NationStates Jolt Archive

The ASR is glad to announce the start of the most karelan championship ever! The group stage will consist of two groups of four:

Group 1:
Forest Hill FC (Bedistan)
Karela Lines (Rejistania)
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia)
East Rubbermade (Oliverry)

Group 2:
Makosile (Vilita)
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania)
Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix)
RFC Godiva (Spruitland)

The fixtures are:
Matchday 1:
1 vs 4
2 vs 3
Matchday 2:
1 vs 3
2 vs 4
Matchday 3:
1 vs 2
3 vs 4

Every match will be at a neutral venue in Rejistania.

The Karela Lines Yellows:

Goalkeeper:
Sila "Siki" Kiru, 27

(Kala "Kazaa" Syku, 35)

Defenders:
Lyku Jen, 28
Hasinu Kansu, 23
Venta Kansu, 25
Miku Sanu, 27
Kansu Senete, 19
Iaji Tali, 22
Simu Kansu, 30
Seja I Siki, 17
Taxa Ja, 25
(Makhi Sarha, 26)
(Sink~hit Ty, 26)
(Veje I Sa, 21)
(Saki Tana, 22)
(Sajata "Saja" Sarana, 26)
(Hai I Simu, 27)

Other positions:
Haki I La, 27
Hii Li, 20
(Sk~vene Ri, 27)
(Xao Si~lk, 30)
(Haju Tiku, 28)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Defenders Cup preview

The first club team to represent Spruitland on an international level, RFC Godiva, is a new team in the First Division – one of the six teams that were added to the league in the current, second season – and is the only team so far that even attempts to play defensive, counter-attacking football. Godiva coach Pedro Merckx, an ex-player of the club when they were still in the recreational and regional competitions, consistently plays with a five man defense.

“I was a defender myself,” Merckx says, “so it’s in my genes. And for some reason, we’ve always had a lot more good defenders than forwards in our team.”

Upon getting added to the First Division, Merckx was prepared to spend a large portion of his limited budget on a reliable striker. Young Rejistani immigrant Taki Sala was on the top of his list, but after Sala signed for the Fonstown Rovers, Merckx had to look for other options. His eventual choice was rather… peculiar.

Jan Wolters, Thiel United’s strong defensive midfielder, was one of the most controversial players of the First Division’s season 1. Scoring four own goals in twelve matches – all headers – Wolters was effectively the first player to reach star-status in Spruitland, his fame only surpassed by Dirk Jools when the young striker scored a legendary goal against Krytenia in the U-21 World Cup.

Wolters was less than pleased with his dubious fame though, requesting a move away from Thiel, the city he was born in, when the home supporters’ attitudes toward him deteriorated with every goal he nudged past his own keeper.

But – not all that surprisingly – despite his popularity and merchandizing potential, no team seemed interested in signing Wolters. Except RFC Godiva, that is, but only as a forward.

“Yeah, I was surprised,” Wolters says, “but I didn’t have to think about if for long. It was the only offer I received, and I’m too young to retire.”

“At first I figured they just wanted to cash in on their percentage of the t-shirt sales and figured it best to just position me as far away from our own team’s goal as possible,” he adds. “But it turns out Pedro [Merckx] had really thought this through.”

Indeed, Wolters quickly put a stop to the jokes and ridicules by scoring a goal in each of the first three games of the season, and he’s been at the top of the goalscorers board ever since. With 6 goals in 9 games so far, Wolters is rumored to be called up for Spruitland’s first senior national team for the upcoming Baptism of Fire tournament.

“Jan fits perfectly into our system,” coach Merckx explains. “He’s a powerhouse – he can play with his back to the goal and hang on to the ball. The opposition needs at least two defenders on him, and even then they better not be lightweights.”

“Add to that his natural ability to use either foot, and you’ve got yourself a forward,” Merckx adds. “True, it was a bit of a gamble whether he had the scoring instinct. But on the other hand, if you put four into the net by accident - even if it’s the wrong net - then there’s no telling how far you can go when you really try.”

Jan Wolters claims he’s not concerned with how far he can go, and just wants to continue to play well and score goals. So far, he’s certainly succeeding on both accounts, even scoring two of his six goals with headers.

“It’s the odd shape of his head,” Sporting Mayo and U-21 goalkeeper Simon Briers said after seeing one of Wolters’ freaky headers sail past him into the net on matchday 3. “No matter where he’s aiming at, it’s impossible to predict where that ball will end up."

Despite Wolters’ seemingly natural instinct for scoring, though, Merckx’ 5-3-1-1 tactic did not seem to be working in the first few games of the season. After three straight losses, conceding seven goals, supporters were shouting for a more offensive approach. But Merckx stuck to his game plan, and with a 4-1-1 for 13 points in the latest six games and the team moving up to a 4th spot in the table, the defensive coach once again enjoys full confidence.

On RFC Godiva’s ambitions in the Defenders Cup, Merckx remains purposely vague.

“We’re coming up against some top notch teams,” he shrugs. “So I’m not gonna be suckered into making bold predictions. We’re here to learn, and to gain experience.”

“Then again, a cup with nothing but defensive teams is a rather unique concept. One critical moment can decide a game. Someone like Jan Wolters, who doesn’t need a lot of chances to score, may prove invaluable.”

RFC Godiva start their Defenders Cup campaign against Makosile from Vilita, a mid-table team in the Stellar Division. Rejistania’s Najajara Ynu follows next, with Spraat FC from Fmjphoenix as the final opponents in the group stage. Not enough is known about these teams to make accurate predictions, but three scoreless draws, followed by a playoff match decided on penalties, is not an impossibility.



RFC Godiva

Location: Godiva

Coach: Pedro Merckx (39)

Team:
1. Elmer Holt GK 27
2. Ugo Van Schoorl DR 23
3. Marlon Van Can DL 29
4. Nicolas Romeijn DC 22
5. Jethro Ververs DC 23
6. Gilles De Wilde D/DM C 17
7. Gary Mariano MR 18
8. Amos Cloet MC 27
9. Jan Wolters FC 25
10. Dario Krusen AM C 26
11. Brand Abels ML 31

12. Filiberto Helmen GK 24
13. Marcel Dardagnac ST 16
14. Lucius Bergen AM RC 20
15. Rolf Deuman DRC 18
16. Antoine Hilvers DLC 17
17. Modest Feldker MLC 32
18. Sid Caparelli DC 18

Makosile Roster, man it's hard to believe this team is in an international competition.

Makosile United
The fighting force from Sile

[ 95 ] Jawz Oaker [ - Makosile - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 17 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )
Jawz Oaker is the son of Colonial Sile and Oaker national midfielder Arthin Oaker, who moved to Vilita early in his career after his impressive performances for Oaker in past World Cups. Jawz was called up to the Vilita Under 21 squad as Oaker did not participate in the Under-21's, qualifying through his residency and his Mother, a Vilitan. The young keeper spent most of Season 15 on loan to Mavaloiao, before being recruited by Doug Freech's Lopinka side, Declasse champions looking for a starting keeper for their return campain in the Stellar Division. However, hometown Makosile's vast improvements in Season 17 saw the youngster quick to return home to bask in the spotlight with one of Vilita's rising new powers.

[ 4 ] Jim Kilambe [ - Makosile - ]
------- D LRC ( Non-International )


[ 8 ] Asa Fisher [ - Makosile - ]
------- D C ( Non-International )


[ 5 ] Teariki Zema [ - Makosile - ]
------- D C ( Non-International )


[ 7 ] Rijat Redy [ - Makosile - ]
------- D C ( :: Rejistania :: )


[ 6 ] Maximus Maara [ - Makosile - ]
------- D RLC ( Non-International )


[ 18 ] Brad Edwards [ - Makosile - ]
------- MR C ( :: Turori :: )


[ 22 ] Rufus Tzimenakis [ - Makosile - ]
------- M C ( Non-International )


[ 34 ] Marasent Sioane [ - Makosile - ]
------- M RLC ( AGE: 34 GOALS::SR: 5 U21: 1 REG: 0 )
Marasent Sioane is one of the impressive youth talents bred out of the formerly productive Alikka-Corra Academy. Making his international debut in Under-21 World Cup III, Siaone's performances in Vilita's shock runner-up ride earned him a lucrative transfer to Kingsfordian club Barcoenfuego. Upon the collapse of the Kingsford pillar league, Sioane signed a one year deal with Vilitan side Turoki Isle. However, the makeshift Islanders failed to impress, and Sioane decided a home was to be found in Crosaibi, joining one of the most historic teams in all of Vilita, Marine Coast United.

[ 19 ] Jiujia Makae [ - Makosile - ]
------- F C ( :: Rejistania :: )


[ 48 ] Grenville Marai [ - Makosile - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 18 GOALS::SR: U21: REG: )

The Widdrington Wolves (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Widdrington_Wolves) travel for their first international club tournament as they travel to Rejistania for the Defender's Cup. Widdrington, the only team in Liga Starblaydia with the 'five man defence' entry qualification, are a little-known club from Nova Britannicus, famous only, perhaps, for being the club where Zhorin Tumunzahar came to prominence before a transfer to Vilita.

The Najajara Ynu roster:

Goakeeper:
Siki~l Na~o, 20
(Xei~na Nimi~r, 27)
(Lakax Ni~nmdi, 29)

Defenders:
Hekin Mana~o, 27
Sa~ola Vese, 26
Semy Verenil, 29
Ha~ota Ha~e, 25
Hank~hila Sede, 25

(Manju Hyni, 28)
(Svera Ka~nsu, 24)
(Elehelisanatarakiri Sinikaratalamere, 27)
(Sene Inkil, 29)
(Ja~e Kiix, 30)

Midfielders:
Seja~l Hanita, 27
Kanax Xank~hit, 24
Vesne Suru~r, 19

(Xajaka H~sara, 26)
(Kansu Syku, 22)
(Linil Soru~n, 29)

Forwards:
Nimisil Senkili, 29
Hytinil Suvanil, 28

(Sinikil Sirithil, 28)
(Kalon~je Sa~eja, 18)

"Good grief, will those Karelans out in Rejistania never get a hold on reality?"

"What do you mean?"

"They've started some new tournament, the 'Defenders Cup', they call it. That's just asking for trouble."

"How the devil is that asking for trouble?"

"Well, if every single team in the tournament is tied for the lead with all draws, no goals for, and no goals against, how does anything get decided?"

"Oh don't worry, that won't happen."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because I know for a fact there's a team playing that's also got the offensive capabilities to get through any defense no matter how strong."

"Who would that be?"

"Forest Hill FC (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Forest_Hill_FC), of course."

"Surely you don't mean to tell me a Bedistani club stooped so low as to play in some Karela-worshipping competition?"

"Well, you've got to admit, they've got the best defensive record in all Bedistan. Only allowed twenty-eight goals all last season."

"Yeah, in the First Division. I'd like to see 'em try it in the BPL."

"Oh, they will. They did get promoted, after all."

"Without scoring?"

"That's the beauty of it, they did score. Their 5-3-2 formation can still send a good many goals into the other net. Sixty of them, in fact."

"How the hell do you score sixty goals in thirty-eight games with five men on defense?"

"By having really good forwards and wingers. I heard Piko would've been a shoe-in for the U21 team, but his 22nd birthday just came a couple months too early. And Washman's supposed to be Vanessa Carpenter's replacement for World Cup 23."

"So you think they can pull it off?"

"Yes, I do. They're one of the best defensive teams in the world."

"They haven't won the championship for over thirty years, you know that as well as I do!"

"Very true. But when they did, their defense was miles ahead of everyone. Only allowed 31 goals, next best was 39. You just wait and see, Forest Hill will win this thing."

"Yeah, and I'm Lemmitanian."

[Note: full roster included on the wiki page; hit the link above for it]

East Rubbermade team at the East Rubbermade Provincial airport...

Coach Xianit Verville: "Why did the OSL subscribe our team to this tournament thaqt I never took care of? What is this tournament? Dé, err, De-fen-ders' Cup? Is that a Secret code for a kind of tournament? But wait a minute... I'll check the pamphlet...


WELCOME TO RED LIGHT BAR! NUDE GIRLS TO MAKE YOU BOYS ENJOY...

Errr. No, no boys, I'm not going there. It's my err... friend..."

Jeremy McGuire: "No, no. Aknowledge it..."

Coach: "Ok then... Now, I found the pamphlet. Here it is:


Welcome to the Rejistanian Defenders' Cup. This cup is for teams who played 50% of their games with 5 or more defenders

That's what we are doing: Leading the league with 6 defenders... Let's continue.

This cup will also permit, you teams that are alone in your country to play defensively, to meet other teams that are having the same ideology of play than you! Here's your group:

Group 1:
Forest Hill FC (Bedistan)
Karela Lines (Rejistania)
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia)
East Rubbermade (Oliverry)

Here's your schedule:
MD1: vs Forest Hill FC(Bedistan)
MD2: vs Karela Lines(Rejistania)
MD3: vs Widdrington Wolves(Starblaydia)

We wish you good luck in the tournament!

Teke Daran, director of the ASR


Well, what do we do captain McGuire? We go or not?"

McGuire: "I suggest we go. All fees are paid by the president himself. So, let's go and let's have fun!"

Manager Lyku "Sy" Kansu of Karela Lines talks to his team:

Veka, I know that you have jobs and such, but we will have more games in the next time. You all heard of the Xamjona'het Divensi'he'ny, you maybe know that of 72 eligible clubs, we were signed up. this of course has nothing to do with the sympathy of the Temple for us. Yes, Siji?

Seja I Siki: Isn't it a bit strange that an amateur team participates?

Lyku "Sy" Kansu: It surely is, but remember that we were the pioneers of defense. the Temple had quite an obligation to send us.
I ask you to make the country proud, Karela became more than a soccer club, it became an ideology. And we became the sign of them. For the Temple, Failure is not an option.

Sink~hit Ty: Will the stadia be 'improved'?

Lyku "Sy" Kansu: The venues are in Rejistania, but I have no idea whether the va'karela'ny will be turned on. Well, if any team doesn't need further karelization, it is you! (absently his right hand touches a 'mood-light' in the room)

Sink~hit Ty: We define Karela!

Lyku "Sy" Kansu: Yes, you do and because of that, I say: Go and jisu'iln min!

Scores of matchday 1:


Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 2 East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 0
Karela Lines (Rejistania) 1 Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 1
Makosile (Vilita) 1 RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 0
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 0 Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 0

Group 1 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 4 1 0 0 2:0 2
2. Karela Lines (Rejistania) 2 0 1 0 1:1 0
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 2 0 1 0 1:1 0
4. East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 1 0 0 1 0:2 -2
Group 2 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Makosile (Vilita) 4 1 0 0 1:0 1
2. Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 2 0 1 0 0:0 0
Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 2 0 1 0 0:0 0
4. RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 1 0 0 1 0:1 -1

Najajara kali was one of the cities, who converted last and somehow this is still seen in their attitude. Conceding might be evil, but despite that the fans of the Blacks are not really strategically minded, they want to see their team win and not not-lose. But even despite this attitude, the va'karela'ny seemed to work fine: Najajara Ynu drew scoreless with the most defensive team from Fmjphoenix (which plays a 7-2-1 tactic) scoreless. Maybe the best player for the Blacks was Ha~ota Ha~e. He stopped the chance of Spraat, which would have been a 100% chance otherwise.

Even though the Najajara was not as defensive as Karela Lines, their match was much better then the one of the Yellows. The Karelan team played extremely defensive, but could not prevent a questionable penalty kick for the starblaydian Wolves, which "Siki" couldn't parry. The most defensive team of Rejistania conceded. Of course, the Karelan fans chanted lehiju'ny and other 'nice' words for both teams. 15 minutes later, the unbelievable happened: the Karelans attacked. Well, it was a counter-attack and the only real chance for Karela but it was an attack and since it came out of the blue, the Wolves were unprepared and 'striker' Hii Li could equalize the score. After that, no attacks were successfull or only good. The Yellows now have two points but already one GA.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


One point for effort

That’s right, RFC Godiva have earned their first point in an international football competition. Don’t pour the champagne and light the celebratory spliffs just yet, though, because with Rejistani rules you get 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for getting your lazy ass out of bed and into the stadium.

It was in that last category that RFC Godiva was to be found, though they could’ve fooled us. Uninspired play and a generally lackluster performance against Vilita team Makosile made the few Spruitland supporters who made the long journey to Rejistania wonder if they shouldn’t have just stayed in the hotel to play scrabble. By the end of the match, the team’s colorless play had earned them the nickname “Godiva Grays”.

Still, it wasn’t all bad for the Grays, though it does take some positive thinking to label their three attempts on goal as chances. But on the defensive side at least, things weren’t too shabby, despite conceding a goal when Makosile veteran left midfielder Marasent Sioane rounded off a superbly built up attack that he had instigated himself from the left side.

The game was nearing the hour mark when Makosile scored the opening goal, and they immediately drew back to their own half to defend their lead. This created the room for RFC Godiva’s aforementioned half-chances, but Jan Wolters’ two long range attempts and Dario Krusen’s header off a corner failed to be on target.

RFC Godiva coach Pedro Merckx shrugged off the criticism at the post-match press conference.

“Hey, if you want spectacular football, go watch the Nudist Women’s Cup or something. This is the Defenders Cup, what’d you expect, 5 – 4?”

“Still, this wasn’t our best match of the season. The guys seemed a bit tired out there. I’d blame it on jet lag, but truth be told, those Makosillians – or however you’re supposed to call’m – had us pretty much pinned down. And Jan [Wolters] wasn’t up to snuff tonight.”

“What a crap game for me,” Wolters agreed. “That Rejistani dude in their defense had me by the balls – a few times quite literally, actually. Only way I’d have been able to shake him was if I’d have kicked him in the teeth, and I didn’t want to take it quite that far. Not while playing a tournament in Rejistania, anyway.”

With the next match against home team Najajara Ynu coming up, that was probably good judgment from Wolters, who is determined to score in that match.

“It’s not easy being an attacker in a defensive-minded country like this,” Wolters said. “People look at you like you’re the spawn of the devil. But that just makes me extra determined to hit one home against Najajara Ynu. I’m used to being booed, it doesn’t affect me anymore.”

Makosile – RFC Godiva: 1 – 0
(58’ Sioane)

Matchday 2 scores:

Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 0 Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 1
Makosile (Vilita) 0 Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 0
Karela Lines (Rejistania) 1 East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 0
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 1 RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 0

Group 1 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Karela Lines (Rejistania) 6 1 1 0 2:1 1
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 6 1 1 0 2:1 1
3. Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 5 1 0 1 2:1 1
4. East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 2 0 0 2 0:3 -3
Group 2 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Makosile (Vilita) 6 1 1 0 1:0 1
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 6 1 1 0 1:0 1
3. Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 4 0 2 0 0:0 0
4. RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 2 0 0 2 0:2 -2

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Second defeat – foul play suspected

Najajara Ynu – RFC Godiva: 1 – 0

With another defeat by the narrowest margin, RFC Godiva are effectively eliminated in the group stage of the Defenders Cup. The last game, against Spraat FC from Fmjphoenix, will be for the statistics only – at least for Godiva, Spraat will need a win to retain a chance of moving on to the semi finals.

After a lackluster performance against Makosile, the Godiva Grays were highly motivated to make the best of it against home team Najajara Ynu, and were the most offensive team – we’re using the term loosely – at least in the first half of the game.

Even though Najajara Ynu’s 5-3-2 tactic is considered almost blasphemous under the Karela regime, it was RFC Godiva who was most successful in keeping possession of the ball and who created the most chances before half time: three. And since two of those were even on target, the game was a notable improvement over the first game of the tournament.

Jan Wolters’ shot from a tight angle was saved by goalkeeper Siki~l Na~o, and Amos Cloet’s header off a corner kick was cleared from the goal line by defender Ha~ota Ha~e. (ed.: Boy, am I glad I’m working for the printed press and not tv or radio.) Another header, by Wolters, went horribly high and wide.

But in the second half, things went downhill fast. For no apparent reason whatsoever, RFC Godiva started to defend vigorously, showing no inclination whatsoever to attack. Even Jan Wolters barely crossed the middle line, and when he did it was as if he was confused about what to do, making him quickly return to his own side of the field.

Najajara Ynu made a few half assed attacking attempts until they got a free kick and one of their two forwards scored from the edge of the box. We’re not exactly sure which one it was, all those Rejistanians look alike to us. After the goal, Najajara Ynu drew back to their own half to defend their lead, but even then the Godiva players made no move towards the opponents’ goal.

The remaining twenty minutes basically amounted to Najajara Ynu forwards and the odd midfielder kicking the ball around near the centre circle, while the RFC Godiva players watched from a distance.

Disappointed Godiva supporters left the stadium early, grunting things like “stupid morons probably figured they were ‘defending a point’ or something”. But at the post-match press conference, RFC Godiva coach Pedro Merckx denied that was the case.

“I don’t know what happened, but we were not supposed to pull back like that. At half time, we agreed we were totally gonna go for the win – I even turned on that fancy blue lamp over the blackboard to explain some new attacking maneuvers.”

“No clue what went wrong,” striker Jan Wolters also admitted. “It was weird. The further away I went from Elmer’s [Holt, GK] goal, the guiltier I felt. It just didn’t feel right to leave our penalty area defended by only ten people, when I could be back there to help them.”

The team’s medical staff is examining every Godiva player carefully, but the first tests show nothing out of the ordinary. Similarities with the famous Taki Sala case in the Spruitland First Division have not gone unnoticed, however, and Rejistani foul play is suspected, but since there is no proof as of yet, no formal statements to this effect have been made.


Group 2 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Makosile (Vilita) 6 1 1 0 1:0 1
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 6 1 1 0 1:0 1
3. Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 4 0 2 0 0:0 0
4. RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 2 0 0 2 0:2 -2

Spraat FC

Goalkeepers:
#1 Flue Junks*
#2 Kryan Logan
#3 Constantine Xavior

Defenders:
#4 Infudal Graoud*
#5 Laflour Centrel
#6 Yamazi Ramni*
#7 Miguel Davis*
#8 Kristen Froinla
#9 Stevin Belius*
#10 David Allen*
#11 Howard Slikaa
#12 Sroug Syki*
#13 Aaron Zaul*
#14 Dustin Coffee

Midfielders:
#15 Restiaa Rlain* (Vilitan)
#16 Stan Revan
#17 Van House*
#18 Dave Justive

Forwards:
#19 Clive Morrus* (Legalese)
#20 Mike Dragoon

Reporter: Sytuin'he, a few questions!
Iskil Sytuin, manager of Najajara Ynu: Su? What do you want?
Reporter: The Spruitlandish team suggests some manipulation in the last match, what is your statement?
IS: Jie, these people are always looking for excuses.
Reporter: Then why did both teams play rather defensively?
IS: This is the Defenders Cup, not the attack-as-if-you-lost-your-mind Cup!
Reporter: Even for Ynu's standards, you were playing defensively, very defensively!
IS: Well, we are rejistanian...
Reporter: Your excuses are getting worse and worse!
IS: it is part of being rejistanian that you are in the reach of a va'karela or two.
Reporter: So you did manipulate the match using va'karela'ny?
IS: The match was at the Kalisimu Salan stadium, do you expect them not to have va'karela'ny? I have nothing to do with it! Maybe people switched on the va'karela'ny there.
Reporter: Why should they?
IS: because they look pretty when turned on and when their light shines. I heard some K~hodiva official talked about blue light, which he turned on.
Reporter: Might be true...

Spraat FC takes two clean sheets, scores none in two matches

Flue Junks has been playing great lately. Two straight matches in the defenders cup and he has come up with clean sheets both times. Despite the supreme keeping, there has not been any counter-attacking as both matches have been 0-0 draws. But they remain pumped up as their final match is coming up against RFC Godiva, the team out from Spruitland. If they can manage to at least put one past them, their 7 defenders should be able to continue to confuse the opposing strikers. This will be an important matchup for the Spraat FC, as they will need to take a win in order for passing into the next round.

It was a sunny day in KaMaRi kali, the Estadije Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati was completely sold out. Fans from all over Rejistania came to see their 'Lines' (rejistanian for 'yellow') face the Oliverran defensive powerhouse East Rubbermade. The match was of course a typical Karela Lines match: no team had any chance in the first half. As soon as something was attempted the other team intercepted. The one chance happened in the first seconds of the second half: Sk~vene Ri got into posession of the ball stormed forwards and scored past the surprised Oliverran goalie. Oliverry too had a chance in the second half, which did not result in a goal, Goalkeeper "Siki" could indirect the ball over the bar. Manager Lyku "Sy" Kansu was very satisfied with the win and did not think that the goal was unkarelan. He said grinning: "We are Karela'het, how can something we do be unkarelan!"

Matchday 3:

Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 0 Karela Lines (Rejistania) 1
Makosile (Vilita) 0 Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 0
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 1 East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 0
Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 0 RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 0

Region 1 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Karela Lines (Rejistania) 10 2 1 0 3:1 2
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 10 2 1 0 3:1 2
3. Forest Hill FC (Bedistan) 6 1 0 2 2:2 0
4. East Rubbermade (Oliverry) 3 0 0 3 0:4 -4
Region 2 Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Makosile (Vilita) 8 1 2 0 1:0 1
Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 8 1 2 0 1:0 1
3. Spraat FC (Fmjphoenix) 6 0 3 0 0:0 0
4. RFC Godiva (Spruitland) 4 0 1 2 0:2 -2


Due to the ties, the matches in the semifinal were decided by coin toss:
Karela Lines (Rejistania) vs Makosile (Vilita)
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) vs Najajara Ynu (Rejistania)

The Rejistanian government awarded Spraat FC a 'special archievements' award due to their streak.

Spraat FC ceedes none again, score none. Lots of good things happen though

Despite grinding out another 0-0 draw with RFC Godiva, the Spraat FC enjoyed their entry in the Defenders Cup. Even though they will not move into the next round, they recieved a special award from the Rejistanian Officials for their streak of no conceding in the three matches. Not only was the award a great accomplishment, the owner of Spraat FC was able to hire a new coach, Lyku Kansu. With coach well versed in the ways of Karela, Spraat FC is expected to become a top defending squad.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/sportsgazette.jpg


Grays save face

Spraat FC – RFC Godiva: 0 – 0

Despite being unable to score a goal, the Godiva Grays managed to avoid a third defeat in their first international tournament and can head back home to Spruitland with a minor sense of accomplishment. They’ll probably still be ridiculed, but at least they pulled off a better record than Oliverry’s East Rubbermade.

“We’re not known for our strong start,” coach Pedro Merckx shrugs. “In the Spruitland First Division we started off with three defeats, but ended up in 4th place anyway. If this Defenders Cup had continued for a few dozen more games, I’m sure we could have won it.”

“And at least, if anyone back home asks, we can tell them we earned 4 points in 3 games,” Merckx adds. “That’s not so bad if you put it like that.”

Forward Jan Wolters is less pleased with the final tally, being unable to score a goal in three games. Wolters wasted a golden opportunity in the match against Fmjphoenix’ Spraat FC when he missed a penalty late in the game, sending the ball high into the stands.

“Yeah, that was painful,” Wolters says. “Not that it mattered much, we were eliminated already. But when you get a chance like that, you wanna bring it home.”

“I can’t be pleased with this tournament, both for myself and for the team in general. Conceding only twice isn’t too horrible, but when you don’t manage to score a goal in three games, you can’t exactly jump around in joy. Given the nature of the tournament, we didn’t expect to score many goals, but more than zero would have been nice. At least in our last game we didn’t pull back like scared kittens, like against that Rejistani team.”

RFC Godiva indeed seemed back to their normal style of play, with at least an occasional attempt to create a scoring opportunity. The team’s medical staff has no explanation, but thinks the change of venue might have something to do with it.

The game against Spraat FC was rather uneventful, both teams creating exactly two chances each, one of which was Jan Wolters’ missed penalty after being ruthlessly sandwiched between a pair of Spraat defenders. Wolters, not a small man, was slightly groggy after the incident, and critics say this was the cause for his unexplainable miss.

Wolters denies that, claiming he is “not the type to look for excuses”, and says he is, in a way, kinda glad it happened.

“Better to get it out of my system and miss now, when it didn’t matter. Trust me, next penaly I take, that ball’s gonna blow a hole in the net.”

While he would’ve preferred a place in the semi finals, Wolters also states he is relieved to be returning to Spruitland, saying the Rejistani’s barely cloaked hostility towards attackers is quite discomforting.”

“You never know how good you have it at home until you go some place else,” he says. “This religious obsession with defending is giving me the heebie-jeebies. When you’re a defender, I suppose it’s not so bad, but as a striker you’re lower than the goal posts, here. I admire those very few Rejistanis that pull it off, but I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.”

The Yellows again showed the foreigners, who expect all matches to end scoreless in a cup of defense, that defense does win matches and even wins the (shared) lead in the group 1. Forrest Hill FC maybe had problems with the climate in Na~ovi kali, where the match took place. The day was hot and humid, southern rejistanians call this weather sometimes 'home advantage'. Also the Karelans had problems, but these problems were not as severe. Defender Venta Kansu scored the only goal in this match (and the karelan coach was not too pleased with it since it means he was missing in the defense and "Siki"s goal was only defended by 8 field players). When a counter attack was started, he stormed forwards like the two attackers, when Hii Li was in good position himself, he fooled the goalie by a quick pass to Kansu'he, who increased the score then.

The much anticipated match between Najajara Ynu and Makosile was the match in this cup with most rejistanian players on the pitch: Not only the entire Najajaran team but also two Makosilean players are from the Rejis. The winner would take the first position in the group, the loser would finish second. The match was for the fans of defensive football and drove some non-karelans insane. No team had good chances, but it was not for the lack of trying: As soon as the ball crossed the middle line, the other team intercepted. Due to that, the match ended scoreless and both teams share a first place in the group.

Semifinals:

Karela Lines (Rejistania) 1 Makosile (Vilita) 0
Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 0 Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 0 AET: 1:0

Final:
Karela Lines (Rejistania) vs Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) @Estadije Sen-La-Sao Relekhati

vinali tikira:
Makosile (Vilita) vs Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) @Estadije Hades Lavamje

The Karela Lines played against the Vilitan team Makosile in KaMaRi kali. Despite the city, it was no home game for the Yellows: The venue was the Estadije Riandu Redy, a place where the Lines did not reach many points. Even though SLS R (Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati) is the main rival, Riandu earned a good second spot, mainly because they were underproportionally successfull against the Reds (redy=red). The Lines were the defensive team in this match, Makosile was using an attacking 5-3-2 formation, while Karela decided for a 8-1-1-ish system. Many Karelans came due to the small distance and outnumbered the vilitan fans by much*. Makosile had a good chance in the fifth minute, but "Siki" could clear Makae'he's shot. A random fact is that this match has not the highest number of rejistanian players: Sajata "Saja" Sarana is Communist rejistanian citizen, so the number of Rejistanians is one lower than in the Makosile-Najajara match. In the 19th minute, the Lines had their chance in the match: Haki I La, who can be described as striker if one uses the definition of a small suburb of KaMaRi, was able to score in a counter-attack, unexpected for the Makosile goalie Jawz Oaker. The rest of the match, the Karelans were playing the incarnation of Sistenha Karela in its purest form, they intercepted fast enough not to allow chances and had none themselves. After 90 minutes, it was clear that Karela Lines reached the final!


*yes, lacking RPing=lacking fan interest IMNSCO :>

The final ended with this score:
Karela Lines (Rejistania) 0 Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydia) 0 AET: 0:0 APK: 8:7

The vinali tikira had the following result:
Makosile (Vilita) 0 Najajara Ynu (Rejistania) 0 AET: 1:0

Due to the really narrow win on Penalties, the rejistanian government decides to split the 2billion lil'kansu'ny for the winner: Karela Lines receives 1.5 billion lil'kansu'ny and
Widdrington Wolves 0.5 billion lil'kansu'ny!

The ASR and the government of Rejistania thanks everyone for participating! High Priest Kaxada said: " We hoped this tournament helped to spread the virtues of System Karela to a wider audience. All matches were broadasted to all participating and some non-participating nations, so we hope the images will destroy the evil System Takil!" (what he did not mention is that the videofeed contained sublimal messages, which intend to make people more defensive-minded and Karelan) "May Taderekansa lead you!"

It was a sunny day and SLS R was sold out completely. The match between the Yellows and the Wolves was interesting not only for fans of the two team, all fans of defensive soccer were interested in this System Karela final. A Streetian delegation protested in front of the stadium against the defensive match but they were arrested by the police and are currently being reeducated by the government. It is said that when they are freed, they will be hardcore-karelan - or dead. Since the rejistanian government is civilized, it gives people a choice. The Wolves were the more attacking team in this final, but the Yellows had a few chances too, two to be exact. The wolves had more chances, but they were not as good as the two karelans, but this did not matter since no team was successfull. The match went into extra time and saw there much midfield action, but no real chances. Even after extra time the match was scoreless. The Penalty kicks started with a shock: Hii Li missed while Syku Isita, the rejistanian striker of the Wolves scored. Until the fifth penalty, the Yellows were one behind, then the rejistanian international Lyku Jen scored and then Carl Salmon of Nova Britannicus missed. The score after the regular penalty kicks was 3:3. In the sudden death penalties, there still was a deadlock, when Karela Lines scored, Widdrington Wolves scored too, when the Lines missed, the Wolves missed too. Then, the 11th penalty kick was decisive: Taxa Ja scored the 8:7. Thanasis Gekas missed the goal, the ball reflected on the post.

The entire night, Rejistanians celebrated the victory. Karela Lines won by the smallest imaginable margin in the sudden death penalty kicks.