Cup of Nations VI

[Shan Revan]

[size="7"][b]LBC NEWS[/b][/size]


le Royaume de la Lumière v. West African Republic 1-0
Goals: RdL: Hunt 57’ (1)
Yellows: WAR: Ktoga (1)
Clean Sheets: RdL: Greene (1)

Continuing their winning streak, Les Vainqueurs defeated the West African Republic, 1-0, today in a tense match. Hunt scored the first and only point of the match in the 57th minute with a brilliant fake out allowing him to penetrate the left flank unhindered. Excitement ran high among fans as the shot initially looked as though it would go high and caught the goal keeper completely off guard as a result. WAR's Ktoga got a yellow card after an extended dispute with the referee over the manoeuvre.

=====

After the men had cooled down after the game it was time for the regular debriefing.

"Congratulations, you played well and pulled out another victory. We've done extraordinarily well for our first cup and defeated new and experienced teams alike.

Clearly the universe has started to take us seriously because it has put us in the most hard core division it could find. WAR was just a warmup, Tomorrow and the day after we face some of the most formidable opponents in the game. There is no shame in losing to such great teams, but that is not our intention. Pull victory out from underneath them and achieve greatness. It is within our grasp, we must be dedicated, we must be prepared and we must have the resolve to see it through. I have never seen a more dedicated team in my life, all of you, have devoted your lives to this game. Prepared? Since our formation we have practised relentlessly, our skill has grown immeasurably. Resolve? Well that one is up to you, but i want you all, as young men, to imagine the benefits of returning home as the reigning champions. Women will throw themselves at you until you can take no more."
At this moment the whole team instantly becomes just that little bit more erect in their seats, just that little bit more alert and grow an unwavering resolve to win at all costs.
"Now, do not take our foes lightly. There is to be no partying tonight. You will eat well, rest well and be fully prepared and at your peak. It will be a tough game, probably far tougher than any we have faced to date, so if we are to have a chance, if you want to win and return to throngs of women, fame, fortune and glory, then you need to be at your best."
"Yes sir!" The team replies in perfect unison.
"Now pay attention, we're going to study our opponents tomorrow, some of their known tricks, what to watch for and what we're up against"
An assistant wheels a large TV in and a whiteboad.
For the next two hours they would study, in detail their opponents before some light practice, relaxation spa, dinner, sleep, etc.

They would face their opponents in their prime.

[iKrolm]

[b]Manila Sports Report:[/b]

"In a game that shocked and delighted fans of the Manila Bears, the Selenarctos team held together for a draw against England, the second-highest ranked team in Group A. Star keeper Quint Fierro held strong for the fourth game in a row, holding his position for the entire game and not letting a single shot slip past.

"Team manager Cunibaldo Amaya said earlier today, 'The playoff games were just the beginning. There were those who predicted we wouldn't make it through the playoffs. Well, we did. Now there are those who say we won't get through our Group and I say: let them come. Today we tied England and tomorrow we play Commonwealth of Africa. Will we win? Come and see: it should quite the game.'

"And there you have it, from team manager Cunibaldo Amaya. Selenarctos fans were out in force after the tie against England today, proudly displaying their black-and-blue colors in a fanfare of support for their team. An airport spokesman in Manila told us requests for tickets to Monaco had completely sold out following Selenarctos's performance in the playoffs, and that there simply weren't enough flights for those now trying to reach Monaco in time to make the games.

"For those of you who can't make it, tune in tomorrow at [][] time to catch all of the game, our pre-game commentary and post-game analysis. This has been Sinesio Ornelas, reporting to you from the Principality of Monaco."


EDIT: I mixed up the 1-16 list in the OP with the world rankings in the sign up thread, post updated to correct this.

Edited August 7, 2011 by iKrolm

[Markus Wilding]

[b]Commonwealth National News[/b]

Today's match against Zargathia - current world #4 - ended in a tie of 1-1. Nwokike Chiemenam (55) scored the one and only goal for the Commonwealth. Fans, while disappointed at a tie, are still expecting and predicting wins. Team Captain Nwokike Chiemenam said after the match that "he expects the team to do very well...a very prepared team".

[Michael McBride]

[size="4"][font="Garamond"][u][b]The Crimson Roar[/b][/u][/font][/size]
[i]Your Source for All Things Pravus Ingruo Football[/i]
AFIS Correspondent: Matt Irwin

Well, that didn't go well. Jean-Claude Lightfoot's tenure as manager of the Pravus Ingruo National Team fell flat as the number five team in the world, the Athenian Federation, roughed up the current world number ones 3-1 in a game that wasn't even as close as the final scoreline indicated.

It was almost a bad situation from the start for the Crimson Lions. Playing in front of a massive stadium, filled to the brim with mostly Athenian supporters, in their first match with a new system. There was a nervousness about the young team, and it showed early on when Xenos went on a run through the Crimson Lion defense to score in the 13th minute to make the match 1-0. The Athenian side continued to dominate throughout the rest of the first half, and Xenos notched another goal just before the half ended to make it 2-0.

The Crimson Lions seemed to come out calmer and more focused in the second half, controlling play more before a tic-tac-toe series of passes from Damon to Clark to McDonald left the young striker alone in front of the net for an easy score. But Athens didn't let it get any further. They turned up the pressure and never let the Crimson Lions get another good look at goal. Tocci even added an 88th minute marker to truly seal the win.

The loss puts the Crimson Lions in trouble now. They face two must-win games from here on out, or risk missing the knockout round for the first time in history. For the good of Jean-Claude Lightfoot's tenure, pray that does not happen.

[Kaiser Martens]

Perhaps unsurprisingly given that the players do not know if by the end of their match and our tournamnt their country will still exist as is, the Germanic Squadron was solidly defeated after a match marked by their heroic efforts to score, efforts which were in vain as they were not complemented by technical and strategic game, a match in which the Germanians seemed to run fast and far, kick accurately and powerfully, but had too much enthusiasm to have proper cohesion as a team. In the end, de Vries' overzealous attitude earned him a Red Card.

Their trainer commented, "They've got their heart on the right place but they need to shut their emotions aside and do the German Thing, they need to play using more of their brains."

[Michael McBride]

[center][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="5"][u][b]Day 2 Results[/b][/u][/size][/font][/center]
[b]England[/b] v. Zargathia 2-0
Goals: E: Bolton 59’ (1), Cunliff 38’ (1)
Clean Sheets: E: Henshaw (2)
Injuries: E: Hamil (1 match)

[b]Commonwealth of Africa[/b] v. People's Republic of Selenarctos 2-0
Goals: CoA: Chiemenam 41’ (2), Chukwufumnanya 73’ (1)
Clean Sheets: CoA: Majory (1)

Grand Papua v. [b]Empire of Pravus Ingruo[/b] 0-1
Goals: EPI: Dun Laoghaire 56’ (1)
Yellows: EPI: Rosslare (1)
Clean Sheets: EPI: Marchionni (1)

[b]Athenian Federation[/b] v. Slavorussian Empire 3-1
Goals: AF: Xenos 13’ (3), Perro 19’ (1), Amoruso 25’ (1); SE: Rusakova 78’ (1)
Yellows: AF: Idraulico (2), Perro (1)
Injuries: SE: Tamashevska (1 match)

[b]Austrian Empire[/b] v. Germanic Union 3-0 (forfeit)

Principality of Monaco v. [b]Serene Republic of Vaule[/b] 0-1
Goals: SRV: Zhuravlev 47’ (1)
Yellows: PoM: Rotterbauer (1), Rousseau (1)
Clean Sheets: SRV: Nasenko (1)

Corporate Republic of Ceylon v. le Royaume de la Lumière 1-1
Goals: CRC: Tharaka Silva 35’ (1); RdL: Bond 89’ (1)

West African Republic v. [b]Marscurian Siberia[/b] 0-2
Goals: MS: L. Kigel 13’ (1), Proshumenshikov 67’ (1)
Yellows: WAR: Carent (1)
Clean Sheets: MS: Simoltech (1)

Edited August 8, 2011 by Pravus Ingruo

[Markus Wilding]

[b]Commonwealth National News[/b]

The Commonwealth Cannons today secured their first real victory against the People's Republic of Selenarctos, 2-0. Commonwealth defenses prevented PRS players from scoring goals while offensive players kept PRS defenses on their feet constantly, allowing Chiemenam and Chukwufumnanya to score goals. Clean sheet attributed to Majory for this match. Owner Ryan Perry said that this game is "what he expects from every match".

[Kaiser Martens]

"Another disgraceful defeat..."

The Coach of the Germanian Squad stated that he would resign from his position once that the cup was over.
The players had no comments, but did not seem to be too pleased. They have, however, unanymously refused to abandon their flag in favor of the Mjollnir and Sickle Red Banner.

[Owned-You]

Many in New Spain watched a Cup of Nations favorite excel in their match against Slavorussia. The Athenian Federation continued it's march towards the cup with vigor and for many in New Spain have become a crowd favorite.

[Sir Keshav IV]

The loss was heartbreaking for Monaco Fans. The Coach apologized to the general public and promised a victory in the upcoming match.

[Shan Revan]

[b]LBC NEWS:[/b]
Les Vainqueurs surprised many around the world today in a bold game that saw them pull of a tie in the final minutes against the current world #3 team. Ceylon put up a fierce fight and took control of the field early on. However, RdlL appeared to be fired up as they put up an impressive defence for such an offensively minded team. Solid teamwork held them fast until the end of the first half, with Silva making a surprise assault they were unready for.

However in the second half the tables turned and this time it was Les Vainqueurs on the offensive. Ceylon, put up a fierce defence, the kind expected of a top ranked team. No matter how many times RdlL attempted to probe a flank or blitzkrieg through the defenses they were always stopped at the end. Yet somehow they managed to maintain dominance of the ball, which paid off when Ceylon let its guard dowin the final minutes, allowing Bond to make a spectacular kick that shocked both teams. With less than half a minute to go, the captain of Les Vainqueurs shook hands with his opposing captain in a mutual show of respect and sportsmanship.

We cross now live to our correspondent who I believe is in the company of Mr. Bond.

"Hello, this is Alex Jones of LBC News, I'm here with Mr. Bond, declared the man of the match for his heroic efforts. So, Mr. Bond, how does it feel to draw with Ceylon?"
"Well Alex, we were really going for a win today, but we are pumped. It was a great game, a great challenge. They were great opponents. We may not have won but we have yet to lose. I consider it a huge success given the official odds on us"
"So how do you feel about going up against the world #2 team tomorrow? Do we stand a chance?"
"Look Alex, we always stand a chance and whilst I'm not about to get cocky, the mascurians were just slaughtered by Ceylon yesterday, and given our match today, I think we could do pretty well, maybe even win?"
"Wouldn't that be something?"
"It certainly would Alex."
"One last question, so are you going to be preparing in any special ways for tomorrow's big match?"
"Alex we always prepare to our fullest, but what is appropriate for each match differs. Given the challenges we have faced in this round, straight up against some of the world best, we decided to review our process and came up with something that seems to have worked quite well today. So we'll be preparing for the match in the same way as we prepared for today's - but before that we will go over what we learned today against our honourable opponents"
"Thank you so much for you time Mr. Bond and goodluck, I know you are very busy with practice and preparation so I will leave you to it.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Shan Revan

[Michael McBride]

[center][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="5"][u][b]Day 3 Results[/b][/u][/size][/font][/center]
[b]Zargathia[/b] v. People's Republic of Selenarctos 2-0
Goals: Z: Zaralyn 32’ (1), Virtanen 70’ (1)
Clean Sheets: Z: Van Vliet (1)

Commonwealth of Africa v. [b]England[/b] 0-1
Goals: E: Cunliff 54’ (2)
Yellows: E: Dewhurst (1)
Red: E: Cunliff (2 matches)
Clean Sheets: E: Henshaw (3)

[b]Empire of Pravus Ingruo[/b] v. Slavorussian Empire 2-1
Goals: SE: Bukharov 31’ (1); EPI: Dun Laoghaire 35’ (2), Damon 90’+1 (1)
Yellows: SE: Petrov (1); EPI: Bramwell (2)

[b]Athenian Federation[/b] v. Grand Papua 1-0
Goals: AF: Idraulico 76’ (1)
Yellows: GP: Daniel (1)
Clean Sheets: AF: Dellis (1)

Germanic Union v. [b]Serene Republic of Vaule[/b] 0-3 (forfeit)

[b]Principality of Monaco[/b] v. Austrian Empire 2-1
Goals: AE: Brauer 63’ (1); PoM: Brun 6’, 72’ (2)
Yellows: AE: Vukašinović (1), Milanesi (1)

[b]le Royaume de la Lumière[/b] v. Marscurian Siberia 1-0
Goals: RdL: Bond 88’ (2)
Clean Sheets: RdL: Greene (2)

West African Republic v. [b]Corporate Republic of Ceylon[/b] 1-2
Goals: WAR: Carent 41’ (1); CRC: Tharaka Silva 8’ (2), Izzadeen 44’ (1)
Yellows: CRC: Tharaka Silva (1), Dinesh Hettiarachchi (1)

As group play has been concluded, the Quaterfinal matchups are as follows:
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/CoN6Q.png[/img]

Serene Republic of Vaule v. England --- Estadio El Sardienro ( Santander )/ 60,000 Seats
le Royaume de la Lumière v. Athenian Federation --- San Mames ( Bilbao) / 65,000 Seats
Commonwealth of Africa v. Austrian Empire --- Estadio El Sardienro ( Santander )/ 60,000 Seats
Empire of Pravus Ingruo v. Corporate Republic of Ceylon --- San Mames ( Bilbao) / 65,000 Seats

Edited August 10, 2011 by Pravus Ingruo

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

From Marscurian Sports Network:

TIGERS FALL FROM TOURNAMENT!

In a shocking 1-0 loss to Limiere, the #2 globally ranked team failed to reach the semifinals all together for the first time since the Cup of Nations II. The reason for the loss is unknown, but many of the power-players of the last tournament, especially Vladimir Untral, winner of the CoN V golden boot, have simply not stepped it up in this latest tournament. The fates of the team members is unknown, but this will be the last tournament for many of the older players. We can expect a new roster, and hopefully a return to the medals podium, for the Cup of Nations VII.

[Lynneth]

[size="6"][u][b]Ceylon National[/b][/u][/size]
[i]From the Cup of Nations VI in the Principality of Monaco, Day Three[/i]

West African Republic v. [b]Corporate Republic of Ceylon 1-2[/b]
[b]Goals:[/b] WAR: Carent 41’ (1); CRC: Tharaka Silva 8’ (2), Izzadeen 44’ (1)
[b]Yellows:[/b] CRC: Tharaka Silva (1), Dinesh Hettiarachchi (1)

With two victories, one draw and six goals, the Corporate Republic emerges as clear winner in its group.
Taking a swift leed thanks to Tharaka Silva, the Yellows managed to score within the first eight minutes, holding their defense against a relentless, but largely ineffective offensive from the Lions. Still, this defensive posture cost them the lead when Carent managed to slip by the defenses in the 41st minute.
Despite what this may have done for the Lions' morale, however, the Yellows changed their strategy swiftly, storming against the African team. This resulted in Izzadeen scoring the second goal for Ceylon in the match - and the last for either team.
During the second half time, the Yellows continued the attack, but ultimately were unable to score again, the African defense having shut everything down while at the same time attempting to counter somehow. In the end, Ceylon won well-deserved, 2-1.

The next match will be the one we all have waited for - Ceylon against Pravus Ingruo, the #1 football nation in the world. Despite PI's somewhat lacking performance against Athens, they nonetheless won against the other two opponents in their group, emerging as second.
One also has to consider that Athens is just one block over, playing against the RdlL in the quarterfinals. Whoever wins this match will most likely have to go against a strong Athens, who impressed with their performance. And whoever wins in the semifinals will have the title secured, considering that none of the other four - Vaule, England, Austria and the Commonwealth of Africa - are part of the best eight football nations in the world. The only real contender is England as number nine, while Vaule is the second-best on that side, as #13.
In a way, you can consider the semi-finals to practically be the finals - whatever happens after Athens, PI or Ceylon wins there, they'll be mopping the floor with their opponent in the official finals.

[King Timmy]

[center][b][size="7"][font="Book Antiqua"]The Daily Mail[/font][/size][/b][/center]

Although England are not the favorites to win the tournament, they are the only team to come through the group stage without conceding a goal. With their two wins and one draw they topped their group with goals from Bolton and Cunliff, who unfortunately has been awarded a two match ban for drop kicking an opposing player in the head. The red card was in no way necessary though, as the opposing player had started it by insulting Cunliff's hair which we all know was the best hair on the pitch that day.

Never the less England move forward into the quarter finals full of confidence in their sturdy defence, battling midfield, lightning fast forwards and their impeccable goalkeeper Henshaw.

[Shan Revan]

Monsieur Picard beamed with pride as he began his daily debriefing.
"Gentlemen, you are heroes of the nation, and have come much further than any reasonable man would ever expect of a first time team. I am extremely proud of you all - you've all worked so very hard and it shows!

You've practiced long and hard to make this unconventional formation a huge success, your teamwork is the stuff of legends and you have now proven not once, but twice that you can go toe to toe with some of the worlds best and hold your own.

Our game against those Siberians went well. They played a solid defensive style, it proved to be formidable holding us back. Fortunately their morale seemed quite low so we were able to easily regain control of the ball. We suspect after their failed attacks in the first half they changed strategies to pure defence - trying for a draw. It backfired as it allowed us to focus on what we do best, breaking defences. It was a valiant struggle but we wore them down with Bond and Hunt making a final assault through their right flank after Nato and Jones made a diversionary assault on the left. I don't need to tell you that of course, but it was impressive to watch none the less.


"It has been revealed that our first opponents within the quarterfinals will be those Athenians. They've been playing very well this year. [i]Almost[/i] as well as ourselves. As you know they dominated Ingruo, roughed up Slavorussia and oddly enough barely beat off Grand Papua, who as you all remember was a joke. We play in San Mames, a 65,000 seat standium. Once again, His Royal Majesty has seen fit to purchase 10,000 tickets in the stadium and has given them out to deserving fans. Additionally in honour of your successes, he has announced a temporary 50% rebate on all tickets to your matches from now on and declared a one off public holiday. Given your rapidly growing fanbase within the nation we expect thousands more to turn out in support. Estimates range from twenty to thirty thousand fans will be in there in force to chear you on in our first quarterfinal ever.

Now it is important that we prepare, as always. Athens is a strong team that favours a balanced approach with a bias towards the offensive. Their formation, oddly enough, is the exact opposite of our own. This means that whilst we will have the same amounts of people in the same regions. You may recall we have faced such a format before, against the Tripoli Tigers who we vanquished with little fuss.

Do not underestimate this team. Some of said that it is to be this years #1, proving themselves a veritable steam-roller to all of those in their way thus far - much like ourselves. Now, time to study them..."

Picard toys with the remote for a moment and a television springs to life. The team reviews the Athenian's recent matches as always and they start to develop a strategy.

[Centurius]

[center][color="#FF0000"][size="5"]Ethniki Ready for Quarter Finals[/size][/color][/center]

[b]Bilbao -[/b] After another 2 wins it has become clear that Ethniki has secured a spot in the quarter finals. In these Ethniki will be facing a newcomer that had impressed both friend and foe with its advancement. While confident of their chances Santos commented to our reporters that "Ethniki will be facing a tough game, however my team will put all its focus on winning this one decisively. While I can not comment on what we are doing specifically the next game will be using a slightly different gameplay to improve the team. We are ready however we will keep training until it is time to play."

With the success so far the streets of Bilbao have been filled with Athenian supporters. It is expected there are around 400,000 supporters in Monaco-Valencia and at least 40,000 are expected to be there for the game. The remaining supporters will be watching the game outside of the stadium on large screens.

[iKrolm]

[b]Manila Sports Report:[/b]

"In a disappointing pair of games, Selenarctos lost to Zargathia and the People's Republic of Africa. Both games ended 2-0 against Selenarctos and eliminated Selenarctos from the Cup. Manager Cunibaldo Amaya praised all the players for the hard work and dedication to make it this far, and confirmed that Selenarctos would be back next season ready to give it another go.

"From the Principality of Monaco, this has been Sinesio Ornelas."

[Michael McBride]

[center][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="5"][u][b]Quarterfinals Results[/b][/u][/size][/font][/center]
Serene Republic of Vaule v. [b]England[/b] 0-3
Goals: E: Bolton 32’ (2), Hamil 12’, 19’ (2)
Yellows: E: Catteroll (1)
Clean Sheets: E: Henshaw (4)
Injuries: Z: Zhuravlev (1 match)

le Royaume de la Lumière v. [b]Athenian Federation[/b] 0-4
Goals: AF: Xenos 54’ (4), Idraulico 15’ (2), Tocci 23’ (2), Moros 78’ (1)
Yellows: AF: Moros (1)
Clean Sheets: AF: Dellis (2)

Commonwealth of Africa v. [b]Austrian Empire[/b] 0-1
Goals: AE: Brauer 41’ (2)
Clean Sheets: AE: Mateta (2)

[b]Empire of Pravus Ingruo[/b] v. Corporate Republic of Ceylon 1-0
Goals: EPI: Dun Laoghaire 71’ (3)
Clean Sheets: EPI: Marchionni (2)

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/CoN6S.png[/img]

[King Timmy]

[font="Book Antiqua"][center][size="7"]The Daily Mail[/size][/center][/font]

With a rather good thrashing of The Serene Republic of Vaule in their quarter final match, the english players, staff and supporters were all celebrating more than they had so far in this tournament, they felt unbeatable.

Still retaining his clean sheet record, Henshaw was becoming known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and was drawing interest from the biggest clubs in England. But he would nothing without his steadfast defence, the majority of whom played for Liverpool, the best team in England, and also where most think Henshaw will end up after the Cup of Nations.

Again the strikers and midfielders were on top form, putting three goals past the opposition keeper in the first half alone. After this they shut up shop and waited out the rest of the match simply passing the ball and keeping possession being jolly good gents and not wanting to embarrass the opposition too much.

While everyone was ecstatic about their victory, their next match would be a very difficult one. They did not underestimate their opponents, and simply prayed they would be able to keep their successful campaign on track until the final.

Edited August 14, 2011 by King Timmy