Senya wrote: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official thread for the twelfth edition of Micras' premier football tournament, the FMF World Cup! This summer's tournament will see twenty of Micras' top international sides battle it out to earn the right to be World Champions come August 18th!
2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Moderator: (Craitland) King of Craitland
2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Senya wrote: Team Profiles - Group A
Birgeshir
How they qualified: Automatic qualifiers as hosts, but only after Vyktory were disqualified from hosting.
Star man: Çengiz Tahir. The Cook Island forward is now a mainstay of the Birgesh team and will be pivotal to the hosts' chances of success at this tournament.
One to watch: Sarapou Lahar. The 22-year-old forward has been banging in goals in the warm-up friendlies for fun after a successful B-Lig campaign with Balkon Göyælær, where they finished runners-up in the Old Shield. WIll relish testing himself against Micras' best defences.
What you need to know: Despite a quarter-final exit two years ago, Birgeshir are back-to-back continental champions, having defeated Vyktory on penalties last summer. A watershed 2018 also saw them claim the Confederations Cup title, where they saw off Copa Apollonia champions Senya. Finally breaking into the conversations of teams who could win the World Cup and with a favourable draw, the main worry will be if they repeat Senya's antics from 2017 and become the fifth hosts to lose a World Cup final, assuming they make it that far. But with the home crowd on their side, there will be a lot of belief around the Birgesh team this year.
Prediction: A favourable group draw should see them come out on top, but with a potential quarter-final against either Craitland or Senya, the knockout stages could be their undoing. That said, with home advantage, anything less than a first semi-final would be considered a disappointing.
Talenore
How they qualified: Saw off Merenolitovina 3-1 on aggregate after gaining the EMUFA's inter-continental play-off place by virtue of a shared head-to-head records with Nova English Korea and New Sussex, many fans will consider them lucky to be here.
Star man: Kali Kalani. Despite a poor season Osĵätoņ Aztecs in Craitland this season, Kalani offers Talenore's biggest goalscoring threat and will be key to them if they want to make it out of the group.
One to watch: Vernon Cristaldo. The Florian based midfielder is an exciting attack player who'll be looking to light up the World Cup as he has been doing for his club recently.
What you need to know: Despite a breakout performance four years ago, where they reached the quarter-finals and narrowly lost to Gerenia, Talenore haven't been able to build on that momentum. A record 5-0 defeat to hosts Senya last time was perhaps an indicator of Talenore's shaky defence, and only narrowly advancing from a qualifying group ahead of Nova English Korea and New Sussex will raise questions of Talenore's quality. However, the team shown some good performances in the warm-ups, and will have something to prove as they head into what could be a tight group.
Prediction: With Birgeshir the runaway favourites for this group, Talenore could wind up in a four-way battle for the two play-off spots, but with the quality of the other teams, it will be a tall order for them to advance from this group.
Hoenn
How they qualified: Topped EMUFA Group A by four clear points, only dropping points in a final day defeat to New Vaduz, after they'd secured qualification.
Star man: Sato Naoki. The top scorer at last summer's EMU Championships, the Tosa Province man will be hoping to add to his international tally at his first World Cup.
One to watch: Kawano Satoshi. The young full back got the nod over more experienced players and will be hoping to show his ability on a global stage.
What you need to know: Coming off the back of a third-placed finish at last summer's EMU Championships, Hoenn will be hoping to challenge once again. However, with teams from other confederations now starting to dominate, they'll be in for a much tougher fight than they've faced in the EMUFA.
Prediction: Hoenn will fancy themselves to escape this exciting group, but it could get tricky for them in the knockouts. A run to the quarter-finals would represent a solid tournament for the Rayquaza.
Lamantia
How they qualified: Edged out Copa Apollonia runners-up Stormark to top AEFA Group A.
Star man: Reuben Frederiksen. The King's Lynn Town captain pulls the strings in the Lamantian team, and the captain will have to be at his best if they want to make it out of the group.
One to watch: Sebastian Rheine. The one player in this squad not to play in the Senyan League, goalkeeper Rheine has gone from being a backup to a starter following a switch to Corian outfit Glasbridž Junajted. Rheine's goalkeeping ability has improved dramatically and he'll be the one called upon to make the saves in this team.
What you need to know: Having changed name from Fort Kolgrad in 2016, Lamantia have gone from being a competitive qualifying team to one that can actually overcome the hurdle of actually qualifying. They've improved dramatically over the past few years too, going from three group stage defeats in the 2016 Copa Apollonia to making the semi-finals last year. And having pushed Stormark to extra time in their semi, Lamantia may be a force to be reckoned with in this group.
Prediction: It may be easy to write them off, but Lamantia will likely cause problems for the other teams in this group. Whilst Floria beat them 1-0 twice at the Copa Apollonia last summer, this'll be a team that is capable of an upset. However, as they've yet to defeat a big name team, it could just be that the Lamantians will be leaving us by the end of the group stage.
Florian Republic
How they qualified: A draw in Arboria was the only hiccup on Floria's way to a maiden World Cup appearance.
Star man: Llewelyn Wyn-Jones. A mainstay of Calbion over the past few years, Floria have called upon the experienced forward to provide both goals and experience in this highly energetic and exciting team.
One to watch: Cristiano Ramirez. Banging in the goals for fun in the Florian league, Ramirez is an icon at home and this will be his first big chance to show the whole of Micras what the hype is all about.
What you need to know: Coming off a third placed finish in their maiden Copa Apollonia, and having already beaten teams like Senya and Craitland in friendlies, there's a lot of excitement around this Florian team. However, their inexperience at this level could be a downfall, especially in what will be a very competitive group against some unfamiliar opponents.
Prediction: Should be on course to make it out of the group, but the Florians will be tested in the knockouts. It isn't beyond them to make the latter stages of this competition, but for that to happen, they'll need to make some of their recent friendly performances permanent, rather than just flashes in the pan.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Senya wrote: Team Profiles - Group B
Passas
How they qualified: Narrowly pipping Nova England to the top of EMUFA Group B on goal difference, after both teams recorded 27 points.
Star man: Łukasz Dąbrowski. The Eĵars Town man is in his prime and still causing problems just as he did in his youth.
One to watch: Alex Danelon. He may be a longstanding member of this Passas side, but with a move to Floria confirmed, he'll be eager to show he's still got the magic.
What you need to know: It's no longer a secret that Passas are not a powerhouse like they once were, and with an ageing team and a distinct lack of young players, this could be a final hurrah for the Passians before this team starts to break up. Despite a number of their younger players now plying their trade in Floria, this one could be tough for them.
Prediction: This could be a tough group for the Passians, one they're capable of getting out of, but with other nations performing well, they could end up getting crowded out.
North Antarctica
How they qualified: Edged past Greater Sangun to win CTFA Group C.
Star man: Andrew Young. Despite being 26, the Craitland-based midfielder is one of the younger faces in this ageing squad, and his energy will be in high demand down the flank for North Antarctica.
One to watch: Martin Vanderkaay. The 22-year-old Xäiville Teflons midfielder will be hoping to make an impact off the bench at these championships. The youngest in the squad by far, he represents a rare promising young player in a squad comprised of 13 over-30s.
What you need to know: This group of players has never seemingly reached their potential but after sitting out the last World Cup, the Napians will be hoping to prove that their early success, which saw them finish runners-up at the 2014 Copa Apollonia, was not just a one-off.
Prediction: It is likely that the step up from a presently weak CTFA confederation could prove too much, and with an ageing group of players, it's hard to see them progressing to the knock-out rounds.
Shireroth
How they qualified: Topped WMFA Group A in a campaign which saw them break the record for margin of victory in a qualifying game, in their 23-0 trouncing of the Franklin Islands.
Star man: Kurt Lamberti. The Sverige Tiem striker has had several solid seasons at club level and put in some good performances over the last couple of Benacia Cups.
One to watch: Lloyd Venson. In another team dogged by ageing players, the Mihara County centre-back will be eager to showcase his talents in a relatively youthful back four.
What you need to know: Having only narrowly lost out in the Benacia Cup final in extra time to Craitland last year, Shireroth it seems come into the tournament with some confidence. Although they too have a relatively older squad, they have started to blood in some younger players, though the effects of the nation's fragmentation, seen through the Vulture Cup in particular, will raise question marks over the future success of the national team.
Prediction: WIll be a shout to get out of the group, but could find themselves in at the deep end in a potential play-off match.
Kingdom of Coria
How they qualified: Won AEFA Group C ahead of Gotzborg, though dropped points against Srbozemska and the River Warriors raised some question marks over this team.
Star man: Martin Ćorluka. Having never played for his native Ocia, Ćorluka has been instrumental in Coria's success over the past few years, with many fans of Senyan club football having long praised his goal scoring feats in the Top League for Dyas Scitenhima Ĵets.
One to watch: Aleksandar Mileusnić. Partizan Averna's Mileusnić is a highly promising young forward, who alongside Ćorluka and Birgeshir-based Nemanja Ahčev, will see plenty of action in a triumvirate up top.
What you need to know: Despite a poor showing at last year's Copa Apollonia, this Corian side is an exciting team and proved in the Confederations Cup that it can be competitive against Micras' strongest team. However, the team is yet to beat a top level opponent and draws against weaker teams in qualifying have raised questions about their qualities and in seeing off games. The thing working in Coria's favour is the draw, as they could get a kind route to the semi-finals should they win this group.
Prediction: All depends on the group form. If they can win the group, they could be on their way to a World Cup semi final, if not, they could find themselves struggling in the play-offs against a Hoenn or a Florian Republic.
Tellia
How they qualified: Received automatic qualification for this tournament as reigning champions, having seen off Senya 2-1 in the Snakepit in 2017's final.
Star man: Sezer Özker. The Dynamo Deacon man was instrumental in their 2017 triumph in Senya.
One to watch: Marko Zajc. The Cherry Trees playmaker is always a treat to watch.
What you need to know: Having not played in qualifying, Tellia have been on the wrong end of scorelines more often than not, including a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Senya, their form seems to have gone out of the window. Like many others in this group, they have an ageing squad, and it seems as if their golden era is drying up without the talent to replace them.
Prediction: Tellia may be the reigning champions, but all signs point to a flop. As ever with Tellia they are impossible to predict, but this could quite as easily be a semi-final run as it could be a group stage exit, depending on which Tellia side shows up.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Senya wrote: Team Profiles - Group C
Craitland
How they qualified: Won WMFA Group B, though had some stutters, including a 2-0 defeat in Elwynn.
Star man: Will Zóma. After an impressive 22-goal-haul en route to winning the league with Eĵars Town, Zóma, with Freddie Gaärsen now out of the picture, has emerged as Craitland's man up top.
One to watch: Alexis Pellegrino. The tricky youngster will be eager to make an impression on the tournament, and as one of the younger members of the squad, may be looking to create a "remember the name" moment.
What you need to know: Despite conceding a goal a game on average in qualifying, Craitland are seemingly now on the up, having finally moved on from their so-called Golden Generation, and claimed their first major title in seven years by winning the Benacia Cup last summer. Craitland worst performance at a World Cup is the quarter-finals stage, but having advanced no further in the previous two editions of the World Cup, the Craitish fans will be delighted to be in the conversation for potential winners once again.
Prediction: Will battle with Senya for top spot, will look to a semi-final as a bare minimum, but may be considered in with a shout of taking home the whole tournament.
Nova England
How they qualified: Runners-up in EMUFA Group B to Passas by virtue of goal difference, their 27 point haul ensured they didn't have to contest the play-offs to make it here.
Star man: Theo Sinclair. Another title winner with Eĵars Town, he'll look to lead his team to the knock-out stages for the first time in ten years.
One to watch: Paul Gimbel. The Mercury-based striker has impressed with Tow Law in recent seasons and will be eager to propel his side to the knock-out stage.
What you need to know: Whilst Nova England impressed in qualifiers, the team have struggled internationally over the past decade, and with an ageing team there are certainly cracks in this once great team. They will look to scrap with Jingdao and Natopia for third in this group.
Prediction: Could be considered slight favourites for third in this group given the experience and quality of players, but a run in the knock-out phase must be considered unlikely.
Natopia
How they qualified: Comfortably ran away with CTFA Group A as they finished without losing. However, an away draw with Etourney will be a big concern given the calibre of opponents they'll face here.
Star man: Joshua Murphy-Lee. The Cherry Trees defender is one of the most experienced players in Natopia's squad and will be instrumental if Natopia wish to keep Senya and Craitland's explosive front lines at bay.
One to watch: Cedric Alexander. The Dyas Scitenhima Ĵets midfielder is a key player for his club team, but has yet to find success at international level.
What you need to know: Having reached back-to-back World Cups, Natopia will be aiming to reach a knock-out tournament. However, the level of competition in the CTFA is of a lower standard currently than of other confederations and they could get found out here.
Prediction: Will struggle to make it out of the group, and may have to think about booking flights home early.
Senya
How they qualified: Won all eight of their qualifying matches as they romped to first place largely untroubled in AEFA Group E.
Star man: Alesandrœ Danetskë. Having emerged as player of the tournament in 2017, being the top scorer in both the previous two tournament and having scored three consecutive hat-tricks in the group stage last time out, there's no secret to who scores the goals in this team.
One to watch: Kiket Volinsk. Having won back-to-back Top League titles with Kateki Blavisen, Danetskë's understudy will be eager to prove his worth at these championships.
What you need to know: Having won back-to-back Copa Apollonias, Senya will be eager to do what they couldn't achieve last time out on home soil and finally win the World Cup.
Prediction: WIll go into this tournaments as one of the, if not the favourites, but will need to see off some strong tests if they want to take the trophy home.
Jingdao
How they qualified: Ended up topping AEFA Group B with relative ease, though were made to sweat by several teams, including Raspur and Victoria, to get over the line.
Star man: Yao Tsutang. The Róndlinga Diamonds midfielder will be a source of invaluable experience in this Jingdao side.
One to watch: Li Dongzhua. The young Daocheng striker will be hoping to impress and seal a move to a big club in the summer.
What you need to know: A fiesty team that punched above their weight to reach the quarters last time, including a famous penalty win over now defunct Gerenia, Jingdao will be hoping to show that was not a one-off by advancing from their group once again.
Prediction: This group looks harder on paper that their 2017 one, but they will look to battle with Nova England for that third place spot.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Senya wrote: Team Profiles - Group D
Freeland
How they qualified: After finishing runners-up in AEFA Group E to Senya and advancing to the intercontinental play-offs as the best runner-up across the AEFA groups, they defeated Greater Sangun on away goals to seal a first ever World Cup appearance.
Star man: Jarosław Brzęczyszczykiewicz. The experienced Craitish-based midfielder will be important in uniting this mix of old and young players as they enter a first major tournament together.
One to watch: Robert Laskowski. A fan favourite in Freeland, the Polonia Viten man will be hoping to get in amongst the scoring at this World Cup.
What you need to know: Having missed out on the Copa Apollonia last year, this Freeland team have never seemed to click in the way that some other 2017 Apollonian nations have. However, they'll be hoping to showcase their talents here and prove that they haven't been left behind by the likes of Coria and the Florian Republic.
Prediction: Freeland have been drawn a very kind group and will have real aspirations of making the quarters, as they'll surely battle with Krasnarus for the group's second spot.
Zandarijn
How they qualified: Despite picking up just one point from their double header against Athlon, walked to the summit of CTFA Group B without much competition in the table.
Star man: Dieter Maritzburg. A proven goalscorer for both club and country, Zandarijn's hopes could rest on the shoulders of the Zekäbelóman Kahthajtensen man.
One to watch: Krzijsztijan Aawlzeczaa. He may be getting on a bit, but this full back has the odd goal in him.
What you need to know: Having missed out at the last World Cup and not doing much at the CiboTaps, the glory days of Zandt football seem well behind us.
Prediction: Would be a surprise to see the Zandts make it out of the group.
Krasnarus
How they qualified: Topped AEFA Group F ahead of Lakkvia by four points.
Star man: Srbijo Radmanovic. A midfielder who knows where the back of the net is will be an important member of this team.
One to watch: Merku Durmel. The young Merku Kuregred striker is energetic and could cause problems against some older defences in this group.
What you need to know: Despite winning their group, dropping points at home against Port Ulje and away against Réunion in the group will be a cause for concern.
Prediction: Will likely battle for second in this group, and will have hopes of making the quarters if they finish second, given the teams in Group C.
Mercury
How they qualified: Romped to victory in a potentially sticky EMUFA Group C, being one of only two teams (the other being Senya) in the qualifiers to emerge with a 100% record.
Star man: Joe Foxon. Third top scorer in League 1, Foxon is one of Micras' most proven finishers.
One to watch: Samson Yatesby. The Cook Island man may be one of the younger faces in the squad, but he has shown his quality in recent friendlies and seems to be peaking in form and confidence in time for this World Cup.
What you need to know: The 2014 World Champions come into this competition having reclaimed their continental belt last summer.
Prediction: Will be considered one of the favourites alongside Senya and Birgeshir, anything less than a semi-final would be considered an embarrassment.
New Vaduz
How they qualified: Runners-up to Hoenn in EMUFA Group A, edging out Juclandia with a win against the group winners on the final day.
Star man: Bastian Großler. A familiar face to followers of Senyan football, he'll once again be vital to any success New Vaduz will surely have here.
One to watch: Nils Lichsteiner. It could be the 33-year-old's final hurrah on the World Stage, but the Kealb midfielder will be hoping to make an impact here.
What you need to know: Followed up a maiden World Cup appearence in 2017 by a dismal performance at last summer's EMUs. Some may argue they were lucky to avoid any more competitive sides in qualifying here.
Prediction: Like last time, New Vaduz will just be happy to be here, and any progression from the groups would be a major surprise.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Deniz Yürük wrote: OPENING CEREMONY (SUMMARY)
The opening ceremony started two hours before the opening match of the tournament.
A big spherical spaceship-looking object was situated in the middle of the pitch and birgesh television presenters Cumhur Köprülü and Gizem Qelhatojka entered the stadium supported by the ovation of the spectators. However,they looked confused after noticing the "spaceship". Cumhur told the crowd that actually he and Gizem where supposed to go in the middle of the pitch. So they approached the "spaceship" cautiously while keep telling that they had no idea where the big object came from,even though it looked familiar.
When they reached the airstair,the spherical object suddently opened up to reveal a platform where the official (costumed)mascot,Tutandroidmon flanked by a 65 years old scientist (Prof. Gæripeyin,meaning "screwball") were on.
Pleasantly surprised,Cumhur and Gizem greeted the android child who waved a friendly hello to everyone in the stadium while holding a football.
Cumhur climbed up onto the platform followed by Gizem,and he shook hands with Prof. Gæripeyin asking if he was the inventor of Tutandroidmon and the spaceship. The man responded affirmatively while laughing for no apparent reason and,as his name suggests,he looked quite a nutty person. Cumhur noticed it and comedy sketches followed since it was an arduous task to ask him questions and have proper answers without all those random laughs: was the Professor just overly enthusiastic for his creations?
Gizem tried to save the ceremony by starting to ask questions to Tutandroidmon instead. Unfortunately,the android child can't speak and Cumhur blamed Prof. Gæripeyin for this. Tutandroidmon,however,gave answers with gestures and while Cumhur didn't guess a thing,Gizem found it easy to express what Tutandroidmon had to say.
Tutandroidmon welcomed everyone to Birgeshir saying that he's excited for the tournament. He also reiterated that he loves football very much and wants to play for the "android Birgeshir national team" when he'll grow up because he trusts that androids will play football in the future.
When Gizem asked Tutandroidmon which footballer is a role model for him,he said that he hopes to become "the droid version of Will Zóma".
Cumhur,then,challenged Tutandroidmon to a 1 vs 1 match because he didn't believe that the android child will be a player,let alone a good player like Will Zóma. Two mini goal posts where brought up onto the platform and the challenge began.
Needless to say that Tutandroidmon defeated Cumhur 5-1. Gizem told Cumhur to forget about his challenge and stop the match,saying that Tutandroidmon looks a promising player.
Cumhur and Gizem finally told Tutandroidmon and Prof. Gæripeyin that there was supposed to be a concert for the opening ceremony of the FMF World Cup and asked them for permission to use the platform of the "spaceship" for that purpose. Prof. Gæripeyin and Tutandroidmon agreed and the two presenters introduced to the crowd the first song performed,leaving the stage along with Tutandroidmon and Prof. Gæripeyin.
After this,dancers dressed in the colours of the 20 partecipating national teams and holding their flags entered the pitch accompained by the unveiled World Cup anthem*.
Following the anthem,other songs were performed by birgesh and international singers,with the dancers and spectators enjoying the concert and turning the pitch into an explosion of colours with their choreography.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 12th July*
Group A
Birgeshir vs. Talenore
Hoenn vs. LamantiaGroup standings can be found here!Senya wrote: Hoenn and Lamantia shaped up against each other in both nation's World Cup debut in Giriş Holü. Greeted by an intense and deafening atmosphere with both team's fans belted out their respective national anthems.
Hoenn were the side to start quicker though, with Higashi Masamichi's glancing header from a Nagano Taro cross requiring a quick reflex save from Sebastian Rheine. The Lamantians struggled to contain Hoenn's attacking threat, with Matsushina Chojiro's low driven shot clipping the post before another header fell Masamichi's way, again requiring a magnificant save from Rheine, sprawling down to his bottom left to glove the ball round the post. Lamantia's resilience, though impressive, was not destined to last for long, and Hoenn took the lead when Kawano Satoshi was hauled down about 25-yards from goal, with the full back arrowing the resulting free-kick into the top corner, managing to get the ball up and over the wall and down again into the top-right of the net, leaving Rheine no chance. With that goal, the Lamantians were sprung into action, and almost equalised from kick off, with Jörg Schwarz's cross just being ahead of the lounging Sven Ebersbacher. Hoenn held off though, as the game began to be played in the midfield, with both sides having seemingly adapted to contain the other and neither side could muster any real chance of note until the break.
At half time, things changed, as Lamantia went in for an equaliser, Reuben Frederiksen finally forced Jerry Rivera into action, with a dipping over-hit free kick from 40-yards almost catching the Lavaridge keeper out, as he spilt the ball for Stephan Bayer to tap into the empty net, but luckily for Hoenn the referee adjudged that Michi Schniester had fouled the keeper in the process. Lamantia were starting to force their way into it, but the game was starting to also get a bit rough, and Ochi Fujio was perhaps lucky not to see red for a late tackle on Matthias Sagner, as Ochi caught the shin of Sagner with his studs, but the referee opted to only show a yellow, despite the protestations of the Lamantians, as Sagner left the field on a stretcher. The resulting free-kick was hurled into the box, where Ebersbacher managed to flick his head on it, forcing Rivera to spill it over the bar for a corner, which finally allowed Alex Krebs to come on in place of the injured Sagner, the resulting corner was whipped in low, took a deflection to the back post, where Krebs, with his first touch of the ball, poked home to level the tie. Hoenn were once again had to find the lead, with their own substitute Hamada Umanosuke attempting a bicycle kick with his first attempt that skimmed the crossbar, before another chance where he played in Sato Naoki, who could only guide his shot narrowly wide of the far post past an onrushing Rheine. With the game starting to wind down, both sides had chances to win it, but a golden oppurtunity was presented to Hoenn when Florian Kluge caught Higashi Masamichi in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot, but Rheine denied Sato Naoki from the spot, with the forward then tamely punting the rebound back into Rheine's arms. Lamantia attempted to counter from it, but Ebersbacher hit the post after a fast flowing attacking move. But with the game in its dying moments, Sato Naoki made up for his penalty miss by firing into the bottom right corner after spinning Kluge, sending the Hoennese fans behind that goal into a frenzy. Lamantia protested that the goal was offside, but replays showed that Naoki was just onside after being played in by Nagano Taro. Lamantia then had to throw everything forwards, but Reuben Frederiksen's late free kick hit the bar, the fans began to accept their defeat, which was confirmed moments later when the referee blew the full time whistle.
An opening day win for Hoenn will be a major confidence boost ahead of their next game against the hosts, whilst Lamantia will already feel as if they will have to beat the Florian Republic to have any chance of progressing, though they do receive a break ahead of that clash.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 13th July*
Group B
Passas vs. North Antarctica
Shireroth vs. Kingdom of CoriaGroup standings can be found here!Senya wrote: Shireroth came into their first World Cup in four years up against a Kingdom of Coria team they gained four points from in last year's Confederations Cup. Whilst there had been large scale riots following their game in Grendbej, there had been no such fights in the stadium by kick off, with a large riot police presence to keep the seperate fans apart, though both fans were in a raucous mood, as the Corian fans welcomed their team with a giant choreography and pyroshow at their end of the ground.
And it was the Corians who started the better team, perhaps the show from their fans giving them courage, as they forayed forwards early on, with Saša Pešić shooting from outside the box in the opening seconds, with his effort going narrowly wide of the upright. Moments later, Niko Jeglič threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Aleksandar Mileusnić who slid the ball under the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to send the Corian fans up the other end of the pitch wild. Shireroth were stunned, and could have been two goals down inside ten minutes when Nemanja Ahčev found space inside the box, but his effort was cleared off the line by Fjalar Stefánsson. Eventually, Shireroth found their way into the game, but found breaking down the Corians' stern defence difficult. The game was turning scrappy, and as rain started to fall both teams, tackles started to fly in, but just before the break, Shireroth finally managed to get in behind the Corian defence, with Jóhann Viðarsson beating the offside trap after Rranr Kikksta had launched a ball over the top of the defence, squaring it for Kurt Lamberti to tap into the net.
That was all the first half had time for, but the second half began in the same hair raising tempo, with Nemanja Ahčev and Mileusnić spurring great chances in the first five minutes for the Corians, before Lamberti missed an open goal to give Shireroth the lead moments later. The game was opening up, but just before the hour the game turned, when Sori Thiation attempted an audacious shot from 25-yards-out, which should have been a simple save for Sašo Fornezi, but who spilled the ball right into the path of Talsin Llwrran, who punted the ball home to put his side 2-1 up. This riled the Corians up attempting to find an equaliser, which they soon found when Andraž Kim whipped a free-kick into the box, and Martin Ćorluka came in at the backpost unmarked to stab his side level. As the game creeped towards its end, both sides made changes in search of an equaliser, but instead a flash point happened with 25 minutes to go, when Niko Jeglič swiped out substitute Tor Svensson off the ball, which the fourth official informed the referee of, who had no choice but to show the Partizan Averna player a straight red card. Coria were suddenly on the back foot, but Shireroth missed a great chance to clinch the win moments later, when Kurt Lamberti and then Jalal Akwá both failed to finish off guilt edged chances before Fornezi could eventually keep hold of the ball during a goal mouth scramble. But with Shireroth looking like the team that would win it, the 10-men pulled off the surprise, with Fornezi collecting an over hit cross, throwing the ball out to Saša Pešić, who ran into the Shireroth half, before a long cross field ball expertly found Aleksandar Mileusnić, who chested the ball and then thumped the half volley across the keeper and in off the far post, to grab an unlikely winner in the dying moments of the match, sending the Corian fans into raptures.
The referee blew his whistle minutes later, with the Corians able to celebrate a first ever World Cup victory, though needing to find a replacement for Jeglič in time for their next match, whilst Shireroth will now be up against it in the race to progress from the group.
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 14th July*
Group C
Craitland vs. Nova EnglandSenya wrote: Craitland and Nova England began their World Cup campaigns having both struggled in the competition in recent years compared to past successes. The four time champions Craitland haven't been to a semi-final since 2014, whilst Nova England have failed to advance from the group ever since their final appearance ten years ago.
The game started off quite lethargically, as both sides settled into their rhythm, as both teams looked quite cautious. However, eventually the sides were able to protrude forwards more, and Craitland took the scruff of the neck when Alexis Pellegrino's mazy run got him through the defence, only to fire his shot wide from the edge of the box. But the Craites were starting to dominate, and they found themselves infront after Hänä Zensen let fly from range, but whilst Nicholas Harfield was able to punch it clear, it only found Juan Pellegrino on the side of the box, who crossed in for Will Zóma to head, forcing a save from Harfield, but the rebound fell kindly for Ĵulian Ólsen, who smashed the ball into the empty net. The Craits were creating chances but Harfield was pulling off a string of super saves to deny them, including an acrobatic sprawl to deny a bullet head from Zóma and another long range strike, this time from Adám Perryman.
Half time came and went, and whatever was said during it seemed to wake the Nova English up, as Paul Gimbel's effort from the edge of the box minutes in forced Jamie Vallensen into a save. However, the Nova English energy soon faded again, as Craitland regrouped defencively and looked to see the game out. Despite the lack of urgency, Craitland almost doubled their lead when Alexis Pellegrino played in Zóma, but once again Harfield pulled off a good saved to keep the score at 1-0.
And that was how it ended. Craitland will be satisfied with the win however it was far from a convincing performance, whilst Nova England will be dissapointed that they never got going themselves and may rue not taking advantage of a poor Craitish performance. Craitland will play off against the Natopians next, whilst Nova England face off against Jingdao in a match that could decide who finishes third in the group.
Natopia vs. SenyaGroup standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 15th July*
Group D
Freeland vs. ZandarijnSenya wrote: Zandarijn and Freeland faced off in the latter's World Cup debut. With Zandarijn back at the tournament having missed out on 2017, both sides were hoping to make a challenge for a knock-out spot, and as the teams entered the field, both sets of supporters were in full voice to will on their respective teams to victory.
The game started slowly, with both teams seeming quite tentative going forward, but eventually Freeland found their flow. With Zandarijn seemingly quite content to soak up pressure, though Robert Demel was rarely called into action in the Zandarijn goal. Freeland couldn't seem to find the spark to break through, with Jonas van Cruyningen and Joris Leeuwenhaarlem performing well together at centre-back, denying Robert Laskowski space up top, as they successfully isolated the Polonia Viten forward. Zandarijn too struggled to create chances, with Dieter Maritzburg and Tom de Zyla seemingly both having off days with several heavy touches, and even when they did find a chance to shoot, Cyryl Wieczorek was equal to their efforts in the Freeland goal.
The dull first half drew to a close, but the second struggled to get going too. Even some fresh legs off the subs bench failed to make a significant impact, though Robert Laskowski did hit the crossbar with an audacious attempt from 30 yards out. However, around halfway through the second half, the deadlock was broken, when Tomasz Kaźmierczak's through ball split the centre backs, allowing Laskowski to run in, round the keeper, and roll the ball into the empty net to score his nation's first ever World Cup goal and give them the advantage in this match. Suddenly, Zandarijn were spurred into an almost response, with Maritzburg firing just wide from a tight angle before a dipping strike from Jón Dannehl forced Wieczorek into an acrobatic save. However, the Zandts struggled to find any headway, and eventually the referee blew his whistle to end this drab contest.
Freeland though will be delighted with the result, as it gives them three valuable points in the race for a knock-out place, whilst Zandarijn will now be up against it in the remainder of their group games if they wish to qualify.
Krasnarus vs. MercuryGroup standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 16th July*
Group A
Birgeshir vs. Hoenn
Florian Republic vs. TalenoreSenya wrote: Having lost their opener narrowly to hosts Birgeshir, Talenore were hoping to bounce back against a much fancied Florian Republic side who, after having their bye last matchday, were finally playing in their first ever World Cup finals match.
But it was Talenore, eager to make amends for their defeat four days ago, who started brighter, coming close early on when Peder Xvarts beat the offside trap before crossing the ball in for Kali Kalani, but the striker's header was straight at Florian goalkeeper Tom Ward. Talenore were looking much stronger than they had in the opening match, with wingers Xvarts and Tanilo Wilamu seemingly able to get past the Florian back line at ease, but the crossing sadly didn't live up to the build up, and Kalani was struggling to get on the end of them. The Florians weren't looking like the side that had beaten Senya in the warm ups, and almost found themselves behind when Kalani received the ball deep, allowing Wilamu to run in behind and lob the goalkeeper, but the linesman adjudged Wilamu to have been offside, so the goal was chalked off. Talenore though were all over their opponents, though Kalani missed several headers to give his side the lead, and by half time, the Talenore fans could not believe that their team weren't one-nil up.
Half-time seemed to give the Florian coach the chance to rile his players up, and the Florians came out much stronger. Their first major chance of the game came in the fiftieth minute, with Llewelyn Wyn-Jones holding up the ball and playing in Cristiano Ramirez, but Ramirez's shot went a whisker wide of the upright as he shot across the keeper. Shortly afterwards, Wyn-Jones again found himself in space, but this time elected to shoot himself, forcing Bohemian Rhapsodies keeper Taki Tolâso into a sprawling save. Talenore had to try and wrestle possession and territory back, but as the game turned into a midfield battle, tackles started flying in, with both sides receiving yellow cards for mistimed challenges in the space of five minutes. But neither side seemed able to wrestle control completely in their favour, and both sides decided to try and go for the winner late on, with first the Florian's Andrew Lycett attempting a bicycle kick that forced a brilliant save from Tolâso, before Talenore went down the other end and Kalani hit the crossbar with a header. However neither side were able to find a winner, and had to settle for a draw, in a result that could really open up the race for play-off spots in Group A.
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 17th July*
Group B
Passas vs. Shireroth
Tellia vs. North AntarcticaSenya wrote: Having suffered a humiliation at the hands of Passas on the opening day, North Antarctica were seeking some reprieve against a Tellia side that had been out of shape in the warm up friendly.
Although this game may have promised to be a low key affair, that didn't really happen, with the Tellians seemingly smelling blood from the off, hitting the post inside five minutes when Sezer Özker played in Gianluca Salmoiraghi, who saw his effort strike the upright and go out. The North Antarcticans meanwhile still didn't look like they'd gotten over Saturday's result, and the Tellians were piling on the pressure. But whilst the Tellians were finding lots of the ball around 30 yards from goal, they were struggling to penetrate the North Antarctican back line, When they did however manage to get a shot away, Quentin Markhams was looking unconvincing, and was eventually found out just before the break, when Isaac Mahler beat two defenders before squaring the ball for Salmoiraghi to tap home.
The goal before half time seemed to kill the Napian spirit, and when they came out for the second half they once again found themselves on the wrong end of an onslaught. But whilst the Napians were able to ride out the initial moments of the second half with relative success, they were eventually undone when Riccardo Ganau was brought on as a substitute, as he was able to find the gap moments after coming on that let Armando Uggè get in behind, squaring the ball back for yet another Craitish-based player to tap home, this time in the form of Marko Zajc. With the Napians growing tired, more gaps began to appear, and it became almost a training game for the Tellians, who grabbed a third ten minutes later when Isaac Mahler hammered a loose ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty box. The rout was complete with five minutes to go, with Sezer Özker rising up to head home a free-kick past the keeper to cap a resounding victory.
The result meant that North Antarctica's chances of progressing are all but mathematically over, whilst Tellia at last have a good performance under that belt which could instil confidence in their key players.
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 18th July*
Group C
Craitland vs. NatopiaSenya wrote: Coming off the back of a good performance against Senya which saw them clinch a surprise point, the Natopians went into their game against the group's other top team, Craitland, full of confidence. However, Craitland were up for the challenge, as despite a 1-0 opening day win over Nova England, the Craits had brought in League 1 top scorer Lydveldt Jonmikeltsen in search of goals.
The Craits started the game in control, with the Natopians though proving difficult to get through, but they did manage to make some inroads down the flanks with Juan and Alexis Pellegrino. Some good crosses into the box provided Will Zóma and Jonmikeltsen with some half chances, but nothing that either one could really do much with. But as the games crept on, Craitland managed to conjure up some noteworthy chances. First Hänä Zensen played a ball upfield for Jonmikeltsen to chase, who chested it past a defender before striking a sweet shot from the edge of the box which needed a sprawling Gaillard Concorde to tip over the crossbar. Then, Will Zóma held off a tackle to get a shot away inside the penalty area, but again Concorde was equal to it. But Craitland did find their just reward eventually, when Juan Pellegrino played a one-two with Jonmikeltsen, allowing the winger to cut inside, before firing a shot low across the keeper into the bottom right corner from just inside the area, giving his side the advantage. They almost doubled their lead soon afterwards, again with Juan Pellegrino running down the flank, though this time the Kealb winger whipped the ball in, but Zóma's header struck the near post before being hacked clear by Roger Azin.
The second half though began well for the Craits, as they looked to double their lead, which they almost did again when Zensen's long range effort smashed down off the crossbar, but bounced away from goal rather than into it. However, their domination took a bit of a hit around ten minutes into the half, when on a rare breakaway, George Valéry Saint-François Xavier was played in on goal, and in a rush to get back, Alexis Proteņ clipped his heels, with the referee pointing straight to the spot and showing Proteņ a yellow card. Cedric Alexander stepped up to take the spot kick, and hammered his penalty into the top left, leaving Jamie Vallensen absolutely no chance, to level the game. Craitland were stunned, and for the first time in the game Natopia were really having a good go. Ilyas Chowdhury tested Vallensen with a long shot before substitute Maximillian Rodriguez's dipping effort again forced Vallensen to make an excellent save. And then, with the Craits completely with their backs to the wall, the unthinkable happened. Alexander played a through ball to Rodriguez, whose flip-flap unfoxed Daniel Hjansen, allowing him the space to cross in. Whilst the initial header was cleared by Johaņ Iņvaärsen, the ball fell to Christopher Carlton, who scooped the ball in to Elijah Karoly's path, who controlled the ball, flicked it past Iņvaärsen, and then stabbed it into the bottom right, sending the Natopian fans behind the goal into a frenzy. WIth a big shock scoreline on the cards, the Craits threw everything into attack, bringing on Jan-Morteņ Juliaĵsen and Dräsen Isrdlvarien to help with the threat going forwards. Those changes had an almost immediate impact, and with just under eight minutes to go, Isrdlvarien had a half shot saved during a melee of bodies inside the box, with the rebounding falling right into the path of Juliaĵsen, who could not miss, slamming the ball into the empty net from 10 yards out. If Craitland's second goal had been simple though, the opposite could be said about the next goal. With Craitland still pushing forwards looking for a winner, Will Zóma picked the ball up just inside the penalty box, then dinked past two players in quick succession, before running towards the Natopian goal. A quick flip-flap disposed of Jonjo Mawar, before a one-two with Juliaĵsen gave Zóma the space to try an audacious chip over the onrushing goalkeeper, which he pulled off spectacularly to restore his side's advantage. A phenomenal goal it was, but it seems that just like busses, you wait all day for one, but then two come at once, the principle also applies to goal of the tournament contenders. In the last minute of added on time, Natopia had a corner, which they send their goalkeeper up for. However, the corner was poor and Vallensen collected comfortably, throwing the ball pretty much straight out to Adám Perryman, who sprinted with the ball to near enough the halfway line, before smashing it downfield. Azin was the closest defender back, sprinting back trying to stop the ball, but unfortunately for him, the ball bobbled in to the empty net, with the extraordinary goal rounding off an extraordinary game, with the final whistle being blown during the celebrations.
The Natopian players collapsed on the pitch, having played absolutely brilliantly in the game, but ultimately coming up short. No questions could be asked of any player, Craitish or Natopian, in terms of determination, effort and heart, as both players gave their all for the win, but in the end, the four-time World Champions had too much for the Tapfer outfit in a game that will live long in the memory of Micrasian football.
Jingdao vs. Nova England
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 19th July*
Group D
Freeland vs. KrasnarusSenya wrote: Freeland and Krasnarus faced each other in Mutfak having had contrasting starts to their World Cup campaigns. Whilst Freeland had started successfully beating Zandarijn 1-0, Krasnarus had lost 3-1 to much fancied Mercury, and were hoping to prove that defeat to the 2014 Champions would not knock them out of stride.
However, when the game kicked off it seemed that Krasnarus' loss may have affected them, as Freeland started the game better. Directing the play long towards their target man in Robert Laskowski. Krasnarus struggled to keep the Polonia Viten man quiet, as he managed to find an outlet in strike partner Michała Weśicz, with the two managing to test Krasnarus keeper Kung Bobing on a couple of occasions early on. Freeland also seemed to have a bit more energy too, with the midfielders able to run at the Krasnarusyn defence with ease, especially as full backs Irin Šerunič and Wing Yebang seemed to have difficulty keeping up with the pace of the Freelandic attackers. Krasnarus were struggling, and soon found themselves behind with Freeland's biggest chance, as Jarosław Brzęczyszczykiewicz controlled the ball on the edge of the "D", before slipping the ball through to Adam Brzeziński, who coolly slotted home under the goalkeeper to put Freeland in front for the second consecutive game at this tournament. Krasnarus were stunned, but were spurred into a response, and seemed to immediately find their rhythm. Srbijo Radmanović shot wide before David Gulley, who scored against Mercury, saw his header clip the post having found himself unmarked at the back post from a cross. However, they couldn't find a response before the break, and went into half-time behind.
Krasnarus came out of the half-time interval with the same intensity as they had before they had gone in for half-time, and their aggressive tactics worked shortly after the restart, when Gulley got into the box, before backheeling the ball to Rislen Sumutuv on the egde of the box, whose low drive found the bottom left corner to level the scoreline. Krasnarus were dominating the play, and it was now Freeland who were struggling to contain their opponents. Infact, the side from Northern Apollonia were lucky to still have ten players on the field when Andrzej Szpak was shown just a yellow card after a late clumsy challenge on Merku Drustinuv. However, Freeland were able to hold on, and in the end, both teams walked away with a point.
New Vaduz vs. Zandarijn
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 20th July*
Group A
Talenore vs. HoennSenya wrote: Talenore and Hoenn faced off against each other with both teams already halfway through their group stage matches in what was turning out to be a tight and fiercely contested Group A. Whilst Talenore had performed well in their opening two games, they'd only manage to gain a single point, where as Hoenn were already sitting on four points after beating Lamantia in their opener before pegging hosts Birgeshir back for a point, so as the two teams walked out, a sense of anticipation was building in the air.
The game began at a frantic pace, with Tanilo Wilamu crossing in for Kali Kalani to stab at the ball, with his effort rebounding off the post, only for Hoenn to go up the other end and hit the crossbar, Han Seung-eun chesting the ball from a cross and hitting a shot on the half volley onto the upright. Both teams were playing some really attractive and intense passing and attacking football, but the opener came just before the half-hour mark, when Han came deep to collect the ball, scooped turned his way to face the goal, then played a well timed through ball to Sato Naoki, who slotted the ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom left corner to put his side a goal up and send Hoenn's fans down the other end of the pitch into raptures. Talenore now had to find a response, and wingers Wilamu and Peder Xvarts were starting to cause problems down the flanks with their blistering pace, but Hoenn were marking Kalani tightly, and the forward was struggling to get on the end of things.
At half time Talenore threw on Chris Siasi in an attempt to combat this, offering Kalani an outman and the wingers another head in the box to which they could aim their crosses towards. With Kalani now finding space, Talenore were really stepping up the intensity, and when Wilamu crossed in and the ball reached Kalani just after the hour mark, Onishi Junpei's closing down of the forward allowed him to play the ball back to Michele Fambucci, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to put Talenore back level. However, Talenore were not seemingly happy to just settle for a point, and started looking for a winner. Hoenn, who ever since they took the lead had looked on the back foot were now at sixes and sevens defensively, and in the dying moments of the game made an almost fatal error. Tanaka Makoto played a simple ball back to goalkeeper Jerry Rivera, who took a touch, but then slipped over, allowing Peder Xvarts, who was lurking nearby, to nip in, collect the ball, round the now scrambling Rivera, and tap the ball into the empty net, in an absolutely astonishing moment with just a few minutes left on the clock. But the drama was still yet to finish, as in the final minute of added time, with Hoenn now trying to grab an equaliser, Han Seung-eun was left unmarked at the back post, giving him a free effort on goal, only for substitute Yaghoub Farrokhzad to block the shot on the goal line with his hand. Hoenn now had the golden opportunity to equalise, but Han's effort was saved by Taki Tolâso, with the subsequent rebound being blazed over the crossbar by Higashi Masamichi, with the referee blowing his whistle, as Talenore won in controversial circumstances to blow this group wide open. There were some afters on the pitch between players and staff as the teams walked off, but the result means that both of these team's last games are now must wins if they wish to advance to the knock-out rounds.
Lamantia vs. Florian Republic
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 21st July*
Group B
North Antarctica vs. ShirerothSenya wrote: With both sides sides knowing that defeat in this match spelling almost all but elimination, both Shireroth and North Antarctica knew that they'd have to go for the win in this match. However, on the back of two defeats each, finding that winning form would always be a difficult challenge.
However, Shireroth seemed so up for that challenge that they attacked straight from kick off, winning the ball inside ten seconds from North Antarctica before launching the ball upfield, but Kurt Lamberti's half volley was tipped round the post by Quentin Markhams. However, Jóhann Viðarsson rose highest during the resulting corner, aiming his header into the top right corner, to give Shireroth the lead inside 80 seconds. North Antarctica had been beaten handsomely in both of their previous games, but this time they managed not to crumble like they had in their previous matches, and took the game to Shireroth. First Andrew Young's overhit cross almost caught keeper Alejian du Nigrad off guard, before a bullet header from Ishmael Kazenaghi was cleared off the line by Arthur Schneider. Shireroth thought eventually managed to regain control of the game, with Sori Thiation testing Markhams with a long range strike, but didn't look for the most part like finding a second goal during the remainder of the first half.
The second half saw Shireroth continue their control of the game, and they finally managed to double their lead just six minutes after the restart, with Jalal Akwá chasing a through ball from Thiation, which he prodded home underneath the onrushing Markhams. The goal seemed to crush North Antarctica, who looked resigned to elimination, and they could have been 3-0 down moments later, as both Kurt Lamberti and Viðarsson squandered guilt edge opportunities to add to Shireroth's tally. North Antarctica eventually managed to regroup defencively and squeeze the gaps in the final third that Shireroth had been exploiting, allowing the game to fizzle out. An uneventful second period eventually followed, as North Antarctica became the first team to be mathematically eliminated from this year's competition.
Kingdom of Coria vs. Tellia
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 22nd July*
Group C
Nova England vs. Natopia
Senya vs. JingdaoSenya wrote: Senya may have had a week off to prepare for this match, but having disappointing by only drawing with Natopia in their opening game, their expectant fans were hoping for a bounce back against a Jingdao side that had beaten them in the group stages of last summer's Copa Apollonia.
With the Senyans eager to make amends for that defeat and looking to get their World Cup campaign back on track, they started well, with Kiket Volinsk and Alesandrœ Danetskë causing all sorts of problems for the Jingdao back line, Lamantia-based goalkeeper Noel Zidikit was equal to an early Danetskë header whilst Volinsk saw his half volley tipped over the crossbar. But the Senyans were given a massive opportunity with just over ten minutes played when Danetskë had his boots clipped by Chen Baoxian whilst running onto a through ball inside the box, with the referee showing no hesitation in awarding the two-time reigning Copa Apollonia champions a spot kick. Barnaby Hands stepped up and smashed the resulting penalty into the top right, beating Zidikit who had guessed the right way, but who could do nothing to stop the perfectly placed penalty. Although Senya had taken an early lead against the Natopians as well, there was no signs of a drop-off in this match, as Senya kept up their tempo, continuing to cause Jingdao problems, and doubled their lead with just ten minutes of the second half left to play, with Markœ Minyorletsken playing Danetskë through one-on-one with Zidikit, with Danetskë slotting the ball past the King's Lynn Town man to double his side's advantage.
With Senya showing signs of their usual selves, Jingdao couldn't get a look in, and were perhaps unfortunate not to find themselves further behind when Markœ Minyorletsken's long range effort crashed off the bar and had to be hastily cleared before it could find one of the three Senyan strikers in the penalty box. But that third goal would eventually come, with Hands winning a subsequently taking a free-kick out on the left flank, whipping the ball in for Jan Maytek to flick a dipping header into the far top corner, leaving Zidikit stranded in no-man's land. With Senya now cruising, they could afford to take their foot off the gas slightly, but their defensive play was excellent, with Rödë Vankarlënœ and Bɏëder Volinsk having been drafted back into the side following the Natopia game, the pair made the case for starting against Craitland in the next match by continuously winning balls and chasing down Jingdao attackers. In the end, Jingdao struggled to muster anything, failing to kick on following their 2-1 win over Nova England last matchday, whilst Senya's comfortable win will worry fans of Craitland, ahead of the pair's titan clash in four days time.
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 23rd July*
Group D
Zandarijn vs. Krasnarus
Mercury vs. New VaduzSenya wrote: Having dispatched Krasnarus 3-1 in their opener, Mercury were full of confidence ahead of their match with an unfancied New Vaduz side who were the only team left in the competition who had yet to score a goal.
Mercury began strongly, as you would expect, and almost took the lead when Stephen Rydberg turned on the edge of the box, and his effort took a wicked deflection off of Johan Meier, with the ball looping just over the crossbar with the keeper stranded. But Mercury were always going to beat Tom Wise in the New Vaduz goal, and did so when Samson Yatesby played a perfectly timed through ball to find Joe Foxon, who rounded the keeper and tucked his side infront inside a quarter of an hour. New Vaduz were unable to cope with Mercury's movement, with the Keltians doubling their lead fifteen minutes later, when Stephen Rydberg managed to get his head on the end of a Addey Hanbury flick. Mercury continued to show complete dominance, and grabbed a third just before half time, with Foxon beating the offside trap before squaring the ball to Jack Partridge, who tapped into the unguarded side of the net.
New Vaduz were down and out heading into the second half, but they did almost find a goal back, when Bastian Großler was left unmarked at a corner, but the Dyas Scitenhima Ĵets forward could only plant his header onto the crossbar. Mercury were kicked into action to try and cement their victory, and did so just after the hour, when Addey Hanbury weaved into the box past two defender, his shot passed the keeper but was cleared off the line by Stefan Michael, but his clearence only fell to Rydberg on the edge of the box, who chested the ball down before slamming the ball into the top left corner to make it four-nil. Ten minutes later, Mercury sealed the rout, when Joe Foxon headed home following a free-kick routine.
In the end, Mercury were just too much for their opponents, and march back to the top of the group, as we head into the fourth matchday in this World Cup group phase.
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 24th July*
Group A
Birgeshir vs. LamantiaSenya wrote: In what was becoming a very tight Group, host nation Birgeshir came into today's match as one of four teams level on four points, alongside the Florian Republic, Hoenn and Talenore. However, they had not lost either of their two opening games, and still had everything in their own hands. Meanwhile, Lamantia knew that only a win would keep them in contention of winning the group outright.
With elimination on the cards, Lamantia had to go for it, and go for it they did. Birgeshir took the kick off, but Har-Im-Hotep Aktöjk took too much time in possession and his pass was cut out by Reuben Frederiksen, who threaded the ball to striker Sven Ebersbacher, who cut back on his left foot past Osir-Hæpi Töpæl, before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner with just 26 seconds on the clock. The home crowd was stunned into silence, but remarkably Birgeshir took very little time to respond, with Çengiz Tahir's shot deflecting off Benjamin Schaefer out to Amam Karadeniz, who feinted to shoot but instead played a short pass into the feet of Sarapou Lahar, who finished coolly from just inside the penalty area into the right side of the net. The fast start had barely given either team a chance to catch their breath, with the game eventually being allowed to settle, but Birgeshir were looking the better team, and Tahir fired a long range shot against the crossbar before Sebastian Rheine did well to save a Lahar header from point blank range.
In the second half, Birgeshir continued their dominance, and took their lead midway through the half when Bebi Bælhara ran past two defenders before shooting from 25-yards, with his shot bouncing past Rheine's reach as it found the bottom right corner. Lamantia really had to try and apply the pressure again, but were struggling to produce much in the way of good chances, with Birgeshir defending resolutely. And the game was effectively won with five minutes left to go, when Çengiz Tahir found himself in the right place at the right time to turn home after a melee in the box followed a free-kick routine. Lamantia almost found a goal back right at the end, but Reuben Frederiksen's late free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Iu-Senb Ercanojk.
The result now gives the hosts a real opportunity to win the group for the first time in their history, whilst Lamantia's final game against Talenore will serve no competitive purpose for the Apollonians, as they are eliminated from their first ever World Cup adventure.
Hoenn vs. Florian Republic
Group standings can be found here!
Re: 2019 World Cup broadcasts and match reports
Craitman wrote: *Played 25th July*
Group B
Kingdom of Coria vs. PassasSenya wrote: Having won both of their opening games, Passas were looking in a great position to advance, whilst Coria had got off to a good start, having defeated a tough Shireroth side before drawing with reigning champions Tellia.
Passas started brightly, with the first chance of the game falling to Alex Danelon, as he latched on to a through ball from Dean O'Malley, but could only drag his shot wide of the upright. The Corians took their time to get into the game, but eventually started to match the Passians in midfield, and came close themselves when Andraž Kim's cross found Nemanja Ahčev, but the Mëzal Birlæşňi forward could only plant his header straight into the hands of Adam Shawnessy. The Corians eventually found themselves on top in the match, and took the lead when Aleksandar Mileusnić smashed the ball home from the middle of the box after Andraž Kim's free-kick took a deflection off the wall, falling for Niko Jeglič, who squared the ball back for the Partizan Averna striker to fire home. Coria were starting to ramp things up even more, and grabbed a second a few minutes later, this time a corner from Kim was headed home at the near post by Đorđe Nešić, with the Plava Zvezda Grendbej defender taking advantage of some slack defending to nod home.
Passas were kept on the ropes until half time, at which point they got a chance to regroup. They came out for the second half with all guns blazing, with Tom Arans first blazing over from close range before Danijel Đorđević headered against the crossbar and Alex Danelon beat the offside trap, but his dink over the onrushing Sašo Fornezi also looped over the crossbar. Tom Arans was then shown a yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Saša Pešić, which due to his yellow card against North Antarctica on the opening day rules him out of the next match, whilst substitute Mark Simmons and Coria's Nikola Tomić were also shown yellow cards for late tackles. However, Passas's attacking creativity and threat faded as they couldn't find their way back into the match, as they ended up losing their first game of the tournament against a well organised Corian team.
Shireroth vs. Tellia
Group standings can be found here!