26th of June, 2016
Authored by TNC Media Writer, Kasch. True Sebland 2 - 1 Kaschovia
What a shocker! The host nation of the tournament has been defeated in the opening game of the cup! Two well-worked goals from the True Sebland attacking force managed to shut down the Kaschovian team and split through the defense. A beautiful chipped goal from Max Delatte, and a 6-yard tap in from defender Jerome Didier ensured that the Kaschovians were not getting off the hook easy. Late into the match, it looked as if they might make a comeback, but it was short lived after their sloppy goal 85 minutes into the game. Not much to be proud of, but a great start for Group A favourites, True Sebland!
IndieGirl United 1 - 1 Antarticeuropa
This was quite a boring match to watch, with just two goals coming from their opening games. AE Looked the stronger side in the first half, and the match was going in their favour. But it slipped towards the end when IGU striker Lincoln Teller took a well-timed opportunity and slotted the first goal into the bottom left corner of the net. Going into injury time, AE defender Jeptha Bartosz headed the equaliser home and ensured that AE would not be joining Kaschovia at the bottom of the Group.
Naizerre 2 - 1 Ceretis
What a game! There wasn't a point in this match where we weren't ready to jump out of our seats and celebrate! Non-stop action, box to box! Ceretis opened the match with a stunning 33-yard free kick 12 minutes in, but Naizerre was not ready to give up just yet. Just after half time, at 52 minutes, striker Tomas Lubusic produced a brilliant set piece corner goal, opening the floodgates for more attacking opportunity. In extra time, with just 25 seconds left in the game, Joselu Nbime, the promising Naizerre midfielder, managed to squirm his way through the Ceretis defense and put it past the keeper. Legendary moments out here at Kerat Park.
Serwall 1 - 0 Aragnatim
If there was one thing to say about this game, it is this: Watching paint dry would have been more entertaining. Not to insult the players, but both defenses were so equally strong that it would eventually take 88 minutes for Serwall to break through and score. Who else could it have been, other than Yevhen Levic? The tall and quick Serwallian striker found his chance when a well-placed cross entered the box, he managed to climb up high enough to reach the ball. It looped the keeper and dropped slowly into the goal, defenders clambering back to try and clear it.
Lorbank 3 - 2 The Unliving Experiment
Possibly the match of the day, Lorbank and TUE battled it out for the whole 90 minutes and it was only a badly given penalty that saved Lorbank from a draw. 22 minutes in, Lorbankian midfielder Martin le Roy blasted a long range power shot into the top left corner, beating the defense and the goalkeeper as it skimmed the inside of the post to make it one-nil. TUE responded almost instantly with a great piece of passing play, putting striker Avdotya Ayton through on goal. The finish was clinical and precise, planting the ball deep into the bottom right corner of the net. Two goals in quick succession came for both sides, at 41 & 44 minutes. TUE defender Delmar Bonham headed a strong cross ball into the back of the net, the score, however, was changed just 3 minutes later when TUE conceded a penalty on a fast Lorbank counter attack. The first half had passed, and it was 2 all.
The second half was more defensive, with each side trying their best to stop a late winner. Lorbank was not ready to give up just yet and launched a lethal counter attack as the digital clock reached 89 minutes. Lorbank striker Wifred Ritchie mustered enough stamina to beat the line of defense and create the opportunity. The keeper rushed out to try and save the defense, but Ritchie took the ball beyond him and passed it into the net. One-half of the crowd were distraught, and the other was ecstatic, jumping and cheering as the sun set over Del Grandiosa.
Sadakoyama 1 - 0 Malphe
This tie was quite the opposite of what we saw with Lorbank and TUE. This game was a lot more defensive, with fewer chances being created, fewer shots on target and more even possession of the ball. It was noted that the Sadakhan players were conserving their energy for what seemed like an eternity.
But patience was to be victorious, as Sadakhan striker Nicolau Portner broke into the 12-yard box and fired the winner home 76 minutes in. A loud cheer could be heard echoing through Halveras Stadium as the players celebrated and continued to play. Malphean fans were clearly upset, but showed their pride and sung their hearts out until the final whistle.
Kialga-Lourti 2 - 1 Praeceps
Deep into this game, a lot of players were feeling the heat and could not perform well enough to even out the scores. 38 minutes in, Kialgan striker Casey Buckley struck the ball hard into the center of the goal as the keeper failed to handle the oncoming shot well enough. Refusing to take the loss, the Praecepsian players tried their damn hardest to get back into the game. A beautifully placed strike, 80 minutes in, showed a slither of hope for Praeceps. Late into injury time, Casey Buckley won a penalty and calm as ever, placed the ball high into the roof of the net, making sure that Praeceps don't get away with a draw.
Xentherida 0 - 1 Northern Scovia
Xentherida showed us everything they have in this game, proving that if you put in enough hard work and effort, it won't be easy for the opposition to get a goal. The losing defense showed real passion and dedication that we haven't seen much of today. But the Northern Scovian attack showed that they too would not go down without a serious brawl. At about 65 minutes in, Northern Scovian attacker, Andrew Habsburg, fired a low and hard shot past the keeper and into the bottom left corner, winning the game for the team.
