NationStates Jolt Archive

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The top 8 seeds each get placed into a group of their own.

Seeds
1 Nedalia
2 Starblaydia
3 Fmjphoenix
4 Hockey Canada
5 Sarzonia
5 Jeruselem
7 Chicanada
8 Spruitland

Group A
Fmjphoenix (3)
Liverpool England (20)
Pacitalia (10)
Kassyyk (13)

Group B
Starblaydia (2)
Oglethorpia (18)
Cockbill Street (15)
Caprine States

Group C
Chicanada (7)
Hypocria (9)
Bedistan (21)
Crystilakere (17)

Group D
Nedalia (1)
Vtorbetin (12)
Euroslavia
TCMS

Group E
Sarzonia (5)
Lovisa
Oliverry
Atlantis of Vilita (22)

Group F
Hockey Canada (4)
East Lithuania (14)
Liamist States
Rejistania (11)

Group G
Jeruselem (5)
Blessed Restraint
Oaker (19)
Maserrat

Group H
Spruitland (8)
The Mushroom Kingship
Gaian Ascendancy (16)
Tonissia

The Bureaucratic Tribune

U21WC17 roster = done

OGLETHORPIA (BT) -- With the U21 World Cup 17 finally upon us, the Oglethorpian Association of Football has released the Junior Ostriches roster. Of note is how the roster is virtually identical to that of the World Cup 16 roster -- except that all the players are direct descendents of that squad.

"They sure grow up fast," explained coach Ruben van Mistletoe. "I mean, Tom T. Kein was 20 last year, and he already has an 18 year old son."

Without any further and unnecessary ado, here is the Junior Ostriches roster.

Manager/Coach/Head Moral Supporter: Ruben van Mistletoe
Formation: 3-4-3

Goal: Tom T. Kein Jr. (18)

Defense:
Dwight White Jr. (17)
Michael Shootson-Arnold Jr. (19)
Mitch Pritchell Jr. (20)

Midfield:
Grant G. Green Jr. (18)
Nathaniel Falls Jr. (20)
Lionel Linear Jr. (20)
Charles Albert-Herbson Cabbages Jr. (20)

Offense:
Stephe Mogler Jr. (18)
Maximillian Black III (20)
Hugh G. Dawkins Jr. (19)

On the bench is Bill Behnch, Bob Betterer, Bill Betterer, Bob Behnch and Brad Betterer. Notably, the Junior Ostriches bench is not related to one another at all.

This being the second time for the Junior Ostriches, expectations are high -- notably a predicted first round appearance.

"It's as if qualification to the group stage is automatic!" wisely commented Grant Green Jr. "It'll be no sweat, we'll get to the first round easily."

"I dunno," said a skeptical Charles Cabbages Jr. "We may have a long fight ahead of us just to get into the first round."

Nonetheless, Oglethorpia goes in with high hopes.

"I imagine we'll play some matches for 90 minutes, and kick a ball around -- it'll be good," elaborated forward Hugh Dawkins Jr.

As Oliverry splat in 2 parts(Oliverry and Limbrogidlia, Oliverry being the french part and Limbrogidlia the English one), here is a squad made of frenchies...

Formation: 3-3-4

Goalkeepers:
Jean-Alan Bellemort
Gardien Debut

Defenders:
Kelly Delaride
Yves Roche
Jean Tremblay
Yvan Gertrand

Midfielders:
Jacques Benoit
Christian Lepasrapport
Gérard Bienheureux-Montée
Julien Poulin

Forwards:
Kim Lavoie
Guillaume Lavoie
Régent Quentin
Jimmy Leroux
Michel Larousse

Team's hot chick mascot: Julie Bellemort

Team's coach: Jean-Jacques Pelletier


Note: Players in bold are starters

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz rabbling worked for the big squad*

Can't Shake Those Hypocrians!
Squad gets three intriguing matchups on road to u21s

Chicanada just cannot stop facing Hypocria, as the u21 squad draws them in Group Play for the thrid different sporting tournament. After the National side went 0-1-1 with then and we're still waiting to hear how the Hockey National did against them, maybe it's for the best we have a new rival we face every single possible tournament.

In other, more fun news, Chicanada will get to restart with Crystilakere and face an unknown Bedistani squad as well. Most pundits (Cana Press, Ashley Standard, Chicanada Sun and the CFA's own FootyTimes) have the Kodiaks advancing to their fourth round of 16 with Crystilakere (or Hypocria, as the Sun proposes) and could be a threat to face Nedalia again in a quaterfinal.

Projected finishes by the leading experts

Ashley Standard

Champion: Nedalia
Runner-Up: Jeruselem
Final 4: Starblaydia, Sarzonia
Final 8: Palacita, Chicanada, Hockey Canada, Gaian Ascendancy
Final 16: Spuritland, Maserrat, East Lithuania, Lovisa, Euroslavia, Crystilakere, Cockbill Street, Fmjphoenix

Chicanada Sun

Champion: Starblaydia
Runner-Up: Jeruelem
Final 4: Chicanada, Sarzonia
Final 8: Fmjphoenix, Hypocria, East Lithuania, Spuritland
Final 16: Palacita, Tonissa, Maserrat, Hockey Canada, Lovisa, Euroslavia, Nedalia, Cockbill Street

The roster for the u21 squad feature two women for the first time, showing how big the influence of the WomensLiga is on the Chicanadan game (at least until a Womens World Cup is held, anyways). We'll of course be rabbling all the live long day for our beloved Kodikits! (Hopefully to a championship!)

Head Coach: Cristian Helb (Saint Jean)
Assiant Coaches: Clint Dempsey (Southampton), Tzik Oliven (AS Risa)

Goalkeeps
(s) Paris Asmilov (18, Bishop East FC)
(r) Ruslan Omejende (20, Star Point)
(r) Jasmine P'loza'kizvv (20, WFC Esten)

Defenders:
(s) Grajz Loike (19, Real Chelsea)
(s) Biondi Klizinglton (20, South Shore)
(s) Ikinl Predvola (19, Saint Croix)
(r) Ladsichx Pudjs (18, Sfaxen BCF)
(r) Jacoi Lapazz (19, Stamford Bridge)

Midfielders:
(s) Roman Hightower (20 AC Loundon)
(s) Visnui Westinhaus (20, South Shore)
(s) Mariel Florientin (19, Saint Jean)
(s) Hisam Forensca (18, Arsenal)
(r) Grozj Flinne'liveos (19, Saint Jean)
(r) Livingston O'Mier (20, Arsenal)
(r) Fastione Kloemi (19, Narobi)
(r) Eric Melival (17, Cavalier)

Forwards:
(s) Eriche Yojaten (20, Ashley)
(s) Helix Adamton (19, Arsenal)
(s) Michael Klobee (19, Alexandria, Liamist States)
(r) Terrence Millenson (19, Acadia)
(r) Shannon Kizao (19, BFC Monarchs)

Today’s headlines…

Minidukes Finally Get Go Ahead
Liamists Join First U21 Tournament
Liam & Co Media

Marmadukes Qualify, Minidukes Take First Steps
Will The Youngins Be As Succesful?
Liamist States Times

Attacking Character In Announced Squad
Will A Strong Strike Force Help?
Soccer Monthly



MINIDUKES
*Starting side

Forwards
Giovanni Gaardsoe (Hilles)*
Ariabod Kallstrom (Mayfair)*
Stanislaus Casado (Vice District CDL)*
William Ashdown (Alexandra)
Austin O'Brein (Vice District CDL)

Midfielders
Troy Champion (Trenportsmouth)* (C)
Prosper Benhamou (Plants Square)*
Roshaun U Robinson (Poitiers)
Page Radzinski (Eastbank)
Ron Amauri (Eastbank)

Backs
Odysseus Nardinello (Liamistan)*
Anjo Coppola (York)*
Leavitt Forschelet (Marseille)*
Kristopher El Hamoudi (LS Town)*
Torn Vergassolo (Liamistan)*
Kato Maini (Hilles)
Aulii Paredes (Centrale CDL)

Keepers
Lutsky Chema (Alexandra)*
Berke C Mendy (Downtown FRB)

Starblaydia's U21WC17 Squad Announced
Azanulbizarn picks two girls, what's going on?

Starblaydia Under-21s (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Starblaydia_Under-21s) Manager Khim Azanulbizarn has become the first Starblaydi manager at any level to pick female players for a national team. Cherry Garcia, 15, and Jade Matranga, 12, (yes, its that same Matranga family again) have been plucked from the youth sides of Liga Ipsilon - Starblaydia's Womens' League - to join the Under-21 set-up.

The Starblaydi youth system, which has been for so long one of the best in the world - perhaps even the best ever due to its consistency and longevity - is one of the jewels in Starblaydia's sporting crown and they will be attempting to take the Under-21 title back to Starblaydia with their host of youthful talent.

The Manager
Khim Azanulbizarn (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Khim_Azanulbizarn), 39

Starting XI
1. Nicholas Mathias, GK, 21 - Jhanna United
2. Danzir Garahildim, R/CB, 19 - Tabeck FC
3. Ulysses Zielinski, R/LB, 18 - Hallad Reavers
4. Virgil Ernesto, DM, 16 - Hecia
5. Dane Jaeger, SW/CB, 19 - Penningworth United
6. Menecrates, A/R/L/C/M, 17 - Corinthian Spirits
7. Giovanni Lopez, Captain, RW/SC, 20 - Internashionale
8. Jamal Nguyen, CM, 20 - Hallad Reavers
9. Raul Diaz-Arca, SC, 19 - Corinthian Spirits
10. Mercutio, SC, 17 - Point/Grunt AC (Cockbill Street)
11. Reynaldo, L/CM, 17 - Laf'goh'lith K'druz'ba (Cockbill Street)

Substitutes
12. Ahab Maestas, GK, 19 - Hallad Reavers
13. Heider Stefansson, CB, 17 - Internashionale
14. Oswald Perheira, L/CB, 16 - Veger United (Spruitland)
15. Cherry Garcia, RW, 15 - Starlight Hammers (Liga Ipsilon)
16. Gino Vogliazzi, C/DM, 14 - Hallad Reavers
17. Rabindra Singh, CF/SC, 15 - Penningworth United
18. Raphaelo, SC, 15 - Iskara Daii

Reserves
19. Julio I Kyrile, GK, 16 - KaMaRi kali Xentira (Rejis 1st Div)
20. Jaime Oberlander, L/CB, 15 - Hersch Albion
21. Georges Blanc, CM, 13 - Floral FC Under-19s (Bedistan)
22. Jade Matranga, L/AM, 12 - Tabeck Lightning (Liga Ipsilon)
23. Roberto Vega, SC, 12 - Internashionale

The Formation (3-5-2)
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/StarU21WC17.jpg

The PC Jeruselem team for U21C17

Formation 4-4-2

Coach
* Dido Smith

Assistant Coach
* Christine Moran

Goalkeepers
* Paul Linux, 17
* Barry MacIntel, 18

Defenders
* Bill Gates IV, 16
* Athlon Sixty Fore, 19
* Asus Video, 18
* SATA Drive, 20
* Pope Canon, 18
* Voodoo Banshee, 19

Midfielders
* nVidia Stuart, 20 (Captain)
* ATI ATI, 17
* GeForce mann, 18
* Tux Penguin, 18
* Wendows Expee, 16
* Oh Ess Two, 17

Strikers
* Sonny Dee Vee Dee, 16
* Elle Gee, 18
* Acer Compaq

Team is sponsored by the Apple and Intel, the MacIntels are coming soon.

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
====================
Choose My Scorers

Junior Stars looking to Vent

Brent Vent walked along the practice field, still in a case of disbelief. Even though it had been well over a year since he led his beloved Nedalia Lions to a Under 21 World Cup championship, he still had to pinch himself as he was watching a completely different unit go through its paces.

Vent went from hoisting the championship trophy as the manager of the Lions to taking over the coaching position for the Sarzonian Under 21 national team after former Junior Star Valentin Kienzl abruptly resigned following the team's elimination from the tournament for only the second time in 13 previous World Cup appearances. Vent said he wanted the challenge of trying to bring the World Cup to a once proud organisation that had fallen on hard times.

So, despite stiff competition from the top assistant coach of Pacitalia's Under 21 national side, assistant coach and Sarzonian footballing icon Troy Perkins, and a late application from legendary coach Syky Lyku, Vent assumed the coaching duties for the Junior Stars in an effort to bring the side back to prominence.

"There was no way to go any higher than winning a World Cup," Vent said. "That's why I come to Sarzonia. There's a lot of upside here."

The Junior Stars look to a now-healthy Jenna Raven to spark the midfield after she suffered an injury in the team's opening round loss to Pacitalia. Raven is expected to shoulder the load as the team's captain in her final World Cup before she becomes ineligible to play due to her age, but Vent said Raven should make her impact with the senior team.

"Jenna is arguably the best player we have, except for perhaps Jarret [Sanderson]," Vent said. "She's going to be a key player for us."

"It's my last World Cup with these guys and gals," she said. "I want this to be memorable for all the right reasons."

Sarzonian Junior Stars

Coach: Brent Vent.
Assistants: Troy Perkins, Avid Mashoda

ROSTER (starters in BOLD)

(4-4-2 formation)

GOALKEEPERS:
40 Frank Handley (Saugerties Snakes): At 18 years old, this goalkeeping prospect is ready to assume the mantle of the starting goalkeeper's role.
1 Bobby Townshend (unaffiliated): This 17 year old hasn't caught on with a team yet, but has bloodlines, as his father and uncle both played goalkeeper.

DEFENDERS:
2 Kenny Houlder (Saugerties): The 16 year old Houlder has dominated the youth program. He spends a lot of time in the film room studying the tendencies of his opponents and working on his game with coaches.
48 Candi Croshetti (Portland City College): She was such a dominant force on the women's team at City College that Vent gave her a look. The 21 year old earned a roster spot and may find her way in the starting 11.
33 Jonas Thompson (no affiliation): Signed originally to provide defencive depth, takes over in the starting 11 with age-related eligibility claiming a starting defender. He's 21 years old.
37 Brian Sandt (New Praeton College): At 19 years old, the youthful Sandt has bloodlines to his advantage, being the younger brother of senior starting goalkeeper Horace Sandt.
12 Lucas Johannson (Bristol Braves): This 18 year old was signed by Vent to provide defensive depth. He has little pure speed, but is good at reading his mark and being at the right place at the right time.
14 Julius Polanius (Woodstock Preparatory Academy): This recent emigre from Praetonia turned 19 the day he left for training with the Junior Stars. He's arguably the fastest player on the team.

MIDFIELDERS
4 Jenna Raven (Paleuma High School): Team Captain. At 21 years old, she is a veteran of the Under 21 wars and is expected to make her mark on the senior national team before long.
19 Jarret Sanderson (Woodstock Wild): Labelled as a malcontent, Sanderson has matured enormously in the past few World Cups. He's 20 years old and will probably be a star in the years to come.
24 Roger Lipscomb (Joe Gibbs University): Previously added to the roster for depth at defensive midfielder, Lipscomb has become known as a rugged force, especially for a 21 year old.
29 Alexei Nemenoff (Woodstock Wolves): This 20 year old emigre from The Island of Rose showed up with some of the best ball skills of anyone on the team, but his match fitness isn't where it needs to be to play more than a half at a time.
21 Jalen Cisco (unaffiliated): At 17 years old, adds some depth as a defensive midfielder.
20 Chris Maise (College of Saugerties): Adds a skillful offensive midfielder to the team for depth at that position. At 19 years old, he may not have much of a future on the team unless graduations take away many of the starters.

FORWARDS:
17 Marshall Hendricks (Woodstock City College): Easily the most mature player on the field, surpassing the 21 year olds although he's just 20.
44 Karen Belgrade (Stephen Stills High School): At 20 years old, she has a future ahead of her after dominating her high school's football leagues, both girls and boys.
8 Luke Carson (John McVie Preparatory School): This 17 year old will likely see time as a withdrawn forward until the starters graduate from the Under 21 programme. His touch is still evolving.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/bsd_banner.png
football

Cubs out to regain lost glory

"It just doesn't make any sense really." New Bedistan under-21 coach Judson Madison provided the BSD on his thoughts regarding the state of youth football in Bedistan. "We're one of the most successful footballing nations in the world and have been for something like half a century. And a good while ago, we had one of the best youth teams in the world too. Now our senior squad is better than ever, but the youth program has been utterly off the charts, and I don't mean that in a positive way. It's been ages since we've had any kind of success at the under-21 level. But that is going to change now."

Will Madison be true to his word, or is it just the usual pre-Cup rhetoric? You decide. But at any rate, the Bedistan Football Association has released its official Under-21 World Cup 17 squad list. Several of the names on the roster are familiar from the Paul Dussis Memorial Cup in Liverpool England, but a few players from that Cup have been called up to the senior squad to play in Rejistania and/or Eauz, including the fantastic midfield duo of Stalls and Romano. So there are a few changes. Something very interesting to note, though: every single one of the Cubs' starters this time around is nineteen years old, and the youngest substitute is seventeen.

Starters (4-4-2 formation)
GK - Nina Gutiérrez, age 19, Eastfield Rogues

D L - Andy Pickron, age 19, Navarre Town
D C - Lauren Gunn, age 19, Dennis Bears
D C - Lisa Alejo, age 19, Charleston FC
D R - Candy Davis, age 19, Griffin Zebras

M L - Michael Porter, age 19, Sokojiwa City FC
M C - Susan Stallman, age 19, Graceville Salamanders
M C - Meg Fowler, age 19, Sokojiwa City FC
M R - Lauren Scott, age 19, San Solari FC

F C - Adam Fowler, age 19, Ari FC
F C - Delilah Greene, age 19, Ari FC

Substitutes
GK - Sherman Locke-Holmes, age 17, Navarre Town U19s
D - Bruno Lunz, age 19, Griffin Zebras
D/SW - Sara Knight, age 19, Yuba United
M - Rebecca Humboldt, age 18, New Haverford Albion
M - Robin Trier, age 19, RKA Warriors
F - Cassie Hennessey, age 19, Dawson Springs FC

The Nedalia Lions

Champions Looking to Retain


“This is a different team than the one that lifted the trophy in World Cup 16, make no mistake,” commented Opit Newman, the former assistant manager, now head manager of the team. “This is much more inexperienced side. The last tournament was a culmination of players who were going through their third World Cup, and those were very talented individuals. The talent is still here, but we are lacking on the experience side of it. Hopefully, we can discover some gems. We still have Constantine and Lumiere, so we’re not completely lacking.”

Despite the not so positive words from their manager, the Lions should still be one of the favorites to repeat as champions. After their spectacular display last time around, the champions have a lot of pressure on them, pressure that may eventually get to these relatively young players. If it does, however, it should not be in the first round, where the champions, on paper, face an easy round to the 2nd round. Euroslavia and TCMS should be of no trouble for the lions, and even 12th ranked Vtorbetin should, at max, take away a point from the champs.



- Attacking Football.

COACHES

- Opit Newman: 48 year old head coach. 0 - 0 - 0



GOALKEEPERS

Hard Dans (7 U21 caps):
- 21 years old keeper. Calm and poised, he is great with his hands and when defending crosses and corner. Despite his young age, has had a superb season for Strundanne this year. Was a reserve in U21 World Cup 14 but did not play, but he was the starter for the 7th placed Lions team in U21 WC 15 and the championship squad in WC 16.

Dana Hamoud:
- 20 year old reserve keeper for Rappor. Was called up to the U21 WC squad for WC 15, but did not feature. Same in the WC 16.




DEFENDERS

Ghanem Drad:
- 18 year old Riviera central defender. Has quickly made his way up from the youth squad to the first team. His first World Cup.

Gary Stewart :
- 21 year old Andestranne central defender, replacing Mohammed Khadra as captain of the squad. Extremely intense and volatile, known for his hard tackles. Starter on the U21 World Cup 14, 15, and 16 squads alongside Khadra, will be his fourth and final U21 WC, and his first as captain.

Fred Onno :
- 20 year old reserve left defender. Did wonderfully for his Woodston squad this year. This will be his first U21 WC as a starter.

Emmanuel:
- 21 year old Porasse right defender. Has come of age the past year. His first U21 as a starter.

Alred Barnes:
- 19 year old reserve central defender. Plays for Woodston, tackling being his strength. His first international tournament.

Hameed Ostaller :
- 16 year old left defender. Plays for Andestranne.

Waleed Ahmar:
- 19 year old reserve right defender. Features on the Nurpert side with, usually logging the last 20 minutes of a match. Tough tackling defender who needs to work on his agility.




MIDFIELDERS

Fred Fox:
- 20 year old Zupera left midfielder. His strength is his quickness as pace. Has a tall order in replacing superstar Jamhurra, but looks to be the next big thing in a long line of Nedalian left wingers.

Udrich Jansen:
- 20 year old Kimstronne right winger. Selected for the U21 World Cup 14 but did not play, but was the starting RM in the WC 15 and 16 sides.

Sammy Ewene:
- 21 year old Edensanne reserve defensive midfielder. A good passer with decent pace, he lacks he predeccesor Nutting's hard man mentality. A better passer, however.

Constantine:
- 20 year old Momesta attacking midfielder. Was a big player in the teams U21 World Cup 14 run to the finals. Was the Man of the Tournament for WC 16, and although he has made his national squad debut, he has been recalled for one lat run.

Junansinho:
- 16 year old Shoreland United reserve left winger. Killer dribbling ability, needs to improve his passing and his crossing.

Montell Drums:
- 20 year old Riviera reserve right winger. Strong in the air, good at crossing.

Houdini:
- 17 year old Brickell defensive midfielder. His name says it all; magical with the ball. Exceptional passing ability. Look for him to play a big part.

Ballson Yellow:
- 17 year old Shoreland United attacking midfielder. Young but exceptionally talented. Already has speed to match anyone's. Must learn to be consistent.






FORWARDS

Peter Merhi
- 21 year old Dorpar striker. Played a good part in the championship squad. This will be his first tournament as a starter. Good shooting ability.

Lumiere
- 18 year old Nurpert striker. Has a great knack for scoring goals, and good pace to match. Will be the Lions target, as they will attempt to score their goals through him.

Sean Townsend
- 19 year old Rappor reserve striker. Inconsistent but terrifying when playing well.

Dillar Shmut
- 15 year old Rappor striker. Has already featured in the first team for his club. Unbelievable talent.

Hypocria - Under 21 World Cup 17 Squad


Coach

Boubacar Dragov
Former Crystilakere Under-21 coach who was sacked after his side lost all their group games at Under-21 World Cup 15. Appointed by Hypocria shortly afterwards and led them to the quarter finals two years ago before losing to eventual champions Nedalia.


Starting 11


1. Stephen Drakes (Tarsis Wonderers)
Athletic young keeper who has taken over the reins from Alex Derevko. Established himself as first choice at Hyper League side Tarsis Wonderers and is looking to do the same with the Under-21 side. His older brother is a regular in the senior side.


2. Chris Golla (Hypocrium City)
Right back who is appearing in his third Under-21 tournament having made his debut as a 16 year old at U21 World Cup 15. One of three players in the squad with senior national team experience.

3. Andy Gabbidon (FC Hypocrium)
Young left back who broke into the FC Hypocrium first team last season and helped them to a fourth place finish in the Hyper League.

5. Marius Black (Drissa United)
Defensive utility player whose performances domestically have caught the eye of the nations bigger clubs. Played as part of a back three two years ago but will feature now as a more conventional central defender.

6. Tony Webber (Thraxus Rangers)
Looked an excellent prospect when playing for his club side last season and hopefully he can bring that form into the Under-21s


4. Luc Sinclair (DLO)
A veteran of Hypocria’s two previous Under-21 World Cups and the new team captain. Tough tackling midfielder who will form the defensive point of the midfield diamond. Capped at senior level.

7. Glenn Whelan (FC Hypocrium)
Another product of the FC Hypocrium youth academy. A tricky right winger with plenty of pace but not a lot of first team experience.

8. Alex Rytter (Kester Town)
Talented attacking midfield player who starred for his club last season. It remains to be seen whether he can fill the boots of former number 8 Bora Burdali.

11. Robert Bercali (Kester Town)
Another member of Kester Town’s impressive young side. Will be looking to link up effectively with his club teammate Rytter.


9. Danny West (Sporting Mayo of Spruitland)
A hugely talented striker whose inclusion is testimony to Hypocria’s desire to do well in this tournament. Like Sinclair a veteran of three competitions who is just about eligible for one last tournament. The Spruitland league’s top scorer last season and a full international with 7 goals.

10. Amir Karic (AFC Pylos)
A big striker who scored important goals towards the end of last season as his club just avoided relegation. Playing in his second tournament.




Reserves

12. Paul Steele (LCB)
13. Simon Ware (GK)
14. David Nicol (MC)
15. Chris Hayes (SC)
16. Demetrius Costa (MC)
17. Andy Bruce (RCB)
18. Robert Steiger (MRL)








Formation




Karic West



Rytter



Bercali Whelan



Sinclair



Gabbidon Webber Black Golla



Drakes

Junior Stars like their chances

For the Sarzonian Under 21 national team to return to the knockout stage after their second-ever early exit, the team has been given a draw that a source familiar with the team said was "a dream." Sarzonia will be matched up with Atlantis of Vilita, Lovisa, and Oliverry in a Group E that some observers could describe as the "group of life."

"There isn't much here that worries us," the source said. "Atlantis of Vilita is the only other ranked team in our group and we have more experience than either Oliverry or Lovisa. We should be fine if we play the way we're capable of playing."

That will be up to former Nedalia manager and now Stars Coach Brent Vent. He said the draw would be "a good opportunity for us but we'll have to take advantage of it."

"We thought we could advance out of our group last time," Vent reminded reporters who asked him if Group E was the easiest group in the World Cup. "We never recovered from losing Jenna Raven in the Pacitalia match." Raven, who suffered a serious injury in that match, is fully healthy and "isn't even thinking about" her injury, Vent said.

The team, which had been playing an attack-oriented style under former Coach Valentin Kienzl, will be playing more defensively, according to Vent.

"That's where the talent is on this club," Vent said. "We're good at possessing the ball and doing what we have to do to keep the ball out of the back of the net, but we're going to have to be judicious about our runs forward."

However, the biggest storyline for the Junior Stars is the team's reaction to a foreign-born coach. Vent is the first non-Sarzonian to coach a national side, and he is coming over from a team that captured World Cup XVI to a team that fell from grace in the same tournament. Midfielder Jarret Sanderson said the team "quickly" embraced his style differences, but "the accent took us a little longer.

"We had to get used to him, but we're at a point where we can understand each other," he said.

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


Starblaydi Thug new Bunnies coach

Another surprise announcement was made by SFA President Martin Backer as he revealed the name of the new Spruitland Under-21 head coach: Paulo Bachchan (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Paulo_Bachchan), Starblaydi ex-international and ex-convict, though that last ex may soon need to be dropped.

There was a lot of speculation about who would be appointed as the new Bunnies coach, after Cor Bensen was promoted to the senior squad for the Baptism of Fire and World Cup 23 Qualifying, but Bachchan’s name was not on anyone’s list of possible candidates. A brief history may explain why.

Bachchan (38) broke most records for yellow and red cards received in Starblaydia. After Starblaydia lost to Lethislavania during the second Four Nations Invitational tournament, Paulo was sentenced to 6 months in jail for aggravated assault on an irate Starblaydi fan.

In the later stage of his career, Bachchan moved to Spruitland team Lepus FC, where his “no BS” style quickly made him popular. At the end of his first season though, Bachchan earned a life-long suspension from playing football in Spruitland after an assault on a referee. His prison sentence was converted into community service to allow him to start his new career, as coach of Lepus FC.

Bachchan has been Lepus coach for the past two seasons, with a surprising amount of success, leading his team to the First Division championship in the recently completed Season 4. He celebrated the victory from a jail cell though, after assaulting yet another referee on the final matchday, when it seemed as if the title would slip through his fingers.

Despite awaiting his trial which could possibly earn him another six months in prison, the SFA chose to appoint him as the new Bunnies coach, a decision that is frowned upon by anyone not from the Lepus area.

“He’s been very successful as a coach, and that’s all that matters,” Martin Backer explains. “Besides, it’s not the first time we go for the less likely choice. When I appointed Cor Bensen, a referee with no coaching experience, everyone thought I was nuts, but look at Cor now. I say Bachchan is the right man for the job, and if anyone wants to disagree, take it up with him.”

The new Bunnies coach is excited about the new challenge, stating he is “ready to kick some ass”. How literally he means that statement will have to remain to be seen.


The Spruitland Bunnies

With pretty much half the team that made it to the Quarter Finals of WC16 passing the age barrier, several new names appear in the list. Star players such as Simon Briers, Nico Van Dyck, Ziggy Wilander and of course Dirk Jools are no longer part of the selection, and it is uncertain how the team will fare without them.

The forward line seems to be well filled with talent though. Harry Ooyevaar and Rejistani emigrant Taki Sala were good for a combined 46 goals in the previous season, so they should have no trouble finding the net. Chico Provoost had a more problematic season in the Vilitan Stellar Division, but his joker quality might still be a valuable asset.

The defense still seems fine as well, with Fritz Wigmeister’s birthday coming just late enough to make him eligible for one more Under-21 tournament. Apart from Wigmeister, who will be the captain of the team, Detlef Weber and Koenraad Opdebeeck have plenty of experience to make the Bunnies’ defense a strong one. Not much on the bench in case any of them gets injured or suspended though.

Most of the Bunnies’ previous starting midfield passed the 21 year mark, except for right winger Gary Mariano, who’s expected to play a major role in the team. Engels, Schoofs and Prins have limited international experience, though strong performances in the First Division make them logical choices. As with the defense, the bench is pretty much filled with unknowns though.

Tristan Verelst will be the Bunnies’ new number one goalkeeper with the daunting task of filling Simon Briers' shoes, but a strong season in Vilita should have adequately prepared him for his first tournament in the starting line-up.


Coach: Paulo Bachchan (Starblaydi, 38)

Goalkeepers

1. Tristan Verelst (20, GK), Turoki United (Vilita) - 1 caps, 0 conceded
12. Gerwald de Wind (16, GK), FC Albertine - 0 caps
22. Polle Melk (21, GK), FC Patatt - 0 caps

Defenders

2. Gilles De Wilde (19, D/DMRC), RFC Godiva - 2 caps
3. Detlef Weber (19, DLC), Taliki Tihrara'ny (Rejistania) - 6 caps
4. Koenraad Opdebeeck (20, DLC), Terrarokka Spirit (Vilita) - 5 caps, 1 goal
5. Fritz Wigmeister (21, DC, capt.), Bucks Lake Athletic (Bedistan) - 5 caps
15. Olivier Belluci (16, DRC), Rudderwick Rovers - 0 caps
16. Manuel Van Looy (17, DC), RSC Joyce - 0 caps
19. Dries Boutet (15, DRL), Crill United - 0 caps

Midfielders

6. Eddie Engels (20, MRC), FC Albertine - 2 caps
7. Gary Mariano (20, AMR), Kester Town (Hypocria) - 6 caps, 1 goal
8. Gerco Schoofs (17, AMC), Crill United - 0 caps
11. Torsten Prins (19, AMLC), Noordlo Rovers - 1 caps
14. Robbe Conté (16, AMRC), Rudderwick Rovers - 0 caps
17. Julien Dewaele (15, AMLC), Thiel United - 0 caps
20. Bart Snelders (16, AM/F C), Fonstown Rovers - 0 caps
21. Steve Huck (21, MC), New Brux FC - 4 caps

Forwards

9. Taki Sala (20, SC), Lepus FC - 0 caps
10. Harry Ooyevaar (21, SC), Rudderwick Rovers - 3 caps
13. Chico Provoost (18, SC), Mavaloiao FC (Vilita) - 5 caps, 3 goals (2 senior caps)
18. Juri Kocarov (20, SC), Lepus FC - 6 caps, 1 goal
23. Robbad I. Asay (18, SC), Hecia FC (Starblaydia) - 0 caps



Team Kit:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/Spruitland/SPRkit.jpg



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Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: Y

Injure Players: N
GodMod Injury Events N

Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
GodMod Other Events: Y

Siki Rej is a busy man, he programs the Hexatux, collects league data from every league in Rejistania and communist Rejistania and has some social activities, which for him means hanging around with other geeks. Today, however, a person from the "real world" came to his cave: Laxtu Takil the coach of the rejistanian U21. Takil'he wanted access to the big Hexatux-database. The only place, where he can access it is in Siki Rej's cave and so he is in the room with the strange smell of pizza, coffee and smells, which origin, Laxtu refused to think about. Siki Rej asked him about certain required stats, Laxtu answered as good as he could, but queries had to be run and re-run.

Eventually, the roster was finished:

Goalkeepers:
Alan Ivelmore, 15, Karela Lines

(Siki Larada, 20, Myju Kaletri)
(Exke Xeny, 19, Kalimnintan Veran)

Defenders:
Hana Sala, 18, Sikane Salan
Kiira Isilyi, 17, Kalisimu Salan
Nika~o H~saldu, 19, Nita~eda Ynu
Ikaru Deli, 20, Mirare Nanti
Jesten Varu, 17, Mimyje Ynu
Kansu Seniju, 20, Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati

(Salan Kansu, 21, Hetkali Junis)
(Solven Yen, 19, Taliki Tihrara'ny)
(Syku I Ji, 18, Hetkali Divensi)
(Heket Y, 17, Kalisimu Salan)
(Xaru Isa, 18, Riandu Kimi)
(Iles Ila, 20, KaMaRi Kaletri)

Midfieders:
Hansalda Syku, 21, Jinhes Lines
Kiru Kansu, 19, Mikedi Omeh
Sines Exke, 18, Takudiha Veran

(Veran Ateiu, 21, Ihiri Veran)
(Teeiliu Ijimaehinil, 19, I Jesejil Kaletri)
(Kansu Eha, 16, Xykianara Ynu-Lines)

Forwards:
Nana Sejil, 19, Miral Kimi

(Linux Raju, 21, Sike kaletri)

Hockey Canada back at it again

The Under 21 World Cup has never looked so bright for Hockey Canadians in sporting history. Hoping to shrug off the incredibly close loss in the World Cup keeping them out of qualifying, many players have learned from that experience and have grown from it. The team is getting older now, and for many players it will be their last shot at Under 21 glory. Players like Feznak, Noble and Richelieu have all passed the age limit, but are making way for emerging names like Broflovski, Alba and Johnson. We have much to see from these up-and-coming stars.

Goalkeepers
90-Kyle Thomas :: Age 16 (Captain) 29 caps- Probably the best keeper the Hockey Canadian system has seen ever. Proving it once again at 16, he's no longer the young kid in the tournement.
1-Dean Smart :: Age 19 0 caps- Good potential, but overshadowed by Thomas
20- Jaques Planter :: Age 18 0 caps- From the french district in Hockey canada, Planter will need to get some games under his belt before anything big starts.

Defenders
6-Nick Dunvegan :: Age 21 12 caps- Quickly becoming a fan favourite. Scoring touch seems as dangerous as ever for this star
18-Andrew Aberdeen :: Age 21 18 caps- The 6'10 defender is as hard to get around as the Great Wall of China.
20 Jon Ebrahimi :: Age 19 0 caps- Lightning fast and incredibly smart with the ball could prove him to be quite the threat.
32-Mark Habsheid :: Age 19 8 caps- new from the Hockey Canadian system, he has something to prove in the U21WC
2-Alexander Spanolpolis :: Age 20 24 caps- Well used by the Hockey Canadians, he has been preparing himself for the U21WC1 where he's expected to shine.
5-Mike Aaras :: Age 20 0 caps- Simple rookie who can finish off any game with under 30 minutes left.
10-Oscar Alba :: Age 20 1 cap- The time he played he nearly blew the game against Atlantis of Vilita. A reason he's not a starter.

Midfielders
11-Ike Broflovski :: Age 17 14 caps- When you play in the National Team you know you've gottem somewhere only at age 17.
12-Rahul Kulkarni :: Age 21 28 caps- Experience is key, especially for a player with this much skill. Look for his speed, shot and goal-scoring ability to walk all over you.
13-Mike Ko :: Age 19 31 caps- He proved how much of a threat he can be with the U21WC tournements on.
17- Timmy "Timmah!" Johnson :: Age 19 23 caps- He's not getting any younger, but he's not losing his talent.
18-Carlos Chuta :: Age 21 0 caps- The bench has automated heaters, so his job won't be too hard.

Forwards
37-Frederik Kuzkin :: Age 15 0 caps- New to the international spotlight, you can tell this kid will be a massive threat in cups to come.
21-Jeremy Wagner :: Age 21 0 caps- He wouldn't head the ball to save his life, but if he did he might get a 1 in the caps department.
14-Gabe Halflebesch :: Age 17 0 caps A young gun who hasn't had much experience, none to be exact about it.

Honourary number 99-Coach: Toe Blake

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
====================
Choose My Scorers
GodMod Any Goalscoring Events
Yellow Card Players
GodMod Other Events for Humourous Intent

Kit:
Home: White with red and black trim
Away: Red with white and black trim
3rd: Black with red and white trim

For the tournement, Hockey canada will be playing an experimental 6-3-1 but after the round-robin, may turn into a 7-2-1. Hockey Canadians are looking for redemption for what happened in the last Under 21 World Cup when Hockey Canada first lost to Chicanada in the semi-final round then again to Starblaydia in the consolation round. The Group overview for Hockey Canada looks like this:

Group F

East Lithuania (14)- Not much information on the East Lithuanians die to the fact Hockey Canada has not played them in the Under 21 World Cup game. But no worries will be needed for Hockey Canada when they play them. System karela may prove to be handy against them.

Liamist States- No rank? No problem. That attitude may be our downfall, but we really just need to take one game at a time. We were once in Liamist States' position- unranked against 3 strong teams. They may be unranked, but that doesn't mean they're unskillful. Watch out for them to be the dark horse of the group.

Rejistania (11)- To be honest, who can't love Rejistania? System karela has never looked better with them in Group F with Hockey Canada. But one thing should be expected when these two teams play- expect a traditional 0-0 score or a 1 goal margin of victory. Hockey Canada is definately pumped to play against the nation where Hockey Canadian soccer originated.

Hockey Canada is really looking forward to playing against all of these great teams. Each and every team that we play deserves to be here. But the predictions in each group may tell a different tale:

Group A
Fmjphoenix (3)
Pacitalia (10)

Fmjphoenix should qualify with no trouble. Pacitalia needs a turn to have another shot at the title, they may prove to be better and better in years to come- but a team needs a good base.

Group B
Starblaydia (2)
Cockbill Street (15)

Starblaydia will qualify for the next round hands down. The street will definately be one of the teams to watch in the later parts of the tournement.

Group C
Chicanada (7)
Hypocria (9)

Chicanada has been looking rusty lately, but that shouldn't be a problem in Group C. Hypocria will give the Kodiaks a good run at 1st place, for they really know how to surprise.

Group D
Nedalia (1)
Vtorbetin (12)

Defending champs will have no trouble in making it to the next round in this group. Vtorbetin may have their work cut out for them in the group with their rank above unranked teams.

Group E
Sarzonia (5)
Oliverry

World Cup champs Sarzonia shouldn't have a problem with their youth qualifying. Oliverry will be the dark horse qualifying for the round-of-16.

Group F
Hockey Canada (4)
Rejistania (11)

Hockey Canaians don't want to upset anyone with our overview, so we won't. Karelan Rejistania will defend their way into fans' hearts as they should make it into the round-of-16.

Group G
Jeruselem (5)
Oaker (19)

Jeruselem fans have been deported from Hockey Canada after World cup qualifying, and they have reason to be deported. Oaker is a wild guess but may show some poise.

Group H
Spruitland (8)
Gaian Ascendancy (16)

Bunnies! Huggable squeezable bunnies! The wuvvable wabbits will cudde their way into the next round handily. Gaian Ascendancy is yet another different pick for the taking.

Placed In A Group Other Than 'A'
Old, New-Old and New Rivalries to Begin

For the first time since Under-21 World Cup 13, Starblaydia have been placed in a Group other than Group A for the first round of the Under-21 World Cup. Starblaydia, perennial Semi-finalists and challengers for the title over the past decade, are always a good bet - outside or otherwise - for the title, though there are darker horses than these boys for once in this race.

Group B
Starblaydia (2)
Oglethorpia (18)
Cockbill Street (15)
Caprine States

Cockbill Street are, of course, the team most well-known to Starblaydi fans, they know the excellent matches between these two sides in various sports over the years, and this should be the best match of this Group. Oglethorpia are a new-yet-old team to us, someone who Starblaydia have never, ever met before despite the Oglethorpians obvious pedigree. Caprine States, seemingly a team of goat-like people from somewhere far away, will have to contend with other odd creatures in the Starblaydi line-up in the shape of a Dwarf and two Girls.

Starblaydia should, of course, dominate their Group like they've done for almost every Group Stage in the past. With the two unknowns and an old enemy, however, there is always the possibility of a slip-up. For Captain Giovanni Lopez, who with 11 goals in 11 Under-21 games is on course to equal record-holding Zhorin Tumunzahar's 18 in 18 record should Starblaydia play 7 games in this cup, is sure to drive his team forward, relying on the graduates of Starblaydi and other Youth Academies to see Starblaydia crowned champions for the second time.

Up For The Cup


In Hypocria the Under-21 World Cup is taken seriously, very seriously in fact. We recognise it as a competition we might actually win sometime in the next hundred years.

Two years ago the Hyppos reached the quarter finals before being dumped out of the competition by a near unstoppable Nedalia side. A number of that side return to TnUI for the U21s latest instalment and they are supplemented by some new talented youngsters from the Hyper League’s production line.

Also the coach has a large ace up his sleeve this time around. Three players have been drafted in from the senior squad. These aren’t reserves we’re talking about either but three players with a total of 48 senior caps between them. Hopefully they can lead the side a stage further this time.



Group C Preview


Group C
Chicanada (7)
Hypocria (9)
Bedistan (21)
Crystilakere (17)


Hypocria have been placed in Group C alongside the last tournament’s beaten finalists and two of the biggest names in world football. Yay.


Chicanada

There was something inevitable about this. Recently Hypocria and Chicanada have found it impossible to avoid each other. First the World Cup qualifiers, then the Cherry Cup and now here. The senior side managed to take four point off of the Kodiaks in the qualifying campaign but the Kodikits are one of the best sides around at this level and will be favourites for the group.

Crystilakere

There was something inevitable about this too. Hypocria coach Boubacar Dragov knows all about the Crystils having coached them for years. He was sacked after the Under-21 tournament four years ago and you can bet your life he has a point to prove to his former employers.

Bedistan

Like Crystilakere, Bedistan are former World Champions. Also like Crystilakere they haven’t done a great deal at Under-21 level for quite a while. It’s shocking to think that a nation of the calibre of Bedistan is the lowest ranked team in the group.



The group looks set to be a straight fight between Hypocria and Chicanada with the match between the two sides most likely deciding who finishes top. And finishing top is very important as the second place side will most likely face an unenviable match against Fmjphoenix in the second round.

There is one problem however. A problem that has not been spoken about but is at the back everyone’s mind. That problem is women. Now it’s not as if we have anything against women in Hypocria, far from it. It’s just that Hypocrian players have struggled to cope when ever they have come up against female opponents. Ever since Sarzonia’s Jenna Raven ran rings around the Hypocrian defence at U21 World Cup 15 the doubts have been there. With a couple of ladies present in Chicanada’s roster and an incredible eight in Bedistan’s starting eleven the Hypocrian players better work something out and fast.

Jeruselem Government News

U21C17 team hope to live up to new standards

The Jeruselem World Cup team (aka the U21C16 team) have made it past the qualifiers again due to the usual last game dramas as usual. The U21C17 team hope to improve the standards and maybe get past the quarter finals and maybe even claim a 3rd cup for Jeruselem.

We review the 8 groups in U21C17 today.

Group A
Fmjphoenix (3)
Liverpool England (20)
Pacitalia (10)
Kassyyk (13)

Tough, tough, tough. All teams seeded above 20 and none are rookies at all.
Fmjphoenix should be top dog and Pacitalia sneaks in somehow. Can't write off anyone here though.

Group B
Starblaydia (2)
Oglethorpia (18)
Cockbill Street (15)
Caprine States

Starblaydia should win all games and we pick Cockbill Street to join them.

Group C
Chicanada (7)
Hypocria (9)
Bedistan (21)
Crystilakere (17)

Another toughie as all are seeded including ex-Winners Bedistan and the unpredictable Crystilakere. Chicanada and Hypocria should fight their way through the crowd.

Group D
Nedalia (1)
Vtorbetin (12)
Euroslavia
TCMS

Rather easy with the Nedalian Lions and Vtorbetin to be picked.

Group E
Sarzonia (5)
Lovisa
Oliverry
Atlantis of Vilita (22)

Sarzonia should make it and we'll pick Lovisa over the "other" Vilita as they have done well in the past. Vilita is not in U21C17 so will the Atlantis of Vilita do their namesakes proud?

Group F
Hockey Canada (4)
East Lithuania (14)
Liamist States
Rejistania (11)

Another hard one. East Lithuania do make life hard but we expect Hockey Canada to make it and Rejistania to defend their way to the next round. East Lithuania can make it provided Rejistania mess things up.

Group G
Jeruselem (5)
Blessed Restraint
Oaker (19)
Maserrat

This should be a Jeruselem and old friend Oaker thing. Maserrat return but don't expect Jeruselem to give out free favours to them or Blessed Restraint .

Group H
Spruitland (8)
The Mushroom Kingship
Gaian Ascendancy (16)
Tonissia

Spruitland and the impressive Gaian Ascendancy from the past results.

Today’s headlines…

Minidukes Not Rated By Foreign Press
Team Also Realises They Have Very Little Chance
Liam & Co Media

Draw Brings In Three Seeded Squads
"Well, That's Just Fabulous" Says Champion
Liamist States Times

Team Labelled "Crap"
Benhamou: "Oh Yeah? Well...Screw You!"
Soccer Monthly

It's That Young Man Again
Lopez on-course for U21s record

For the twelfth time in twelve games, Internashionale youngster and Starblaydi Under-21 Captain Giovanni Lopez got himself on the scoresheet in the Under-21 World Cup. Lopez, 20, received an excellent through-ball from midfield maestro Menecrates and cut inside from the right wing into the penalty area to fire low across the body of Oglethorpian 'keeper Tom Kein.

Oglethorpia's 'Junior Ostriches' - avoiding any head-in-the-sand puns - hit back not too long after as Lionel Linear's cross found the head of Mogler at the back post, crashing the ball home. He didn't even need to jump for the header, as Dwarven defender Danzir Garahildim's vertical challenge couldn't meet the height of the Oglethorpian striker.

"Aye," Danzir said afterwards, "'tis something I'm working on. I'm on the Bobby Larcos thighmaster at all hours of t'day to increase me vertical leap."

Starblaydia's class, however, showed through as Streetian-based Mercutio linked up with fellow striker Raul Diaz-Arca to tap into an empty net, Diaz-Arca having drawn out the 'keeper before coolly passing to Mercutio, who side-footed the ball in from around eight yards.

Starblaydia Under-21s last lost a Group match twenty years ago, clocking up nothing but wins and just a pair of draws in the 9 Cups since. Starblaydia are quite simply used to winning at this stage in the Cup, and an Oglethorpian equaliser for 1-1 was not going to deter them from winning this opening match.

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


Bunnies don’t need brothel

Spruitland - The Mushroom Kingship: 8 – 3

There has been much ado about the Spruitland strikers’ inability to score goals in international football matches recently. The Wabbits had a remarkably poor run in World Cup 23 Qualifying, unable to score a single goal in nine of their fourteen matches, which instigated the now-famous “you couldn’t score in a brothel” chants from the crowd.

The Bunnies, however, are clearly not suffering from the same curse, possibly because many of them are too young to be hanging around in a brothel - though Spruitland isn’t exactly known for chastity. Regardless, the young Spruitland team was determined to show the seniors how it’s done, and boy did they ever.

Granted, the somewhat obscure nation of The Mushroom Kingship isn’t exactly known for its football prowess, but still, it takes some effort to get an 8-3 scoreline on the board. Effort from both sides, in fact.

And the ‘shrooms did their part, rushing towards the goal as if their life depended on it, though rarely with more common sense than the average spore-producing organism. It didn’t seem as if the word “defending” was anywhere to be found in the mushroom dictionary, giving the Spruitland strikers plenty of room to do as they pleased.

And what they pleased was: to score goals. Lots and lots of them. Harry Ooyevaar started the party with barely 5 minutes on the clock, and Taki Sala followed suit mere minutes after that. Ooyevaar would score one more, and Taki Sala would score two more, putting his name in Spruitland history books as being the first to score a hattrick for the Bunnies. International debuts rarely get more impressive than that.

The remaining Spruitland goals were scored by Gary Mariano, Torsten Prins and Chico Provoost who came onto the field in the last ten minutes to join in the fun, bringing the Bunnies’ goal total to eight.

The mushrooms’ persistent kamikaze style of attacking did pay off a few times though, and with the help of an occasional misunderstanding in the Bunnies’ defense, they managed to score three times. This vulnerability in the back line was the only negative aspect of tonight’s match for the Spruitlanders, a concern shared by coach Paulo Bachchan.

Bachchan clearly voiced his discontent from the sideline on several occasions, but he managed to keep his fists in his pockets and mainly emphasized the positive stuff in his post-match interviews.

“Well, we sure got off to an ass-kicking start, didn’t we?” Bachchan grinned, but then turned serious. “Don’t even try to get me to make a stupid pun about ‘tripping’ or ‘hallucinating’ though, or I’ll shove that tape recorder down your throat!”

Even without knowing the result of the other match, it seems highly likely that Spruitland takes the lead in Group H, a position where they’ll be expected to finish. While not every match may go as smoothly as the one against The Mushroom Kingship, both Tonissia and Gaian Ascendancy are opponents that the Bunnies should be able to handle.

Spruitland - The Mushroom Kingship: 8 – 3
1-0 Ooyevaar (5’)
2-0 Sala (8’)
3-0 Sala (27’)
4-0 Mariano (38’)
4-1 Mushroom (41’)
5-1 Sala (51’)
5-2 Mushroom (56’)
6-2 Prins (68’)
7-2 Ooyevaar (75’)
7-3 Mushroom (79’)
8-3 Provoost (85’)

Group E
Sarzonia (5)
Lovisa
Oliverry
Atlantis of Vilita (22)

That's the group in which Oliverry will competitionate. Here's a summary of the other teams..

Sarzonia: They're the favourites to win this group.

Lovisa: This is a country we only know from their performances in the Cherry Cup and in the NS Bowl. We wish them good luck!

Atlantis of Vilita: Our principal ennemy! The team we have to beat to ge on the next round. The group's 2nd will be decided between us.

Predicted outcome:
1. Sarzonia
2. Atlantis of Vilita
3. Oliverry
4. Lovisa

Day 1
Group A
Fmjphoenix 8 Liverpool England 3
Pacitalia 3 Kassyyk 1
Group B
Starblaydia 2 Oglethorpia 1
Cockbill Street 7 Caprine States 4
Group C
Chicanada 0 Hypocria 2
Bedistan 0 Crystilakere 3
Group D
Nedalia 5 Vtorbetin 3
Euroslavia 5 TCMS 3
Group E
Sarzonia 2 Lovisa 1
Oliverry 3 Atlantis of Vilita 5
Group F
Hockey Canada 1 East Lithuania 0
Liamist States 0 Rejistania 0
Group G
Jeruselem 3 Blessed Restraint 2
Oaker 4 Maserrat 2
Group H
Spruitland 8 The Mushroom Kingship 3
Gaian Ascendancy 2 Tonissia 1
Group A
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Fmjphoenix 1 1 0 0 8 3 5 3
Pacitalia 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
Kassyyk 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Liverpool England 1 0 0 1 3 8 -5 0
Group B
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Cockbill Street 1 1 0 0 7 4 3 3
Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Oglethorpia 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Caprine States 1 0 0 1 4 7 -3 0
Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Crystilakere 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Hypocria 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
Chicanada 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Bedistan 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0
Group D
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Nedalia 1 1 0 0 5 3 2 3
Euroslavia 1 1 0 0 5 3 2 3
Vtorbetin 1 0 0 1 3 5 -2 0
TCMS 1 0 0 1 3 5 -2 0
Group E
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Atlantis of Vilita 1 1 0 0 5 3 2 3
Sarzonia 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Lovisa 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Oliverry 1 0 0 1 3 5 -2 0
Group F
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hockey Canada 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
Liamist States 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Rejistania 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
East Lithuania 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Group G
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Oaker 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 3
Jeruselem 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
Blessed Restraint 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
Maserrat 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0
Group H
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Spruitland 1 1 0 0 8 3 5 3
Gaian Ascendancy 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Tonissia 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
The Mushroom Kingship 1 0 0 1 3 8 -5 0

Junior Stars club Lovisan cubs

While the scoreline read 2-1 in favour of Sarzonia, the match between the Sarzonian Under 21 national footballers and Lovisa's side was not a close result. The Stars dominated possession and looked like they would run all over Lovisa, but for a goal in the waning moments of second half stoppage time.

"It is good to start a World Cup with a win," Coach Brent Vent said as the Junior Stars continued his winning ways from his time as the manager at defending world champions Nedalia. "We needed to get off to a good start to restore some confidence in our football programme and we did just that."

The Junior Stars (1-0-0, three points) are in second behind Atlantis of Vilita, who defeated Oliverry 5-3 in the other Group E fixture. Sarzonia sits in second place by goal differential, but to hear the Junior Stars talk, they aren't concerned about that detail.

"First, second, who cares? It's only one match," midfielder and team captain Jenna Raven said. "Yes, it's important to us to get off to a strong start so we can return to the knockout stages, but you don't win groups or Cups by winning your opening match of qualifying."

The Junior Stars seem to have taken to the more conservative approach espoused by Vent after training camp, limiting Lovisa to three shots on goal. Goalkeeper Frank Handley made two saves and only conceded the stoppage goal when Lovisa brought the goalkeeper and all 10 field players forward in a desperate effort to get back into the match.

"I'd like to have that goal back, but I'm still happy with the result," Handley said. "We won. That's the important thing."

Hockey Canadians open once again with a 0 in Goals Allowed
Goal by Kuzkin great for his international debut

TOTAL N UTTER INSANITY- Frederik Kuzkin could not have it any better for him in his international debut. Scoring his goal in the 61st minute seemed like more than enough for the 15 year old striker putting Hockey Canada on top of East Lithuania and on top of Group F. The jubulant celebrations in bars all across Hockey Canada were reflecting the pride of the nation as Hockey Canada.

The game opened with dramatic fashion. East Lithuania put on hard pressure for the Hockey Canadians but it was nothing too much Hockey Canada couldn't handle. A few good quick shots were more than enough to throw at Thomas who seemed to enjoy the warm-up from the East Lithuanians. The East Lithuanians ended up shooting more and more in frustration, but not much happened until the 25th minute.

The 25th minute nearly spelled disaster for Hockey Canada, especially for their defence when Kyle Thomas challended an East Lithuanian striker coming into the box. The shot was taken 2 feet away from Thomas making the save but the charging striker couldn't stop with his momentum and crashed into Thomas. The striker looked like he did more damage than Thomas despite him wiggling on the field holding his right leg. Thomas ended up with a cut over his right eye bleeding more than most players would want. A quick stitch-up from the doctor and he was ready to play.

Halftime was entertaining- especially with the rise of the nudists on the pitch. A Fat streaker ran onto the field just before the 2nd half started resulting in his quick capture. When a second, third and fourth broke out onto the field, things seemed like pure mayhem. Mark Habschied and Andrew Aberdeen easily contributed with a quick grab of the arms throwing 2 streakers down. The game went on shortly after that.

Frederik Kuzkin really did know how to get things going for the Hockey Canadians when the 1st shot on the East Lithuanian goal was a dribbler that skipped out of the half-asleep keeper's arms to bounce in the back of the net. Kuzkin's goal was actually intended for a running Rahul Kulkarni but the keepr played the ball, missed and ended up with an embarassing 0.0 save percentage in the game.

The 79th minute showed a glimmer of hope for the East Lithuanians when they came at the Hockey Canadian defence in waves. First getting off 2 shots that Thomas struggled to save, before slamming the ball into the crossbar and out of play. Jon Ebrahimi kept his stellar play coming when a few quick moves to get by the East Lithuanian strikers and midfielders sent the crowd roaring before kicking the ball downfield out of harm's way.

Hockey Canada now leads Group F with the 3 points and +1 Goal differential. Not planning to give up any goals in the tournement will be the objective. For no team has ever lost without conceiding a goal.

Group F
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hockey Canada 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
Liamist States 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Rejistania 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
East Lithuania 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Who doesn't love sitting atop the standings?

bsdarchives
January 19, 2078

Little hope for Cubs once again

TOTAL N UTTER INSANITY -- The Bedistan Cubs, second-lowest ranked under-21 team in the world, have been drawn into Group C:

Group C
Chicanada (7)
Hypocria (9)
Bedistan (21)
Crystilakere (17)

We at the BSD polled 100 football analysts, and 102 of them said Bedistan had no chance of qualifying for the second round. (Two of them were accompanied by their wives, who elected to voice their opinions as well.) Most said the only question would be how badly we would lose each match.

"They're not even giving us a chance, but I'll show 'em," said Under-21 head coach Judson Madison. "We will go through."

Bedistan plays Crystilakere first, then Hypocria, and finally Chicanada.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/bsd_banner.png
football

Cubs lose, nobody blamed

TOTAL N UTTER INSANITY -- Hardly anyone even noticed when the score was announced on TV, in the newspaper, on the radio, or wherever else they got their sporting news (though, of course, the BSD is always the number one source). Bedistan zero, Crystilakere three. Had that occurred at the senior level, the entire nation would be in protest, but for the Under-21s, losses to anyone and everyone seem to be pretty much expected. Nobody blamed the loss on the defensive line of Pickron, Gunn, Alejo, and Davis, nor on goalkeeper Nina Gutiérrez. Nobody blamed the strike force for failing to score a goal. Nobody blamed head coach Judson Madison. In the eyes of Bedistani football enthusiasts (can't really say "U21 fans" because those probably number in the triple digits at best), the match was meant to be a loss from the very beginning, and nothing the Bedistan players did would have changed it.

"It's another loss," said a fan in Dresford. "So what's new?"

finalscore
Bedistan 0
Crystilakere 3

Garcia Makes Her Mark
Starblaydia U21s run riot

Never mind the five-goal victory, the clean sheet, the Menecrates hat-trick or the second win in two matches for Starblaydia; the real story here is that Cherry Garcia earned her first Under-21 cap for Starblaydia, becoming the first Starblaydi female to play for the Under-21s.

A fine debut she made too, providing an expertly-placed cross for Giovanni Lopez to get his thirteenth in thirteen. Lopez, stuck out on the right wing for most of the game, was looking increasingly likely as if he wouldn't score in this match until Azanulbizarn replaced Reynaldo with Cherry Garcia. Lopez, moving to striker, was freed-up by this change and exploited the Caprine States' back line to much greater effect. But the Garcia appearance and Lopez goal were merely sideshows to the main show that was expertly conducted by Menecrates.

The young Corinthian Spirits player, just seventeen, completely ran the show and bagged himself a hat-trick, giving himself four goals in four appearances. Giovanni and Zhorin watch out, it seems. For his and Starblaydia's first goal, Menecrates first broke up a Caprine attack on the edge of his own area before laying the ball off to Jamal Nguyen. A vicious Starblaydi counter-attack soon had the ball at the other end of the pitch and after the Caprine goalie could only punch the ball out of the area, Menecrates brought the ball down on his chest and half-volleyed into the back of the next for an awesome goal.

Soon after he'd got his second as he latched onto a through-ball and burst into the area to smash a powerful shot past the hand of the Caprine 'keeper. His third, and Starblaydia's fourth, was a more-simple penalty won by Mercutio. Raul Diaz-Arca was the man with Starblaydia's third goal, set up by a cross from Reynaldo. Heider Stefansson and Oswald Perheira were also given their debuts.

Starblaydia next meet Cockbill Street with the hope of keeping their twenty year long unbeaten in the Group Stage record intact.

Group of Karela

The Orange-Blues will play in an extremely defensive group this time: Hockey Canada is a team, which learned their tactics apparently in the rejistanian H1SR: They play with the aim not to concede and if they score, it is just a bonus. Despite their rejistania-inspired tactics, they overtook the young Orange-Blues in the rankings due to playing more successfully. Expect the match to e low-scoring. Also the East Lithuanians and the Liamist States are not known for their attack. Analysts expect the matches to be very low-scoring and this group to have the fewest goals.

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz rabbling worked for the big squad*

Chicanada Just Can't Get A Break
Drop 2-0 To Hypocria, Keeps Up Recent Streak

The road back to the u21 Finals got a tad harder today, as the Kodikits decided to drop their opener to #9 Hypocria 2-0.

The loss, which is the first meeting between the emerging soccer "powers," means that the National side is now (at least) 0-1-2 against the Hippos (they are Hippos, right?) in international competition, and means that the Kodiaks have to beat a very tought (yet not rp-ing) Crystilakere as well as Bedistan to make another Round of 16.

Coach Cristian Helb was extremely irritated by the play of new goalkeep Paris Asmilov, who allowed to Hypocria to use corner kicks to make their scores in the 25th and 72nd minute. Asmilov, a star during the Kodikits' run to second last tournament, has been recovering from a hamstring pull while playing for Bishop East and is expected to be benched for Jasmine P'loza'kizvv, who will become the first female to ever play in an international match. Ruslan Omejende is expected to stay in relief, which he did well during the last 15 minutes of the match.

Next up is either Bedistan or Crystilakere and the Kodikits desperately need some points (preferably a win) to keep another trip alive for the team.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABB LERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLE...as they should be doing!

Kodikits Suffer Hyppo Hoodoo


Hypocria 2 – 0 Chicanada
Rytter 25
Black 72



They may have reached the final of the last tournament, they may be the top seeds in the group but Chicanada do not like playing Hypocria. On the same day that the Hypocria Huskies beat the Kodiaks in the Cherry Cup the Hyppos (with a “y”) did a similar number on the Kodikits.

Two years ago Hypocria’s performances were characterised by some superb attacking moves and one of the leakiest defences around. This time the attack was relatively subdued and the defence looked pretty solid.

It was a fairly scrappy that was won by two fairly scrappy goals, both from corners. The first came in the 25th minute. Bercali curled in a corner from the left which Kodikat keeper Asmilov looked to have collected cleanly. Unfortunately the ball slipped from his grasp and was turned in by Alex Rytter.

The second goal came 18 minutes from full time. This time the corner came in from the right from the boot of Golla. Asmilov flapped at it but failed to connect and centre back Marius Black was left with a simple header to wrap up a very important three points for Hypocria. It also meant that goalkeeper Stephen Drakes had kept a clean sheet in his very first match which is an encouraging start as his predecessor, Alex Derevko, only managed one shutout in his eight Under-21 matches.

In the other group game two giants of world football went head to head and it was Crystilakere that came out on top, winning a rather one sided contest 3 – 0. That result is good enough to lift the Crystils to the top of the group at this early stage, ahead of Hypocria on goal difference.


Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Crystilakere 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Hypocria 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
Chicanada 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Bedistan 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Today’s headlines…

Minidukes Still Not Rated By Foreign Press
Strikers Crap, Defence Untested
Liam & Co Media

Nil All Draw Against Defendomaniacs
Champion: "Its Hard To Say Who Outplayed Who"
Liamist States Times

Strikeforce Ineffectual
Unable To Break Through Reji Defence
Our Defence Holds Up After Not Being Pressed
Soccer Monthly

The Nedalia Lions

Vtorbetin Thrashed; Lions Look Ahead to 2nd Round Already


Going up against what is, on paper, the biggest threat standing the way of their qualification to the second round (Vtorbetin), experts were all saying that the Lions were going to come out cautious and strategize their way to the goals they needed. The experts didn’t know much about the defending champions.

As usual, they came out to a frantic pace, many times choosing to do the flashier move when a normal fundamental one would have done just fine. But then, they wouldn’t be the Nedalia Lions if they attempted to tactically outsmart their opponents. Manager Opit Newman obviously went with the philosophy that if it wasn’t broke, then there ain’t no need to fix it, giving his players freedom to do as they wished on the pitch. At times, however, it looked like the players, especially the more inexperienced ones, could have used a little more control on their way to their 5-3 victory over the only other ranked opponent in their group.

“We set out to win the match, and we did,” commented the manager. “We had our eyes set on starting off the tournament the right way, and we managed to get our 3 points with relative ease. Granted, we’re going to do something about the over-flamboyance, if you will, and ofcourse, I’ll get on the team about their defensive inadequacies in practice tomorrow, but when you are scoring 5 goals against a ranked team, then you must be doing something right.”

The Man of the Match was none other than striker Lumiere, who scored a hattrick before the 70th minute, greeted to a standing ovation on his way out after being subbed on the 77th minute. The other goalscorers for the Lions were Constantine and left winger Fred Fox. Peter Merhi, the other striker, had his hand in 3 of the goals, dishing out fabulous assists to each one of the players.

With 3 points in the bag and 2 unranked teams to play, the Lions could be forgiven for being a little complacent. However, they would not be the champions if that were to be the case.

“We’re going to retain this title,” claimed central, and captain, Gary Stewart. “This cup is ours to lose, and we don’t plan on doing that anytime soon. All we have to do is get some understanding going on the defensive end, because the offense did a fantastic job. Its hard now that Mohammed Khadra isn’t here anymore, but these boys are just as talented. Once we start playing cohesively on the defensive end, we’ll be unstoppable.”

The Lions, of course, still have a long way to go before they can hold that cup for a second consecutive time. While it looks like they are a lock to qualify to the knockout stages, there are teams waiting in that territory who would like nothing better than to destroy the hopes and dreams of these young Nedalian men. Teams like Starblaydia (whom its inevitable, it seems, that the Lions will meet them at some stage) have made it known what their target is, and one can’t forget Brent Vent’s new team (and all Nedalians’ unofficial 2nd U21 team) Sarzonia. Its going to be a great U21 World Cup.

Jeruselem Government News

Group G Underdogs show fight but still lose games

The U21 Championships 17 have started. Let's review the 1st day results!

Day 1
Group A
Fmjphoenix 8 Liverpool England 3
Pacitalia 3 Kassyyk 1

Fmjphoenix just had one of those days - 8 GOALS. They conceded 3 to Liverpool England but LE let in 8 to get totally embarrassed by the supreme team on the day. Our other pick Pacitalia, got a win over Kassyyk but as was only 3-1. ZThings go as we predicted.

Group B
Starblaydia 2 Oglethorpia 1
Cockbill Street 7 Caprine States 4

Talking about another score blow-out, Cockbill Street fired 7 goals past Caprine States, but the Streetians also were charitable with 4 allowed which is a worry. Starblaydia had a much harder time with Oglethorpia, surviving 2-1.

Group C
Chicanada 0 Hypocria 2
Bedistan 0 Crystilakere 3

What's up the the Cubs? Crystilakere flattened them 3-0 while the two higher seeds had an early game. Hypocria came out the winner 2-0 against a disappointing Chicanada.

Group D
Nedalia 5 Vtorbetin 3
Euroslavia 5 TCMS 3

Now, what's the chance the scores in the same group are both 5-3? Well it's happened, with fired up Lions beating main challenger 5-3 and Euroslavia getting the points against TCMS but don't ask us what TCMS means.

Group E
Sarzonia 2 Lovisa 1
Oliverry 3 Atlantis of Vilita 5

Sarzonia won their game, but had to fight off Lovisa 2-1 who really did test them. Vilita rising? Atlantis of Vilita won --- yes 5-3 --- against Oliverry. A game not for defense obviously.

Group F
Hockey Canada 1 East Lithuania 0
Liamist States 0 Rejistania 0

Hockey Canada made hard work of their game. East Lithuania didn't lie down for the favourite and made the Canadian's work for their 1-0 win. Now, Rejistania = Defense and Rejistania = Few goals. Guess what happened in that game against Liamist States, NIL ALL draw. The only draw so far.

Group G
Jeruselem 3 Blessed Restraint 2
Oaker 4 Maserrat 2

Maserrat returned to the U21 taking on Oaker, but 2 goals wasn't enough as they leaked 4 goals to Oaker. Jeruselem had to fight to win against Blessed Restraint newcomer with a rather unconvincing 3-2 win. Jeruselem never do too well against other Holy nations for some reason.

Group H
Spruitland 8 The Mushroom Kingship 3
Gaian Ascendancy 2 Tonissia 1

Are Spruitland defensive? Not today - yes another 8-3 trashing. Spruitland messed up the The Mushroom Kingship really badly with 8 goals to match Fmjphoenix's effort. Gaian Ascendancy had a much for normal win, 2-1.

16 games - 15 wins and 1 draw. Yes, Rejistania had to be the team for making the draw. No real shocks today, but defense was not order of this day except for one game.

Day 2
Group A
Kassyyk 0 Fmjphoenix 4
Liverpool England 3 Pacitalia 2
Group B
Caprine States 0 Starblaydia 5
Oglethorpia 5 Cockbill Street 2
Group C
Crystilakere 1 Chicanada 5
Hypocria 7 Bedistan 1
Group D
TCMS 2 Nedalia 5
Vtorbetin 4 Euroslavia 3
Group E
Atlantis of Vilita 1 Sarzonia 4
Lovisa 3 Oliverry 0
Group F
Rejistania 0 Hockey Canada 0
East Lithuania 2 Liamist States 4
Group G
Maserrat 3 Jeruselem 3
Blessed Restraint 6 Oaker 6
Group H
Tonissia 3 Spruitland 4
The Mushroom Kingship 2 Gaian Ascendancy 9
Group A
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Fmjphoenix 2 2 0 0 12 3 9 6
Pacitalia 2 1 0 1 5 4 1 3
Liverpool England 2 1 0 1 6 10 -4 3
Kassyyk 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0
Group B
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Starblaydia 2 2 0 0 7 1 6 6
Oglethorpia 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3
Cockbill Street 2 1 0 1 9 9 0 3
Caprine States 2 0 0 2 4 12 -8 0
Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 2 2 0 0 9 1 8 6
Chicanada 2 1 0 1 5 3 2 3
Crystilakere 2 1 0 1 4 5 -1 3
Bedistan 2 0 0 2 1 10 -9 0
Group D
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Nedalia 2 2 0 0 10 5 5 6
Euroslavia 2 1 0 1 8 7 1 3
Vtorbetin 2 1 0 1 7 8 -1 3
TCMS 2 0 0 2 5 10 -5 0
Group E
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Sarzonia 2 2 0 0 6 2 4 6
Lovisa 2 1 0 1 4 2 2 3
Atlantis of Vilita 2 1 0 1 6 7 -1 3
Oliverry 2 0 0 2 3 8 -5 0
Group F
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Liamist States 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4
Hockey Canada 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 4
Rejistania 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
East Lithuania 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0
Group G
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Oaker 2 1 1 0 10 8 2 4
Jeruselem 2 1 1 0 6 5 1 4
Blessed Restraint 2 0 1 1 8 9 -1 1
Maserrat 2 0 1 1 5 7 -2 1
Group H
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Gaian Ascendancy 2 2 0 0 11 3 8 6
Spruitland 2 2 0 0 12 6 6 6
Tonissia 2 0 0 2 4 6 -2 0
The Mushroom Kingship 2 0 0 2 5 17 -12 0

Junior Stars knock on knockouts' door

The matchup between the Sarzonian Under 21 national team and Atlantis of Vilita was billed by many in the media as being the matchup that would determine the Group E winner, sine Atlantis of Vilita is the only other seeded team in Group E. The Junior Stars made sure Atlantis of Vilita was never in the game, getting goals from Marshall Hendricks, Jarret Sanderson, Jenna Raven, and Luke Carson en route to an easy 4-1 win that left the team on the verge of returning to the knockout stages after a one cup absence.

"We had to take advance of our chances," Coach Brent Vent said. "We proved we were a good team out there."

Sarzonia set out to take command of the match from the opening kickoff, but didn't connect with the first goal. Atlantis of Vilita managed to tally against the run of play with a defensive breakdown by defender Brian Sandt leading to a 0-1 lead for Atlantis 16 minutes into the match.

"I [messed] that one up bad," Sandt said. "I gotta learn from that."

The Junior Stars made sure they didn't have time to dwell on Sandt's blunder. Six minutes later, Hendricks ran onto a longball by Raven and worked a wall pass with forward Karen Belgrade. Hendricks slotted the ball into the net to draw the score 1-1. The Junior Stars then scored the next three goals in a span of just eight minutes, leaving the team with a 4-1 cushion at the 38th minute mark.

"It was a great win for us," Hendricks said. "Now we go on to face Oliverry."

The Junior Stars have essentially clinched one of two berths in Group E, with Atlantis of Vilita taking on Lovisa with those teams level at three points each. Oliverry is the only team without a point in the standings. A draw for Sarzonia or between Atlantis and Lovisa would clinch the group title outright, while the Junior Stars have an added advantage in goal differential.

"We just have to make sure we're focused as a football team," Vent said. "The rest will take care of itself."

Hoooray, we win

Lovisa beat Oliverry 3-0 and still have a chance to advance to final.
Tteam u'21 play better then last championships, In this U'21 Champ. we lose only 1-2 with Sarzonia which are more better team for us and now win 3-0.

Lovisa was silver medal in 10th edition. They was good time for lovisan football.

Judson Madison paced through his hotel room. "Why did I ever accept that job?" he muttered. Then he remembered why: he accepted it because there was no other job available that he wanted. Despite the Under-21 World Cup being much more well known than the Paul Dussis Memorial Cup, becoming head U21 coach was nevertheless a demotion. Virtually nobody wanted the job, as it was effectively career suicide. Anyone stooping low enough to coach the Bedistan under-21s was basically confirming they had no interest in a decent football management career. Managing Naperville & Castor was a more prestigious job, and they were a non-league side!

Suddenly, the cellphone on the bed rang. "Great, here we go," he thought. He picked it up.

"Madison."

"Judson, where the hell are you?" It was Bedistan's senior side coach, Mike Davidson, who also happened to be a friend of his.

"Porthbalfa."

"Porth...what the hell are you doing in Bettia?"

"You expect me to come back to Bedistan after that match against Hypocria?"

"I expect you to stay in TnUI to finish the friggin' tournament!"

"Why? Even if we did somehow manage to win tomorrow (yeah right), do you really think we're gonna make up a dozen or so units of goal difference?"

"Are you really that lacking in pride for your nation?"

"I'm thinking about my personal safety. If I see any Bedistan U21 fans for the next few months, chances are I'll be killed. Come on, who loses seven-one to Hypocria?"

"Do you really want to be known as the next Morris McGarity?"

"Hey, I got here legally. I didn't steal a car and run from the cops."

"Doesn't matter. You'll be forever known as a traitor and will probably never be able to safely return to Bedistan again in any capacity. If you get back there and finish the tournament, at least you can get another job here."

Madison pondered for a moment. "All right, I guess you're right. How bad you think we'll lose to Chicanada if I get back there?"

"Well, I'm hoping for a draw so we don't have to be humiliated by a double-digit negative goal difference, but that's not gonna happen. Try to keep it down to three, will you?"

"Got it." Madison hung up and started packing his things. Hopefully some flight leaving from Porthbalfa airport would have a free seat back to TnUI...

--

Bedistan 1 (Greene 28)
Hypocria 7

No Goals? No problem!

TOTAL N UTTER INSANITY- The fans packed inside one of the numerous Total n Utter Insanity stadiums to watch a pinnacle of a match between probably the top 2 karelan teams in the tournement. The keepers, as agreed by fans and players alike, seemed to steal the game from both teams with awesome displays of skill and a little bit of luck. Despite the zeros on the scoreboard, each team walked away back to their hotels with a point on the standings.

The game opened with Hockey Canada looking shaky starting system karela a little earlier than planned. Kyle Thomas was making more saves than he wanted to despite Rejistania going against system karela by actually shooting the ball. 19 year old Nana Sejil got the ball in the 7th minute and fired a lob shot on goal forcing Thomas to come off his line to barely punch the ball over the crossbar and out of harm's way.

Alan Ivelmore had his share of shots too. The 19th minute brought his share of cheers from the crowd when Rahul Kulkarni set up Mike Ko for a beautiful shot 16 yards out from the net. Ivelmore managed to read the play perfectly and stretch out to punch the ball to safety. Ivelmore arose to a roar of cheers from the massive sold-out crowd.

All the action until halftime seemed like a bore for the Hockey Canadians and Rejistania featuring nothing but random lob shots back and forth that resembled that of a tennis match rather than a soccer game. The whistle blew to end the half to the delight of karelan fans to see the score notted a nil each.

The 63rd minute nearly saw disaster for the Hockey Canadians when Mike Aaras collided with Kiru Kansu chasing the ball to result in Aaras clutching his ankle on the ground. Doctors rushed out to help him but it didn't seem to help his situation when he was carried off on a stretcher to the nearby hospital where he was treated for a broken ankle. Aaras is expected to be out for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

Ivelmore had even more saves in the 72nd minute when a raging Rahul Kulkarni defied the Hockey Canadian orders to refrain from shooting unless need be. Kulkarni wanted to get the win for Hockey Canada for Ivelmore had other plans. A chip shot from the 18 yard line would have fooled any ordinary keeper but Ivelmore wasn't any ordinary keeper. The shot was taken and Ivelmore dove to get just enough of the ball to keep the score at 0-0.

Kyle Thomas wasn't to be left out of the action. He contributed to the Hockey Canadian shutout on a panalty shot when Jesten Varu capitalized on the hand-ball int he penalty area. Andrew Aberdeen was taken off right after the play due to his unruly hands. The shot was taken by Varu into the middle-left side of the net but Thomas guessed right to catch the ball and kick out of harm's way.

The whistle blew to see Hockey Canada in 2nd place for Group F actually behind Liamist States who were on top with their win over East Lithuania and Goal Differential. Hockey Canada sits just one goal behind the Liamist States (whoever the plural of States people are) ready to pounce on and beat them when the Canucks play. The Canucks are hungry for a win and striving for no goals allowed.

Junior Vikings win 8-3 and 4-0 against LE and Kassyyk before drawing 1-1 with Pacitalia

One player has been running the Junior Vikings during U21WC17, Brian Dougood. He scored 6 of the 8 goals in the match against Liverpool England. He scored another hattrick against Kassyyk, and was the lone scorer for Fmjphoenix against Pacitalia. First time international player Laura Boyd scored her first two goals against LE and also scored the other goal against Kassyyk, leaving to players to be the whole powerhouse of the Junior Vikings. For some reason, a team sheet has not been produced for the Junior Vikings and no one has known who has been out playing, except those two players. Coach George Rush has not been available for comment because there had been a nationwide blackout in Fmjphoenix the past week, which explains the lack of information coming out. It is expected that later today a full roster will be released, as the blackout is no longer in effect.

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


Three points, three reds

Tonissia – Spruitland: 3 – 4

A somewhat closer result than expected, but the Spruitland Bunnies have taken their second three points, assuring them of a place in the second round. Nothing less was expected of them against unranked Tonissia, though it could have gone awfully wrong.

A solid first half performance saw the Bunnies into a two goal lead, with Taki Sala scoring his fourth of the tournament and attacking midfielder Gerco Schoofs – the youngest Bunny in the starting line-up – marking his first international goal. The match seemed thoroughly under control, and even coach Paulo Bachchan seemed perfectly relaxed along the sideline.

But that soon changed. In stoppage time of the first half, a clumsy backpass by Gilles De Wilde gave the Tonissians a way back into the game. 1-2, and the only thing saving a fuming Bachchan from being banned from the dugout for excessive profanity was the end of the half.

To nobody’s surprise, De Wilde did not return to the field when play resumed, and 15 year old Dries Boutet made his debut. The coach’s dressing room speech must have made an impression on the defense, because they started the second half with much more vigor, especially in the tackling department. A bit too much vigor perhaps, and young Boutet saw his international debut cut short after a good ten minutes on the field, a nasty two footed tackle earning him a deserved red card.

Bachchan interrupted his rattle of expletives in the referee’s direction to give Boutet an encouraging slap on the back, and then waved the Bunnies forward - with success. Gerco Schoofs knocked in his second of the night to widen the gap again, and the coach cooled down a bit.

Not for long though. When a Tonissian forward was about to break through the defense, Detlef Weber did what he knew his coach would expect him to do, and pulled him down by the collar of his shirt – the little heel kick as he was down on the ground was possibly a tad excessive, but the referee’s decision would have been the same either way: penalty kick and red card for Weber. Tristan Verelst was unable to stop the penalty kick.

With nine on the field and only one goal in front, things were looking a bit dicy for the Bunnies, so Bachchan put his vocal chords to the test. And when Tonissia scored the equalizer off a corner kick ten minutes before full time, the Spruitland coach had just about all he could take. He appealed to the fourth official – claiming something or other – and shoved the man to the ground, earning him a red card as well.

Bachchan was escorted away by a sizeable batch of officials, but managed to give one last instruction to the bench, one that would turn out to save the match for the Bunnies. Chico Provoost came onto the field and did what he does best: score the decider in the last minutes of the match. A splitting left-footed strike from the edge of the area did the trick, and Spruitland took the three points after all.

“I didn’t touch that piece of <beep>!” Paulo Bachchan commented after the match, referring to the incident with the fourth official. “That was a clear dive if I ever saw one!”

No reporter chose to disagree.

With Gaian Ascendancy dealing the Mushrooms another uppercut, the qualifying teams of Group H have already been decided, and all that’s left to do is determine first and second place. With the current goal differences, Spruitland will need to win against Gaian Ascendancy to end as group winners, and the coach will undoubtedly not be pleased with anything less. They'll have to do it with a weakened defense though, as both Boutet and Weber will have to sit out a one match suspension.

Tonissia – Spruitland: 3 – 4
0-1 Sala (24’)
0-2 Schoofs (38’)
1-3 Schoofs (61’)
3-4 Provoost (89’)

Red cards: Boutet, Weber, Bachchan

"So, how are we doing for the cup?"

"We're in 2nd heading into the game against Liamist States."

"2nd Place!!! Are you mad?!?!? We're supposed to be in 1st."

"I know sir, but the only problem is that the draw against Rejistania didn't help us."

"It's a no-brainer to see that the draw didn't help us out. Have any other news for me?"

"We have a new song."

"A song? Why would we need a song?"

"You see sir, each time we've been here- we didn't have a song."

"Well yeah, but why?"

"Inspiration for the players and fans to listen to while they drink, train or just plain relax."

"Here it is:"

To the tune of Green Day's "Minority"
I want to be Hockey Canadian
I don't need to be Lethvistanian
It would be cool to be Rejistanian
But I want to be Hockey Canadian

I pledge allegiance system karela
One nation under freezing
There of which I stand shiverin'
A face in the crowd
Unsung, and in the cold
Without a doubt
Takil is out
The other stsyem we know.

I want to be Hockey Canadian
I don't need to be Lethvistanian
It would be cool to be Rejistanian
But I want to be Hockey Canadian

Stepped out of the line
As the ball rolls like a sphere
Running out of time
Ninety minutes doesn't seem
Enough for the karelan dream

One light, team
Running in the dark
Deafened by the sounds of a million screaming fans
"For crying out loud" other teams will scream
A free for all
F*** 'em all
Canucks will win the fight

I want to be Hockey Canadian
I don't need to be Lethvistanian
It would be cool to be Rejistanian
But I want to be Hockey Canadian

"Not bad, I like it. Like it alot."

"Good then sire. I mean sir."

"My evil plan to plant subterrainian messages into these songs will work beautifully."

"Don't you mean subliminal?"

"You're fired."

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz rabbling worked for the big squad*

Goodie, Revenge!
Kodikits gets physical, smack Crystilakere down

The Chicanadan u21s got some great play from Jasmine P'loza'kizvv in goal and Eriche Yojaten scored himself a hattrick as the Kodikits took out a nations worth or irritation about those damn Hyppos with a 5-1 pounding of Crystilakere, helping move the team closer to a slot in the next round.

Yojaten got the scoring started early, getting two goals within a 3 minute period after just ten minutes of play. After a miscalcuation on P'loza'kizvv's part let the game get to 2-1 after 30 minutes the Kodikits put the game out of distance, with Helix Adamton scoring in the 39th minute and Terrence Millenson scoring as time expired in the first half.

The more uneventful second half saw Yojaten score off a penalty in the 64th minute, while P'loza'kizvv blocked some 13 shots on goal to keep a quality win.

The Kodikits now get a disgruntled Bedistani squad to secure a slot in the Round of 16. Coach Cristian Helb cautioned against getting too overeager and overlooking the squad, for they could "knock us down a block and out of the tourney. And I know I am not in the mood for that."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABB LERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLE...as they should be doing!

Scoreless against the States

The Minidukes of Liamist States played the Young Orange-Blues of Rejistania on the first day of U21 World Cup. Liamist States is a rather attacking team, at least in comparism to great teams like Hockey Canada, which means that the Young Orange-Blues where in the good situation to be able to defend and out of the blue counter attack. The States nearly took the lead in their first chance in the match, Ariabod Kallstrom somehow capitalized a misunderstanding in the defense and only the lightning-fast reactions of goalkeeper Alan Ivelmore could save the nil in the Rejistanian scoreline. Maybe his belmorian inheritance has something to do with the fact that he moved so fast that he was seen only blurred in the TV images of his save (this also might have something to do with the quality of the insanican broadcasting equipment).

Unfortunately, the attack was as bad as the defense was good and no counter attack was a 100%-chance, let alone a goal. The match ended, like the temple likes it: scoreless.

Every Second Round Counts
If you think Starblaydia will win, say: "yes, Paul"

Magic.

Anyway, with a third win in the Group Stage - a third win over Cockbill Street in their five Under-21 matches - sealed Starblaydia's qualification for the Second Round and means their undefeated-in-the-Group-Stage record will continue for another two years, hurrah.

Starblaydi fans enjoyed this match - not a lot - but it's not the winning that counts, it's the winning over Cockbill Street that really matters. Striking a blow for Starblaydi Dwarves everywhere, Danzir Garahildim was fired-up enough to practically fly into the penalty area and crash home himself, the goalie and the ball all into the net at once. The referee ruled no foul by Garahildim, and so the goal was awarded. Makes a great replay, though.

The next goal was something that will go down in the record books. Cherry Garica, making her first start in favour of pushing Giovanni Lopez up in place of Raul Diaz-Arca, blasted one in from just inside the penalty area as she made her starting debut for the Under-21s. A goal to savour, especially as it put Starblaydia back in the lead after the Street has equalised. To make it three and give Cockbill Street a mountain to climb, though they got to the foothills to make it two before the end of the match, Iskara Daii's hope for the future Raphaelo fired home from close range after yet more good work from Menecrates.

Group B
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Starblaydia 3 3 0 0 10 3 7 9
Oglethorpia 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3
Cockbill Street 3 1 0 2 11 12 -1 3
Caprine States 2 0 0 2 4 12 -8 0

Starblaydia 3 - 2 Cockbill Street
(Garahildim 21, Garcia 35, Raphaelo 57) - (27, 71)

Absolute karelization!

The two most Karelan teams on this planet and maybe in the entire NS multiverse met in the U21 and the match ended scoreless. No one really expected something different, except for some Hockey Canadian analysts who thought their attack improved enough to cope with the original Sistenha Karela. Both teams respect the archeivements of the other team: the Canadians generally tried to copy the rejistanian method of playing, even the Canadian term for defense is a rejistanian loan word. The rejistanians see the Canadians with respect of how they improved their Karela and envy about their high rank and the way, they were about to outperform their teachers. Coach Laxtu Takil (who is a true karelan despite his name and the fact that Sistenha Takil was named after him) said before the match to a reporter of the Update*: "You see, this match is like the end of a financial year, people see how good your team is and how good the main competitor is. I know how our balance looks like, but my crystal ball is broken, so no prediction about our opponent!"

The Canadians had a high number of chances if one takes into account that this match is a karelan one, but again Alan Ivelmore saved the day and the scoreline. The chances of the Young Orange-Blues were fewer but the few they had were better than those of the Canucks. Generally, it can be said that both defenses did an excellent job at destroying opponent's chances.

The beautiful match had unfortunately a bad scene: a collision between Mike Aaras and Kiru Kansu and an unlucky falling down of the canadian injured him badly. He is currently in an Insanican hospital with a broken ankle, He can only hope that the horror stories about human sacrifices in the hospitals and sadistical exeriments are only true in other hospitals in Total and Utter Insanity.

*OOC: even though I don't have the logo anymore, the newspaper is still called the KaMaRi Update and the slogan is still: News that matters.

The Bureaucratic Tribune

EPIC 5-2 VICTORY!

SOMEWHERE (BT) -- Oglethorpians back home had little impression of how the Junior Ostriches would fare in the U21 -- but today after a 5-2 victory over Cockbill Street, they almost unanimously fell into agreement that Oglethorpia just might advance to the second round after all.

Ranked 14th, Cockbill Street was just ahead of Oglethorpia at 18th, but were still an opponent to be feared. "Seeds are seeds," wisely pointed out coach Ruben van Mistletoe.

And yet even against their seeded opponent Oglethorpia somehow gained the upper hand. The opening twenty of the match were even, but the Junior Ostriches went one-up with a Hugh Dawkins score in the 29th. Maximillian Black made it two in the 35th.

And yet even down two Cockbill Street wasn't out yet, bringing the match to two-one. Hugh Dawkins would go on to make a hat-trick out of the match with Stephen Mogler Jr. earning the other goal. Cockbill Street answered Dawkins' last goal, but it was too little too late against Oglethorpia's five.

"Incredible," commented Hugh Dawkins Jr. after the match. "We just might make the second round after all."

It remains to be seen.

Seventh Heaven



Hypocria 7 – 1 Bedistan
West (3)
Black
Rytter
Bercali
Costa



Against Chicanada the Hypocria players looked a little subdued, only winning thanks to a couple of scrappy goals from corners. The public wanted attacking play and for once the public got exactly what they wanted and it was Bedistan that suffered for it.

The attack was red hot but once again the defence looked pretty solid despite a lapse in the 28th minute, capitalised on fully by Bedistan striker Delilah Greene, but as the Hyppos were already three goals to the good by then we’ll forgive them for it. The switch from a back five to a flat back four has seemingly worked wonders.

Sporting Mayo striker Danny West showed the form that made him the Spruitland league’ top goal scorer last season with a clinically taken first half hattrick. Marius Black and Alex Rytter, the scorers against Chicanada, both got on the scoresheet again to give Hypocria a 5 – 1 halftime lead against the number 21 seeds.

The second half was much quieter but Bercali added a sixth with a well struck free kick and substitute Costa scored a seventh deep into stoppage time. The fulltime whistle blew and Hypocria has recorded its biggest victory in any competition, edging past the senior side’s 5 – 0 hammering of Kajiztahn in the World Cup qualifiers.

In the other group game Chicanada returned to form with a 5 – 1 win over Crystilakere. The results put Hypocria on top of the group with six points from their two games. In this kind of form can Hypocria really challenge for the title? With champions Nedalia (seeded 1), Starblaydia (seeded 2) and Fmjphoenix (seeded 3) all in the top half of the draw too it’s a real long shot.

But first things first. Up next it’s the one Hypocria coach Boubacar Dragov has been looking forward to. It’s his former employers Crystilakere and he will want more of the same from his side to prove a point to the nation that sacked him four years ago and to guarantee top spot in the group.


Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 2 2 0 0 9 1 8 6
Chicanada 2 1 0 1 5 3 2 3
Crystilakere 2 1 0 1 4 5 -1 3
Bedistan 2 0 0 2 1 10 -9 0

"That guy went down like a Hockey Canadian hooker," Paulo said, still fuming, "I'm appalled."

"I didn't see the footage." the Dwarf beside him replied.

The two Starblaydi Managers sat and sipped their ale in the only pub in Total n Utter Insanity that they could find in a short walk's radius. They were both celebrating their teams going through to the next round of the competition. Paulo Bachchan's Spruitland side had only need two matches, in fact, to book their place, while Khim Azanulbizarn had needed a result on Matchday Three to totally confirm the assumed-qualification of his Starblaydi team.

"Wait," Khim said, realising what his friend had just stated, "how do you know, and was the fourth official any good? I didn't think you were into that kind of thing."

"It's an expression, Khim," Paulo said, taking another sip, "it means he fell over very easily. I only half-pushed him, it wasn't even a shove!"

"Oh," Khim said, looking relieved, "still, you're nearly forty years old, which isn't young for a human."

"Shut up, Stunty," Paulo chuckled, "you're only a year younger than me, I thought you Dwarves went on forever?"

"Ahh," Khim said, "it's me knees, you see, never really could take the speeds at which i went down the left touchline."

Paulo nodded, having been part of the same national team squads as Khim had been, some ten and twenty years ago. Both vaguely left-sided defenders, their careers had been good to them, and now they had progressed into management.Under-21 managers both, Khim had the better record, but then that was expected for a team like Starblaydia when compared to Spruitland.

"Think you can win it?" Paulo asked.

"As good a chance as ever," Khim shrugged, "you?"

"They're not a bad bunch of kids," Paulo said, "just a few of them are a bit soft, like. I'm trainin' em up to be regular little killers."

"A team of Mini-Bachchans?" Khim mused for a moment. "That's scary, dude."

"Bingo." Paulo merely displayed his wolfish grin. "Barkeep! More ale!"

At the college of Hockey Canadian Hookers and Prostitutes.

"Women please sit down! we have enough on our hands as it is out on the cold streets, but quarrelling won't do us good! You must be patient with the Under 21 tournement! The beer will kick into effect and the men (and women) will pay to sleep with you."

"What about that dwarf-man-thing that said that one guy went down faster than one of us?"

"Please Carmaleita, that is not part of the topic. The topic is to use birth control after having you know what- yes what is it Tatiana?"

"That Starblaydi man is an insult to us! To all of us!"

"Look Tatiana, you're a hooker. You can't be lower than you already are in society so it is kind of hard to take offense to anything some Starblaydi man says."

"I say we protest this insult and march into Starblaydia."

"No you all shouldn't! YOU'RE F**KING HOOKERS AND YOU NEED TO LIVE WITH IT! YOU HAVE NO FUTURE! Except Janice over there with a doctorate in advanced multi-mollecular physics."

Hockey Canada sends Liamist States packing from 1st to 3rd in 90 short minutes.
Scare from Liamist States? Not with system karela.

Hockey Canadians will once again see the beer and celebrations flowing in the streets to see the Canucks advance into the round-of-16 for the fourth consecutive time. The win gave the Hockey Canadians thinking that their goal of not allowing a goal in the tournement can be furfilled when they play against Gaian Ascendancy in the 2nd round. Hockey Canada may have the defence mastered, but the goal-scoring may be another issue.

The game against the Liamist States Marmadukes wasn't something to behold from most fans from a standpoint, but it was a game that got the job done for the Canucks. The early goal from Mike Ko on a short one-timer from Frederik Kuzkin sealed the game already for the Canucks who saw them glide easily into the Round-of-16. Kyle Thomas was virtually non-existant in the Hockey Canadian net and he didn't need to be with the 0 shots faced. System karela never looked so beautiful that night.

Gaian Ascendancy looks like quite a formidible threat for the 2nd round, having 6 points in their games against Tonissia and The Mushroom Kingship. Their loss to Spruitland to fall to second place didn't help them, nor did it when they will play 1st in Group F Hockey Canada. The Hockey Canadians won't go easy on Gaian Ascendancy.

Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hockey Canada 3 2 1 0 2 0 2 7
Rejistania 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 5
Liamist States 3 1 1 0 4 2 2 4
East Lithuania 3 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0

OOC: My people's plural is Liamists.

Today’s headlines…

Minidukes Go Top Of Group F
Surprise Win Over East Lithuanians Brings Us Ahead On GD
Liam & Co Media

"A Rejistanian Draw Will See Us Through"
Says Champion "So Will A Victory But That's Unlikely..."
Liamist States Times

Hockey Canadians Claim Victory
Liamist Media Mystified
EIC: "1-0 Loss Doesn't Affect Our GD?"
Soccer Monthly

The Nedalia Lions

Ten Goals in Two Games; Another Nedalian Victory


Ten goals in two matches; thats the scenario the Lions have presented to us today. True, they have also conceded 5 goals in those 2 matches, but when they make it up by scoring 5 goals in each match, then they can be forgiven for their defensive inadequacies.

TCMS were the recipients of a 5-3 beating by Euroslavia on Matchday One, and their own defensive inadequacies showed up ready to party against Nedalia. At one point, with 15 minutes to go in the match, the Lions were up 5 - 0 on their opponents, before finally easing up on the pressure, which is when TCMS struck back with 2 goals of their own. Lumiere struck first in the 14th minute, followed by Constantine in the 26th and 38th minute. The second half goalscorers were Peter Merhi, who hit his at the 54th minute, and Jansen, who nailed in Nedalia's final goal right before the 75th minute.

While its reasonable to assume that the Lions would have done fine were they missing some of their better players, they definitely would not have defeated their opponents with such force had it not been for the sensational Lumiere and Constantine. The former tore the TCMS defense apart, whether through his runs or his clever passes, while the latter did everything from tackling to setting up 2 of the goals. These two together just keep getting better and better, and the sky is the limit for them. Seemingly endless potential, they are reminding experts back in Nedalia about Nene.

The Lions final match will be against Euroslavia, and save for a loss and a Vtorbetinian win, the Lions are basically through to the 2nd round. Look for a more reserve-sided squad to feature, but look for an impressive victory nonetheless.

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


Bunnies cruise into Second Round

Spruitland - Gaian Ascendancy: 6 – 2

With another smashing win, the Spruitland Bunnies maintain their average of six goals per match, bringing their total to 18 goals in the group stage. One would think that’s enough to bring a smile to Paulo Bachchan’s face, but the Starblaydi does not seem easily pleased. The Bunnies coach is far from happy with the 8 goals his team has conceded so far, and he makes that abundantly clear.

“Don’t get me wrong, we’re playing an attacking style of football, so it’s normal that we give away an occasional goal. But EIGHT? Gimme a <censored> break! My grandma’s bridge club could do a better job than that! And the frustrating thing is, the talent is there, they just need to toughen up a bit!”

Bachchan had to follow the match against Gaian Ascendancy from the VIP Room, sitting out a suspension along with two of his defenders after getting a red card in the previous match. He stayed in contact with his assistant coach through an open phone line, but from time to time the strength of his vocal chords made the phone obsolete.

The moment a GA forward snuck through the defense and put an unstoppable ball behind Tristan Verelst, for instance, Bachchan could clearly be heard through the double layered glass of the VIP Room over the cheering Ascendancy supporters. Luckily for the Bunnies they had already scored three times by then, with two goals by Mariano and one by Ooyevaar, or the double layered glass may not have held out.

Taki Sala continued his scoring streak as well, putting the 4-1 on the board in the second half, but shortly after that the glass in the VIP Room was again put to the test. Target of Bachchan’s displeasure was not his own defenders this time though, because Koenraad Opdebeeck did exactly what his coach would have done in his place: connect his elbow with the rushing Gaian forward’s nose.

The forward was carried off towards plastic surgery, Opdebeeck could head for an early shower, and Tristan Verelst again had to permit a goal from the (slightly blooded) penalty spot. Up in the VIP Room, an Insanician waiter happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he, too, had an appointment with a plastic surgeon shortly thereafter.

But even with ten players on the field, the Bunnies had very little trouble keeping the game under control. Chico Provoost got a bit more than the usual ten minutes on the field this time, and he took that opportunity to score twice more, bringing the final score to 6-2, and his personal tally to four.

“We’re getting better at this,” team captain Fritz Wigmeister said after the match. “Still a slight error on that first goal, but apart from that our defense was pretty solid. And we got seven yellow and a red today too, I’m sure the coach will be happy with that.”

The group win puts the Bunnies up against Rejistania in the second round, a match that’s expected to be a lot tougher than any of the matches so far. The young Orange-Blues have not yet conceded a goal in this tournament, but the Bunnies are determined to change that. Especially Taki Sala, who was born in Rejistania but fled the evil Karelan regime after Under-21 World Cup 15 to pursue a career as a striker in a nation where his talents would be appreciated, will be extremely motivated to score.

“I want score goal badly, possible even two or three,” Sala says. “Show slani priests that va’karela’ny better be stuck where sun don’t shine!”

Spruitland - Gaian Ascendancy: 6 – 2
1-0 Mariano (11’)
2-0 Ooyevaar (19’)
3-0 Mariano (33’)
4-1 Sala (55’)
5-2 Provoost (72’)
6-2 Provoost (79’)

Jeruselem Government News

U21C17 results - Day 2

Another exciting day in the U21 Championship 17. We had 13 wins (or losses depending whose opinion you ask) and 3 draws. Two draws were in the game group - Group G ...

Group A
Kassyyk 0 Fmjphoenix 4
Liverpool England 3 Pacitalia 2

Fmjphoenix are in the next round after routing Kassyyk 4-0 and knocking them out. It was kind of expected. Liverpool England recovered from being smashed by Fmjphoenix and beat Pacitalia 3-2 to send the decider for this group into the last game. The trouble is Pacitalia play Fmjphoenix which tends to favour Liverpool England.

Group B
Caprine States 0 Starblaydia 5
Oglethorpia 5 Cockbill Street 2

Starblaydia have confirmed their place in the next round, with a 5-0 trashing of Caprine States. Oglethorpia took on Cockbill Street and went home with suprisingly easy 5-2 win. A bad day for Streetians overall.

Group C
Crystilakere 1 Chicanada 5
Hypocria 7 Bedistan 1

Bedistan got hammered again. Hypocria sent then out of the U21C17 winning 7-1 and Hypocria are back in the race. Chicanada went Crystil smashing with a comprehensive 5-1 trashing of Crystilakere and they are in the next round.

Group D
TCMS 2 Nedalia 5
Vtorbetin 4 Euroslavia 3

The Nedalia lions have booked their place in the next round too, with TCMS getting smashed 5-2 and TCMS are out now. Vtorbetin made life hard for Euroslavia, getting the win they needed 4-3 in a important game.

Group E
Atlantis of Vilita 1 Sarzonia 4
Lovisa 3 Oliverry 0

We like Lovisa, and they won against Oliverry 3-0 to knock then out. Sarzonia made the next round, with a 4-1 rout of Atlantis of Vilita. It's down to Atlantis of Vilita and Lovisa to make their own luck and join Sarzonia.

Group F
Rejistania 0 Hockey Canada 0
East Lithuania 2 Liamist States 4

Another game for Rejistania. Guess the score? NIL ALL again. The opponent was Hockey Canada who are the highest seed in the group so it's not all bad for Rejistania. Liamist States shook off the defensive mindset and beat East Lithuania 4-2 and knocked them out.

Group G
Maserrat 3 Jeruselem 3
Blessed Restraint 6 Oaker 6

Now, draws are boring horrid things right? Not Group G ones - two draws and 18 goals. Jeruselem and Maserrat played a draw worth watching with 3 goals each where no one really dominated. Now, we said Oaker had a problem with defense earlier. Blessed Restraint lost to Jeruselem 2-3 earlier, but scored 6 against Oaker who scored 6 themselves. Great game, but not one for your average Rejistanian soccer fan.

Group H
Tonissia 3 Spruitland 4
The Mushroom Kingship 2 Gaian Ascendancy 9

Spruitland and Gaian Ascendancy make the next round. Spruitland scored only 4 goals in a 4-3 win against Tonissia, meek compared to 8. Gaian Ascendancy did one better, scoring NINE against The Mushroom Kingship. Nothing wrong with a 9-2 win really.

Day 3
Group A
Fmjphoenix 1 Pacitalia 1
Liverpool England 3 Kassyyk 4
Group B
Starblaydia 3 Cockbill Street 2
Oglethorpia 3 Caprine States 0
Group C
Chicanada 4 Bedistan 1
Hypocria 4 Crystilakere 0
Group D
Nedalia 4 Euroslavia 0
Vtorbetin 6 TCMS 5
Group E
Sarzonia 2 Oliverry 1
Lovisa 2 Atlantis of Vilita 4
Group F
Hockey Canada 1 Liamist States 0
East Lithuania 0 Rejistania 3
Group G
Jeruselem 2 Oaker 0
Blessed Restraint 6 Maserrat 4
Group H
Spruitland 6 Gaian Ascendancy 2
The Mushroom Kingship 3 Tonissia 5
Group A
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Fmjphoenix 3 2 1 0 13 4 9 7
Pacitalia 3 1 1 1 6 5 1 4
Liverpool England 3 1 0 2 9 14 -5 3
Kassyyk 3 1 0 2 5 10 -5 3
Group B
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Starblaydia 3 3 0 0 10 3 7 9
Oglethorpia 3 2 0 1 9 4 5 6
Cockbill Street 3 1 0 2 11 12 -1 3
Caprine States 3 0 0 3 4 15 -11 0
Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 3 3 0 0 13 1 12 9
Chicanada 3 2 0 1 9 4 5 6
Crystilakere 3 1 0 2 4 9 -5 3
Bedistan 3 0 0 3 2 14 -12 0
Group D
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Nedalia 3 3 0 0 14 5 9 9
Vtorbetin 3 2 0 1 13 13 0 6
Euroslavia 3 1 0 2 8 11 -3 3
TCMS 3 0 0 3 10 16 -6 0
Group E
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Sarzonia 3 3 0 0 8 3 5 9
Atlantis of Vilita 3 2 0 1 10 9 1 6
Lovisa 3 1 0 2 6 6 0 3
Oliverry 3 0 0 3 4 10 -6 0
Group F
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hockey Canada 3 2 1 0 2 0 2 7
Rejistania 3 1 2 0 3 0 3 5
Liamist States 3 1 1 1 4 3 1 4
East Lithuania 3 0 0 3 2 8 -6 0
Group G
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Jeruselem 3 2 1 0 8 5 3 7
Blessed Restraint 3 1 1 1 14 13 1 4
Oaker 3 1 1 1 10 10 0 4
Maserrat 3 0 1 2 9 13 -4 1
Group H
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Spruitland 3 3 0 0 18 8 10 9
Gaian Ascendancy 3 2 0 1 13 9 4 6
Tonissia 3 1 0 2 9 9 0 3
The Mushroom Kingship 3 0 0 3 8 22 -14 0

Under 21 World Cup 17
Top
2nd Round Quarter Finals

Fmjphoenix (3) -------------
| ----------------------------
Chicanada (7) --------------

Starblaydia (2) ------------
| ----------------------------
Vtorbetin (12) -------------

Hypocria (9) ---------------
| ----------------------------
Pacitalia (10) -------------

Nedalia (1) ----------------
| ----------------------------
Oglethorpia (18) -----------

Under 21 World Cup 17
Bottom
2nd Round Quarter Finals

Sarzonia (5) ---------------
| ----------------------------
Blessed Restraint ----------

Hockey Canada (4) ----------
| ----------------------------
Gaian Ascendancy (16) ------

Jeruselem (5) --------------
| ----------------------------
Atlantis of Vilita (22) ----

Spruitland (8) -------------
| ----------------------------
Rejistania (11) ------------

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz rabbling worked for the big squad*

Yay and Boo!
Kodikits make another Round of 16, get stuck with Fmjphoenix

Jasmine P'loza'kizvv gave up only one goal out of 15 shots and Eriche Yojaten continued his goal streak with two hits at the Kodikits advanced to the second round of the u21 World Cup.

Yojaten led the scoring again, picking up goals in the seventh and fifteenth minutes. More goals were picked up by Terrence Millenson, who scored in the 12th minute and again in the 80th minute to help put the Kodikits comfortably up 4-0. A late penalty kick (83rd minute) went to the left o P'lozakizvv, breaking her 147 minutes of blocked shots and such.

Up next for the rabbling Kodikits, as a reward for finishing second in their draw, is a matchup with Fmjphoneix, who comes in as the easy winner of Group A. Should the Kodikits get revenge on the Fmjphoenixians (last match played was a bad loss in their first u21er) they would then face off with Starblaydia, who's moving quickly to face off with reigning champs Nedalia in the semifinals.

Note of interest: Chicanada was the only high seed to not win their Group.
Note of less interest: This is Chicanada's third trip to the Round of 16, their first without winning the Group.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

RABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABB LERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLE...as they should be doing!

Fmjphoenix Junior Vikings

Keeper: Justin Larue, 17 yrs old
Defenders: Charlie Hulo 20 yrs old, Brian Cashman 15 yrs old, Kayla Mik'ala 17 yrs old
Midfielders: Laura Boyd 20 yrs old, Sam Blancher 14 yrs old, Aaron Newhome 18 yrs old, Doug Lafotoya 19 yrs old
Forwards: Brian Dougood 17 yrs old, Siieranu Ijanaeil* 17 yrs old, Jim Jackson 20

*Siieranu Ijanaeil is Rejistanian-born, but was forced out of Rejistania because of his Takilan nature and inability to be converted to karelaism. He has since been welcomed into Fmjphoenix and has recieved citizenship and made a name for himself in the footballing world and has been chosen to join the U21 squad.

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


Background report
Spruitland Superstars:
Taki Sala, the new Dirk Jools?
“Thank you not please!”


With Dirk Jools not a part of the Under-21 selection anymore, the Bunnies no longer have a clear superstar among their ranks. Instead, there are at least half a dozen young stars who are all bidding to be the heart and soul of the team, the axis around which it revolves.

Young hot-shot goalie Tristan Verelst, for instance, who is one day expected to challenge Simon Briers for a spot in the senior squad. So far he hasn’t been able to leave his mark though, conceding eight goals in the group stage.

Or any of defenders Weber, Opdebeeck and Wigmeister – a threesome that may feature heavily in Spruitland’s future World Cup campaigns. But defenders rarely reach superstar status, even though their… combativeness on the pitch has drastically increased their coolness factor.

Or Gary Mariano perhaps, as the star of the midfield, but the pesky right winger is not the prototype of the absolute superstar. His pacey runs along the sideline might increase the crowd’s heart rate while he’s on the field, but off the field he mainly scores high on the huggability scale.

True superstars are usually strikers, as they are specialized in that which the crowd loves most: goals. Chico Provoost already became a star at the previous Under-21 World Cup, where he established himself as a super-sub. Young Provoost is perhaps the closest to a true star within the Bunnies team now Jools has moved on, but his boyish innocence makes him mostly popular among young teenage girls and women above 50. Give it a few more years and a few more hairs on his chest though, and Chico will have plenty of real chicas chasing him.

But the one who is – somewhat surprisingly – shaping up to become the new superstar of the Bunnies is Rejistania-born Taki Sala. Sala was part of the Rejistani selection for Under-21 World Cup 15, but didn’t return to his home country, where the Karelan regime had seized power. The young striker was discovered on board the King Alfons I, a luxury cruise ship that transported the Bunnies back home to Spruitland, and was granted asylum.

Sala signed for the Fonstown Rovers, but soon got struck by a mysterious Karela disease – involvement of Rejistani undercover agents was suspected. The ailment disappeared at the end of the season, but this made Taki Sala the only striker in the Spruitland competition ever to win the Defender of the Season award. He recently transferred to Lepus FC, coached by Paulo Bachchan, where his 21 goals played a major part in winning the championship title with Lepus, earning him a selection in the Under-21 squad for World Cup 17.

With five goals in three appearances for the Bunnies, Taki Sala is coming very close to Dirk Jools’ total of six, but unlike Jools, Sala does not seem at all concerned with breaking records or winning awards.

“I want just many many goals to score,” Sala says. “Is talent from born with. All man have right talent from nature to use. Not surpress for defend!”

His juicy manner of speech and shy, introvert nature only add to his “mysterious foreigner” image, making him attractive to Spruitland’s female population, but Taki has always stayed as far away from cameras and reporters as possible. His recent success in Under-21 World Cup 17 has put him smack in the spotlight though, and reports from the Spruitland Postal Services suggest that he has quite a mountain of scented fanmail waiting for him at home.

Does this mean the young semi-Rejistani will soon be found in Spruitland’s jetsetting nightlife, hobnobbing with Dirk Jools, a gorgeous blonde on each arm?

“Thank you not please!” Sala says, mildly disturbed. “Taki Sala not silly Jools! I want fine Spruitland girl and married with kids and chicken in garden some day. And swimming pool too.”

The young striker seems to have a long and spectacular career ahead of him, but apart from “many many goals to score” he does not seem to have set himself any specific career objectives. But the Bunnies’ upcoming Second Round match is one in which he’s more than determined to score.

“Rejistania beautiful country,” Taki says with a touch of melancholy. “People great too. But not when va’karela around. Rejistani football big baloney sausage now. People only think exciting because va’karela says yes, exciting! Karela not exciting, many many goals exciting, yes!”

“Score goal against Orange-Blues important for me. Show people of Rejistania defense football no results. World Cup 15, out first round. World Cup 16, out first round. World Cup 17, second round lost from Spruitland, three goals Taki Sala. Will show them big time, I will!”

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/voia/class.gif

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/aov.gif



"So Amfali, will they let you play this time?" The Atlantian Leader looked at his former slave Amfali.

Amfali, now in the best shape of his life, with ice rushing through his veins, responded. "Yes sir, it is a marvelous story as the Vilitans have not even been accepted into the tournament. We will be representing the entire Empire in Under 21 World Cup 17. It will be our bo... excuse me sir. Your team, and not the youth from the mainland."

"Has it helped much then moving our training facilities here in our own territory, instead of having to train in Turori." Tha Atlantian Leader chuckled. "I'm sure you mustn't have enjoyed being around those scally wags much boy."

"But of course sir! It's been Brilliant. We would not have been ready to play if it were not for your generosity sir. We will do our best to serve you well during the competition."

"Great news, I will hope that you boys can colelct a few wins and make it to the important part of the competition. Perhaps you could beat a few of the teams that our Empirial Superiors could not, and give them a reason to invite us to the proper World Cup in place of those dirty Turorians." The Atlantian Leader noticed Amfali still standing there. "Go boy, win some games."

Vuh-who?
Title Favourites Fall in 2nd Round

It's always sad when this happens to Starblaydia's Under-21 side. This hasn't happened to them in rather a while, as Starblaydia tend to be disappointed at this level unless their round of departure has 'Final' in it somwhere.

"Obviously we're all really down right now," said Cherry Garcia, in her first post-match interview, "but the team will be back. Only Nicholas [Mathias, Goalie], Giovanni [Lopez] and Jamal [Nguyen] will be over-age for next time, so we should be all back together again."

Reynaldo was Starblaydia's goal-scorer, though Vtorbetin managed to equalise in normal time and take the match to extra-time, something which Starblaydia have often had problems with. Whether conditioning, concentration or tactics, were the cause, or just plain bad luck, Vtorbetin scored in the second half of Extra Time to get a large upset over this team. 'Bugger', we said, and most fans agreed.

Crystils Shattered


Hypocria 4 – 0 Crystilakere
West
Karic
Rytter (2)


If you had happened to glance at Hypocria’s Under-21 coach after the game against Crystilakere you would have seen a man happy with life at the moment, a man who had just proven a significant point. Boubacar Dragov had been sacked by Crystilakere after the Under-21 tournament four years ago and had been taunted by their fans at the last competition following Hypocria’s opening day defeat to Starblaydia in his first match in charge. There was nobody taunting him now.

As the score line suggests the match was largely one sided. Danny West followed up his hattrick against Bedistan with the opening goal of this match. Karic headed in the second from a Bercali freekick. Crystilakere had their chances in the first half but couldn’t beat Drakes.

The Crystils were forced to push forward in the second half and were consequently vulnerable to quick counter attacks. One such attack lead to West playing Rytter through and the talented midfielder clipped the ball past the advancing keeper for a 3 – 0 lead. It was Rytter who also bagged the fourth as he hit Gabbidon’s cross full on the volley to give the keeper no chance and secure top spot in Group C.

In the other group match Chicanada sealed their passage into the second round thanks to a 4 – 1 win over former champions Bedistan.


Group C
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 3 3 0 0 13 1 12 9
Chicanada 3 2 0 1 9 4 5 6
Crystilakere 3 1 0 2 4 9 -5 3
Bedistan 3 0 0 3 2 14 -12 0

In finishing top of the group the Hyppos now avoid Group A winners Fmjphoenix in the second round and instead face Group A runners up and number 10 seeds Pacitalia in a repeat of the second round tie two years ago. On that day Hypocria edged it 3 – 2, here’s hoping for something similar this time around.

Hockey Canada blow by Gaian Ascendancy to play

The game didn't look pretty in most fans' eyes, but it was sure one for the karelan ages. Hockey Canada came into the game against Gaian Ascendancy expecting a blowout against the 16th seed team but it seemed far from that when Hockey Canada didn't look like usual in the early stages of the game. Close shots by Gaian Ascendancy strikers made Kyle Thomas' job oh so more stressful as he looked like he nearly popped a vein after a save in the 14th minute.

Hockey Canada opened the game shaky as it is. Two quick shots from the Gaian Ascendancy team in the opening 5 minutes looked like the karelan team would face an upset. The team collected themselves and kept composure to stay at nil-nil through the early pressure. Hockey Canada got lucky when a Gaian Ascendancy shot was let go just inside the 18 yard box away from Thomas but the sound of the ball hitting the metal of the crossbar might as well have been angels cheering to their releif.

Hockey Canada had some attack going, and in the 37th minute they nearly went ahead by a goal on an incredibly long Rahul Kulkarni shot that would have gone straight into the U21 record books from the legnth he shot at. A shot from well beyond half that caught the Gaian Ascendancy keeper off guard forced him to make a brilliant reaction to punch the ball over the net to the sighs of Gaian Ascendancy supporters.

Hockey Canada again had some pressure set against then from the Gaian Ascendancy attack in the 64th minute but once again Kyle Thomas was there to make the saves to keep the Goals Against in the tournement notched at zero. Gaian Ascendancy had made a beautiful passing play set up keeping Thomas running around the crease to get a good position on the ball, but when the shot finally came Thomas got behidn the ball and made the save look easy.

The saves and defence payed off for Hockey Canada when they finally scored to put them ahead. Mike Ko scored his second goal of the tournement on his free kick on a Gaian Ascendancy hand ball from 23 yards out of the net. The indirect kick was tapped quickly by Frederik Kuzkin forcing him to penetrate the Gaian Ascendancy wall just enough for Ko to blast the ball through the Kuzkin-enforced hole and soaring out of the Gaian Ascendancy's keepers hands.

Now Hockey Canada will face either Sarzonia or Blessed Restraint in the quarter-finals in the tournement setting the stage for yet another exciting battle. Hockey Canada will be looking to the tournement with no goals allowed, looking for the championship will only be harder for the Canucks. They were doing the similar last year, but nothing can be certain.

Jeruselem Government News

Rejistania attack! and other news

Rejistania did make the 2nd round with a ... 3-0 WIN. Yes they beat East Lithuania in game with defense and offense. Good to see some bite in their attack. If they keep on doing this, they can make the finals and threaten everyone.

Jeruselem took on Oaker and easily disposed of them 2-0 to make the 2nd round as top dog. Oaker didn't want to lose and a draw would have allowed them and Jeruselem to make the 2nd round, but that didn't happen at all.

Blessed Restraint took on Maserrat. Both teams needed to win and a draw would be rather useless. In a game lacking any defense, Blessed Restraint won a shoot gallery game 6-4 over Maserrat and TOOK the 2nd spot in Group G. Blessed are Blessed Restraint and Jeruselem, God's teams won!

And late breaking news. We must be a slow today ...

Jeruselem did finish their 2nd round game. They played Atlantis of Vilita and trashed them 4-0. We maybe slow starters, but watch out!

Group G
Jeruselem 2 Oaker 0
Blessed Restraint 6 Maserrat 4


Group G
Name P W D L F A GD Pts
Jeruselem 3 2 1 0 8 5 3 7
Blessed Restraint 3 1 1 1 14 13 1 4
Oaker 3 1 1 1 10 10 0 4
Maserrat 3 0 1 2 9 13 -4 1


and

Group F
Hockey Canada 1 Liamist States 0
East Lithuania 0 Rejistania 3

Summary of Group stage and our NEW predictions


Fmjphoenix (3) -------------
| ----------------------------
Chicanada (7) --------------

Now, how the hell are we going to pick one?
Two good teams in form.
However Fmjphoenix haven't been stopped yet and
they should win a game worth watching.

Starblaydia (2) ------------
| ----------------------------
Vtorbetin (12) -------------

We heard rumours of the 2nd seed losing today.
So Vtorbetin are through, what an upset!
Vtorbetin aren't a bad team and well, they showed it.

Hypocria (9) ---------------
| ----------------------------
Pacitalia (10) -------------

Another hard one.
Hypocria should be victorious over the inconsistent Pacitalia.

Nedalia (1) ----------------
| ----------------------------
Oglethorpia (18) -----------

No contest - the Lions to ROAR.
No offense to Oglethorpia, but the top seed has justified their ranking.

Sarzonia (5) ---------------
| ----------------------------
Blessed Restraint ----------

Blessed Restraint are the surprise package, but Sarzonia are the 5th seed.
Blessed Restraint will test them, but the Starz should get into the finals.

Hockey Canada (4) ----------
| ----------------------------
Gaian Ascendancy (16) ------

Hockey Canada have been winning, but not trashing other teams of late.
Gaian Ascendancy are a big test and have upset seeds in the past.
We are picking our friends Hockey Canada in very tight game.

Jeruselem (5) --------------
| ----------------------------
Atlantis of Vilita (22) ----

We won 4-0 ...

Spruitland (8) -------------
| ----------------------------
Rejistania (11) ------------

Rejistania in a really tight win over Spruitland or penalty shootout.
We aren't picking this with much confidence though.

[[ I know it's a bit late, but I'll put 'er up anyway. ;) Thought I'd do a snazzier roster presentation this time, so it took a while. And I'll catch up on my RPs either tomorrow or Monday. ]]

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/pac_u21squadlogo.jpg

The Pacitalian representation returns to the pitch in the seventeenth incarnation of the NationStates Under-21 World Cup with a new goal in mind. For the number of times that Pacitalia has participated, the team, considered one of the better teams in the tournament and therefore expected to perform above average, has done just the opposite. Although not bad, they have only made it past the second round once, and when put in comparison with other equally or better-talented teams who have made the finals more than Pacitalia has done the aforementioned, it seems that Pacitalia has a lot of explaining to do. With Marapazzo Santo Castorini fired after a solid, but still unsatisfying tenure as head coach of the team, it's now up to assistant coach Lindifeu Zentrescu to fill the void, and he is expected to at least keep the Pacitalians at a respectable finish in the round-robin. If the Pacitalians don't advance, he won't have any explaining to do, as he has been given permission to tinker with the team until he feels it will perform admirably and competitively against other powerhouses like Sarzonia, Nedalia, Spruitland, Fmjphoenix, Starblaydia, Rejistania, Hockey Canada and Jeruselem.

Until we find out more, let's check out the roster and lineup placement.

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/pac_u21squadform.jpg

Manager: Lindifeu Zentrescu
Envoy to the Federazione di Futaboli Pacitaliana (FdFP): Mariana Parzantina
Offensive and Midfielders Coach: Costas Zourahidis
Defensive and Goalkeeping Coach: Roberto Sant'Omanta

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/pac_u21kit_sm.jpg

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/pac_u21squadlogo.jpg

Round-Robin in Review: Pacitalia mediocre, but advancing

Jeruselem Government News, that country's principal news and information agency, probably summed it up best when they said Pacitalia was "inconsistent". The main problem with Pacitalia's achievements over the past six or seven U21 World Cups has been consistency and translation. Translation, of course, refers to the fact that a team that looks good on paper, like Pacitalia, should derive good results from that. Pacitalia has only once been in third place in a group, and that was just barely. Otherwise, we have mostly qualified, but when we do, it's been tough for our team to get past the second round. The team chemistry is there, but the coaching of Zentrescu is different from Santo Castorini, and this may have to be a transformation cup, wherein the players adjust to the changes and don't try for anything. Maybe next time, Zentrescu's side will prove how good it can be.

Match 1: Pacitalia v Kassyyk
Pacitalia seemed to show its abilities in the first day matchup, with a 2-0 lead at halftime on goals from Massimatto and Charisteas. Kassyyk got one back in the 54th minute, but a sweet header from da Scupeta regained the 3-1 lead for Pacitalia, which stuck to the end of the match.
1 - 0 - 0 , 3 pts

Match 2: Liverpool England v Pacitalia
Pacitalia led early once more with a quick 15th-minute chopper to take a 1-0 lead, but LE's smart, up-and-coming team answered with two quick goals. One more goal went to each side as Liverpool England upset Pacitalia, 3-2. Despite the loss, coach Zentrescu said there was "barely anything wrong with the way [they] played".
1 - 0 - 1 , 3 pts

Match 3: Pacitalia v Fmjphoenix
Pacitalia's toughest competition of the tournament came here with third-seed Fmjphoenix taking on the home team. As much as it should have probably been a narrow Fmjphoenician win, Pacitalia equalled the higher-seeded team in almost every aspect of the game, with a brilliant performance by keeper Romano Cristiano Santi throughout the second half. Pacitalia's goal came from Andreos Charisteas as they ran away with a tie.
1 - 1 - 1 , 4 pts

And now, we face Hypocria, a team that, while only one seed higher than Pacitalia, went 3-0-0 in the round robin, meaning that they're ready, and capable of taking down the Pacitalian side. Yet again, Pacitalia faces a great hurdle in getting to the quarterfinals, and it's up to their team chemistry, and on-paper talent to translate into on-pitch success and a win over Hypocria.

Pacitalia and elimination get married

Once again, Pacitalia played terribly in the second round and earned themselves a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hypocria to be eliminated from the second round for the fifth time in the last seven tournaments. The only bright spot in the game was the desperate attempts by keeper Cristiano Santi to keep the deficit at a maximum of two while Pacitalia's offence struggled to pick their side of the game up off its feet to equalise.

Surely now, the question of whether Pacitalia is capable of continuing in this tournament against other teams will arise, as will the question of whether Pacitalia is destined to stay in the 10th-14th seed area of the tournament for good. In other words, many will no longer support this team, which has been described as "sucky", "low-quality" and "embarrassing" by many Pacitalians. The Pacitalian side will be lucky to stay in 10th spot at all, but shouldn't be surprised to drop a few seeds to 13th or 14th as a reward for their definitively awful knockout-stage play. They just don't get what we've been telling them all along - translate your on-paper talent into team chemistry and success, and the good results will come flying in. They don't get that at all.

Pacitalia's lone goal came from Massimo da Scupeta in the 67th minute. The sad part: the Dynamic Duo of da Scupeta and Andreos Charisteas has only one tournament left before they are too old to compete in it. Let's hope that next time, Pacitalia performs as though they really want the cup.

It takes extra time, but we'll take it.

Thanks to two quick goals at the beginning of extra time by Dougood and Ijanaeil, the Junior Vikings put down Chicanda 2-0 and moved on into the next round of the finals to face the biggest upset of the Cup do far, Vtorbetin.

Why are Vtorbetin the biggest upset, you ask? Well, they only bead one of the favorites in Starblaydia in the second round 2-1. This should be very interesting now. Fans across Fmjphoenix were hoping to see a rematch of the U21WC15 finals against Star, but now will have to prepare for the team that beat them.

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz rabbling worked for the big squad*

U21s Bow Out in Overtime!
Happy with a Round of 16 ousting, a 2-0 loss to Fmjphoenix

Jasmine P'loza'kizvv's good luck finally ended, after 90 minutes of excellent blockage, two scores in the early minute of overtime end the Kodikits dreams and a 2-0 loss to Fmjphoneix.

Not much to report, except that the game lived up to the hype as the Kodikits continued showing their gwoing defensive mettle. Expect most of this team to return for the 17th edition of the cup.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Results:

Chicanada 0 - 2 Hypocria
Chicanada 5 - 1 Crystilakere
Chicanada 4 - 1 Bedistan
Chicanada 0 - 2 Fmjphoneix

The Nedalia Lions

Cut to Late Night Football, the Nedalian football show hosted by Vern Tap.

VT: Hello this is Vern Tap, and tonight I have a very special guest on the show. They have advanced to the quarter-finals, they have dominated every team they faced, and they are the current U21 World Champions. Tonight, I would like for you to welcome the man in charge of the spectacular team, Opit Newman. Welcome, Mr. Newman.

ON: Always a pleasure to be here with you, Vern.

VT: So tell me, how does it feel taking over for Nedalia's most successful manager at any level or sport?

ON: Well I've been blessed with an absolutely fantastic team. There were some doubts going on about the experience factor, but I think they have eased all those doubts. I'm sure those same doubts could be applied to me, and hopefully I've done the same. I learned so much from Brent, he's an incredible man. I think Sarzonia are going to be in it to the end.

VT: Your last two games, the 4-0 victory over Euroslavia the 2nd round massacre of Oglethorpia (5-1) showed suprising defensive resolve from the team. The first two matches, the team conceded 5 total goals. Why the sudden change?

ON: I think it was just a matter of getting used to each other. Stewart had such a good relationship with Mohammed Khadra, who ofcourse has moved on to the 1st squad. Ghanem Drad was a bit nervous at first, but he's assimilated well and is playing out of his mind. Fred Onno and Emmanuel are veterans of the tournament, so they know what they got to accomplish and they know how to get it done.

VT: Lets focus a bit on your two star players, striker Lumiere and midfielder Constantine. How have they helped the team?

ON: Oh they are completely vital. The whole universe knows that Nedalia lives and dies on its offense, so its important that we have talent going forward. Costantine does absolutely everything, he helps out everywhere. He's already a national squad member, an active one at that, and he's showing us why. Lumiere is as good a striker as any Nedalian, national team included. They are just spectacular kids. And the scary thing is, Lumiers is only 18 years old. 18! He's going to make a lot of noise before his career is over.

VT: Well, we're just about out of time. I want to thank Mr. Newman for taking the time out to talk to us. We all wish you the best of luck retaining that championship. Good night.

Déjà Vu



Fans of Hypocria’s Under-21 side are having the strangest feeling that they’ve been here before. Two years ago the Hyppos beat Pacitalia in the second round which led to a quarter final showdown with the Nedalia Lions. Once again the Hyppos have overcome Pacitalia in the second round and who do they face next? Yep, it’s those Lions again.


Hypocria 3 - 1 Pacitalia
Whelan
West
Bercali


But the Hypocrian players can go into the game full of confidence after a relatively comfortable win over a tricky side from Pacitalia. They won 3 – 1 but it could have been by more but for a spirited display from Cristiano Santi in the Pacitalian goal.

Whelan opening the scoring in the first half with his first ever international goal. It could have been 4 – 0 by half time but Santi’s efforts kept the score the just one. It didn’t last long as seconds after the restart West made it two. Pacitalia produced a lifeline through da Scupeta’s strike but they never really looked like equalising and Bercali effectively ended the contest with the Hyppo’s third.

So it’s Nedalia again which is probably not a good thing. Two years ago they hammered the Hyppos 5 – 2 and that’s when they were only the number 6 seeds. Now they’re top of the tree and looking to retain their title.

Hypocria Captain Luc Sinclair, who played in the 5 – 2 defeat, had this to say,

“Obviously Nedalia are a huge test for us. They hammered us at the last tournament and they will be looking to do the same again. But we leaked goals all other the place two years ago and this time we have only conceded two in four games. We’ve been defending well and scoring goals so I think we have as good a chance as anyone. Look at Vtorbetin, nobody expected them to beat Starblaydia did they?”

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


Sala settles a score

Spruitland – Rejistania: 1 – 0

The Spruitland Bunnies advance to the Quarter Finals of Under-21 World Cup 17 after a strong performance against an extremely defensive Rejistania team – but that was not unexpected.

The match was not particularly spectacular – again not unexpected – with very few chances. The Bunnies barely had a handful of scoring opportunities, while the young Orange-Blues had none at all. It was pretty clear that the Rejistanis were set on taking the match to extra time and then decide it with penalty kicks, but the Bunnies did not feel obliged to let it get that far.

Semi-Rejistani forward Taki Sala made sure it didn’t. Sala – determined to score against his old team – achieved what he set out to do. The post and the goalie denied him at first, but a marvelous strike early in the second half left the Rejistani goalie and defenders – all ten of them – weeping in frustration.

Sala tried vigorously to extend the Bunnies’ lead, but was unable to score a second time. He was a little disappointed with that, but the satisfaction of dealing the Karelan regime a decisive blow still prevailed.

“Well, not puff up goal bigger than is,” Sala moderates after the match. “Yes, important goal for me and Rejistania people, but not enough for start revolution. Need more knock out Rejistani team in early round for that.”

The victory takes the Spruitland Bunnies into the Quarter Finals, which is as far as they made it two years ago. They will be hoping to do even better this time, but to earn a spot in the Semi Finals they’ll have to get past a tough Jeruselem team. Coach Paulo Bachchan is confident his team will pull it off though.

“Confident? I’m <censored> dead certain, is what I am. We already beat them in the group stage two years ago, and we’ve only gotten better since then. And they haven’t been tested yet in this tournament, all they played so far is a bunch of nobodies.”

“My only concern is that today’s piss poor excuse of a match took the edge off our defenders. Those <censored> Rejistanis barely crossed the middle line, how the hell are we supposed to get a decent work out like that? No wonder we only got one – one! – yellow card today. Outrageous!”

Spruitland – Rejistania: 1 – 0
1-0 Sala (52’)

Second Round
Fmjphoenix 2 Chicanada 0 AET
Starblaydia 1 Vtorbetin 2 AET
Hypocria 3 Pacitalia 1
Nedalia 5 Oglethorpia 1
Sarzonia 4 Blessed Restraint 4 AET
Blessed Restraint won 5 - 4 on penalties
Hockey Canada 1 Gaian Ascendancy 0
Jeruselem 4 Atlantis of Vilita 0
Spruitland 1 Rejistania 0

Under 21 World Cup 17
Top
2nd Round Quarter Finals

Fmjphoenix (3) -------------
| Fmjphoenix (3) -------------
Chicanada (7) --------------

Starblaydia (2) ------------
| Vtorbetin (12) -------------
Vtorbetin (12) -------------

Hypocria (9) ---------------
| Hypocria (9) ---------------
Pacitalia (10) -------------

Nedalia (1) ----------------
| Nedalia (1) ----------------
Oglethorpia (18) -----------

Under 21 World Cup 17
Bottom
2nd Round Quarter Finals

Sarzonia (5) ---------------
| Blessed Restraint ----------
Blessed Restraint ----------

Hockey Canada (4) ----------
| Hockey Canada (4) ----------
Gaian Ascendancy (16) ------

Jeruselem (5) --------------
| Jeruselem (5) --------------
Atlantis of Vilita (22) ----

Spruitland (8) -------------
| Spruitland (8) -------------
Rejistania (11) ------------

1 Starblaydia
2 Nedalia
3 Hockey Canada
4 Spruitland
5 Hypocria
5 Chicanada
7 Jeruselem
8 Fmjphoenix
9 Sarzonia
10 Rejistania
11 Bedistan
11 Pacitalia
13 Oglethorpia
14 Liamist States
15 Oliverry
16 Vilita
17 Lovisa

Thrice

The Orange-Blues had a scory night against East Lithuania. After two very karelan matches, which both ended scoreless, the rejistanian U21 fulfilled their goal quote in one match, instead of using three as would have been optimal. The Hetaki started in the 16th minute when a free kick was awarded after a foul and goalkeeper Alan Ivelmore shot it and converted directly. Alan Ivelmore was the first-ever rejistanian U21 goalie, who scored a goal. Nana Sejil scored twice in counter-attacks and was substituted directly after the 3:0. Coach Takil'he said: "I was planning to substitute Linux [Raju] in instead of Nana [Sejil], I already signalled the substitution when this situaltion happened. We do not punish people for scoring - most of the time." Linux Raju was rather an additional defender than a striker. The entire team concentrated on defending the lead, under the frenetic cheers of the rejistanian fans.

The Bureaucratic Tribune

Oglethorpia barely edged out of quarterfinals

SOMEWHERE (BT) -- In what many saw as a contest between two evenly matched teams, Oglethorpia fell just short of defeating the Nedalia Lions by four goals, the second round scoreline 5-1.

"It was a really close match," commented coach Ruben van Mistletoe after fulltime. "With five minutes left, I was sure we were going to score the four goals needed just to equalize. I mean, really close. It was a thriller, and they really just got by thanks to luck."

Many felt Oglethorpia's Junior Ostriches, ranked 18th, could score an upset against the 1st ranked Lions of Nedalia. "It was within reach," noted striker Hugh Dawkins Jr. "That wasn't a foolish assumption in any sense at all."

But to their shock and surprise, Oglethorpia was handily defeated by the slim margin of four goals to a team who played arguably worse. "You see," said keeper Tom Kein Jr., "I think people get this team confused with the top-ranked nation in the world. What a stupid mistake. Surely everyone is as aware and intelligent as ourselves and doesn't make such foolish errors?"

With the unexpected defeat at the hands of the marginally-superior Nedalia Lions, Oglethorpia exits the 17th iteration of the U21 World Cup, officially now ranked thirteenth. "As far as i'm concerned," elaborated coach van Mistletoe, "we're ranked 12th. First, thirteen is a bad number, and second, twelve comes after eleven, NOT thirteen. I'm pretty sure."

Of further note, despite the Junior Ostriches' exit from the cup in the second round is the abolition of the "Junior Ostriches" moniker. Said the OAF, "while our World Cup squad languishes, the Under-21 program has proven itself mature and talented -- and thus, it needs not share the name that describes failure and helpless flailing that is so justly laid upon the World Cup squad."

It is now expected that the squad-till-recently-known-as-the-Junior-Ostriches shall preform frighteningly miserably come next U21 World Cup.

The Chicanada Rabble
*cuz I want to keep a higher ranking, damn it!*

Looking Ahead: The Quaterfinals
Favorites Out Mean A Lions Share Of Victory

Somehow, we never call things right, but maybe this time we'll be correct.

With two teams expected by the Rabble to make it to the finals done for, it appears that the mightly Nedalian side may have no competition towards repeating as champions...provided they don't have a penalties match with Blessed Restraint.

Our own review and Mighty Predictions:

*Fmjphoenix (3) v Vtorbetin (12)
What was expected to be the biggest match of the tourney took an interesting turn as Vtorbetin makes their way to the Quaterfinals. Is Fmjphoneix their next victim? Doubtful, as long as the side that killed the Kodikits dreams in extra time shows up.

Predicted results: Fmjphoenix 3 Vtorbetin 2 AET

*Hypocria (9) v Nedalia (1)
Of course we would never wish the Hyppos or Lions ill will, but considering Hypocria snapped out Group Champs streak and keeps stomping our national sides and Chicanada has never beaten Nedalia, a prefered result is a massive asteroid slamming into the field, resulting in a humorous tie. Of course that would never happen, so lets just move the champs along.

Predictred results: Hypocria 1 Nedalia 4

*Blessed Restraint v Hockey Canada (4)
HC better hope that BR doesn't push this game to penalties or they will be dead.

Predicted Result: Blessed Restraint 3 Hockey Canada 3 (HC wins 3-2 on penalties)

*Jeruselem (5) v Spruitland (8)
This will be a fun match, and one that could go well into penalties. The Bunnies might just have the advantage in this game though, considering they were able to escape the logjam known as the Rejistani defense. Yeah, Jeruselem pounded that other other Vilitan puppet, but we'll say, for now, Spruitland.

Predicted results: Jerusalem 0 Spuritland 1

Onwards...

Expect Nedalia to route Fmjphoneix in another matchup between teams Chicanada cannot beat while HC staves off the Bunnies. In the final, we'll say Lions over Canadians giving Nedalia a repeat.

"Listen, all I'm saying is that its a conspiracy. Those Chicanadans are the only reason we lost! It defies all other forms of logic," commented 77 year old Henry Dumont of Dulatha, Nedalia.

"You're absolutely right. Did you see what they wrote?" replied his counterpart, 76 year old Ahmad Mubarak.

"4 - 1 for Nedalia. Blasphemy! You heard that they spent the entire build-up to the match praying for our downfall."

"They are a vengeful lot, those Chicanadans."

"I mean, they even predicted us to repeat! Dont they know you cant say things like that, unless you want the opposite to happen."

"Complete opposite."

"How do we go from a predicted 4 - 1 victory by their so called "Rabble" to a 1 - 0 loss to those Hypocrians?"

"Unbelievable."

"Let me tell you something, I better not see no Chicanadan tourists running around here. You can easily tell them apart, you know. They are the ones with the big noses and dreadfully horrible hair."

"That hair. Dreadful."

"I cant believe they would stoop that low. To wish such ill against us! I can barely contain my anger."

"Just overflowing with emotion right now."

"Come on, lets head over to the local Bettian pub. I feel like drowning my sorrows."

"So sorrowful."

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


Semi Final!

Jeruselem – Spruitland: 1 – 2

He may not be as diplomatic as Cor Bensen, but new Spruitland Under-21 coach Paulo Bachchan gets results, and that’s what counts. Building upon the success of two years ago – when the Bunnies made it to the Quarter Finals – Bachchan now does at least one better.

The Quarter Final match against Jeruselem was a close match, but that was no surprise – the time of 8-3 and 6-2 wins is over. But the narrowest margin is wide enough to advance to the next round.

One red card this match, for Bunnies defender Fritz Wigmeister, taking down a Jeruselem forward in the box, and the resulting penalty kick equalled the match at one all - Eddie Engels had opened the score in the first half to give the Bunnies the lead. Wigmeister will miss the Semi Final, but he stated he “doesn’t regret doing what had to be done”.

In a predictable move to avoid extra time, super-sub Chico Provoost came onto the field for the last twenty minutes, and Chico did not disappoint. With nine minutes to spare, he headed the winning goal into the net, putting Spruitland in their first Semi Final in a World Cup tournament.

With title favorites dropping out of the tournament left and right – Starblaydia, Sarzonia, now Nedalia – this may be a great opportunity for Spruitland to go all the way. But even with some of the big guns already eliminated, the remaining matches will not be easy ones.

Unless Blessed Restraint managed to pull a second upset – which doesn’t seem likely – the Bunnies will face a tough Hockey Canada team in the semis. Which means they’ll have to get passed yet another ultra-defensive opponent, after already eliminating Rejistania in the Second Round. High-scoring records are not likely to be broken in that match, but semi-Rejistani striker Taki Sala hopes to score at least once.

“Nother silly Karela team with copied cat,” says Sala, who saw his scoring streak come to an end today. “Not even excuse of va’karela’ny, them, just plain silly. Must score two three four spectacular goals. Show Canada Hockeys defense boring, goals fun!”

Jeruselem – Spruitland: 1 – 2
0-1 Engels (29’)
1-1 (penalty, 65’)
1-2 Provoost (81’)

Jeruselem Goverment News

Jeruselem follow Rejistania in U21C17

No we are not adopting System Karela. It's just we lost to the Bunnies aka Spruitland in a quarter-final, meeting the same fate as Rejistania in the 2nd round. The 8th seed defeated us 2-1 in their closest game to deny Jeruselem a place in the semi finals.

Bunny Engels opened scoring in the 29th minute but Jeruselem finally equalised after Bunny Fritz Wigmeister was red-carded and captain nVidia Stuart finish the penalty in the 65th minute. However the Bunnies still had bounce, Bunny Provoost scored the winning goal.

In some sad news, our friends Nedalia lost to Hypocria 1-0 in another shock as Starblaydia and Sarzonia are gone already. Hopefully our other friends Hockey Canada can make the semi-finals.

Not all is lost. The last time we lost a quarter-final, we won all our other games to finish 5th which means we always lose the wrong game at wrong time.

Jeruselem – Spruitland: 1 – 2
0-1 Engels (29’)
1-1 (nVidia, 65’)
1-2 Provoost (81’)

Taming The Lions



Hypocria 1 – 0 Nedalia
Sinclair 66



This time two years ago the Hyppos conceded five as they were dumped out of the tournament at the quarter final stage by a rampant Nedalia side that eventually lifted the trophy. In this tournament a change in formation, replacing the 5-3-2 formation with the 4-4-2 used by the senior side, has worked wonders for the defence, shown by keeper Stephen Drakes keeping his third clean sheet in five games as Hypocria claimed its biggest scalp to date.

And Drakes had to be in excellent form against the attacking power of the champions. Time and again he made great saves to keep the likes of the hugely talented Constantine and Lumiere at bay. Hypocria are no mugs themselves when it comes to attacking and West, Bercali and Rytter were all denied by Hard Dans.

The key moment came in the 66th minute of the match. Bercali had broken down the flank and crossed into the box but his cross was comfortably headed clear by the defence. The ball landed just short of thirty yards from the Nedalian goal. Hypocria captain Luc Sinclair ran on to it and just let fly and the ball flew past Dans.

“It needed a great goal to beat such a great team”, man-of-the-match Drakes said later. “This is a great moment and we’re going to enjoy it.”

Hypocria will now face the winner of the Fmjphoenix/Vtorbetin quarter final for a place in the final itself. Reputation suggests it will be Fmjphoenix but with top sides like Sarzonia, Jerusalem, Starblaydia and of course Nedalia all falling to lower ranked opposition we’re not going to put any money on it.

Starblaydia gone, Nedalia eliminated- Hockey Canada has a good shot heading into semi-finals after win over Blessed Restraint

Blessed Restraint had somehow managed to sneak into the quarter-finals with an upset win over 5th-ranked Sarzonia looking for their next upset against Hockey Canada. The defence of Hockey Canada had still managed to stay impenetrable especially throughout the tournement against teams such as Gaian Ascendancy, Liamist States and even the tough defence of Rejistania. When the two teams met yesterday in Total n Utter Insanity, fans knew there would be sparks in this game.

The game started off with Hockey Canada pressing hard on the Blessed Restraint defence and a few early shots but couldn't managed to put the ball in the net or even on net for that matter. The first 3 shots were formidable shots to the net but all of the soaring either way over the net or just wide, but the game looked promising for Hockey Canada. Frederik Kuzkin had a remarkable 4 shots in the opening 10 minutes tying a Hockey Canadian international record.

Kuzkin's shots were rewarded in the 29th minute when the Hockey Canadian passing deep in the Blessed Restraint half found it's way to a wide open Kuzkin who blasted the ball high into the Blessed Restraint net propelling the Hockey Canadians into the lead. Hockey Canada had taken 7 shots at this point in the game with Kuzkin taking 6, when this stat was brought up he was immediately replaced due to the lack of system karela seen.

Hockey Canada faced even more surprises when they scored the most goals they've gotten in one game in the tournement on a wierd free kick. Keeper Kyle Thomas was instructed to take the kick for the Canucks in order for the midfielders and striker to get a good chance on net to double their lead. Hockey Canada didn't need the attacking because Thomas placed the kick well into the Blessed Restraint above the wall and somehow under the diving keeper into the bottom-left corner of the net.

At the half, the Hockey Canadians surprised just about everyone when the team went up to the bar to grab a quick drink before the game. The players may have been young, but in Hockey Canada- the phrase "Illegal Drinking age" is just a suggestion.

Hockey Canada returned to the pitch at the start of the second half refreshed and ready for the Blessed Restraint team. Unfortunately for the highly-defensive and highly-karelan team didn't allow more than 3 shots in the half giving both defence and the goalkeeper more than enough time to just stand in position talking or even napping while Blessed Restraint struggled to the ball up field.

Kyle Thomas faced barely enough shots to say he had a tough game, and he really didn't except for the late shot by a frustrated Blessed Restraint team in the 82nd minute. Blessed Restraint had set up a passing play deep in the Hockey Canadian half which was nothing new for the Hockey Canadians who did this all the time against most teams. A lob shot let go by a Blessed Restraint midfielder caught defence off their guard leaving Thomas to make the save by catching the ball falling to the ground.

Hockey Canada will now play Spruitland in the semi-finals to get to the finals to either play against Hypocria or Fmjphoenix/Vtorbetin Hockey Canada themselves are taking this only one game at a time to try and take down Spruitland and get revenge for what happened to them in the Cherry Cup 13 quarter-finals. The outlook looks a bit like this-

Hypocria (9) vs. Fmjphoenix (3)/Vtorbetin (12)

The Fmjphoenix and Vtorbetin game has two teams playing very formidible opponents, but the semi-finals doesn't look any easier for the winner of that match. Hypocria beheaded U21 giant Nedalia keeping them from a repeat win of the tournement. Either way we think Hypocria has the momentum to go right to the finals.

Predicted Score:
Hypocria- 2
Fmjphoenix-1 or Vtorbetin- 0

Hockey Canada (4) vs. Spruitland (8)

No taking the bunnies lightly here, this game is something monumental for Hockey Canada never winning in a semi-final to date. Spruitland just might prove a flaw to the Canucks. The bunnies will be lucky to score just one goal on the defence, for all Hockey Canada would need is 2.

So at this point, Hockey Canada is in the hunt for the championship and hold the title of Under 21 World Cup Champions. For this isn't just any ordinary soccer tournement, it's the U21 World Cup.

Where did it all go wrong?
A look back at U21WC17 for Azanulbizarn

When a Starblaydi team gets something drastically wrong - losing to Vtorbetin in the Second Round of a competition they're trying to win, for instance - things usually change. Yet, somehow, the Starblaydi Football Association has given Khim Azanulbizarn their "full support" to remain in the role Under-21 Manager for the 18th Under-21 World Cup in two years time.

"The SFA continues to support Khim Azanulbizarn as Manager of the Starblaydia Under-21s side, feeling that the programme's continual development under Mister Azanulbizarn will soon bear fruit with a second Under-21 Championship. The strides made by the current Manager in the promotion of the game to all races and sexes within Starblaydia assure his place as the head of this team for the foreseeable future."

So, no change in the manager, then. What I think, however, is that it's the personnel in the team itself that was the problem this time. The average age of Starblaydia's side this time was just eighteen, compared to the ninteen-point-five average for the previous team that took Third Place for the fifth time. The players themselve that were missing, however, seems more crucial than their ages.

The defensive partnership of Joe Kippenberger and Raymundo Hernandez, the Iskara Daii defender Leopoldo Lopez too. Then the inspirational captain Christian Macia, never mind the fact they were still trying to fill the berths left by Micahlis Mitrofanis and Florencio Zaragoza, who were fighting for the second striker spot in the senior World Cup 23 side, they were that good. There are no Itechton Matranga's or Surachai Buathiang's in this squad. Only the captain, Giovanni Lopez, could make any claim to being in their league. Try as Menecrates, Mercutio, Reynaldo and even Cherry Garcia might, they're just too young to fill the shoes of those before them quite yet.

Give this squad another two years before the next tournament and they should be up to scratch. With another two years after that before their swansong of Under-21 World Cup 19, there's still a good chance that these players can make the step up to be crowned Under-21 Champions. They just were not good or developed enough this year.

Vtorbetin's magic fails, Fmjphoenix prepares for Hypocria

With a goal each by Brian Dougood and Siieranu Ijanaeil helped quite down the suprise generated by Vtorbetin, who had silence one of the favorites in Starblaydia. This is the second match in a row where Dougood and Ijanaeil had provided the scoring for the win, just this one was normal time, not extra time.

Ijanaeil started off the scoring in the 7th minute with a header off a bueatifully passed ball from Laura Boyd. It was about as picture perfect as if could be imagined. Vtorbetin tried to come back, but rookie keeper Justin Larue was playing solid in the box, deflecting out all 6 shot attempts by them on the day. But the first half saw lots of passing going on as Vtorbetin provided some strong challenges from the midfield and defenders. The Juniot Vikings would only manage one more shot before the end of the first half, and it was a shot that went wide right by a few feet by Boyd. Even in the second half, Vtorbetin was pressing hard, trying to get something generated in the Vikings field, but Larue was not letting anything past, and the Junior Viking defenders were not giving the Vtorbetin strikers any good angles to shot from. Then in the 76th minute, Dougood broke through on the left side, running the pitch alone. He got up and took a shot unmarked form the left side and it sailed clear of the keeper and into the net for the 2-0 line. After, the Junior Vikings dropped back into their backfield and commited to keeping the 2-0 lead. And keep it they did, as the final attempt by Vtorbetin sailed clear of the net by 10 feet.

So what lies in wait for the Junior Vikings? Not the team that most would have thought. Nedalia was handed a defeat by Hypocria. That gives us another upset in the cup. Could this become a third upset? Not if the Junior Vikings have anything to say about it.

Fmjphoenix: 2 - Vtorbetin: 0
Ijanaeil 7, Dougood 76 - None

Quarter Finals
Fmjphoenix 2 Vtorbetin 0
Hypocria 1 Nedalia 0
Blessed Restraint 0 Hockey Canada 2
Jeruselem 1 Spruitland 2

Shootout dooms Junior Stars in finale

No one thought it would end this way. Not Brent Vent, the coach of the Under 21 World Cup XVI champion Nedalia Lions, who took over as the coach of the Sarzonian team. Not midfielder Jenna Raven, who became the first major star of a Sarzonian team who happened to be female. Not the supporters who saw the team advance to the knockout stages behind then-coach Terry Mangione in their first three World Cup endeavours.

But after Sarzonia's 5-4 loss to unheralded Blessed Restraint in penalties after regulation and extra time ended 4-4, Mangione, now the chairman of the Incorporated Football Federation, made a startling announcement.

"As of right now, the Incorporated Football Federation officially withdraws the Sarzonian entry into the Under 21 World Cup from any future World Cup competition."

"We genuinely feel bad for Coach Vent, who worked hard to put out a quality product and give Sarzonia something to be proud of in this football team, but we no longer have confidence in the ability of the World Cup organisers to run a fair and unbiased tournament. We find their treatment of the Pacitalian football association during World Cup XVI to be intolerable. In addition, we believe that the Under 21 national side have not had the results needed as they pertain to developing players."

"I'm dissapointed, that's for sure," Vent said, his voice quavering. "I didn't expect to oversee the end of the Sarzonian Under 21 programme."

The Junior Stars will head home and midfielder Raven will be called up to the senior national team for the start of World Cup XXIV qualifying, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking.

"It's going to be a challenge to develop players now, but we think we can do the job," Mangione said. "We just aren't going to make another trip to Total 'n Utter Insanity."

To Whom It May Concern:

We, the Nedalian Football Association, have decided we need to come forth and make our position on obvious disagreement in internal politics known. Sarzonia are our friends; we co-hosted the Basketball World Cup with them. Pacitalia are just as close, and it does not take reminding that our very own Brent Vent is in charge of he now defunct U21 Sarzonia program. Any ill treatment of both countries and their programs, coupled with Starblaydia suggested withdrawal in the near future, concerns the Nedalian FA.

We have not been aware of the politics going bad, and we are curious as to what happened. For the U21 World Cup to lose Sarzonia, Pacitalia, and Starblaydia is a major blow. Despite that, we have not heard the full story, and we, for the time being, will continue to back the official U21 World Cup, and will send a team to U21 World Cup 18.

As for Brent Vent, the FA has decided to rename him as the U21 manager for the Lions. Opit Newman has been informed of the desicion and has accepted it like a gentleman. He has agreed to serve, once again, as Vent's assistant manager. The desicion, ofcourse, will be made official pending the Sarzonia FA's approval.

For the U21 World Cup to lose Sarzonia, Pacitalia, and Starblaydia is a major blow. Despite that, we have not heard the full story

Olaf Vikerman, Chairman of the Starblaydi Football Association, released the following statement:

"The SFA has no belief whatsoever that the departure of the Starblaydia Under-21s from the 17th Under-21 World Cup was anything other than bad luck on the part of the team. No major refereeing or organisational flaws have been discerned by any of the players or staff of the Under-21s.

Starblaydia has the finest Under-21 programme in the world, as our long, successful and consistent history in this Championship shows. The elmination to Vtorbetin, while a major disappointment, is merely part of the learning process for all concerned. Starblaydia will, of course, be participating in the Under-21 World Cup for as long as the Insanican government will keep letting our players into the country. Which is, of course, in no danger of changing."

Junior Vikings penalize Hypocira, move on to face over confident Hockey Canada

With the score at 1-1 after extra time had expired, it would come down to the all dreaded penelty shootings. But Justin Larue was ready for it. Larue took everything that Hypocria took as if it were childs play. Laura Boyd again struck home, as well as Brian Dougood and Siieranu Ijanaeil put home penalty kicks as the Junior Vikings put away another upsetteam, beating Hypocria 1-1 AET and 3-0 on penelties.

While we would normally talk about the exciting match, but fans are more interested in the trash being talked in the cold area of Hockey Canada. Apperently they are forgetting the fact that we are two time champions and have won the past two odd numbered Cups. They also appear to be under the assumption that their defense in impenitrable. That often can be a teams own downfall. Despite our success, we refuse to assume it will be a cakewalk.

"We cannot even assume that we will win without any problems. If the team managed to get to the finals, they have shown they can play. We will take them seriously and we will put everything out there to put the ball in the net. Its what we are good at and its what we like to do." Coach George Rush had to say.

Rejistanians support Hockey Canada

After the unlucky loss against Spruitland, in which the Orange-Blues fortunately conceded only once, many rejistanian fans remained in Total n Utter Insanity to watch the matches of Hockey Canada. A supporter of the Young Orange-Blues said: "Hockey Canada are a great Karelan team, their defense is far better than the of the <CENSORED FOR DECENCY> U21 of Rejistania!" Many Karelan personalities will attend the battle between good and evil. The famous fighter for scoreless draws, referee Laksu Kynsu, as well as a delegation from the temple of Karela. High priest Haxada will not be present since he is needed to 'make the World Cup run scoreless, err smoothly' as he said. "alte" meaning equal or scoreless, and "altax" smooth.

Hockey Canada breeze by Spruitland for a spot in the finals against Fmjphoenix

Tomorrow Hockey Canada and Fmjphoenix will be playing for everything in the finals of the Under 21 World Cup 17. Second place is on the line, a title which either team doesn't want. When the fans from both sides cram into the Total n utter Insanity stadium to watch one team hoist the cup above their heads while the other hangs their heads in shame, you can expect to see a fight for the win. People of all ages, races and ranks will be in attendance- including Prime Minister/Dictator of Hockey Canada Ondrea Di Lorenzi. Another person of mention will be the great Rejistanian Lasku Kynsu, who will be given a Hockey Canadian jersey and flag as a sign of goodwill before the game.

The semi-final game against Spruitland saw the bunnies shutout by the Canucks, who have done that to every team in this Under 21 campaign. The game opened with Hockey Canada scoring early to the delight of their fans when Rahul Kulkarni's massive shot from 19 yards out curled nicely around the Spruitland keeper to propel the Hockey Canadians into the lead. Kulkarni scored in that very same fashion 4 minutes later to have Hockey Canada jump to 2-0.

Keeper Kyle Thomas didn't face many shots for his second straight game and felt he didn't need to. Hockey Canada had the goals needed and were playing with the Spruitlanders nicely. Setting up passing plays deep in the Spruitland half in the 74th minute, Kulkarni got his hat trick on a run into the box on a cross to head the ball into the net. Kulkarni ran to the centre of the field where hats rained down on the pitch as in Hockey Canadian custom.

Now Hockey Canada will face Fmjphoenix, a team that worked hard to get to the finals but seems evil with the takilan things going on, Hockey Canada will have to be extra wary. But with confidence (not overconfidence like Fmjphoenix claims), the Canucks can reach for their first Under 21 World Cup Championship. A pinnacle in Hockey Canadian history making it the 1st tournement Hockey Canada has won.

Pacitalia throws fan support behind Junior Vikings

In a move not seen before on behalf of Pacitalia, the nation's governing football body announced the results of the online poll that decided who Pacitalian football fans would support in this U21 final. The Federazione di Futaboli Pacitaliana announced today that an overwhelming 77% of fans voted for Fmjphoenix, meaning that the Junior Vikings will have an additional fan base of two and a half billion people for the upcoming match against Hockey Canada.

"We trust them, we've been in their group countless times, and we respect them," wrote one fan in the e-guestbook. "There's no doubt the Junior Vikings play with maturity and class every time they step on the field, and thanks to that, and the fact that they deserve to recapture, I'm glad to support them."

"Fmjphoenix football is all about high class and fair play," wrote another Pacitalian. "They're determined but honest, talented but modest. And that's why they get my support. I'll be waving Junior Vikes flags in the stadium."

"Karela is a terrible system of play," came a third opinion. "Rejistania and Hockey Canada will regret that in the long-term." (Rejistania supported HC for the final.) "Hockey Canadians seem too arrogant and self-centered, in my opinion. I hate to say it, but overconfidence is too much."

"We definitely appreciate all the support we receive," added Fmjphoenician team captain Brian Dougood. "We play better knowing the Pacitalians, along with many others, are rooting for us."

This final has, some experts argue, worked out perfectly: a matchup between an attack-oriented team and a strongly AOD-based team. We'll see how things turn out. Until then, we're predicting an extra-time win for Fmjphoenix.

We Hate Penalties


Hypocria 1 – 1 Fmjphoenix (aet)
0 – 3 on penalties


There’s something about penalty shootouts, something Hypocrian footballers can’t quite cope with. The senior side lost the Baptism of Fire semi final on penalties, ironically in Fmjphoenix, and now the Under-21s have lost their semi final on penalties, against Fmjphoenix.

However the Junior Vikings are a class act and fully deserved their win and a place in the final. They had more of the play over the 120 minutes of football and create more chances. Hypocria keeper Drakes was once again in great form and, after Fmjphoenix had opened the scoring in the first half, he kept the Junior Vikings at bay. Danny West grabbed an equaliser in the second half to raise prospects of another big scalp for the Hyppos but it wasn’t to be and normal time, followed by extra time, finished levelled at 1 – 1.

So it came down it penalties.

Laura Boyd struck first, drilling her penalty to Drakes’ right to give Fmjphoenix the lead.
1 – 0

Danny West went for power and hit his penalty straight down the middle but Justin Larue managed to block with his legs.
1 – 0

Brian Dougood placed his penalty beautifully into the top corner to edge the Junior Vikings further in front.
2 – 0

Alex Rytter tried to place his effort and, although it was well struck, Larue pulled off a spectacular save diving to his left.
2 – 0

Siieranu Ijanaeil beat Drakes with ease to further increase the Fmjphoenix lead.
3 – 0

Amir Karic had to score but he couldn’t as his rising drive was turned over by Larue to send the Junior Viking through to another final.
3 - 0

So the latest edition of the Under-21 World Cup has reached the last two and there is no doubting who Hypocrians will be rooting for.

“Fmjphoenix, definitely”, said passing “everyman” Bob Smith. “We like to see attacking football, we like to see goals. It would be a travesty if a team as dull as Hockey Canada lifted the trophy. Come on the Junior Vikings!”

Junior Vikings pumped for final against Hockey Canada

Its their third apperance in the finals in the past 10 years. The only difference between the other two is that the opponent was Starblaydia. This time, they will not be looking out at the purple and white, but the reds of the Hockey Canadians. They have had an amazing run so far in U21WC17, not conceeding a single goal yet. On the other hand, Fmjphoenix has scored 17 goals in the past six matches. Although its not their highest scoring amount for 6 matches, it is still much more than anyone else was scoring. Lead by Brian Dougood, Siieranu Ijanaeil and Laura Boyd on the front and Justin Larue in the box, the Junior Vikings have been an offensive juggernaut again. Not only are they backed up on the pitch with their great young talent, they have several clubs backing them to finish all the way. Bedistan, Hypocria and Pacitila have all thrown in with the Junior Vikings and back them to win over the Canucks. Knowing that they have the support of other clubs and players to win it all has the young players ready to step up their game and go all out.

"The feeling is great. Knowing that you have a millions of people out there rooting you on. There is no better feeling." Captian Brian Dougood had to say, "It makes me want to play even harder than before because I do not want to disappoint the people who are rooting us on. I know that we are going to go out there and play it with our all to bring home the trifecta."

Tommorow will be the fateful day. Fmjphoenix will take on the pitch to try and go for their third championship. Although players like Larry Brown, Jason Mitchell, Bruce Chen or Arien Vogel are out on the pitch for the Junior Vikings, the new rising stars are out there, and they are here to show they can play in the bigtime, the spotlight.

Jeruselem Government News

JGN urges Jeruselem fans to cheer Hockey Canada on

The U21C17 final - it's Hockey Canada vs Fmjphoenix (or "The Vikings").

Hockey Canada defeated the conquerors of System Karela and Jeruselem to make the final. Spuitland or "The Bunnies" lost 0-3 and our buddies Hockey Canada have a chance to win their first U21 Cup.

Fmjphoenix won a dramatic 1-1 game in penalties over Hypocria who like Jeruselem don't like penalty shootouts much. The Vikings make another final and can join a select group of the U21 champions if they can win this one.

Hockey Canada don't have U21 cup yet but Fmjphoenix have won two already. Jeruselem and Bedistan have two cups, and System Karela has produced three for Reijistania. If the Vikings win, they will join Reijistania with 3 cups, meaning 4 teams will hold 10 of 17 cups. If Hockey Canada wins, it will join the many teams with 1 cup but still the big 4 will hold 9.

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


No final for the Bunnies

Hockey Canada – Spruitland: 3 – 0

Team captain Fritz Wigmeister was suspended for the semi final, and that turned out to be a substantial miss. Especially since his replacement, 17-year old Manuel Van Looy, managed to get sent off less than five minutes into the game (punching an opponent in the face will do that to you).

Hockey Canadian midfielder Rahul Kulkarni may have gone down squealing like a pig, but there was nothing wrong with him ten minutes later when he took advantage of a disorganized defense to strike home the 1-0. Nor when he did the same 4 minutes later to put the Bunnies two goals behind.

The early lead pretty much settled the match before it had good and well begun, and the Bunnies were unable to penetrate the Hockey Canadian defense. Except once, deep into the second half, when substitute striker Robbad I. Asay looked to be making a debut in style, forcefully driving the ball past Kyle Thomas, but the myopic assistant referee had his flag up, and the goal was disallowed. While half the Spruitland team was still protesting to the referee, Kulkarni could freely head the ball into the net to seal his hattrick.

“We were robbed, that’s what I say!” Paulo Bachchan exclaimed after the match. “That red card was totally undeserved, and that <censored> Kulkarni should be banned from football so he can pursue an acting career! So his goals should never have happened, and there wasn’t a damn thing wrong with our goal. We should have won this match!”

Regardless of what Bachchan feels should have happened, Spruitland will now have to settle for third place – if all goes well. For that, they’ll have to deal with a strong Hypocria side though, but that will only be an extra motivation for the Bunnies. After a double match-up in the Baptism of Fire that was only decided by a penalty shootout, this would be a perfect opportunity to settle the score within ninety minutes – though both teams would undoubtedly have preferred to face off in the final.

Official Statement from the Bedistan Football Association

Like pretty much everyone else in the world except for Rejistania, we too are throwing our support behind Fmjphoenix to win the Under-21 World Cup. Our reasoning behind this is twofold. Firstly, though we ourselves normally play in relatively balanced 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formations, we certainly do prefer attacking football over defensive. The second reason is, admittedly, a bit more selfish, but we're sure you'll understand where we're coming from. As I'm sure the entire world knows by now, we were utterly humiliated by Hypocria 7-1 in the group stage. However, as a result, we then hoped Hypocria would win the World Cup, so that we could say that only the very best could destroy us like that. Then they lost to Fmjphoenix. Well, if Fmjphoenix win, then we can say Hypocria lost only to the very best, which isn't quite as face-saving for us, but would be better than with an additional step of indirection at Hockey Canada. So for the love of the Bedistani U21 program, go Fmjphoenix!

Sam Bacon
President
Bedistan Football Association

Support welcome from all nations

All the hype and nations are choosing sides before the final match of the Under 21 World Cup finals in it's 17th edition. Fmjphoenix has been a powerhouse in the tournement scoring a very high 17 goals in 6 games giving system takil something to be proud of. Hockey Canada on the other hand has zero goals allowed in 6 games giving system karela something to be proud of. Nations have been taking sides of other nations backing each others up. Either allies, friends or just fellow karelans or takilans- both sides look pretty strong and Hockey Canada is honoured to be playing.

The last of the Hockey Canadian Under 21 stars are getting older and won't get a chance to play next cup. Rahul Kulkarni and Mike Ko are on their last try for the cup and will join greats like Yanic Perrault after the cup is over. They have nothing to lose in this match and won't settle for anything less than the championship. Rookies like Frederik Kuzkin have proven to be very valuable assets to the team and will make fine starters in U21WC18. Unheard of in the tournement was Andrew Aberdeen, who didn't score but was like a wall on the 18-yard line in front of the wall in the net.

Kyle Thomas has been to the cup several times but never a final, hoping he can go the entire tournement without concieding a goal, a feat that hasn't occured since Rejistania's U21WC11 victory when they shutout every team en route to the championship. Hockey Canada wants to have a repeat of what Rejistania did by not allowing any goals against for the win, but Fmjphoenix will be the biggest game of the Hockey Canadian player's lives.

Takil vs Karela
The Ultimate Battle

While the Streetians, as usual, got out in the group stage in embarrassing fashion (yes, we lost...to Oglethorpia, whose only footballing glories came forty years ago...), the Under-21 world is preparing for one of THE biggest battles of known footballing history. Fmjphoenix are famous for their attacking, entertaining style of football, while the Hockey Canadians have been bribed and va'karelaed by the theocracy of Rejistania into playing 7-2-1 - just like they tried here. The Hockey Canadians have, in fact, not conceded a single goal, as their Wall of Canada have so far been unbreachable. However, Fmjphoenician flair could be the bomb that blasts down the wall, and the Streetian league clubs have their eyes out for the best players.

We wish both teams the best of luck, and may the team who attempts to score the most goals win!

The Streetian squad that appeared in U-21 World Cup 17 (mostly for own benefit whenever I wish to post for the squad for 18...)

Goalkeepers:

1. Adam Boys, aged 18, av rating 5.42, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba
13.Nico Andrews, aged 17, av rating 5.69, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba*

Defenders:

2. Fred Caddick, aged 21, av rating 5.41, left/central defender, Vimesbairn Athletic*
3. Olaf Skallagrimsson, aged 20, av rating 5.61, right back, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba*
4. Olaf Groinbiter, aged 21, av rating 5.67, full back, Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba*
5. Harald Groinbiter, aged 17, av rating 5.35, central defender, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba
14.Massicot, aged 19, av rating 5.49, right/central defender, Point/Grunt AC*

Midfielders:

6. Rob Martin, aged 19, av rating 5.41, right/central midfielder, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba
7. Joseph Goldthorp, aged 21, av rating 5.39, winger, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba
8. Joe Smith, aged 20, av rating 5.44, winger, Harewood FC*
11.Howard Beacham, aged 21, av rating 5.70, attacking midfielder, Harewood FC*
12.Lars Bootstealer, aged 19, av rating 5.66, left winger, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba*
16.Hedyphane, aged 19, av rating 5.88, attacking midfielder, Point/Grunt AC*

Strikers:

9. Thor Stonethrower, aged 17, av rating 5.49, forward, Grakh'nakh K'druz'ba
10.Olivia Peterson, aged 21, av rating 5.78, striker, Vimesbairn Athletic
15.Ian Barnsdale, aged 18, av rating 5.66, forward, K'haz'bak K'druz'ba

Third Place’s Not So Bad



Hypocria 2 – 1 Spruitland (aet)
Bercali
West


There are few things that Hypocrian football fans enjoy more than a match against their neighbours Spruitland. There are even fewer things they enjoy more than a win over the arch rivals. Ever since the Baptism of Fire, in which the Wabbits edged out the Hyppos on penalties in the semis, there has been a healthy rivalry between the two sporting nation. The third instalment (or fourth if you count the Ts’kinvali Invitational) went the way of Hypocria.

The first half was, rather unsurprisingly, very even. Danny West and Alex Rytter both forced the best from Tristan Verelst, while Mariano and Sala were denied by smart saves from Drakes. Of more interest to spectators was the obvious dislike between Spruitland winger Mariano and Hypocria midfielders Rytter and Bercali, all of who play for Kester Town in the Hyper League. Every time the players were close enough, and the referee wasn’t looking, insults and shoves were exchanged.

The second half was much livelier with several chances and some real bone crunching challenges. The action started with a goal on 51 minutes. Rytter played the ball forward to Karic who held it up before playing Bercali in and the winger fired across the keeper and into the back of the net. The lead didn’t last long as just six minutes later Mariano broke away down the right and delivered a wonderful cross into the box, Sala rose above Webber and bulleted the header past Drakes. After that the match swung one way and then the other by neither side could find another way through.

The turning point came 15 minutes from fulltime. Verelst fired a goalkick to the right looking for Mariano, the tricky winger jumped with Bercali and seconds later the Hypocrian midfielder was rolling on the ground clutching his face. Players from both sides piled in and it took the officials several minutes to restore some order. When order was finally restored the referee called Mariano over and showed him the red card for elbowing Bercali in the face but chose not to punish any of the pushing and shoving (and punching and kicking) that had followed. Replays showed that Mariano’s elbow was raised but whether it was to deliberately strike his opponent or to simply to try and hold him off is open for debate. The replay also showed that Mariano’s elbow grazed Bercali’s shoulder and went no where near his face but we won’t go in to that.

Both sets of players were tiring after a long tournament but it was the Hyppos who were in the ascendancy thanks to their one man advantage. Rytter thought he had one it right at the death but his low drive was spectacularly turned around the post by Verelst. So the match went into extra time. Verelst made some good saves but was finally beaten for the second after 109 minutes of play. Sinclair played a long ball forward, substitute Hayes flicked it on and Danny West, who scored 3 in the 2 games against Spruitland at the BoF, coolly beat the keeper to secure third place for Hypocria.

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


Bunnies go home empty handed

Hypocria – Spruitland: 2 - 1 AET

No trophy for Spruitland, not even the little one you get for third place. After an impressive run until the Semi Finals, that’s a bit of a disappointment. Even more of a disappointment is the loss to Hypocria, though.

There has been a healthy rivalry between Spruitland and our neighbours to the north east, reaching a climax in the Baptism of Fire, where the Wabbits kept the Hyppos out of the Final with a penalty shootout. The Bunnies looked to be heading down the same road in the third place play-off match of Under-21 World Cup 17, but an extra time goal by – who else – Danny West secured the win for Hypocria.

I suppose one could call it even now, though the Bunnies might argue their win that led to victory in the BoF was more important than a third place match in the Under-21 World Cup. Regardless, the entire nation of Spruitland will be eagerly awaiting a rematch, hopefully in a match with high stakes. Perhaps the teams might meet as soon as the Cup of Harmony – though neither Spruitland nor Hypocria would mind facing off in the U-21 World Cup 18 Final, no doubt.

A few other notable facts of the match:
- Taki Sala scored his seventh goal for the Bunnies, making him the new Spruitland Under-21 topscorer in just one tournament.
- Gary Mariano was sent off in the second half, bringing Spruitland’s red card total in this tournament to six – seven when counting Bachchan’s.
- Paulo Bachchan was briefly hospitalized after the match with three broken knuckles of his right hand, after finding out that a dressing room wall is slightly firmer than a referee’s face.

Semi Finals
Fmjphoenix 1 Hypocria 1 AET
Fmjphoenix won 3 - 0 on penalties
Hockey Canada 3 Spruitland 0

Third Place Playoff
Hypocria 2 Spruitland 1 AET

Final
Fmjphoenix 0 Hockey Canada 2

Final Seedings
1 Hockey Canada
2 Nedalia
2 Fmjphoenix
4 Starblaydia
5 Hypocria
6 Spruitland
7 Chicanada
8 Jeruselem
9 Sarzonia
10 Rejistania
11 Pacitalia
12 Oglethorpia
13 Bedistan
14 Cockbill Street
15 Liamist States
16 Oliverry
17 Vilita
18 Lovisa

Jeruselem Government News

Hockey Canada takes out U21C17

Fmjphoenix was gunning for it's 3rd championship while Hockey Canada, it's first. The big money was on the Junior Vikings who like Jeruselem have two U21 Championships and wanted the 3rd to join Reijistania in the hall of fame. For Hockey Canada, they wanted their first one after missing out last time.

We're glad to say, Hockey Canada won! They stopped the Vikings and won 2-0 in boilover over a team which no one could stop earlier. In Jeruselem, Canadians were getting drunk in the few pubs around and being totally high without drugs.

Junior Vikings shut our for first time in basically ever, take second place

They didnt win it, but they came in second. That gives the Junior Vikings their 4th spot in the top three for a cup in their ten attempts. Although it was not what they wanted, they are still winners. The big thing that helps is that nearly 90% of the squad will be back for U21WC18. It will be a big plus for the Junior Vikings. Look for them to build on their second highest ranking in the U21, 2nd.