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AOCAF Cup 26 RP Thread

Posted: May 18 2009, 10:26 PM

AOCAF 26 - Group A
MD1: 2-0 vs Septentrionia
MD2: 1-6 vs Lamoni
MD3: 1-1 vs Sarzonia
MD4: 1-0 vs Krytenia
MD5: vs #6 BYE
MD6: 3-1 vs Septentrionia
MD7:1-6 vs Lamoni
MD8: vs Sarzonia
MD9: vs Krytenia
MD10: vs #6 BYE

The slight hum of Handel playing upon some old phonograph in the background echoed throughout the Cabinet's quarters while Koryatsky and Kowak sat down for tea. It was herbal tea. And it was their time for afternoon tea. And in the accordance of the great Allemenschen tradition, tea was always served nude, because in reflection of the natural products that were on service, it was appropriate to present oneself naturally, without any perturbation that clothing would present. Even the purple-stinging nellies that scurried about the place were shaven (although that was a bit of an unnatural thing, it was just to get Koryatsky comfortable with the idea that they were now working inside the government). Yes, ever since AFLAC took over the armed forces of the country, they have been a busy presence at the Republican Palace.

"Forsooth, 'tis a good day for footy, aye?" Kowak asked.

"I'll spoil the result. Androids got slaughted 6-1. Thanks to that phone dialer who disconnected."

Both Koryatsky and Kowak gazed at the purple-stinging nellie, who managed to speak with the aid of a rubbing belly translator vocalization machine. They nodded and went about tea time.

Koryatsky leaned over, saying, "I wonder if those bovine geese have actually invaded Sorthern Northland yet."

"They said that they would, but they were having problems getting there."

"What's the problem then?"

Kowak shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Something about random natural migration of fellow mates not yet prepared. As if they're waiting for reinforcements."

"From where?"

*** somewhere in Terra Anatidae ***

An assembly of geese, ducks, swans, and otherwise anatid fowl gathered upon a big flat stone. They quacked angrily, showing pictures of drunk Sortherners at the same time quacking even louder. Finally, the whole parade of birds crashed upon the frame of pictures of Sortherners as they tore away the pictures beak by beak.

*** back in Allemenschen ***

Kowak shruged his shoulders again. "I haven't a clue."

"Well... we'd better act quickly," Koryatsky remarked. "Or else we might forget why we're invading them."

"Speaking of which, why are we invading them again?"

"To intimidate someone."

"Who?"

"I don't know. Ask those birds."

(ooc: hooray for no ads at the top!)

This post has been edited by Allemenschen on May 18 2009, 10:27 PM

Allemenschen

Royal Scribe

Posts: 116

Posted: May 23 2009, 10:08 PM

AOCAF 26 - Group A
MD1: 2-0 vs Septentrionia
MD2: 1-6 vs Lamoni
MD3: 1-1 vs Sarzonia
MD4: 1-0 vs Krytenia
MD5: vs #6 BYE
MD6: 3-1 vs Septentrionia
MD7:1-6 vs Lamoni
MD8: 0-1 vs Sarzonia
MD9: vs Krytenia
MD10: vs #6 BYE

Koryatsky was busily strolling around the Republican Palace one fine morning when he noticed that Kowak was walking in the opposite direction, wearing naught but a pair of fanny pants. It would have been odd enough that Kowak was wearing just fanny pants, but the moment he noticed it, everyone seemed to be wearing fanny pants, and it boggled him out. Why was everyone wearing fanny pants? He checked himself, just to make sure he wasn't wearing fanny pants (and thank goodness, no, he wasn't). So what was the occasion? A parade?

"What's with the fancy boy, wearing his shirt and trousers?" Kowak said, pointing oddly at Koryatsky. "He's the only odd chap not wearing his plaid fanny pants, cheering for the Allemenschen National Football Team!"

"Wha?" Sometimes, he seriously thought that he was the only sane one of the bunch. Then again, he forgot that sanity was an exclusive trait known only to foreigners. The concept of "sane" was foreign to Allemenschen, which explained why everyone else tried to avoid it at all. Still, the fact that everyone was laughing at him was a sore sight, especially since they were wearing fanny pants, and he was not. But what was it about fanny pants that made it special to the Allemenschen National Football Team? He didn't dare ask that question, but hopefully inevitably, it would leak out in the crowd.

Kowak, seeing that Koryatsky had no idea, went over and grabbed him by the shoulder - uncomfortably close to his hairy build.

"You see, ever since AFLAC took over the armed forces of Allemenschen, people have been wearing these fanny pants. And I don't know why we started to wear them, but they're mighty comfortable, and you know - I think it's much better than wearing all of that bulky 'clothing'. You see... it's bulky... and it's clothing. I'd rather live free! And expose myself to the world! Why hide in some overbearing cloak of oppression? I mean, it's a drab brown color! I looks like something I poop every Thursday after crumpets and tea. But you... you know we can get rid of all of these ridiculous costumes. We could make it illegal, and then we'd all be of like mind and like body..."

"GAH!!!!!!!!!!" Koryatsky yelled. "WEIRD PEOPLE!" He darted off in one direction, whilst being chased by the horde of fanny-pants-dressed people. "They want me to wear fanny pants!"

But all of the sudden, he encountered a grizzly wall of purple-stinging nellies! He shrieked as the purple-stinging nellies and the fanny-wearing people crowd surrounded him. Kowak emerged from their midst, holding in his hand a horrific pair of fanny-pants. "You will wear them!" he said in an ominous tone. "You will wear them!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Koryatsky woke up. Egads! What a horrible dream! He turned over to his clock, still gazing at him, 11:37 in the morning. OH FUDGE, how long had he been asleep? He quickly got out of the bed and rushed straight to work. Oh, he hoped that he didn't miss anything important. By this time, they were discussing the Council for the new Council's budget!

It'd been a big problem ever since AFLAC came on, now they needed money to buy the guns and stuff that AFLAC needed to invade Sorthern Northland. But Councils were the only way that they could get the money. And they needed a Council to set up that Council. It was an endless cycle, but Koryatsky saw reason to attend this one indeed. He only hoped that he wasn't too late to offer his opinion on the matter.

"Mr. President," Kowak said, alarmed by Koryatsky's late arrival. "What the %$#^ is that that you're wearing?"

Koryatsky gazed at himself. It was the fanny pants!

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Koryatsky woke up...

Allemenschen

Royal Scribe

Posts: 116

Posted: May 26 2009, 09:19 PM

MONOPOLISTS IN TOP FORM
Veiga's team qualifies to quarterfinals!

The team commanded by Andreas Gilsoweller Veiga continues surprising in the AOCAF. In the first half of the group stage, the team could have some good performances, and reaching a position that wasn't the one expected before the beginning of the competition. And in the second half things were even better for the team, with an outstanding second place which sent the team to the quarterfinals of the competition. The 3x0 win over Koseli Cumhuriyetler is a proof that this team has a lot of talent, enough to leave a good impression on the minds of the Cafundelenses and of foreigners. Now there is the hope that they'll be able to continue playing well, to make a historical campaign in the first AOCAF of the country. Of course, the team is already doing a marvellous campaign, but there's always space for more.

These good results motivate the supporters for the World Cup, which qualifying stage will start soon. With the name of Andreas Gilsoweller Veiga already confirmed as the new coach of the main National Team, his job with the AOCAF team is considered as a good example of what he can do with a team. Most of the players called are doing a good job, from the young Rafael Nunes to the support player Fugiro Nakombi. Of course, as in every team there are players that didn't have good performances, as Doramílton and Cassis, and these probably won't receive chances in the main National Team soon. Now Veiga is getting the team prepared for a minor tactical change, and the AOCAF team will start to be slightly more offensive, as the main NT is.

Cafundéu

Dedicated Scribe

Posts: 85

Posted: May 27 2009, 12:39 AM

Hawks Slaughter Group 1, go to the knockouts

While it has been sometime since we have last said anything about AOCAF 26, we have come to the end of the group stage. And what a ride it has been for the Hawks. Going through ten matchdays, the Hawks won seven matches, had one draw, and two bye days. The majority of the matches in this group stage were decided by margins of five or six goals, which either shows that the Hawks are in this AOCAF with a vengeance, or that they were facing woefully unprepared opposition.

Either way, the Hawks must now prepare for the knockouts, facing Norwellia. Not much is known about this team, but they managed to come in second place in Group 4, so that says something for them already. Of course, this is the same group in which Pacitalia posted a record goal difference of 33, and garnered 24 points, while Lamoni tied with Starblaydia with 22 points. Lamoni's goal difference came in at 21, which is 12 behind that of Pacitalia.

Needless to say, this has been one of the best group stages in Lamonian AOCAF history, which stretches through every AOCAF since AOCAF 3. Winning three AOCAF cups in this span of time, the Hawks are looking to catch up to the totals of Vilita and NEWI Cefn Druids, who both hold four AOCAF cups. After this feat has been accomplished, the Hawks plan to catch up to the Starblaydi Purple Menace, and their record breaking number of AOCAF cup wins.

In the meantime, the Hawks will keep their concentration on their upcoming match with Norwellia, studying film of their matches against the other nations in Group Four, in order to see if this squad has any weaknesses that the Hawks can exploit in the upcoming match.

There was a time when Starblaydia thought that they could win the entire tournament on Lamonian soil. While this would have been ironic (both sides were... not exactly enemies, but more like rivals at the time), it was not to be. However, the Hawks will have an excellent chance to win the cup in Starblaydia. While this would still be a feat by any means, it would no longer have the historic significance that it might once have had.

In any case, the winner of the Lamoni/Norwellia match will go on to face the winner of the Bazalonia/Cafundéu match; while the winner of the Starblaydia/Nojika match will face the winner of the Pacitalia/Krytenia match. Our predictions for the final four stand as follows: Lamoni, Bazalonia, Starblaydia, and Pacitalia. However, we would not be surprised if Cafundéu managed to pull an upset over our Bazalonian friends.

In any case, the Semi-finals and finals will truly be a clash of the AOCAF Titans, and only the best team will remain standing when it is over.

Lamoni

Democratic Maniac

Posts: 1952

Posted: May 29 2009, 03:10 AM

Blue Foxes round out Group D with perfect record
Pacitalia says it is confident about defending its title from AOCAF25

Ambrosino Giurimano tucked away two goals, bringing his tournament total to a record-setting 23, as the Blue Foxes turned in yet another dominating performance in downing Kosovoe 5-0 in Starblaydia to close out their round-robin play.

Pacitalia finished the round-robin at 8-0-0, with an unprecedented 40 goals (5.0 per match) scored during the process. Foxes captain and starting keeper Abro Zolà also posted the second-best record among the 20 sides at the tournament, conceding just seven goals over the eight match span, or 0.875 per match. The Hawks, always a contender, let in just five goals in Group A over the same period.

The Blue Foxes, by virtue of finishing first in Group D, and clear of fellow group qualifiers Norwellia (4-2-2) by 10 points, will face a familiar foe in the quarterfinals — the Aces. It will essentially be a redo of last year's quarterfinal match, which the Blue Foxes took 3-0 en route to their first championship victory. Krytenia have been one of the tournament's stalwarts and never fail to be dangerous opposition. But Zolà says the Foxes will be prepared to face the Aces.

"We aren't taking any of our opposition lightly, and we surely won't do that for Krytenia," Zolà said. "Krytenia always fields a talented, hardworking side and they get the results they are after when they are on their game. It will be up to us to ensure we control the flow of the match and play the game we want to play."

When asked how the Blue Foxes felt going into the knockouts, manager Marco van Basten responded: "Cautiously confident."

The Aces are coming off a decent showing in the round-robin. Lamoni dominated Group A coming out of it with a 7-1-0 record and 26 goals scored in the process. As mentioned the Hawks conceded just five. Krytenia qualified a distant second in Group A with a 4-1-3 record, witnessing only 19 goals (11 for, 8 against) during the round-robin. Regrettably, the Stars, in their second campaign since returning to the AOCAF competition, failed to qualify for the knockout stage, finishing the round-robin fourth in Group A at 2-2-4. The result was still a marked improvement over Sarzonia's winless showing at AOCAF25.

The other qualifiers are Bazalonia and Nojika from Group B and Starblaydia and Cafundéu from Group C. The Panthers finished AOCAF25 in fourth place while the Purple Peril fell in the final match on penalty kicks to the Blue Foxes.

From Jhanna, Starblaydia:
Kosovoe 0 : 5 Pacitalia
KOS — none
PAC — Giurimano 31, 58 / Vunghiasso 47, 77 / da Scupeta 87

Next up: PAC v KRY (QF), KOS v n/a (eliminated)

This post has been edited by Pacitalia on May 29 2009, 03:11 AM

Pacitalia

The best place on earth.

Posts: 505

Posted: May 30 2009, 09:09 AM

Last Four: Big Four
Starblaydia face Pacitalia in Semis

First plays third. Second plays fourth. Six-time champs versus the reigning champs, three-time champs versus the highest ranked team never to win one. We're not here to claim this is the dream choice Semi line-up, the neutral's choice, the statistician's choice or the choice of anything other than the fans' involved, it is merely what has happened and the top four will further get a grip on the regional rankings. Pacitalia have won every match, Starblaydia and Lamoni have not lost a match, while Bazalonia have just one defeat to their names in the competition so far. Whether it is to be the slow and steady Bazalonians, the lighting hare of Pacitalia, the Starblaydi juggernaut or the Lamonian machine, the AOCAF Cup Champion will have deserved their victory.

Starblaydia's key players have been their strikers. Carnophin Narquelie has taken his tally from two to eight during the nine games played, while fro mthe bench eighteen year-old striker Soraya Roshanak has shown just how good she will surely become by slotting five goals in six games. With the forty-sixth World Cup looming, at least one of them will have put their names in the shop window for selection.

Starblaydia haven't played Pacitalia since the final four years ago where they lost on penalties. Starblaydia only managed to score one of the three they took, while the Blue Foxes netted all four. Hopefully a stamina-sapped hundred and twenty minutes plus penalties won't be required before one team is sent through to the Final, but surely whoever comes out on top here will be the favourite to take the title.

The say form is temporary, but class is permanent. Pacitalia may have taken their first title in the last tournament, but Starblaydia have six of them. Their Semi-Final itself will simply be down to who plays better, and who is luckier, on the day.

Starblaydia

Also available in purple

Posts: 1877

Posted: May 30 2009, 11:35 PM

Hawks advance to the finals

To get to this point, the Hawks went 7-1-0 in the group stage; dominating Group A by allowing only five goals to be scored against us, while scoring twenty six goals of our own. The Hawks defense has therefore allowed the fewest goals in the group stage, and a continuation of this trend would serve the Hawks well in the knockouts.

The Hawks averaged five or six goals against their opponents, proving that all that Lamonian AOCAF experience (being in every AOCAF since AOCAF 3) helps out on the field of play. The three AOCAF Cup wins haven't hurt, either; even though the Hawks are looking to collect cup number four here in AOCAF twenty six. While most of the old political irony of winning a cup in the Starblaydi heartland is gone, a small spark of Lamonian nationalism does remain; and seriously, who would not agree that joining the ranks of those nations who have won four or more AOCAF Cups would not be a bright spot for any Atlantian Oceania nation?

After the group stages, the Hawks went on to defeat Norwellia with a scoreline of 3-0, setting up a match in the semi-finals against longtime friends Bazalonia. In the other semi-final matchup, Starblaydia will face Pacitalia to see who will be the other anchor of the AOCAF twenty six first place finals match. As for Lamoni, we have history on our side against Bazalonia, and facing either Pacitalia or Starblaydia in the finals will be a challenge for any team in AO. However, we know that neither team is invincible, and either one can be defeated when the right conditions are met. Lamoni's three AOCAF Cup wins are a facet of evidence in this direction.

Lamoni harbors no grudge against Bazalonia, and the spirit of this semi-finals match can best be described as a match between friends that you might have had after school. Though, the stakes are higher than they were back in school, this friendly atmosphere has not.

Lamoni

Democratic Maniac

Posts: 1952

Posted: Jun 4 2009, 05:07 AM

Foxes outduel Aces, Purple Peril to reach final
Pacitalia once again relies on penalty shootout to down region's top side

Jhanna, Starblaydia (PSN) — Pacitalia's red-hot Blue Foxes are one match victory away from defending their championship title from AOCAF25. The Foxes slid past strong rivals from Krytenia by a 3-1 margin and relied once more on penalties to down the vaunted Purple Peril of Starblaydia, 2-2 (2-2 AET, 4-1 PK). In reaching the final they will face the team that captured the title before them, Lamoni's Hawks.

The Hawks were formerly notorious for being the Blue Foxes' bogey team. The Pacitalians have had some of their worst results against Lamoni but the two squads have not seen each other for a while. The Foxes are arguably much more improved in all facets of their game, most especially up front with what has proved the most dangerous offence in the regional tournament. Pacitalia's front four have posted all but three of 45 goals in the 10 matches in which the Blue Foxes have played.

Foxes striker Ambrosino Giurimano has posted a career-defining performance with 25 of Pacitalia's 45 goals. He tallied 23 of Pacitalia's 40 round-robin markers and is responsible for two of the Foxes' five so far in the knockouts. Tournament organisers say the effort is very likely an all-time record at the AOCAF Cup.

"I feel good going in [to the final]," Giurimano told PSN Tuesday. "I haven't had any struggles so far and I am hoping to keep it that way. I've been fortunate to be able to lead the type of attack that we are looking for and that despite facing different opponents with very different styles of play. So I feel good. I think we all do. It would be great to defend our title, of course, and we're confident... but we're not getting ahead of ourselves."

Left-side midfielder Andolfabio Vunghiasso, who has seven goals for Pacitalia at AOCAF26, echoed the sentiment.

"We fully understand what is ahead of us, just as we did in the last two rounds of the knockouts," Vunghiasso said. "With Krytenia and Starblaydia, you couldn't ask for a tougher pair of sides to face on your way to the final."

But, he said, winning in the final over that Starblaydi side gave them a shot in the arm and steadied them for the re-match, which again came down to penalties. Pacitalia and Krytenia also faced each other in the last tournament, meeting in the quarterfinal.

"So we have had basically two big-ticket rematches on our way back to the final," Vunghiasso added, "and if that's not enough of a tough situation, our opponents have been very even matchups."

Bazalonia was the final component of the last four in AOCAF26, and as Starblaydi media reported, the results mean the four nations cement their hold on the regional rankings. Starblaydia top the current table, followed by Lamoni (2nd), third-ranked Pacitalia and Bazalonia in fourth.

A Hawks win in the final will mean Lamoni's fourth title, putting them closer to their dream of matching archrival Starblaydia's record six championships. On the other hand, a successful defence of their title on the part of the Blue Foxes will mean Pacitalia's second title in their third appearance in the final, and a whirlwind end to a tournament in which the Foxes are now 10-for-10 in overall match play.

From AOCAF26 in Starblaydia
Pacitalia 3 : 1 Krytenia
PAC — Vunghiasso 9 / Giurimano 52 / Tomás 79
KRY — Harrison 43

Starblaydia 2 : 2 (2:2 AET, 1:4 PK) Pacitalia
STB — Narquelie 29 / Soronúmë 42
PAC — Giurimano 38 / Mascagnano 70

Penalties
STB — Soronúmë, Narquelie, Bazrimar, (Hyo-Jin, Dante)
PAC — da Scupeta, Giurimano, Vunghiasso, Seriesta, (Semih Mansur)

Next up: STB v BAZ (3PPO), LAM v PAC (F)