Games 237 through 240 (Friendly Matches), 12-21-299 to 12-23-299:

Game 237: Djeriga - Aros (12-21-299):
 
 The Technical Information:

Final score: DJERIGA 1 - AROS 1
Played in: Stadium of MOUN, Nasserhabib, Djeriga
Attendance: 0 (!)
Referee: Giodo Vavan (DAS)
Goals: Vzaxogram (ARO, 56.), Ellis (ARO, self, 75.)
Yellow cards: Manucchi (ARO, 21.), Zairul (DJR, 55.)
Substitutions: Vaio for Ellis (ARO, 77.)

Another bizarre match involving the Djerigans ends in a draw after a self-goal
from Aros!

Nobody quite knew what to expect from this one... Aros was de facto the first ever
team to travel inside Djeriga for a match, and tensions in the Aros side were
rumored to be high regarding the uncertainties associated with their stay in Aros.

For the Aros team and officials, as well as the Dascunyan referee squad, the day
began bizarre, as they were not allowed to leave their special charter plane from
Daskelion for two hours, due to "customs procedures".  The disgruntled players and
officials were finally unloaded from the plane and directed into a windowless bus
which was waiting next to the plane.  A heavy guard was folowing their every
step.  The passengers saw nothing of the trip to the stadium, which also appeared
to be hermatically sealed off to the outside when they arrived.  Finally, normal
activity ensued, as they were given the adequate time to prepare on the pitch,
three hours before kickoff.  They then waited in the locker rooms, and were
afforded every comfort they wished, except free movement outside.  Time for the
match neared, and as the Aros team began to take the field ready for kickoff, they
faced the most incredible sight they had ever seen in an international match:  the
stadium was completely EMPTY!!!  Estimated to seat about 23,000 people, there was
not a single person in the stadium, other than the two teams and the necessary
coaching and official staff on the sidelines... no spectators AT ALL in the
stands!

The Dascunyan ref was also baffled, and was seen talking feverishly to Djerigan
coach Kapek in Uhlanian (Kapek is Coceiran), but Kapek didn't seem to know what
was up either and shrugged, and no official explanation was ever forthcoming.
Upon urging of the Djerigan side, the ref decided to start the game at the
scheduled time, spectators or not.

The eerie quiet of the stadium, with some birds chirping, was a truly unusual
setting, like a training match in spring, but actually, there would be MORE people
coming to a training match...

The Djerigans had finished their opening prayers, and the game finally was on its
way.  The Aros had come prepared for the Djerigan preaching, and rebuffed most
attempts of their opponents rather skillfully.  Nevertheless, ref Vavan had to
warn the Djerigans to cut down on the preaching, or otherwise to incur a penalty.

The match was actually not bad, too bad nobody was there to see it.  Djeriga
played comfortably in their home setting, and Aros was obviously buoyant from
their win over Woo yesterday, forgetting their fatigue, and ignoring the weird
setting before no crowd.  Still, the match was 0-0 at halftime.

After the break, Aros tried to push a bit harder.  In the 56. minute, all of a
sudden, a loud chant broke out from outside the stadium.  It seemed to come from a
tower which was visible over the stadium rim... immediately, all Djerigan players
fell to the ground in a cowering position, reciting the same chant, obviously a
prayer to Moun.  Coach Kapek was going ballistic meanwhile, screaming to them to
get up, and to the ref to stop the match.  The Aros players looked at each other,
and before anybody else could react, Vzaxogram took control of the ball and took a
quick run towards the djerigan goal, completely unopposed by anyone, as all the
Djerigans were still on the ground.  He paused before the goal for a second,
waiting to see if the keeper would get up, but not a move.  So he easily bunted
the ball over Faalmhuk to score the 1-0... a most bizarre goal!  Djerigan coach
Kapek meanwhile seemed close to a heart attack... he just couldn't believe it
(i.e. he was a non-believer)!!!  Destroyed, he resignedly slumped on the bench,
stumbling over the cowering Esfanhabib on the way back.

We learn that in Djeriga, every 99 minutes, such prayers are proclaimed, and life
stops for the duration, about two minutes.  Well, it certainly did, as no disciple
would dare to get up.  And Aros thus was up, 1-0.  Bizarre!

The prayer break was over, and the Djerigans were seemingly refreshed by their
prayer, with the exception of coach Kapek, who was still slumped at the end of the
bench, mumbling to himself and showing signs of slight madness.  The match
continued nevertheless, and the Djerigans were now aiming to even the score.  They
actually began to exert a good bit of control, and although the Aros were secretly
hoping for another prayer break, they did their best to keep their lead.  In fact,
they began to play very defensively, using a lot of backpasses.  However, as Moun
would have it, this would turn against them:  in the 75. minute, as Shirazhoud was
charging, Ellis, who once again was having a mediocre game, attempted a long
backpass to goalie Osmanli.  However, Osmanli had moved out of the goal
considerably, and was overlobbed bu Ellis' ball, which sailed into his own goal in
a perfect parabolic curve... had it not been a self-goal, it would have been one
of the most beautiful goals of the year!!  Incredible... a self-goal by Aros, and
the match was tied... Moun's Will??  Who knows!

Ellis was taken out, and Aros now began to push again, but it would not  be
enough... Djeriga held on to draw 1-1 in the empty stadium.  After the final
whistle, the disciples once again broke into a prayer of thanks, which lasted
longer than the Aros team remaining in the stadium, as they were escorted to the
windowless bus IMMEDIATELY after the match was over, and promptly shipped back to
their plane, which they had to board at once.  They departed feeling.... well, ...
very bizarre, reflecting on this most unusual day!  Everybody agreed that this was
by far the weirdest match ever.  Ellis was pretty bummed about his blunder, which
cost Aros its second consecutive win.  He has not showed much, perhaps it's time
for Aros to start Vaio.  Aros plays Deucoland next, already tomorrow.

Meanwhile, sources say that coach Kapek was treated in a psychiattric institution
in Nasserhabib after having sat on the bench for hours after the match, mumbling
to himself and shaking his head in disbelief... he is, however expected to be
released in a few days time, provided his condition does not escalate.

IVEFA has issued a memorandum to in the future schedule matches in Djeriga at
times that would have the 99-minute prayer interval fall into the halftime break,
to prevent the Djerigan team falling to the ground in mid-play, almost certainly
causing a goal against themselves.  Referees were also briefed to in the future
stop the game should this happen again.

Final score: DEUCOLAND 0 - AROS 2
Played in: Grand Harbor Stadium, Haavenhuus, Deucoland
Attendance: 49,200
Referee: Biko Ulunde (NIO)
Goals: Levenz (ARO, 44.), Aurillis (ARO, 71.)
Yellow cards: Mikkins (ARO, 31.), Schwartzach (DEU, 71.)
Substitutions: none

Aros is getting the hang of it, bags another win!

Despite their fatigue after playing four matches within a few days, Aros kept
their upwards trends going, and extended their "unbeaten streak" by beating
Deucoland for their second victory.  Aros' tired legs were still enough to defeat
the Deucos, who were once again disappointing, and must be considered the biggest
underachievers in international soccer competition.

Indeed things do not look good for the Gargoyles, who are 0-8 in 3 matches, losing
twice at home!  Coach Jaime Kunz was fired after the match, and will be replaced
with his assistant, Julio Kuntz.  Deucoland has plenty of fires to put out before
the beginning of the Vexillium Cup!!

For Aros, it was a good game with plenty to be happy about.  The midfielders this
time provided the goals.  In fact, Levenz and Aurillis, as well as Ariaztegui and
Vzaxogram are rumored to have been approached by WSL teams to transfer into the
rich league.

Levenz' goal so shortly before halftime proved a pre-decisive blow to Deucoland,
who were hoping to reach the break tied, but were shocked by the goal.  Aurillis
then did the rest after a yellow foul on Mikkins, with a great free kick goal, the
free kick being a short handoff played by Mikkins himself.

Despite their fatigue, the Aros elected to stick with their starting players until
the end... whatever they did, it sure paid off, and Aros can reflect on a
thoroughly positive record in their tour-de-force of 4 matches, with a record of
2-2-0, including two away matches!  They have certainly earned some respect.

Deucoland can only hope for a boost from their new coach.  We'll see.

Final score: NAMURIA 3 - LENDOSA 1
Played in: Port of Liberty Stadium, Phrasor, Namuria
Attendance: 265,000
Referee: Vasco Contara (EST)
Goals: Salasarien (NAM, 9.), Ebropa (NAM, 15.), Asano (LEN, 46.), Aldai (NAM, 81.)
Yellow cards: Nokh (NAM, 55.)
Substitutions: Aldai for Muthras (NAM, 45.), Fonderro for Mapallar (NAM, 45.)

Namuria takes advantage once again as Lendosa has a tough start!

Lendosa came at least as the equal favorite to this match, and they essentially
lived up to that, were it not for their weak beginning, which ended up costing
them the match...  It is difficult not to be distracted by the spectacle inside
Vexillium's biggest stadium, seating 265,000 fanatic fans, and Lendosa could not
quite concentrate their efforts at first, in awe of the gigantic setting.  Namuria
pounced on them right out of the blocks, and within 15 minutes, had gone two up
with goals by their two best, Salasarien, and Ebropa.

Things did not look good for Lendosa, 0-2 down after just 15 minutes, the specters
of the 0-4 Islandia suffered, and the 0-5 Eastern Islands received, loomed in the
air.  But from the second goal on, the team from the Westerm Hemisphere got a grip
on themselves, and finally got down to business.  They outshot Namuria for the
rest of the half, and Maharai had to open his box of tricks a few times to prevent
the guests scoring.  Nevertheless, Namuria saved their early lead into the break.

In the second half, it was Lendosa quick out of the starting blocks, as Asano took
a long throw-in ball, and scored a fast sprint goal to put Lendosa closer 1-2.
The Rainbows kept pushing, smelling the draw, or even the victory, but Namuria now
really showed its class as well, not allowing them to score again with a
concentrated and well-organized forechecking system.  All hopes were lost for
Lendosa finally when Aldai scored in the 81. minute to put the Golden Eagles ahead
by two, and they made sure they kept that lead until the triumphant end!

This is now the 3rd victory by Namuria on home soil, where they are a total of
12-1 in goals (!)... impressive, impressive.  Many fans can't wait to see them
perform in the Vexillium Cup.  Bookmakers have taken notice, as their odds are
coming down dramatically.

For Lendosa, a good game, with the score not really reflecting their performance,
however, with an opponent like Namuria, a team has to be pressent 100% at all
times, and they were not in the beginning, which cost them.  Still one of the
favorites in the VexCup, though.

Final score: SOUTH BAY 0 - DRACONIA 3
Played in: South Bay Civic Stadium, Lochboer, South Bay
Attendance: 59,700
Referee: Greg Stoneley (WHI)
Goals: Reversi (DRA, 33.), Mirren (DRA, 56., penalty), Reversi (DRA, 66.)
Yellow cards: MacDuff (SBY, 11.), Previnsky (DRA, 32.), Brokesney (DRA, 49.),
Blake (SBY, 56.)
Substitutions: Neferam fpr Spenner (SBY, 58.)

South Bay not quite up to the task, as Draconia silences critics!

For both teams, this was a significant match:  South Bay for the first time
entered the international soccer stage after the dismal sporting policies of the
Guwimith and YFS administrations.  They bravely accepted to take on one of
Vexillium's top-ranked teams as their first match.  And for Draconia it was an
important match to win to finally silence the critics who claim that they were
only strong playing at home.  Furthermore, in order for Draconia to be considered
a contender for the Cup, they would surely have to beat the upstart team from
South Bay.

And beat them they did.  Draconia was mostly firmly in contol of the ball, with
the occasional burst by their hosts, who played respectably nevertheless,
considering this was their first match ever.  The pillars of the Draconian attack
were once again Mirren and Reversi, who always seem to be in form.  Between them,
they shared the 3 goals for Draconia, Reversi put the guests up before the break
after a corner kick, and Mirren converted a penalty given after a hard foul from
Blake.  Reversi then scored a fast break goal after a long kickoff from the
Draconian goalie to seal South Bay's fate at 3-0.  On the SB side, some promising
talent was spotted.  Foelts was dangerous at times, and Tibalt and Lochnar between
them probably prevented a good 25 chances by the Pirates to turn into goals.  Well
done, and promising for the future of the team.

Draconia is now poised to make an impact at the VexCup, in which they will be
seeded in Pool A with all the other superteams of the planet.