Games 457-464 (VEXILLIUM CUP NUROPIA 300) 01-14-301:

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the first rounds played in the Vexillium Cup
Nuropia'300 on January 14, 301:

Game 457: Westria - Udan-Woo

GROUP I:

The Technical Information

Final score: WESTRIA 6 - UDAN-WOO 0
Played at: Northway Coliseum, Northway, Westria
Attendance: 117,200
Referee: Hatt (BRO)
Goals: Galaga (WES, 3.), Zeschgl (WES, 14.), Spock (WES, 30.), Galaga (WES, 40.),
Knapheyde (WES, 61.), Dülingen (WES, 69.)
Yellow cards: Nyddenva (WES, 39.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Porkalari for Wonamini (WOO, 45.), Yarraguana for Pularumpi (WOO, 45.)
MVP: Galaga (WES)

WESTRIA OFF TO A FLYING START!

Well. let's see... here we have the Number One ranked team in the IVEFA Rankings playing
at home against the LAST ranked team... considering this, a 6-0 is perhaps the most likely
outcome, and indeed, the Westrian team, which was essentially the "second" line-up could
have drawn even more blood against the hapless Wallabies, had they not throttled back at
the end.  Without any of the major stars present in this match, the Diamonds' lesser-known
players had a chance to shine today, and truthfully, there was little difference to be
detected in the way the world's number one team performed.  Galaga was the speed demon who
caused the most damage up front, and really ran circles around the struggling Woo
defense.  Makes you wonder when he will finally be given that starter position in this
team...  Woo tried to regroup with subs in the second half, but could only marginally
improve, and had its best moments only when the Westrians let up at the end of the match.
Biggest highpoint in their team once again Tregikuan, but he could not make a difference
without the proper help.  With Westria off to a real fast start, the other title
contenders certainly had to take notice... will it be possible for ANYONE to beat this
team?

<TECH>Woo down -10 in the odds, nuff said.</TECH>

------

GROUP J:

The Technical Information

Final score: MORANIA 4 - SANX 2
Played at: Casino Palace, Montroy, Westria
Attendance: 63,200
Referee: Dornoch (CAL)
Goals: Kvagenbengt (SNX, 17.), Desroches (MOA, 19.), Selior (MOA, 50.), Trevisano (MOA,
57.), Wasvig (SNX, 66.), Selior (MOA, 81.)
Yellow cards: Dugnomijs (SNX, 19.), Terro (MOA, 66.), Thyssen (SNX, 77.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Killiman for Albente (MOA, 45.), Kvarna for Brexx (SNX, 45.), Engelsplaas
for Toyfelhorn (SNX, 83.)
MVP: Selior (MOA)

MORANIA BACK ON THE WINNING STREET!

Sanx came to this match with high hopes, and the guys from Kap Morgenmad had things go
according to their optimistic plans, when Kvagenbengt headed in a corner in the 17. - but
their euphoria and their lead only lasted 2 minutes, as basically on the following kickoff
thrust, Morania's new forward star Desroches bombed past Dannemarck to equalize.  Morania
then clearly had the upper hand for the rest of the half, but ex-Maryport Libero Gadebirk,
and goalie Dannemarck prevented the worst.

Morania would leave little doubt in the second half, however, with captain Selior and
Alberto Trevisano soon putting the Fiarrians up 3-1.  Although Sanx began to increasingly
run out of steam, Byorn Wasvig scored after a terrible error in the Moranian defense, to
keep the Sparks' hopes alive.  But it was no other than the captain once again who made it
all clear: David Selior scored on a rebounded free kick in the 81. minute to fix the final
result at 4-2.  A good game for Morania who deservedly won, and who can perhaps now aim to
challenge Brolecia for the group title.

<TECH>Typical match involving one of my cannon fodder teams... unless the numbers are
REALLY strange, cannon fodder should NEVER win or even draw against a primary team.
Secondary teams, though, are a different story >-) </TECH>
-----

GROUP K:

The Technical Information

Final score: KALESTHESIA 3 - KONGREN REPUBLIC 0
Played at: Goldenrod Field, Kathyapiyanka, Niokolo Koba
Attendance: 42,100
Referee: Kumay (ROV)
Goals: Uriba (KAL, 30.), Qarza (KAL, 49.), Sinenojia (KAL, 54.)
Yellow cards: G'Negg (KON, 11.), G'Ni (KON, 33.), Correin (KAL, 41.), G'Rudulai (KON, 78.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: G'Nappal for G'Negg (KON, 45.), R. Malin for Kefir (KAL, 60.), G'Ruu for
G'Riven (KON, 62.)
MVP: Kefir (KAL)

KONGREN MAKE THEIR DEBUT, COME AWAY WITHOUT EMBARRASSMENT!

Not many pundits were confident that the Kongren Team would be ready to play in the
highest of all tournaments without making fools of themselves, but they did so today
against a mellow Kalesthesian team.  "If Woo can play here, so can we", said coach
G'Rigraseng before the match, and indeed, the Geckos fared much better in their loss today
than the Wallabies... of course, they did not have to play Westria, either!  Kalesthesia
obviously expected to win this match, and although they came with their best line-up, they
did not seem to put their last effort into this match, no doubt their thoughts more
consumed by the decisive match which will be upcoming against the Territories next.  The
Kongren sure played their little hearts out, trying all they could throw at their
opponents, but just could not be too effective.  They did manage to come away with a
halfway respectable result, and perhaps even a pat on the shoulder from some of their most
apocalyptic critics.  We shall see how these two teams will fare against the pumped-up
Lions!

<TECH>I am the only one to read this game report, no doubt! ;-)</TECH>
------

GROUP L:

The Technical Information

Final score: CALEDON 0 - RAS LANARCH 1
Played at: West Kierk Stadium, Ter Kierk, Deucoland
Attendance: 33,200
Referee: Montoya (DEU)
Goals: Mackendries (RAS, 56.)
Yellow cards: Falterberg (RAS, 34.), McGill (CAL, 56.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: none
MVP: Upton (RAS)

CLOSE BATTLE!

This match was a real classic between two underdog teams who came to this VexCup
determined to make some sort of headlines.  Caledon, emerging from the ashes of the
Thistlandic team, have been playing a lot since their renaissance, albeit with not too
much success.  Ras Lanarch, who have turned heads occasionally in the past, vowed to make
the news, and even freshly challenged the mighty Saints for the group title!  Today would
be the first step for both teams to make their goals reality.

Spectator turnout was not surprisingly not the best, but the ones who came saw a closely
matched game between equal teams.  Both teams relied heavily on their handful of
professionals to pull the cart, and these guys came through for them.  More so for Ras
Lanarch, as seen from the result, but the match could have easily gone the other way.  In
fact, Caledon had an opportunity to change the complexion of the match in the 34. minute,
when McDonald took a penalty kick after a box foul from Falterberg.  Bluejacket keeper
Andy Upton became the hero, by guessing the right corner, and deflecting the Thist's ball
well over the goal to save his team from going down.  Upton was also involved in the
winning goal, as he set the stage with a long goal kickoff, which found Mackendries
standing largely uncovered, with the Spartak Blavia star going solo, passing by Young, and
lobbing the leather over the approaching Campbell, who could only helplessly look back to
his goal as Mackendries' shot barely rolled over the line with dieing momentum.  With
Zastersson saving on the line once and Upton on the mark in the remainder of the game, Ras
Lanarch held on for their much wanted win over Caledon.  So far, so good... but is this
team good enough to challenge the caliber of San Patricio?  We shall see...

<TECH> A painfully close match in odds, Caledon pulled a dud... .007  Fiendish!</TECH>

-----

GROUP M:

The Technical Information

Final score: ALTLAND 4 - ACHENAR 1
Played at: Crocus Field, Crocusveldt, Westria
Attendance: 50,700
Referee: Hugo (LEN)
Goals: T. Nevil (ALT, 20.), Santan (ALT, 27.), Kolhaker (ALT, 49.), Sunata (ACH, 56.), T.
Nevil (ALT, 88.)
Yellow cards: Vensaor (ACH, 6.), Aur (ALT, 15.), Myania (ACH, 65.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Arun for Stensun (ACH, 51.), Hirt for Lorts (ALT, 60.)
MVP: T. Nevil (ALT)

ALTLAND IS IN FORM!

Group M is no doubt one of the most interesting ones, with teams that appear to be rather
evenly matched, at least more than some other groups.  Altland, however, put an end to
that notion today, as they easily defetaed the much-improved Achenar squad 4-1.  Achenar
was coming here with much hope to improve on their last VexCup showing, but the team from
the Meridic island would not allow them in the match for most of the run.  The forward
combination of Tomas Nevil and Gui Santan proved lethal more times than one, and the
Achenari defense led by Jaerer could not contain the dynamic duo for most of the match.
Although goalie Asten was able to save quite a few, Altland nevertheless managed 4 goals,
and never really looked as if they were going to lose this match.  Sunata and Iorian were
the best for setting offensive accents for the Achenarians.  Thalan seemed to be the only
one who could somewhat challenge Santan today.  Kolhaker on the other side left the
Longerathians little chances to shoot for goal.  With Altland looking this good, Extremo
will have their hands full for the group victory - should be a really interesting match!

<TECH>Altland is +2 in odds, and pulled twice the number of Achenar... </TECH>

-----

GROUP N:

The Technical Information

Final score: NIOKOLO KOBA 4 - BABEN BAY 0
Played at: Arena of the Tribes, Dianamalary, Niokolo Koba
Attendance: 60,500
Referee: Biggles (SOM)
Goals: Dioula (NIO, 22.), Dourane (NIO, 31.), Dourane (NIO, 41.), Diallo (NIO, 75.)
Yellow cards: Sana (NIO, 21.), Grussadze (BOB, 30.), Faye (NIO, 39.), Hethz (BOB, 64.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Ziggang for Igles (BOB, 45.), Fall for Dioula (NIO, 66.)
MVP: Diallo (NIO)

"NK FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP!"

...such were the cries in all of Niokolo Koba after their beloved Warriors brought home
their biggest win ever before the sold our home stadium, which has so much history.  The
Arena of the tribes was buzzing, and there was a sense of destiny amongst the crowd and
players.  Under a constant rain of confetti, the NK team played like they were on clouds.
Baben Bay was never really in the match, faced with the eerie sense of inevitablility that
surrounded the fortunes of today's match.  Far from their previous occasional brilliance,
the Baben Bay team today had no answer to the euphoria that greeted them.  NK played like
a team possessed, they really looked good out there... and at least for this moment, the
nation seemed to have forgotten the fact that the next opponent will be the defending
world champions, the mighty Whitlam Dragons!  On the other hand, if they really do have to
depart this Cup, what better way to do so than playing against the defending champions.
But in NK, nobody is talking about departing the competition... they were chanting: "YEK,
YEK, YEK, YOUNDRAVA ANGA BOUCAR BEK!" (Yek, Yek, Yek, (the Youndravan Warriors battle cry)
Niokolo Koba for the Championship!")

<TECH>With the home advantage and pregame statement, NK was bound to win this one</TECH>

-----

GROUP O:

The Technical Information

Final score: DAVENPORT 5 - WESTERN ZARTANIA 2
Played at: Wynterwynd Bowl, Wynterwynd, Westria
Attendance: 60,200
Referee: Ulunde (NIO)
Goals: Harbour (DAV, 33.), Harbour (DAV, 38.), vun Royhil (REZ, 46.), Gaspe (DAV, 61.),
vun Royhil (REZ, 69.), Cadbry (DAV, 73.), Chadburn (DAV, 85.)
Yellow cards: Robichaux (DAV, 14.), Morisov (REZ, 38.), Raptre (REZ, 61.), Springer (DAV,
69.), Kgormann (REZ, 72.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Cadbry for Worthington (DAV, 60.), Chadburn for Maccan (DAV, 80.)
MVP: Harbour (DAV)

DAVENPORT ANSWERS CHALLENGE!

With the third member in this group, Rovens, generally considered by the pundits to be a
non-factor, this match was by many billed as the crucial one in respect to who will win
the group.  Western Zartania so far has not really lived up to its promise, despite a
rigorous match schedule that quickly helped in the experience department, and the valuable
input from several veterans who used to play for their eastern counterparts.  Just coming
off a 0-4 lashing in front of their own home crowds, the Rifles nevertheless tried to
project optimism that they could compete against a slightly new look Davenportian team.
The Men in Royal had come hyped up, and with a team roster stronger than ever, and indeed,
their performance was very noteworthy today, against a West Zartanian team which held its
own, but was still outclassed.

Traditional VexCup hero Jean Harbour did his part once more, and wrote the first chapter
in this match, scoring the "deliverance goals" later in the first half, after Rees and vun
Terenak had pretty effectively blocked the attacker and his superstar midfield crony
Claude Gaspe from scoring.  The Rifles came out swinging in the second half, and things
looked like they may turn around when vun Royhil scored right off the bat after a corner
kick.  Crowley & Co. however managed to contain the suddenly revived Rifles, but not even
Gaspe's goal in the 61. minute could discourage the Zartanians, who once again smelled
hope when vun Royhil made ANOTHER corner kick conversion to close 2-3.  The Rifles' hopes
were finally crushed, however, when the Davenportian bench showed their might, with both,
Cadbry and Chadburn, who had come in for Worthington and Maccan, scoring to finalize the
result at 5-2 for Davenport.

-----

GROUP P:

The Technical Information

Final score: IWK 0 - LAMB'S COVE 3
Played at: Sundowne Stadium, Bella Fronteritz, Westria
Attendance: 49,900
Referee: Astnehmer (WES)
Goals: Kraft (LCP, 60.), Ondash (LCP, 68., penalty), Amletito (IWK, 77., SELF)
Yellow cards: R. Greene (LCP, 22.), Barnes (LCP, 45.), Jack Spear (IWK, 68.)
Red cards: Jack Spear (IWK, 86.)
Substitutions: Biatee for M. Greene (LCP, 73.), Bonbeto for Sturmann (IWK, 75.)
MVP: Kraft (LCP)

LAMB'S COVE FINDING ITS WINNING WAYS??

Lamb's Cove, the honorable amateur side, no more?  The minnows from Fiarria have made some
far-reaching changes in their national side... still without a national professional
league, the Covians have nevertheless dedicated themselves to no longer being the cannon
fodder of Vexillium soccer, and they took the first giant step towards that goal with a
very convincing victory against a miserable looking IWK side.  IWK was obviously not ready
for the match, most of the team having just arrived after still playing the Kukurian
league last Wednesday.  This poor scheduling was obviously a mistake.  Not to take away
from the Covan win, though.  After a relatively even first half, the LC team played very
cohesively after the break, with the 301 VexGames awarded to Lynne/Myo Beach, this nation
seems to be on a national sports high!  The Covian task was also helped by a hapless
self-goal by Amletito, who tried to save the ball by lobbing it towards goalie Issel, away
from the attacking Kraft, but did not hit the ball square, deflecting it off his shoe into
the near corner, leaving Issel stunned, and Kraft jubilant!

IWK now looks iffy for their match against the much higher-rated Draconians, coming up.
Lamb's Cove now has a shot at surprising the Pirates, and possibly pulling off a
sensation.  We shall see!

<TECH>Now that Lamb's Cove have their own web site, things are looking up.  A statement
would have helped even more, but since I did not put one in for IWK either, it was more
than enough with the numbers.</TECH>