Games 481-488 (VEXILLIUM CUP NUROPIA 300) 01-20-301:

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the second rounds played in the Vexillium Cup
Nuropia'300 on January 20, 301:

Game 481: Namuria - Lendosa

GROUP A:

The Technical Information

Final score: NAMURIA 4 - LENDOSA 1
Played at: Estadio de Resistance, Sansoheil, Deucoland
Attendance: 65,200
Referee: Stickx (ARM)
Goals: Aldai (NAM, 14.), Muthras (NAM, 30.), Cassarica (LEN, 56.), Salasarien (NAM, 67.),
Muthras (NAM, 77.)
Yellow cards: Leon (LEN, 14.), Pallur (33.), Santanda (LEN, 52.), Mapallar (NAM, 56.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Branza for Vitovio (LEN, 31.), Kalin for Genasi (LEN, 69.)
MVP: Salasarien (NAM)

NAMURIA LEAVE LITTLE DOUBT THEY ARE READY FOR WHAT'S NEXT!

Some voices of criticism were heard as Namuria did not convince 100% in their first match
of this Cup, relying on the brilliance of their new offensive star Aldai to overcome the
relatively miserable Deuco team.  Today, however, in the decisive match of Group A,
Namuria played as well as they ever have... and not coincidentally, it was once again
Salasarien who had a marquee day - which seems to be always an indicator of how Namuria
performs as a team.  Salasarien has an off day... Namuria plays mediocre.  Salasarien
shines... Namuria kicks butt!

Namuria pulled out 2-0 in the first half, looking like the stronger team from the getgo.
Lendosa was obviously lacking the depth of talent in their lineup that the Namurians could
draw upon to carry them to the victory, with Salasarien pulling the strings.  Lendosan
star striker Cassarica and his cronies mounted a formidable challenge in the early second
half, but Pallur more than validated coach Spindelri's confidence in letting him start by
masterfully spearheading the Namurian defense.  Another factor bringing the Lendosan
charge to a screeching halt was captain Salasarien himself, who turned up the heat in the
last quarter considerably.  Him and Muthras made everything clear by scoring two more,
leaving the Lendosans with an impossible to overcome 1-4 deficit which would stand till
the end.  An important boost for the Golden Eagles, who more than one time have made it
very clear... only the Vexillium Cup really counts!  And they are on their way to chase
their ambitions and their dreams, winning group A and advancing to the elimination rounds!

<TECH>Namuria +3 and pulled a very nice .886 to Lendosa's .462.  What a tough group this
was!! </TECH>

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GROUP B:

The Technical Information

Final score: EASTERN ZARTANIA 4 - GUWIMITH 0
Played at: International Speedway Arena, Ayrtona, Deucoland
Attendance: 88,000
Referee: Speaks (BOW)
Goals: Faulkner (KTZ, 2.), Fouberg (KTZ, 19.), Faulkner (KTZ, 39.), Nurytch (KTZ, 44.)
Yellow cards: du Cron (KTZ, 21.), Kraichin (GUW, 31.), Znaichichik (GUW, 62.)
Red cards:
Substitutions: Balanda for Prostokisha (GUW, 45.), Utz for Nurytch (KTZ, 45.), Juriniq for
Faulkner (KTZ, 45.)
MVP: Faulkner (KTZ)

EASTERN ZARTANIANS CRUSH GUWIMITH!

Who really doubted that Eastern Zartania would dominate group B?  Only a fool would have
predicted that the Red Machine would have any trouble against Guwimith, particularly after
the Zartanians's most impressive display against their biggest threat in this group, the
mercurial Caboteniasans, who despite their spirit could not hold up against the Zeoktus.
Zartania wasted no time, and intimidated Guwimith with a goal already in the 2. minute,
scored by a singular drive by Faulkner, who would go on to score again, and assist in both
other goals to take a deserved MVP award, answering his critics who have stated that he
was washed-up against the new blood in the Zartanian offensive line-up, Miyer and
Nurytch.  Miyer, after his most impressive debut, played less of a role this match, as he
was closely mirrored by the pesky Znaichichik.

Essentially, Guwimith was out of its league, despite their darndest efforts to break
Zartania's rythm, and slow the pace of the match down.  It did not work.  Zartania would
score 4 times in the first half, and it seemed like an astronomical score may be in sight,
but instead of exhausting themselves further, Eastern Zartania totally went on cruise
control in the second half, running out the clock while resting Faulkner and Jennings for
the next match.  Guwimith still could not capitalize, despite running their strongest
line-up.  In fact, they were lucky that a penalty shot by Nurytch in the 62. minute did
not find the net after a foul from Znaichichik on Miyer.

KTZ thus convincingly wins their group, and will be an intimidating opponent in the
elimination rounds to come!

<TECH>KTZ +6, got .787, GUW got the useless .108!</TECH>

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GROUP C:

The Technical Information

Final score: ESTONTETSO 3 - OOST-OTAGO 0
Played at: Apollon Arena, Mayerantritzpoort, Westria
Attendance: 46,300
Referee: Jeanfranc (DAV)
Goals: Guardanapeira (EST, 20.), Velhotes (EST, 69.), Guardanapeira (EST, 90.)
Yellow cards: Hoffnig (OOO, 11.), Vinhos (EST, 47.), Kenthz (OOO, 69.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Flenthz for Zipf (OOO, 60.), Wastwald for Hoffnig (OOO, 70.)
MVP: Guardanapeira (EST)

EASY WIN FOR ESTONTETSO, BUT TOO LITTLE TOO LATE!

After Westermarc had already defeated both te teams in today's match in the narrowest of
fashions, this game was just for pride and fun, and not relevant to the outcome of the
Cup.  And fun Estontetso had, playing very well against the tired-looking Oost-Otago
team.  In fact, many say that had Estontetso played in this manner against the Serpents,
they may well have challenged the shaky Westermarcians for the group win.  Guardanapeira
once again showed that he is heads above the rest in his team, having a blast and
seemingly showing up all over the pitch.  Oost-Otago did not have a defensive answer to
neutralize him, and it showed in the end result... a nice win for Estontetso before they
board the plane back home, Oost-Otago can not be too disappointed with their performance,
but lost both their matches, nevertheless.

<TECH>A good result, I am glad the faithful VexCup patrons Estontetso won at least this
match</TECH>

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GROUP D:

The Technical Information

Final score: ARMATIRION 4 - SOMERY 0
Played at: Kikongawa Stadium, Kikongawa, Niokolo Koba
Attendance: 36,700
Referee: Claris (MOA)
Goals: Parker (ARM, 40.), Cunliffe (ARM, 50.), Cunliffe (ARM, 55, penalty), Dunlop (ARM,
82.)
Yellow cards: Bell (ARM, 31.), Dodds (ARM, 56.)
Red cards:
Substitutions: Livier for Mard (SOM, 52.), Keart for Scowell (SOM, 58.), Dunlop for
Cunliffe (ARM, 66.), Coggins for Fern (ARM, 66.)
MVP: Latta (ARM)

ARMATIRION HUMBLES THE TALENTED ROOKIES!

Soccer euphory had begun to grip Somery, when the rookies won their inaugural match
against Afrazure.  The Somerish press remained cautious, however, taking a wait-and-see
attitude for the match against an opponent much mightier than Afrazure, Giants
Armatirion!  The finger-crossing, however, and the healthy efforts of the motivated
Shiffles proved not enough to dethrone the former Vexillium Number One team.  Armatirion,
on top of that, caught a solid day that was reminiscent of their past (and maybe again
future!) glory days.  The 4-0 score line reflected that, although Somery did by no means
deserve such a "beating".  2-0 would have been more appropriate, but that's just how
things went.

Alex Latta was the key in the midfield this time, giving all his forwards plenty of great
passes for scoring opportunities, and his guys would not disappoint him!  It did, however,
take Armatirion well into the first half to finally break the goal jinx that seemed to
have befallen them in the early going.  Somery goalie Hawyer was awesome off the line,
keeping his house clean for a long time.  Once the jinx was broken, however, Armatirion
swam with the open floodgates.  Cunliffe scored a smarting 1-2 punch, although one came
from a penalty, and when the star forward was taken out for preservation later, his sub
Dunlop picked right up where Cunliffe left off, and scored the final goal for the 4-0.
Somery fought well.  Kirther once again proved more than just a suitable replacement for
the still injured Fawrbryn, clearly setting most of the offensive impulses in the Somery
team.  Today was not Somery's day against a mighty opponent, but this young Shiffles team
surely shows a tremendous lot of promise for the future!!

<TECH>The decisive match in this group, with the odds even, everything was possible, but
ARM lucked out .839-.109</TECH>
 

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GROUP E:

The Technical Information

Final score: LEXICON ISLANDS 3 - PHENIXIA 0
Played at: The Spectatorium, Kirvani, Westria
Attendance: 60,600
Referee: Benzhin (WMC)
Goals: Dibris (LEX, 11.), Fotonaro (LEX, 39.), Fotonaro (LEX, 66.)
Yellow cards: Lolo (PHX, 21.), Potvin (PHX, 34.), Hampel (LEX, 40.), Lexico (LEX, 46.),
Gelinas (PHX, 69.)
Red cards: Lexico (LEX, 62.)
Substitutions: Brochu for Lolo (PHX, 45.), Michel for Pilouti (PHX, 70.), Raxxon for
Fotonaro (LEX, 70.)
MVP: Fotonaro (LEX)

LEXICON FULL STEAM AHEAD!

Phenixia was considered a serious challenger to Lexicon before play started in this year's
Cup, but after incredibly losing to the minnow Lombrigan side, they had become one of the
tragic figures in this Cup, yearning for the past glory they had known in the history of
this championship.  Of course, with Lexicon Islands, they were drawn a tough assignment,
no matter what.  Experts had predicted that the Lexicans would not find their form this
year, having had a less rigorous preparation programme than previously.  But the Vikings
seemed to have no trouble today, and even shrugged off being a man down as Lexico saw red
for his second bad foul in the 62. minute, just a minute before the coach actually
intended to substitue him to avoid just that.

Lexicon relied heavily on its veteran players these first two matches, leaving some of the
hungry young guns on the bench for now.  Kilos Raxxon DID see some action later on.
Phenixia could not capitalize on their numerical advantage.  Having nothing to gain in
this match (they would have had to beat Lexicon by six to advance!), they played listless,
and seemed to be in thoughts already back on the plane home.  Thus, Lexicon advances
easily as the clear winner of this group... can Lexicon keep it going once again?  Do they
have yet another finals appearance in them?  With the young guns getting fired up from
waiting on the bench, who knows!

<TECH> No surprises... Lexicon easily advance even without a statement</TECH>

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GROUP F:

The Technical Information

Final score: EASTERN DELGAMIA 2 - SOLANCHATKA 0
Played at: Grand Altanyika Stadium, Semithurn, Deucoland
Attendance: 53,800
Referee: Besecki (LEX)
Goals: Cinziento (EDE, 30.), Testodasertan (EDE, 60.)
Yellow cards: none
Red cards: none
Substitutions: none
MVP: Cinziento (EDE)

STANDARD WIN FOR EASTERN DELGAMIA, OF LITTLE CONSEQUENCE!

In yet another meaningless match towards the outcome of the Cup, the only remarkable fact
about this "standard" result for Eastern Delgamia was the triumphant return of Julio
Cinziento as the midfield director.  Solanchatke wanted to win this match as a
consolation, but Eastern Delgamia, although not quite up to the level they had been
playing at the past year, simply proved much too much for the Stripes to swallow.  The
notoriously underachieving Solanchatkans were no real threat to the former VexCup and
VexGames Bronze medalists.  Eastern Delgamia had another goal disallowed for offsides.
Not a very eventful match... some vindication for the Delgamians, who faced much
humiliation in their 1-5 loss to Islandia, but they no doubt still leave for the airport
with a bitter taste in their mouths... with their small nation having become one of the
major teams of Vexillium, their upset elimination is rather shocking!

<TECH>not much to report here, standard win for EDE, who exit nevertheless</TECH>

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GROUP G:

The Technical Information

Final score: ALBION-MERITE 6 - TIGER CONFEDERACY
Played at: Cirque des Crowns, Cronenbourgh, Westria
Attendance: 36,600
Referee: Jousfrippe (AFA)
Goals: Hohenzoln (ALB, 6.), Lenderval (ALB, 10.), Hohenzoln (ALB, 14.), Hohenzoln (ALB,
27.), Peplau (ALB, 49.), Lenderval (ALB, 69.)
Yellow cards: Voultz (ALB, 31.), Risold (ALB, 78.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: F. Bandena for S. Luande (TIG, 17.), M. Cassarica for Snorrelia (TIG, 30.)
MVP: Hohenzoln (ALB)

ALBION-MERITE TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF DISTRAUGHT TIGERS!

With their home being bombed into the ground as they played, the Tiger Confederacy
players, well about half based in Melga, obviously had much more important things on their
minds than playing soccer.  Not surprisingly, the Tigers were unconcentrated and seemed
despondent on and off the field.  It was painful to watch their humiliation by the
Albionish team, which only obviously added to their awful situation - hearing news of war
and destruction from your far-away home, and in your disturbed state of mind having to
face a merciless opponent in front of 36,000 people - what a nightmare, and it got WORSE
as they played.  Albion-Merite did not seem to care too much about the predicament of
their opponents, and relentlessly pounded away at their defenseless counterparts.

It was Hohenzoln's big day, and in the beginning it looked like the Tigers might face an
even more devastating destruction than their compatriots getting bombed back home... the
Imperial eagles went up BOOM-BOOM-BOOM 3-0, in just the first 14 minutes, Hohenzoln
already scored his third goal in only the 27. minute, and at least after the 0-4, the
Tigers, reinforced by all their allowed subs at that time already, seemed to somewhat snap
out of it, and began to mount something of a defense.  However, a defense was all they
could muster, holding off the Eagles to some extent, at least slowing down the stream of
goals from their buzzing adversaries.  Nevertheless, Albion-Merite kept the clear upper
hand, confining the Tigers into their own half almost for the entire time, and scoring 2
more for the crushing 6-0 win.  Could this be an omen for the war in Melga?  Will the
Tigers lose big there as they did today?  We shall see... for their players, it's into an
uncertain future now.  It was not even clear whether they could return home at this time.
Rumors of defections or applicants for asylum from the Tiger team and officials have
surfaced, but are not at all confirmed at this time.  Albion-Merite goes home with this
nice win under their belts, which oughta help them in the rankings.

<TECH>The outcome surely fits current events! ;-) Any players planning on seeking asylum
in the realm??</TECH>

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GROUP H:

The Technical Information

Final score: CHRISTIANA 3 - WEST UHLAN 3
Played at: Grand Harbor Stadium, Haavenhuus, Deucoland
Attendance: 49,300
Referee: Nalinzal (KAL)
Goals: Monaigh (CHR, 29.), Kautschucka (WUH, 41.), Monaigh (CHR, 56.), Mazraldi (WUH,
79.), Mazraldi (WUH, 84.), Padraig (CHR, 90.)
Yellow cards: Gonzalez (WUH, 34.), Sullivan (CHR, 45.), Amalga (WUH, 72.)
Red cards: None
Substitutions: Mazraldi for Ming Do (WUH, 59.)
MVP: Mazraldi (WUH)

CHRISTIANA FALLS ONTO ITS OWN DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD!

The much-trumpeted "Double-Edged Sword" strategy announced by coach Snyder before the Cup
turned out to be a complete failure, with the 298 Vexillium Cup Champions Christiana
Knights having to come to terms with having been eliminated by two second-class teams they
could manage no better than ties against!  The Knights started fine, sticking to their
more traditional strategies, but tried to get fancy in the second half, and it backfired
badly.  Seemingly out of their element playing the new formation, the Knights seemed to
lose their "edge" at this time, and opened the door for the nobodies on the West Uhlan
team to trump.  Trump of the match was the previously unheralded midfielder Mazraldi, who
had come into the right striker position after the lackluster Ming Do had been taken out.
Mazraldi was in the right place at the right times, taking serious sting off the "edge"
with sheer speed that saw him through to score twice.  Christiana was thus 2-3 down, and
with increasing desperation reverted back to their regular formation, immediately playing
in better accord, and with Padraig scoring the tier in the 90. minute... but it was too
little too late, and West Uhlan really came through defensively in the last three minutes
of injury play, with all 11 near their own box, creating an awesome wall the despondent
Knights could not penetrate.  The last 20 minutes of the match were incredibly
suspenseful, with the group win on the line... one of the most thrilling finishes in
VexCup history!

Thus, with West Uhlan managing a tie, they sensationally eliminate the mighty Knights, who
should perhaps return to their roots once again to regain the success of days past.  West
Uhlan now will face Eastern Zartania in the elimination rounds, in a match that promises
plenty of political baggage attached to it!

<TECH>Big surprise in this group - the Knights really got the shaft this year, but would
have won had I received Ed's pregame statement before the deadline had expired</TECH>GROUP P: