The International Justantina U-21 Cup (RP/Rosters/Scores) [Archive]

St Samuel

30-09-2007, 22:25

The International Justantina U-21 Cup

The St Samuel Football Association, in conjunction with the Federal government of Justantina Island are proud to announce the planned Under 21 International Justantina Cup. Group games will commence on Wednesday (03/10/07). Each team will play each other once in the group stage, the top two teams from each group going into the Quarter Finals.

Schedule:
Group Games 1 - 03/10/07
Group Games 2 - 04/10/07
Group Games 3 - 05/10/07

Quarter Finals - 07/10/07
Semi Finals - 08/10/07
Final - 09/10/07

Venues:

Montgomery Areana, St Georges, South Side District - 40,000 All seater (To be used for St Samuel/QF/SF & Final fixtures)
New Epsom Stadium, Alexandria, East Bay District - 25,000 All seater (To be used for Group A/QF fixtures)
Los Domingos Areana, Little Haba, South Side District, - 30,000 capacity (To be used for Group B/QF/SF fixtures)
Royal Ardacium Stadium, Zanthius, North Side District - 28,000 capacity (Tobe used for QF fixtures
Simpalone Stadium, Colonia del Zapata, Rubens Creek District - 20,000 capacity (To be used for Group C fixtures)
Arthur Weiss Stadium, Kerona, West Bay District - 18,000 capacity (To be used for Group D fixtures)

Group A
Jeruselem (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13095611&postcount=4)
Vanek Drury Brieres
Rugiero
St Samuel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13094729#post13094729)

Group B
Starblaydia
Taeshan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13095127#post13095127)
Candelaria And Marquez (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13096332&postcount=5)
Solenial

Group C
Lovisa
Minilla Island
Milchama
Sorthern Northland

Group D
Ikoville
Az-cz
The HURD
Cookesland

Group Fixtures
Matchday 1 1v2 3v4
Matchday 2 1v3 2v4
Matchday 3 1v4 2v3

Quarter Finals
Winners of Group A vs Runners up of Group C
Winners of Group B vs Runners up of Group D
Winners of Group C vs Runners up of Group A
Winners of Group D vs Runners up of Group B

Semi Finals
Winners of QF 1 vs Winners of QF 2
Winners of QF 3 vs Winners of QF 4

Sign-ups:

St Samuel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13094729#post13094729)
Starblaydia
Ikoville
Az-cz
Lovisa
Taeshan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13095127#post13095127)
The HURD
Minilla Island
Jeruselem (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13095611&postcount=4)
Milchama
Candelaria And Marquez (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13096332&postcount=5)
Vanek Drury Brieres
Rugiero
Cookesland
Sorthern Northland
Solenial

St Samuel

30-09-2007, 22:26

St Samuel U-21 Squad

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Style Modifier: +1

Home Kit: All Light Blue
Away Kit: All White

Manager: Luigi De Ribiera

Assistant Manager: Mohammed Ostantrinia

GK: Luca Biortello
RB: Nathim Oscararti
CB: Luther Della Rosa
CB: Seth Justantinium
LB: Omar Nazzariam
RM: Marco Di Helana
CM: Salvatore Rocka
CM: Costas De Mazouna
LM: Carlos Van Alta
ATT: Massimo Arquilla
ATT: Sebastien Atalanta

SGK: Louis Ripratchi
SRB: Georgi Di Santos
SCB: Bruno Della Porcria
SLB: Jose Ferradia
SRM: Frankie Della Porcia
SCM: Leo Pertroubi
SLM: Yasser Niobi
SATT: Oscar De Noutica
SATT: Mido Al Khady

Taeshan

01-10-2007, 01:27

Now fourteen the team is the same as di brandini cup

gk Isaac newton # 43 Ld Chuck the duck # 7 Cd Alan pearsin #77
Rd Rickys Meyerse # 11 Rm Axe Lewis # 8 Rcm Jack del rio # 33
Lcm Zack the geek # 17 Lm Zeke jr. # 12 Ls Alan gregory # 42
Cs Damion aslott # 23 Rs Ricky Zellefrow # 14 TEAM CAPTAIN
Subs
Gk Argentin Royal # 2 D Zeke Rogers # 3 M Myan inca # 4 Theo aztec # 5
Manager Rio de nevada - whatever defensive team
Unis see errundea saw them on me dads thing

Second cup for them all

Jeruselem

01-10-2007, 06:39

Jeruselem's U21 Cup Roster

Nickname: Croisés
Formation: 4-4-2 (+2)

Coach/Manager: Monique Alexander*, Captain of Tel Aviv Sharks and friend of Dazza Dallas
Captain: Jollie Jollie

* Retired porn star too

Jeruselem U-21 Girls team

Most of the team have parents of "French" descent and have been selectively picked for this cup.

GK
(F) Kylie La Brai, 18 - Former Jeruselem gymastics champion. Known is Miss Bouncy.
(F) Madam Lenior, 16 - Works as a cleaner at university on her other job.

DEF
(N) Lila Maisy, 20 - Nerd girl, can recite 100 PI decimal points. Not a particularly tall.
(N) Woohoo Chirac, 18 - Got named by drunk parents
(FF) Celine Dion, 19 - Gets upset if she can't get her maple syrup in the morning.
(f) Francine le Blanc, 21 - Has learning difficulties because doctors dropped her on her head when she was born
(F) Fiskin Dallas, 14 - Another Debbie Dallas daughter! Wants to be just her mother.
(N) Joline Jollie, 18 - Ex-child prostitute saved by a Dazza Dallas

MID
(F) Bridget Bardot, 19 - Wants to be model when she gets older
(FF) Stephie Barthez, 15 - Known for her pinkie hair and commie ideals
(N) Sheepukan Fox, 17 - Lives on farm, speaks like a sheep too.
(f) Sally O'Hara, 18 - More Irish than French
(FF) Effie, 16 - her birth certificate has her surname missing so the team call her Effie Something

ATT
(F) Kara Kool, 14 - 2nd daughter of Harry Kool. Run in circles for fun.
(f) Rachael Troi, 16 - Daughter of local businessman
(N) Nicole Kisan, 17 - Illegitimate child of a French priest

(FF) French as any Ariddian
(F) Speaks French well
(f) Some French but not fluent
(N) Can't speak French

Choose goalscorers : Yes
Godmode goals : Yes
Injure players : No
Godmode injuries : No
Give yellow cards : No
Give red cards : No
Godmode fouls : No
Godmode other events : Yes
Rate and judge individual performances : Yes
Try to date the coach: Yes

OOC - Yes, it's the same team which went to Starblaydia

Candelaria And Marquez

01-10-2007, 16:16

Candelaria And Marquez Under-21 Squad
Nickname: Small Blues (Candelariasians are not noted for their originality)
Stats and kit and that. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Candelaria_And_Marquez_National_Under-21_Football_Team)

+ 2

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

Yes, basically.

***

Lloyd Donnelly, a sixty-three year-old former league title winner with Albrecht FC, has been appointed coach; with many seeing him as something of a ‘stalking horse’ to national team boss Mark Baker. The two are outspoken critics of each other, and have rather different playing styles. Donnelly looks likely to play a highly offensive, and possibly suicidal, 2-3-1-3-1 formation; with the flexibility of dropping back to a conventional 4-4-2. A left-midfielder will likely start as left wing-back with C&M having a surfeit of such players and lack of good young left-backs.

Goalkeepers:

1. Ray Winkett, Aged 21, TurksKT, STARTER
One of the few young goalkeepers actually starting for top-flight clubs; Winkett lacks real obvious attributes to take him to the highest level, but has excelled himself this year in a defensively weak team.

22. Imogen Dacosta, 20, Utd Caires Ladies FC
By some distance the most controversial choice in the squad; Donnelly has insisted her inclusion is justified but there remains great suspicion that it was politically motivated in a country with no experience with female players among the elite.

23. Ethan Schepinov, 19, MarquezOW
Club understudy to C&M full team understudy Harry Primrose… Has picked up his habit of going to sleep at vital moments, but has similarly excellent shot-stopping skills

Central Defenders:

5. Ben Young, 20, Green Island, STARTING CENTRE-BACK, CAPTAIN
No relation to C&M’s Sam Young; but likewise an excellent young talent and inspirational leader. Can score bizarre own goals, however.

6. Chris Ytterland, 19, Melin & Nader, STARTING CENTRE-BACK
In a club side with little quality, young Chris has been forced to work hard for his money and his slightly surprising selection reflects an enormous show of faith by Donnelly. He must deliver here if his professional career is to last.

14. Shane Avdeev, 21, Caires City
Technically proficient and experienced player, but lacks any real pace.

3. Karl McDonald, 20, TurksKT
Still not a regular starter for his club, McDonald’s versatility gets him the nod since the left-footer can play just as well at either full-back position as in the centre.

Wing-Backs:

2. William Burgos, 20, Arrigo Portuguese, STARTING RIGHT WING-BACK
Equally comfortable advancing forward or defending, but his lack of Division One experience may cost him and God he can leave his foot in.

13. Özkan Yalçin, 19, C.A.L, STARTING LEFT WING-BACK
A striker in his rookie season; Yalçin has found himself pressed into service by his beleaguered club in left defence. Undeniably comfortable on the ball and pacey, but his crosses leave much to be desired. With a bit of luck though, they won’t be much needed here.

12. Terence Johnson, 21, KT Hotspur
Yet another player unable to force his way into his club’s first XI, yet a favourite of Donnelly’s. He represents the rather more defensive option on the right.

18. José Luis Sosa, 18, MarquezOW
The youngest member of the squad; the left-footed defender is being used sparingly by his club but is simply too good to be consistently left out.

Central Midfield:

4. Matteo Corradini, 20, Albrecht FC, STARTING HOLDING MIDFIELDER
Having forced his way past Luis Enrique Torrealba in the Albrecht FC first XI; the athletic Corradini’s role is simply to protect Young and Ytterland.

20. Davey Fauske, 21, AFC MN Smith, STARTING CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
The subject of bids from all major CMSC clubs; Fauske has thus far remained loyal to his Division Two team. He will be expected to provide both destructive and creative options in equal measure, as well as powering in some of his trademarked long shots.

15. Dean Wilson, 21, Melin & Nader
An up-and-down season thus far for this holding midfielder who must find more to add to his impressive positional awareness.

8. Reiban Okeke, 19, MarquezOW
Playing in a club side boasting C&M stars Cassa and Ignacio Vélez and Recluse Island international Niclas Kjaer; Okeke has been forced to temper his natural attacking instincts this season. An aggressive player but possessing a silky touch; he could prove a match winner from the bench.

Wingers:

7. Ben Edwards, 19, Albrecht FC, STARTING RIGHT-WINGER
A big, rosy-cheeked young fella; but one with a delicate cross and a great free-kick. First choice for the reigning CMSC champions this year, and surely a shoe-in for the next full national team squad. Son of Albrecht Herald sports writer Tracker Edwards.

11. Beck Ragab, 20, Albrecht FC, STARTING LEFT-WINGER
The other half of the Scorpions’ young flank pair; the galloping Ragab will play almost as another striker with Yalçin watching his back.

21. Lars Wiedemann, 20, Caires Sports
A late injury drop-out sees the introduction of one of the dirtiest players you’re likely to meet, who could be potentially very good indeed if he works out how to stay on the pitch for ninety minutes.

16. Dave Walsh, 20, KT Hotspur
As another of C&M’s excellent young left-siders; only Walsh’s lack of a defensive brain sees him consigned to the bench, but he will surely get his chance at some point. Highly skilled, but cocky.

Second Strikers:

10. Jamie Rawlinson, 20, Cathedral City, STARTING IN THE ‘HOLE’
Arguably the most important player on the C&M side. Unwanted by Albrecht FC; the spectacularly ugly Rawlinson has emerged as a classy link-up man.

17. Ryan Gnom, 21, Port of Clotaire
Destined to spend a career as the ‘un-sung strike partner’.

Strikers:

9. Luke Naylor, 21, C.A.L, STARTING STRIKER
His elevation to the first XI of the Under-21s shows how shallow the pool of young striking talent is in C&M, though the little man has done undoubtedly well in his first CMSC season for a struggling club.

19. Rául Vélez, 20, Radyukevich
Huh? Brother of C&M’s Ignacio; the unheralded younger Vélez came on to score a ninetieth minute goal for his club a couple of weeks ago and has suddenly found himself in the blue of a national side.

Starblaydia

01-10-2007, 22:43

Iakovakis To Name 2nd Squad
Another Under-21 tournament to début

The Starblaydia's Under-21s (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Starblaydia_Under-21s) are finding international tournaments are much like buses, at the moment. You wait a decade or so for one and then a whole host come along at once. Seemingly after the success of the inaugural Di Bradini Cup, which has re-introduced Starblaydia back onto the world football scene, it is the nation of St Samuel who have launched their own Under-21 competition.

With memories of the 20th Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/AOCAF) fading fast as World Cup 37's Finals are upon us, Starblaydi fans need something with their own team in it to support. With no World Cup action for the senior White and Purples for four whole years, they're eager to get behind their young team in this, their first tournament away from home. Thousands of Starblaydi fans will be travelling to St Samuel's island territory, and are expected - just on their own - to increase it's population to over half a million. Other than travelling to the Unified Capitalizt States in AOCAF20 (which can hardly be called a holiday), this will be Starblaydia's first tournament in a far-off land, and a moderately-tropical island will be a great start.

But who will start for Starblaydia? The Under-21s will be without inspirational goalscorer Tarquin Fullbright (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Tarquin_Fullbright), and so will have to rely on goals from the big man Stefan Hinkonnen (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Stefan_Hinkonnen). The huge centre-forward has four goals from his seven Under-21 appearances so far and will certainly be leading the line this time, partnered most probably by Lii Chong-sun - a young man of Daehanjeiguk descent, hailing from one of the many 'Daehanjeitowns' in the midst of Starblaydi cities.

Roque Bravo (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Roque_Bravo), the captain who played so well at both the first Di Bradini Cup and in the AOCAF, will be ineligible for selection and his place in the starting line-up is likely to be taken by Marco Lima, a traditional sweeper who has had few opportunities to start matches thanks to Bravo's previous presence. Nemyan goalie Kostas Nikolaidis will most likely get the spot between the sticks, while Alfonso Di Angelo and Jaime Gomez will come into midfield. Watch out, too, for substitute appearances from the ever-improving Karinha and Raphael Torino; both are descendants of Starblaydi players of the past, notably the daughter of Talenii Karo (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Talenii_Karo) and the great-grandson of Ricky Torino (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ricky_Torino), who played as a striker in Starblaydia's first ever Under-21 side, way back in the Third Under-21 World Cup.

No-one yet has confirmation on who will take the armband from Roque Bravo. Possibilities include centre-back Brunner, defensive midfieder Kabir or striker Hinkonnen. As far as experience goes, the leading candidate would be Hinkonnen for his AOCAF appearances, though it is unknown if Iakovakis would want to burden her striking keystone with Captaincy responsibilities too.

The small island of Justantina - until recently uninhabited - is likely to have never seen the spectacle of an international football tournament before and the population are likely to go mad for the event. Quite what they'll make of the general circus that is the Starblaydi team, fans and media rolling into town is another thing entirely. Starblaydi fans and players have been denied trips like this for far too long, and they will intend to make the most of it with goals, wins, songs, chants, lots of noise and fun. And a trophy too.

St Samuel

02-10-2007, 00:45

The draw for the group stage of the Justantina Cup has now been made. See the 1st post for group draws.

Candelaria And Marquez

02-10-2007, 16:48

The Albrecht Herald Online/Sport/Football Latest

C&M Under-21 manager Lloyd Donnelly has spoken in the last half hour from the squad’s final training session in Port Sion, Van Hollburg Province, St Samuel; before their arrival on Justantia Island.

Donnelly gave his early reaction to the group draw, describing it as a “interesting proposition.” He continued; “Obviously it’s pleasing to avoid Jeruselem and Az-cz at this stage. We feel perfectly capable at beating them of course, but this team haven’t even played a game together yet so it’s good we’ve got a – with all due respect – slightly easier run-in. That said, we’ve obviously got Solenial first; who’re a very enthusiastic side, and there’s no way we’ll be taking them in any way lightly. Starblaydia can pretty much speak for themselves… They’ve got superb pedigree at this level, never mind at senior level, and have the advantage of a good Di Bradini Cup behind them. And Taeshan of course, a side we all know through their cult, wonderfully opaque, Taeshan Times articles.”

Donnelly also had warm words for the stadium and city in which the Group B fixtures would be held. “José [Felipe Cassumba Domingos, a twenty year-old member of the full C&M national team and friend of many of Donnelly’s squad] has very distant relatives here in Little Habana, so he’s been filling us in from over in Dance 2 Revolution about our surroundings for the next week or so. With most of us being pretty much fluent in the old Español, hopefully we can get some of the local crowd on our side.” Donnelly went on to express hopes that success, relative or otherwise, would help buoy the mood of the nation after the senior side’s flaccid surrender in their World Cup play-off.

The veteran coach went on to confirm his starting XI for the Solenial match; with no surprises to the team previously indicated;

Goalkeeper, Ray Winkett

DC, Ben Young (c)
DC, Chris Ytterland

Right Wing-Back, William Burgos
Defensive Midfield, Matteo Corradini
Left Wing-Back, Özkan Yalçin

Central Midfield, Davey Fauske

Right Wing, Ben Edwards
Second Striker, Jamie Rawlinson
Left Wing, Beck Ragab

Forward, Luke Naylor

Sorthern Northland

02-10-2007, 21:04

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5357/snfald4.png
Sorthern Northland squad for The International Justantina U-21 Cup

Squad

1 Jonny Sage - 21 y/o Goalkeeper (is noted for his free-kick ability, will be the teams main free-kick and penalty taker)
13 Joseph Doblazky - 21 y/o Goalkeeper
21 Henry Judge - 21 y/o Goalkeerer
2 Karl Volvic - 21 y/o Right Back
12 Ri Cho-Mi - 21 y/o Right Back
3 Min Cho-Hi - 215 y/o Left Back
14 Geovanni - 21 y/o Left Back
6 Ivar Gudjonsson - 21 y/o Centre Back
15 Chris Goldstein - 21 y/o Centre Back
5 Jay-Jay Bay-Bay - 21 y/o Centre Back
16 Henry Smith - 21 y/o Centre Back
18 Joe Franklin - 19 y/o Right Winger
7 Tomas Fratelli - 18 y/o Right Winger
17 Ben O'Bagels (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ben_O%27Bagels) - 21 y/o Left Winger
11 Feng Shui - 18 y/o Left Winger (Honest, he is really 18, yes I know he looks exactly the same as the 82 year old called Feng Shui in the national team and plays exactly like him but he's not him, honestly they just have the same name and look the same but they are different people. No his passport's not fake)
8 Ronaldo de Assizz de Mora - 19 y/o Central Midfielder
19 Sam Forlan - 19 y/o Central Midfielder
4 Xeng Xung - 21 y/o Central Midfielder
20 Kim Ming-Lee - 19 y/o Cental Midfielder
10 Jing Mao - 18 y/o Striker
22 Oona Koroman -19 y/o Striker
22 Benjamin Peacock - 20 y/o Stiker
9 'The Haitian' - 17 y/o Sriker

Formation is 4-4-2 with a style modifier of +5.
The starting eleven is numbers 1 to 11.
The manager is Kevaughn Ó Criomhthain.

Kits
Home/Away/Third
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3350/snhdx4.pnghttp://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1746/snanj2.pnghttp://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7441/sntfp9.png

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events N
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players Y
Godmod other events N

Interviews

I would like to take part in interview RPs. Y
Name a media organisation(s) or individuals willing to interview foreign players, officials, and/or supporters:
SNTV (Sorthern Northland Television)

Which of your players/officials/ supporters you would be willing to have interviewed by foreign media?
Any

Sorthern Northland national team page on NSwiki. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sorthern_Northland_national_football_team)

Solenial

02-10-2007, 21:12

Yes to all the 'If my opponent RP's first' questions

----

Goalkeepers:
Adam Huntley
Will Thomson

Defenders:
Cameron Shorez
Kan Chong
Graeme Bell
Nicky Jones
Xavi
Ricardo Nuno Frise

Midfielders:
Craig Tugay
Tom Shansk
Diego Marezonio
Wayne Cutter
Fred

Strikers:
Carlos Van Frigh (C)
Neuville
Yui Trump

Note: A lot of these players are on the normal Solenial squad and are under 21

The Strips are the same as the National Squad, who's nswiki is here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Solenial_National_Football_Team)

St Samuel

03-10-2007, 09:52

Matchday 1

Group A

Jeruselem v Vanek Drury Brieres 3-0
Rugiero v St Samuel 1-3

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Jeruselem 1 1 0 0 3 0 3+ 3
St Samuel 1 1 0 0 3 1 2+ 3
Rugiero 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Vanek DB 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group B

Starblaydia v Taeshan 4-0
Candelaria And Marquez v Solenial 3-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 4 0 4+ 3
C&M 1 1 0 0 3 1 2+ 3
Solenial 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Taeshan 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Group C

Lovisa v Minilla I 2-2
Milchama v Sorthern Northland 1-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Sorthern N 1 1 0 0 2 1 1+ 3
Lovisa 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Minilla Isl. 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Michama 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0

Group D

Ikoville v Az-cz 2-4
The HURD v Cookesland 1-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Az-cz 1 1 0 0 4 2 2+ 3
Cookesland 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
The HURD 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
Ikoville 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0

Az-cz

03-10-2007, 10:31

Gu-Dat was flipping channels on his TV when he saw what looked to be a soccer match. At first he assumed it was a -league game, but when he heard the announcer say "Az-cz's really dominating possession today. Other than that fluke own goal in the 26th minute Ikoville can't get much done." This confused the heck out of Gu-Dat. He knew that the senior side was waiting for the draw for the cup and didn't have any scheduled friendlies. He knew the AOCAF had just finished and he couldn't believe they'd send the soccer kids back out so early. At first he really just couldn't tell what was going on. It wasn't until they went to the half time break that he knew what competition it was. Apparently it was the "International Justantina U-21 Cup" whatever that meant. But what threw him was who the players were. However the announcers all made it clear at the half.

Announcer 1: Wow that was some half the Az-cz side had. Putting up a 4-1 lead on Ikoville, with all the goals scored by the 35 minute mark.

Announcer 2: Yeah, who knew that a bunch of shepherds could play soccer so well.

Announcer 1: I'm not sure I approve of Az-cz sending a joke side of "Ewe 21s" but they're playing well so I guess maybe it's ok.

Announcer 2: Well according to the research department Az-cz doesn't have a standing youth development side like other countries. In previous contests they've entered a squad of children, but seeing as how that squad just came back from the competition in Starblaydia not too long ago they decided not to enter this competition.

Announcer 1: So we get these sheeptenders?

Announcer 2: At least they're fielding a squad.

Just then he heard his wife cry out that she was off to the store. As soon as she stepped out of the house Gu-Dat flipped to another channel. He wasn't that interested in seeing a bunch of Az-czid farmers playing soccer. He figured that with the missus away he'd enjoy some U-21s of a different variety.

Jeruselem

03-10-2007, 12:09

Fiskin: Woo, woo!
Kara: You're excitable there Fiskin.
Fiskin: What's not to be excited about if you win a game.
Kara: Well, I forget you're related to Dazza Dallas.

Fiskin: How's that boyfriend of yours?
Kara: He's alright, strays a bit when I'm not there though. Always looking at other girls.
Fiskin: Like who?
Kara: He's a big fan of your niece Kate Dallas too, which kinda explains a lot. Anyway, what about you?

Fiskin: No one yet, but I won't have problems picking someone up.
Kara: I think that surname of yours has a lot to with it.
Fiskin: Yeah, when I say I am Dallas girl - the boys get interested.
Kara: The Kool surname comes a poor second, but who's to complain.

Fiskin: Aw, come on. You're just a good looking as your Mum. Rachel Kool is a big name in football still. Your sister is a fantastic cyclist.
Kara: I'm going leave the football royalty to you Dallas girls. I'm just going work hard and stay away from the spotlight. I'll let you do all the talking. Hey, what is with your family.
Fiskin: What do you mean?
Kara: Pumping out female football players like a factory. You know - Dazza, Debbie, Rashina, Kate, Hikfie and you.

Fiskin: Easy, just pump out the kids! That's what Mum says.
Kara: You lot are like a soap opera - err like Dynasty.
Fiskin: And the other one ... err
Kara: Dallas ...

Sorthern Northland

03-10-2007, 14:12

SN start with controversial win

Sorthern Northland today started their Justantina U-21 Cup campaign in controversial circumstances with Feng Shui leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Milchama.

The controversy revolves around who Feng Shui really is. A number of commentators and opponents have been quick to point out his striking resemblance to Feng Shui, the 82 year old winger in the senior national team. The SNFA have however said that he is the great-grandson of the 82 year old Feng Shui and that he really is 18 but looks 82 due to a rare decease that causes him to age at an incredible rate. Sorthern Northland records however show no sign of the senior Feng Shui having any family however, although this could be due to the Birth Records Office being burnt down during the October Revolution nine years ago.

Whatever the truth is though, Sorthern Northland currently sit top of Group C and play Minilla Island in a next game, a victory in that would give the Sortherners and excellent chance of progressing to the quarter finals. However getting through the quarter finals will be no easy task with teams from Group C progressing to play team from Group A. Group A includes the hosts St Samuel as well as the excellent Jerusalem. Rugiero and and Vanek DB are also in Group A.

Candelaria And Marquez

03-10-2007, 16:22

The Albrecht Herald
Donnelly’s kids march to first victory
By Mack Hession

“Well that was a bit more like it, eh?” They’re words that could come back to haunt Lloyd Donnelly if his youngsters fail to live up to the promise of their first game together, but could yet wipe the smile off the face of his arch-rival. Whichever; it seems likely that those staying up late to watch the C&M Under-21s will not have to ready themselves for the increasingly inevitable scoreless draw served up by the national team. Beyond the distinctive blue-and-green kit and the traditionally damp pre-match rendition of O, Sweet Nation; this side has next to nothing in common with their more pragmatic elders.

In truth, Donnelly has never been known for his gung-ho attitude; but he is no fool. At his time of life, the day-to-day stresses of club football management have been wisely laid to rest. If he is to attain true ‘legend’ status in the islands, it lies with his achievements with a – or the – national team. With Big Blues coach Mark Baker facing a daunting Cup of Harmony against The Archregimancy, Estress Intenso, Rejistania et al; all and sundry know that a memorable, highly attacking, performance in the Justantina Cup and a poor effort in C&M’s second CoH could see Donnelly – clearly the favoured choice of much of the CMSA and government alike – moved up to the top table. And wouldn’t he just love it? From their time as head coaches of Albrecht FC and Albrecht Turkish respectively; there remains little love lost between these two. Donnelly has spent months criticising Baker on everything from his tactics, playing style and team selection, to his choice of training camps and handling of the Lan Albret crisis last summer. After that much carping, the veteran has found himself within, potentially, six games of the country’s first sporting title. Clearly it is time to provide the beef to his newfound TV studio catchphrase, “God, I could do better than tha’!”

He’d got his excuses in early; pointing out that the full C&M squad have just one player, MarquezOW’s José Felipe Cassumba Domingos, young enough to qualify for his team. He still found time to question Baker’s refusal to give the young midfielder up, despite the Big Blues’ coach’s assertion that Cassa would be very involved in the forthcoming CoH bid. In a veiled dig at the quality of his own squad; Donnelly also pointed out that the Solen group could call upon no less than sixteen players deemed worthy of a space in the full national team squad.

Clearly, he needn’t have worried. They may have a better national anthem and a rather pretty flag; but the Solen full squad is ranked just ninety-third in the world. They are a qualifying tournament behind C&M, and showed a naivety all-to-reminiscent of our own mere months ago; backed up by the youthfulness of their small squad. The Small Blues also benefited from the majority of the support of the locals; the Little Habanans having evidently decided that a side with a Rául Vélez and José Luis Sosa on the bench was O.K. by them.

The particular XI chosen by Donnelly for the opening match lacked the out-and-out skill of some of those warming the wood; but Christ, they’re quick. Though Solenial’s eyas carved out a few excellent chances, inevitable with this much space left at the back; the sheer pace of the team in blue seemed destined to assure victory. What this XI does have in common with the older colleagues is their skill on the counter; the opener coming after a nice move and weak shot orchestrated by Diego Marezoni and Carlos Van Frigh, Solenial’s brightest stars on the day. Ray Winkett in goal and caught Van Frigh’s effort well, and chucked the ball out quickly to Özkan Yalçin. The young Turk nipped around Cameron Shorez, pulled off a neat interchange with Beck Ragab, and delivered an uncharacteristically sweet cross to club team-mate Luke Naylor. The C.A.L striker got the merest inch of a toe on the ball; but it was enough to direct it past Adam Huntley.

What impressed most about this side was their fluidity. At times their lack of playing time together was risibly evident; such when an under-pressure Matteo Corradini, used to the solid presence of Benji Fu and Sam Young behind him for Albrecht FC, passed back to young Chris Ytterland only to find the nineteen-year-old off with the fairies by the corner flag and Solenial’s Neuville with a clear opportunity for a strike on goal, which the left-footer thankfully also ballsed up. But in general the side had little interest in long balls; their short passing game involving the centre of the park as much as, if not more than, the wings – a regular failing of the senior side. C&M’s second was as well-worked a goal as you’re likely to see from a team in our colours, starting with Winkett between the sticks. The TurksKT man started the move which wriggled snake-like through Ben Young, Yalçin, Corradini, Davey Fauske and Jamie Rawlinson. Naylor then found himself in difficulty with Shorez and Graeme Bell giving him no room to manoeuvre; but C&M’s deserved man-of-the-match delivered a fine lofted ball back to the unmarked Rawlinson, who fired in from ten yards.

Solenial’s hopes were renewed shortly after, and if the upturned Ytterland took the bulk of the abuse by his team-mates the ultimate blame was Marezonio’s; the teenager receiving the ball from Craig Tugay and easing past the Melin & Nader man. His initial effort was saved by Winkett, but extraordinary quick-thinking on the rebound saw him get his head to the ball and thump it to the feet of Van Frigh.

C&M had more than a few more nervy moments, and Ytterland’s confidence will have been given no favours by his substitution for Shane Avdeev. But Donnelly’s other subs were right on the money; Reiban Okeke on for Fauske breaking from half-way late on to provide a ball for Naylor. The front man once again turned provider, this time for Rául Vélez whose sweet finish was duly appreciated by the largely Latino crowd.

Starblaydia of course represent an altogether different challenge; a side and country as confident at this level as C&M are neophytes. But whatever the result, it looks set to be a scoring fest with Donnelly who has opted to switch around his midfield – to avoid burn-out as much as anything – with Okeke in for Fauske, Dean Wilson on for Corradini, and Dave Walsh starting high on the left in place of Beck Ragab.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez U-21s 3
Naylor 26, Rawlinson 60, R. Vélez 82

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/solenial.png Solenial U-21s 1
Van Frigh 63

Starblaydia

03-10-2007, 17:32

I Give My Opponent Permission
(and actively encourage them) To:
====================
Choose My Scorers
GodMod Any Goalscoring Events
Yellow Card Players
GodMod Other Events for Humorous Intent
====================

Notes:
1) The best starting eleven are, thankfully, numbered 1-11 and are in bold

2) Asterisk* on roster denotes Female player

3) I actively encourage, nay nearly demand, that if you RP first you pick my scorers (if any).

http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SFA-Logo.gif
Starblaydia U21 Squad Announced
Iakovakis' second team picked

The Staff
AI. Apollina Iakovakis (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Apollina_Iakovakis)*, Manager, 38 - Indigenous World Cup Winner
22 Caps, 4 Goals (Uncapped at Under-21 Level)

The Goalkeepers
1. Kostas Nikolaidis, GK, 20 - Hecia
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
12. Sandra van Agmark*, GK, 17 - Internashionale
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
19. Eduardo De Rooij, GK, 15 - Tournetas
Uncapped at Under-21 Level

The Defenders
2. Jae Chang-hwa*, RB, 16 - Internashionale
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
3. Edmundo Rivolli, LB, 20 - Hersch Albion
7 Caps, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
5. Marco Lima, CB/SW, 19 - Jhanna United
2 Caps, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
6. Sebastian Brunner, CB, 20 - Hallad Reavers
7 Caps, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
13. Leandro Perheira, L/CB, 17 - Internashionale
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
14. Arkady Kaneda, CB, 14 - Vecchio Victors
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
20. Vega Matranga, C/RB 14 - Jhanna City
Uncapped at Under-21 Level

The Midfielders
4. Kwame Jabir, Captain, DM, 20 - Penningworth United
7 Caps, 1 Goal at Under-21 Level
Kwame has been installed as Captain for this tournament, as Manager Iakovakis has decided it is too much pressure for Hinkonnen to score goals and lead the team, so the man in the heart of midfield has been chosen.
7. Kalia Canildo*, LW/LB, 20 - Corinthian Spirits
7 Caps, 2 Goals at Under-21 Level (1 Cap, 0 Goals at Senior level)
8. Alfonso Di Angelo, A/DM, 18 - Iskara Daii
1 Cap, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
11. Jaime Gomes R/CM, 19 - Corinthian Spirits
3 Caps, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
15. Juan Oscar, L/DM, 20 - Internashionale
4 Caps, 0 Goals at Under-21 Level
16. Karinha*, C/AM, 16 - FC Farça
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
21. Jack Stafador, C/DM, 15 - Hallad Reavers
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
22. Denny Djibroné, L/CM, 14 - Penningworth United
Uncapped at Under-21 Level

The Forwards
9. Stefan Hinkonnen (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Stefan_Hinkonnen), CF, 20 - Widdrington Wolves
7 Caps, 4 Goals at Under-21 Level (5 Caps, 2 Goals at Senior level)
Stefan is not only one of the 'veterans' of the Di BRadini Cup, but also has full international caps to his name thanks to the 20th AOCAF. Stefan is a large and powerful Starblaydi forward, who echoes Starblaydi legends Eomer Hall and Johan Keifner in his physical build and style of play.
10. Lii Chong-Sun, SC, 20 - Internashionale
4 Caps, 1 Goal at Under-21 Level (1 Cap, 0 Goals at Senior level
17. Nuno Quaresma, SC, 16 - Beverington Hawks
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
18. Raphael Torino, SC, 17 - Jhanna United
Uncapped at Under-21 Level
23. Lubii*, SC, 14 - Iskara Daii
Uncapped at Under-21 Level

The Formation
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/StarIJC1.jpg

Home And Away Kits:
Kits created by:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/NewHome.gifhttp://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/NewThird.gif

Starblaydia

03-10-2007, 19:45

Starblaydia Trash Taeshan
4-0 is largest win of Matchday One

It was the first time in a very long time that Starblaydia contemplated a kit change because of a clash in purples, but with the White and Purples playing against a team in Green and a wholly-different-purple, there wasn't much consideration as both teams lined up in their non-clashing home kits. The SCB:Sports commentators were barely through talking about the Starblaydi team's line-up when their team was ahead: Stefan Hinkonnen the scorer with his fifth goal in eight appearances.

The burly striker made a mockery of Pearsin's challenge, brushing off the central defender's effort with ease, before firing high into the net with a rising shot, Starblaydia were ahead after just five minutes and they never looked back. Taeshan had made it to the Quarter-Finals of the Di Bradini Cup just three years ago but it is definitely Starblaydia who have progressed since then. With an Atlantian Oceania regional Championship behind them in which they made the Quarter-Finals, Starblaydia's youngsters had the added edge over the Purple Knights, with national champions of Taeshan's Atlantea province being no match for Starblaydia with their title of former Under-21 World Champions.

Within fifteen minutes Starblaydia had made it two-nil thanks to their excellent attacking full-back Jae Chang-hwa. From Corinth's Daehanjeitown, Chang-hwa provided with along the right-hand flank throughout the nintey minutes, overlapping Jaime Gomes on a number of occasions. It was on one such occasion that she went past Charles T. Duck and was in space to receive the ball from Gomes. She cut into the box and, instead of a cross, fired low into the far corner of the net to create a two-goal gap. That was it for first-half goals, though Zellefrow did go close, forcing a save from Nikolaidis on the counter-attack. The corner was won but booted back to the half-way line by Brunner in central defence.

In the second half it was again Starblaydia who set the pace, with both flanks working well. Again the winger and full-back combined for a goal, one in which the move stretched from one goal-line to the other. Kalia Canildo, showing her skills in a defensive role, won the ball from Zellefrow by the Starblaydi corner flag, and passed to Jabir on the edge of the area. The captain produced a bit of skill to evade Damion Aslott, and passed to Alfonso Di Angelo in midfield. He raced away, over the half-way line, and upon finding himself with two defenders in front of him, used the outside of his boot to pass out wide to Rivolli. The full-back took the ball to the edge of the penalty area and, with excellent timing and weighting, slid the ball into the area for the onrushing Canildo to blast home. The left-winger had run the length of the pitch, keeping up with play, since she won the ball and though we thought a rush of blood to the head had made her shoot, it was actually a great shot that Newton had no chance of saving. Perhaps if he'd got his body behind it he'd have ended up in the back of the net too, such was the power on the shot.

Taeshan were effectively killed off at that point, nearly an hour in, and Starblaydia settled down, content with their Three-Nil lead. Lii Chong-sun, however, wasn't finished and pushed as hard as he could for a goal. Too hard, in the event, as he earned himself a yellow card in a desperate attempt to win the ball from Meyerse. Later, however, he timed his tackle better and intercepted a pass from Pearsin to Lewis. Turning and sprinting towards the Taeshan goal, it was just a simple lob over the keeper that gave him his goal, staying so cool with what proved to be Starblaydia's last shot on goal in the match.

Next up, Starblaydia face Candelaria And Marquez, who also won their match against Solenial. It's debatable whether a Three-Nil win can be described as "for the most part highly disappointing", as their own coach describes the creatively-named "Small Blues", but a win such as that is nothing to be sniffed at. Starblaydia can be confident that a second win in two matches will see them qualify from Group B, while a draw would leave both teams in a reasonable position.

Apollina Iakovakis, however, will be urging on her team to win, and win big, to set a benchmark for every other team in this competition to take note of, and attempt to match.

Final score from Los Domingos Areana:
Starblaydia 4 - 0 Taeshan
(Hinkonnen 5, Chang-hwa 21, Canildo 57, Chong-sun 87) - (None)

Taeshan

04-10-2007, 03:57

Solenial

04-10-2007, 07:10

OOC- *cough* *cough* lol, why thank you but my squad aren't pushovers............. not as much as... C&M (That's right Solenial, shift the blame... Well Done...) :p

Cookesland

04-10-2007, 21:33

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/soccerkit.jpg

The Cookesland Owls

Coach: John Andrews

Goalkeepers(3):
05- Damien Vasquese
12- Andrew Hommerly
23- Daniel Campo

Defense(5):
04- Fred Denou
06- Nick Salrisa
27- Steven Dartes
13-Tyler Nobis
22- Omar Azeder

Midfielders(7):
19- George Reynold
05- Matt Despon
11- DeMon Gahret
16- Stacy LaReina
17- Conor Huston
21- Derick Baston
24- Ryan Nico

Strikers(6):
15-Colin Short
07- Barry Maxwell
14- Patrick Andolor
18- Peter Rykil
09- Michael Fedris
10- Victor Altum

St Samuel

04-10-2007, 21:42

ooc - apologies for delay in results. I tried to post them this morning before I went to work, but jolt was down. Due to late posting of matchday 2, matchday 3 results will be delayed until around 1700 British time

Matchday 1

Group A

Jeruselem v Rugiero 4-2
Vanek Drury Brieres v St Samuel 2-3

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Jeruselem 2 2 0 0 7 2 5+ 6
St Samuel 2 2 0 0 6 3 3+ 6
Rugiero 2 0 0 2 3 7 -5 0
Vanek DB 2 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0

Group B

Starblaydia v Candelaria And Marquez 2-2
Taeshan v Solenial 3-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Starblaydia 2 1 1 0 6 2 4+ 4
C&M 2 1 1 0 5 3 2+ 4
Taeshan 3 1 0 1 3 6 -3 3
Solenial 3 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0

Group C

Lovisa v Milchama 0-3
Minilla Islands v Sorthern Northland 2-3

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Sorthern N 2 2 0 0 5 3 2+ 6
Michama 2 1 0 1 4 2 +2 3
Lovisa 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1
Minilla Isl. 2 0 1 1 4 5 -1 1

Group D

Ikoville v The HURD 0-2
Az-cz v Cookesland 1-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Az-cz 2 1 1 0 5 3 2+ 4
The HURD 2 1 1 0 3 1 2+ 4
Cookesland 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
Ikoville 2 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0

Starblaydia

04-10-2007, 23:28

Top Two Tie Two-Two
No slip-ups vs Solenial, please!

Starblaydia and Candelaria And Marquez were tied on points at the top of Group B before this match, and there was no change by the end of it. Barring mathematical aberrations, Starblaydia have qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the International Justantina Cup - that aberration being losing by enough goals to Solenial to make up the goal difference of seven, should Taeshan draw with Candelaria And Marquez on the final group Matchday. The Small Blues could also lose to Taeshan, while Starblaydia ship seven against Solenial and Starblaydia would be out, but a combination of these results is highly unlikely given all four teams' performances so far in this Cup.

Now, to the match: Starblaydia were behind in the first half thanks to C&M's right-sided winger Ben Edwards. The Albrecht FC player did up Edmundo Rivolli
like an absolute kipper time and again throughout the match until the defender was substituted for Leandro Perheira, and it was no different for Edwards' goal in the first forty-five. Turning Rivolli inside out Edwards faked the cross, luring the defender into lunging on the floor. He stepped neatly away from the flying boot and broke into the box, cutting across Brunner and side-footing into the net. That was it for the first half and Starblaydia went in behind.

There was obviously a rocket up the backsides of the Starblaydi players from Apollina Iakovakis at half time as Starblaydia came out with passion and drive, and a substituted left-back. Leandro Perheira's defensive performance was much better than the man he replaced, and he generally kept tabs on Edwards, reducing him to long, early crosses for the most part. Starblaydia equalised five minutes after the restart from their big man Stefan Hinkonnen, the epitome of Route-One football, hoofed high and long by Nikolaidis, flicked on by Di Angelo and fired into the back of the net with two touches from Hinkonnen. Simple, seemingly easy and Starblaydia were level.

Fifteen minutes later and they were ahead with a much more extravagant goal. Working excellently in midfield throughout the game, he showed up on the end of a flowing move that started with Chang-hwa, was passed through Gomes, Jabir, Chang-hwa, Di Angelo, Gomes again, Chong-sun and finally Di Angelo got on the end of it inside the box and drilled it home.

Starblaydia couldn't hold on to their lead for the remaining minutes, however, as C&M's top striker popped up with nine minutes to go, getting the better of Marco Lima for the first real time in the game, and putting the ball unreachably past Nikolaidis. The Small Blues pushed for a winner, Starblaydia pushed for a winner, but none came and the teams could not be separated. At the moment it is goal difference that keeps them apart, but this will surely change after the games tomorrow. Starblaydia will play winless Solenial and hope, nay expect, a win, while the Small Blues will want to triumph over Taeshan's Under-21 side.

Both teams could easily win, but it will be their margins of victory that decide who tops Group B, sorting out who plays who in Groups B and D in the Last Eight.

Final score from Los Domingos Areana:
Starblaydia 2 - 2 Candelaria And Marquez
(Hinkonnen 51, Di Angelo 67) - (Edwards 34, Naylor 81)

Jeruselem

05-10-2007, 01:04

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/8564/jgnlogohe2.png

Crusader kiddies proving unbeatable

The U21 cup in St Samuel is proving good so far for Crusading teams. Somehow Jeruselem and St Samuel (the hosts) got put in the same group and both have won all their games to far.

The all-female bimbo Jeruselem team and local St Samuel team have had little opposition with easy wins. The other two teams in Group A, Vanek Drury Brieres and Rugiero, are out of their depth as both Crusader teams have trampled them. So the Latin Crusaders and the "Original" Crusaders now meet to find who's Crusading team is better.

So far, both teams have scored a similar around of goals and conceded only a few goals. So on the battlefield, the knights from Jeruselem take on the local Crusaders in the game of the next round. The current U21 team have some 3rd in "Frenchie" cup in Ariddia and make quarters in the Starblaydia U21 Cup- only to be knocked out by the hosts there in a two legged game.

This team are missing the two World Cup players, namely Skate and Scarlet Ferris, so it is not a the full strength U21 girls team.

Reported sightings of Dazza Dallas in St Samuel proved false, people seeing Fiskin Dallas who tends to be a bit of social creature like the rest of family.

Taeshan

05-10-2007, 02:00

The lil purple knights set out to make a statement against the solenial team that had also lost its game to candm. The game started out really fast as the solens scored both of there goals in the first 20:00 of the game. It didnt look to good going into halftime, but the peptalk by rio de neveda must have pumped them up. Running out of the gate the young star ricky zellefrow scored the knights first goal of the cup. Then the 14 year old zeke jrs brother hele(15) the youngest player ever to make a world cup squad in taeshan(weve only entered 1 plus the next one) and his star father zeke( national teams best player at age 33 and the best player on the atlantea hurricanes roster) he scored the game winning goal with just half a minute to go. Barring a win the young knights will advance to the next round

Candelaria And Marquez

05-10-2007, 12:57

The Albrecht Herald
Honourable draw for Small Blues
By Tracker Edwards

Lloyd Donnelly’s youngsters were forced to settle for a point against Starblaydia after a classic game of two halves. Such was C&M’s dominance in the first half that the team’s failure to guarantee qualification will leave a slightly bitter taste in the coach’s mouth; but Donnelly must take a nice big slug of the blame for failing to react adequately to Apollina Iakovakis wise second-half reshuffle. As it was; the small party of travelling supporters were left to bite their nails for much of the second half, as C&M pushed for an equaliser that finally came. Clearly, after his all-action performance against the Solen, Luke Naylor’s talents for scoring with barely his only touch of the game are just as valuable.

When Donnelly, then manager of Albrecht FC, swooped to spend a then-record transfer fee for a podgy seventeen year-old winger from amateur West Candelaria club Dublynne Raiders, more than a few eyebrows were raised. Now that wonderment must be squarely directed at the scouts from Mayo Valley, Mount Lo, Brayton, Maidment and the other clubs in the general catchment area, and how they managed to let this extraordinary young talent slip through their fingers. Within weeks of his arrival; Ben Edwards had forced Damien Moller out of the perennial champions’ starting XI. This season, and still many weeks shy of his twentieth birthday, he has three league goals to his name and six clear assists – more than anyone bar the slightly more experienced ESF star Roger Zetaback at Green Island. Whatever the merits of his team-mates; Ben will have the sweetest right foot of anyone in this tournament, and Donnelly knows this side must be built around him. The coach was brave to make three major changes to the midfield after the comfortable win over Solenial, and must be braver still if he is to elicit the best from his star man.

Edwards had delivered a series of pin-point balls to Naylor and Jamie Rawlinson throughout the first half hour, but Marco Lima and Seb Brunner kept them well marshalled. Moreover, Edmundo Rivolli at left-back was having a nightmare dealing with the unpredictably elusive movements from Edwards; a barrel-chested mountain of a player blessed with the most delicate of touches. He was ably being assisted by Dean Wilson in the centre, a tower of strength himself against the impotent runs of Alfonso Di Angelo and Stefan Hinkonnen. Seemingly only Dave Walsh, newly and surprisingly introduced to the left, was letting the side down; unable as it was to shake off the attentions of the immensely talented sixteen-year-old right-back Jae Chang-hwa.

Few could have been surprised however when Edwards produced a memorable solo goal out of nothing. Skipping past the hapless Rivolli and giving him the eyes, the Hersch Albion player had little choice put to accept the invitation to tackle. Successful, and Rivolli would have conceded a yellow card and a free kick for his trouble, but Edwards had little inclination to accept such gifts; instead motoring on into the area, passing a Brummer busy with the irritants of Naylor and Reiban Okeke, and finishing with the simplest of touches.

There was still time for Kostas Nikolaidis in goal to make admittedly comfortable saves from Walsh and Rawlinson, while Ray Winkett showed his worth with a diving catch from Hinkonnen. A goal up, and C&M could have been cruising against a lesser outfit; but this young Starblaydia group are far from witless. The greater international experience of manager and players began to come into play from the very first moves of the second half. The swapping of Rivolli for Leandro Perheira was an obvious choice but still worked a treat, while the team has a whole took on a more polished appearance. With Okeke more used to playing further up the park, C&M’s midfield began to look horribly thin. Even so, the equaliser was far from inevitable and hardly lived up to the silky skills displayed in the demolition of Taeshan. Di Angelo produced a fine flick, but it was the sheer physical presence of the full international, Stefan Hinkonnen that did the damage, brushing aside William Burgos to finish with ease.

Donnelly dithered slightly over the clearly necessary changes, and it could have proved more costly with Lii Chong-sun and Hinkonnen again having openings. Eventually the coach rolled his dice; bringing on Matteo Corradini for Walsh in the hope of plugging the gaping holes appearing in the midfield. Shortly afterwards, Rawlinson was sacrificed for Rául Vélez, with Okeke moving behind the front two, while Edwards was pushed further into the middle to avoid Perheira. It would pay dividends in time; but not before Starblaydia had taken advantage of the Small Blues’ momentary confusion to waltz through the midfield and score through Di Angelo.

C&M were clearly shaken by going 2-1 down, but had faith in their manager’s changes. Working together for the first time, Dean Wilson and Corradini were able to stifle their Starblaydi counterparts while Özkan Yalçin finally began to get forward on the left. Finally, just when time seemed to be running out, Yalçin got past Jaime Gomes and crossed to Naylor. The ball bobbled off Lima, and into the path of the little forward who resisted temptation to pass to Vélez and instead took the shot himself. One feels it may not be the last time the C.A.L man is C&M saviour in this tournament.

Though the late victory denied will be dispiriting to the Starblaydia squad, they will know that first place is theirs for the taking. Solenial have individual talent to scare anyone – as they proved against both C&M and Taeshan – but their ultimate failure to pick up a point from their two games speaks volumes. Meanwhile, though the Purple Knights may come from the Errinderan school of capitalisation, one feels that C&M should have the edge. Without wishing to count any chickens, it may well be goal difference that decides who avoids the ever-present might of Az-cz in the quarters.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez U-21s 2
Edwards 34, Naylor 81

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/starblaydia.png Starblaydia U-21s 2
Hinkonnen 51, Di Angelo 67

St Samuel

05-10-2007, 14:51

St Samuel News

St Samuel (2) 3
Vanek Drury Brieres (0) 2

St Samuel U21's all but confirmed qualification with a 3-2 with over Vanek Drury Brieres, to keep the Latin Crusaders second in Group A, behind the Crusaders of Jeruselem.

First half goals from Salvatore Rocka and Sebastien Atalanta saw St Samuel go into the half time break with a 2-0 lead over Vanek, but the second half saw the away team come out and score two quick goals and go level after 54 minutes.

As the game looked to be heading for a draw, it was Massimo Arquilla who rose to a Rocka corner and head home St Samuel's third and the winner. St Samuel now go on to play Jeruselem in the final Group game, the result deciding the final position and who will play who in the Quarter finals.

St Samuel

05-10-2007, 16:59

Matchday 3

Group A

Jeruselem v St Samuel 2-0
Vanek Drury Brieres v Rugiero 2-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Jeruselem 3 3 0 0 9 2 7+ 9
St Samuel 3 2 0 1 6 5 1+ 6
Vanek DB 3 1 0 2 4 7 -3 3
Rugiero 3 1 0 2 4 9 -5 0

Group B

Starblaydia v Solenial 3-0
Taeshan v Candelaria And Marquez 1-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Starblaydia 3 2 1 0 9 2 7+ 7
C&M 3 2 1 0 7 4 3+ 7
Taeshan 3 1 0 2 4 8 -4 3
Solenial 3 0 0 3 3 9 -6 0

Group C

Lovisa v Sorthern Northland 0-3
Minilla I v Milchama 2-4

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Sorthern N 3 3 0 0 8 3 5+ 9
Michama 3 2 0 1 8 4 4+ 6
Lovisa 3 0 1 2 2 8 -6 1
Minilla Isl. 3 0 1 2 6 9 -3 1

Group D

Ikoville v Cookesland 0-3
Az-cz v The HURD 1-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Cookesland 3 1 2 0 5 2 3+ 5
Az-cz 3 1 2 0 6 4 2+ 5
The HURD 3 1 2 0 4 2 2+ 5
Ikoville 3 0 0 3 2 9 -7 0

St Samuel

05-10-2007, 17:02

Quarter Finals Draw (To be played on Sunday the 7th of October 2007)

Jeruselem vs Milchama
Starblaydia vs Az-cz
Sorthern Northland vs St Samuel
Cookesland vs Candelaria And Marquez

Starblaydia

05-10-2007, 23:36

Gnome Surprise in Quarters
Starblaydia top group and face Az-cz

With their national football team is ranked where Starblaydia used to be twenty years ago, in the World's Top-Ten, the Az-cz Under-21 Side are performing just as admirably, going undefeated in their group and making it through to the Last Eight. The rest of the competitors assumed that the Gnomes would top Group D, but they hadn't counted on The HURD's Under-21 Megahurtz team holding the Gnomes to a One-All draw. The robots were also undefeated, with the top three teams locked on five points. Az-cz only progressed, in fact, on Goals Scored: six compared to The HURD's four. Close indeed.

Less close was Starblaydia's margin of victory over Solenial. The White and Purples condemned the young Mustangs to their third loss in three games, putting them rock bottom of the Group. Only Ikoville have a worse record out of all twelve teams, after they were thrashed three times by the stalwarts of Group D: Cookesland, Az-cz and The HURD. Starblaydia kept themselves a second clean sheet in three games thanks to the sterling work of the defenders - with the number Three Edmundo Rivolli glaring in his absence. In his place was Leandro Perheira, who performed admirably once more in what is the seventeen year-old's first appearances in any tournament.

Perheira seems to already be better than his grandfather, Oswald, who played for Starblaydia in the exact same position around fifty years ago. He was lucky enough to play around the time of Starblaydia's golden age - World Cups 25 to 30, but was unlucky enough to be surrounded by excellent players such as Leopoldo Lopez (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Leopoldo_Lopez), Jaime Oberlander (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Jaime_Oberlander) and Markko Rakkinen (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Markko_Rakkinen). Oswald did, however, go to four consecutive AOCAF Championships, where he earned a Winners' Medal from the last, AOCAF14. If Starblaydia prove themselves in a Baptism of Fire or Cup of Harmony, young Leandro could well be in line for some silverware himself.

Back to the match, however, where Starblaydia cruised to a three-nil victory. Stefan Hinkonnen dropped slightly deeper into midfield to take more of a playmaker role, freeing up Alfonso Di Angelo to bomb forward and Lii Chong-sun to exploit the gaps left over. It was Chong-sun himself who made the breakthrough, being given the freedom to roam about the Solenial back-four, he played a one-two with Di Angelo around Centre-Back Xavi and put the ball in the bottom-left-hand corner. The diminutive Daehanjeitown native wheeled away in delight at his third Under-21 goal in his seventh appearance. Starblaydia were seemingly content with a dominating one-goal lead going into the break, but Alfonso Di Angelo had other ideas. Picking up a loose pass from Nicky Jones, he half-volleyed from long range and Adam Huntley had little to no chance of saving it. The referee gave the goal, then signalled for half time.

With the match wrapped up by half time, Iakovakis made wholesale changes, replacing Hinkonnen with débutante Nuno Quaresma and Lima with Arkady Kaneda. Later on Kwame Jabir would make way for Jack Stafador in central midfield. Substitute Quaresma made the biggest impact of the three as he scored the third goal that really killed off the Solenial side's challenge and cemented Starblaydia at the top of Group B. The young striker, tall and lean, showed great pace and skill to side-foot into the far corner while under pressure from Nicky Jones - he was forced wide but that didn't stop his arrow-like shot early in the second half.

Starblaydia have defeated their next opponents relatively recently, just three years ago in the Inaugural Di Bradini Cup. The final score of the Third-Place match for the two Semi-Final losers was Four-One in Starblaydia's favour with goals from Canildo, Shakirii, Mora and Fullbright. Seeing as how three of those players have outgrown the Under-21s, with only Kalia Canildo still playing, it will be down to the team, rather than the individuals, to repeat such a feat and set up a Semi-Final with the winners of Jeruselem vs Milchama. Starblaydia, of course, beat Jeruselem in the Quarter-Finals of the Di Bradini Cup and have a healthy record against the Croisés: three games played at Under-21 level, and three games won. Their only historical match against Milchama, however, was a 3-2 loss for Starblaydia in their last-ever Under-21 World Cup match, the Second Round of U21WC20.

If Starblaydia can overcome Az-cz again there will be talk of a vengeance match no matter who they face. Whether the revenge will be denied, or be Starblaydia's, is another matter entirely. Take one game at a time, they say, and for now Iakovakis will focus on young Gnomes.

Final score from Los Domingos Areana:
Starblaydia 3 - 0 Solenial
(Chong-sun 21, Di Angelo 45, Quaresma 60) - (None)

Cookesland

05-10-2007, 23:40

[OoC: St. Samuel could you post my roster please?]

The Coricas Times

Ikoville - 0 v Cookesland - 3

Cookesland claimed a spot in the U-21 playoffs today by a cruhing defeat of Ikoville.

The Owls played well this game, scoring a point during the first half while blocking vicious plays from their opponents. Patrick Andolor and Barry Maxwell both scored the two finaly goals towards the end of the game. The pair again showed teamwork by working plays off the other to score.

After the final goals were scored the Ikovillers saw that this game was Cookesland's. Great game Ikoville, good luck in World Cup 38! On to the much anticipated game with Candelaria & Marquez

Candelaria And Marquez

06-10-2007, 17:12

“You’re watching TTO. It’s coming up to seven o’clock…” (Five minutes past. Candelaria And Marquez’ premier commercial network has possibly the worst timekeeping of any organisation in the developed world. “…And it’s time – for the Football Show.”

Brief image of white clock on black background ticking its way to six minutes past, before the title sequence kicks into gear. In an intriguing, and almost certainly unwanted, effect; the right-hand side of the screen is filled with some extremely thin figures pretending that they enjoy the whole experience of watching sport, while TFS presenter Rich Stevens fills the left-hand side, cleaning out the contents of a nostril. A bit of giddying camerawork later, and Stevens is left beaming insincerely at the viewers’ left ear.

“Hi, yes, it’s seven in the evening and like death, taxes and the miracle of birth; it’s the Footballshowtonight. We’re in St Samuel…” (Not literally obviously. Think of the expense.) “…As C&M’s youngsters. Take on the hulking might of Taeshan… All the… Hm?... Some of the action from the CMSC. This weekend… We talk to Melin & Nader defender… m… Richie Goy… Ko… Ek… Ex… Tee… Ah…!” (Goikoetxea) “…About his side’s dramatic return to form and we see how NateAdamsandZacharyPinkowski are helping kids in inner-city El din to return to… the straight and narrowand to do THAT I’m joined by former C&M star Coleman Mustard…” (During the long-forgotten regional tour of the early-eighties which included a fifteen-nil defeat. Ah, heady days. It were better back then. We knew our place.)

“Yeah, evenin’, bruv.”

“The most famous Sunt Sam…Sam…Samuelesian… in the Candelarias; KT Hotspur striker Giuseppe Abellardo… Hi. There. GIUSEPPE! Welcome. To. The. The Studio!”

(Cut-glass English accent with slight Italiany vowel sounds.) “Yes… It’s a pleasure to be h–”

“Okay, excellent. And, of course, the legend that is Tom McIndoe…”

“Arrr… Mmm…”

“Okay, but. We’ll start across the waters. As Lloyd Donnelly’s Candelariasian kids faced off against Taeshan for a place in the Justantinianian Cup! Quarter-finals…” ([/i]Stevens is momentarily put off as the song [/i]Start Wearing Purple[/i] for the VT kicks into gear a second too early.)[/i]

The highlights package gets under way. Inevitably, TTO can’t afford to buy the rights to the Under-21 games, but improvise bravely with animated stick men; one team in blue and one in purple. The thinness of the characters makes it impossible for anyone without synesthesia, or something, to tell the difference; so each player is helpfully labelled. After a bit, the stick misspelled as “Itterland” hoofs the small black puck-like dot in the direction of the “Okeke” stick, helpfully given dreadlocks in case anyone was still unsure, who groins the dot down to a particularly small stick labelled “Naylor”. In the two-dimensional universe in which they inhabit, it briefly becomes One with a purple stick called “pearsin”, before emerging out the other side and knocking the dot past “newton”. The Naylor stick removes his body, spinning it about its head as it runs towards the stands. An austere looking black stick shows Naylor a yellow rectangle, and the small figure in blue wanders off, circle held low.

The screen goes blank, and the stickmen reappear facing the other way. A purple stick called “gregory” runs into “Itterland”. They both fall over, but the black stick brandishes a red rectangle. The Itterland trudges off into the distance, as a purple stick called “aslott” steps up and whacks the dot past the flailing pointy limbs of “Winkett”.

Another restart, and this time a stick called “Edwards” is on the dot. It lofts the dot towards the bedreadlocked Okeke, who jumps higher than “Meyerse” to head the dot past newton. Blue sticks hug, purple sticks look rejected.

The screen turns back to the four bored-looking men in the studio. Abellardo’s face is a picture. Stevens beams anew.

“Okay, well it was. An excellent win against Taeshan that puts the Small Blue through to the quarters. Lizzy Capper was there for TTO… Can you hear us, Lizzy?”

A blurred monstrosity appears, just about recognisable as belonging to one Elizabeth Capper, the poor man’s Keenan Bailey, who is in turn the poor man’s Whichever-One-Happens-To-Be-Doing-The-News-Reporting-This-Time Dallas. And that’s pretty damn impoverished.

“.... … ...., ....!”

“Okay, great. There was a lot of talk about the formation prior to the game: You were there, do you think Donnelly’s team selection paid off?”

“.. ........ .’. ... .... …’.. ... .. …….. …. …..’. …. .. …….. … … …. … … …..-… ….., .. ..’. …… .. .. ………… …. ……….”

“Mm, well that was certainly our opinion in the studio. The real question is whether he’s going to stick with it against Cookesland or shake it up again. What’s it looking like from your end?”

“.. .. ….. ..’. … ….. .. …. …. . … …. …. ….. .. … (emphatic hand gesture, as if caressing a baby elephant) “… …… … …. …. …… …. … …. …..!”

“Oh, on a Sunday as well? Dear me. Well, thank you Lizzy and we apologise for any issues over sound quality in Lizzy’s report… Tom. Formation, and player selection, it’s what we’ve all been talking about. D’you think Donnelly made the right calls?”

“A sheer yee, eadta reat t’Teeĵan’s ud fer meershun. Ye na, ill three art is careerers ben greta meyacking cheenjis one requeered. Weadta ge’ released a pont err, sow pleen beth Corradini n’ Wilson – mazda strike.”

“Right, right. Coleman – obviously you were a great C&M lefty in your day… Here, Ragab’s still injured; Walsh was left out. Was it the right decision to give Özkan Yalçin the left side to himself? Walsh did after all have a poor game against Starblaydia.”(Director launches upon the opportunity to show bits of the copyright-free, days old, C&M v Starblaydia game)

“Yeah, no, I mean bruv, y’know Walshy’s a good lad, y’know, he’s a proper lad and that little Starblaydi piece–”

“Jae Chang-hwa?”

“Yeah, I mean, y’know, she’s got a crackin’ rack on ‘er and everythin’, so I guess it was jus’ distracted, y’know what I mean? But y’know, I mean, I guess I’m from the wingers’ club an’ all but, y’know, having Wilson, Edwards and Corradini pack the midfield, and Okeke ahead o’ them, y’know, it leaves us a bit bare at the flanks, but…”

“Obviously there’s going to have to be at least one change, with Ytterland’s red card? Deserved?”

“Ah, y’know, six a dozen and half o’… o’ one, y’know? Not a pen in like, y’know a month… a month. But y’know, we’ve got Shave Andeev, yeah, who’s like three years older so, y’know, shouldn’t be a problem, tha’.”

“Mm. There was one player making his first start against Taeshan, Rául Vélez. Giuseppe… Do. You. Think. He. Did. Enough. To. Stay. In. The. Side?”

“Oh, I think so yes. He’s a big guy and I think he causes prob–”

“Okay, great. So, it looks like it’ll be Winkett in goal; Young and Avdeev in defence; Yalçin coming down the left, Burgos on the right; Wilson behind Corradini and Edwards; Okeke ahead; and then Vélez and three-in-three Luke Naylor up front… That’s for the benefit of Cookesland, we know now. In all honesty, Tom, not the worse draw it could’ve been?”

“Neer, bat w’kent in der esteem ate them, ahh? W’now Shirt n’ MacSwell of old, steel indif attedun, eeny sid that’ c’n’g’t a dra’ witta Ashzhshush tim, godda beef eared. That’ sid, ah racoon were t’ stringer sid.”

“So you’re confident; Coleman?”

“Ah, y’know, does the Pope shit in the woods, bruv?! I’m always confident, man.”

“Alright, and a more neutral view from you, Giuseppe?”

“I think you’re both strong sides, but–”

“You think we just have the edge? Great, great. Alright, lots still to come…” (Stevens sighs bitterly.) “…But first, in our ongoing look at the CMSC’s SolidBottom programme, we drop in on Cathedral City stars Nate Adams and Zachary Pinkowski to see some of their work with local kids… But I mean, really, what’s THE FUCKING POINT?! I mean, what are they gonna say, ‘Yeah, hey kids, you work real hard, yeah, and you could be, actually, NOTHING LIKE US, ‘cos we’ve got natural talent, and you’ve got NOTHING! Yeah, you’re mum and dad fled rape and murder in god-knows-where, or worse yet your ancestors have been here for CENTURIES, and you’re gonna live and die in the Miseryville you were born in, eking out a living while–”

“You okay, bruv?”

“…I mean, nobody’s even WATCHING, y’know?! It’s Capybara Castle on the other side, Dave’s got rodent dysentery or something, anyway it’s terminal, and she’s not gonna make it through the night! Who’s gonna look after little Davina and Dave Junior, eh, you tell me that?!”

“Reech, rilly mit… Ye shed git sum heelp…”

“Oh, god… She’s left me, Tom, gods fuck it, I mean…”

The Football Show’s director finally pulls himself together and rolls the footage. TTO switches to a repeat of yesterday’s Candelaria And Marquez Has Got Talent directly afterwards..

Az-cz

07-10-2007, 05:42

The shephereds had a good chuckle when they read the write up of the Starblaydian matchup.

"The rest of the competitors assumed that the Gnomes would top Group D, but they hadn't counted on The HURD's Under-21 Megahurtz team holding the Gnomes to a One-All draw."

No, what they hadn't counted on was the fact that Az-cz doesn't have a set U21 team or in fact really a youth program. The team they usually send the bunch of kids, had just finished a competition and as such didn't want to take part in this one.

"Starblaydia have defeated their next opponents relatively recently"

Well they'd never played the young sheepboys but they had beaten some of their country men. But seeing as the shepherds weren't really soccer players they'd never faced the likes of the purple peril.

"If Starblaydia can overcome Az-cz again"

While they were pleased that the Starblaydians were showing respect they knew the kind of underdogs they'd be. Still just a respectable showing would be enough for the team. They weren't nearly as good as the kids the Starblaydians had just embarassed so it could turn into a long day.

Jeruselem

07-10-2007, 05:59

Jeruselem Government News

Milchama charm offensive coming up!

After disposing of the local hosts St Samuel TWO NIL, who made the quarter-finals anyway, our U21 girls team meet Milchama. Other than Sorthern Northland, we have won all our games so far with most other finalists having a 2-1-0 or 0-1-2 record.

We have avoided Starblaydia and Az-cz who play each other in the other big clash of the quarter finals. Yes, all the known top 10 or ex-top 10 World Cup teams play each other in the quarterfinals which is interesting. The girls will have hard task should their next opponent after Milchama be the team in purple again, but we must be the young Milchamians first.

Young Fiskin Dallas is being watched by clubs, mainly because of her surname but they are looking for the replacement for Rashina Dallas who died during World Cup 36. Fiskin is a sister of Rashina, and seems to be like a little terrier on the field. She does not look like much and she's not as glamourous as Kate but the family bloodines are strong.

Starblaydia

07-10-2007, 09:50

Iakovakis Confident of Victory
Starblaydi fans 'promised' Semi-Final

When you're from Starblaydia, you're a Starblaydi: everybody should know that, but it appears some people still haven't twigged. But what does that really mean, would it be any different if the young men, women were 'Starblaydian' or Jeruselemian, or Az-czian? Czzer. Czid. Whatever.

Well the answer to that is actually yes. Being a Starblaydi is about pride and passion, strength and control. It's about striving for the best and not giving up until you've reached and attempted to exceed your limits. All those clichés about the extra yard, the final minute, the hundred-and-ten percent: they all apply in the life of a Starblaydi. It has been ninety years since Starblaydia first competed on the international stage - at an Under-21 World Cup, no less - and on every single occasion since then, time and time again, Starblaydia and Starblaydi footballers have shown these to be their national characteristics. They are not on the whole cheaters, robbers or liars. When a Starblaydi does something he or she does it whole-heartedly, until the job is done.

The flipside of this pride and achievement is, however, a superiority complex, well-documented as a "mightier-than-thou" attitude, better known as RAWRCRUSH (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/RAWRCRUSH). It was this trait that provoked Starblaydi Under-21 manager Apollina Iakovakis to promise Starblaydi fans a victory over Az-cz. Whereas Starblaydia have thrown their weight behind this Under-21 side, as per usual, the Az-cz team have produced no public statements, no press conferences, not even a squad list. Like many nations who 'compete' in international football, they just seem to be first bunch of characters in line at the job centre.

Even though none of the Starblaydi side have more than ten Under-21 caps, or that the six full international caps are shared by just two players, Iakovakis guaranteed a victory: "We've scored nine and conceded just two in our three matches, which tallies with the kind of record that we got in the past, that we're trying to equal and better in tournaments like this. Az-cz are undefeated, and we do have to respect that, but I'll say this now: we're going to beat them."

RAWRCRUSH indeed.

Starblaydi team news:
For the second match in a row, number 13 Leandro Perheira is expected to start at Left-Back preferred in place of Edmundo Rivolli. Karinha is also doubtful with a thigh injury, but will face a fitness test for the bench in the morning before the match.

Az-cz

07-10-2007, 12:54

The team read the Starblaydi report and felt like they had upset the Starblaydis somehow. Although they didn't have public statements or press conferences what could you really expect. They're a bunch of shepherds. The FA provided them the papers to come to the tournament but wasn't supporting their effort in any serious way. Especially with the senior squad in the middle of the world cup proper. So they decided to send a letter to the Starblaydi squad.

"Dear Starblaydis,

We are sorry to upset you by having no match reports. We're merely a bunch of sheepboys here to do our best and have a good time. As you are currently the pride of your nation and we're the second best (if that) under-21 side in a nation that doesn't believe in under-21 competitions you can guess how much support we're getting back home. In some aspects it's amazing the games are being broadcast in Az-cz at all. Please understand that despite the lack of respect for this tournament from our host nation we are giving our all and love the pink & green. We hope to enjoy a fine match in the traditions of our two great countries. But please understand that we still probably won't have press conferences win, lose, or draw (with penalties).

The Az-cz team"

St Samuel

07-10-2007, 13:54

Quarter Finals Results
Jeruselem vs Milchama 2-0
Starblaydia vs Az-cz 3-2
Sorthern Northland vs St Samuel 1-2
Cookesland vs Candelaria And Marquez 0-3

Semi Finals Draw
Jeruselem vs Starblaydia
St Samuel vs Candelaria And Marquez

Jeruselem

07-10-2007, 14:25

Jeruselem Government News

OH NOT AGAIN

No Jeruselem didn't lose it's game against Michama in the U21 Cup in St Samuel. They won TWO NIL and continued our good record against Milchama. We have actually made the semi-final this time unlike the one in Starblaydia were we didn't. Now, guess the opponent? Clue - they like wearing purple! Yes, it's STARBLAYDIA. No Jeruselem team have beaten a Starblaydia team since the Women's World Cup 3. This time, we do want break this curse.

Starblaydia beat Az-cz THREE TWO, so no Gnomes will win this U21 cup. Yes, Jeruselem and the team in purple meet again. That's twice in two unrelated U21 cups. Jeruselem and Starblaydia started the World Cup at about the same time and yes, we still seem to be glued together with Jeruselem being the bridesmaid.

The host St Samual emulated the Crusading deeds of Jeruselem defeating Sorthern Northland TWO ONE. The hosts bounced back from the recent loss and with home support and booked a semi-final spot.

Candelaria And Marquez beat Cookesland in a one-sided game THREE NIL to book a meeting with the hosts.

So the former World cup champs against the team who almost become World Cup champs in one semi, while rising star C&M face the local Latin Crusaders who aren't a bad team at all.

Starblaydia

07-10-2007, 16:14

RAWRCRUSH Rolls On
Iakovakis nearly caught out

Starblaydia's Under-21 side - who after two tournaments in three years must now be called 'experienced' - made it to their second consecutive Semi-Final by defeating an Az-cz side who reportedly sent their Starblaydi counterparts a peacemaking letter before the match in response to Apollina Iakovakis' guarantee of a Starblaydi victory.

It seemed to have worked, as their was little of the aggression in the team's play seen in their coach's pre-match statements. The handshakes between the two teams before the kick-off were positively hearty and the match kicked off in good spirits. Such good spirits, in fact, that the teams traded goals in the opening minutes, having the match level at One-All while most of the spectators were still listening to the team announcements.

The Az-cz number ten made his mark first, putting the self-confessed underdogs (or should that be undersheep?) ahead when Lima lost his footing on a slippery surface and the Az-czzer exploited the mistake and resulting gap beautifully and tucked the ball home past Nikolaidis without a moment's hesitation. Starblaydia struck back with their very next attack, as Canildo's low cross was missed by everybody except Alfonso Di Angelo, who ghosted in at the back post to tuck the ball just inside the woodwork with a simple toe-poke.

Though Starblaydia attempted to take the lead once more they had no answer to the antics of the Az-cz goalie - his dives, catches, punches and clearances thwarted the attentions of Hinkonnen and Chong-sun time and again. In fact, such was the Starblaydi pressure and the vehemence with which Iakovakis urged her team on that the counter-attack was always on, and when Az-cz broke with pace and numbers, Leandro Perheira was absolutely helpless as the speed demons waltzed around him like he was piggy in the middle. When he was passed out of the effectiveness, the shepherds did the same thing with Nikolaidis and the Nemyan 'keeper was left flat-footed
as the ball was knocked past and then beyond him into the net for Two-One.

Starblaydia were far more cautious after that, as barely a quarter of the match had gone and they were behind for the second time. They went back to the basics, keeping the ball, passing and moving and, by half time, they were really beginning to grab the match by the scruff of the neck. Starblaydia had a host of shots in the opening minutes, but it took until just past the hour mark to bring the match level through Right Back Jae Chang-hwa.

The sixteen year-old hit herself a curling left-foot shot from just inside the area that nestled in the top-left corner: we didn't know she was two-footed, but that was a sweet strike nonetheless from the youngster who has a bright future ahead of her. We think she could even be the new Tabitha Di Bradini.

Starblaydia pushed for the equaliser and it came, but boy oh boy was it late in coming. It was substitute Raphael Torino with his first goal, on his second appearance for Starblaydia. The youngster showed echoes of his great grandfather with a turn-and-shot in the six yard area after a long-range strike had been brilliantly parried. We're sure to see his goalscoring feats again in his career.

Starblaydia now face Jeruselem. Again. Though they needed extra time three years ago, Starblaydia emerged Four-Three winners in the Quarter-Final of the inaugural Di Bradini Cup. Now there is more at stake, an appearance in the Final of this International Justantina Cup is there for the taking, and Starblaydia know that history is with them. History, of course, will not help them in the match, but hard work, drive and determination will. And the odd bit of luck, surely.

Final score:
Starblaydia 3 - 2 Az-cz
(Di Angelo 9, Chang-hwa 61, Torino 88) - (#10 7, #14 26)

OOC: The Jhanna Chronicle is, obviously, taking absolutely none of the responsibility for cranking up the pre-match tension with Az-cz, blaming it all on Iakovakis.

Sorthern Northland

07-10-2007, 19:46

Sortherners bow out in quarters

Sorthern Northland's unbeaten run at the Justantina U-21 Cup came to an end today following a 2-1 loss to hosts St. Samuel.

The team will be disappointed to have gone out but against a partisan crowd in St Samuel it was always going to be difficult for the Sortherners to hold onto the one goal lead they gained early in the game.

Following the controversy in the group games about who Feng Shui really is, he was left out of the starting line up today for President Ben O'Bagels. Just five minutes into his first start of the tournament the President set up 'The Haitian' with a glorious opportunity to open the scoring. Quite what a Haitian is doing in the Sorthern Northland squad or who he is no one actually knows but he scuffed the chance. Minutes later though he made up for his error when he diverted a free-kick from O'Bagels into the net.

However with the backing of the home fans St Samuel were not going to be beaten easily and the Sortherners squandered a number of chances before Massimo Arquilla levelled the scores early in the second half. From that point on it was all one way traffic as St Samuel dominated and Costas De Mazouna got the winner with round twenty minutes left. Sorthern Northland had a couple of half-chances but never really looked like threatening the St. Samuel goal once they went behind.

http://z.about.com/d/comicbooks/1/7/Q/A/thehaitian.jpg
'The Haitian' after the game.

After the game manager Kevaughn Ó Criomhthain said "It's disappointing to have gone out but it was always going to be tough against St Samuel in front of their own fans. I think we would have needed four of five goals to beat them today. Overall though the team can be proud to have been one of the only teams to win all three group games and to be the first ever Sorthern Northland football team at any level to get into the knock-out stage of a tournament. The future's bright, the futures Sorthern Northland."

Candelaria And Marquez

08-10-2007, 10:58

The Albrecht Herald
Golden Blues sweep into semis
By Tracker Edwards

One of the realities of the modern world that has proven easier for the Candelariasian people to grasp has been the vast differences in the awareness of Time experienced across not only the World as we know it, but within our own little islands. But however much this phenomenon may have long since sunk into our national consciousness; the true long-term consequences remain unclear, particularly in regards to the amount of Events it is possible for an individual working in our time frame to grasp, and the implications for the aging process. It can escape no-one’s attention that while young full C&M stars from the WC36 qualifying such as Joey Pipes and O’Sullivan Caras still retain a certain youthful vigour in the way nationals from many other countries have not; their time spent abroad has already led them to experience the passing of no less than four years. And what of us left back home? Have the merest months passed, or many years, since the government took the bold – if, at the time, underreported – step of allowing the entire country to stay in closer step with many our fellow football-playing nations of the World.

I mention this now in part because it cannot be mentioned enough, but it general because of our Under-21 team’s opponents yesterday; Cookesland. No football enthusiast among you could have failed to notice the presence of Colin Short and Barry Maxwell; a forward line that ripped the full national team to shreds in WC36 qualifying and appears still young enough to contest an Under-21 tournament. Whatever the status of Cookesland as a major footballing power in the long term; they can clearly for now call upon a side capable of unnerving the most experienced of youth teams.

Add to the fact that C&M, as the designated “away” side, were forced to don their gold change kit against the Owlets; and Lloyd Donnelly could have been forgiven for feeling that the Group Four winners had the early mental edge.

They didn’t. On the pitch and in their minds; Donnelly’s young charges dominated the match in one of the best performances produced by a C&M side of any age and in any colours. Short and Maxwell would have their chances, but they were marshalled with ease a magnificent Dean Wilson, who put himself well and truly in the shop window despite an often dismal domestic season. Though Donnelly proved himself tactically the better of John Andrews, making key changes and constantly shouting urbane instructions; it was the prowess of the players themselves that proved more pleasing. This crop of Candelariasian youngsters were not especially highly though of going in to their first tournament; with many looking set for careers at minor CMSC clubs, never mind in the great foreign leagues. But while the likes of Solenial, Taeshan and Cookesland may not exactly represent the sternest test; it would be far from premature to suggest that many of these players have come of age in Justantina Island.

How easily they can be integrated with their elders remains unclear. Mark Baker’s side would have spent, one feels, a good twenty minutes playing keep-ball; frustrating Cookesland rather than scaring them. Donnelly’s side hold no such notions; spending a couple of minutes probing tentatively at what appeared a tired and wobbly back line, and throwing in a few juicy tackles, before stepping up a couple of gears. From right defence – but well above the half-way line, such was C&M’s encroachment into the Cookeslandic part of the park – William Burgos stormed down the flank past Matt Despon – a player inexplicably wearing the same squad number as the first-choice goalkeeper – and knocking a ball under Reiban Okeke’s jumping feet to Ben Edwards. To the untrained eye; there seemed no obvious danger to Damien Vasquese’s goal but young Edwards has more up his sleeve than the average mortal, and produced a fine change of pace to take him past Nick Salrisa to pass the ball across Vasquese and off the left-hand upright.

Nor, unlike Baker’s pragmatic group, were the gold-clad Small Blues willing to sit back on a lead. They were determined to become the first C&M representative side to win a knock-out game at a major sporting tournament, and saw attack as the best form of defence. The sacrifice of Jamie Rawlinson for Okeke was paying clear dividends; the MarquezOW man’s link-up play allowing both Luke Naylor and Rául Vélez a greater share of the ball than they had experienced previously. Vélez’ presence was proving particularly problematic for the Cookeslandic defence, and it surprised no one when Steven Dartes finally succumbed to the temptation to tip over the younger of the Vélez brothers. Naylor was soon summoned to put away the penalty that gave C&M a strong lead and Naylor his fourth tournament goal.

C&M inevitably took their foot off the gas a little come the second half; but Naylor and Vélez still found time to get off shots. Perhaps surprisingly however it was a set-piece – not this team’s forte – that effectively put the Small Blues into the semi-finals; Vélez fouled just outside the box and Edwards – who else? – took the free-kick that flew past Vasquese’s outstretched hands.

There was just enough time left for the Owl’s stubby tail to provide a sting. Late on, substitute Michael Fedris squeezed past Özkan Yalçin and captain Ben Young to find himself one-on-one with Ray Winkett. The largely anonymous C&M ‘keepers suffered a sudden – but regrettably characteristic – rush of blood to the head and came out to meet the Cookeslandic striker. Clearly shocked himself; Fedris lacked the wits to easily walk around the stricken goalie, instead diving in studs first. One damaged Achilles later, and Winkett was stretchered off the pitch and out of the tournament. Luckily, Donnelly had neglected to make a third and final substitution; and Ethan Schepinov was able to play the remaining few minutes.

And so, C&M set up a semi-final clash with the hosts; in our less favoured gold kit; and with a horribly inexperienced teenager between the sticks. But whatever the result; a C&M representative side are through to the last four of a major international tournament. Whatever the howls of protest from other publications; surely this can only be seen as a very Good Thing indeed.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez U-21s 3
Edwards 16 and 62, Naylor pen 40

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/cookesland.png Cookesland U-21s 0

St Samuel

08-10-2007, 12:02

Semi Finals Results
Jeruselem vs Starblaydia 2-2 4-3 on penalties
St Samuel vs Candelaria And Marquez 3-3 2-3 on penalties

3rd Place Playoff
St Samuel vs Starblaydia

Final
Candelaria And Marquez vs Jeruselem

Jeruselem

08-10-2007, 14:38

OOC - OMG!

Fiskin Dallas was looking the Starblaydi keeper. For far too long, Jeruselem teams had been losing to the team in purple. She had just watched her keeper make a great save to keep the penalty count at 3 all. If she missed this, it would extend the torture. If she scored, Jeruselem would beat Starblaydia for the first time in quite a while.

In the U21 in Starblaydia, the Starblaydis had beaten them FOUR THREE in the second leg after drawing the first game. Fiskin was a bit jittery. Her famous Dallas predecessors like Dazza, Debbie, Rashina and Kate had failed ... would little Fiskin fail?

Fiskin was tired, with sore arm from getting knocked around and cramp in right leg. The joints were aching and the eyes were teary. She had to focus, she needed one good kick. The energy was sapping away as the stadium was dead silent. She looked at the small contingent of loyal Jeruselemites ... she had to kick this, failure was not an option here. It was now, she must break the curse.

She hadn't seen much of the Starblaydi keeper as she tended to be at the other end of the field. She looked and chose a risky strategy "Under the keeper", hoping the keeper would move away from the central spot. She prayed to God, and focussed.

The Starblaydi moved to left thinking she would plant one in the left corner like Dazza Dallas does but to the keepers dismay, the ball went straight and it was too late ... overcommitting left, the feet failed to connect the ball and the ball rolled into the net.

Fiskin stared in disbelief as the team rushed in. Jeruselem had beaten the team in purple, the small defender from the family of bimbos had finally done the impossible for the team. The team carried a screaming little Fiskin around the field. The team in purple were dismayed, Jeruselem beating Starblaydia in shoot-out! The odds were like 1000,000 to 1 in betting.

The small but vocal and mainly female Jeruselem fans screamed in excitment as the team carried little Fiskin around. The blue flags with the Lion of Jerusalem waved proudly as Jollie Jollie and her team savoured the win. Not since Women's World Cup 3 did this happen, and ironically it was a penalty shoot-out win.

The louder speak announced Candelaria And Marquez had beaten Cookesland. Jeruselem would be facing off with the C&M team. The girls from Jeruselem had performed a miracle, the purple curse was broken again. The nightclubs were filled with tipsy Jeruselemites later on, praising God and his little team of funny women. Who would think a bunch of French girls from Jeruselem, would be the ones!

Candelaria And Marquez

08-10-2007, 17:38

The Albrecht Herald
Schepin off but Luke nails it as Small Blues win game of the tournament
By Tracker Edwards

Who would have thought it possible that that ninety minutes – or one hundred and thirty, to be more accurate – of an international football match could have produced one of the greatest nights of drama in the country’s history? Heroes and villains are no longer forged on the battlefield, nor even in the minds of our authors past and present; but on the soccer field. And one more game from now – please not one as nerve shredding as this – this set of young players, heroes and villains alike, will have etched their names into the sporting history – nay, history full stop – of the Candelariasian people. Messers Schepinov, Naylor and Corradini already have.

It could hardly have been achieved in more dramatic style, more unlikely style. For if Candelaria And Marquez did not feel like underdogs on a post-demolition-of-Cookesland high; any delusions of favouritehood were exhausted upon walking into the Montgomery Arena. Forty-thousand fans packed the stadium to the rafters; and all but a thousand-or-so of them were cheering on the team in light blue. Luigi De Ribiera’s team had, every bit as much as Lloyd Donnelly’s, surpassed all expectation in making the last four, even on “home” territory, and more than a few Samuelonian had travelled from the mainland to support the future of their national team in semi-final action. Tucked up in a small corner; a few brave souls had made the journey from Albrecht International to Leonardo Della Piaro and on to Justantina Island, alongside a smattering of Little Habana natives who had adopted the Blues in Gold during the course of the competition. Overwhelmed, they must have felt very much alone. But they made plenty of noise, and there can be no doubting the inspiration that a few lone voices in the crowd gave to the C&M players. Do not doubt that there was a twelfth man yesterday when Reiban Okeke took hold on the ball little more than thirty seconds into the game, and caught sluggish Omar Nazzariam cold as ice.

Have no fear that those voices in the stands didn’t help lift Okeke’s ball beyond the heads of Salvatore Rocka and Luther Della Rosa. Make no mistake that when Rául Vélez broke past Della Rosa and the offside trap to leave him distantly one-on-one with Luca Biortello, his sturdy drive wasn’t willed into the net by a thousand shouts.

One minute of the Justantina Cup second semi-final had passed. Were in not for the valiant one thousand; you could’ve heard a pin drop.

But St Samuel had written their own script, and were determined that young Ethan Schepinov would play a central role. The local team had singled the MarquezOW bench-warmer out as C&M’s key point of weakness, and they had a point. The Small Blues were one-up but under the cosh, and the Samuelonian midfield began to find their feet almost instantly. When good work by Marco Di Helana finally elicited an effort on goal; Rocka’s shot was tame. But Schepinov’s parry was even weaker, and it fell to Costas De Manzouna to squeeze past the ineffectual challenge of Shane Avdeev and hit home from the barest distance.

The Samuel players had their heads up, and after such early promise C&M looked crestfallen. For the first time in their short history together, and even including the clash with Starblaydia, it seemed as though they had more than met their match. C&M’s formation began to look… well… utterly unclear; to players, management and viewers alike. The St Samuel team meanwhile were working together superbly, and few could have been surprised when Massimo Arquilla collected Carlos Van Alta’s well-placed header and squared for the storming Rocka. His finish was simple and unflashy, but Schepinov was left in a heap.

Rocka then found himself alone once again with only the ‘keeper to beat, but this time young Ethan made a worthy save. Sebastien Atalanta provided Arquilla with another opportunity on the half hour, but he blazed well over.

Who knows how St Samuel, tails up and bushy, didn’t find the net once more. But the scriptwriters just weren’t prepared to see one side dominate this game in scoreline as well as possession. So C&M rode their luck time and again – Ben Young and William Burgos playing out of their skins – and waited for the respite provided by half time.

When it came, Donnelly refused to press the panic button; sending out the same eleven players to right their previous wrongs. It was now a more traditional 4-4-2; Öskan Yalçin moved to midfield, Avdeev taking up his relinquished left-back role, Dean Wilson a make-shift defender. Suddenly, Ben Edwards was back on his preferred right-wing for the first time for several games. There was a partnership with Burgos waiting to be found anew, and heavens, didn’t they? For the first time; Nazzariam was looking nervous and C&M began to concentrate on the right flank. Before too long it paid off; Burgos finding Edwards yet again, who drove forward, jumped over Nazzariam’s desperate challenge and shot smartly at some angle past Biortello between the Samuel sticks.

Just a few minutes later; St Samuel were caught out by an almost identical move from the opposite side when Avdeev crossed for Yalçin. He had more than a little work left to do, but marched past Seth Justantinium, and fair belted it into the net.

The visitors had done it; the hopes of the hosts were quashed utterly. But of course, the script demanded it couldn’t end that way, and it fell to Schepinov’s inexperience to provide it. Matteo Corradini lost possession for C&M in midfield, and Atalanta was able to charge into the box, leaving Young and Wilson statuesque behind him. The nineteen-year-old goalie was the last man when he took Atalanta out. No one could argue with the penalty.

By this time, the worn out Vélez had departed for Jamie Rawlinson, Terence Johnson was on for Burgos, and Yalçin was sacrificed for Dave Walsh. Imogen Dacosta sat kicking her heels on the bench as Corradini donned Schepinov’s gloves and jersey, went between the sticks, and dived the wrong way.

Oh, they peppered the goal, and any other condiment you care to name. But Young was immense, Wilson unbeatable… and Corradini having the game of his life. This would be the second time he’d seen action as a goalkeeper, after a five minute stint for Albrecht earlier in the season. It would be the first time he’d keep a clean sheet.

And then there followed thirty minutes that went by like a blur, as two sides with nothing left to give slugged it out. Not long into extra time, the penalty-taker Arquilla received his second, well-earned yellow, and it was ten apiece. Though Naylor, Atalanta, Oscar De Noutica and Rawlinson had efforts, it would be the horror of penalties that would decide it. And C&M had midfielder Matteo Corradini in goal.

They shouldn’t have pulled it off. But perhaps the sheer size of the man put the willies up the Samuel players, for Corradini had not a save in anger to make as player after player in light blue failed to step up to Arquilla’s earlier example. And then Luke Naylor, frankly poor throughout this game, stepped up to the spot. Looked Luca Biortello in the eye.

And chipped it.

The C&M squad had the energy to celebrate, but little else. How much will this have taken out of them? And yet, Jeruselem are in the same boat, having come themselves out of a penalty-kick win. Clearly they will have the edge, both in personnel and experience. But if Donnelly’s Small Blues can come away from this game with a victory… Surely they can do anything?

And one final irony. The Jeruselem XI will be made up entirely of female players; such is their country’s dominance in that sector of the football market. But in two days time, they will be joined by another, as twenty-year-old goalkeeper Imogen Dacosta becomes the first woman to play for a C&M unisex representative side. In the final.

Now how’s that for scriptwriting?

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez U-21s 3
Vélez 1, Edwards 68, Yalçin 73

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/st samuel.png St Samuel U-21s 3
De Mazouna 9, Rocka 20, Arquilla pen 80

Starblaydia

08-10-2007, 20:41

Denied the Final!
Starblaydia lose in Semi

The last time these teams met in the Quarter-Finals of the Di Bradini Cup, Extra Time was required to separate the teams when at 2-2. Again, three years on, it was 2-2 at the end of ninety minutes and the dreaded 'AET' was to be added to the scoreline. This time, however, neither side managed to win the game with the extra half an hour of play, which meant only one thing: penalties.

Starblaydia had opened the scoring with the fourth goal of the tournament by Alfonso Di Angelo. Nearly half an hour into the match he pounced with a header from around the penalty spot after a cross from Jae Chang-hwa. Same old story, it seemed to be for Jeruselem as Starblaydia were ahead. It wasn't until just after the half-time break that the Croisés (isn't that part of a breakfast menu? - Ed.) gave the scoreboard something to do. Nicole Kisan did a bit to get the 'Allez les bleus pastelles' chants going from the comparatively tiny Jeruselem fans' section.

The white and purple completely dominated the crowds, but on the pitch it was another matter as Jeruselem's all-female team began to get on truly equal terms with Starblaydia's mixed side. So much so, in fact, that when Starblaydi Captain Kwame Jabir drilled the ball in low from just outside the area to make the game Two-One, it was against the run of play. The Jersuelem response to it was swift and devastating. Starblaydia had less than five minutes to enjoy their lead.

Young Stephie Barthez, younger even than 16 year-old Starblaydi Jae Chang-hwa, got Jeruselem's second equalising goal after sixty-six minutes. That's how it stayed for the rest of the half, and indeed through Extra Time as neither goalie found their net breached in the two hour period.

Hinkonnen scored, Di Angelo scored, Chang-hwa missed, Canildo scored and Gomes missed. Then one of the Dallas production line scored, it seems that you can't play a Jeruselem side without a Dallas in it, it's in their contract somewhere. Either way, Starblaydia were put into the match no-one wants to play: the losers' play-off. A match which, in fact, Starblaydia have a history of winning. Whether that's a good thing or not, we're not sure. On five separate occasions Starblaydia took bronze in the Under-21 World Cup, and they also finished third just three years ago in their inaugural Di Bradini Cup.

History looks good for this team, one who can surely go on to great things in the future. Their first step will be to take a third place in this tournament. Can they triumph against the hosts? Apollina Iakovakis isn't making any guarantees this time, for sure.

Final score:
Jeruselem 2 - 2 Starblaydia (AET, FT 2-2)
(Kisan 47, Barthez 66) - (Di Angelo 28, Jabir 61)
Jeruselem wins 4-3 on penalties

Candelaria And Marquez

09-10-2007, 11:12

The Albrecht Herald Online/Sport/Football/Breaking News

C&M Under-21 coach Lloyd Donnelly seemed in buoyant mood ahead of his side’s Justantina Cup final clash with the young ladies of Jeruselem. Though keen to portray his side as “major underdogs”, Donnelly insisted that “I’ve always said that this is a very, very special group of players we’ve got here. We’ve got every right to feel quietly confident.”

If C&M travelling fans will be well outnumbered by Jeru supporters; they will get no small amount of backing from back home with viewing figures on TV1 likely to surpass the record for an international sporting event set during Quintin Wright’s Grand Prix win in Cyclonesville.

Donnelly has however pulled a few surprises for the final, leaving out star of the last few games Dean Wilson to accommodate a version of the simple 4-4-2 that proved so successful against St Samuel. The changes see Imogen Dacosta get her first star in goal with Ray Winkett injured and Ethan Schepinov suspended; a back four of William Burgos, Ben Young (c), Shane Avdeev and Karl McDonald; midfield of Ben Edwards, Matteo Corradini, Reiban Okeke and Öskan Yalçin; and Rául Vélez and Luke Naylor up front

St Samuel

09-10-2007, 19:12

3rd Place Playoff
St Samuel vs Starblaydia 2-4

Final
Candelaria And Marquez vs Jeruselem 1-3

Jeruselem

10-10-2007, 00:40

OOC First cup I've won since WWC5!

It was the International Justantina U-21 Cup final. The two teams Candelaria And Marquez and Jeruselem ran out with confidence. Bookies favoured the girls from Jeruselem even though they were missing the Princess and her co-hort. It was a tough game with the Crusader girls fighting hard gain the ascendency.

C&M proved hard to break down in the first half with the potent Jeruselem attack managing only one goal and concediing a goal after a Fiskin Dallas indiscretion allowed C&M to get an advantageous free kick. She later said "Hey, it was only a little nudge! I'm not that Sheela woman in He-Man!"

In the second half, Jeruselem used it's superior passing game to baffle C&M. The same type game that used by the official World Cup team, the girls slowly wore down C&M who allowed holes to appear in the defense as both teams pressed for the winning goal.

Kara Kool scored for Jeruselem after making a break and showed off some of her "I'm better than Dazza slut" skills to run down the field and beat the defense. Nicole Kisan finished off the C&M team with a header later.

When the whistle blew Jeru fans went wild as the Jeruselem flag was waved around, and Jeru girls in crowd acted like hormonal schoolgirls. Once again, the kids from Jeruselem were the best around and it was the U21 female team at that. The team from C&M deserved to be in the final but it was the World Cup training experience provided by the former World Cup captain who was the Jeruselem coach which proved the difference.

Vanek Drury Brieres

10-10-2007, 01:25

OOC: Jeez-I missed the whole thing! *hits head hard*

Jeruselem

10-10-2007, 01:52

OOC: Jeez-I missed the whole thing! *hits head hard*

OOC - Don't feel bad, the cup winner (me :D) and the 4th placed hosts were in your group.

Candelaria And Marquez

10-10-2007, 16:11

“…finally put a stop to these inane delusions that Candelariasian women are, for now, capable of playing alongside men at the highest level of the international game,” Daniel Martino, Principal Private Secretary to the Candelaria And Marquez Minister for Rational Thought, read out to his boss. “That’s from the Herald. Well, the editorial; Tracker Edwards’s a bit nicer. Um… Oh, Mac Allister Martinovic in the Daily News reckons her inclusion in the squad ‘smacked of the wooden talons of political correctness’…”

“Gosh. That’s an odd metaphor…” Lyndon Hernández, the aforementioned MoRT, muttered. His eyes stayed glued to the plasma screen on the wall; and he winced as Imogen Dacosta fumbled Nicole Kisan’s weak headed effort. For the fortieth time that evening, the ball trickled over the line and the Jeruselem youngsters celebrated their third goal. “Hasn’t anyone had a good word to say about the poor girl?” Hernández asked.

“Not really. They’ve all been very well behaved.”

They watched yet another re-play of the Jeruselem opener, as Dacosta lunged for the ball from Sally O’Hara’s corner. She missed utterly; Sheepukan Fox easily knocking her strike past Shane Avdeev’s desperate attempt at the goal line clearance.

“Dan… You don’t think she piled it on a little too much, do you? She was specifically instructed to be realistically bad.”

“I reckon she was faultless, gaffer, if you see what I mean. Cheer up, sir. Everything worked perfectly. We reached the final–”

“Which they weren’t supposed do to, Dan. The last thing we needed was a C&M side actually having a shot at winning something. That’d open up a whole ‘nother kettle of worms.”

“To be fair, I don’t think Mr. Donnelly could’ve counted on his players doing quite so well. Or having such a relatively easy run to the final, either.”

“On penalties, Dan. They say it’s a lottery, don’t they? I don’t like leaving this sort of thing to chance…”

“Never-the-less; young Ethan did his job perfectly. The team gets to the final, are marginally outplayed by Jeruselem but ultimately hold their own, and could well have emerged victories were it not for a bumbling young woman in goal. The unfortunate, but thankfully disregarded, fact that the entire Jeruselem squad was female aside… I’d say it couldn’t have got better. Another – what was it?- ‘inane delusion’ put to bed for now. And young Miss Dacosta can grow fat off Ministry funding. Everyone’s a winner.”

“Gosh, fabulously wealthy and a social pariah. What a lucky girl.”

“She knew what she was getting in to, sir. You’re just overtired, sir, if you don’t mind me saying. It’ll all seem alright come the morning.”

“No, you’re quite right, Dan. As ever.” Hernández yawned. “Well, talking of putting things to bed, I should go and get some shut-eye. Rosie’ll be tapping her foot and tutting. Just remember to give me a buzz if we get Miceland, Ulzaxid or something equally awful in the Harmony, yeah?”

His tall, pallid PA nodded. “Of course, sir. Sleep well.”

NationStates Jolt Archive

The International Justantina U-21 Cup (RP/Rosters/Scores)