Games 465-472 (VEXILLIUM CUP NUROPIA 300) 01-16-301:

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the second rounds played in the Vexillium Cup
Nuropia'300 on January 16, 301:

Game 465: Deucoland - Namuria

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the SECOND rounds played in the
Vexillium Cup Nuropia'300 on January 16, 301:

GROUP A:

The Technical Information

Final score: DEUCOLAND 3 - NAMURIA 5
Played at: Estadio de Resistance, Sansoheil, Deucoland
Attendance: 65,200
Referee: Psydaque (EXT)
Goals: Furrara (DEU, 8.), Sandoz (DEU, 19.), Aldai (NAM, 40.), Muthras
(NAM, 66.), Salasarien (NAM, 69.), Evangelista (DEU, 71.), Aldai (NAM,
75.), Aldai (NAM, 91.)
Yellow cards: none
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Elke for Herdez (DEU, 45.), Druvolan for Pallur (NAM,
76.), Velasques for Schwartzach (DEU, 77.), Kardas for Enaja (NAM, 77.)
MVP: Aldai (NAM)

ALDAI SAVES THE DAY FOR NAMURIA!

Having already lost to Lendosa 5-2 just a few short days ago, Deucoland
already came into this game fighting for their lives.  Deucoland, one of
the home teams in the tournament, had everything to lose, while Namuria,
playing their first game of the tournament, had everything to win.  The
Deucoland team, a little on the desparate side, opened the game with a
flury of offensive maneuvers, resulting in the early goal and the early
lead off a fast break by Furrara that left the Namurian defense
positively breathless.  The quick strike was followed up just minutes
later by a duplicate break down the opposite sideline by Sandoz that
resulted in another goal.  With Deucoland up 2-0 barely 20 minutes into
the game, the crowd went absolutely wild.  And the Deucolanders
themselves were already planning their victory celebration, it seemed.
But Namuria's Aldai quickly brought everyone back to reality.  With time
running out in the first half, the Golden Eagles' powerful offense led a
smashing charge through the Deucoland defense, allowing Aldai to dribble
the ball practically into the net after finding the Gargoyles' goalie
horribly out of position.

The second half started off with a little slowly.  The break seemed to
have done Deucoland some good, as their defense was able to put a stop
to more of Namuria's antics in the opening minutes of the half, holding
on the Gargoyles' tenuous 2-1 lead.  But the Golden Eagles, true to
form, quickly wore down the opposing defense, then opened a lightning
offensive spurt.  Muthras' header off a corner kick in the 66th minute
pulled Namuria even with Deucoland, and then a quick steal on the
ensuing kickoff put the ball downfield to Salasarien who slammed the
ball into the net for the go-ahead goal.  Deucoland quickly mounted a
counteroffensive in an attempt to regain their precious lead, resulting
in a tying goal by Evangelista on a break down the sideline again.  But
Namuria's Aldai put the Golden Eagles back on top with a fast break in
which he literally outmaneuvered the entire Deucoland defense.  Aldai
picked up the hattrick as the game went into injury time, nailing his
third goal of the game, and slamming the final nail in Deucoland's
coffin.  The 5-3 loss eliminates Deucoland from the tournament, making
them the first of the home teams to leave the tournament this year.
Namuria now prepares to take on Lendosa for the group win.

<TECH>Too bad Deucoland had to be in a group with 2 primary teams...
now, it's a showdown between Namuria and Lendosa! ;-) </TECH>
------

GROUP B:

The Technical Information

Final score: EASTERN ZARTANIA 4 - CABOTENIASA 0
Played at: International Speedway Arena, Ayrtona, Deucoland
Attendance: 90,000
Referee: Sturell (ALT)
Goals: Nurytch (KTZ, 24.), Faulkner (KTZ, 31.), Miyer (KTZ, 53.),
Nurytch (KTZ, 71.)
Yellow cards: Ayress (KTZ, 11.), Nurytch (KTZ, 37.), Kelder (KTZ, 40.),
Saari (CAB, 53.)
Red cards: Morol (CAB, 24.)
Substitutions: Mondei for Agora (CAB, 45.), Sjöberg for Nom (CAB, 55.)
MVP: Miyer (KTZ)

DECISIVE VICTORY FOR EASTERN ZARTANIA!

The Caboteniasans were full of hope after their fantastic 4-0 victory
over Guwimith last weekend, but they had to face a rude awakening today
as Eastern Zartania served a very powerful notice that they are ready to
win the Vexillium Cup!  Caboteniasa started out unimpressed by the
prowess of their opponent, but their freshness somewhat backfired, as
they tended to leave gaps in their backfield, with the powerful
Zartanian offense often stretching them very thin.  The stretching
finally led to tearing, and Zartania landed an already pre-decisive
one-two punch within 7 minutes.  New offensive addition Miyer proved a
revelation, doing the legwork for both goals, and Nurytch paid the coach
back for his starting berth... he has really matured into a major force
on the Zartanian offense.  Together, Miyer and Nurytch today showed the
world that they are the future of Zartanian football... or even the
present, for that matter!

Miyer himself quickly diffused the brief Caboteniasan momentum they
built after the break, and the Smallickans could not stop the slide,
despite several outstanding opportunities.  "Rock Wall" Jenkins did away
with most the chances Caboteniasa had to score, and the Zartanians also
had luck on their side, surviving two goalpost-hits, and one goal for
Caboteniasa which was disallowed for offsides.  Nurytch put the
finishing touches on Zartania's very impressive win by polishing off
Perdrup with a clever heeler into the short corner.  Zartania is looking
dangerous... are they the team to challenge Westria on home turf??

<TECH> Without statement, CAB was hurting in this one, -8 in the odds...
</TECH>

-----

GROUP C:

The Technical Information

Final score: WESTERMARC 2 - ESTONTETSO 1
Played at: Apollon Arena, Mayerantritzpoort, Westria
Attendance: 86,400
Referee: Whytman (RAS)
Goals: Guardanapeira (EST, 34.), Fang (WMC, 67.), Kirin (WMC, 83.)
Yellow cards: Vinhos (EST, 21.), Singhraj (WMC, 52.), Deveng (WMC, 67.),
Espinha (EST, 83.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Mato for Ponto (EST, 79.), Sangarat for Nikkei (WMC, 82.)
MVP: Cirrus (WMC)

WESTERMARC AGAIN BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH!

Westermarc again was not the convincing victor the pundits and bookies
had predicted for this match with impressive certainty.  The Serpents
seemed to still be missing some spark, but to their credit, they did
fight back from a 0-1 deficit after Estontetso was looking good going
into the break as the leaders.  Westermarc seemed freer in the second
half, with Cirrus pulling the midfield strings most effectively, working
the field from the back.  The Serpents grew increasingly desperate at
the end, however, needing another goal to avoid the very real
possibility that Estontetso might knock them out by tieing them and
beating Oost-Otago in their next match by two goals or more...   The
pressure on the team was intense, and one could see the tremendous
relief on everybody's face when the 2-1 fell after Kirin converted a
short free kick pass from Cirrus, after the just subbed-in Sangarat
earned the free kick with a close call, stopped just outside the box by
Espinha.  Thus, despite not shining at all in their group play,
Westermarc goes through to the elimination rounds with two wins, which
is ultimately all that really counts... but this team will really have
to shape up if they want to live up to the great expectations and the
self-stated goal to become a major player on the international soccer
scene.

<TECH>A very close call.  The +6 odds saved WMC - BARELY! With a tie,
there was a good chance that EST would have beaten OOO pretty good and
eliminated the Serpents from the tourney.</TECH>

------

GROUP D:

The Technical Information

Final score: SOMERY 2 - AFRAZURE 0
Played at: Kikongawa Stadium, Kikongawa, Niokolo Koba
Attendance: 36,000
Referee: Sakhov (GUW)
Goals: Kirther (SOM, 20.), Herthen (SOM, 27.)
Yellow cards: Bullalah (AFA, 10.), Scowell (SOM, 12.), Fetlala (AFA,
21.), Balulu (AFA, 35.), Wednesleigh (SOM, 62.), Jubala (AFA, 79.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Kirther for Fawrbryn (SOM, 10.), Durel for Bazari (AFA,
45.), Livier for Mard (SOM, 55.), Makombo for Abdullah (AFA, 64.)
MVP: Wednesleigh (SOM)

SOMERY'S DEBUT A SUCCESS!

Somery is off to an auspicious start in the world of international
soccer.  The small country, which just recently gained its independence,
has seemingly created a world class soccer team in the span of just a
few short weeks.  According to many sports analysts across Vexillium,
Somery's draw of Afrazure was bad luck for the newcomers.  Many people
believed that Afrazure's previous international experience, and previous
VexCup experience, would be the determining factor.  But the team from
Somery made quick work of those theories.  The game started off badly
for Somery, as Fawrbryn was pulled from the game in the 10th minute due
to what team trainers classified as "a strained hamstring."  Fawrbryn's
participation in the upcoming Armatirion game has been listed as
"probable."  Fawrbryn was replaced with Kirther, which proved to be just
what Somery needed.  Minutes later, after an amazing steal by
Wednesleigh, Somery's offense was making its break down the field,
gunning for Afrazure's goal.  Kirther found that goal for Somery with a
powerful shot off a one-touch pass from Herthen, putting the newcomers
up 1-0.  The goal was followed up just a few minutes later when Kirther
returned the favor to Herthen, scoring Somery's second goal in their
history, and the goal that turned out to the proverbial feather in the
cap for Somery.  The rest of the game was a defensive struggle.
Afrazure, shocked by the speed and agility of Somery's offense,
tightened their defense to keep the newcomers away from the net.
Somery, in turn, tightened their own defense to handle Afrazure's
attempts to close the points gap.  But in the end, Somery had done all
the damage they needed to, and ended with a 2-0 shutout of veteran
Afrazure.  Afrazure now goes home to watch the remainder of the
tournament, while Somery tries to work its magic against Old Continent
powerhouse Armatirion.

<TECH>Somery's awesome web site work is already showing... but can they
beat Armatirion?? ;-) </TECH>
-----

GROUP E:

The Technical Information

Final score: PHENIXIA 2 - LOMBRIGA 3
Played at: The Spectatorium, Kirvani, Westria
Attendance: 51,400
Referee: Ointoingami (WOO)
Goals: Cigret (LOM, 10.), Snappafuë (LOM, 22.), Youri (PHX, 56.),
D'Entremont (PHX, 69.), Snappafuë (LOM, 83.)
Yellow cards: none
Red cards: none
Substitutions: P. Lezande for Meridion (LOM, 45.)
MVP: Kurvan (LOM)

LOMBRIGA SURPRISES PHENIXIA!

"What the hell happened out there?!"

The question voiced by Phenixia's coach after the game was echoed by
thousands of fans across the globe.  Phenixia came into the game heavily
favored against Lombriga, a relative Burovian obscurity among the
international soccer world.  But, as everyone knows, even the greats can
be brought down by a single mistake.  Phenixia came into the game
looking for a relatively easy win, and apparently underestimated the
Lombrigans.  Lombriga opened the game with an early passing frenzy,
dashing in and out between Phenixian defenders.  Chasing passes back and
forth across the field, the Phenixians soon found themselves woefully
out of position as Lombriga's Cigret ran practically unchallenged to the
goal.  On the ensuing kickoff, Phenixia tried to copy their opponent's
success, and almost did.  But an off-balance shot from Youri crossed the
end-line and resulted in a goal kick for Lombriga.  Lombriga quickly
capitalized on Youri's mistake, shooting down the field again for a
second goal off Snappafüe, which would be the last goal of the half.

Down 2-0 at the beginning of the second half, Phenixia shot back
quickly.  Just a few minutes into the half, Youri redeemed himself by
heading a corner kick past the Lombrigan goalie, and moving his team
closer to their opponents.  Lombriga tried to use their next possession
opportunity to finish off the struggling Phenixians, but to no avail.
Instead, the resurgent Phenixian defense stole the ball and sent it
screaming toward waiting Phenixian offense.  Youri this time combined
with D'Entremont to outwit and out-maneuver the Lombrigan defense to
score the tying goal.  With the score now tied 2-2, the crowd became a
factor, and in that the non-Burovian Phenixians were at a disadvantage.
With the screaming Westrian crowd behind them, Lombriga stormed their
opponent's side of the field once more.  Once again it was Snappafüe
finding the open shot after a free kick for a handball found the
Phenixian goalie out of position.  While the Burovian crowd celebrated,
Phenixia tried to pull out a miracle comeback, but it was too bad.  The
final whistle blew, and the game ended with a heart-rending 3-2 loss for
Phenixia, and a chance for Lombriga to keep alive in the tournament.

<TECH>I gave PHX all the odds points I could, but they still lost... oh
well.</TECH>
-----

GROUP F:

The Technical Information

Final score: EASTERN DELGAMIA 1 - ISLANDIA 5
Played at: Grand Altanyika Stadium, Semithurn, Deucoland
Attendance: 60,800
Referee: Stoneley (WHI)
Goals: Testodasertan (EDE, 4.), Eyjolfsson (ISL, 29.), Hjalmarsson (ISL,
50.), Hjalmarsson (ISL, 68.), Sigurgeirsson (ISL, 74.), Eyjolfsson (ISL,
86.)
Yellow cards: Þórarinsson (ISL, 16.), Z. Numseinum (EDE, 29.), Bentile
(EDE, 53.), Gudmundsson (ISL, 75.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Sigurgeirsson for Williamsson (ISL, 45.), Berbebermeilho
for Ie (EDE, 70.), M. Numseinum for Z. Numseinum (EDE, 70.), Kjartansson
for Petursson (ISL, 77.)
MVP: Sigurgeirsson (ISL)

ISLANDIA'S FINEST HOUR!!

Islandia has been steadily showing strong signs of improvement ever
since their horrible downfall last year, and today, after a merely
"decent" first match against Solanchatka three days ago, the return of
the Penguins was truly complete... Islandia had its finest hour,
defeating the highly-ranked Eastern Delgamian team, one of the most
successful sides of the past year, like they were a mere U-17
selection.  The first half did not hint at the surprising outcome, as
Eastern Delgamia seemed on the money, with Testodasertan scoring an
early shocker.  Eyolfsson & Co. did not let themselves be troubled, and
it was the grand master himself who evened out the score.

It was not until the second half that Islandia really began turning on
the heat - Sigurgeirsson came in for the once again disappointing
Williamsson, and the momentum of the match completely changed at that
time.  With is fresh legs, the new addition really jelled well with the
offensive aces Hjalmarsson and Eyjolfsson, and together these three
began to take apart the Delgamian resistance.  With Boubem having an off
day, the Delgamian defense was error-prone, and could not withstand the
offensive onslaught by the Islandians who increasingly gained
confidence, and seemed to pick up speed until they switched gears and
brought in Kjartansson to bring it home.  The Delgamians were at that
point distraught, having realized that their VexCup dreams had been
shattered by this incredible Islandian team.  Eyolfsson added to the
glory by scoring his second, putting him squarely into the hunt for his
second VexCup Scoring title.  Sad day for Eastern Delgamia, but today,
nobody could have stopped Islandia.  Watch out for them, they advance as
the clear group winners!

<TECH>Pretty shocking... Islandia pulled a .932 from the hat, crushing
the Delgamians who are suffering from Teemu's military service ;-)
</TECH>

-----

GROUP G:

The Technical Information

Final score: BOWDANI 3 - ALBION-MERITE 0
Played at: Cirque des Crowns, Cronenbourgh, Westria
Attendance: 74,600
Referee: Faltuunhe (EDE)
Goals: Punneratau (BOW, 7.), Killehal (BOW, 39.), Killehal (BOW, 44.)
Yellow cards: Jennings (ALB, 7.), Risold (ALB, 21.), Coleman (BOW, 41.),
Sproul (ALB, 67.), Moran (BOW, 69.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Deacon for Marn (BOW, 45.), Reghardt for Killehal (BOW,
45.)
MVP: Deacon (BOW)

BOWDANI QUICK OFF THE BLOCK, IMPENETRABLE IN SECOND HALF!

Bowdani is not only hyped up, but increasingly looking like a prime
challenger for the title!  The Smallickans dusted Albion-Merite in the
first half, and never looked back, presenting a defensive masterpiece in
the second half to clearly hold on to their three-goal lead.  After
comments from the Eagles coach left the Bowdanian squad steamed, they
seized the opportunity to blow off some of their steam, and effectively
did so, starting with an early free kick bomb from Punneratau to go up
1-0.  Bowdani kept right in the driver's seat, giving Jennings, Voultz,
and Kiltchenstein all they could handle.  The Albion defense finally
cracked under the pressure, and Bowdani scored two essential goals
just minutes before the break, going up 3-0.

In the second half, the great Bowdanian defense show began... two fresh
defenders joined the fray, and Deacon clearly stole the show henceforth,
together with his defense cronies.  The Imperial Eagles kept their
strongest formation out until the bitter end, but they could not
effectively mar the Bowdanian effort.  Assistant captain McDouglas
directed his men well, but it was Brian Deacon who simply seemed to pop
up all over the place, foiling the plans of particularly Werbeck, who
did not seem to get away from him well at all.  Veteran Bowdani keeper
Andy Hawk did the rest, holding the shots that actually made it
through.  A world-class effort by Bowdani, reminiscent of the former
notoriously impenetrable "Gronkian Wall" the Northern Gronk team used to
be famous for.  A tough nut for anybody to crack, Albion-Merite, despite
valiant efforts, could not succeed.  Bowdani thus safely qualifies for
the elimination rounds as group winner.

<TECH>Bowdani was +4 and the numbers worked to a 3-0 despite being not
too far apart</TECH>
-----

GROUP H:

The Technical Information

Final score: CHRISTIANA 2 - EASTERN ISLANDS 2
Played at: Grand Harbor Stadium, Haavenhuus, Deucoland
Attendance: 49,000
Referee: Nuava (ACH)
Goals: Harrison (CHR, 16.), Gabrielsen (EAI, 61.), Monaigh (CHR, 85.),
Gabrielsen (EAI, 92., penalty)
Yellow cards: Pedersen (EAI, 28.), Sullivan (CHR, 40.), Brigison (CHR,
61.), Mogensen (EAI, 69.)
Red cards: None
Substitutions: Gabrielsen for Andersen (EAI, 45.), Andersen for
Mortensen (CHR, 63.)
MVP: Gabrielsen (EAI)

CONTROVERSY GETS SLUGGISH CHRISTIANA OFF TO A SLOW START!

"The DoubleEdged Sword" lived up to its name today, putting Christiana
ahead, and then taking the win away at the last minute.  The Christiana
Knights were the heavy favorites entering the game, with most people
counting on a shut-out of the little-known Eastern Islands team.  But
that myth was put bed today, with the Eastern Islanders looking like a
real, professional team.  Even the threat of the "DoubleEdged Sword"
from Christiana's coach did little to shake the Islanders.  Christiana
opened the game with a clear indication of their dominance by slamming
home a goal in the first 20 minutes.  The remainder of the half featured
a battle of wills between EAI's vengeful offense and Christiana's
rock-solid defense.  The result was a 1-0 Christiana lead at the half.
But that lead did not last long.  The Eastern Islands made it onto the
board in the 61st minute when Gabrielsen scored off a free kick that
resulted from a yellow card issued to Christiana's Brigison for rough
play.  Christiana, with its blood up, returned to the lead by employing
the dreaded "DoubleEdged Sword," sweeping Islander opposition aside and
going up 2-1.  But Christiana's maneuver led to disaster as the game
moved into injury time.  Employing the "DoubleEdged Sword" in its
defensive stage, Christiana's Sullivan was called for tripping in the
penalty box.  The Christiana bench immediately protested to referee
Nuava that Gabrielsen had tripped on the turf, not on Sullivan's foot.
But the ruling stood, and Gabrielsen slammed home the final and tying
goal with a penalty shot.  The 2-2 tie leaves Christiana's future in
doubt as we move toward the final games in group play.

<TECH>Ouch for Christiana... btw, the DOUBLEEDGED SWORD message reached
after the statement deadline, so unfortunately to keep things even, I
can not count it - sorry Ed ;-) </TECH>