|
 |
|
|
|
Df-Td
Blue Foxes one step closer to the shiny trophy...
GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- It took an inspiring challenge from an inspiring leader to rally the troops and force through the decisive goal, as Pacitalian captain Veranace d'Amantano did what he has become famous for over the last 11 years of his international career: scoring when it counts. He was the difference as the Blue Foxes narrowly edged Az-Cz 4-3, in a mindbendingly exciting battle of offensive prowess, to advance to their third semifinal match in eight AOCAF appearances.
It was a sunny day in a traditionally sunny capital city, as fans packed the Gasworks to watch some early first-half fireworks. A poor challenge by MH-Nb in the 22-yard box put Ambrosino Giurimano on the ground and summoned the ref, who promptly awarded the requisite shot but only cautioned the Az-Czzer midfielder. Giurimano converted to give the Blue Foxes a tenuous early advantage eleven minutes in.
Striker Fe-Do would make up for it seven minutes later, approaching the Pacitalian box and threading the needle between an unbelievable nine players and past Abro Zolà Meridiano, who couldn't even see the ball from the time it left Fe-Do's foot, to the time it rushed past him, low, into the net. The pink-and-green's fans erupted in celebration at the equaliser as the Blue Foxes hurried to the centre circle to start their counterattack and try to restore their lead.
That restorative goal came from the golden foot of Andreos Charisteas, who recorded his personal-best sixth of the AOCAF tournament on a low, concave shot to the bottom-left of the Az-Cz net. It was 2-1 going into halftime, and Saganyarov was only encouraging for his team, needling them into getting out and scoring a third very quickly in order to break the back of the Az-Cz offensive response. However, those opponents had other ideas and returned with a different kind of plan: equalise again. And boy, did they ever.
In one of the best goals so far this tournament, Fe-Do's linemate Gs-Kin swarmed the box and peeled off a rocket of a shot, one that curved pencil-thin around the outstretched knee of Sergio San' Cristobal, ascended on a near-perfect curve and just barely eluded the desperate fingertips of a hard-working Zolà Meridiano. The look on Saganyarov's face was not of frustration, but the good impression Gs-Kin left on pretty much everyone in the stands with the scorcher goal. With 39 minutes left and a scoring trend starting to emerge between the two sides, Saganyarov had to be wondering whether it would be his team scoring the crucial goal at the crucial moment, or whether his Blue Foxes would be going home prematurely.
Captain d'Amantano was running hardest of all eleven on the pitch at this point, challenging the front five into producing some more offence: it was time to get back to work and restore Pacitalia's lead. And after some great work by Andreos Charisteas to corral the ball, Andolfabio Vunghiasso and Michelangelo Mascagnano began a fantastic give-and-go. Just when Az-Cz keeper Za-Rv had committed to Masca, the central midfielder sent the ball under his falling right arm to a wide-open Fabio, who launched the ball determinedly into the dead centre of the Az-Cz net to regain a 3-2 advantage for the Blue Foxes. It didn't last very long and the celebrations and relief that had washed over the Pacitalian section of the stand was shut up almost instantly. Four minutes later, midfielder Zk-Rv had a knee-borne goal of his own, off a well-timed corner placed in the heart of the 22-yard box by MH-Nb. Stunned Blue Fox fans could only resort to covering their eyes and praying for a final goal by their hard-working players.
After that, the goals dried up (for the time being) and so did the offence. After an hour and five minutes of play the Blue Foxes held the advantage on shots, 20 to 19. That works out to a shot every 1.67 minutes. But a quarter-hour later the shot tally had levelled at 22 apiece. And none of those five shots were particularly good ones, just a test of each team's opponent to see if there were any weaknesses. Time was running out in the match and the two teams had looked like they were settling back for a likely extra-time period, yet praying it would not fall to penalties. It was only fitting that the captain rallied the troops and delivered the knockout punch to finally vanquish Az-Cz and secure a semifinals berth.
d'Amantano's shot nailed perfectly the very top-left corner of the back of the net, steaming full-speed ahead past Za-Rv's right mitt and in for a 4-3 advantage. And with just five minutes to go the air was let out of the Az-Cz balloon, the opponent finally sensing defeat and retreating to simply defend the final five (plus two stoppage) minutes of the match.
Questioned on whether the Blue Foxes would be here, sitting cautiously optimistic before their semifinal against Hypocria, if they hadn't had the penalty shot, the captain looked positively shocked at the thought of it. "Of course not - we had five or six goals in us, and I don't know why we didn't score that much, frankly. I'm positive our guys would have found a way to put through that winner if we hadn't gotten the early penalty shot -- and that's just it; it really was too early in the match to really count for anything later. If anything, it certainly didn't deter Az-Cz from strongly challenging us."
Saganyarov was visibly happy with the results, a smile playing the corners of his mouth. "We played a full, healthy ninety minute match today. We did great. The scoreline doesn't show it, but that's because our opponents were excruciatingly tough. They were a good match for us in every aspect, and hard to read for much of it. They capitalised on their chances like a top-calibre team and deserved every goal they scored, because they didn't quit until they knew it was truly over."
The manager says he won't muss or fuss too much with the roster before Saturday's marquee semifinal against seventh-ranked Hypocria. Saganyarov told the press scrum post-match that he will include all players in a light-as-gossamer scrimmage Saturday morning in preparation for the draw later that night. All players were cautiously optimistic about what the manager calls a "winnable match but an equally skilled opponent".
"I don't want them to think about the final yet," he said. "We have another tough match to go. We need to look at how we can win the semifinal first. I trust that they know this."
So, after, by anyone's standards, a very good tournament for a squad ranked 15th by the UAOFA, the pink-and-green bow out and will, without a doubt, return for AOCAF20 to defend what will obviously be an increased rank and reputation. For the Blue Foxes, a win will mean a finals berth against either Vilita & Turori (AOCAF16 champion) or Lamoni (AOCAF17 and 18 champion). A loss will mean a berth in the third-place playoff against either of those same two squads.
Saganyarov was asked what he thought of the Lamonian players calling their Krytenian quarters opponents "pathetic", despite only beating them 1-0. In fact, both of the Hawks' wins so far in the knockouts have been nailbiting, white-knuckle 1-0 wins. "It sounds like very unsportsmanlike behaviour to me. If anyone on this team used such strong words to describe an opponent, especially after already beating them around on the pitch, I'd bench them. I think if you ask anyone in the region they would agree the Hawks and their fans have the biggest chips on their shoulders, and they had that even before winning the last two championships. They think they are the universal bogeymen of the tournament but they haven't been up to snuff yet - very close wins, they've had to work hard to prove they deserve the top slot in the rankings, and they haven't really done so yet. They were four and two in the group stage, I believe? And haven't really done anything yet in the knockouts... I don't want to inflame any tensions here, though... I'm just telling it like it is."
In related news, the Lamonian media has once again defied a rule in the journalistic code of ethics by openly declaring support for the Hawks throughout the rest of the knockouts. Media observers such as the PBC's Media Watch host Monica Marzetti say "it doesn't reflect well on any broadcaster to make an obvious show of picking a side, and making bold predictions at that. It just doesn't look good. It doesn't encourage any positive debate about the issues on the table, even if the issue at hand is sport."
From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Pacitalia 4 : 3 Az-Cz
PAC: Giurimano 11' (p) / Charisteas 30' / Vunghiasso 58' / d'Amantano 85'
AZC: Fe-Do 18' / Gs-Kin 51' / Zk-Rv 62'
NEXT UP: PAC v HYP (SF), AZC v n/a (eliminated)
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Mar 31 2007, 04:26 AM |
 |
 |
|
Pacitalia |
|
The best place on earth. |
 |
|
|
|
Posts: 505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
, |
 |
|
|
|
Then There Were Four
Brian Cahill reporting from Grappenhall, Bettia.
For the second AOCAF tournament in succession the Hyppos' have reached the final four. After defeat to eventual champions Lamoni four years ago the blue and whites are back and hoping to go one better this time around. And take another step towards winning a friend for the lonely AOCAF trophy that sits in the Hyppodrome's Hall of Honours back in Hypocrium.
It could however have been so different on a balmy evening in Grappenhall as the quarter final between Hypocria and Bazalonia swung one way and then the other. On numerous occasions in the past the Hyppos have choked on the big occasion but so far Javi Chavez has instilled a real sense of fearlessness in their play. Even so, with four quarter final defeats in past AOCAFs to their name, an element of nerves in the Autocracy’s finest was understandable.
This nerves were there for all to say as the Bazalopes took the lead in front of a sold out crowd at the Campus Ground. Everrett Kang picked up the ball and attacked the penalty area, Ocella backed off when he should have challenged which allowed the forward to pick his spot and side foot the ball low, beyond the diving Kutasi.
But while the Hyppos’ are good at letting the goals slip in at one end, they’re even better at banging them home at the other. And once again it was Alex Sousa, having the tournament of his life, who dragged the side back on terms. When Vardanyan was fouled twenty five yards from the Bazalonian goal Sousa stepped up and, playing in his thirty fourth AOCAF fixture, he cracked in his twenty second AOCAF goal. He struck it up and over the wall and the ball crashed against the underside of the bar and dropped behind the line, despite a valiant last ditch effort from the keeper.
When the men in blue and white score one a second is normally not far behind. Sure enough it was 2 - 1 five minutes later. This time Baxter was the architect. The winger drove down the right hand touchline. He played it inside to Marica, took the return pass and drilled in a wicked, out-swinging cross. The ball eluded everyone except Victor Razin who threw himself at the cross and got his head to the ball to beat Kanga.
With their noses in front the confidence returned and the Autocracy’s finest started dominating the play. Suddenly every pass was finding it’s target, every player was finding space and chances were created. Fortunately Kanga was up to the challenge. New coach Chavez has spent a lot of time in the training camps and preparation games working on set pieces and with the clock showing thirty six minutes that work paid dividends. The Hyppos’ won a corner and Baxter shaped to swing it in but instead cut the ball back short to Sousa. He too feinted to play in a deep cross but played it square to Marica who arrived on the edge of the D and fired the ball through the crowd and into the back of the net. It was a goal that brought the blue and white army to their feet and caused joyous celebrations on the pitch and in the technical area. They had one foot in the final four.
A 3 - 1 half time lead would have been ideal. Sadly it wasn’t to be. Once again the blue and white clad back four proved they are defenders in the very loosest sense of the word. Teale came forward from his fallback position but a sloppy pass gifted play to the opposition. Yunn took up the ball and drove into the space Teale should have been covering. The Bazalonia captain cut inside, beat Kordan with a fine nutmeg and fired a bullet of a shot past the keeper. As the half time whistle blew and with the score at 3 - 2 the game was very firmly back in the balance.
After a fairly breathless first forty five minutes the second half started at a much lower tempo. But as the minutes ticked past the Bazalonians began to get increasingly desperate. They pushed more and more players forward and got caught by a sucker punch. Hypocrian captain Hunter won the ball from Hampstead and sprayed a long pass forward to Vardanyan. The striker charged into the wide open space between him and the Bazalonia goal. As he entered the penalty area Kanga rushed out to face him. Vardanyan tried to chip the ball over the advancing Kanga but the Bazalonian stopper got finger tips to it, just enough to turn the effort wide of the post. But the keeper’s heroics meant nothing as from the corner Kordan rose highest to power home a header to break Bazalonian hearts and send the Hyppos’ into the AOCAF semi final for the second successive tournament.
Hypocria 4 - 2 Bazalonia
Sousa
Razin
Marica
Kordan
In the other quarter final games the hosts, Bettia, were the competition's biggest loss. The Arora’s tournament ended courtesy of an extra time winner for Vilita/Turori. As the second seeds bow out the other two games went according to the predictions. The in form Blue Foxes’ streak goes on with a narrow 4 - 3 win over Az-cz, while the reigning champions edged out Nedalia by a single goal to nil.
Semi Final Preview
Hypocria (7) v Pacitalia (6)
What a game this should be. The tournaments two best sides will might in Gabalfa with a place in the final at stake. And as things stand there’s not a lot seperating the Hyppos and Blue Foxes. Both sides have won all their games so far, both accumilated an impressive 24 points in the group stages and both sides have smashed 30 goals past unfortunate goalkeepers in just eight games. But, perhaps crucially, the Foxes have an even leakier defence than the Autocracy.
At Under-21 level the Hyppos’ became a real bogey side for the Pacitalians, beating them at three successive U21 World Cups, knocking them out of two, but at senior level the teams have met rarely. Way back at AOCAF XII in Chicanada the Hyppos’ triumphed 2 -1. Eight years later it was the Foxes who took the spoils. That second game has gone down as one of the nation’s most crushing defeats in any competition. It was a second round game at AOCAF XIV and the Hyppos’ throw away a big lead to eventually lose 5 - 3. A defeat whose reverberations lead to the sacking of the coach and an entire overhaul of the nation’s football structure. And worryingly that defeat happened right here, in Bettia.
But history is of little concern for Hyppo coach Javi Chavez.
“I’ve heard all about the 5 - 3. In fact I remember watching the highlights on TV. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a comeback like that. But that was a long time ago, it means nothing now. Now we have this semi final and only this semi final to focus on.”
And when asked about his side’s chances the coach responded confidently.
“I honestly think all the pressure will be on our opponents. Firstly they’re the higher ranked side so that makes them favourites right from the outset. And they’ve been tipped to win this damned tournament for a couple of decades now. Who the hell has ever tipped us? But whatever happens it‘s sure to be a cracking game.”
Verdict: Fingers and toes crossed.
Lamoni (1) v Vilita/Turori (5)
In the other semi two AOCAF veterans do battle for the other place in the final. Reigning champions Lamoni are looking for a third triumph on the spin while V/T are looking to take the trophy back to the Tropics for the fourth time. Neither side has looked brilliant here in Bettia, V/T leaked five goals in losing to Az-cz and Lamoni lost two games in their group, including one to lowly Delesa. But in the knockout rounds both nations have shown their true colours. Vilita/Turori may have taken out the hosts, and reigning champions of the world, Bettia. But Lamoni have yet to concede a goal in their wins over big names Nedalia and Krytenia.
Verdict: Three in a row still on the cards.
Next . . .
Hypocria v Pacitalia (The Gasworks, Gabalfa) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Eel Cat Things Swim & Claw through to the Semi-Finals
The Eel-Cat things walked out with a host of confidence, returning from their brief holiday in the cove. They looked a bit rusty, however, and the first half an hour was a bit of a stalemate with neither side looking much like attacking. A moment of brilliance, however, from Kristofer Kilpter, finally injected some action into the game and the dual-nationality striker finished the job putting Vilita & Turori up 1-0 in the 34th minute. Delesa did not give up the fight, however, and they were able to equalize just before half time through Michael McShane after a Jason Clare freekick. Coach Ezis could not have been a happy man at the half level with a team many considered inferior to the Vilita & Turori side who had been AOCAF finalists in 2 of the previous 3 tournaments.
The performance in the second half was once again not worthy of AOCAF champions, and looked destined for extra time. Just, however, as he did in the first half, Kristofer Kilpter awoke from slumber to produce a moment of brilliance to give Vilita & Turori the lead. The shot was not worthy of the run, but the uneven pitch aided the ball and seemed to catch Delesan goalkeeper Travis Topper off guard, and it will be heartbreaking for the Delesan goalkeeper as he's watched the goal that has knocked his team out of the tournament roll right between his legs. Vilita & Turori held on with little pressure over the final few minutes, advancing to the Quarter Finals in less than impressive fashion.
The victory over Delesa resulted in another matchup with Bettia in the Quarter Finals. The history between the two teams is getting deeper as each AOCAF goes on, and a real rivalry is brewing between the Regional Founders and the current World Cup Champions and AOCAF hosts. In the previous AOCAF, the two sides met in a stabbing affair in the Round of 16, with Vilita & Turori coming away 4-2 winners before being knocked out in the Quarter Finals. During AOCAF 16, it was the Semi-Finals, perhaps the most hair-raising affair between the two sides yet, with a place in the AOCAF final on the line, which Vilita & Turori capitalized on in lifting the trophy in their first attempt as a united entity. But this meeting would have a different feeling. The other matches all took place on neutral ground, in someone else's AOCAF cup. This one takes place right in the heart of Bettia, in the sea of blue. Clearly, Vilita & Turori were going to need more than just their red kits to get through on this one. In completely unoriginal fashion, The Football Associations of Vilita & Turori got toegether, and made a quick decision. If the fancy glasses work for the Bettians, then the fancy glasses can work for Vilita & Turori. Vilita & Turori's glasses, however, had to be more intimidating.
For once, the expert predictions weren't too far off, suggesting that this matchup of two Regional Powers in the truest of forms was too close to call for the Lamonian media. This prediction was echoed onto the pitch as the two sides found themselves deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Substitute Bryn Setiawan had a great opportunity to seal the game for Bettia with a surprisingly powerful shot that had Jimmy Jaded beat in the Vilita & Turori goal. Fortunately for Vilita & Turori, the ball careemed off the cross-bar and back 30 yards into the field of play. Resaie Kentiak was able to pick up the ball and spot Lotuta Kanzai unmarked in the center circle. Kentiak played a long ball over the top allowing Kanzai to run onto it with his pace. With only Bettian keeper Sion Gardner to beat, Kanzai made no mistake, taking his shot from 20 yards with the keeper advancing, and finding the bottom right corner with little difficulty, a goal worthy of seeing the Eel-Cat things through to the Semi-Finals, which it would as the referee would soon blow his whistle for the end of Extra-Time, giving Vilita & Turori the ultimate victory over its rival Bettia in a knockout match on Bettian soil.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Sore Bettians Steal Kits
Just hours after Vilita & Turori knocked rivals Bettia out of the AOCAF on their own soil, the Bettians have seemed to have resorted to the low tactics that one could only assume from gasheads of the type. As first reported by Lamoni's LBC 2, the "Psychadelic" kits that Vilita & Turori have been using for the past AOCAF's, bar matches against Bettia where the change Red kit has been used, were stolen. In their place, leaving no doubt that the culprit was a local thief loyal to Bettia and bitter about the match result, were a run of Blue Kits. The Vilita & Turori head coach Ricky Ezis spoke at a makeshift press-conference about the matter.
"Yes, we've had a matter of security within our locker room after the match. The lads had all gone out to celebrate the win and invited the staff with them too, it was a massive win and everyone wanted to enjoy it. Usually the staff will have packed all the equipment up, but on this night they decided to leave it until the morning. When they got their in the morning, our normal kits were gone and a box full of blue kits in their place with a smile on the box. Strangely, the Red kits were untouched.
Obviously, we have no intentions of wearing this all blue kit in our Semi-Final matchup with Lamoni. We are offering the Blue Kits, in mint and perfect condition, as a reward for any Bettian, or anyone in the area, who can give us information that leads to the safe return of our kits. We are additionally aware that wearing our change Red Kits is not an option against our next opposition, Lamoni. Thankfully, we do have an alternative. While we were planning to save them for the final if we reached that stage, we have already produced our kits for the next AOCAF, and they are on their way to Bettia right now, you will find an image of the next generation Vilita & Turori AOCAF kit in your press pack which will be handed to you as you exit the room. Thank you for your time.
The journalists began exiting the room, as the first, from Az-Cz, opened the press pack, an audible grunt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
V/T gets new kits
After the theft of their normal 'ugly' kits from their own locker room, the Vilita/Turori coach held a press conference where he accused "Someone loyal to Bettia" of the heist. As proof, V/T coach Ricky Ezis talked about the 'all blue' kit as if it were proof of his claims.
However, there are unanswered questions. If the theif was Bettian, then why were the V/T red kits left alone? Who was supplying security to the V/T AOCAF HQ? And finally, what will V/T do with their new kits?
At least one of those questions has an answer. In the above mentioned press conference, Coach Ezis offered the blue kits as a reward to anyone who helped them track down where their old kits had gone to.
As the press conference ended; however, every reporter that attended was given a press pack containing a lot of information, and something more. That something more is the new V/T AOCAF kit, and we must say that it looks much better than the old kit.
As you can see, the kit starts with the Vilitan crescent and star. There are concentric rings around them that reach one of the three other noteworthy designs on the kit. First, there is the Turorian emblem on the right sleeve. Second, there is a series of curving black lines that reach from the bottom left of the kit towards the star and crescent. Finally, there is the Vilitan flag stripe, with the Vilitan three diamond rocket looking thing below it.
Clearly, these new kits are a positive improvement on the old ones. |
|
|
 |
|
Lamoni |
|
Democratic Maniac |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 1952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Nice work guys  It's RP cutoff time again... |
|
|
 |
|
Bettia |
|
We don't do defence |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Match of tournament titans ends the way it should - close
Blue Foxes eke out one-goal victory to seal first-ever AOCAF finals berth
GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- It's official. The Blue Foxes have rounded the corner in the knockouts maze, and the gleaming silver trophy is beckoning from its very core, just out of the reach of the sprinting, wanting, lusting players who have worked so hard just to get to this point. Today's match was the stuff of fairytales, a classic fable of determination, poise, skill and tenacity... from both sides. A fight to the death, a finals berth at stake. And room for only one.
The Blue Foxes came out flying early, determined to secure their first finals berth in team history. Captain Veranace d'Amantano ran like the wind in the first ten minutes, leading the attack, coordinating the corners play and engineering stunning crosses. But instead of setting up the first goal, he was the one to find the ball at his feet with an open net, Georgi Kutasi straining to get back into position. But d'Amantano's right foot didn't fail him in its swift response to the advantage and the Blue Foxes were up 1-0 after nine minutes. It was another ten later that his linemate, Ambrosino Giurimano, converted an Andolfabio Vunghiasso corner to double the Blue Foxes' lead and cap off a fast 2-0 start in under 20 minutes.
But all that the offensive assault did was awaken an, up until that point, sleeping giant, and the Autocracy responded with a handful of offensive counterattacks in the 24th, 27th and 33rd. It was in the 37th that star forward Alex Sousa broke through the Pacitalian halfback line, found space, and railed off a straight-as-an-arrow missile to the back of the net from nearly 40 yards out to snip the Blue Foxes' lead in half heading into the halftime break. A similar scoreline now faced the Foxes in relation to their quarterfinals matchup against Az-Cz. The scoreboard reading two goals to one at the halfway checkpoint: would the trend continue, and could the Foxes hold this lead, or at least match the Autocracy goal for goal until time ran out? Saganyarov came back out in encouragement of his team, telling them to focus on what they would achieve if they held onto this lead.
In the face of equally-skilled and equally-determined competition, they just couldn't hold it much longer in the face of an increasingly intensified Hypocrian attack, their opponents determined to equalise and put the Blue Foxes back to work. Indeed, fifteen minutes into the second half it was Victor Razin punching in from the left side around Ferdinando Imperino and Giovanni Manta, finding space and entering the box to slide the ball underneath Abro Zolà Meridiano to stun the fans (yes, even the Autocracy's fans were speechless at the equaliser). Everyone in the stadium went silent, awed by the skill and tempo the two sides were displaying as they furiously battled the final minutes away for a crack at the cup.
Who would score the winner? Who would get a chance at Vilita & Turori or Lamoni in the final?
Thirteen minutes remaining... and that time proved to be unlucky for the Autocracy.
On a routine counterattack, Michelangelo Mascagnano avoided Rafael Marica's slide tackle, Craig Marilier's clumsy-footed challenge and Pavel Ocella at the back before passing right to Ambrosino Giurimano. The Magician passed to a wide-open Andreos Charisteas just as Kutasi tried to close up on the ball, and the right midfielder promptly packed away his seventh of the tournament, jumping and screaming, fists punching the air as he ran to the corner flag, falling to his knees in exuberant celebration. His teammates dogpiling him, the fans rejoiced in utter insanity as they witnessed history being made. Now the Foxes just had to hold on for dear life.
And they did. No attacks, no equalisers, just a trip to the finals for the first time for those lovable little vulpines.
Even if the Blue Foxes lose to the Eel-Cat Thingys in the AOCAF19 final at famed Tiddles Park, they've made history and performed arguably the best of any Pacitalian entrant into this competition: the Foxes have locked up at least a second-place finish. That thought alone makes them proud.
"We've come a long way," captain d'Amantano said in response. "I mean... nine wins in a row... and it takes ten... one win more... to finally get our hands on the damn elusive cup... I can barely believe it myself."
Manager Sergei Saganyarov was exercising restraint at the press scrum. "They're so close now they can taste it. I can see the determination in their eyes in a way I couldn't have even described to you before this match. They played another full ninety-minute match against a tough opponent and their hard work paid off. Now all bets are off - it's fifth-seed against sixth-seed for all the marbles. We can do this."
Saganyarov seems to be losing his grizzly-bear image, softening up significantly as the team progresses closer to its dream of winning the AOCAF championship. Since Pacitalia's 2-0 win over Quakmybush, "The Bear" has gone from enraged to encouraging, nudging his team to victory rather than instilling fear within them. Up to this point, it seems to have paid off.
The coach has scheduled an early curfew and a hearty supper for the team, allotting a mandatory eight hours of rest before an easy-going scrimmage takes place in the morning. Players will be encouraged to listen to music on their MP3 players to calm them down in the space between the match, which kicks off late in the afternoon following the third-place playoff between the Hyppos and Hawks.
Hawks have their wings clipped
In the second semifinal held later in the day, Vilita & Turori crucified an overconfident Hawks side, doubling them up 2-1. The Eel Cat Thingys didn't stop until the final whistle blew, still steaming over the theft of their original kits. One fan who watched the match on television said "it was embarrassing to witness - the Vilitan-Turoris scored twice and then were just running around the pitch with the ball the rest of the match. I almost felt sorry for the Hawks... almost."
Thus, surely, fans around the region are rejoicing, some more than others, at the news that the Lamoni squad, who came in expecting a third-straight title, were humbled by Vilita & Turori after predicting a big win for themselves. The Lamonian media has certainly been eerily quietest of all since the shocking upset by the Eel Cat Thingys. The message from the Blue Foxes to the Hyppos as they shook hands and walked off the pitch together was clear: we're having a barbecue Monday night. All the region is invited, and you're the guests of honour. The main dish... will be Hawk.
From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Pacitalia 3 : 2 Hypocria
PAC: d'Amantano 9' / Giurimano 19' / Charisteas 77'
HYP: Sousa 37' / Razin 60'
NEXT UP: PAC v VNT (F), HYP v LAM (3PPO)
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Apr 1 2007, 03:35 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
Pacitalia |
|
The best place on earth. |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Hyppos’ Outfoxed
Brian Cahill reporting fro Gabalfa, Bettia.
So that’s it for another four years. The dream of reclaiming the AOCAF title is over yet again but this time there’s no bitter aftertaste. The blue and white army that travelled to Bettia to cheer on their heroes as well as the untold millions, perhaps billions, watching back in the Autocracy were delighted, despite more semi final heartache. They’ve seen their side go on a record breaking run of wins and they’ve witnessed some of the finest attacking displays of football ever put on by those in the blue and white of Hypocria. And there is no shame in losing to a better side.
It was a truly mouth watering encounter between the two form teams of this AOCAF. A fact not lost on the hierarchy at HyperSport who advertised their live coverage every fifteen minutes on all five of their channels. Replays of goals and celebrations, both Hypocrian and Pacitalian, adorned screens the length and breadth of the country in the run up to the big game. The government even announced a national holiday on the day of the match, spotting that as so few people would turn up for work anyway they may as well make it an official day off. And, as Evan Hunter and Veranace d'Amantano led the teams out, a record domestic television audience were settling down to take in all the action.
So to the match and, in front of a packed out Gasworks in the Bettian capital, it was the Blue Foxes that did all the early running and it wasn’t long before . . .
“. . . he has such an excellent football brain. And here he is unmarked! Was there ever a doubt? D’Amantano accepts the gift without breaking stride. It’s the captain who leads from the front. It’s 1 - 0 Pacitalia.”
A number of reaction shorts showed the keeper with his arms outstretched, asking just where exactly his defence went. And the coach on the touchline, shaking his head before turning away in disgust. He’d worked so long and hard trying to improve his side’s defensive qualities but once again they had been found wanting. And it would get worse . . .
“So a corner to the Blue Foxes. It will be Vunghiasso to take it. He plays it into the middle. And it’s there! It’s in! I think it was Giurimano who got the touch. Ambrosino Giurimano takes the plaudits. It’s 2 - 0 Pacitalia! And Hypocria are sinking without trace.”
Further reaction shots and this time a glimpse of Chavez throwing a water bottle to the turf in fury. How often had he worked on defending simple set pieces. It was basic and yet his side had conceded. It was infuriating and he yet his players know exactly that. Finally, urged on from the technical area, the Hyppos at last found their tempo. Vardanyan went close on twenty four minutes before Marica was denied by a smart stop from the keeper. And after Vardanyan manufactured, but missed, a third chance there was a sense that the tide could be turning. Sure another the Autocracy’s finest found a way back, and in spectacular fashion . . .
“Here is Sousa now. What a tournament he’s had. I think he may have a go from . . . oooohhhh! What! A! Goal! Alex Sousa with an absolute screamer from what must have been forty yards out. He’s scored some crackers in his team but that could top them all. He’s done it again, he’s dragged them right back into it. It’s 2 - 1.”
And so it was at the interval. The match posed delicately in the balance. The two coaches working their magic in the changing rooms as the crowd chewed on their half time snacks and chatted about the action. High above them the big screens showed first half highlights.
The action began again and it was the Hyppos, starting this half like they finished the first, who had the better of the play. They played with passion and purpose, surely an equaliser would come. And it did . . .
“Baxter now. Finding some space down that right hand side. He plays it in. Razin arriving! And he’s done it! Victor Razin has done it! He stole in between two defenders and slide the ball past the keeper. His fourth of the tournament. It’s 2 - 2 now and the dream is alive again!”
The players mobbed the goalscorer. In the dugout coach Chavez pumped both his arms in delight. Most of the crowd looked on in stunned silence. Which way would it go?
At 2 - 2 the game was really in the balance and everyone, be them on the pitch, in the stands or in their living rooms back in Pacitalia and the Autocracy knew it. Surely one goal either way now would settle it. And sure enough one goal would settle it. A goal that caused unconfined delight and huge heartache in equal measure. . .
“ Mascagnano skips past the challenge. And another. And a third! What a run this is. He finds Giurimano. In for Charisteas! Goal! Goal for Pacitalia! And you’ve got to say that’s brilliant. Beautifully worked and wonderfully executed by Andreos Charisteas. Is that the goal that sends the Blue Foxes to Tiddles Park?”
Short answer, yes. With their noses in front the Pacitalians clung on like their lives depended on it and the Hyppos didn’t even get a sniff of a chance to level it up again. The full time whistle blew and Pacitalia were advancing to the final.
On the whistle the stadium rose to applaud both sets of players. The blue and white army chanted the names of everyone of the players they had come to see, as well as the coach. And then they applauded the Pacitalian players too, as they did their lap of honour. The two coaches exchanged a hand shake and a few words, Chavez wishing his opposite number luck in the final, before following both sets of players down the tunnel.
Hypocria 2 - 3 Pacitalia
Sousa
Razin
At the post match press conference Javi Chavez remained upbeat,
“My boys were in top form. Someone had to go that extra mile to beat them and today someone did. We’ve lost to the best side in this tournament, where’s the disgrace in that? Of course I could criticise some of our defending and our general play at times but I‘m not going to go into that. My players gave me everything they had today and I‘m delighted. Obviously I wish the result had gone the other way but the better side won. I can't argue with that.”
Even the morning papers, normally so damning, sympathised with their team.
The Goal That Broke 4 Billion Hearts was how the Herald reported it.
Blue Foxes Edge Epic Clash said the Examiner.
Soap Star in Sextape Shock! screamed the Mirror. And below, in much smaller letters, Sousa Stunner Not Enough.
Now attention turns to the third place playoff against Lamoni, whose dreams of a third successive title were ended by fifth seeds Vilita/Turori in the other semi.
Well not exactly attention. Everyone’s focus will of course be on the final itself where the Eel Cat Things will be looking to take the AOCAF back to the Tropics for the fourth time in its history. But the Pacitalian Blue Foxes are on a dream run and will be hoping to finish it off in style, with a well deserved trophy.
This post has been edited by Hypocria on Apr 1 2007, 08:37 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Eel Cat Things Triumph over Hawks
As the Vilita & Turori Eel Cat things stepped out onto the pitch for the first time in their next generation AOCAF kits, a strange thing was happening. Typically as Vilita & Turori enter the field for an AOCAF match their opponents cover their eyes or barf, resulting from either the 'psychedelic' kits that have since been stolen, or the red kits used against Bettia. But the Lamonians were not covering their eyes, and the Lamonians were not barfing. In fact, some of the Lamonians were even going so far as to complement the players on the way they looked in the new kits. The reaction was not something Vilita & Turori were accustomed to. In fact, the Eel Cat things were used to controlling the early part of play in a match as a result of their opposition needing additional time to play on the same pitch as a squad wearing the kits that Vilita & Turori were wearing. They wouldn't have that luxury this time. The Lamonians seemed as if they'd studied the kit from front to back before the match and had even grown quite fond of it. A difficult task, a rematch of the AOCAF 16 and AOCAF 17 finals. This time, it was not the trophy, but a place in the final that was at stake, but neither team was going to make the mistake of looking beyond this day as the titans of Atlantian Oceania did battle.
As if the road could get any tougher for the Eel-Cat things. After knocking out World Cup Champions Bettia in the Quarter Finals, Vilita & Turori were faced with the task of knocking out the defending AOCAF champions in the Semi-Finals if they looked to return to the final. The atmosphere in the stadium was so electric that the players could not hear the referee blow his whistle to start the match, however, the match finally got underway as the referee used a hand motion to signal the start to the players. From the outset, the Hawks put Vilita & Turori back on their heels as Drugah Farani dribbled past three Eel-Cats in the center of the pitch before striking an ambitious 35 yard attempt at goal that nearly caught Jimmy Jaded off guard. The ball had lots of movement and was very well struck, confining Jaded to do no more than punch the difficult strike out of play for a corner kick to the opposition within the first minute. Vilita & Turori responded however with a powerful header from Juricao Nutaha to clear the danger of the corner kick, and broke the other way through Resaie Kentiak. The match would continue a high paced affair until the 32nd minute when a horrifying challenge from Marcel Gutkowski came in on Turorian midfielder Ceika Mlaka. The young midfielder had to be stretchered off the pitch but Gutkowski escaped with no more than a yellow card, the games first booking. Unable to return to play, Mlaka was substituted out in favor of Ereuaua Nubaua who looked lively creating chances right from the get go.
Nubaua's enthusiasm would result in the first goal of the match, as the rest of the players seemed a bit exhausted from the high-tempo first half an hour, Nubaua was able to close down every ball making it pay off 5 minutes from the half when he intercepted a weak pass intended for Nolan Voskamp. Nubaua ran unmarked towards the right corner of the penalty area drawing two defenders to him leaving Zemloi Amafaira unmarked at the top of the box. A cheeky spin gave Nubaua some room to pass and Amafaira could make no mistake from there as he put Vilita & Turori one goal up just before the half much to the delight of the Eel Cat things supporters at the North End of the ground. Amafaira would have a chance to put the Eel Cat things two up just moments later as he found space on the right, but his sharp angle shot could only find the side netting for the last bit of action in the first half.
The Hawks made two half time substitutions and America Mcnany's team talk must have done the trick as Lamoni came out clearly the better side in the second half. Chances from Kendrick Zingg, Elwood Steffee and Drugah Farani all required saves from Jimmy Jaded in the Vilita & Turori net, and the Eel Cat things found little in the way of attack until just before the hour when a 20 yard strike from Kristofer Kilpter struck the arm of Marcel Gutkowski on the edge of the box. The Eel Cat players were screaming for a penalty kick and the fans were chanting 'off! off! off!' knowing that Gutkowski should have been off receiving just a yellow card in the opening 45, but the referee took no action much to the distain of Vilita & Turori head coach Ricky Ezis. The decision would perhaps prove to haunt the Eel Cat things as Lamoni rebounded just 4 minutes later to equalize. Substitute Zan Quest fired a shot from just inside the penalty area forced a corner to be conceded by Jimmy Jaded, and it would once again be Quest who found the ball off the corner kick, powering home back across the face of goal leaving Jimmy Jaded no chance as the 1-1 goal injected new life into the game.
Just as the match looked to get interesting, it took a turn for the worse for the Hawks. 18 minutes from possible extra time, it was another poor challenge from Marcel Gutkowski that finally caused the referee to respond, earning the Lamonian midfielder his second yellow card of the day and a dismissal from the match, leaving his side a man short for the remainder. While they had been controlling much of the play in the second half, the sending off seemed to effect the Hawks fluidity and Vilita & Turori were beginning to look much more dangerous coming forward. Ricky Ezis opted to use a second substitution to bring the fresh legs of Lotuta Kanzai onto the pitch and the Eel Cat things raised the tempo, exactly what the 10-man Hawks did not want. Despite some good passing and upfield movement, however, the Hawks were holding their line and Kanzai along with Kristofer Kilpter were called offsides 5 times within a 10 minute period as the 90 minutes closed in. Finally, however, Vilita & Turori beat the offside trap as Kanzai played a cutting ball right into the path of Kilpter who found himself one on one with the keeper. As the keeper charged forward Kilpter sidestepped before knocking the ball wrong footed into the back of the net sending joy through the hearts of the Vilita & Turori supporters, and breaking those of the Lamonian faithful at the same time.
Having taken the late 2-1 lead, coach Ricky Ezis used his one final substitution, taking out Kilpter to a large applause from the Eel Cat supporters, and inserting defender Weruia Juabja. The extra defensive presence was more than enough to thwart 10 man Lamoni through stoppage time, and Vilita & Turori celebrated with a big win over their rivals and a trip to the AOCAF XIX final.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Red Kits for Eel Cats
Vilita & Turori head coach Ricky Ezis has today announced that the Eel Cat things will be introducing their new red kits for the AOCAF final round match against Pacitalia. "Being in Bettia, and with lots of Bettians in the stands for the final rooting against us, it only makes sense for us to wear the red kits, especially considering what Pacitalia will be wearing. Plus, it worked out well against Bettia, why not once more?"
The AOCAF XIX final will be the first encounter between Vilita & Turori and Pacitalia since the two teams met in the Group stage of AOCAF XVIII, with Pacitalia defeating the Eel-Cat things 4-2 to take the top spot in Group D. The two teams met at the Quarter Final stage of AOCAF 17 where Vilita & Turori walked out 3-2 winners. This will be the third time in four cups where the Vilita & Turori Eel Cat things have faced a team in the AOCAF final that has never before lifted the AOCAF trophy. Coach Ricky Ezis will surely not want to duplicate the success, or lack their of, in their previous final appearance, where Vilita & Turori lost to Lamoni in what was the first of Lamoni's two AOCAF titles.
In order to reach the final, the Blue Foxes of Pacilitalia had to over come the Hypocria Hyppos, who, while having not made it to an AOCAF final since AOCAF XI, won their only AOCAF title on Bettian soil and were looking to reproduce the feat. The trio of Hypocria, Pacitalia and Lamoni in the Semi-Finals meant that Vilita & Turori was the only nation remaining in the competition that also competes in the NationStates World Cup qualifications, although the two nations compete as seperate, not combined entities. The Eel Cat things will be looking to end a string of two cups in which a non-World Cup competitor has won the AOCAF tournament, which has been dominated by regional-only powers as of late, with AOCAF XVIII being hosted by and the top 3 positions swept all by nations who have the AOCAF competition as their one and only competitive focus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Bookkeepers split on finals favourite
Some say to go with V&T while others taking the Blue Foxes odds-on; Ezis announces red kits
GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- Vilita & Turori manager Ricky Ezis announced Sunday morning his team will don their famous Takil-killing red kits in anticipation of a match against a high-powered offensive side in the Blue Foxes. Meanwhile, Sergei Saganyarov responded by saying there will be no major changes to the Blue Foxes' kits, and that they will don their traditional home kits of dark blue with cerulean and white trim.
The Eel-Cat Thingys are convinced that their red kits are a major reason for defeating attacking-oriented teams. Particularly, they've been very successful when using them against the Aroras, and in fact, they were once more, upsetting them in the quarterfinals to face Lamoni Saturday. But Saganyarov is unsure why a colour makes a difference to Pacitalian players, especially when the two teams have never faced each other when the Vilitan-Turoris have worn such kits.
"I don't see how a colour that's in our national flag is going to trick us into losing this match," Saganyarov chuckled over the phone. "We like red too, or at least, we don't mind it. It's not going to muck up our concentration. We've faced hundreds of opponents with red kits and done very well. So, if we lose, it will be to the team that played as the better side in the match."
Bookkeepers in Atlantian Oceania are split on who will take it simply because it's so close: fifth-ranked Vilita & Turori against sixth-ranked Pacitalia. Four out of the eight major regional bookies are taking the Eel-Cat Thingys on over/under while the other four bookies have sided with the Blue Foxes. For example, BetNow.com has posted 5:2 odds on V&T while giving the Blue Foxes an astounding 3:2 odds-on to win at the going rate of NSD 16.36, with a profit pull of 185% split.
"Who wouldn't say they don't like those odds?" Saganyarov added.
This post has been edited by Pacitalia on Apr 1 2007, 01:28 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
Pacitalia |
|
The best place on earth. |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Ezis Responds to Pacitalian Confusion
Vilita & Turori head coach Ricky Ezis has responded to the Pacitalian confusion surrounding the choice to play in all red in the AOCAF final. "We Didn't use the red kits against Lamoni for a few reasons. First of all, they weren't even in Bettia at the time, all we had were the white ones, and the old red ones that we've been using the past few cups."
"Additionally, knowing that Red is a major color in the Lamonian kits, it wouldn't have made sense for us to wear them. But the dark blue kits of Pacitalia kind of clash with both of our regular kits, so wearing the Red kits just makes sense. We could have opted to wear the old Red kit that was already here from the Bettia match and thankfully not stolen, but there was no reason to. We'd always planned to wear the new style kit if we made it to the final and thats what we're going to do. We're wearing the red because of our rivalry with the Bettians who are hosting the final, and because it is the best contrasting kit we've got compared with the dark blue of Pacitalia. We could honestly care less what they think of our kit, as we plan to beat them on the pitch not in the head." Ezis took a breath and responded to two stupid media questions before continuing.
"Also, we've had two leads in trying to figure out who stole our psychedelic kits, but they have not been recovered yet. We are really hopeful of recovering those kits. We had plans to auction most of them off for charity, and save a few for our Hall of Fame. We're going to up the ante and offer free tickets courtesy of the Vilitan & Turorian Football Associations for any Vilita or Turori national team matches for the upcoming World Cup 34 Campaign, including the finals, if any tip directly leads to the return of the kits." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
|
It's the moment you've all been waiting for... the final scores. |
|
|
|
|
|
Bettia |
|
We don't do defence |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
|
|
|
Woodstock Daily Mail
Looking back on AOCAF XIX
By Marcus Downie
Daily Mail Staff Writer
Much could be written about the 19th edition of the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. Many stories could be written about the bastardised combination of Vilita and Turori and their morphed mascot, the Cat Eel Things, and the fact that Vilitans get to celebrate their fourth AOCAF title. Or do Turori get to celebrate their first?
Many stories could be told about runners up Pacitalia and their place on the AOCAF stage, and their additional entry into the old maxim that offence wins games, but defence wins championships. Their offence was the best in the group stage by four goals, but they conceded too many goals when it counted against Vilita and Turori.
But if you just looked at who the finalists were in this edition of AOCAF, you'd miss out on other stories that help to define this tournament. You have host nation Bettia and their famous disdain for defence -- and their equal dislike of draws -- and the changes to standard formats that came in the group stage.
There is the good: Pacitalia's performance certainly qualifies, as the Blue Foxes stormed through the group stage, joining Hypocria as one of only two sides to win all six group stage matches before the penalty phase. Fittingly enough, the two sides met in the semifinals with the right to play for the trophy hanging in the balance. For many Sarzonians The Daily Mail talked to, it was a shame the meeting didn't take place in the finals since several of them said they still had a soft spot in their hearts for the Hyppos long after legendary Sarzonian coach Dave Wilson left them to return to the Stars.
As for the worst of AOCAF, there is plenty to mention: A combination of countries including Sarzonia's traditional archrivals Bedistan and Commerce Heights, forever known as the home of the most crooked referees the game has ever seen came in last place in Group A and truly were Capitalizt Slani. Jasi'yun came in dead last in the tournament, losing all six group stage matches before the penalty phase. There isn't much favour to be had for the "funky" format of the group stage in the tournament, according to most football purists in Sarzonia. Even though the Stars may have benefitted from some of the rule changes.
Among the disappointments, there is the matter of Manhattan Prime failing to advance past the group stage in spite of Sarzonian support for the Chippers. Stars players openly cheered for their staunch allies to advance and there was noticeable disappointment when the Manhattanites fell short of their goal. Starblaydia being knocked out in the strangely named "octofinals" was viewed by some as a mild upset, even though the derisively named Blades were facing the host nation.
Last but not least, pleasant surprises could certainly be found in this AOCAF. Schiavonia's return to the football stage could be viewed with welcome among those who followed that team's World Cup rise in the beginning days of their football programme.
The story that seemed to be on most people's lips was the return of our own Stars from Isolation. After four AOCAF tournaments that saw the Stars absent, not to mention the three World Cups that Sarzonia have not participated in, many observers could have been excused had they predicted that the Stars competitive return would have been six and done, extended only by the fact the team's bye took place on Matchday One.
However, after a slow start saw the team lose to two-time defending champions Lamoni in Matchday Two (the new Stars' debut), sputter to a penalties win over Delesa and lose to Manhattan Prime, Sarzonia rediscovered their winning form of yesteryear, pummeling Nojika 3-1 in spite of playing rookie goalkeeper Kelvin Russell in his first-ever international. They then took care of business against both bottom feeders in Group D, ensuring that they would advance to the knockout stages.
By that time, the Stars had captured the imagination of more than just a victory-starved populace: Lamoni supporters announced they would cheer for the Stars during their bye. Manhattanites cheered on Sarzonia in the knockouts. Even Pacitalians expressed disappointment when they realised they would face Az-cz and not the Stars in the quarterfinals.
It's hard to know what AOCAF XX will bring. Most likely, it will be a return to draws in the group stage and the deletion of that odd name "octofinals" for the Second Round. Perhaps it will be time for the Blue Foxes to finally kick the door in after knocking on it so many times. Maybe Lamoni returns to capture their third AOCAF trophy in four tries. Perhaps the Hyppos can add a partner to the lone ranger back at their football federation headquarters. Or perhaps the Stars can make it two for four by winning their first AOCAF title since that magical Brett Hancock-led AOCAF XII side turned the trick?
No matter what happens from here on out, it's certainly been an entertaining AOCAF. I certainly enjoyed the ride along with our reporter Travis West. Hopefully, a lot more of you did as well.
It definitely feels good to be back playing footie again. |
|
|
 |
|
Sarzonia |
|
It's all about the Navy. |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts: 577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
, |
|
Track this topic
Receive email notification when a reply has been made to this topic and you are not active on the board.
Subscribe to this forum
Receive email notification when a new topic is posted in this forum and you are not active on the board.
Download / Print this Topic
Download this topic in different formats or view a printer friendly version.
[ Script Execution time: 0.0205 ] [ 13 queries used ] [ GZIP Enabled ]
|
Close Topic Options
