Games 367 through 371 (Copa Burovia Kalesthesia 300), 08-12-300:

Game 367, Westermarc - Niokolo Koba:

MATCH 11 (Group A):

The Technical Information:

Final score: WESTERMARC 1 - NIOKOLO KOBA 0
Played at: Orteo Bay Stadium, Orteo, Kalesthesia
Attendance: 89,200
Referee: Wilfried Astnehmer (WES)
Goals: Nikkei (WMC, 43.)
Yellow cards: Deveng (WMC, 64.)
Substitutions: none

WESTERMARC EEKS THOUGH!

The easy going the Serpents enjoyed in their first two matches, playing
with their second lineups, seemed far away in today's match, where
Niokolo Koba put up a formidable challenge for the Group A title and
advancement to the semifinals.  The Warriors, physically in better
condition than ever, dominated the running game, and seemed to
effortlessly sprint ahead often.  It took all of Westermarc's skill to
keep NK from scoring, most notable once again "The Tree", Westermarc's
giant star defender, Mohandas Singhraj.  The Tree was at his best today,
obviously eager to see some action after being benched for conservation
reasons the first to matches.  Nikkei, "the Flash" was one of the
Serpents who had no issues with the NK running game, and he scored what
turned out to be the winning goal shortly before the break.  Singhraj
and co. managed to do the rest, namely hang on to the fragile lead
through a firestorm of attacks by the relentless NK team.  Eventually,
the classy defensive display by Westermarc prevailed, and the Serpents
with this win clinch the group and advance to the Semifinals.  Great
overall showing for NK, though... with a bit of luck, they may well have
caused the sensation of ousting Westermarc!

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MATCH 12 (Group A):

The Technical Information:

Final score: RAS LANARCH 3 - KONGREN REPUBLIC 0
Played at: Knisper Allee, Blauhavn, Kalesthesia
Attendance: 14,300
Referee: Gert Montoya (DEU)
Goals: Dukhlas (RAS, 3.), Dukhlas (RAS, 38.), Mackendries (RAS, 58.)
Yellow cards: Sourstoff (RAS, 54.), G'Nugtpateg (KON, 67.)
Substitutions: G'Ruu for G'Rie (KON, 60.), Sistermann for Kellers (RAS, 60.)

RAS LANARCH WINS MEANINGLESS MATCH

Nothing was at stake in this match which was only seen by 14,000+
spectators despite ticket price cuts.  Ras Lanarch gained a respect win
by clearly outplaying the Kongren, who actually in ways looked better
against their stronger opponents from the earlier two matches.  Both
teams obviously were not 100% motivated, perhaps already back home in
their thoughts.  The duo Dukhlas-Mackendries was the big attraction of
this game, the two pros increasingly starting to fill the gap that was
left by Ottokar Zeschgl's defection to the Westrian team.

FINAL Group A Standings:

1. WMC  3 0 0 7:2 +5 9 (advance to semifinals)
----------------------
2. NIO  2 0 1 5:2 +3 6
3. RAS  1 0 2 4:5 -1 3
4. KON  0 0 3 2:9 -7 0

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MATCH 13 (Group B):

The Technical Information:

Final score: WESTRIA 4 - SANX 2
Played at: Grand Lotus Stadium, Joannina, Kalesthesia
Attendance: 65,000
Referee: Lorenz Vanderkippe (OOO)
Goals: Vraseydenhout (WES, 10.), Theunissen (WES, 19.), Guydenvaldt (WES, 39.), Vraseydenhout (WES, 50.), Wasvig (SNX, 52.), Koorkfjord (SNX, 84.)
Yellow cards: Nadeschney (WES, 32.), Toyfelhorn (SNX, 59.), Vergrimmelt (WES, 88.)
Substitutions: Vergrimmelt for Vraseydenhout (WES, 60.), Spock for Theunissen (WES, 60.), Engelsplaas for Thyssen (SNX, 64.)

NO TROUBLE FOR WESTRIA!

Westria had it all stowed away in the first half, but as they were
coasting out the game, Sanx managed to sneak in two remarkable goals,
refusing to conceed victory to the Diamonds.  Sanx scored brownie points
with many a fan today, as Westria was falling into their familiar
"taking care of business" mode which they commonly employ once they have
gained a sufficient advantage in a match: replace their key players with
defensive subs, and ride out the rest of the match with the least
possible effort.  Up 4-0, the Diamonds were planning to do just that,
promising a boring second half after the spirited first one that finally
offered the Kalesthesian crowds a detailed glimpse of some of the huge
stars that had been cautiously kept on the bench in their first match
against Lombriga.  But Sanx mixed it up good, and squarely had the
crowds behind them, trying to eat into the Westrian lead, which they
did... Westrian coach Adi Schrey was playing it cool at first, but after
the second Sanxian goal, the Diamonds became a little concerned, and
they were forced to play honestly the entire second half, albeit not at
100% effort.  Sanx won the popularity contest, and surely more respect
from the international soccer community.  Westria gained their expected
win, and advance to the semifinals relatively unchallenged.

Final Group B Standings:

1. WES 2 0 0 7:2 +5 6 (advance to semifinals)
---------------------
2. SNX 1 0 1 4:4  0 3
3. LOM 0 0 2 0:5 -5 0

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MATCH 14 (Group C):

The Technical Information:

Final score: DEUCOLAND 3 - SOLANCHATKA 0
Played at: Weigand-Alleé Arena, Yaquaranda, Kalesthesia
Attendance: 49,500
Referee: Gus Nalinzal (KAL)
Goals: Sandoz (DEU, 30.), Evangelista (DEU, 70.), Herdez (DEU, 77.)
Yellow cards: Arroz (DEU, 2.), Flautenge (SCK, 22.), Ravel (SCK, 44.), Dizaka (SCK, 50.), Schwartzach (DEU, 52.)
Substitutions: Vrupiz for Dabeng (SCK, 50.), Draglian for Sarrez-Aziro (SCK, 79.)

THE GREAT DUEL THAT WASN'T!

This match was supposed to be the great nailbiter showdown for the group
victory and berth in the semifinals, between the two equal rising star
teams Deucoland and Solanchatka... but the Solanchatkans never came
close to mouting the challenge that would have been worthy of a group
victory today.  The writing had been on the wall somewhat, with the
narrow 1-0 win over Oost-Otago days ago, but the Solanchatkans were
vocal as to their aspirations, which meant they were expecting to see
the semifinals and to beat Deucoland.  Perhaps it was less Solanchatka
underperforming than Deucoland continuing to improve on their way to
fulfilling their potential.  The Gargoyles controlled most periods of
the match, and came away with a deserved 3-0 win that left no doubt as
to who was advancing from group C, with their overall very impressive
scoring of 8:1 goals in just 2 games.  A public disappointment for
Solanchatka, and a very nice success for Deucoland, who now face the
daunting task of playing Westria next in the semifinals... they asked
for it - now, are they ready for the bigtime?  This semifinal should be
real interesting!

Final Group C Standings:

1. DEU 2 0 0 8:1 +7 6 (advance to semifinals vs. Westria)
---------------------
2. SCK 1 0 0 1:3 -2 3
3. OOO 0 0 2 1:6 -5 0

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MATCH 15 (Group D):

The Technical Information:

Final score: KALESTHESIA 6 - UDAN-WOO 0
Played at: Tilde-Lovazal Stadium, Anthassa, Kalesthesia
Attendance: 50,400
Referee: Niklas Bruzburger (SCK)
Goals: Funchzal (KAL, 9.), Funchzal (KAL, 25.), Kefir (KAL, 29.), Mechzal (KAL, 40.), Qarza (KAL, 58.), Kefir (KAL, 69.)
Yellow cards: Vaasaa (KAL, 23.), Dogge (KAL, 42.)
Substitutions: Yarraguana for Wonamini (WOO, 45.), Porkalari for Munkara (WOO, 62.), Zellgur for Funchzal (KAL, 70.)

OUUUUCH FOR UDAN-WOO, SUPER-CELEBRATION FOR HOSTS!

After Udan-Woo's poor showing against soccer dwarf Baben Bay, voices of
concern over this team had already become heard... today, all the worst
fears proved correct, as the Wallabies had a horrid time and essentially
collapsed against a Kalesthesian team which was by no means top-elite,
but simply carried away by the momentum gained through their enthused
home fans, which demanded goal after goal, and were treated to a
scorefest that triggered vast celebrations all around the nation!  The
Stars simply overpowered their somewhat hapless opponents, who did not
seem to find any rythm at all.  Only when the home team eased up at the
end of the match did the Wallabies see any significant action at all,
but by then it was of course way too late.  This rout against them will
probably bring some personnel consequences, an some soul-searching on
the future of Woo football will likely have to follow.  Kalesthesia
meanwhile feel like worldbeaters, now freshly challenging their
semifinal opponents Westermarc, who have been less than stellar so far
in this tourney, and have one more match in their legs.  Riding this
wave and playing at home, the Kalesthesians are now by many considered
the favorites to win that match and make it to the finals.  The fans
would obviously love it!  The only somber note came when some pushing
and shoving resulting from the overfilled stadium (estimated up to 4,000
spectators ABOVE capacity in the stadium) left 9 fans injured after the
conclusion of the match.  IVEFA has announced that they would crack down
on stadium stuffing, which has been loosely enforced recently.  One fan
is said to be in serious condition, two others remain in the hospital,
and the rest have been released to home care.  But they perhaps still
hurt less than the beat-up Woo team... what a day for Kalesthesia!

Final Group D Standings:

1. KAL 2 0 0 7:0 +7 6 (advance to semifinals)
---------------------
2. BOB 1 0 1 3:1 +2 3
3. WOO 0 0 2 0:9 -9 0
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Once again, the semifinals are:

Westria - Deucoland and
Kalesthesia - Westermarc

Who will take the Copa Burovia??  Don't miss it!!!