Games 497-504 (VEXILLIUM CUP NUROPIA 300 ELIMINATION ROUNDS) 01-26-301 and 01-27-301:

IVEFA proudly presents the results from the elimination rounds played in the Vexillium Cup
Nuropia'300 on January 26 and 27, 301:

Game 497: Westria - United Territories:

MATCH 1:

The Technical Information

Final score: WESTRIA 4 - UNITED TERRITORIES 0
Played at: Wynterwynd Bowl, Wynterwynd, Westria
Attendance: 60,500
Referee: Claris (MOA)
Goals: Galaga (WES, 39.), Vraseydenhout (WES, 79., penalty), Theunissen (WES, 84.),
Guydenvaldt (WES, 92.)
Yellow cards: Schilla (WES, 11.), Boyle (UNT, 21.), Sykes (UNT, 40.), Marginot (WES, 55.),
Blackmore (UNT, 65.), Zimroe (WES, 76.), Fögelsangg (WES, 90.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Galacher for Boyle (UNT, 80.), Kisselma for Vraseydenhout (WES, 81.)
MVP: Theunissen (WES)

WESTRIA'S MOMENTUM PROVED UNSTOPPABLE!

Even though Westria was the big favorite going into this match, there were a few voices
who warned that the United Territories could be capable of a big upset here... The Lions
did their part, playing their hearts out from the whistle, despite having 110,000 fans
root against them, and, on top of that, a referee who seemed to be very keen on pleasing
the home crowds and the tournament favorites.  Thus, a debatable offsides was given in the
10. minute when Macghileagh was wide open, receiving from Whitby.  Just minutes later, a
similar situation was NOT given to the Westrians, as Galaga received an
offsides-suspicious pass from Theunissen... but it did not result in a goal, as Thayill
was able to challenge and clear after all.

The Lions played freshly, and seemed unfettered by the massive crowd support for their
favorite opponents.  It was up to Hasenpfeffer to keep the Westrian goal clean several
times, as Macghileagh was as dangerous as ever, with Whitby impressing in the build-up.
However, it would be Westria to score in the first half, after a mistake from Boyle cost
the Lions possession deep in their own half, with Galaga showing no mercy, and underlining
his role as starter in this match.

The Lions would build similar momentum in the second half, although they now increasingly
ran into the Westrian forechecking machine.  Both teams were exchanging blows in a see-saw
type match, in which the Lions managed to keep up with their mighty opponents pretty
well.  Their hopes grew much dimmer, however, when a penalty was given in the 79. minute,
after what UNT players called "theatrics" from Guydenvaldt - allegedly, Hicks had played
the ball, and Guydenvaldt took the chance to plop himself down, knowing he could not
control the spinner - Westria-friendly referee Claris decided it was enough to warrant a
penalty, and with Vraseydenhout's conversion, the Lions' hopes began to fade.  Westria now
took firm control of the rest of the match, whipped on by their suddenly again more vocal
fans, who had grown a little quiet in view of the Lions keeping the match close.  Two late
goals for the Diamonds eventually distorted the match score into a 4-0, which was much
more flattering to the Westrians than it could have been.  The United Territories had
fought a valiant battle, but they could not overcome the heavy odds against the number one
team playing at home, and a referee eager to serve the favorites' cause.

MATCH 2:

The Technical Information

Final score: WESTERMARC 1 - ARMATIRION 4
Played at: Goldenrod Field, Kathyapiyanka, Kiokolo Koba
Attendance: 42,400
Referee: Caplick (UNT)
Goals: Cunliffe (ARM, 20.), Latta (ARM, 56.), Fang (WMC, 61.), Cunliffe (ARM, 66.), Dunlop
(ARM, 76.)
Yellow cards: Virr (ARM, 19.), Bell (ARM, 63.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Daihatcheng for Cirrus (WMC, 70.)
MVP: Latta (ARM)

ARMATIRION HUMBLES SERPENTS, CHEKKOR FIRED!

What a disappointing day for the Serpents!  Critics had already sounded the warning sirens
in the first two matches Westermarc played, which they only narrowly won against less than
stellar opponents, and they proved to be right, as the Serpents today dwindled into a
debacle against the firm Armatirion Giants!

One of the longest serving and more visible coaches of Vexillium, Peter Chekkor was
announced "relieved from his duties" immidiately after the match by the FFoW - a sad
ending to what had been a much-publicized roller coaster ride for the coach, and his team,
which had undergone so many risky changes in the past year, but ultimately proved not to
be living up to the high expectations of the fans and the Federation.  No replacement has
been named for Chekkor yet.

The Serpents pretty much kept their performace in line with their first two matches,
except that this time, their opponents were of a much higher caliber.  Armatirion was
clearly in the driver's seat, and it was mostly up to Singhraj's impressive efforts that
the Giants did not lead more than 1-0 in the first half.  Alex Latta was the big star
today, supporting his forwards with pass after pass, and taking a quick solo himself,
surprising even Singhraj, who anticipated another pass forward, which led to the 2-0 in
the 56. minute.  Westermarc smelled a glimmer of hope when veteran striker Fang closed to
one minutes later, but Cunliffe quickly grabbed the momentum back to the Armatirians by
following up 5 minutes later to once again open the gap to two.

Having no real recipe to counter, the Westermarc team seemed helpless in their efforts,
and could not find the right positions against the Armatirion defensive lineup.  Dunlop
polished off the impressive win for the Giants to make it 4-1.  A big disappointment for
the Serpents, who were so full of hope to rise to the next level as a team, and build on
their success winning the IVEFA Title... but with their latest performances, they have
once again taken a deep dip, and surely the team will need to be reorganized once more by
who ever follows Chekkor - the veteran coach's gambles did ultimately not work out.

Armatirion will now face Westria in the second showdown of these two teams in just a few
months!  This should be a good one!

MATCH 3:

The Technical Information

Final score: NIOKOLO KOBA 0 - BOWDANI 7
Played at: The Crocus Field, Crocusveldt, Westria
Attendance: 55,800
Referee: Vassiliev (KTZ)
Goals: Hund (BOW, 26.), Punneratau (BOW, 30., penalty), Salengar (BOW, 44.), Ndiaye (NIO,
63. - OWN), Killehal (BOW, 65., penalty), Hund (BOW, 82.), Killehal (BOW, 88.)
Yellow cards: Marn (BOW, 12.), Sana (NIO, 30.), Coleman (BOW, 52.), Harawi (NIO, 63.),
Dourane (NIO, 65.)
Red cards: Gueye (NIO, 25.)
Substitutions: Salengar for J. Moran (BOW, 11.), Weher for Marn (BOW, 70.)
MVP: Hund (BOW)

BOWDANI HUMILIATES NIOKOLO KOBA!

The calls of "NK for the Championship" ended VERY quickly today, as Bowdani inflicted the
worst ever loss any team has ever had to face in "A" team IVEFA competition... the 0-7
loss is as bad as it ever got, and it was a bit of a surprise considering the fine
performances tha NK team had shown in their group play, which had them eliminate the
defending champions Whitlam by tieing them.

The difference was perhaps, the Warriors did not play at home this time, the match instead
scheduled in Westria, and they definitely were missing their enthusiastic home crowds,
even though thousands had made the trip to Crocusveldt.  The Bowdanian fan contingent was
well-represented as well, and the overall crowd mood seemed pretty neutral.  As Bowdani
began their scoring frenzy, however, the mood quickly changed to cheer on the Bowdanians,
who were making history, and at the end of the day, much green was seen in the stands!
Niokolo Koba seemed like a whole different team than they had been in their first two
matches, it was more like shades of the team we had seen produce some dismal performances
in the past... and dismal their performance was today.  Who knows what really happened...
were they still exhausted from their success, exasperated by the celebrations in their
home country, missing the confidence they exuded playing on their sacred home soil?  Or
was Bowdani simply too dominating today to overcome?  It was probably all of those.
Bowdani had a fantastic day, like they had so many before - this moody team has had more
finest hours than any other, and also more letdowns than most others... but today was one
of their best ever, if not THE best.  With The Sky City State Marching Band playing in the
stands, the Bowdani battle song resounded around the stadium, ever increasing in volume,
and eventually even the neutral fans joining in the catchy tune, that whipped the
Bowdanian side on to score goal after goal.  An unfortunate self-goal by Ndiaye did
nothing to lessen the humiliation!  Niokolo Koba must have felt awful, and the nice
applause they received after the match did little for them after receiving such a lashing,
and also losing crowd support through their poor play.  A real turn of events for them,
after the euphoria of their elimination of Whitlam... but at least they have that to show
for this Cup... who really expected them to make it to the elimination rounds, anyways?

Bowdani thus goes on to the Quarterfinals... watch out for this team, they're HOT!  Let's
hope they will keep their consistency this time!  If they do, there is no telling how far
they can go!

MATCH 4:

The Technical Information

Final score: ISLANDIA 1 - RAS LANARCH 0
Played at: West Kierk Stadium, Ter Kierk, Deucoland
Attendance: 64,700
Referee: Barkley (LCP)
Goals: Sigurgeirsson (ISL, 73.)
Yellow cards: none
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Kellers for Gerthz (RAS, 60.), Allbright for Hainey (RAS, 76.), Kjartansson
for Strindorsson (ISL, 77.)
MVP: Gudmundsson (ISL)

ISLANDIA COMES TROUGH WITH A HARD-FOUGHT WIN!

Islandia versus Ras Lanarch should have yielded a clear win for the Penguins, but it
turned out to be more of a struggle than they bargained for!  Ras Lanarch was simply
flying after their sensational wins in the group rounds, including the incredible 5-0 over
San Patricio.  Ras coach Funzl had announced the Islandians "beatable" before the match,
and his team surely came to play, and went to work without respect.  Islandia, themselves
in a prolonged state of euphoria were licking their chops already, as anybody would,
facing the 63rd ranked team of Vexillium.  The fact that the Islandians DID take this
match serious, however, saved them in the end, as their defense, staged by Gudmundsson,
was alert, and they carefully began to build their attacks, versus wildly storming
forward.  The duo Eyjolfsson-Sigurgeirsson had a few starting misunderstandings, with
Sigurgeirsson for the first time starting for the Penguins, but as the match progressed,
these two began to jell very well, and it was Sigurgeirsson who scored the winning goal, a
big relief for Islandia in the 73rd minute.  After a very even first half, the Islandians
finally began to control the match more in the second half, culminating in their only
goal.  Ras Lanarch attempted to come back late, but defensive star Gudmundsson became the
man of the match, holding off the Lanarchian advances, leading the Islandian blockers.
Despite persistent attacks from the Bluejackets, Islandia's defense held together
beautifully, and they came away with their deserved 1-0 win... although they surely wish
it had come a little easier!

Islandia will now face the red-hot Bowdani in the Quarterfinals, in what promises to be an
interesting match of two teams which are on the way up!  For one, the dream will end...

MATCH 5:

The Technical Information

Final score: EASTERN ZARTANIA 4 - WEST UHLAN 0
Played at: Grand Altanyika Stadium, Semithurn, Deucoland
Attendance: 61,100
Referee: Sturell (ALT)
Goals: Miyer (KTZ, 2.), Nurytch (KTZ, 22.), Faulkner (KTZ, 56.), Juriniq (KTZ, 80.)
Yellow cards: Yi (WUH, 22.), Staton (KTZ, 26.), Shelton (KTZ, 44.), Gonzalez (WUH, 59.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Paultin for Yi (WUH, 45.), Juriniq for McBride (KTZ, 59.), Skankov for Mong
Do (WUH, 70.), Utz for Jenkins (KTZ, 81.)
MVP: Faulkner (KTZ)

NO CHALLENGE FOR EASTERN ZARTANIA!

Eastern Zartania perhaps had the biggest coast through this round, with the possible
exception of Bowdani.  The Red Machine made short work of the West Uhlanians, who had
little to contribute to this match, which was more or less controlled the entire 90
minutes.  Without a recipe on how to start an offensive against their mighty opponents,
the West Uhlanians were forced to play very defensively, and that is hard to do against a
team playing with 5 world-class forwards, especially when your defense is less than famous
itself.  West Uhlan was simply outclassed today.

  Miyer and Nurytch shone again today, but once again it was veteran Faulkner who rose to
the challenge posed by his young colleagues, and proved that he is still the best of all
of them.  Although he scored "only" one goal, it was Faulkner who was the driving force in
the Zartanian offense today, running circles around the clueless Uhlanian defenders, often
two or three at a time, or else giving lethally precise passes to his fellow strikers,
which led to all three other goals.

The match was relatively unremarkable, as Zartania was in possession for most of the time,
and West Uhlan rarely crossed out of their own half.  This match thus saw the elimination
of the third "sensational" team that emerged from the group rounds - West Uhlan met its
ultimate destiny, just like Niokolo Koba and Ras Lanarch did.  Perhaps the most remarkable
fact from this match was that, McBride sustained a twisted ankle in the second half, after
a foul from Gonzalez - he was replaced by Juriniq, who more than filled his shoes, and
even scored the 4-0.  McBride's status for the next match is at this point unclear yet.
However, even if the Red Machine was to lose him, the way they have been playing, with
their increasingly deep talent pool, they will probably do just fine!

MATCH 6:

The Technical Information

Final score: LEXICON ISLANDS 0 - DAVENPORT 1
Played at: Arena of the Tribes, Dianamalary, Niokolo Koba
Attendance: 61,000
Referee: Hatt (BRO)
Goals: Harbour (DAV, 77.)
Yellow cards: Estonarios (LEX, 24.), Coughlan (DAV, 39.), Liller (LEX, 66.), Crowley (DAV,
70.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Ozon for Springer (DAV, 45.), Raxxon for Dibris (LEX, 50.), Sah for
Estonarios (LEX, 70.), J. Darena for Worthington (DAV, 80.)
MVP: Crowley (DAV)

DAVENPORT PREVAILS IN BATTLE OF STRATEGY!

This just seems to be Jean Harbour's Cup!  The Davenport star striker again got his wish
today, being the first to score against the locked-goal Lexicon Islands team... and not
only that, his goal also turned out to be the winning one, that saw Davenport eliminate
the two-time VexCup finalists from this year's competition!

Strategy was trump in this match of the football giants, and ultimately it was Davenport
who came out on top, having found the formula to diffuse Lexicon's hock-solid defense....
at least sufficiently enough to crack through for the decisive goal.  Lexicon, on the
other hand, wasn't that lucky... they had to face one of Vexillium's best defenders, ...
Crowley!  It was a fascinating battle, Crowley versus Kilaffis - two of the very best
defensive players on the planet.  It was the Men in Royal who prevailed.

Overall certainly better prepared than their opponents, and with significantly more crowd
support, Davenport was whipped on by renditions of "Good Guys Wear Purple" coming from the
stands.  The careful strategizing of the two teams did not make the most exciting soccer
match, but it was fascinating to watch two of Vexillium's best teams in a strategic battle
par excellence!  Lexicon tried to overcome Crowley & Co. with the fresh young legs of
Raxxon, but the teen striker obviously lacked the match miles, having not started for
Lexicon for a while, and despite his speed could not take hold of the match, having
trouble controlling the ball passed to him with Coughlan and Crowley bearing down on him!

Davenport's counterpart to Raxxon, Cadbry, was more effective than the Lexican, and had a
part in the winning goal after a double-pass with Gaspe, executed by Harbour.  Lexicon
stayed on Davenport's tail until the very end, and Beliveau had several chances to shine,
even though Crowley allowed very little to pass through the solid purple line of defense.

A very good win for the Men in Royal, who are gaining momentum and increasing fan support
reaching far beyond the Smallwickan nation... their next assignment will be their most
daunting yet to date... the Red Machine of Eastern Zartania awaits... what a showdown that
is going to be!

MATCH 7:

The Technical Information

Final score: NAMURIA 4 - DRACONIA 0
Played at: Casino Palace, Montroy, Westria
Attendance: 110,100
Referee: Faltuunhe (EDE)
Goals: Druvolan (NAM, 5.), Salasarien (NAM, 60.), Aldai (NAM, 65.), Muthras (NAM, 79.)
Yellow cards: Skirrivat (DRA, 5.), Brokesney (DRA, 28.), Jurener (NAM, 31.), Beancoche
(DRA, 65.), Aldaral (NAM, 77.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: Eweventus for Gherry (DRA, 62.), Previnsky for Skirrivat (DRA, 70.)
MVP: Salasarien (NAM)

NAMURIA DISPOSE OF DRACONIA SURPRISINGLY EASY!

Everybody expected this match to be a real exchange of blows between two of Vexillium's
mightiest soccer powers, but as it turned out, when it was all said and done, it was a
surprisingly easy win for Namuria against a Draconian team which did not quite seem to be
itself today.

The popular adage that "if Salasarien plays well, Namuria plays well" came true once again
today, as the traditional MVP of the Golden Eagles was again the center of attention.  The
midfield superstar had another marquee day, feeding passes to his forwards at breathtaking
rate and accuracy.  It was Druvolan, however, who scored the first goal, only in the 5.
minute - perhaps foreshadowing the outcome of the match, after surprisingly pushing
forward by the side of Aldai, who left him the ball at the last moment to surprise Recife.

Perhaps their lack of match experience in the past year has finally caught up to the
Draconian team, who made easy work of their previous two opponents, but who had little to
say against a Namurian team which was on the mark.  The Draconian players active in the
Holy Imperial Championship did not really factor positively today, on the contrary, it
seemed to be the Namurians who knew more about what the Pirates were about to try, and who
effectively diffused any threat, often before it became too close for comfort.  Offram,
starting for the first time in place of Eweventus, did not bring the desired offensive
push, as he was closely mirrored by Jurener.  Coach Haze even brought Eweventus back from
the bench, in a desperate try to change the momentum of the match, but the defense was
then lacking Gherry, who came ou to make room for the extra striker, and Namuria was able
to take advantage of the regrouping Draconian defense to score the ultimately decisive 3-0
just minutes later.  Muthras then further embellished the score by bombing one past Recife
from long range in the 79. minute, Draconia's fate having long been sealed.

Surely a big disappointment for Draconia, who seemed to be flying, heavily outscoring
their previous two opponents... but Namuria once again reminded us that, for them, only
the Vexillium Cup really counts, and they have every intention of living up to the
occasion!  They go on to the quarterfinals in impressive fashion!
   

MATCH 8:

The Technical Information

Final score: ALTLAND 2 - MORANIA 0
Played at: Apollon Arena, Mayerantritzpoort, Westria
Attendance: 86,500
Referee: Senger (DRA)
Goals: T. Nevil (ALT, 59.), T. Nevil (ALT, 62.)
Yellow cards: Desroches (MOA, 32.)
Red cards: none
Substitutions: none
MVP: T. Nevil and Kolhaker (ALT)

ALTLAND THE BETTER TEAM TODAY!

The outcome of this match was hard to predict, with two teams facing off that were
considered essentially equals.  Todat, however, Altland was to continue its success
streak, as they handsomely defeated Morania 2-0.  No doubt boosted by a personal note to
them from HRM the King George II Victor of Altland, the team from the Meridic recovered
sufficiently from a fruitless Moranian first-half charge to score a quick 1-2 blow within
just 3 minutes in the mid-second half - both goals scored by Tomas Nevil, who has been a
realk revelation of this Cup!

Morania put on the heat late in the second half, pushing hard for a goal that would take
them into the break leading, but Kolhaker & Co. were on the mark, and although Altland at
time struggled to keep their goal clean, they managed to do so.  There is no doubt,
however, that they were glad when they heard the halftime whistle, meaning an end to the
Moranian onslaught, at least for the time being.  In fact, the Moranian momentum was
indeed diminished after the break, when Altland began to get a better grip on their
mercurial opponents.  Looking rested, Altland began to set the offensive impulses now, and
their quick-draw two goals were the perfect climax to their strategy.  Morania could not
manage a comeback sufficient to pull even.  In fact, Kolhaker & Co. were impressive once
more, keeping the shutout intact.  Even though the Moranians did not have the same
momentum as they did before the break, they had several close calls and good chances, but
Altland would hold them off till the end, winning 2-0.

This is by far the farthest Altland has ever gotten in international soccer competition -
next, they will have to face their soccer-mighty neighbors Namuria for the ultimate
showdown for Meridic soccer supremacy... this should be a really interesting match to
come!