettia to study. |
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