Jump to content

Liga Mundo - Season 6


Botha

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 558
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

JUNE 16, 2009 - SPRINGBOKS BOW OUT OF CUP

Up 3-1 going into the second half, the Transvaal Springboks somehow found a way to fold up in front of expansion side Atlético Melloria to drop a 4-3 decision which went into extra time and make an early exit from the Copa Del Mar.

“Despite rumours to the contrary, we did not actually tank the match – it was our intention to win it however it is pretty obvious that we took Atlético Melloria way too lightly today” explained an exasperated Manager Bartnel Botha. “We also did not field our strongest line-up.”

Most observers blamed the half-hearted and careless defence which the Springboks put up as well as still feeling the effects of Bert van der Meer’s lengthy injury and overall poor form from the off-season.

Referee Manuel Ficuz made excessively liberal use of his cards as he dealt out a total of 11 yellows and 2 red. “Melloria... welcome to ’Boks football!” quipped a frustrated Detlef Botha after the match when asked about all the bookings.

Back-up goalkeeper Göran von Knorring played horribly – allowing 4 of the 6 shots against him – while Balthazar Botha got himself booked twice within five minutes to see himself suspended for their next match – which now does not come until July 3. The only real bright spot was the first senior goal scored by youngster Gatseitswe Boyke Bathoen while Charles Brennan picked up Transvaal’s two other goals.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Atlético Vinilandês fights hard, but is ultimately thrown out of the cup by Estrella Roja

06/16: After a breathtaking match and sternly attacking and defending, the Atlético (0) ultimately succumbed to be more experienced Estrella Roja (1) during overtime, at 116', signifying that the team will not play another game in the Copa Del Mar.

Once again, the Fernão Barcelos (27) - Bonifácio Céu (23) duo in the offense showed exception team spirit and work. However, much like in the last friendly, they performed poorly in critical moments, such as crossings and shootings.

The offense's poor results resulted in another reaction from the coach, who ultimately stated: "Their spirits and camaraderie are perfect, there's nothing to be changed there. However, they need to work harder on their shots and passes... what's teamwork worth if you can't reach the net?"

Because of Céu's and Barcelos' weak show, the midfield and the defense had to work extra time in order to get the ball out of the team's area and place it on the other side, exhausting them all. However, they could not prevent Nbeko Yebga's crossed ball from reaching Unax Sena's head, which deflected it into the goal and did not allow Vinililandês' goalie Florêncio Gana (26) to reach it, for the take was too powerful.

"Our team has strong training ahead.", solemnly stated Valdísio, the Atlético's coach.

Atletico Vinilandês' next match will be on the 26th against S Team in their opponent's home, Sueden Stadium.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Though it was a cup game, 'Boks falling to Melloria is a huge blow to their push for the "original 4". I see the 'Boks rebounding hard since they fielded a sub starting eleven in the game.

Copa Del Mar kicked off yesterday morning, the day before the first matches were slated. The Parade down the main street reached a mile and a half long that was filled with floats representing all of the teams in Liga Mundo. Samba dancers, fire spinners, juggling acts and marching bands filled the gaps in between. The Canary District Casinos are all full with spectators and players & Staff for this great event that showcases what a great city Luz Del Mar really is-a great stage for the Greatest league in the world.

Edited by PremierApex
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great start and new star

Dun Carrig Bohs started the season with their first ever cup win. They beat the Serie Tercera side Compostela Artois 3-0. This was also a special match for star signing Severin Hedåkers as it was his first match for Bohs.

The Match started well for last years Tercera winners. Bohs were awarded a penalty just 5mins into the game for a harsh tackle on the edge on the box. Paul Kells put the ball in the back of the net to put Dun Carrig 1 up. Dun Carrig dominated the first half of the match but couldn't make it count in front of goal. That is until they got a corner near the end of the first half. The ball was hit to the far post and new man Severin Hedåkers scored a fantastic header to put Dun Carrig 2 up going into the break.

Severin Hedåkers match didn't go as well as the first half. He was substituted in the 50 minute after picking up an injury. He was replaced with Keane Martin. Only minutes after this disastrous event Reginald Shearer blasted the ball into the top corner of the Compostela Artois net. This put the match well under Dun Carrigs control giving them a 3 nil lead. The rest of the match was uneventful other than Steve Dray of Compostela Artois picking up a yellow card

" It was a good match for us and a great result. To score so early gave the side a much needed bust. Yes it was unfortunate that Hedåkers was injured in his first match. Its a worry that injures are becoming a concern for us so early in the season with our midfield taking a real hit. However Hedåkers injures dosent seem too bad and we hope to have Manolito Rebosio back in training this week" commented Dun Carrig manager Steodonn after the match

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Though it was a cup game, 'Boks falling to Melloria is a huge blow to their push for the "original 4". I see the 'Boks rebounding hard since they fielded a sub starting eleven in the game.

There's four reasons I see why we lost today: 1) Poor goaltending, 2) our fullbacks didn't play their A-game and we were missing Van der Meer, 3) overall form still affected from the progress update (hopefully being off for two weeks now will fix that), and 4) not fielding our most talented line-up.

I took a real risk starting both Ngwane and Bathoen to get them playing experience, and then losing Balthazar Botha to a red card meant we were effectively playing with 8 outfield players for the final 30 minutes.

Rumour wire has it Manager Botha will be bringing in some help for the forward line.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Heh, we don't even have a Coach - but soon though, soon... taking bets now if it'll be a male or female.

That being said - I'm really, really skeptical on Botha's tactic of bombing out on things - how do we know he's not match fixing? ;)

Edited by Arcadian Empire
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Even the English Big 4 have started taking the Carling Cup seriously, so the tactic of bailing out of cups early would not seem to be a favorable one...perhaps it was the old 'bigger fish to fry' syndrome that frequently leads to cupsets?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

so the tactic of bailing out of cups early would not seem to be a favorable one

The Springboks two dilemnas are 1) they a form team but don't have the cashflow and talent to maintain that successfully through both league and cup runs; 2) they are a physical team and after awhile all those injuries and suspensions pile up.

The fact is that last season if I had not bailed on the cup, I still would not have won the cup... and I would not have won the league either.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Clyde Albion has been taken over and renamed A.M. Adepts FC.

I approved the name change since Clyde Albion has not played any league matches yet this season (as well, it's a lonnnggg wait until October for an off-season renaming) - but once the regular season gets underway I'd like to see us avoid any mid-season name changes as much as possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are 2 teams that have the potential for a take-over by new managers.

the first team that is official up for grabs since the current manager has effectively met the requirements of losing his team due to inactivate.

Club: FC Franzharia

-2nd Richest club in the entire League

-strong midfielders in place, Tobias Mann is a 19 year old forward who has the speed and leg strength to strike the ball from a distance that can score goals for a long long time.

*looks like a prime club for a take over. It is a very very rich team, my team ALDM sits 4th overall in the richest clubs list at 10.4million making Franzharia to have atleast 10.4mil and probably much more. It is in the Segunda division and with the right personnel moves it could easily be a Primera team by next season

Club: Durkastan

-8th richest club in the entire league.

-very skilled pair of 18 year olds that will be very good in a few season.

*Durkastan is a Tercera Division team and with youth talents that they have and with the wiggle room of cash for personnel moves-this team has a bright future.

If you are interested in being a new manager of one of these two teams in the Greatest league in the world, Liga Mundo, please post a reply and I or any of La Liga staff will assist you on how to get signed-up and started on xpert11.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Durkastan

Durkastan is a very young team from what I recall, no one over 26 - so it may not get a whole lot of results and overnight success with their current line-up.

However... with all the cash they are sitting on, a patient manager could really fund the development of this team into a solid, longterm squad. Once the team started getting results, you wouldn't need to worry about roster changes for at least four or five seasons.

In another league I play in, I took on the second worst squad of 24 teams (it went through five or six manager changes in one season) and was able to turn it around after just one solid season of some patience, form building (and a little TLC) and it's now on the road to become a very strong, tight squad in two seasons. It made the cup semi-finals this season.

I urge someone to step up and take the challenge.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmm... Keville United FC in the Second Round?

I've looked at their squad - and... well, it seems its going to be another easy win for us. But that doesn't mean I'll choose bad players - no, no, no. I, 95% of the time (unless when it's dead rubber or in the Kak Cup) field the best line-up possible - that means no one on the field with a skill less than 7, if it can be absolutely maintained.

* Arcadian hopes his little talk scared KUFC's owner :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmm... Keville United FC in the Second Round?

I've looked at their squad - and... well, it seems its going to be another easy win for us. But that doesn't mean I'll choose bad players - no, no, no. I, 95% of the time (unless when it's dead rubber or in the Kak Cup) field the best line-up possible - that means no one on the field with a skill less than 7, if it can be absolutely maintained.

* Arcadian hopes his little talk scared KUFC's owner :P

Well firstly Kevodian sportsmen are fearless. Arcadia FC are only 1 point stronger than us overall and our form level is the same. I see it as a chance to see how well we can match up against one of the bigger clubs. Don't underestimate us - we gave Transvaal a good game in last season's cup. Anyway, every game is a learning experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't underestimate us - we gave Transvaal a good game in last season's cup.

True - although granted we did win both games, one of them with 10 men. But yes they were closer than they should have been.

You also have to understand that that is Arcadia's style to underestimate everyone. Not sure if he actually does so for real, but certainly in an RP manner just to spice up rivalries and competition. Much like Detlef Botha likes to razz out Arcadia for their "skirts" (female coaches).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

True - although granted we did win both games, one of them with 10 men. But yes they were closer than they should have been.

You also have to understand that that is Arcadia's style to underestimate everyone. Not sure if he actually does so for real, but certainly in an RP manner just to spice up rivalries and competition. Much like Detlef Botha likes to razz out Arcadia for their "skirts" (female coaches).

Aaahhh...Liga Fodder :v::awesome:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I could tell you if I truly underestimate teams, or just appear to do so for competition - but that would ruin it.

And a special press report by the Arcadian Daily:

Arcadia FC v Keville United FC

Arcadia FC face fellow Primera side Keville United FC on the 23rd of June in the Second Round of the Copa Del Mar. With an average strength of 6, and an average form of 14, Keville United will be looking to upset one of the Big Three.

"Well firstly Kevodian sportsmen are fearless. Arcadia FC are only 1 point stronger than us overall and our form level is the same. I see it as a chance to see how well we can match up against one of the bigger clubs. Don't underestimate us - we gave Transvaal a good game in last season's cup. Anyway, every game is a learning experience." -- Kevinho.

Fearless, confident and willing to learn - Keville United seem in the right mindset. But of course, skill and more importantly form will kick in on the day - no matter how mentally prepared a person is, their skill and form will change the game.

Arcadia FC have already dismissed them stating, "I've looked at their squad - and... well, it seems its going to be another easy win for us. But that doesn't mean I'll choose bad players - no, no, no. I, 95% of the time (unless when it's dead rubber or in the Kak Cup) field the best line-up possible - that means no one on the field with a skill less than 7, if it can be absolutely maintained."

Arcadian Daily got to catch up with their old Coach, Coach Courtney - now holidaying in southern Arcadia.

"Well, they basically have to field a good line-up," she says, "Arcadia we all know underestimate teams at least in public, but while I was there, my strategy was always, "I will not play fancy football if I am not 100% sure of a win". They only have three forwards, one of them is out with an injury - but the team is very consistent. I can see the team playing a 4-3-3, or maybe a 4-4-2 - something attacking, but not attacking at the same time."

"Here, I put Arcadia's chances to 80%. But, and there is a very important but here, if it gets to extra time and/or penalties - let me say now, Keville will have a huge advantage - but that should cancel out as we know the Board likes underestimating - which means fast, attacking - and many goals."

When asked whether if she was being contacted by Arcadia FC for a return to the job, she smiled and said, "Let's just say I visited the camp, I saw the Chairman and he said 'Hi' and I said 'Hi' and then he got in the team bus. Make your own conclusions."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now that I got knocked out of the first round, here's my unbiased predictions for the second round:

These two are no-brainers: VolNation Volunteers over Redemptio Reds and Atlético Luz Del Mar over Atlético Melloria. Like duh.

Now, I expected a whole lot more from Estrellapuerto FC last season but they fell pretty flat in my opinion, so I'm thinking Estrellapuerto is going to disappoint ol' Botha's faith yet again - which means Tercera promotion darlings Dun Carrig Bohs over Estrellapuerto FC.

FC Jekerger over FC Franzharia is a given since Ranathar seems to have disappeared and Jekerger has strong coaching.

Swamplandia Sinners over Estrella Roja in either ET or SO, okay okay I seem to be the only one who constantly over-estimates Swamplandia but these two teams are pretty evenly matched but Estrella Roja's form seems to have been on the skids as of late, so I think the well-coached Sinners will pull out another rabbit from their hat (if avoiding the drop to Segunda two seasons in a row isn't magic enough) and move on to the next round.

Voobaha National over PEI FC and Arcadia FC over Keville United FC are obvious although I think Keville will put up a good fight.

SiPS over Spartak MK is tough to call, pretty balanced for talent but I'm edging towards SiPS because their form is pretty awesome right now while Spartak's is... well, not pretty awesome.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now that I got knocked out of the first round, here's my unbiased predictions for the second round:

These two are no-brainers: VolNation Volunteers over Redemptio Reds and Atlético Luz Del Mar over Atlético Melloria. Like duh.

Psh. Do not underestimate the manager of the week for the last round according to X11. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

You'd think VolNation will get past Redemptio Reds...don't you?

Beware! They got me on away goals... they might get you on penalties!

This man speaks the truth. The Reds are dangerous, no matter who we play. Form will be the deciding factor. VolNation has a point on us in that, and two in strength. Still, every offense can be neutralized with a good defense.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do not underestimate the manager

Actually that's a good point - you do have X11 experience so even though you have a brand new team, you aren't a newb manager. I've learnt firsthand that it does make a difference, certainly in building a team in the short run.

Those niceties aside... I still think you're going to lose :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Actually that's a good point - you do have X11 experience so even though you have a brand new team, you aren't a newb manager. I've learnt firsthand that it does make a difference, certainly in building a team in the short run.

Those niceties aside... I still think you're going to lose :P

We'll see. I expect to lose as well, which is basically why I'm throwing everything, including the kitchen sink at VolNation. Maybe I can find a chink in the armor and send the Reds on to the final eight.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...