Goyanes 2019 CEFA World Cup | Results + News

Vincent Küpfer –– 15 July 2019

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GOJANNESSTAD, NY, GOYANES –– After two matches, the Blue Cocos have secured their spot in the Round of 16 and are actually the first team in the tournament to do so mathematically. Following the big win over Ponterre on Thursday, Eric Wehr opted to rotate many key first-team players. Alexís started on the bench and did not see the field. In his place, Alex Weißkopf stepped in, while Arne Havenstein was once again given the nod, this time from the start. Although the sixteen-year-old was substituted at the interval, the Capital FC forward made the most of his time on the field. He scored two goals, both off of set pieces, between the 22nd and 31st minutes. Thomas Elser got the assist of the first by provided the crossed free-kick, while Samy Chase's corner kick skimmed off of Marko Mertz's head before finding Havenstein for the tap in at the back post. He had a chance for the hattrick when a volley in the 41st minute rattled the cross back, but it was cleared well by the Astragon defender. A collision in first-half stoppage time involving Havenstein left Cocos fans worried, and he was subbed in a precautionary move. It has now been confirmed that the young striker only picked up a minor knock and will be available for the next match.

Although the opposition in Group B hasn't been the stiffest, the good run of form bodes well going into the final group match against Craviteran minnows Essalanea. The Scarlet Horde are punching way above their weight at this tournament, going undefeated after two matches, and while they have certainly improved since the 3-0 and 6-0 routs in qualifying, Highton should still dismantle them easily. Essalanea has a strong defense but are very weak in the attacking third. They are yet to concede a goal after two clean sheets against Astragon and Ponterre but have also only managed to find the back of the net once. Highton comes into the game knowing even just a draw will secure first place in the group, though, so expect a mixed starting eleven. It will be essential that the big stars like Alexís, Vard, and Rossi will all be fresh going into the Round of 16 match, so they may not go the full 90.

Highton (5-2-3): Checker-7; Schußer-7, Elsner-8 (A-22), Mertz-8 (A-31), Küpfer-6, Júnior-6 (Zagovic-80); Chase-7, Müller-7 (Wenzel-76); Cornes-6 (Y-83), Weißkopf-5, Haverstein-9 (G-22,31) (Lettman-45). Ersatzstoffe: Lettman-5, Wenzel-6, Zagovic-7. Unbenutzte Ersatzstoffe: Heath, Vogt, Brown, Männ, Rossi, Vard, Alexís, Thiel, Galeta

Spoiler: aleman translations

Spielerbewertungen = Player Ratings
Highton : Astragonien = Highton vs Astragon
Ersatzstoffe = Substitutes
Unbenutzte Ersatzstoffe = Unused Substitutes

RAP.pe

Predice beats Xentherida 3-1

MUKAKSTAD, DÅ, GOYANES -- Predice has just beaten Xentherida 3-1. Predice's victory has propelled Predice into the second place in Group A. Let's recount the game's goals and after that an interview with the Coach.

The game had a good start for Predice; at the 23rd minute Predice scored. The rest of the first half saw Predice on the constant offensive. The second half also saw Predice on the offensive, which saw a Predicean goal at the 54th minute. Xentherida attempted a counteroffensive, which was almost parried, but Xentherida managed to score at the 77th minute. This 2-1 situation lasted until the 87th minute when Predice scored goal number 3.

Interview with Giulio Pegerino
Q: You smoke during games including this one. Why?
A: The First Half was initially stressful, but as you saw, after the 23rd minute I didn't pick up a cigarette.
Q: What could the Golden Eagles done better?
A: I am generally very happy with their performance. The Xentheridan counteroffensive could have been parried better, but otherwise it was great.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming game with Ascalon?
A: I feel great, we are ready to win.
Q: So as you know, one of your former colleagues, Enrico De Goldi is working for the Essalanean team. Do you think that he can build up the team?
A: He built the Predicean National Team essentially from scratch back in 2010. I am sure he can do the same in Essalanea.

Giulio will be leading his team into the next game with Ascalon on July 19th

SPORTSNET-Big Blue triumphant in 2019 World Cup's Transocean Classic
Thor Andreasson -- July 15, 2019
GORLINGSTAD, NYHETT- Big Blue reigned triumphant after the Transocean Classic against Ascalon. The score was 3-0 at halftime and 5-0 at the end. Captain Admusson (12' and 15'), Nyberg (25'), and backups Bredesson (45') and Nordhus (57') scored the goals for the team, advancing Goyanes to tie the top spot in the standings for Group A with Predice. Ascalon failed to provide a proper defense against Big Blue, and the results were known.

Coach Hannan commented to GRK Sportsnet after the match that "hype is nothing. We have to keep on rolling with our practice and efforts as a team." It seems "hype is nothing" is one of his favorite phrases, encouraging players to live up to the high expectations of the team. It has gained a following with Goyanean soccer fans, some even spelling the phrase out on their chests with body paint.

Captain Admusson was ecstatic after the game. "Finally, a solid win for the team," he said, adding that "we need to keep on doing what we're doing so that we can take Goyanean soccer to a new level of prestige and popularity. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

You can catch Big Blue back on the field on July 19 against Xentherida at Jårnbrau Stadium in Dagenfjord, Sørnen.

As always, you can stay updated on www.grk.gj/sportsnet, and games will be streaming live on GåGRK, GRK1 and GRKSport. The complete schedule of all games, as well as real-time results, can be found here at this official link to the CEFA website.

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Vikings Prepare for a Tough Game

The Andrennian National Team has managed to squeeze into 2nd place in Group F, but can it maintain that position or even better- Move into 1st? Most fans say yes and the team agrees, as you'd expect. But morale isn't everything. Lanceria won their game against Guslantis 3-1. Andrenne won their game against Ulstome 1-0. It won't be an easy match between Andrenne and Lanceria, that's for sure, but the performance from Andrenne so far has been fantastic, it's defense in particular has seemed very strong. Coach Aarnveldiir seems to think that if nothing else, it's one of the things Andrenne's team really has going for it, according to an interview after the match with Ulstome.

"Our boys-- They've got a really tight knit defense. We're working on our offense, truth be told, but that defense and our amazing goalie have proven to be a huge asset so far. Let's hope our defenders can keep the ball away and in any case that [Johann] Vestarsson can keep them from scoring too much. But you know, even if we lose this team takes it's loses well, it's got great morale and we'll only learn from our mistakes if things end up going awry. But you know we all try to make sure that doesn't happen, obviously, we learn from our victories too..."

So will it's iron defense be enough to keep Lanceria at bay? We'll only be able to find out when we tune in later today, so keep those screens on and your eyes peeled. ANN will keep all of you football fans out there posted on the play-by-play during the match so make sure you tune in too.

Article by Johann Yyldirsson

"We are here at Jean's Barber Shop in Essling today with long-time football fan Jean Gaudreaunais. As you can see all around me there are posters of a variety of Lancerian football players here dating back to when the shop was first opened in the eighties."
The camera pans to an older man cutting someone's hair.
" Jean is currently delivering free haircut number 79 of 100 that he's promised to give for every Lancerian win at the World Cup. Jean is a self-described superfan with the roster memorized by heart as well as players, clubs, a variety of stats, and has even given haircuts to several team members who have stopped to visit this special fan. There are autographed jerseys and posters here are game used balls."

The reporter re-enters the frame.

"Jean do you think the Lancerian team can go far?"

Yes absolutely they have all the right pieces. I am confident they can go the distance, finding their form and synergy. I've seen Lancerian football for as long as I can remember and I have the highest hopes for this year's stellar squad."

Jean has a special connection to this year's team Mac Rebenac shared in Jean's admiration fir the sport here in Lanceria and frequented this shop for haircuts growing up. The style that Mac is currently wearing was cut right here at the shop just prior to the team's journey to Goyanes. Jean already has a special gift from Mac from this year's tournament, an autographed jersey that has taken a place of high honor right above his barber's chair."

The reporter takes a step towards the camera.

"His enthusiasm radiates from many in the Empire today and all eyes will be on their next game this evening."

This is RAP Sport
Hello from Goyanes! I am Maria De Luca for RAP Sport. The Golden Eagles are poised to make it into the Round of 16. They have shown great performance so far. The only way that Predice will fail to make it in will be if Xentherida manages to upset Goyanes, and if Ascalon wins. Predide after making it into the Round of 16 would likely face Ceretis. A very tough game, however winnable. The Round of 16 will generally be extremely tough for Predice, however if the start is anything to go by, then it may just be possible for Predice to go through. With a decent outlook for the future, Predice continues her quest to move forward. That is all for now. Bcak to the Studio.

On sports news, The Predicean Football Federation has announced its longer outlook to make Predice into a World Class football country by 2021. This includes significant funding to attract foreign players, as well as increasing the usage of Mercanti. That is all for now.

by Gérard-Hugues Barbizet in Hirendag
16 July 2019 - 2212h
HIRENDAG (Goyanes) - The Santonian football team managed to salvage a draw against Skanda earlier today, thanks to a heroics by Kévin-Ardouin Cremillieux, who made his first hat-trick in his international career.

The Red Devils were the first to score, when Cremillieux propelled a long pass from Jérôme-Thibault Jasseron on the 17^th minute. The Skandans equalised on the 37^th minute, after sneaking a goal past the double-teamed Florian Blaquart.

Cremillieux got his revenge again on the 39^th minute, taking advantage of another Jasseron pass and stealthily passing through three Skandan defenders. The halftime score was 1:2.

However, the tide began to turn in the second half, when another Blaquart foul resulted into a penalty kick award to the Wayfinders. Goalkeeper Bruno-Patrice Cuisance narrowly missed the ball going into the top right corner, and the Skandans equalised on the 50^th minute.

The Skandans upped the ante with a surprise long goal on the 56^th minute, and now it was the Red Devils who are behind. On the 60^th minute, coach Frédéric Janvion substituted Blaquart, on the verge of getting a red card, with the more solid Joël-Gilbert Duranton. Duranton and fellow defenders Charles-Adam Witz and Albéric Barreau gave no ground to the Skandans, and team captain Jasseron, while technically a midfielder, joined twice in the defence of the Santonian half.

Janvion made another substitution on the 74^th minute, replacing midfielder Jean-Raoul Bobichon with Daniel-Florent Pajot. Pajot and Jasseron, who played together in the Olympique Nyonnais youth system, took the ball to the Skandan side for the rest of the game. However, their heroics went to naught. The Santonian forwards were stymied by the Skandan defence and goalkeeper, blocking multiple shots by Cremillieux, Matthieu-Donatien Kerbriant, and even an attempted long goal by Pajot.

Despite the Pajot-Jasseron-Cremillieux trio threatening the Skandans several times, their multiple attempts in kicking the ball into the net were denied by the resolute Skandan defence. Two goals, an overhead kick by Cremillieux on the 79^th minute and a header by Kerbriant on the 83^rd minute, were disallowed by the referee, much to the heckling of the Santonians in the audience.

The Red Devils succeeded right on the last minute. On the 89^th minute, Kerbriant and Tristan-Lambert Saint-Huile managed to distract the Skandan defence as Jasseron made an unexpected pass to Cremillieux, who lobbed the ball into the net. The game ended 3:3.

Match Stats

translation by Hunter Kidlington de Collobrières
17 July 2019 - 0822h

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OOC Note: Post approved by Skanda.

Lancerians Qualify With 2nd 3-1 Win
Ashlynn Hillaire
July 18th, 2019

Les Chasseues qualified after yesterday's game, allowing them certain advancement to the next round of the World Cup. The only debate now is where exactly they finish in their group, but experts agree they are likely to be the winners of group F after the solid defeat of Andrenne.

Mac Rebenac picked up his third goal of the competition continuing a strong Worlds debut much to the enthusiasm of fans everywhere. The only other goal of the game was picked up by forward Troy Goulet. Offense has so far been the star, keeping the score comfortably ahead. The defensive corps has been relatively solid adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of backup Alfred Grenier as a prime focus of the qualifying rounds in preparation for the knockouts later on. He provided a more stable and collected game 2, keeping out most shots and only allowing a well-placed late game goal. There is expected to be an announcement tomorrow or on game day about the status of former starting goaltender Marsilius Bordeleau. Despite his absence fans are slowly getting more comfortable with Grenier showing more and more flashes of his former Championship self as the spotlight is thrust upon him.

Their final qualifying round game is against Ulstone on the 21st.

by Daniel Damme in Saintes
17 July 2019 - 1700h
SAINTES –Despite only managing a draw against Skanda yesterday, the Santonian internet was awash with excitement and admiration for the man of the game, Kévin-Ardouin Cremillieux.

The injured midfielder Jonathan Jeandupeux led the Twitcher accolade, sending the message from his hospital bed:

Jonathan Jeandupeux
@JonathanJeandupeux

@KACremillieux: Super boulot !

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
455,945 ~ 3,150,222

06:44 PM - 16 July 2019

Click to expand...

Alexandre-Stachys de Beaucroissant, a former Red Devil and now the Santonian Minister of Culture and Sport, chimed in:

Alexandre-Stachys de Beaucroissant
@AlexBeaucroissant

VIVE LE COUP DU CHAPEAU!

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
922,150 ~ 4,623,225

06:50 PM - 16 July 2019

Click to expand...

"LONG LIVE THE HAT TRICK!"

Even his fellow minister made an out-of-character tongue-in-cheek comment:

Marc-Maëlmon de Liescoët
@AmiralDeLiescoet

Voici ton nouveau héro de guerre !

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
2,325,889 ~ 9,884,658

07:15 PM - 16 July 2019

Click to expand...

”Behold your new war hero!”
That post came from the 67-year old Santonian Minister of Defence, Marc-Maëlmon de Liescoët, which quickly became viral. Comments included:

Charles-Austremoine de Villespin
@CAVilles

“Maréchal de Saintonge?”

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
523,669 ~ 1,110,258

07:20 PM - 16 July 2019

Click to expand...

“Field marshal of Saintonge?”

A more solid formation
The Santonian national team, struggling against Prydania and Skanda, may have finally hit a “sweet spot” in the latter part of yesterday’s game. According to veteran football analyst Marc-Aurèle Sorbon, “replacing the more physical Descoteaux, Bobichon, and Blaquart with the more intellectual and technical Jasseron, Pajot, and Duranton enabled the Santonians leave the problems of the midfield behind and concentrate on attacking with their great forwards.”

“The game is not won on brawn alone, but on brains too,” said former Red Devils player Thierry-Hugues Couillard. “Jasseron and Pajot had a long history together, and their playing style jived with each other’s. They make a great pair.”

Sorbon also praised Jasseron and Pajot, adding that, “they are now part of the most viable formation Saintonge has. It enables the forwards to shine. If Jeandupeaux was there, he’d be a good addition to the pair.”

As for the forwards, “Cremillieux has great potential, which we saw blossoming with his hat-trick. Kudos to Kerbriant and Saint-Huile as well – they did not allow the pursuit of glory to come in the way of scoring goals – and indeed they helped the golden boy score in this game.”

translation by Hunter Kidlington de Collobrières
18 July 2019 - 1021h

Ulstome Sport

During a close game against Guslantis in the Admiral Fannin Arena arena, Ulstome has scored its first goal of the world cup. The Goal came in the 91st minute from the star striker Alexander Porterson after what the supporters believed was Ulstome's last attempt to score of the match when Gregory Varson's header sent the Ulstome corner over the cross bar. The game looked as if it would finish in a draw with neither team having scored a goal and Ulstome's position in the group uncertain. As the excitement of the Ulstome crowds died down as what they hoped to be their winning goal resulted in air the team moved back, ready to make sure they don't concede a last minute goal.

When the keeper took the goal kick and the ball went flying back into play, Varson, making up for his miss at the goal managed to jump high and get his head on the ball when it came down and sent it back into Ulstome possession. Conner Garson quickly ran with it, moving up the pitch as he managed to get past two opposing midfielders before sending an incredible through-ball to Porterson who now past the opposing defenders moved into the box. With the keeper rushing him 1 on 1 Porterson took the shot, sending the ball flying pass the keeper and into the back of the net, sending the Ulstome crowd into a excitement.

Both teams played excellently, giving their all into creating such an excellent game. Will Ulstome be victorious in their game against Lanceria or will they need to hope that luck is on their side.

Cojedes Broadcasting Corporation:

The Striking Cojedans have one game left and they must make an amazing comeback tomorrow during the game at Jårnbrau Stadium against Archegnum. This cup has not been a good run for the Cojedan team and nation as they have lost 0-1 in the first match and 0-3 in the second. We spoke with coach Armando Rubio who told our reporters that the team was very upset with the way the results were going and were beating themselves up hard over it. "Our team has definitely realized that they could do a lot better. We have spoken with several national leaders, including President Andrea Lacasa, who told us that even though she has been shocked by the results, that she is hopeful the team will make a comeback against Archegnum." We also spoke to Captain Valentino Carbonara who stated that after this world cup, that he will officially be retiring from International play. "It has been a hard decision for me to make, but I believe that time has come for me to retire. I didn't want the end of my career to end this way, but it is what it is. We will go out there and play Archegnum as best we can and we will play hard against the team till the very end."

Here at home in Cojedes, people are preparing to watch the final match of the group stage, with watch parties being set up in Rosario and Heravion. Mayor of Rosario, Micaela Saavedra, announced early this morning that the city will be holding a party in the Rosario International Business District, free to the public. "This will be the first watch party that we will have in the new district. We will be setting up tents across the district and will also provide food and water to the public who decide to show up for the game. We look forward to seeing the community unite to support our national team." The city of Heravion will be keeping a regional tradition and will host a watch party in the Municipal Arena, where all Cojedan National Team games are showcased on a regular basis. The Mayor of the city said he hopes there will be an amazing turnout. In the city of Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, sports bar owner Roman Berganza said he is expecting a huge turnout and that his bar is ready for all fans. "We have room for up to 500 people and we will serve them all. We want everyone to beat the heat, come out, and watch the game. Go Cojedes!"

From all of us here at CBC, we wish The Striking Cojedans the best of luck! Go Cojedes Go!

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:


FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:

[/CENTER]

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by Prakash Patel in Pataliputra
July 17, 2000

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DAGENFJORD, GOYANES - At Jårnbrau Stadium earlier today, the Imperial Lions did the unthinkable and beat the Demescian national team, putting the as-of-yet undefeated Lions one game away from complete group stage victory. Just in the first half, the Lions showed results, moving quickly to make what would go on to be the game-winning goal as Sasalak passed to forward Gurpreet Singh, who then scored against the Demescian goalkeeper.

However, in the 67th minute, the Lions showed that no guards were to be let down just due to their lead, as Rohan Sharma, with a fast kick, lobbed the ball into the net, bringing the score to the final 2-0. The resulting victory was not a major shock, but it was a shock nonetheless and a major morale-booster for Lions fans across Empire and Commonwealth. Demescia, widely seen as the toughest nut to crack in Group E, was indeed cracked, all but guaranteeing the Empire a spot in the Round of 16.

Though swimming- whether competitive or not- has always been the favorite sport of most Home Islanders, soccer has thrived in the Empire, particularly in the Collandrian territories, where it is the largest sport in the region. In recent years, soccer has also become increasingly popular in the Home Islands, but at a slow rate; however, thanks to this year's World Cup, that rate has reached a fever pitch with more Lions fans watching and buying merchandise now than ever before.

This enthusiasm may soon be confirmed, as on Sunday, the Lions play Callise in a game that is widely expected to be an Imperial victory due to the Calliseans' abysmal performance thus far, failing to win a single game and making only one score. The game will be available on IBC and GBK; as well as all associated networks, along with VidCast.

Translation by Vijay Dongre
July 17, 2000

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by Prakash Patel in Pataliputra
July 19, 2000

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Following yesterday's strong 2-0 victory over Demescia, the attention of many Lions fans turned to the Round of 16, to start on July 25th, due to the poor performance thus far from the Callisean national team, the Lions' next opponents. In particular, fans are speculating on the Empire's odds against Saintonge, widely projected to be the Empire's opponent on July 28th, in the final game of the Round of 16.

Saintonge's team has suffered hard during the group stage, losing two games and bringing the third- against Skanda- to a draw at 3-3 in the final minute of that game. However, following the game with Skanda, the Saintonge team has brought three new players into the game- defender Joël-Gilbert Duranton and midfielders Jérôme-Thibault Jasseron and Daniel-Florent Pajot. It's speculated that these more technical, intellectual players will pose a challenge to the Empire's similar playstyle.

Speaking to the media in an interview yesterday, head coach Suresh Reddy responded to the flurry of discussion, saying, "When it comes to our team, we're going to take it one game at a time. Right now we are not focused on Saintonge. We are focused on Callise. Looking at the statistics, I am confident we will take down both. So what we will do is go from one country to the next, to the next, and so on. And we will win. Call me a fool, but the great tragedy of soccer is that some believe it is less simple."

Unsuspectedly, the "one game at a time" quip, has coupled with Reddy's- as some claim- less than emotional demeanor to cause the unleashing of yet more memes from the Imperial corner of the Internet. Some fans both online and off have taken to calling him Andhere Prabhu - the "Dark Lord"- a nickname that itself has spread like wildfire. In a World Cup full of twists and turns, it remains to be seen whether the "Dark Lord" will lead the Lions to victory against Callise, but audiences, analysts, and team members and administration alike seem optimistic- an optimism Reddy shares.

The Empire's game against Callise will be played on Sunday, July 21st, and will be available on IBC and GBK; as well as all associated networks, along with VidCast.

Translation by Vijay Dongre
July 19, 2000

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Bordeleau Injury Nags On
Arnaud Gauthier,
July 20th, 2019

The final roster announcement for the next game reveals that the lower body injury to Marsilius Bordeleau will keep him out of play once again. Coach Dupere finally commented today, saying that Grenier was his focus, and went on to imply that Bordeleau may not be able to suit up any time soon.

Grenier opened with a shaky start on Saturday allowing one easy goal and making several desperate saves but settled it down in the second half, ultimately limiting the squad from Guslantis to one goal. On Wednesday, he looked considerably calmer in the spotlight against Andrenne limiting them to one goal as well. At 38, many are now relying on the veteran's club championship experience and squad mentorship shining through his older age to lead the team to victories.

Bordeleau's history of lower-body injuries was a concern seemingly mistakenly dismissed by coaching staff going into this campaign.

Only time will tell if Bordeleau's injury completely removes him from the tournament, and how well Grenier fills his shoes. Even then, an interesting debate may arise if Bordeleau can return, but late enough that Grenier has stolen back the spot and the team becomes used to his play-style.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Lancerian football.

Mixing up the lineup?

Following the performance of the Ulstome team in their last two games with their lose in their first match against Andrenne followed by a last minute win against Guslantis in their second, it is to little surprise of anyone when images of a changed lineup have been leaked, especially with the upcoming game against Lanceria who has dominated Group F. The leak showed a change in Ulstome's team from its 5-3-2 that it has used in its previous towards a more offensive team with a 3-4-3 formation.



The change in formation and lineup shows that the manager has decided to place experience over youth in Ulstome's next match with some of the teams youngest players such as Riston and Garson were replaced for their more experienced team mates Opsal and Ojlan, who have been on the team for several more years than their their team mates, they will surely make their presence felt on the pitch during their next game.

But will this lineup be effective in their next game or would the defensive formation used before have been a better choice? We will see when the next match is over.

Anette Leth is with Prydanian team captain Peter Bach and Kurt Mørch, both wearing national team warmup gear.

"Peter, Kurt, how's the team preparing to deal with the Skandans?"

Kurt Mørch is pacing and he stops only to look into the camera and utter a single phase before he resumes his pacing.

"Not talking!"

Peter Bach just smirks and replies before Anette can respond to Mørch's out-there response.

"Look Anette, the Skandans always talk a big game! It's what they do. It's what socialists do, Anette! Thing is, we know that game all too well in Prydania! Don't we Kurt?"

"Not talking!"

"He's focused Anette, and so am I, and so is the rest of the team! If the Skandans want to talk big and come at us head on? Good! We'll smash them up front and jam them up the middle because Anette?! That's how this team plays! We go all in every night, only tonight? We might have something extra to prove! Right Kurt?"

"NOT TALKING!"

"Alright! Let's do this!"

Back and Mørch leave to rejoin in their team for pre-match preparations as Anette addresses the camera.

"This has been Anette Leth, reporting from the Prydanian National Team Camp, for the 2019 World Cup."

FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:


FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS:


GROUP B UPDATE: The final standings in Groups C and D ensure that Ponterre will advance to the Round of 16.

That's the opinion of Naizerri head coach Jardel following the Roaring Ibis' 5-1 demolition of Ceretis at the Admiral Fannin Arena.

Speaking exclusively to NaizerreONE's Afia Alaba after the game, former Naizerre player Jardel said that no other team of the tournament had been as impressive as his green and gold clad players. "If you look at the other teams, none of them match us in terms of quality in every area. We outscore Highton and we are better defensively than Goyanes. Out of them, who else is there? Syrixia tops a poor Group E and we're not really scared of a team that's beaten such poor opposition like Lanceria or Prydania have. I mean, who loses to Skanda? Really."

The firery words and confidence of the manager are likely to cause controversy, with a number of outspoken players and coaching staff at the tournament, and politicians and celebrities are following the World Cup on fluttr and other social media.

Naizerre got off to a quick start against Ceretis with left wing back Kofi Babukar crossing in for Biro Addo to go close from a header that was well saved. From the resulting corner, Babukar found Addo again, and this time the striker made no mistakes with his header to make it 1-0. Addo's 2nd goal, Babukar's 3rd assist of the tournament.

In many ways this has been a breakout tournament for Kofi Babukar. Recently released from Togbata Republic following a load spell at 2nd tier side Bananka, Babukar's call up raised eyebrows, but his performance in a number of warmup games evidently impressed Jardel, who has been full of praise for the 21 year old, who can play on either wing. Babukar fills an important void for Naizerre - the team has lacked a dead ball specialist since Jardel himself retired, and his skill was on full display again today.

Babukar is able to roam forward on the left more than both Rudo twins who play on the right - the presence of Naizerre's best centre-back, left footed veteran and captain Gabre Kweme. Having a left footed centre-back on the left side of defence - either in a 2 or the 3 back formation Naizerre go with - lets the recycle play much more quickly. When Babukar sees Kweme on the ball or rushing out to pressure an attacker, he can start his run forward, knowing that the SuperSport United captain will likely win the ball - Kweme has won all of his tackles and most of his aerial duels thus far this tournament - and Kweme can play a pass as good as any defender playing in the CEFA World Cup this year.

This interchange, Kweme to Babukar, was on show just after the 15 minute mark, as captain set his left wing back free down the left, and Babukar won a free kick from his opposite number. The free kick was in dangerous territory, and his lofted ball in was wonderfully taken down by Diara Bassey and the midfielder fired home to make it 2-0. A mistake by Mori Jardel gave Ceretis a penalty, which was converted to make it 2-1, before a Babukar corner was converted by Biro Addo after 42 minutes to leave the score at 3-1 at half time.

Jardel rang the changes at half time, shaking things up on the right hand side. Azi replaced his twin brother Jomo Rudo at RWB and Mori Jardel gave way to Tomi Kuma, with Amazu Badu moving to the left wing position that Mori Jardel had played. Azi, more an inverted full back in comparison to Jomo, broke through into the centre of midfield early on, playing Babukar in behind the ceretis defence. His ball across the box was tapped in by Kuma, earning Babukar a 5th assist of the tournament, and Kuma his first goal for the Roaring Ibis.

4-1 up and with Ceretis not really threatening to fight back into it, Jardel released his young stars, giving Kuma, Badu and the wing backs free rein to run at the ceretis defence. Kuma twice came close to adding to his tally but solid goalkeeping denied him and Biro Addo scuffed a glorious chance wide in the 75th minute. That miss was his last contribution as Jardel replaced him with 15 minutes left, Kwami Adebayor being chosen to lead the line.

It didn't take long for Kwami to make his presence felt, the towering striker bringing down a long ball from Naizerri keeper Panya Xola, and seeing the Ceretis keeper off his line, powered a shot towards goal. The crossbar denied him and the ball was cleared for a Naizerri throw-in. A long throw into the box by Babukar fell right onto the head of Kwami and he made it five.

The game finished not long after, with the Roaring Ibis celebrating a superb victory after the game.

This is RAP

Predice advances to Group of 16 with Goyanes

DAGENFJORD, SØ, GOYANES - Even though Predice lost 2:0 to Ascalon, Predice has advanced to the next round, the round of 16. Coach Giulio has said that the Round of 16 "Must be played with caution" Despite the 2:0 defeat, hopes remain high for Predice to continue her journey. Giorgio II has stated that "I believe that we can win! Viva Predice!" We can also confrim that the following Nations have been eliminated: Valamo, Archegnum, Cojedes, Astragon, and Xentherida. All in all the CEFA World Cup has been very eventful so far. We look forward to the next matches. One of them being Predice-Ceretis.
We can now confirm that Azanah Kadash has absconded after the shattering defeat of Astragon. Enrico De Goldi has made a public statement on the issue stating: "The Astragonians will fucking kill him when they find him" and "He doesn't deserve this". He has advocated for Kadash being allowed into Predice. That is what we have so far. Thank you

UNN

Interview with Lance Isone

The Ulstome football team has played its first 2 matches of group F, resulting in one loss and one win which has left them 2nd in their group. Whether they will progress further depends on their performance in their final game of their group. Many Ulstome fans who have travelled to Goyanes for the games had cheered loudly for their team, displaying flags and face paint the atmosphere is expected to continue into the 3rd game.
With the leak of the Ulstome lineup the day before their crucial match with Lanceria we approached the manager of the Ulstome team Lance Isone for an interview.

Q: Mr Isone how do you feel about the upcoming match with Lanceria?
I: I'm feeling very confident, the team has been training hard, they couldn't be more determined to win this.

Q: How do you feel the leak of your lineup has affected your chances in your next match?
I: I don't think the leak has reduced our chances at all. The team trains hard, they are highly motivated and i have full confidence in their ability to go up against Lanceria. We will give it our all to win against them to ensure that we qualify so we can play more teams and advance further and further.

Q: What do you feel your team's greatest strengths are?
I: Our team has an excellent mix of youth and experience that has allowed it to be strong and flexible against all of our opponents.

Q: Why did you make the lineup changes that you did?
I: There were several reasons for the changes made, against an opponent such an Lanceria i decided that experience mattered more which was why i switched out the younger members of the team for more experianced players.

Q: And the change in formation?
I: Thats part of a strategy that i won't reveal until the match is over.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say before the match?
I: Yes, I hope that everyone puts in their all to have an excellent match.

Q: Thank you for your time.
I: Thank you for having me.

by Gérard-Hugues Barbizet in Hofsvægr
20 July 2019 - 2105h
HOFSVÆGR (Goyanes) – the Santonian National football team finally scored a win against Valamo, with a score of three-nil. The Grey Hammers head home to their coup-ridden nation after ending at the bottom of Group D. Meanwhile, the Red Devils advance to the Round of 16 after finishing second in the group, edging out Skanda on the goal difference.

Match Recap
The Red Devils dominated the game, bringing the ball to the Valamic side for much of the playtime. The Red Devils got an early lead after a deceptive Daniel-Florent Pajot pass went to Kévin-Ardouin Cremillieux, who lobbed the ball into the net on the 18^th minute. Now up one goal, the Santonians knew they have a chance at advancing to the next round.

Coach Frédéric Janvion seemed to be relaxed with being up one goal. On the 25^th minute, he substituted Maximilien Laclède and Jason-Brice Laframboise for the forwards Cremillieux and Tristan-Lambert Saint-Huile in a move widely seen as trying to give experience to the other players. On the 33^rd minute, two midfielders and one defender were replaced: Jérôme-Thibault Jasseron and Daniel-Florent Pajot were replaced by Wallerand d'Oxelaëre and Luc-Gérard Gradit, and Charles-Adam Witz was replaced by Stanislas Brusseaux. Without Jasseron and Pajot, the Grey Hammers were able to bring the ball to the Santonian side, but were repeatedly denied by Brusseaux and Joël-Gilbert Duranton. Only twice in the first half, during the 39^th and 43^rd minute, did goalkeeper Folc Thauvin (who started instead of Bruno-Patrice Cuisance) had to make a save.

The team did gel together on the second half, with the home rivals d'Oxelaëre (who plays for Saintes-Saints-Brice) and Alan-Childéric Goff (who plays for the rival team En Avant de Saintes) teaming up to keep the ball in the Valamic side. Goff and d'Oxelaëre made quick passes to each other to distract the Valamic defenders until Goff suddenly kicked the ball towards the goal. The long-range screamer on the 55^th minute stunned the Grey Hammers, which was quickly followed by a Laframboise header on the 58^th minute that was disallowed by the referee.

Another goal by Laclède on the 62^nd minute was disallowed. The newcomers also did shine, keeping the Valamic goalkeeper busy with having to do saves almost every other minute. The Grey Hammers did try their best to keep up, but Laclède, Laframboise, and Kerbriant kept the defenders on their toes by doing quick passes and attempting goals from all angles. On the 64^th, 72^nd, 77^th, and 81^st minutes, the Grey Hammers were able to gain possession after the Red Devils attempted goals, but the ball was promptly stolen from them by Kerbriant. After stealing the ball again on the 81^st minute, Kerbriant surprisingly made a pass towards the Santonian side, enabling Goff to promptly exploit the hole in the Valamic defence. Goff made a feint towards Laclède on his left, but instead kicked the ball towards the farther but unguarded Laframboise on the right. The Valamic goalkeeper knew that the rapid Laframboise volley was coming, but was unable to scramble in time to prevent the 82^nd minute goal. It was Laframboise’s first goal in an international meet as part of the senior men's national team.

Up three goals, the Santonians kept up the pressure, with three more attempted goals that were saved by the Valamic goalkeeper. The game ended with a score of 3:0.

Match Stats

translation by Hunter Kidlington de Collobrières
21 July 2019 - 0805h

---

OOC Note: Post not yet canon, to be approved by Valamo.
OOC2: Special thanks to Highton for his comments and suggestions.

FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:
FINAL GROUP F STANDINGS:
GROUP A UPDATE: The final standings in Groups E and F ensure that Ascalon will advance to the Round of 16.

3rd-Place Rankings (Top 4 Advance):
Round of 16 Schedule:
Bracket:


TEAMS ADVANCING:

by Daniel Damme in Saintes
21 July 2019 - 0921h
SAINTES – the Santonian internet went wild last night, because of three things. First, the Red Devils finally won a game in the group stage, against Valamo. Second, the team advanced to the Round of 16. And lastly, Prime Minister Anne-Douceline Courseaux unwittingly used a double entendre in her Mercanti comments in congratulating the national team. The Prime Minister, who likes to put Mercanti sentences in her posts, posted the following:

Anne-Douceline Courseaux
@ADCourseaux

@ENSHommes @lesDiablesRouges
Félicitations pour la victoire et la qualification !

It was a great game ! You really creamed the opponents !

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
3,625,775 ~ 13,565,225

07:06 PM - 20 July 2019

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The eagle-eyed Red Devil Jonathan Jeandupeaux first spotted the comment.

Jonathan Jeandupeaux
@JonathanJeandupeaux

@ADCourseaux Pardonnez-moi, Madame Présidente?

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
866,185 ~ 3,884,521

07:08 PM - 20 July 2019

Click to expand...

“Pardon, Madame Prime Minister?”

Another player chimed in:

Tristan-Lambert Saint-Huile
@TristanStHuile

C'est peut-être de ta faute, Mr Cream ? @KACremillieux

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
201,188 ~ 1,177,562

09:22 PM - 20 July 2019

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“Maybe this is your fault, Mr Cream?”

Kévin-Ardouin Cremillieux’s nickname is Mr. Cream, a wordplay on his surname. The star of the Skanda-Saintonge game, fluent in Mercanti, replied:

Kévin-Ardouin Cremillieux
@KACremilleux

You and I were both substituted on the 25th minute. I had no part in whatever happened afterwards. Unless you were doing something I didn’t know…

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
150,336 ~ 812,521

09:30 PM - 20 July 2019

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People, including foreigners, speculated on what the Santonian Prime Minister meant.

Charles-Kieran Froidevaux-Hurley
@CKFHurley

Maybe she meant like putting whipped cream on a pie? Because the Valamo team got their “just desserts”?

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
26,418 ~ 166,848

08:49 PM - 20 July 2019

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Charles-Austremoine de Villespin
@CAVilles

@CKFHurley Après tout, ils ont “doughnut”. @KerbyDoughnut

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
12,220 ~ 95,125

08:51 PM - 20 July 2019

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“After all, they [the team] have “doughnut”. The poster was referring to Matthieu-Donatien Kerbriant, whose nickname is “Doughnut”. Suprisingly, Kerbriant replied, in Mercanti:

Matthieu-Donatien Kerbriant
@KerbyDoughnut

@CKFHurley @CAVilles @FaitLaForce @SebBrussereau @xtgm99 @AvantVive143
I categorically deny my involvement in any creamery that had happened.

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
85,485 ~ 356,118

09:00 PM - 20 July 2019

Click to expand...

Styrbjørn Stærkenbjerg
@StyrStrong

Is this some sort of a mistranslated Santonian idiom?

#coupedumonde2019

REFLUTTS ~ FAVORITES
10,265 ~ 40,884

07:02 PM - 20 July 2019

Click to expand...

The answer was that Ms. Courseaux was using an older idiomatic meaning of the word “cream”, meaning to “defeat decisively” – which may be appropriate to the game. According to Marie-Francine Dubé, professor of Mercanti at the University of Saintes, it is a regional Mercanti idiom with a transferred meaning. It alludes to the work of whipping cream: “to whip them” became “to cream them”. Considering that Ms. Courseaux also bakes cakes (she had a baking segment in her old talk show Mères sait mieux), it would not be unusual for her to use the term. Santonian does not have a literal equivalent, so it is not a mistranslated idiom.

However, the much more prevalent slang usage of “cream” in the internet pertains to a certain masculine bodily fluid – and so Ms. Courseaux’s use of the word created a double entendre and much hilarity.

translation by Hunter Kidlington de Collobrières
21 July 2019 - 1544h

Goaltending Shaky, Offense Silent In 3 - 0 Loss
Amelie Harlon
July 22nd, 2019

Fans were quiet at halftime, and it didn't get any better than that. In a heavy upset, Lanceria loses to Ulstome.

Coach Dupéré, notoriously calm and collected, was said to be furious at his team and their performance. With the team qualified and heavily favored to win group F, a win over Ulstome was widely expected to have them lock in first place in their group. Instead a three nothing loss means that the team finished third in group F and qualified by virtue of the third runners-up category.

The team played without a care through the first portion of the game, making high risk, low reward flashy plays. After going down one goal they still didn't get the message. They continued to play carefree and loose with the ball giving the opposition the chance to score again. After half-time they came out much more serious, presumably after Captain Troy Goulet and Coach Dupéré spoke with the team but the could not come up with an answer to Ulstome's confident start, instead allowing the rival squad to score one more goal before the game closed.

It did not help that goalie Grenier was not exceptional in his performance, a risk our team runs on any given night through the remainder of the tournament. It is now clear that our defense must play their A-game in front of him to give the best chance of victory, his weaknesses must not be exploited by the opposition through the campaign as Ulstome's lineup change effectively did in Game 3 of the qualifiers.

The three to nothing loss lines up our squad to face Prydania in the first round of the knock-outs. Prydania was the winners of group D with 2 wins and 1 loss and 6 points. The Lancerians have paid the price of their carlessness and a heated, close match is expected. Tune in July 22nd to see the action.

The logo for Spectacle Sportif Lancerienne flashes across the screen.

"Captain Troy Goulet is doing a live press conference in Goyanes after their 3-0 loss to Ulstome. Let's listen in."

The program switches to a desk with captain of the Lancerian national team Troy Goulet sitting at a table, cameras pointed at him, and sports reporters ready for questions.

A reporter speaks up. "Our team was heavily favored to win Group F but instead we qualified by virtue of the 3rd-runners-up category, how did this happen?"

"Quite simple really, we were cocky. In an opportunity to increase our team's playing ability and chemistry, coming together for a good win against Ulstome, we played care-free, we played loose, and the game was not taken seriously. It's not a mistake we intend to make again."

Another reporter is selected for a question. "The team came out with a different attitude in the second half of the game. What happened at half-time?"

"What happens in the locker room is between the players. I think it's obvious that most of the team was pretty unhappy with how we had played in the first half, and were looking to make a comeback in the second."

Reporters continue to be called upon. "After that performance, what is your confidence like in your goaltending? Are you concerned about Grenier's efforts? Any comment on Bordeleau's injury?"

"I have full confidence that Alfred will find his form. As you know he and I played for 3 seasons at the same club in Ney and we won it all in two of those seasons. I know just how good he's capable of being, I know that he is still an effective goaltender, I know there's a reason that he was called upon to be a member of this squad. As for Bordeleau, we're all sad he hasn't gotten to play a part in this campaign, he works extremely hard and it's a real shame to see those efforts go to waste before they could be put to good use."

"The loss set you up for a tough match against the Prydanians. What needs to happen to come out on top in that game?"

"First, we've got to beat the best to win the whole tournament. It makes no difference to this team if we beat the 2nd best team in the first round or the last, but again, it's a simple answer. We need to get back to the form that we started the first two games with. We cannot afford to become foolishly overconfident again. It's not something we intend on letting happen and it's something some members of our team are learning to be a valuable lesson."

Many members of the press excitedly speak up at the last answer. "Who is-" "Could you elaborate on tha-" "What do you mean by that, Troy?" "Which memb-"

"Enough, enough. Those who made mistakes are aware of the mistakes they made. That and the loss is punishment enough and I will not call them out here right now. I think that's all I have to say for now. Know that we're going to be going all out with our best against the Prydanians and will keep it that way the rest of the tournament. Thank you."

A number of other questions are called out as Goulet gets up and leaves the room. The SSL logo flashes again and the program returns to the studio with a woman and a man at the sports desk.

"What do you think of those answers Martin?"

"Well he's not wrong, they need to play much more collected in the game against the Prydania to have any hopes of advancing."

"Do you think the valuable lessons comment was aimed at Mac Rebenac who was notably overconfident and selfish through the first third of the Ulstome game?"

"While we can't know for sure, I think that's exactly what was implied. I'm certain that Rebenac was torn a new one in that locker room along with some of the other first and second year players who assumed the win was pre-determined."

"Thank you Martin," The man nods, "That's all the new coverage we have from the team for today but remember Spectacle Sportif will have all the breaking team news as it happens."

The SSL logo flashes one more time and commercials air.

Vincent Küpfer –– 20 July 2019

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GOJANNESSTAD, NY, GOYANES –– The Blue Cocos are through to the Round of 16 unbeaten, and for the most part unchallenged, following three group stage matches against Ponterre, Astragon, and Essalanea. Highton is yet to concede while finding the net seven times, something which guarantees first place in the group and a date with Group A's third-placed Ascalon. Ascalon was held to a 0-0 draw by Xentherida, and before stunning Predice 2-0 in their final game, they were thrashed by hosts Goyanes 5-0. Many Highton fans will be surprised that at the conclusion of the first round, after wins against Ponterre (3-0), Astragon (2-0), and Essalanea (2-0), the top goalscorer is Capital FC's Arne Havenstein. Havenstein, 16, was brought into the team after a remarkable breakout season in the HPL, which would also see him score the winner in the Prince's Cup final against Vaasa. His three goals have set him above any other player, with the other goals coming from Franz Müller, Fernando Rossi, Alexís, and Emil Galeta.

With qualification already secured, Highton came into the continental clash with Essalanea confident. Highton had defeated the Scarlet Horde by a combined score of 9-0 across two matches in the qualifying tournament, but they had certainly improved as a unit since then. In their opener, Essalanea stunned Astragon, which was followed up by a hard-fought defensive performance against Ponterre for a 0-0 draw. Highton's dominant wins gave more reason for optimism. A semi-rotated team was started against Essalanea, with the hopes of giving big stars like Alexís more rest ahead of the second phase of the tournament. Essalanea's goalkeeper Atta Hureg has continued his great tournament with a stellar performance in the first half. At halftime, Arthur Thiel was substituted after being ineffective on the right-wing. Global superstar Alexís was brought in by Wehr, hoping he would be the difference-maker. The captain had his first real chance of the game when in the 56th minute he finally broke though the defensive line, but his low, driven finish has kept out by the outstretched arm of Hureg. Despite the score being level at 0-0, Essalanea were yet to put a shot on target and could only get two shots offs before this point, in contrast to Highton's twelve (3 on target). In the 68th minute, an Alexís cross found James Vard, who used his head to get the ball beyond the defenders, but before he could get the shot off he was taken out from behind by Essalanean centerback Karl Rugen which resulted in cries for a penalty by the Hightonian players. Sure enough, Valencian referee Remy Dimont went to the VAR booth, and thirty seconds later pointed to the spot. With 72 minutes on the clock, Alexís stepped up and tucked the penalty away, finally breaking the deadlock. Highton would make a second goal out of nothing, when Alexís' corner found the head of Emil Galeta, and flashed past Hureg to double the lead. Alexís had an opportunity to double his tally in the 88th minute, but his shot bounced off the crossbar.

---

Elsewhere in Group B, Ponterre got through with a stunning last gasp win over Astragon. With both teams on the brink of elimination, Arnaux Villa took the game into his own hands when picking the pocket of an Astragonese player in midfield. With 94 minutes on the clock, Villa dribbled forward as fast as he could and chopped back inside the penalty area. Tucking it away, Villa experienced an amazing amount of joy and celebrated as he was mobbed by the entire Ponterre team. While the Lynxes celebrated, Astragon's head coach made a run for it, disappearing into the tunnel. His location is currently unknown. In Group D, Skanda stunned Prydania with another late winner, securing third place. In Group E, Demescia got through in second place, eliminating Iraelia 1-0, and in Group F a pair of interesting results saw the incident of a so-called "devil's group", in which three teams finished on six points. Lanceria, who sat comfortably in first place, fell to third with a stunning 3-0 defeat versus Ulstome. Andrenne also got through with a 5-2 win against Guslantis.

While Ascalon scraped through by the skin of their teeth, Highton still needs to be wary. They are not a bad team, as exemplified by their 2-0 win over Predice, but have also endured terrible defeats in recent matches such as against Goyanes. After a slow start to the tournament, Alexís will be hoping that the clash with Ascalon will be his opportunity to finally get his World Cup rolling, and perhaps even find the net multiple times.

3-0 puts Ulstome on top

The fans were in a fanatical state throughout Ulstome's final match of group F against Lanceria. There was much speculation over how the Ulstome team would perform with its team of young players ending in a 1-0 defeat in their opening match against Andrenne and only managing a late goal against Guslantis which allowed them to scrape a 1-0 win. Their performance had left much to be desired after their 2nd match. The uncertainty over how the team would perform by some fans wasn't helped by manager Lance Isone's decision to change the teams lineup and formation for their final game, a decision that had both many fans concerned and others confident. Non the less it was their opponents who posed the greatest threat to Ulstome's performance. The team was going up against Lanceria, one of the favourites, top of group F with 2 wins under their belt including a 3-1 win against Andrenne who had beat the Ulstome team. The Ulstome team were not expected to win this game.

So what happened?

The changes in Ulstome's lineup for starters meant the Ulstome team would be playing much differently than it had in its first two games. Key changes had been made with the teams younger, less experienced players such as Riston and Garson from the midfield with more experienced players such as Opsal, Ojlan and Monkin into the midfield. The trio who were switched into the new lineup were known back in Ulstome for their solid teamwork and dominance of the midfield as players of Rotslo FC, Ulstome's top foteil klub (football club). The sight of these players on the pitch was one that many Ulstome supporters had been hoping to see, and now they had.
The change in formation had also shown a change in how Ulstome planned the match to go. Isone's decision to use a 5-3-2 formation in Ulstome's first two games had proven a mistake that could have cost Ulstome it Qualification, and it was a mistake Isone had decided to fix. With the match against the top of their group coming up the Ulstome formation was switched from its defensive 5-3-2 back to the traditional formation of Ulstome's team, a 3-4-3, a formation that allowed Ulstome to use its strength in the midfield and on the offence to its full potential.
Still, with these changes to the team many were of the view that the favourites Lanceria would win this match and go through first in Group F.

The match began with the Ulstome team playing cautiously, the players being careful to not create any early opportunities for their opponents to exploit and get an early goal. All the while testing their opponents defence, looking to see if there was anywhere they could slip through and create opportunities for them to score. Slowly, the Ulstome team would chip away at Lanceria, denying them freedom to control the midfield and play the game how they wanted to, that was the Ulstome plan.
That was how the team played during the beginning of the first half, denying Lanceria the plays that they wanted and held control of the midfield. The players were making safe passes to one another, slowly making their way further and further up the pitch, edging closer and closer to the Lanceria goal as they sought out an opportunity to score. Yard by yard, pass by pass, progress was made until in the 24th minute when Monkin sent an excellent ball down the left wing that allowed Opsal to get around the Lancerian defence. Opsal took the opportunity presented to him as rushed to the edge of the box where he passed back into the centre to Kaas who took the shot which sent the ball deep into the back of the net. The Ulstome supporters went wild at the sight of the goal, the first goal of the match and it was an Ulstome goal. The commotion of the fans wasn't help by Kaas who ran to the barriers, encouraging them to shout and chant as those nearest pushed themselves forward.

A second goal wasn't soo to follow the first as the confidence created in the previous attack made the Ulstome strikers more confident, they took riskier shots with most being stopped easily by the keeper and the ball being sent back, but the Ulstome defence and midfield always seemed to win it back and send it right to their strikers. Then an attempt from Porterson at the end of the first half was deflected by the keeper who sent it out for a Ulstome corner. Most of the team came forward to support what would have been their last attempt of the half. When O'Irin took the corner and sent it long that looked to be it, however Smil ran after it, stopping the ball just before it went of and he sent it back into the box. The ball skimmed the head of Varson which sent the ball down to the ground where Opsal took a shot and landed it in the bottom left hand corner. The Ulstome team had done it, they had ended the first half 2 up on the favourites. Now all they had to do was keep it.


The second half followed a much similar story to the first for how Ulstome played although there was a definite change in the attitude of the Lancerian team. The match had been going well for Ulstome, 2 - 0 in the first half, many of the players were happy just to maintain their lead but the Ulstome manager is reported to have said "If you make it 3, dinner is on me", so stay on the offence the Ulstome team did. The Ulstome team however found themselves with less freedom to decide plays than they had had in the first half with Lancerian players putting Ulstome's under increasing more pressure and denied them more areas to make the runs that had given Ulstome opportunities in the first half. Several times near the start it looked as if Lanceria would score and begin to equalise with several close calls occurring when the midfield had moved to far forward and created gaps in the defence. Never the less Ulstome managed to prevent Lanceria from scoring any goals and worked to maintain the pressure they had had during the first half.
In the 78th minute a freekick was awarded to Ulstome who was quick to move their players up to take advantage of the opportunity. Smil took the freekick, the ball flying in the mass of players who were scrambling to get their heads on it, once again the ball found Kaas who's head sent the ball past the keeper once again into the back of the net. Ulstome was now 3 up on Lanceria, the teams played hard for the rest of the match but when the final whissel blew it was Ulstome - 3, Lanceria - 0.

Ulstome's unexpected win against the favourites of their group has placed them first in group F and qualify. They will play Essalanea in the next round.

Interviews with Kaas and Smil

With the final match of Ulstome's in group F finishing with an unexpected win against the favourites to win, Lanceria. We approached the team for post match interviews, which the players where only to happy to give.

Interviewer (I): I am here with Kaas (K) and Smil (S) from the Ulstome national team just after their match against Lanceria. These two players were on the starting lineup and played throughout the game. Thank you both for agreeing to the interview.
K: No problem.
S: Its a pleasure to be here

I: So lets get this started, as you well know that there was the change in the teams lineup and formation after the last game, where you both expecting to be in the starting lineup?
K: Yes I was, I had been made fully aware after the game against Andrenne by Isone that when we were going to be playing Lanceria he was going to put me on the pitch, i wasn't aware of the formation change until after the game against Guslantis however when he revealed it to the whole team.

I: What about you Smil? Considering that you'd played in Ulstome's first two matches.
S: I knew i would be playing even when the formation was changed although i would be lying if i said i didn't have doubts after our performance in the first two matches.

I: What did you both think about the change in formation before your last game?
K: I would say it was a welcome change back to how we used to play, putting a greater emphasis on our midfield and attacking options like we had when I first started playing for Ulstome which allowed us to bring on our best players who worked well together.
S: I thought it was a good change aswell, it took off alot of pressure that the defence had been feeling in the first two matches as every-time we got the ball out and away from the defence in them it always seemed to come right back in, but with the new formation we were able to get it out and it would stay out.

I: So how did you feel about your teams performance in this match against Lanceria?
K: We played very well, we went out there, we played against them, we had some close calls but we played on and we won, i couldn't ask for a better performance from the lads.
S: Yeah, it was just an exceptional performance, we couldn't ask for a better result.

I: Kaas you scored two of the teams goals, im sure your feeling pretty good right now?
K: Yeah, im glad that i was able to score two of the three goals of the match, its truly amazing to score a goal in such an eviournment like this against a good team but I couldn't of done it without my team behind me, supporting me as i moved up the pitch and creating the opportunities that allowed me to score. I would also like to thank the supporters who came out here its truly amazing to have crowds of people shouting you name, encouraging you to push yourself to go that extra bit further and get the goal.

I: If there was anything you both could change about the previous matches what would it be?
S: Bring this big lad on in all of our games. *Both of them gave a small laugh* But in all seriousness we should have used this formation and lineup from the start, i know Isone wanted the young players to get some experience as part of the team and that was why we were playing like we did but with our excellent midfield and players like Kaas on the field we would have been unstoppable against the other teams.
K: Smil, mate you over value me, its when we work as a team that we succeed, its important that the younger players get some experience now whilst they are young so they can improve and be the back bone of our team of the future, I wouldn't change anything even though i would of liked to play more.

I: Were almost out of time so one final question. How do you feel about your chances against Essalanea in your next match?
K: Essalanea has had a good run so far in this and have shown themselves to be a more than capable team. I feel confident that we can win, especially with how we played this match, but we definitely won't underestimate our opponent I can tell you that, we will play them 100% serious.
S: Yeah, we can't afford to underestimate them or we will be the ones eliminated and unable to face more teams which is what we all want to do, we want to progress further, play more and more teams and make our nation proud.

I: Thank you. Thats all we have time for im afraid.

Ulstome may have won against Lanceria and progressed as top of Group F but they arn't taking their opponents in Essalanea lightly, we will see how they fair.

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GOJANNESSTAD, NY, GOYANES –– Alexís stole the show as Highton won a rollercoaster of a match on penalties against an underdog Ascalon team. Despite their undergod status, Ascalon jumped to a 2-0 lead inside 30 minutes with goals from Feng Zhuyang and Shang Ningxia. Going into halftime, the Hightonian supporters were stunned to silence with the Ascalonians amazed at how their team had performed. Alexís, now thought to be nursing a knee injury, was marked as unlikely to play in this match, but after dropping down by a two-goal margin he was brought on near the start of the second half. Alex Weißkopf, who started in his place, was substituted after an ineffective performance. In the 63rd minute, the comeback was kickstarted when Iago Cornes' cross struck the hand of Ningxia, earning a penalty for Highton. Alexís converted, a rapidly picked the ball out of the net urging his teammates to get back into the game. Vard had a chance to level it in the 76th when his header was well saved. The equalizer finally came in the 84th minute, when Alexís received the ball at the edge of the area and curled it into the bottom corner. The team celebrated, but Alexís was still urging his team to get on with it and push for a winner. Arne Havenstein was brought on in the 89th minute for Franz Müller in a final push forward, but he could make an impact before the final whistle blew, signaling for extra time.

Ascalon had a second wind at the start of the additional period, with their first opportunity coming in the 92nd minute when Huiyi Lin struck the post. Lin had another chance in the 100th minute, when an error by Francis Júnior opened a wide gap in Highton's back line. Lin took the ball one-on-one with Checker, and tucked it away. Checker, Wehr, and Alexís alike were furious that the Blue Cocos' sole major tactical weakness had been exposed against such an opponent as Ascalon. We don't know what Wehr said to his team in the huddle ahead of the second period of extra time, but it certainly worked. A volley from Havenstein struck the crossbar in the 111th minute, leaving many Hightonian supporters thinking that they had missed their chance. Things got worse, though, when Joseph Vard has brought down from behind in the 114th minute. He was helped off the pitch as Karl Wenzel entered in his place. In the 118th minute, Alexís, in possession on the right flank. Saw an opening in the backline. Instead of playing a through ball to the reliable teenager Havenstein, he decided to take on the Ascalonian backline himself. After beating three defenders, he arrogantly dinked the ball over the head of the keeper. The Hightonian supporters erupted in pandemonium with the equalizer. Four minutes later the final whistle blew and the game would be determined by spot-kicks.

Nobody wants to take the first penalty in a shootout, but as captain Alexís volunteered himself to do so. After Checker was unable to save the first Ascalon penalty, the Highton City FC winger tucked the shot home calmly. Next up, the goalscorer Huiyi Lin came to the spot, the shot was skied over the crossbar. Highton saw daylight. Fernando Rossi stepped up and buried it. The next Ascalon penalty was scored, making it 2-2, as Karl Wenzel went for his penalty. Confidently, he went for a dink right now the middle. The keeper began to dive but changed his mind at the last second realizing what Wenzel was doing and caught himself. He got a hand on the ball, but it wasn't enough as the ball barely crossed the line. Then, Checker correctly predicted the path of Feng Zhuyang's kick, giving Highton an opportunity to win. Arne Havenstein stepped up to the stop. After an average performance from the youngster, he had an opportunity to send Highton to the Quarterfinals. He buried it. Highton had won 4-2. The opponent in the next stage will certainly be very difficult– either a dominant Demescian team or a high-flying Andrennian team.