AH Asian Cup

[Atreus]

With the AFC Asian Cup, the Asian football/soccer championships, beginning soon, and in the spirit of the AHWC (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=156565), I thought that it might be fun to repeat the game, this time simulating the Asian Championships.

I was thinking that we would basically use the same format of the real-world tournament: 16 teams, groups of four, top two progress to direct elimination quarterfinals, and then on until the tournament is decided. For the procedure, we could probably do more or less the same one that we used during the world cup (dice rolls with seeds/handicaps), unless anybody has a better idea.

So, let's get this started. If you want to resurrect a team from the world cup, I don't see why not, but otherwise, just create an AH Asian national team (or one from a nation that could plausibly compete as asia, like OTL Australia in the AFC, or Turkey and Israel in UEFA), and let the games begin...

To get the ball rolling, the first entrant...

Team: Mysore
Nickname: Gold Tigers
Home Stadium: National Stadium, Mysore
Home Kit: Gold Shirts, Black Shorts, Gold Socks
Away Kit: All-Green
Brief History: Mysore has a rocky history at this level. never champions but twice semi-finalists during the 1980s, they are making their third consecutive appearance at the Asian Cup.

[IsraFrance]

Team: The People's republic of Israel
Nickname: No real nickname (OOC: Israeli teams don't have "themes" like american sport teams, always seemed weird to me), though some rivaling teams refer to them as the Red Menace
Home Stadium: The national stadium (formerly the Stalin stadium), Hertzeliya
Home Kit: Blue shirt, red shorts, red and blue striped socks
Away Kit: White shirt with 7 yellow stars, red shorts, white socks.
Brief History:The Kibbutzim gain more power during mandate years, a communist uprising takes place near the end of the independence war.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Team: Kingdom of Majapahit
Nickname: The Garudas
Home Stadium: Hayam Wuruk Stadium, Majapahit City (OTL Trowulan)
Home Kit: Red shirt with diagonal white stripe, white pants, red socks
Away Kit: White shirt, red shorts, white socks.
Brief History:The Majapahit were once a strong power in Asia, they won the inaugural championship. However, they haven't had many success in the recent years.

[kirrix]

Brief History:The Kibbutzim gain more power during mandate years, a communist uprising takes place near the end of the independence war.
OOC: More than OTL? Because Kibbutz base militias were the ones that turned out to beat off the Arabs after the Partition Plan was rejected and they were the ones who created the state. In fact, the country was initially a democratic socialist one, moving more to the right and a mixed economy as time went on and Israel became closer aligned with the West and the US. Just saying...

Team: Yenisei Republic
Nickname: The Reindeer
Home Stadium: Potapovo National Stadium
Kits: (Not sure how to describe them, so here's an image. Home kit to the left, away to the right.)
Brief History: The Reindeer are hardly the most formidable team in Asia. Their minuscule population doesn't allow for the sort of development larger countries have. Despite this, they have the most fanatically loyal fans in Asia (and possibly the world) who will consistently come out to show their support, even if they never progress far in tournaments.

[kirrix]

(Sorry for the double post but I just realized that these guys still work from the AHWC).

Team: Timurid Empire
Nickname: The Black Horde, The Lame Horde (derogatory)
Home Stadium: Grand Khan Arena, Samarkand
Home Kit: Black shirt with red trim on the sleeves and three red circles over the right breast, black shorts, white socks with two black stripes
Away Kit: White shirt with black trim on the sleeves and three red circles outlined in red on the right breast, black shorts, black socks with two white stripes
Brief History: The Timurids are a formidable football force on the Asian continent. Multiple appearances in the World Cup, including the previous one where they won all three of their group round games (two of which were against major football powerhouses) before being eliminated by the Byzantines, and a history of success in the Asian Cup has made the Black Horde a team to watch whenever they play.

[Gandavien]

These are the Asian countries from the AH World Cup:
Federated Nations of the Pacific
Greater Transbaikalia
Khmer Republic
Quebec
Republic of Tartarstan
Tibet
Unified Central Asian Republic

[kirrix]

These are the Asian countries from the AH World Cup:
Federated Nations of the Pacific
Greater Transbaikalia
Khmer Republic
Quebec
Republic of Tartarstan
Tibet
Unified Central Asian Republic
And the afore mentioned Timurids

[Atreus]

These are the Asian countries from the AH World Cup:
Federated Nations of the Pacific
Greater Transbaikalia
Khmer Republic
Quebec
Republic of Tartarstan
Tibet
Unified Central Asian Republic

But we don't need to repeat teams. Might take some of the fun out of it

[counterblitzkrieg]

Can I post a second team?

[Atreus]

Can I post a second team?

I think so, but since we're only looking for 16 teams right now, best to cap things at two teams per person for now...

[counterblitzkrieg]

I think so, but since we're only looking for 16 teams right now, best to cap things at two teams per person for now...

Sweet!

Team: Dominion of Japan (British Japan)
Nickname: The Suns
Home Stadium: Royal Japanese Stadium, Edo
Home Kit: White shirt, blue shorts, white socks with blue stripes on top
Away Kit: Red shirt, white shorts, red socks
Brief History: As one of the original members of the Asian Confederation, Japan had a relatively successful history with the Asian Cup. Winning two in its early days. They managed to win one in the modern era and had come close in many occasions as it can always be counted to do well.

(OOC: The kits of Japan is the same as the kit of England since Japan ITTL is a dominion of Britain. Kind of like Indonesia under the Netherlands (under the name of Dutch East Indies) had the same kits as the Netherlands.)

[IsraFrance]

OOC: More than OTL? Because Kibbutz base militias were the ones that turned out to beat off the Arabs after the Partition Plan was rejected and they were the ones who created the state. In fact, the country was initially a democratic socialist one, moving more to the right and a mixed economy as time went on and Israel became closer aligned with the West and the US. Just saying...
So just imagine what would happen if they got just a little more powerfull :D

Team: West Australia
Nickname: The Yellow Spiders
Home stadium: The sky dome, Perth
Home Kit: Blue shirt, blue shorts, yellow socks
Away Kit: Yellow Shirt, Green shorts, White socks with yellow stripes
Brief History: After a series of terrorist attacks by the republican movement:"The Black swans" in cities all around Australia, the government finally went reluctantly to the Negotiation table in 1992, creating the relatively pro-Britain West Australian republic (run by the more peaceful movement, "The yellow flags") , encompassing the southern half of the west Australia state.

[Gandavien]

Team: Manchuria
Nickname: The Horde
Home Stadium: Olympic Stadium, Harbin
Brief History: Manchuria won the last edition of the Asian Cup, but the team they field this time around is ageing and is not expected to match the feat of 2007. Manchuria consistently reach at least the Quarter Finals of the competition, save for a few stumbles across the years. Overall, they have won the competition twice.
Kit:

[Skippy]

Team: Taiwan (Formosa)
Nickname: The Storks
Home Stadium: Chao-ma Football Field
Brief History: After the British Empire withdrew from Taiwan, the sport of football rapidly shrank. Taiwan has not met with great success in the International field, having never qualified for a World Cup. This is only their third qualification for the Asian Cup, but expectations have risen after they managed to defeat Tibet in a friendly match by a score of 4-1.
Kits: Home: Sky blue shirts, black shorts with a feather pattern up the left side, stopping beneath the sleeve, black socks.
Away: White shirts with blue feathers on the sleeves, white shorts, white socks.

(OOC: Sorry about not having a picture, but I can't draw at all.)

[clendor]

Team: The People's republic of Israel
Nickname: No real nickname (OOC: Israeli teams don't have "themes" like american sport teams, always seemed weird to me), though some rivaling teams refer to them as the Red Menace
Home Stadium: The national stadium (formerly the Stalin stadium), Hertzeliya
Home Kit: Blue shirt, red shorts, red and blue striped socks
Away Kit: White shirt with 7 yellow stars, red shorts, white socks.
Brief History:The Kibbutzim gain more power during mandate years, a communist uprising takes place near the end of the independence war.

The Israeli teams has themes (well, at least some of them). Hapoe'l team (the laborer... Lol) are called "The reds". In fact, most of the teams has color themes.
A communist revolution? Not without goveromental support. David Ben Gurion ordered to sink a weapon and immigrators ship becasue the ANO (Army national organization) refused to let it go the new IDF (Israel Defence Forces). A full revolution will be answered with an iron fist.
And nice costume! How the Israeli team did in the cup?

[Razors are for Fish]

Team: National Socialist Republic of Korea
Nickname: Jackboots
Home Stadium: Stadium of Korea
Brief History: The NSRK was created following Su Yin Kop's election victory in 1998. Ever since then a brutal dictatorship has ruled with a fine football team.
Kits:
125629

[IsraFrance]

The Israeli teams has themes (well, at least some of them). Hapoe'l team (the laborer... Lol) are called "The reds". In fact, most of the teams has color themes.
A communist revolution? Not without goveromental support. David Ben Gurion ordered to sink a weapon and immigrators ship becasue the ANO (Army national organization) refused to let it go the new IDF (Israel Defence Forces). A full revolution will be answered with an iron fist.
And nice costume! How the Israeli team did in the cup?

Yeah, teams in Israel are based on political parties (every city has or three for every major part of the time), and since tel aviv is the un-official cultural capital of Israel, their labor team is the official "red" team.

Well, I don't really know. Ol' David was almost (?) a communist, maybe ITTL he just though one day "Eh, fuck it." and went full commie mode.

Also, if you mean the real world cup, we didn't even qualify this year, though we never do :/

[counterblitzkrieg]

Yeah, teams in Israel are based on political parties (every city has or three for every major part of the time), and since tel aviv is the un-official cultural capital of Israel, their labor team is the official "red" team.

Well, I don't really know. Ol' David was almost (?) a communist, maybe ITTL he just though one day "Eh, fuck it." and went full commie mode.

Also, if you mean the real world cup, we didn't even qualify this year, though we never do :/

I think he meant how did your listed teams (Israel and West Australia) historically did in TTL Asian Cup. Hence the "brief history."

[IsraFrance]

I think he meant how did your listed teams historically did in TTL Asian Cup. Hence the "brief history."

In that case, not very successful, had one chapmionship when hosted, ussually doesn't even reach the first round

[Martin23230]

Awesome. I loved the first AHWC, I'm looking forward to this one.
Just to ask, I do assume this is a totally different ATL to the AHWC. Considering Israel and the Timerids were in the AMEA (Africa, Middle East, Antarctica) group then, making them illegible for this cup. Plus Israel is completely different.
Pedantic I know, but I really got into the old one.

Anyway, this time I might even get a team:

Team: Empire of Siam (OTL Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, bits of Burma and Malaysia)
Nickname: War Elephants
Home Stadium: Krung Thep Stadium, Krung Thep
Home Kit: Red shirts with two white stripes, red shorts, white Socks
Away Kit: White shirts with two red stripes, white shorts, red Socks
Brief History: Siam is one of the more recent success stories in Asian football. Despite only recently overcoming political instability it has qualified for 3 of it's last 4 world cups (only got out of the group stage once though - tough groups) and qualified for most of the Asian Cups, coming second to Manchuria last time. Their fans hope to go one better this year.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8416/siam.png

Team: Trucial Coast Union (OTL UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, bits of north Oman and Saudi desert)
Nickname: The green and whites
Home Stadium: Emirates Stadium ;) , Abu Dhabi
Home Kit: Dark green shirts with white horizontal stripes, green shorts, green socks
Away Kit: Black shirts, green shorts, green socks
Brief History: The TCU is one of those nations that is often passionate about football (it is their national sport - British influence) but only moderately successful. Has qualified for only 2 out of the past 8 Asian cups, its supporters are hoping that they get to at least the Quarter-finals this time.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/7725/tcu.png

I hope two teams are alight, if not I will knock one off.
By the way, if this is popular we could expand the format. Balkanised Russia, India, China could lead to more countries in Asia than OTL, and we shouldn't be constrained to just 16.

[counterblitzkrieg]

12 teams, 4 more teams to go. 4 more days until the OTL Asian Cup. :D

[Batintrenche]

Can I just make up a nation? Looks quite interesting and I'd be happy to take part.

[Batintrenche]

Team: Republic of Java
Nickname: Tropic Thunder
Home Stadium: Java Stadium, Java
Home Kit: Green, Red Shirt/Green, White Shorts/Green,Red Socks
Away Kit: All White,Green with a tad of red
Brief History: Java has had only two appearances at the Asian cup. They qualified in 2007 under uncertain circumstances and before that in 1995 in which they made it out of the group stage to manys surprise. They currently have a player playing in the Californian top flight and he has become almost a national hero to Tropic thunder

[Martin23230]

Team: Republic of Java
...

Just to mention, we already have Majapahit in this universe. Although it would be possible to have the Kingdom of Majapahit in eastern Java and your republic in the west (similar to OTL Timor I suppose).
I was just going to say, incase you wanted to change your team. We could have a Republic of Borneo or Sumatra for example with out too many changes. Personally I like the idea the Republic declared independence from the Kingdom.
What we really need a map to sort this out.
I'll get onto it.

[Nusantara]

Team: Federated Republics of West Papua
Nickname: The Birds of Paradise, All-Blacks
Home Stadium: Mandala, Jayapura
Home and Away kit:

125735

Brief History: Thanks to manager Alfred Reidl of Austria the Birds of Paradise went from the punching bags of Asia to formidable foe, amazing the region by reaching the semi-finals of the South-East Asian Cup in December. Although still the underdogs of the competition, Papua won't be defending but play an attractive, quick football focusing on counter-attacks.

Led by experienced defender Pulalo and young, quick winger Okto as well as striker Boaz, they will not go down without a fight.

First Team:

Daniel Saroge

Ian Kabes
Alexander Pulalo
Yesaya Desnam
Ronald Pangkali

Peter Rumaropen
Ortizan
Paolo Rumere
Oktovianus Maniani

Boaz
Elie Aiboy

(All are real players that come from Papua. Many have played in the real Indonesian National Team)

[Martin23230]

The teams:

1. Mysore
2. PR Israel
3. Majapahit
4. Yenisei Republic
5. Timurid Empire
6. Dominion of Japan
7. West Australia
8. Manchuria
9. Taiwan
10. NSR Korea
11. Siam
12. Trucial Coast Union (TCU)
13. Republic of Java
14. Federated Republics of West Papua (FRWP)
15. SR Bengal
16. Siberia
Now, here is a quick map to show roughly what nations are taken. There is no use someone coming along with an independent Cambodia now is there?
Like I say, it is rather rough. The darker grey and red lines show the rough boundaries of Asia, I included the pacific islands as well. Of course this being an ATL, a state could come in that pushes the boundaries, but this should do for now.
I haven't added any filler countries, although I will in the end. This is just to help picking teams. There is rather a gap in China/Central Asia for example...

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/8117/mapac5.png

[Razors are for Fish]

Can I have a second team?

Team: Socialist Republic of Bengal
Nickname: Tigers
Home Stadium: Chairman Haruj Palace
Brief History: Formed from a violent revolution against the Bengali King in 1932, the SRB is one of Asia's richest non oil nations and one of the few true democratic Socialist Republics.
Kits:
125741

[Martin23230]

Can I have a second team?
Sure, I've added it to the map/list.

Only one place left now. Unless there is enough interest to expand it to 24 teams.

[Nusantara]

Sure, I've added it to the map/list.

Only one place left now. Unless there is enough interest to expand it to 24 teams.

I know the map's not important but could you make the West Papua borders like OTL?

[Martin23230]

I know the map's not important but could you make the West Papua borders like OTL?

Sure thing. :)
I considered it, but I thought the same straight line would be pretty unlikely to occur in this time line. Still, it is your creation.

[Lone Wolf]

Team: Union of Siberia

Nickname: Green Menace

Home Stadium: Sakha Stadium, Yakutsk

Brief History: Die-hard rival of the team of the Yenisei Republic, the Siberian national football team was founded in 1969, 15 years after the end of the Dark Decades, the era of warlordism that begun with the fall of the Czarist regime. More successful than the Yenisei team, their biggest achievement, coming out of the group phase, was made in the last edition of the Games.

Kits: here they are

http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk352/CPdarkness/templatefb01.png

[Martin23230]

Team: Union of Siberia


So that's the 16th team. Map updated, I had to shift the Yenisei Rep slightly.

Personally I think we could manage a few more, the AH world cup had 32, double the number we have now. Part of the fun is creating nations, and there is plenty of room on the map.

I think we could bump it up to 24 teams, with a similar system that is planned for Euro 2016 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_2016#Expanded_format).

On the other hand, if people think we should stick with 16, then the first stage is complete!

[kirrix]

So that's the 16th team. Map updated, I had to shift the Yenisei Rep slightly.

Personally I think we could manage a few more, the AH world cup had 32, double the number we have now. Part of the fun is creating nations, and there is plenty of room on the map.

I think we could bump it up to 24 teams, with a similar system that is planned for Euro 2016 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_2016#Expanded_format).

On the other hand, if people think we should stick with 16, then the first stage is complete!
Since the Yenisei is supposed to be the Yenisei People, not the river, the republic should be up north near the mouth of the river where the Yenisei actually live.

[Martin23230]

Since the Yenisei is supposed to be the Yenisei People, not the river, the republic should be up north near the mouth of the river where the Yenisei actually live.

I was basing it on this map (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Yeniseian_map_XVII-XX.png) of the Yeniseian languages.
Do you mean more like these people (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enets_people)?

[kirrix]

I was basing it on this map (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Yeniseian_map_XVII-XX.png) of the Yeniseian languages.
Do you mean more like these people (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enets_people)?
Yeah. Yenisei language group is, as the article says, completely unrelated.

[Martin23230]

Yeah. Yenisei language group is, as the article says, completely unrelated.

OK then, I'll update the map.
I did come across those people when researching it, but it was my foolish mistake to think the Yenisei Republic might contain Yeniseysk. :p
Potapovo was the clue.

EDIT: How's that?

[kirrix]

OK then, I'll update the map.
I did come across those people when researching it, but it was my foolish mistake to think the Yenisei Republic might contain Yeniseysk. :p
Potapovo was the clue.

EDIT: How's that?
Much better. And yeah, Potapovo should have pointed you in the right direction :p.

[Atreus]

Personally I think we could manage a few more, the AH world cup had 32, double the number we have now. Part of the fun is creating nations, and there is plenty of room on the map.

I think we could bump it up to 24 teams, with a similar system that is planned for Euro 2016 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_2016#Expanded_format).

On the other hand, if people think we should stick with 16, then the first stage is complete!

16 keeps the parallelism going, but if there is enough interest I'm fine with 24 (although the best 3rd place teams was always an odd system).

[Martin23230]

16 keeps the parallelism going, but if there is enough interest I'm fine with 24 (although the best 3rd place teams was always an odd system).

Well it's not my tournament, I was just making a suggestion. I agree it is a slightly awkward and more complex system and keeping it parallel to the real cup would be preferred. However if there was enough interest it would be possible.
How about we wait and see if we get many new teams over the next 24 hours, if not we will have to stick with the 16 and we can go onto the next stages (deciding how to seed the teams and deciding the host).

[Atreus]

Well it's not my tournament, I was just making a suggestion. I agree it is a slightly awkward and more complex system and keeping it parallel to the real cup would be preferred. However if there was enough interest it would be possible.
How about we wait and see if we get many new teams over the next 24 hours, if not we will have to stick with the 16 and we can go onto the next stages (deciding how to seed the teams and deciding the host).

That sounds reasonable.

[counterblitzkrieg]

As much as I would love additional teams (more teams for me :D:p), I think we should keep the parallelism as close as possible.

[Martin23230]

So, we haven't had anything else, so I suppose it is time to move on.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Firstly, rankings. From the descriptions provided I would put it like this*:
*I couldn't do much for the ones I didn't have info for, so had to base it on the country.

Mysore - Never won, twice semi-finalists during the 1980s, third consecutive appearance. Relativity middle team, perhaps getting out of the group stage is possible but not much further.

PR Israel - Apparently not that successful in the past, unlikely to get past group stage.

Majapahit - Won the inaugural championship, downhill since then.
Depending when the cup was started (let's assume 1956) it could have really gone downhill. I keep thinking of OTL Hungary, great in the 50s, pretty bad since then. Not expected to go far.

Yenisei Republic - Minuscule population, fanatically loyal fans but never progress far in tournaments. Probably gets stuck in the group stage, but I have a strange feeling it could provide an upset. Perhaps I just like the idea of the nation.

Timurid Empire - Formidable football force on the Asian continent, history of success in the Asian Cup. Even if we assume this is a different TL to the AH World cup, they still come out as strong contenders. I would be shocked if they didn't get at least to the semis, probably possible title contenders.

Dominion of Japan - Won two early on, one in the modern era, can be counted to do well. Another favourite, pretty surprised if they didn't get to the semi-finals.

West Australia - British/Australian heritage could be a benefit, assumed to have hosted in the past (from IsraFrance's comments). Probably not further than the group stages.

Manchuria - Won twice in the past, current title holders. Not expected to do as well this time, but consistently reach the Quarter Finals at least.Not much I can add. A favourite, possible to get to semis. Bad run of form (I can assume losses in friendlies to the likes of Japan and the Timurids) might mean they don't get much further.

Taiwan - Never qualified for WC, third qualification for AC, good recent run of form. Possibly a wild card, but could struggle if it is in a tough group.

NSR Korea - NSRK created in 1998, a "fine football team". Since I assume the country hasn't exactly been stable recently I can't see them going that far, but could make it out of the group stage.

Siam - Recent success, qualified for 3 of last 4 WCs, came second last time. Another favourite for the title, probably in a better position than Manchuria this time but could by surprised by the Timurids or Japan. Most likely at least the semis.

Trucial Coast Union (TCU) - Passionate support, only moderately successful, qualified for 2 of past 8 Asian cups. A lower team, could possibly get out of the group stage but would cause quite an upset if it got much further.

Republic of Java - 2 appearances at the Asian cup, 2007 questionable, surprisingly got out of their group in 1995. Unlikely to match their best performance again, but could do well depending on their group.

Federated Republics of West Papua (FRWP) - Formidable foe, reached semi-finals of the South-East Asian Cup, still underdogs. Upper middle strength team, probably will get to quarters, could go further.

SR Bengal - Probably won't get out of the group, but sounds like a fine country.

Siberia - More successful than Yenisei, got out of group stage last year. Unlikely to repeat it this year, but stranger things have happened.

So, with that, what are my rankings?
I couldn't do them that exactly, so there they are in four groups of roughly equal quality:

Top four, title contenders:
Timurid Empire
Siam
Dominion of Japan
Manchuria

Likely to get out of the group, could cause an upset and go further
Federated Republics of West Papua (FRWP)
Trucial Coast Union (TCU)
NSR Korea
Mysore

Possibility to get out of the group, but seems unlikely.
Taiwan
Republic of Java
Siberia
West Australia

Most likely to get stuck at group stage.
Yenisei Republic
Majapahit
SR Bengal
PR Israel

These are my thoughts, feel free to disagree. As I tried to make clear, the list above is how I would rank them not where they will likely end up. Look at France or Italy in last year's world cup.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second issue is hosting. In the World Cup we did it at random, this time I thought I might put a little more thought into it. OTL Asian cup is a little odd, 2007 took all of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam to hoast, whilst this year Qatar is doing it alone. Places like Singapore or Lebanon have hosted in the past, albeit with fewer teams. Considering the posibility of hosting 16 teams with 5-8 venues, not everyone could manage it.
Therefore I though I should put out some bidding options:

Timurid Empire (powerful, secular Iran analogue), Siam (I intended them to be like OTL Japan, developed earlier and resisted colonialism better) and Manchuria (large, probably mineral rich, the rest of China is unknown) could all do it on their own easily, and indeed could probably host the World Cup.

Japan could probably manage (colonial history makes it seem less developed ITTL), or it could co-hoast with Taiwan (previously a British colony, to me it seems like a Malaysia-Singapore relationship). Say 5 venues in Japan and 2 in Taiwan?

The TCU could possibly host, if Qatar can host the World Cup the union could probably manage. I don't see it quite as rich as the current gulf states (no 800m tall buildings, but comfortable), but is much more western orientated. Bengal could probably also do it from the description of the nation as democratic and well off. Mysore might be a more outside chance.

Java and Majapahit might be able to do it if they worked together, but I can't see good relations between the two nations.

NSR Korea and PR Israel I would probably put out on political grounds.

Siberia and West Australia are probably two sparsely populated. Siberia could co-host with Manchuria, but to be honest Manchuria could probably do it themselves.

The Yenisei Republic is probably as likely to host the Asian Cup as Bhutan in OTL.

I would note that any possibilities of co-hosting are pretty limited but the nations we have qualified.

I would say bids from the Timurid Empire, Siam, Manchuria, the TCU and Bengal. Japan-Taiwan could be a co-bid.
Less likely options would be Java-Majapahit, Manchuria-Siberia or Mysore.

If we had time I would suggest a poll, but if all else fails do it randomly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, I hope that was helpful. Feel free to disagree with anything I said.

[counterblitzkrieg]

I would like to see the TCU to be the host, it keeps the parallelism going. :cool:

I think your analysis on the teams are mostly spot on. Though in terms of Majapahit I was along the lines of OTL Uruguay in the World Cup, not that great anymore but could still credibly get out of the group stage. And could potentially shock the continent by making the semis.

[kirrix]

Looks good, though I think your comparison the Yenisei Republic and Bhutan is a little unfair to Bhutan.

[Martin23230]

I would like to see the TCU to be the host, it keeps the parallelism going. :cool:

Well, I couldn't exactly just say that, since the TCU was my team :o. I swear didn't actually remember where OTL Asian Cup was being held when I thought of them, I mainly creating them thinking of the recent awarding of the World Cup. If there is a decision to do this though I suppose it would make sense. Though even with the strongest parallelism it would be hard to get it going by Friday.
And, as I mentioned, in the AH World Cup we awarded it randomly and it was held in La Plata (OTL Argentina and Uruguay) quite successfully.

I think your analysis on the teams are mostly spot on. Though in terms of Majapahit I was along the lines of OTL Uruguay in the World Cup, not that great anymore but could still credibly get out of the group stage. And could potentially shock the continent by making the semis.

Actually that sounds like a better comparison. I might bump it up and move Siberia down. Perhaps swap it with Mysore too. To be honest merging the bottom three groups into two might be easier. Something like "Possible to get out of group" and "Unlikely to get out of group"

Looks good, though I think your comparison the Yenisei Republic and Bhutan is a little unfair to Bhutan.

Fine: The Yenisei Republic is probably as likely to host the Asian Cup as Vatican City in OTL. i.e. pretty close to 0. :p*
*Now that would be an interesting challenge for a (rather ASB) timeline. PoD in 1956...

[Batintrenche]

This looks very good! By the way Java will only contain Sumatra and a tiny bit of Borneo. The rest is to the other Indonesian nation. Is this fine?

Edit: By Sumatra I meant Java sorry! :p

[Batintrenche]

Anyone up for a Java-Majapahit hosting?

[Batintrenche]

So based upon Martin's post earlier about rankings of the teams I had a draw for the pools. Each team would play three games of course and the top two of each group progress into the quarter-finals.

Group A

Japan (Replace With host nation[s])
West Papua
Siberia
Israel

Group B

Siam
Korea
Taiwan
Bengal

Group C

Timurid
TCU
West Australia
Yenisei

Group D

Manchuria
Mysore
Java
Majapahit

Quaterfinals.

1st place of Group A plays 2nd of Group B. (Called QF-1)
1st place of Group B plays 2nd of Group C. (QF-2)
1st place of Group C plays 2nd of Group D. (QF-3)
1st place of Group D plays 2nd of Group A. (QF-4)

Semifinals.

Winner of QF-1 plays winner of QF-2. (Called SF-1)
Winner of QF-3 plays winner of QF-4. (SF-2)

Third place match.

Loser of SF-1 plays loser of SF-2.

Finals.

Winner of SF-1 plays winner of SF-1.

And that would end the tournament. Please tell me your thoughts and opinions!

[kirrix]

I'd complain about both of my teams being in the same group, but since the Yenisei aren't going to advance anyways... eh.

[Razors are for Fish]

I have high hopes Korea will reach it to the group stage but a shame about poor old Bengal.

[Nusantara]

When is this going to start?

[Gandavien]

Manchuria desires hosting! Why not allow people to bid their teams as hosts, and then have a vote?

[Batintrenche]

Would it be fine if I nominated 3 teams and then we voted for host?

[counterblitzkrieg]

Would it be fine if I nominated 3 teams and then we voted for host?

Well, Martin already has a list of the possible hosts, maybe we could make a poll thread for this (Also another thing that Martin talked about).

[Batintrenche]

Well, Martin already has a list of the possible hosts, maybe we could make a poll thread for this (Also another thing that Martin talked about).

Sure thing. I'll have it up right away.

[Batintrenche]

BIDS ARE UP!!! PLEASE VOTE!!! http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=179005

[Martin23230]

Hey now, I'm going to have to object here. :mad:
Firstly; what was up with the timings of the polls? The first one was put up at 11 PM GMT and apparently we moved on to the second round by 2 AM. Some of us in Europe go to sleep you know!
Secondly; What was up with that voting system? Why did Manchuria and Japan go through when they only had 4 votes each, only one more than the Timurid Empire, Siam and Java-Majapahit. if I had been able to log in and voted for Siam, the results would have been changed.
Thirdly; Why was it the first one to six? Why was that decided by one person a quarter of an hour before the poll was closed? Why, as I mentioned, did we go onto the second round with none getting to 6? Surly the usual thing is to keep the poll running for 24/48 hours and see who is on top then.
Fourthly; Why did we have a second round anyway?
Fifthly; Why was there no information on the bids. The polls are public, who is going to go through this thread the find what TCU stands for? Would people still vote for Japan if they know it was a British Dominion? Why didn't the creators of the nations get to write a short bidding presentation, to inform the uninformed?

Overall I am extremely unhappy with how this was carried out. I would like for a pause for bidding information to be made, then a new poll to be created, open for 48 hours. The one with the most votes wins. Otherwise I will have to withdraw my team and anything to do with this project. These polls were rushed and unfair.

[kirrix]

Hey now, I'm going to have to object here. :mad:
Firstly; what was up with the timings of the polls? The first one was put up at 11 PM GMT and apparently we moved on to the second round by 2 AM. Some of us in Europe go to sleep you know!
Secondly; What was up with that voting system? Why did Manchuria and Japan go through when they only had 4 votes each, only one more than the Timurid Empire, Siam and Java-Majapahit. if I had been able to log in and voted for Siam, the results would have been changed.
Thirdly; Why was it the first one to six? Why was that decided by one person a quarter of an hour before the poll was closed? Why, as I mentioned, did we go onto the second round with none getting to 6? Surly the usual thing is to keep the poll running for 24/48 hours and see who is on top then.
Fourthly; Why did we have a second round anyway?
Fifthly; Why was there no information on the bids. The polls are public, who is going to go through this thread the find what TCU stands for? Would people still vote for Japan if they know it was a British Dominion? Why didn't the creators of the nations get to write a short bidding presentation, to inform the uninformed?

Overall I am extremely unhappy with how this was carried out. I would like for a pause for bidding information to be made, then a new poll to be created, open for 48 hours. The one with the most votes wins. Otherwise I will have to withdraw my team and anything to do with this project. These polls were rushed and unfair.
Sports and controversy go together like tea and biscuits. That being said, I too am unsatisfied with the conduct of these polls. Martin's suggestion is both fair and not overly burdensome on those that want to make bids.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Sports and controversy go together like tea and biscuits. That being said, I too am unsatisfied with the conduct of these polls. Martin's suggestion is both fair and not overly burdensome on those that want to make bids.

Seconded. I thought it the whole voting process was a bit too fast and a bit anti-climatic. A re-voting wouldn't hurt. Though I would counter-propose and put the polling time at 24 hours instead of 48.

[Batintrenche]

If someone else would like to conduct a poll then go ahead. I was just trying to be proactive here.

[counterblitzkrieg]

I got an idea, we should put up a bidding information in this thread by anyone interested in which country to host. Then we could make a new poll with a link to the post of each information.

[Atreus]

I got an idea, we should put up a bidding information in this thread by anyone interested in which country to host. Then we could make a new poll with a link to the post of each information.

I second this. Lets say 24 hours for bidding, and then another 24 for voting?

[Martin23230]

Sports and controversy go together like tea and biscuits. That being said, I too am unsatisfied with the conduct of these polls. Martin's suggestion is both fair and not overly burdensome on those that want to make bids.

Seconded. I thought it the whole voting process was a bit too fast and a bit anti-climatic. A re-voting wouldn't hurt. Though I would counter-propose and put the polling time at 24 hours instead of 48.

I'm glad I got some support. I would be happy with 24 hours, I did alter between the two but I was typing rather quickly...

If someone else would like to conduct a poll then go ahead. I was just trying to be proactive here.

I don't blame you. The OTL cup is started, I would be happy if we got on with it.

So I suggest this:
Firstly shorten the short list. I realise I have both of my teams in the bidding process, so I will retire Siam from bidding to focus on the TCU.
I think if we can we should pick either Bengal or Mysore for an Indian bid and either Japan-Taiwan or Java-Majapahit for the joint bid. Limiting it to 5 candidates seems like a sensible idea.
Since both Japan and Majapahit are counterblitzkrieg's teams I would respectfully ask if he could chose between them as I have done (sorry to the others in the pair). That would give the joint bid. From the first poll Bengal seemed more popular than Mysore so I would personally suggest them for the Indian bid, but I will leave it open.
Therefore we would have 5 bids from across Asia:

Central Asia: Timurid Empire
China: Manchuria
Middle East: TCU
Eastern/Pacific: Japan-Taiwan / Java-Majapahit
India: Bengal / Mysore

Then let's have about 24 hours from now for the bids to be made. Using counterblitzkrieg's suggestion we can have one presentation, image, poster or indeed just a list of reasons why their nation should be chosen to bid, in a post to be posted in this thread. I understand not everyone will be able to achive this, so if you want to nominate someone to do your presentation you can. Any countries without a bid in the last few hours can be picked up by anyone to make a presentation, or they will be dropped.
Then once that is over, on Sunday (GMT) we can have to poll open. Hopefully we can have the host decided by Monday, so we can go onto the next stage at the start of the new week.

So:
22:00 GMT (23:00 Western Europe, 17:00 Eastern US, 09:00 Sydney, 07:00 Tokyo etc...) the 24 hours will start.
24 hours later close the bidding and open the poll. 24 Hours later close the poll and the winner is announced.
Hopefully that should be fair.
(I might as well add that this doesn't exactly benefit me, as I'm not going to work on it until the morning.)
Good Luck!

EDIT: As it happens My plan agrees with what Atreus suggested. How vindicating.
EDIT 2: Also, let's make it a single choice poll this time.

[Batintrenche]

I second you martin this seems fine.

[counterblitzkrieg]

I would prefer to have Japan-Taiwan to host instead of Java-Majapahit.

[Batintrenche]

I agree with counterblitzkrieg.

[kirrix]

I too agree with counterblitzkrieg.

I also free up the Timurid Empire for someone else to write the bid for. I've really got no idea how I would write one anyways, and as if that isn't bad enough I'm being press-ganged into menial labor by my sister tomorrow.

[counterblitzkrieg]

OOC: I'm not sure how to really do this but here goes nothing...

Japan-Taiwan

Both Japan and Taiwan shared a close relationship between the nations despite their cultural difference. As a dominion of the Glorious British Empire, Japan is often known as the "Europe of the East" or "Oriental Europe." Such a reputation is not undeserved. Taiwan had recently been given independence but Taiwan still has open borders with not just Japan but also the rest of the British Empire.

As a footballing nation, Japan is one of the finest in Asia, winning a total of 3 championship throughout the history of the Asian Cup. No doubt that as one of the host nations, Japan will no doubt do well in the tournament, especially if held on their soil. Taiwan, while not as gifted as Japan, is also a decent nation. Having qualified twice prior. With the tournament on their soil, Taiwan will be expected to do well. Both nations are serious supporters and cared much about football, ensuring a great tournament.

The venues in both nations are large enough to account for even the most liberal estimate of the tournament's attendance. The stadiums are well built with the building codes of that of the British Empire. About 3/4th of the tournament will be held in Japan while about 1/4th of the tournament is held in Taiwan. Japan will be hosting 5 venues for the tournament. Taiwan will be hosting 2 venues for the tournament. The opening match will be held in Taiwan while the final match of the tournament will be held in Japan.


Venues and Locations:
Japan
-Edo
Royal Japanese Stadium
Capacity: 71,300

-Kyoto
Divine Emperor's Stadium
Capacity: 62,100

-Sapporo
Hokkaido Dome
Capacity: 57,400

-Osaka
Kansai Stadium
Capacity: 51,600

-Nagasaki
Orange Stadium
Capacity: 45,400

Taiwan
-Taipei
Taiwan National Stadium
Capacity: 49,700

-Taichung
Chao-ma Football Field
Capacity: 42,300

[Batintrenche]

Would anyone mind if I did a Manchuria post?

[counterblitzkrieg]

Would anyone mind if I did a Manchuria post?

Personally, I won't mind but I think you better check with the creator of the nation since Manchuria is not your nation.

[Batintrenche]

Well Gandavien hasn't posted since he claimed but I'll PM him and see what happens.

[Skippy]

OOC: To build on counterblitzkreig's post as the Taiwanese supporter.

Taiwan has a strong tradition of hospitality and great cultural diversity, as does Japan. Both nations are willing to work toward creating a new vision for the Asian Cups of the future. All of the stadiums currently proposed for use in the 2011 Asian Cup have been either built or undergone serious renovations within the past ten years, including the state-of-the-art Orange Stadium in Nagasaki.

Taiwan hopes that the hosting of the 2011 Asian Cup will serve as a great introduction to the world. In addition, Japan and Taiwan hold a long historical connection, one of the strongest in the world. Japan and Taiwan look forward to being the gracious hosts of the 2011 Asian Cup with your support.

[Gandavien]

Sorry chaps, I've been a bit busy lately. Here's my bid:

Manchuria

Manchuria has the oldest non-British football league and cup in Asia, and has a long tradition of the sport: it is now Manchuria's most popular. The national team has been highly succesful in the continental competition, having won in 2007, 1992 and 1972, with generally decent finishing positions in many of the others, since the inaugural tournament in 1956.

Manchuria has many excellent stadia for use in the tournament, each with world-class credentials and many home to some of the finest football clubs in Asia. The following stadia will be utilised in a potential Manchurian Asian Cup:

Harbin:
Harbin National Stadium
78,000

Changchun:
Imperial Changchun Stadium
53,500

Shenyang:
Shenhe Park
49,000

Dalian:
Jinzhou Stadium
46,700

Haishenwai: (Vladivostok)
Haishenwai Stadium
50,000

Manchuria has fine transport and accomodation infrastructure and the wealth to supplement and expand upon this. We can guarantee that the 2011 Asian Cup will be a great success both for the game and for Asia.

Etc.

[Batintrenche]

Alrighty! Well done!

[Martin23230]

OK, so I might have gone overboard with the poster, but a picture speaks a thousand words ;).

The delegation of the Trucial Coast Union would like to make its bid for the 2011 Asian Cup.

The TCU is a small but passionate footballing nation. Football is the national sport and is enjoyed by many in the Union as both a sport and a lifestyle. Throughout the often troubled history of the TCU, football has been a common thread that has brought supporters of both sides together. The national team might not be the strongest nation, but it's supporters certainly think that it is the best. Hosting the Asian Cup gives the TCU national team the chance to reach their full potential.

The Asian Cup has never before been held in an Arabian nation, and the TCU bid offers a ideal opportunity to bring football to the fans of this region.

The Trucial Coast Union presents 6 world class (ranked four or five stars by the AHFA) stadiums, all modern purpose built for football. The cup being played in January is perfect for the TCU, as the temperature is reliably mild without being wet or windy.

Being a small but well-developed nation means transport between the venues is first class. All four host cities are capitals of their respective emirates, and all provide top-quality accommodation for all fans coming to the cup.

Bid stadia:
* Will host the final

Abu Dhabi
Emirates International Stadium (*)
Capacity: 60,000

Al Nahyan Stadium
Capacity: 45,000

Dubai
Sheikh Stadium
Capacity: 50,000

New Dubai Arena
Capacity: 40,000

Doha
Doha Stadium
Capacity: 50,000

Manama
Al Bahrayn Stadium
Capacity: 35,000

Bidding poster:
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4850/rect2817.png

So that's my bid. Good Luck to everyone, and sorry it's a bit late!

[Batintrenche]

That poster is REALLY good!! :eek: Are there any bidders left that I could take?

[counterblitzkrieg]

That poster is REALLY good!! :eek: Are there any bidders left that I could take?

You could take Timurid Empire going by kirrix's post above

[Martin23230]

I assume kirrix would allow you to to the Timurid Empire bid, as he has opened it up. I would PM him just to check if someone else is working on it.

As it is we have had Manchuria, the TCU and Japan-Taiwan bids. Therefore the Timurid Empire and either Bengal or Mysore are still possible bids to be presented before the poll is opened.

[Batintrenche]

I think Mysore would be a much better choice than Bengal. Anyway I'll fire up the Timurid post.

[Batintrenche]

The Bid for the Asian Cup of Nations as Made by the Timurid Empire


Good evening, morning, or afternoon to you sir. If you do not know us we are the Timurid Empire. A grand country located in Central Asian with a very long and important history. With that long and important history comes a very long and important football history.


Our nation has won two Asian tournaments and come runner-up once. We have made it to 6 World cups and have finished in the Quarter-finals twice. The Timurid Empire has an amazing selection of football players on their roster this year, including some who play over in European and North American leagues. And with such great players come ecstatic fans. Ones who will do anything for the team and ones who want this tournament to come here oh so dearly!


We have a number of football Stadiums in the Timurid Empire;


Tehran


**Timurid National Football Arena
Capacity: 75,000


Tehran Football Stadium
Capacity: 30,000


Tabriz


Tabriz FC Home Pitch
Capacity: 45,000


Herat


Emperor's Stadium
Capacity: 55,000


Shiraz


South Stadium
Capacity: 30,000


Urgench


Mountain view Park
Capacity: 25,000


Kabul


Afghani Football Stadium
55,000


**Will Host Finals


Our glorious nation would be proud and overjoyed for being allowed to host our first ever Asian Cup In 2011! Thank you for your time!

[Martin23230]

OK, we have 4 bids. There are five minutes left so I must assume they are all we are going to get.
I will create the poll to link to the four pages.

EDIT:
OK the poll is up. HERE (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=179339).
The winner will be the bid with the most votes in 24 hours, i.e. at 22:00 GMT on Sunday.
In the unlikely event of a draw, um, I don't really know. Flip a coin?

[Batintrenche]

In the unlikely event of a draw, um, I don't really know. Flip a coin?

Or revote with only those two? If that doesn't work then go for the coin :p

[Martin23230]

Or revote with only those two? If that doesn't work then go for the coin :p

That's what I thought originally, but do we really want to spend another 24 hours on it?
Oh well, we will deal with that issue when (if) it comes to it.

[Batintrenche]

I think you guys would like this game I made: http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=179438
It would be helpful if you signed up :) Thanks! And sorry for advertising by the way :p

[Martin23230]

Right, after 24 hours of voting the Japan-Taiwan bid just edged it over the TCU. Well done to counterblitzkrieg and Skippy!

Final results:
Japan-Taiwan: 8 *WINNER*
The Trucial Coast Union: 7
The Timurid Empire: 4
Manchuria: 3

EDIT: Great, since then the TCU has gotten another vote. :rolleyes: The poll is closed, above were the results at 22:00.

[Batintrenche]

Alrighty! Sounds good. I will get the schedules and groups and such in a bit.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Sweet!

I think here's how the groups should be:

Group A
-Taiwan
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD

Group B
-Japan
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD

Group C
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD

Group D
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD

Knockout Rounds
QF Match 1: Winner Group A v Runners-up Group C
QF Match 2: Winner Group B v Runners-up Group D
QF Match 3: Winner Group C v Runners-up Group A
QF Match 4: Winner Group D v Runners-up Group B

SF Match 1: QF1 Winners v QF 3 Winners
SF Match 2: QF2 Winners v QF 4 Winners

3rd Placed Match: SF1 Losers v SF2 Losers

Final: SF1 Winners v SF2 Winners

----------------------------------

Also, in OTL the tournament was held in January but I think that's because it was held in Qatar which is rather unforgiving in the summer. I think since Japan-Taiwan held it ITTL, I think ITTL the tournament would be held in the summer (June or July), even if we did the simulations in Janaury. :p

We should now do the draw for the groups and then start naming the squads. I claim my teams, Japan and the Majapahit.

[Batintrenche]

Okay, so these are the groups I produced earlier on. I'm assuming everybody is fine with this? Actually sorry but your gonna have to be cause I'm gonna start :p

Group A

Taiwan
Korea
Java
Bengal

Taiwan V. Korea @ Taiwan National Stadium
Java V. Bengal @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Taiwan V. Bengal @ Taiwan National Stadium
Korea V. Java @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Java V. Taiwan @ Taiwan National Stadium
Bengal V. Korea @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Group B

Timurid
TCU
West Australia
Yenisei

Timurid V. TCU @ Hokkaido Dome
West Australia V. Yenisei @ Kansai Stadium

Timurid V. Yenisei @ Kansai Stadium
TCU V. West Australia @ Hokkaido Dome

West Australia V. Timurid @ Hokkaido Dome
Yenisei V. TCU @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Group C

Japan
West Papua
Siberia
Israel

Japan V. West Papua @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Siberia V. Israel @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Japan V. Israel @ Royal Japanese Stadium
West Papua V. Siberia @ Orange Stadium

Siberia V. Japan @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Israel V. West Papua @ Kansai Stadium

Group D

Manchuria
Mysore
Siam
Majapahit

Manchuria V. Mysore @ Orange Stadium
Siam V. Majapahit @ Royal Japanese Stadium

Manchuria V. Majapahit @ Divine Emperor's Stadium
Mysore V. Siam @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Siam V. Manchuria @ Orange Stadium
Majapahit V. Mysore @ Hokkaido Dome

Quaterfinals.

1st place of Group A plays 2nd of Group B. (Called QF-1) @ Chao-Ma Football Field
1st place of Group B plays 2nd of Group C. (QF-2) @ Orange Stadium
1st place of Group C plays 2nd of Group D. (QF-3) @ Kansai Stadium
1st place of Group D plays 2nd of Group A. (QF-4) @ Hokkaido Dome

Semifinals.

Winner of QF-1 plays winner of QF-2. (Called SF-1) @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Winner of QF-3 plays winner of QF-4. (SF-2) @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Third place match.

Loser of SF-1 plays loser of SF-2. @ Taiwan National Stadium

Finals.

Winner of SF-1 plays winner of SF-1. @ Royal Japanese Stadium



Please point out any mistakes!

[counterblitzkrieg]

SNIP

I'm afraid I'm going to have to challenge you on certain points. :cool:

Point 1: I has been established that Siam is one of the favorites to win the tournament, I would naturally think that they, like the two co-hosts would be seeded. So I don't think both Taiwan and Siam should be on the same group.

Point 2: The Opening match is held in Taiwan, as the bid information said, so Taiwan's group should be Group A instead of B.

Point 3: The way you're setting up the knockout rounds, both co-hosts will meet each other in the QF if both won their group. I think it should be set up such that the co-hosts possible meeting is on the final. Hence the way I set up the knockout rounds above your post.

Otherwise it's fine. Feel free to disagree, but give a good reason why.

[Batintrenche]

Okay I edited. Better?

[counterblitzkrieg]

Okay I edited. Better?

It's better, though I would switch the locations of QF1 and QF4. Pedantic, I know but it would be weird if the winner of the Group playing in Taiwan move on to Japan.

[Batintrenche]

Okay! Thanks to Counter's nitpickings I believe that now it is perfect :) So does everybody know how the formula works?

[counterblitzkrieg]

Okay! Thanks to Counter's nitpickings I believe that now it is perfect :) So does everybody know how the formula works?

I think now we should name the squads for the countries. before we can start You should name the squad of your country, though if you wanted to name the squad of the country that's not yours, better check with those who made them.

[Batintrenche]

Java

Coach: Gerarde Piqué (South France)

Goalkeepers:
1 - Mulyo Desnam
12 - Perwiya Rotinsulu
23 - Kernia Heiga Hermansaya

Defenders:
2 - Mohammed Nasuha
3 - Maman Abdurahman
4 - Muhammed Roby
5 - Uston Nawawi
13 - Ismed Sofyang
14 - Slamet Riyadi
15 - Ardi Warsidi
16 - Bima Sakti

Midfielders:
6 - Tony Sucipto
7 - Eka Ramdani
8 - Arif Suyono
10 - Ahmad Bustomi
12 - Muhammed Ridwang
19 - Rochy Putiray
20 - Hendro Kartiko

Forwards:
7 - Cristian Gonzales (Captain, origianally from Montevideo.)
9 - Johan Juansyah
11 - Irfan Bachdim
21 - Bambang Pamungkas
22 - Yongki Aribowo

[counterblitzkrieg]

Dominion of Japan

Coach: John MacTavish (Scotland)
Formation: 4-4-2
Starters' name are underlined

Goalkeepers:
01. Haruki Nakamura (captain)
16. Eric Condell
23. Mo Heng Tan

Defenders:
02. Maya Yakazama
03. Luke Edwards
04. Yasuhito Endo
05. Bryan Kobe
06. Kojima Yamamura
17. Richard Nakata
20. Takayuki Morimoto

Midfielders:
07. Daisuke Honda
08. Hideo Nakata
10. Toshihiko Tanaka
12. Yuki Tamada
14. Horatio Lu Nelson Marak
18. Tora Woods
19. Satoshi Osaka
22. Marcus Abe

Forwards:
09. Wayne Alfred Sakai (vice-captain)
11. Endo Nakayama
13. Shinji Ikari
15. Nobita Nobi
21. Raj Jindal

OOC: I'm really enjoying coming up with the names for Japan, instead of just coming up with random Japanese names, you actually have to think about it since Japan ITTL is a British colony than it's a given that there must be British people living there, not to mention the other British colonies. The Japanese culture will no doubt be affected by the British presence.

[Martin23230]

Okay! Thanks to Counter's nitpickings I believe that now it is perfect :) So does everybody know how the formula works?

Just to nitpick again, we know Manchuria was against Siam in last year's final, so if anything having them in the same group is worse that Siam-Taiwan.
Still, I assume there must be some luck to this, so I won't complain too hard.. I'm looking forward to their group match though!:cool:

[kirrix]

Timurid Dynasty (Timurid Empire/Timurids)

Coach: Joachim Ballack

Goalkeepers:
01. Andranik Teymourian (vice-captain)
19. Karim Ansarifard
21. Mustafa Islam

Defenders:
02. Amir Mohasses
03. Mohammad Kohan
04. Shamsuddin Qazizadah
08. Imam Mobali
15. Mohammad Kalili
16. Karim Meydavoudi
18. Hadi Aghili


Midfielders:
05. Yusuf Hussein
06. Ahmad Saadat
10. Milad Zanidpour
13. Hafizullah Qadami
14. Said Rezaei
17. Mohammad Reza Ashoubi
20. Reza Daftari
22. Misagh Memarzadeh

Forwards:
07. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (captain)
09. Obaidullah Karimi
11. Ali Mohajerani
12. Mustafa Sharityar
21. Reza Mahmoudi

OOC: Anyone with an idea of what names the Enets give to their children have my blessing to make up a side for them.

[Lone Wolf]

Union of Siberia

Coach: Roberto Baggio (Kingdom of Italy)

Goalkeepers: Ivan Kamenev (1)
Nikolai Tupolev (12)
Boris Kruscev (23)

Defenders: Sergei Kamenev (2)
Hideo Nakamura (3) (Japanese origins)
Alexei Smirnov (4)
Leonid Kovalev (5)
Hangeng Hu (13) (Chinese origins)
Boris Gorbacev (14)
Lev Motolov (15)

Midfielders: Grigorij Radchenko (6) (Ukraine origins)
Ivan Kovalev (7)
Josif Kamenev (8)
Konstantin Pedyn (9)
Xiaobo Wu (16) (Chinese origins)
Vasiliy Lemev (17)
Alexei Norazov (18)
Georgiy Norazov (19)

Forwards: Viktor Kremev (10) (C)
Konstantin Telsdoj (11)
Hulin Bao (20) (Chinese origins)
Leonid Brasnev (21)
Jiyong Kim (22) (Korean origins)

[Skippy]

Taiwan National Football Team
Roster for the 2011 AHAFC Asian Cup

Goalkeepers
1) Wei-chih Pan
15) Andrew Peters
23) Hsien-chung Yeh

Defenders
2) Meng-hsuan Hsieh
3) Xavier Chen
4) Robert Cullen
5) Wu-yeh Cheng
16) Hao-chieh Kao
17) Yi-husan Lin
18) Gerard Ambassa Guy
19) Hale T-Pole
22) Zachary Thales

Midfielders
6) Shing Chou
7) Feng Pao-hsing Feng
8) Jeremy Chang
9) Wei-yi Huang (Captain)
12) Yo Hung
13) Ross Yang
14) Kim Pan Gon

Forwards
10) Seiichiro Miyaichi (Vice Captain)
11) Julius Akosah
20) Frederick Miller
21) Chih-en Lo

Manager: William Hart (Dominion of Canada)

Taiwan plays a slightly wild 4-4-2. They are a fast team, but they have been known to move faster than they can actually control the ball. That said, they are relentless.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Kingdom of Majapahit

Coach: Joko Sapardi (Majapahit)
Formation: 5-4-1
starters underlined

Goalkeepers:
01. Achmad Nawir
22. Kala Anwar
23. Joko Purbo

Defenders:
02. Mojokerto
03. Poco Mandasawu
04. I Made Mangku Pastika
06. Dewa Sartika
12. Raden Setiawan
16. Ishak Sekardadu
17. Widodo Setiawan
20. Ratu Adil

Midfielders:
05. I Made Lasmawan
07. Timur Patih
10. Nararya Wijaya (vice-captain)
11. Sastrowardoyo (captain)
15. Ganesha Kamayana
19. Sasak Giri
21. Iwan Sukarwo

Forwards:
08. Chandra Nusantara
09. Hamengkubuwono
13. Mpu Sindok
14. Durga Prambanan
18. Lebu Raya

[Gandavien]

Manchuria's starting eleven has an average age of 29. Worryingly for them, their subs bench has an average age of 29 as well.

Manager: Hu Yang

[Batintrenche]

I would be happy to do a squad list for a team!

[counterblitzkrieg]

I would be happy to do a squad list for a team!

There's still 9 more teams (TCU, Israel, Yenisei, Mysore, Bengal, Korea, West Papua, West Australia, Siam). You can check with the creators of those respective teams.

[Nusantara]

There's still 9 more teams (TCU, Israel, Yenisei, Mysore, Bengal, Korea, West Papua, West Australia, Siam). You can check with the creators of those respective teams.

West Papua has a starting team

[Martin23230]

I would be happy to do a squad list for a team!

Sorry I haven't had much time this week. :o
You can do wither of my teams, the TCU or Siam, if you want.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Sorry I haven't had much time this week. :o
You can do wither of my teams, the TCU or Siam, if you want.

I'll be doing Siam, if you don't mind.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Siam

Coach: Attaphol Busapakom (Siam)
Formation: 3-4-3
starters underlined

Goalkeepers:
01. Teab Vathanak
05. Suchao Nutnum
12. Kafah Boonmatoon

Defenders:
02. Chayanan Phombuppha (vice-captain)
03. Jakkrit Bunkham
04. Supachai Komsilp
06. Khampheng Sayavutthi
16. Moe Win
22. Thong Van

Midfielders:
07. Luca*
08. Sar Kok
10. Sutee Chaiman
13. Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakoo (captain)
15. Thitha Sithu
19. Kwanchai Fuangprakob
20. Saloth Lon
21. Jetsada Jitsawad

Forwards:
09. Pen Sovann
11. Narongchai Vachiraban
14. Khieu Saphan
17. Anon Sangsanoi
18. Teeratep Winothai
23. Faisal Syamsul

* Brazilian Origin

[Batintrenche]

Sorry I haven't had much time this week. :o
You can do wither of my teams, the TCU or Siam, if you want.

I can take TCU!

[Batintrenche]

First here is Isreal. Directly copied from Israfrance's AHWC post.

Team Israel

Coach: Jhon Ewells (CSA)

Goalies:
Ariel Cohen (4)
Moshe Zaken (1)
Bob Yishai (17) (England)

Midfield:
Shimi Ganan (2)
Yitzhak Dayan (19)
Tamir Gazit (3)
Yotum Aharoni (11)
Guy Kortetzki (27)
Yuval Aloni (20)
Ehud Tavori (33)

Defenders:
Yotam Maimon (9)
Shalom Barak (7)
Gal Tza'eer (23)
Borris Alon Liberman (13)
Oran Ofek (8)
Ulla Israeli (19) (Vinland)
Yonathan Tameer (5)

Forwards:
Israel Danielli (12)
Oren Ya'akovi (7)
Eran Ashkenazzi (34)
Haim Shalem (21)
Yehuda (Pronounced Yuda) Kariv (26)
Noam Levi (39)

[Batintrenche]

Coach: Habib Jilal (TCU)

Goalkeepers:
01. Qasem Burham
18. Saad Al Sheeb
23. Trench Al-Batin

Defenders:
02. Hamid Ismael
03. Mohamid Fawsi
04. Fares Juma Al Saadi
05. Bilal Mohammed (Captain)
14. Messad Al-Hamad
16. Yousif Jaber

Midfielders:
06. Lawrence Quaye
07. Majdi Siddiq
09. Mohamed Salmeen
10. Abdula Fatadi
13. Wesam Rizik
15. Subait Khater
16. Khalfain Ibrahim
21. Salman Isa

Forwards:
08. Mohammed Al-Shehi
11. Yusef Ahmad
12. Ismaeel Abdullatif
17. Ismael Matif
18. Ali Afif
19. Hassan Bojan

[Batintrenche]

Okay guys we still need team listings for;

-Korea
-Bengal
-West Australia
-Yenisei
-West Papua
-Mysore

It's basically at the point where it is probably best to just let anyone do any teams they please. So if you want a team claim it and post the squad! I'll do a couple as well

[counterblitzkrieg]

Okay guys we still need team listings for;

-Korea
-Bengal
-West Australia
-Yenisei
-West Papua
-Mysore

It's basically at the point where it is probably best to just let anyone do any teams they please. So if you want a team claim it and post the squad! I'll do a couple as well

Keep in mind that Nusantara already has the starting team for West Papua in his post for that team.

[Skippy]

I'll take NSR Korea. I should have it up pretty soon.

[Batintrenche]

For whoever is doing west Papua:

First Team:

Daniel Saroge

Ian Kabes
Alexander Pulalo
Yesaya Desnam
Ronald Pangkali

Peter Rumaropen
Ortizan
Paolo Rumere
Oktovianus Maniani

Boaz
Elie Aiboy

[Skippy]

2011 National Socialist Republic of Korea National Team

NSR Korea, coached by the ex-national goalkeeper Byun Keun-Jae, uses an unusual 3-5-2. The Jackboots have a very strong midfield, anchored by the rising stars of Jon Tae-Se and Yeom Bit-Garam.

Coach: Byun Keun-Jae

Goalkeepers:
1) Ri Kwang-Il
12) Ji Kwang-Hyok
18) Mun Kuk-Lin

Defenders:
2) Cha Jong-Hyok
3) Kim Tae-Ho
4) Kim Jong-Song
13) Choe Hyun-Kim
20) Nam Song-Chol
23) Pak Jin-Min

Midfielders:
5) Jon Tae-Se
6) Lee Chung-Yong
7) Koo Jung-Woo
8) Kim Ja-Cheol
9) Yeom Bit-Garam
14) Lee Dong-Gook
16) Kwak Chu-Young
17) Pak Tae-Hwi
19) Oh Nam-Il
22) Cha Myung-Bo

Forwards:
10) Kwak Dong-Won
11) Yoo Shin-Wook
15) Park Jung-Cheol
21) Cha Young-Pyo

[kirrix]

I've asked for help with it before but it has been suggested that I ask again. Please, someone make up the Yenisei side.

[Razors are for Fish]

2011 Socialist Republic of Bengal team

The Tigers may have a weak team but they managed to obtain the Irish international star, Paul O'Leary as a manager. O'Leary is famed for his award winning mamnagement of Bavaria and has a tough challenge shaping Bengal into a good team. They play the standard 4-4-2 formation.
Starting 11 is noted with a *.

Manager: Paul P'Leary (Ireland)

Goalkeepers:
1) Adan Haruj *
13) Dev Surwali
29) Tamwar Umpha

Defenders:
2) Deb Alwar *
3) Iswar Sakander *
4) Madan Guptak
12) Olok Kasbar *
18) Hem Tapharitt
22) Vardhan Nektar*
24) Raj Turpalla
59) Deepak Tapall

Midfielders:
5) Vishnu Babar *
6) Rahul Muhaddran8) Rabindra Mosdesh *
9) Agantuk Ghandi * (I just had to)
11) Indra Massood
19) Sagnik Jukst
20) Hara Matrass
27) Jagadish Purwalii *

Forwards:
10) Ganesh Taf
7) Tapan Haruj *
26) Baru Kalat
34) Lokesh Dirwali *

[counterblitzkrieg]

For whoever is doing west Papua:

First Team:

Daniel Saroge

Ian Kabes
Alexander Pulalo
Yesaya Desnam
Ronald Pangkali

Peter Rumaropen
Ortizan
Paolo Rumere
Oktovianus Maniani

Boaz
Elie Aiboy

I'll come up with the substitutes of West Papua

[counterblitzkrieg]

West Papua

Coach: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Netherlands)
Formation: 4-4-2
starters underlined

Goalkeepers:
01. Daniel Saroge
04. Abraham Atururi
16. Gerald Pangkali

Defenders:
02. Ian Kabes
03. Alexander Pulalo
05. Yesaya Desnam
06. Ronald Pangkali
12. Tomas Koteka
15. David Laly
21. Lukas Mandowen

Midfielders:
07. Peter Rumaropen
08. Ortizan
10. Paolo Rumere
14. Oktovianus Maniani
18. Goliath Tabuni
19. Yohanis Tjoe
22. Christian Uron
23. Steven Hendambo

Forwards:
09. Boaz
11. Elie Aiboy
13. Barnabas Suebu
17. John Rumbiak
20. Titus Bonay

[Batintrenche]

I'll post West Australia, and then we will have only three left :D And does anyone know any Yenisean names?

[Batintrenche]

West Australia
Coach: Derry Murphy (West Australia)

Goalkeepers:
01. Brad Jones
22. Tando Velaphi
23. Navdeep Hansra

Defenders:
02. Adrian Madaschi
04. Shane Lowry (Captain)
05. Rhys Williams
06. Robert Cornthwaite
14. Donald Hemp
15. Holly Attinburagh
21. Nivo De Gaas

Midfielders:
03. Nathan Kilkenny
07. Richard Garcia
08. Dario Vidosic
10. Chris Herd
13. Archie Thompson
17. Nikita Rukavytsya
18. Bruce Djite
20. Daniel McBreen

Forwards:
09. Aidan Murphy
11. David Simmons
12. Brando Daniels
16. Michael Flemmington
19. Liam Short

[Batintrenche]

We only need Yenisei and Mysore now guys!

[counterblitzkrieg]

BUMP!

I'll make the squads for Mysore.

[Skippy]

Bump deux. I can take Yenisei, which will be up by tonight (6 to 8 hours).

[Skippy]

2011 Yenisei Republic National Football Team

Coach: Richard Johnson (United States)

The Yenisei Republic plays a 3-3-3-1, owing to their prolific and talented midfielders. However, they only have two goalkeepers on the team.

Goalkeepers:
1) Igor Akinfeev
12) Dima Akimov

Defenders:
2) Sergey Marakov
3) Zhenya Letexotu
4) Anton Dmitri
13) Timofei Sokolov
14) Misha Egani
15) Vadim Uučahet

Midfielders:
5) Roman Pavlyuchenko
6) Andrei Arshavin
7) Igor Fedeorov
8) Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
9) Georgiy Cogar
10) Oleg Mostovoi
17) Valery Yartsev
18) Aleksandr Karpin
19) Anton Lukin
20) Petr Sesur
21) Yura Arseni
22) Pyotr Kinset
23) Pasha Inšet

Strikers:
11) Lesita
16) Liebe

OOC: Half made-up out of random words from Yenisei language article on wiki, a few real players, a few more random Russian names. Yeah...

[Batintrenche]

Well done Skippy and Counter I suggest you make your post soon so this thread doesn't die.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Sorry for taking so long, here it is:

Mysore

Coach: Rajeev Khandelwal (Rajasthan)

Goalkeepers:
01. Krishnaraja Wodeyar
02. Hamsalekha
03. Prabhu Deva

Defenders:
04. Javagal Srinath
05. Vikas Gowda
06. Mysore Hiriyanna
07. Tripura Ammani
08. Sabu Dastagir
09. Mysore Madhusudan
10. Jaggi Vasudev

Midfielders:
11. Velpanuru Nanjundayya
12. Tirumakudalu Chowdiah
13. Puttannna Kanagal
14. Ganjam Venkatasubbaiah
15. Mysore Manjunath
16. Vijay Kumar
17. Cyrus Wijaya

Forwards:
18. Chamaraja Wodeyar
19. Sanghavi
20. Vijay Prakash
21. Mugur Sundar
22. Raju Ananthaswamy
23. Vishu Vardhan

[Batintrenche]

OKAY THANK GOD! ROLL CALL! SAY I IF YOU ARE HERE! I'LL START!

I

[kirrix]

OKAY THANK GOD! ROLL CALL! SAY I IF YOU ARE HERE! I'LL START!

I
Eye
filler filler

[counterblitzkrieg]

Eye.
(filler)

[Lone Wolf]

I'm here. We can start LOL

[Skippy]

El Presente.

I'm not sure how much time I'll actually have, but I'll do what I can. I have been working on keeping track of the statistics, so I'll continue with that.

[Atreus]

Present, with some limits

I can do match reports, simulate the games (everyone okay with the formula from the AHWC?), some analysis, but there are some constraints on how much time I have.

[Batintrenche]

Present, with some limits

I can do match reports, simulate the games (everyone okay with the formula from the AHWC?), some analysis, but there are some constraints on how much time I have.

I'm fine and can also do matches. Although finals start Thursday so it's sudy study study for me. :o

[counterblitzkrieg]

Present, with some limits

I can do match reports, simulate the games (everyone okay with the formula from the AHWC?), some analysis, but there are some constraints on how much time I have.

I'm good with the AHWC formula. I think we all have the idea of who would be the favorites and the wild card so far. I suggest we start ASAP, my spring semester just starts and it's just a matter of time before things get real busy.

[Gandavien]

I'm present. AHWC formula should be used.

[IsraFrance]

Here 10char

[Batintrenche]

Shall we start everyone?

[Atreus]

Shall we start everyone?

I think that now is as good a time as any.

For format, it looks like the AHWC one is unanimous (random roll to determine number of chances, then comparisons, with a margin of 2 being necessary to "score"). But this raises the quick issue of favorites and wild cards.

Now, if we follow AHWC precedent, then we have one favorite in each group, anywhere from 2-4 wild cards as well, and the rest are regular teams. Now, it seems that the obvious way to assign seeds would be according to Martin23230's assessment, which would mean...

Seeds: Japan, Manchuria, Siam, Timurids
Wildcards: FRWP, Mysore, NSR Korea, TCU (or some combination thereof)

But there are some issues with this. One is Taiwan, which is co-hosting, which would imply some favoritism. But do they deserve a seed, or just a wildcard? Do they merely get added on, or should they replace someone (who?)? And then, for balance, maybe consider raising one of the teams in their tier? But then, that creates some congestion at the top, and may crowd out the bottom while Congesting the top (group D has two favorites and a wildcard, for instance- which may or may not be a good thing).

My proposal is to keep the seeds as is above, give Taiwan a Wild-card, and then either two or three others receive wild cards by agreement or lottery (if the former, I nominate TCU and Mysore, with FRWP as the third). Any comments?

[Batintrenche]

Group A

Taiwan
Korea
Java
Bengal

Taiwan V. Korea @ Taiwan National Stadium
Java V. Bengal @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Taiwan V. Bengal @ Taiwan National Stadium
Korea V. Java @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Java V. Taiwan @ Taiwan National Stadium
Bengal V. Korea @ Chao-Ma Football Field

Group B

Timurid
TCU
West Australia
Yenisei

Timurid V. TCU @ Hokkaido Dome
West Australia V. Yenisei @ Kansai Stadium

Timurid V. Yenisei @ Kansai Stadium
TCU V. West Australia @ Hokkaido Dome

West Australia V. Timurid @ Hokkaido Dome
Yenisei V. TCU @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Group C

Japan
West Papua
Siberia
Israel

Japan V. West Papua @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Siberia V. Israel @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Japan V. Israel @ Royal Japanese Stadium
West Papua V. Siberia @ Orange Stadium

Siberia V. Japan @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Israel V. West Papua @ Kansai Stadium

Group D

Manchuria
Mysore
Siam
Majapahit

Manchuria V. Mysore @ Orange Stadium
Siam V. Majapahit @ Royal Japanese Stadium

Manchuria V. Majapahit @ Divine Emperor's Stadium
Mysore V. Siam @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Siam V. Manchuria @ Orange Stadium
Majapahit V. Mysore @ Hokkaido Dome

Quaterfinals.

1st place of Group A plays 2nd of Group B. (Called QF-1) @ Chao-Ma Football Field
1st place of Group B plays 2nd of Group C. (QF-2) @ Orange Stadium
1st place of Group C plays 2nd of Group D. (QF-3) @ Kansai Stadium
1st place of Group D plays 2nd of Group A. (QF-4) @ Hokkaido Dome

Semifinals.

Winner of QF-1 plays winner of QF-2. (Called SF-1) @ Royal Japanese Stadium
Winner of QF-3 plays winner of QF-4. (SF-2) @ Divine Emperor's Stadium

Third place match.

Loser of SF-1 plays loser of SF-2. @ Taiwan National Stadium

Finals.

Winner of SF-1 plays winner of SF-1. @ Royal Japanese Stadium

Well these are the groups and such I made awhile back. I suggest we use a different system from 1-4. It would go like; if you are rated 1 then you can roll anywhere from 1-3, if you are a 2 your odds are 1-4, if three then go 1-5, and if four then 2-5. Is this acceptable? Also I wouldn't say one per group because that isn't usually how things work in real life. So maybe 4ish 4s, 3 3s, 6 2s, and 3 1s?

[Atreus]

Well these are the groups and such I made awhile back. I suggest we use a different system from 1-4. It would go like; if you are rated 1 then you can roll anywhere from 1-3, if you are a 2 your odds are 1-4, if three then go 1-5, and if four then 2-5. Is this acceptable? Also I wouldn't say one per group because that isn't usually how things work in real life. So maybe 4ish 4s, 3 3s, 6 2s, and 3 1s?

I saw that, and referred to it in my post. I'm fine with a group of death, but since we are establishing seeds before the draw we should try and keep it balanced (I suppose we can redraw more methodically...). I'll be honest: I don't quite get your system, unless it is a rehash of the AHWC system, and since that one works (and has support) I say we stick with that.

[Batintrenche]

I saw that, and referred to it in my post. I'm fine with a group of death, but since we are establishing seeds before the draw we should try and keep it balanced (I suppose we can redraw more methodically...). I'll be honest: I don't quite get your system, unless it is a rehash of the AHWC system, and since that one works (and has support) I say we stick with that.

It's fine. Just a suggestion. It's probably best just to stick with what's known

[counterblitzkrieg]

Taiwan should be at the least a Wild Card. Since they are hosting they should have some favoritism, but since it had been established that ITTL they were not really a dominant soccer force in the continent, I think making them the favorites is a bit much. Also, I think Japan's odds should be even better than the usual favorites since they are one of the co-hosts and it was established that they are one of the dominant soccer forces in the continent ITTL.

[kirrix]

Taiwan should be at the least a Wild Card. Since they are hosting they should have some favoritism, but since it had been established that ITTL they were not really a dominant soccer force in the continent, I think making them the favorites is a bit much. Also, I think Japan's odds should be even better than the usual favorites since they are one of the co-hosts and it was established that they are one of the dominant soccer forces in the continent ITTL.
I agree on wild-carding Taiwan, but I'm firmly against any sort of "Super Favorites."

[Batintrenche]

I agree on wild-carding Taiwan, but I'm firmly against any sort of "Super Favorites."

Seconded...

[Atreus]

So, if anyone wants to write up the first match, I'll start simulating the first matchday.

[Batintrenche]

So, if anyone wants to write up the first match, I'll start simulating the first matchday.

I would gladly. PM me the results. I can do both.

[Batintrenche]

Here is the commentary for Taiwan Vs. Korea. Please leave responses and the like.

Taiwan Vs. Korea
Match Day 1 of The 2011 Asian Cup


“Good day one, good day all. Welcome to Taipei! A beautiful city this is, located in the beautiful country of Taiwan. And inside this beautiful city is a beautiful stadium where the opening game of the 2011 Asian Cup will take place. Taiwan National Stadium is the venue in which this game shall take place. So please, stay with us and enjoy a football phenomenon such as this, as two East Asian teams prepare to kick off Asia's largest footballing event. I am your host Dylan Mcnabb and I am joined by former Scotland international; Taylor Routledge. Taylor?”
“Hello everybody, it's good to have you all with us. I'm sure this game will be electric.”
“Yes Taylor I agree. So we have just received the starting lineups for both teams. Here they are;

Taiwan
Goalkeeper
1. Wei-Chih Pan
Defence
2. Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
3. Xavier Chen
4. Robert Cullen
5. Wu-Yeh Cheng
Midfield
6. Shing Chou
7. Feng Pao-Hsing Feng
8. Jeremy Chang
9. Wei-Yi Huang *Captain
Forward
10. Seichiro Miyaichi
11. Julius Akosah


Bench
15. Andrew Peters
19. Hale T-Pole
12. Yo Hung
14. Kim Pan Gong
20. Frederick Miller


NSR Korea:
Goalkeeper
1.Ri Kwang-Il
Defence
2. Cha Jong-Hyok
3. Kim Tae-Ho
4. Kim Jong-Song
Midfield
5. Jong Tae-Se *Captain
6. Lee Chung-Yong
7. Koo Jung-Woo
8. Kim Ja-Cheol
9. Yeom Bit-Garam
Forward
10. Kwak Dong-Won
11. Yoo Shin-Wook


Bench
12. Ji Kwang-Hyok
13. Choe Hyun-Kim
14. Lee Dong-Ook
19. Oh Nam-Il
21. Cha Young-Pyo


So Taylor, what are your thoughts on these lineups?”
“Ummm... Y'know mate.. You never can know exactly what is going on inside of a manager's mind, but I'm not sure if Korea's coach's decision of playing Jong Tae-Se fresh off an injury from back in Germany is such a great one. I would save him till later on so he's more of an impact and isn't threatening his injury in the first game, which given the team, shouldn't be too tough.”
“Interesting thoughts Taylor. Now, without any further ado, we will take you to Taiwan National Football Stadium. Welcome... To the Asian Cup!”


-Screen Pans out to field, national anthems, handshakes, etc,.-


1'- Taiwan start off with the ball. Some passing in the back, not too thrilling.
3'- Three minutes in and the Koreans have already managed to steal the ball. Jung-Woo tries to play Shin-Wook through the Taiwanese defence, but the ball rolls out of play for a goal kick.
6'- Sloppy tackling in the midfield from the Taiwanese. The ref has been alerted.
12'- Taiwan move up for their first attack. Some nice passing around, they soon find Chang on the outside of the box who hits a hard one straight into Kwang-Il's Grasp. The save was only to be expected.
13'- Kwang-Il's dropkick begins a Korean attack. Dong-Won head fakes around his defender and rolls a ball well wide of the net. Poor attempt from him.
14'- An atrocious goal kick gifts Korea with the possesion once again.
17'- GOAL!!! Ja-Cheol slips the Ball through to Tae-Se, who gets the ball stuck in his feet. Xavier Chen clears it. But only as far as Lee Chung-Yong's chest. The ball goes down to his feet, and he confidently strikes home. 1-0 Korea
18'- Off the restart the Taiwanese national anthem is being sung. Certainly no lack of hope from this side.
24'- Lots of interesting passing in the midfield. Seems like Korea has lost a bit of momentum, however Taiwan is playing no better.
28'- Yellow Card awarded to Jong Tae-Se. Poor tackle.
30'- At the half hour mark, the game already looks tired and worse for wear. Wouldn't be surprised if this game ended 1-0 for the Koreans.
31'- GOAL!!! I take that back! As I was typing, Huang played a through ball to a racing Cullen who hammered the ball into the mesh from inside the 18! Beautiful!
32'- And all of Taiwan has heaved a HUGE sigh of relief.
40'- Taiwan has been playing a very, very smooth passing game for the last 5 or 10 minutes. Good on the underdogs.
43'- SOOOO CLOSE!! My goodness! It has hit the crossbar! Julius Akosah is sent in, and from an acute angle he goes bar down and out. So unfortunate! This is really making me sweat!
Half Time- 1-1 Halfway through the game and Taiwan have equalized with Korea through their attacking defender. Jong Tae-Se has been preforming sloppily partially due to his injury, and the Koreans are lucky to even be tied in this one. If you ask me, Taiwan are on the front foot.
46'- Welcome back everyone. In case you have just joined us, it is 1-1. Very tight game.
Lot's of fun.
50'- The Koreans come out, looking like they did at the beginning of the last half. Strong and energized. Fast paced play leaves the Taiwanese sweating.
52'- Good god that was close. Nice shot from Chung-Yong, but not nice enough.
58'- Another yellow issued out to the Taiwanese this time. Cheng is the recipient.
70'- A lot of long ranged efforts from the Koreans. They are looking like they want the win on this one, but Taiwan isn't prepared to roll over for them either.
74'- Substitution. Oh Nam-Il goes on for Jong Tae-Se. Tae-Se limps off the field sadly. Poor guy.
77'- Inspiring from Nam-Il the substitute! He races through the box and hits the post! Right away he is making the difference!
78'- GOAL!!! And Korea have done it! Jung-Woo's shot, through a crowd hits the keeper and comes out to none other than the substitute, Nam-Il! Great coaching decision to get him out on the field!
79'- Sub. Directly off the restart we see a fresh pair of legs for Taiwan. They are going to need them too. Miller replaces Miyaichi.
81'- Sub. Another one. Again for Taiwan, T-Pole goes on to get Cheng off.
84'- Korea still look menacing. The captain races down the wing and plays in a picture perfect cross... Only to be headed out of bounds by Dong-Won.
88'- The Taiwanese fans sing louder then ever. Hope is still left for them.
90'- Another two minutes are to be added. Hopefully Taiwan can find something before the end of the game.
90+1'- Sub. Korean this time. Probably just to draw out the game. Dong-Ook replaces
Bit-Garam.
90+2'- Tweet tweet! Game over folks! A thriller that one was! Let's look at our statistics:


Taiwan


1 Goal
31' Cullen


1 Yellow
Cheng


Korea


2 Goals
17' Chung-Yong
78' Nam-Il


1 Yellow
Tae-Se


“So, Taylor that was a very interesting and exciting beginning to the tournament, would you agree?”
“Of course, mate. Y'know, I had a feeling Jong Tae-Se wasn't gunna be too good this game. I think he wasn't great.”
“Me neither, however he did get that cheeky assist on Chung-Yong's goal.”
“Yeah... But that was just an accident. So yeah. I thought Oh Nam-Il was probably the player of the game. Look for both of these teams to progress far in the tournament though.”
“Alright we will! Now we will join Carlos Guerra and Robert Hyriniak at Chao-Ma field to enjoy Java play Bengal...”

[Gandavien]

I'll write the next match.

[Gandavien]

No commentary for this match I'm afraid: I don't have enough time. However, you're going to get a second match later today, and that will have commentary! So here we have the second match of Group B: Java vs. Bengal!


Java 0-0 Bengal
Chao-Ma Football Field


Java Squad
Coach: Gerarde Piqué (South France)

GK 1. Mulyo Desnam
RB 2. Mohammed Nasuha (4. Muhammed Roby 45’)
CB 3. Maman Abdurahman
CB 5. Uston Nawawi
LB 15. Ardi Warsidi
RM 6. Tony Sucipto
CDM 7. Eka Ramdani (8. Arif Suyono 67’)
CAM 10. Ahmad Bustomi
LM12. Muhammed Ridwang
CF 7. Cristian Gonzales (Captain)
CF 11. Irfan Bachdim (22 . Yongki Aribowo 87’)

Bengal Squad

Coach: Paul O'Leary (Ireland)

GK 1. Adan Haruj
RB 2. Deb Alwar
CB 3. Iswar Sakander
CB 12. Olok Kasbar (59. Deepak Tapall 59’)
LB 22. Vardhan Nektar
RM 5. Vishnu Babar
CM 9. Agantuk Ghandi
CAM 27. Jagadish Purwalii
LM 8. Rabindra Mosdesh
CF 7. Tapan Haruj (10. Ganesh Taf 70’)
CF 34. Lokesh Dirwali (26. Baru Kalat 74’)


Java Match Events:
BOOKING: Maman Abdurahman 32’
BOOKING: Muhammed Ridwang 40’
SUBSTITUTION: Mohammed Nasuha off; Muhammed Roby on 45’
SUBSTITUTION: Eka Ramdani off; Arif Suyono on 67’
BOOKING: Tony Sucipto 71’
SUBSTITUTION: Irgan Bachdim off’ Yongki Aribowo on

Bengal Match Events:
BOOKING: Iswar Sakander 12’
SUBSTITUTION: Olok Kasbar off; Deepak Tapall on 59’
BOOKING: Deepak Tapall 62’
SUBSTITUTION: Tapan Haruj off; Ganesh Taf on 70’
SUBSTITUTION: Lokesh Dirwali off; Baru Kalat on 74’

[Batintrenche]

Timurid V. TCU @ Hokkaido Dome
West Australia V. Yenisei @ Kansai Stadium

These are the next two games guys! Gandavien I take it you claim Timurid Vs. TCU? Anyone else want West Australia Vs. Yenisei?

[Gandavien]

Timurids 1-1 TCU
Hokkaido Dome

Timurid Dynasty Squad:
Coach: Joachim Ballack

GK 01. Andranik Teymourian (vice-captain)
RB 02. Amir Mohasses
CB 03. Mohammad Kohan
CB 08. Imam Mobali (15. Mohammad Kalili, 83‘)
LB 18. Hadi Aghili
CDM 05. Yusuf Hussein (13. Hafizullah Qadami, 81‘)
RM 06. Ahmad Saadat
LM 10. Milad Zanidpour
CAM 14. Said Rezaei
CF 07. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (captain)
CF 09. Obaidullah Karimi

Trucial Coast Union Squad:
Coach: Habib Jilal

GK 01. Qasem Burham
RB 02. Hamid Ismael
CB 03. Mohamid Fawsi
LB 05. Bilal Mohammed (Captain)
RDM 06. Lawrence Quaye
LDM 07. Majdi Siddiq
CM 09. Mohamed Salmeen
CM 10. Abdula Fatadi (21. Salman Isa, 24‘)
CF 08. Mohammed Al-Shehi (19. Hassan Bojan, 56‘)
CF 11. Yusef Ahmad
CF 18. Ali Afif


Timurid Match Events:
GOAL: Said Rezaei 4’
SUBSTITUTION: Yusuf Hussein off; Hafizullah Qadami on 81’
SUBSTITUTION: Imam Mobali off; Mohammad Kalili on 83’

TCU Match Events:
BOOKING: Mohamid Fawsi 3’
SUBSTITUTION: Abdula Fatadi off; Salman Isa on 24’
BOOKING: Mohamed Salmeen 29’
SUBSTITUTION: Mohammed Al-Shehi off; Hassan Bojan on 56’
GOAL: Hassan Bojan 82'

0’ – The referee starts proceedings. Timurids kick off.
1’ – The Timurids are passing it around in the midfield.
2’ – Said Rezaei makes a run into the box.
3’ – Mohamid Fawsi commits a strong challenge in a dangerous area. Rezaei goes down in the penalty area.
3’ – The referee awards the Timurids a penalty!
3’ – BOOKING: Mohamid Fawsi receives a booking.
4’ – Mahmoud Ahmadinejad steps up to take the penalty.
4’ – GOAL: to the Timurids! Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s penalty hits the post, and Rezaei slots it in on the rebound.
5’ – TCU centre; a few slick passes around the midfield.
8’ – Ali Afif with a touch. He crosses to Yusef Ahmed who makes a long-range attempt on goal.
11’ – Play focusing in the TCU half. Hamid Ismael fouls Milad Zanidpour.
12’ – Zanidpour takes the free kick with a short pass to Rezaei.
14’ – The ball is intercepted by Bilal Mohammed.
15’ – Mohammed makes a run up the left wing.
16’ – Mohammed passes to Misagh Memarzadeh, who crosses to Yusef Ahmad.
17’ – Yusef Ahmad with an acrobatic attempt on goal…
17’ – …but it meets the crossbar.
23’ – Foul on Abdula Fatadi by Yusuf Hussein. Abdula Fatadi goes down with an injury.
24’ – SUBSTITUTION: Fatadi seems to be in pain, and is replaced by Salman Isa. The TCU will be without the Centre Midfielder for the next match.
27’ – Play is largely restricted to the midfield. The two teams are playing very cynical, defensive football.
28’ – Ahmad Sadaat makes a run up the centre.
29’ – BOOKING: Sadaat is mown down by Mohamed Salmeen. The referee has a poor view of the incident, so only receives a booking.
30’ – Booing from the Timurid supporters at that decision.
31’ – Sadaat takes the free kick, which Obaidullah Karimi directs towards goal with his head. Excellent save from Qasem Burham.
32‘ – Corner to the Timurids. Zanidpour curls the ball towards goal, but it’s cleared by the defence.
36’ – Effort on goal by the TCU striker Mohammed Al-Shehi, but it’s saved awkwardly by Andranik Teymourian.
39’ – TCU dominating possession at this point. Delightful skills from their defence baffling the Timurids.
40’ – Fantastic challenge from Imam Mobali. The ball is cleared for a throw-in.
43’ – Play still not opening up as the TCU keep the ball within their own half.
44’ – Dangerous tackle from Ahmadinejad.
45‘ – Ahmadinejad makes a run for goal. He shoots, but it is blocked for a corner.
45+1’ - Ahmad Saadat takes the corner, but it flies off target into the stands.
45+2’ – the referee blows for half time.

First Half Analysis:
“Play has really failed to open up in this half. The two teams are certainly not playing world-class football, and the only good thing I can say about the match so far is that there has actually been a goal.”

45’ – The second half kicks off.
46’ – The TCU are keeping the ball in their own half.
47’ – Cynical foul by Amir Mohasses. The referee gives a caution.
50’ – Uninspiring play from the Timurids. Hadi Aghili misjudges a pass and the ball rolls off tamely for a throw-in.
51’ – The ball breaks to Lawrence Quaye, who boots the ball upfield, where Mohammed Al-Shehi deftly executes an overhead kick… out of play.
56’ – SUBSTITUTION: Mohammed Al-Shehi goes off for Hassan Bojan. The young player is greeted with resounding cheers from the TCU supporters.
60’ – The Timurids having the run of the green now. Said Rezaei makes an excellent pass into space, where it is met by a furtive shot from Obaidullah Karimi.
61’ - Karimi clearly disappointed as his shot just brushes the crossbar.
63’ - Mohammad Kohan makes a run through the centre, but is easily challenged by an energetic Hassan Bojan.
68’ – Hadi Aghili searches for a forward to cross to, but finds none.
69’ – Aghili takes it into his own hands and makes an excellent attempt on goal, but is met by fast hands from the goalkeeper.
79’ – Ten boring minutes of play are ended with a Timurids corner. The ball is fired on target by Ahmad Sadaat.
80’ – No luck for Sadaat.
81’ - SUBSTITUTION: Hafizullah Qadami comes on for Yusuf Hussein for the Timurids.
82’ – GOAL: The TCU equalise in a most unexpected fashion. A mistimed pass into space by Imam Mobali is found by Hassan Bojan who slips the ball behind the keeper.
83’ – SUBSTITUTION: An embarrassed Imam Mobali slinks off as veteran defender Mohammad Kalili replaces him.
89’ – Several last gasps at goal by the Timurids are ended with a scrappy shot by Milad Zanidpour, slid in between a mess of defenders. The ball meets the back of the net, but is declared offside by the linesman.
90’ – A Timurid corner is deflected back out of play by Qasem Burham. The TCU are wasting time to sustain the equal score.
90+1’ – Added time sees the TCU fitfully boot the ball upfield in a frantic effort to waste time.
90+2’ - Lawrence Quaye is cautioned by the referee for a challenge on Mohammad Kalili.
90+3’ – The referee ends the match. The final score is an uninspiring 1-1.

Final Analysis
“This was a very disappointing effort by one of the favourites to win the Cup. The Timurids played cynically and lacked energy and creativity; I can’t see them going far in the competition if they carry on playing that way. The TCU goal shouldn’t have been given away so easily, but for all the Timurids’ sloppy play, they deserved it. For me, the man of the match is definitely Hassan Bojan, who gave the TCU some much needed excitement and energy, and really added something to their play. He’s a promising young international, he is.”

[Batintrenche]

Could I do the next game? W. Aust V. Yenisei? I already simmed it.

[Batintrenche]

Sorry guys didn't have time to do a commentary. Here is Yenisei Vs. West Australia


West Australia 1-1 Yenisei
Kansai StadiumWest Australia Squad


Coach: Derry Murphy (West Australia)

GK 1. Brad Jones
RB 2. Adrian Maschadi
CB 4. Shane Lowry (Captain)
CB 6. Robert Cornthwaite
LB 5. Rhys Williams
RM 7. Richard Garcia
CDM 8. Dario Vidosic
CAM 10. Chris Herd
LM 3. Nathan Kilkenny
CF 9. Aidan Murphy
CF 11. David Simmons

Yenisei Squad

Coach: Richard Johnson (USA)

GK 1.Igor Akinfeev
RB 2. Sergey Marakov
CB 3. Zhenya Letexotu
LB 4. Anton Dmitri
RM6. Andrei Arshavin (Captain)
CRM7. Igor Fedeorov
CDM9. Georgiy Cogar
CAM 5. Roman Pavlyuchenko
CLM10. Oleg Mostovoi
LM20. Petr Sesur
CF 11. Lesita


West Australia Match Events:
BOOKING: Adrian Maschadi 7’
BOOKING: Nathan Kilkenny 26’
SUBSTITUTION: Dario Vidisic off; Archie Thompson on 51’
SUBSTITUTION: Adrian Maschadi off; Nivo De Gaas on 62’
BOOKING: Robert Cornthwaite 68'
BOOKING: David Simmons 74'
GOAL: Aidan Murphy 80'
SUBSTITUTION: David Simmons off’ Liam Short on 85'

Yenisei Match Events:
GOAL: Oleg Mostovoi 50'
SUBSTITUTION: Lesita off; Liebe on 73’
SUBSTITUTION: Anton Dmitri off; Misha Egani on 82’

[Atreus]

Nice job guys. I'll take Japan vs West Papua, and if anyone wants Siberia vs Israel that needs to be done as well.

[Batintrenche]

I'll take Siberia Vs. Israel.

[counterblitzkrieg]

BUMP! I'm willing to do the write-up for a few matches.

[Atreus]

In the Royal Japanese Stadium today, The Japanese commenced the second half of the AHAFC Asian Cup by hosting the Federated Republics of West Papua. Over 70,000 Edoites and onlookers gathered to watch the Suns play host to the world of football. Both teams entered in their home kites, Japan in White and Blue and the Papuans in Grey-Black, but the Dominion stands as the near-universal favorite for this match. Though they only hold one continental title in the last quarter-century, Asia's oldest and proudest team, backed by an energetic stadium, seems poised for further success here today. John MacTavish, the long-time Scottish head coach, has sent out his team in the time-honored and battle-tested 4-4-2.

GK: 01. Haruki Nakamura (captain)
DF: 02. Maya Yakazama
DF: 03. Luke Edwards
DF: 04. Yasuhito Endo
DF: 06. Kojima Yamamura
MF: 08. Hideo Nakata
MF: 10. Toshihiko Tanaka
MF: 14. Horatio Lu Nelson Marak
MF: 19. Satoshi Osaka
FW: 09. Wayne Alfred Sakai (vice-captain)
FW: 11. Endo Nakayama

The other side is also helmed by an expatriate, and will also set itself out in 4-4-2, but otherwise is almost completely opposite from the hosts. West Papua lacks the illustrious pedigree of Japan, but has done an excellent job of transforming the team into a force to be reckoned with. They are skilled, but inexperienced at the top and erratic; they were arguably the best team at the South-East Asian cup, and several bookmakers are rating them as a dark horse challenger, but their world cup qualifying campaign left much to be desired. Much will depend on the mercurial Daniel Saroge in goal, and on Kabes to marshall a young defense.

GK: 01. Daniel Saroge
DF: 03. Alexander Pulalo
DF: 05. Yesaya Desnam
DF: 06. Ronald Pangkali
DF: 02. Ian Kabes
MF: 07. Peter Rumaropen
MF: 08. Ortizan
MF: 10. Paolo Rumere
MF: 14. Oktovianus Maniani
FW: 09. Boaz
FW: 11. Elie Aiboy

Start: Sakai and Tanaka stride into the centre-circle for Japan. Both sides seem a little tense, but that is understandable. Stadium seems to be pulsing with energy.

1 min: And the first attack of the match culminates in a curling cross from Osaka. Desnam outjumps Nakayama in the area and heads it clear.

4 min: Marak with a screamer from 25 meters, straight from foot to stands.

6 min: Very energetic pressing from the FRWP. Some slight signs of nerves out there, but they are holding their own, and doing enough to keep the Suns that little bit out of sync.

7 min: Ortizan dribbles through two Nippon defenders, then backheels through for Boaz to run onto. A sloppy first touch gets away from the attacker, though, and he is forced into a low-angle shot right at Nakamura. Easily gathered by the keeper. First chance for Papua.

9 min: Strong challenge by Tanaka to stymie Aiboy.

11 min: Yakazama and Nakata having a nice little interplay on the right flank, but in the end lose the ball to a throw-in.

12 min: Kabes ghosts into the penalty area, controlling a deflection and firing on goal. Nakamura does well to stop it.

14 min: Played long and high by Edwards for Nakayama on the counter. The towering striker heads it back into the space between midfield and back line. Tanaka rushes onto it and fires. Its a rocket, and Saroge flails helplessly as it tears into the net. GOAL! Japan 1-0 FRWP.

15 min: The crowd is really coming to life, if it wasn't already. The noise is deafening, between the chanting and the drums.

16 min: And Japan nearly makes it two. A poor ball across the backline by Pangkali is latched onto by Sakai. He outpaces the central defense, and tries to fire home. A great sliding save by Saroge, and Nakayama can't quite control the deflection, blasting it over the crossbar.

19 min: Free kick Japan on the edge of the area. Rumaropen hauls down Sakai. Dangerous position.

20 min: Nakata with the free kick. Deflects off the wall. Endo corrals the rebound, fires, is blocked by Ortizan. Marak sprints to it, gathers on the bounce, and pumps it back into the box. Saroge comes out and plucks the ball nearly off the head of Edwards.

24 min: Rumere, at the top of the area, plays it out to Ortizan. Unmarked, he looses a low shot towards goal. Nakamura dives, tipping it out of play. Corner Papua.

25 min: Ortizan takes the corner short for Rumere. Yakazama steps out to challenge, Rumere taps it back for Ortizan. Ortizan swings a corner into the area. Its crowded, but Pulalo slips in unmarked. Rises above the rest, gets a strong header off, but can't really direct it. Nakamura makes a reflex save, and Edwards clears the ball.

29 min: The fan's are chanting Sakai's name, and he's feeding off of their energy. Dispossesses Maniani at one end, and sprints towards goal just in time to tap on a cross from Yamamura that Saroge really has to work to keep out.

31 min: Endo makes a vicious challenge near midfield to prevent Aiboy from outpacing him. Probably deserved a yellow, or worse.

32 min: Free kick headed out by Sakai.

35 min: FRWP already preparing to make their first change. Alexander Pulalo the right back is coming off. Replacing him is Barnabas Suebu, a right-winger. Pulalo has been decent if anonymous, so most likely a tactical switch, but very early on...

37 min: Aiboy slips through the usually precise Suns' backline, squares for Boaz, who chips it over Nakamura... but Edwards heads it out.

41 min: First yellow card of the game. Rumere receives it, for being a bit too rough with Marak on a header, although part of it may be to reign him in (he's been acting as something of an enforcer for the all-blacks).

43 min: Suebu with his first major touch, turns Yamamura and lofts a cross through the box. Rare error by Nakamura, who comes out to claim it, only to see it float over him and everybody else. Maniani is there at the back post, unmarked. Taps it forcefully, and into the side-netting.

45 min: 2 minutes of extra time

45 min +1: Nakayama with a decent half-chance from range, Saroge with an easy save.

Halftime: Referee blows for the break. Both teams have shown determination and skill so far. But while the FRWP have put on a spirited show, it hasn't been enough so far against a vibrant, well-drilled Japanese side. Though a number of the Birds of Paradise have the raw talent to match their counterparts, the differences has been Japan's better comfort, discipline, and experience, which have allowed it to, if not dictate the game, control it enough to take the lead through a sublime Tanaka goal.

Tactically, we started with a somewhat simple contest, with two similar formations leaving lots of space on the field. Neither side is very interested in holding possession, although we've seen some neat passing from both sides. However, the early substitution mixed things up, shifting more attacks out to the flanks and increasing the tempo of the game (although, interestingly, relatively few clear-cut chances). it's a promising sign that Reidl intends to play for a win here against the favorites. the question will be whether either side can maintain focus. If the Papuans get sloppy or frustrated, this game could be over in a heartbeat, but if Japan eases off and they get an opening, anything can happen...

46 min: Papua restart with the ball, and immediately play it back to Saroge.

48 min: Long pass from Kabes is headed on by Boaz to Aiboy. Endo crowds him out, but has to play it out for a corner FRWP.

49 min: Corner headed out by Nakayama.

52 min: Nakamura punches out a Suebu cross.

53 min: Japan on the counterattack, Sakai playing it out for Nakata, who hammers it back in for Marak to volley into the hands of Saroge.

57 min: Suebu turns Yamamura and shoots inside. Nakamura makes a strong save.

59 min: Tanaka wins a free kick on the right wing, after Rumaropen runs him over trying to get to the ball.

60 min: Tanaka with the free kick. It has some bend on it, and gets into the box. Marak heads it onto the crossbar. nakayama can't connect with the rebound. Cleared by Desnam.

64 min: Amazing tackle by Kabes. Nakata was running free after latching onto a Edwards pass, behind the defense and seemingly clear on goal. Kabes dove in and swept the ball clear.

67 min: Yuki Tomada warming up on the sideline. Wonder who he'll be coming on for.

68 min: We're seeing a pattern. Suebu is too fast for Yamamura, but the left-back is technically sound enough to keep things manageable. So far. He could use some help from Osaka, but he and Maniani have so far been cancelling each other out.

71 min: Tomada coming on now, replacing Tanaka in the central midfield. MacTavish want's to rest his legs, it seems. Tanaka gets a sound ovation from the crowd.

73 min: Osaka is played through by Sakai. Curls a shot that Saroge blocks well, but deflects back into play. Marak tries to slot home, but Desnam somehow knocks it over the goal. Corner Japan.

74 min: Sakai heads it on, and Edwards was a few inches away from sealing the game.

76 min: Ortizan from ten meters. Straight at Nakamura.

77 min: Rumaropen is coming off, and Yohanis Tjoe replaces him. Relatively simple switch; attacking midfield for a more static (and, today, mediocre) variety.

79 min: Subue dummies another run down the touchline, then cuts hard inside. Loses Yamamura, considers a shot, but instead squares the ball. Boaz is charging hard into the box, gets a touch. Endo slides to deny him, or seems to; both go down, as Nakamura slides in as well to add to the chaos. Hard to tell what happened. FRWP Appeals for a penalty, but the ref seems to be signaling for a corner FRWP.

80 min: Corner is sent in, but Yakazama beats Rumere to the header and sends it free.

81 min: Falls to Sakai, and he is off to spring the counterattack. Dishes wide to Yamamura, who returns it long for Marak as he runs. marak draws the defender, then taps it out to Sakai, who hammers the ball from ten meters. It flies towards the far post, but Saroge makes an incredible acrobatic save to prevent the goal.

82 min: Some of the nipponese fans were lighting flares at that last. Or maybe they sense victory.

83 min: Last substitution for FRWP; Aiboy coming off for Titus Bonay, the young striker. Japan also makes a change, Yamamura for Takayuki Morimoto, the reserve wing-back.

84 min: FRWP win a free kick on the edge of the area. Sakai fakes taking it, and then Yamada slips a short pass to Osaka around the wall. beautifully designed, and just as well executed. Osaka places his shot perfectly, but there is the little matter of Saroge, who makes a sprawling save, tipping it onto the crossbar.

86 min: FRWP win a corner off a defensive pass from Marak.

87 min: Ortizan with the corner. headed on by Bonay, comes to Desnam at the back post, but he sends it slightly wide.

88 min: Perfect time for a spot of time-wasting by Japan, but they dont seem to want to spoil the moment.

89 min: Sakai comes off, to a chorus of applause. Richard Nakata takes his place, another defender just in case.

90 min: Only a solitary minute for the FRWP to salvage a point.

90 min +1: Boaz dispossessed by Edwards, who clears it. Comes to rumere, but as he fires it back the Whistle blows for time!

A well fought match. The All-Blacks may be disappointed to come away empty-handed, but they should be proud of their work here. Japan, for their part, although not entirely convincing at times, did what they had to do, with a pinch of flair for good effect. They deserve their rewards today.

Dominion of Japan 1-0 Federated Republics of West Papua
Goals: Tanaka 14' (JPN)
Bookings: Rumere 41' [FWP]
Substitutions: Pulalo off, Suebu on, 35' [FWP]; Tanaka off, Tomada on, 71' (JPN); Rumaropen off, Tjoe on, 77' [FWP]; Aiboy off, Bonay on, 83' [FWP]; Yamamura off, Morimoto on, 83' (JPN); Sakai off, Nakata on, 89' (JPN)

[Skippy]

Is it just me or do the scores seem much lower in this tournament? We've had five games and only eight goals.

[Batintrenche]

Sorry I have no time for Siberia vs. Israel could someone else take care of it?

[Atreus]

Is it just me or do the scores seem much lower in this tournament? We've had five games and only eight goals.

I've noticed this as well, and I've been wondering as well. Then again, there was that one group in the AHWC where there were something like 4 goals scored in 6 games, and one team neither scored nor conceded. If this holds, maybe tinker with the formulas for the next matchday so favorites are 2-6, wildcards 1-6, normal teams 1-5 so there is more of a spread (right now, it is 2-5, 1-5, 1-4, which was, IIRC, the system in AHWC).

[Skippy]

I've noticed this as well, and I've been wondering as well. Then again, there was that one group in the AHWC where there were something like 4 goals scored in 6 games, and one team neither scored nor conceded. If this holds, maybe tinker with the formulas for the next matchday so favorites are 2-6, wildcards 1-6, normal teams 1-5 so there is more of a spread (right now, it is 2-5, 1-5, 1-4, which was, IIRC, the system in AHWC).
Group D. On the other hand, Ethiopia gave up 12 goals in 3 games. It's probably just the law of averages kicking in. Anyway, I would be against changing the formula during the first round.

On a different note, I can take Siberia v. Israel and whip something up.

[counterblitzkrieg]

Manchuria's Title Defense Starts Poorly

Nagasaki, Japan - In Orange Stadium, Manchuria's title defense didn't go as manager Hu Yang seemed to plan. Both teams came into the game with solid, while not favorite, chances to win it all. Manchuria as the defending champions whose teams are getting old. Mysore as the young upstart team with a surprisingly many household names in the European and American leagues.

The defending champions couldn't ask for a worse start when Mysore's Vijay Kumar kicks a free kick from the center edge of the penalty box right into the right corner of the goal, not even 10 minutes have passed in the game. Goalie Hu Geming had no chance to save that goal. It was all Mysore throughout the first half as the Mysorean attack keep pounding and pounding the Manchurian defense. Chamaraja Wodeyar almost got a goal through a fast breakthrough which saw him dribbled passed defender Zi Shirong, but Hu came to the rescue. As the first half came to a close, the score was 1-0 for Mysore, it was a wonder that Mysore didn't double the lead.

In the second half, it was again all Mysore as the Manchurian defense was pounded while their offense was effectively nullified, much to the surprise of many pundits. Finally, Wodeyar got his goal with a poacher's effort when the long strike of Cyrus Wijaya hits the crossbar but Hu had already reacted, leaving the goal at the mercy of Wodeyar, in which Wodeyar delivered. Throughout the whole game Manchuria had been mostly lethargic and didn't look like the team who won the championship back in 2007. That said, Mysore had been playing superbly. Coach Khandelwal had shown himself to be a rather competent manager when he took over the team just over a year ago.

Manchuria 0-2 Mysore
Orange Stadium, Nagasaki

Manchuria
Coach: Hu Yang
4-3-3
GK: Hu Geming
DF: Zhao Jianjun (out 55')
DF: He Doyi
DF: Zhi Shirong (booked 6') (out 55')
DF: Chen Shan
MF: Pang Fu
MF: Sha Honghui
MF: Liao Qinshen
FW: Yuan Xiaowen
FW: Qu Deming (out 71')
FW: Michael Chen
Substitutions:
DF: Gao Wenchang (in 55')
DF: Pu Jing (in 55')
FW: Zhan Hongqi (in 71')

Mysore
Coach: Rajeev Khandelwal
4-3-3
GK: Hamsalekha
DF: Javagal Srinath
DF: Mysore Hiriyanna
DF: Tripura Ammani (out 46')
DF: Sabu Dastagir
MF: Mysore Manjunath
MF: Tirumakudalu Chowdiah
MF: Vijay Kumar (goal 6') (out 46')
FW: Chamaraja Wodeyar (goal 67') (booked 68')
FW: Mugur Sundar
FW: Vijay Prakash (booked 43')
Substitutions:
MF: Cyrus Wijaya (in 46')
DF: Jaggi Vasudev (in 46')

[Skippy]

Here's another match.

AH Asian Cup 2011

Match 6: Siberia vs. Israel

Welcome one and all to the lovely Dominion of Japan and the spectacular Divine Emperor’s Stadium. My name is Zak Thavil and welcome to FootballWorld.com, your source in Canada for all global football events, news, and rumors. Today I’m covering the match between Siberia and the People’s Republic of Israel, the second match of Group C. This tournament has been marked by outstanding defense. The starting eleven for both sides are stepping onto the pitch. Let’s see the starting rosters:

Siberia:
The Green Menace play a standard 4-4-2, but they have slightly stronger defenders. During qualifying, they allowed the third fewest goals total.
GK: Ivan Kamenev (1)
DF: Sergei Kamenev (2)
DF: Hideo Nakamura (3)
DF: Alexei Smirnov (4)
DF: Leonid Kovalev (5)
MF: Grigorij Radchenko (6)
MF: Ivan Kovalev (7)
MF: Josif Kamenev (8)
MF: Konstantin Pedyn (9)
FW: Viktor Kremev (10) (Captain)
FW: Konstantin Telsdoj (11)

PR Israel
The Red Menace have a slightly more aggressive 4-3-3, but Ewells has one very strange decision in this line-up: Gal Tza’eer. This will be his first international match at any level. At the age of 20, he was noticed by the national team after his squadron football team won the national Armed Forces Championship , largely because of his dominating play in the middle of the defense. Ewells is gambling on this, but if it pays off, Israel might have found the key to advancing.
GK: Moshe Zaken (1)
DF: Yotam Maimon (9)
DF: Shalom Barak (7)
DF: Gal Tza'eer (23)
DF: Borris Alon Liberman (13) (Captain)
MF: Yitzhak Dayan (19)
MF: Yotum Aharoni (11)
MF: Guy Kortetzki (27)
FW: Oren Ya’akovi (7)
FW: Eran Ashkenazzi (34)
FW: Haim Shalem (21)

Without further ado, let the Menace Match begin!

1’: Israel begins with the ball. Ya’akovi plays the ball back to Dayan, who controls it, daring the Siberians to attack.

3’: Three minutes in, and the Israelis still have not lost control of the ball. Siberia seems content to let Israel attack, but the Red Menace haven’t done so.

4’: Throw-in Siberia, deep in Israeli territory. A missed pass by Liberman from Barak.

5’: Free kick Israel. Kremev gets called for a dive.

10’: Still a slow game. What’s now happening is that Israel dribbles up the field and lofts a pass deep. Siberia collects it and passes to the midfield, where Israel either knocks it out or reflects it.

14’: First card of the match and I disagree. Kremev drew a yellow for another dive, but Tza’eer looked like he gave him a healthy shove. The crowd is… not that excited. So far, nothing exciting has happened.

16’: Still nothing.

19’: Free kick Siberia. Shalem took down Pedyn with a savage slide. Now the crowd is perking up, because that was a very hard hit. Pedyn looks okay, but I’m not sure about Shalem.

21’: Siberia is challenging Israel. Telsdoj and Kremev are dicing the defense, but it’s two on four.

24’: Tza’eer snatches the ball off Kremev’s foot and passes it across the field up to Dayan.

25’: GOAL SIBERIA! THERE IS NO WAY! How did that work?! There is a small cluster of Siberians sitting about ten rows behind the bench and they are going crazy. I have to wait to see the replay of this.

26’: The goal: out of nowhere, Kovalev flew across the path of Tza’eer’s pass, collected the ball, popped up a pass to himself over Liberman, laid out, and redirected the shot toward the net. Somehow it had enough momentum to break the plane past Maimon and Zaken. That was heads up play, no doubts.

28’: Israel is struggling to respond. Siberia might have shaken Israel more badly than it seemed.

29’: Throw-in Siberia. Not sure who knocked that one out, but Israel is looking sloppy.

32’: The Red Menace is definitely shaken. Zaken nearly missed a basic pass back from Tza’eer.

36’: Corner Siberia. Nice deflection by Zaken, but the defense is breaking down really badly.

37’: Radchenko stepped up the ball, cranked back, and launched across the pitch, clearing everyone and giving Israel the ball back.

39’: That corner was Israel’s second wind. Siberia is on the defensive, and Nakamura looks worried.

41’: Free kick Israel. Smirnov levels Shalem with a brutal tackle. The Israelis are shouting at the referee, but he’s not budging. The referee made the right call there; Smirnov was clean. Hard-hitting, but clean.

42’: A missed chance for Israel! Ya’akovi pulled his kick at the last second, aiming for a wide-open and charging Ashkenazzi, who took the pass and one-timed it directly at the net. It just barely drifted wide left.

44’: After the goal kick, Kovalev passed the ball forward to Pedyn , who promptly was dispossessed by Dayan. Dayan dribbled up the field, looking for an opening…

45’: GOAL ISRAEL! A nice play by Dayan and Kortetzki! Kortetzki blitzed up the right side, drawing tow defenders, leaving Dayan wide open for a long pass back to Kortetzki in front of the net. Kortetzki juked out and blew past the two defenders and laid a beautiful shot into the back of the upper right of the net! An incredible display to end the first half!

HALFTIME: Siberia 1- Israel 1

46’: Quite a few substitutions at the half. Radchenko is off, in favor of Alexei Norazov. For Israel, Tza’eer and Shalem are off. Tza’eer had a decent first half, but Ewells must think that Israeli can shore up the defense. Shalem looked a bit unsteady at the end of the first half, so Kariv isn’t much of a surprise. The Siberians have the ball and we are off!

49’: And we’re back into the methodical play that the Siberians are known for. Of course, Israel isn’t really known for flashy play either.

54’: Still nothing. The passing is superb though.

55’: Goal kick Siberia. A long shot from Kariv missed the net by a few feet, but it was the closest either side has come to getting anything this half.

60’: Substitution Siberia. Telsdoj is off, in favor of Brasnev. Hopefully Brasnev can break something up.

62’: That wasn’t the break they needed. Brasnev is down after a glancing blow from Barak. J. Kamenev chopped up a ball and Brasnev lost the challenge.

63’: Brasnev is up, but Barak seems to be getting a yellow. Very surprising call here and the Israeli bench is muttering.

66’: Israel has held the ball for the past two minutes, never keeping the ball steady.

68’: Aharoni charges forward to challenge Kremev, but Brasnev trips him. Aharoni bounces up and begins shouting. The whistle blows and the captains meet with the referee. Liberman is agitated, but it doesn’t look like he’ll get anything.

69’: Another interesting call against Israel, Brasnev doesn’t get a card.

72’: Throw-in Israel. The referees broke in favor of the Israelis here. That pretty clearly clipped Maimon, but the linejudge didn’t see it apparently.

75’: Entering the last fifteen minutes, both sides are winded despite the perfect pitch and relatively slow match. Both sides have a substitution, but the Siberians seem content to hold their roster steady.

79’: Ewells signals for a substitution. Aharoni is the unlucky player coming off. Shimi Ganan gets the nod for midfield. Interesting choice by Ewells, Ganan is usually considered an inferior player to Aharoni in the offensive aspect.

81’: The game is bogging down even more at midfield with the addition of Ganan. He’s really clogging up the middle and the Siberian wings can’t outrace the Israelis.

84’: Both sides look pretty content with a solid draw. The Israelis could have used a win here, especially after Japan’s victory.

86’: The Israel midfield is pushing the Siberian defense backward. It’s not much, but I may have spoken too soon.

88’: GOAL ISRAEL! AND THERE IS THE KNIFE! Ganan had a perfect pass into the box and about four players went up for it. I can’t tell who got credit for it, but I suspect it will be Dayan. He looked to be about two inches higher than everyone else.

89’: Yes, Dayan gets credit for the goal. The Siberians can make this exciting, but they don’t have much time.

90’: The referee is stingy with the injury time, a single minute. The Siberians have stalled about 45 meters out.

90’+1’: And there we go. Game over, with a last second goal snapping the tie with less than 5 minutes to go. Dayan will be widely lauded, but Ganan gets some props from me. That was a great pass and some solid defense in the midfield at the end of the game.

FINAL SIBERIA 1- ISRAEL 2

[Batintrenche]

I can take a game from Group D

[Atreus]

Nice job guys. Just one more game, then the first day is done.

[Batintrenche]

Welcome everyone to our final game of the first round of the group stages! We have not seen a very high scoring beginning to the tournament and some more goals would be nice! And who else to score for us then Majapahit or Siam today? Here are the starting lineups for our teams;


Majapahit


GK
1. Nawir
DF
2. Mojokerto
3. Mandasawu
6. Sartika
12. Setiawan
16. Sekardadu
MF
5. Lasmawan
10. Wijaya
11. Sastrowardoyo (C)
19. Giri
FW
9. Hamengkubuwono


Siam


GK
1. Vathanak
DF
2. Phombuppha
4. Komsilp
6. Sayavutthi
MF
7. Luca
8. Kok
13. Hathairattanakoo (C)
19. Fuangprakob
FW
9. Sovann
11. Vachiraban
14. Saphan


As usual Majapahit is playing their very conservative non-attacking style, while Siam plays the polar opposite. Some key players in this game could be;


Luca: Udinese's attacking midfielder originally born in Brazil. His passing and through balls could be key for Siam and he is also not afraid to score.


Vachiraban: Siam's head poacher playing at the San Diego Earthquake is likely to wrack in quite a few goals this tournament and I won't be surprised to see him score today.


Mandasawu: Currently playing in the Java-Majapahit league, it is likely that this big man in the centre back will hold the Java team together. However, hopefully he can keep his aggression under control.


So now that we have seen a couple of the main players of this game let's get this started;


1' Majapahit kick off, ball being passed around in the back for a bit, nothing huge.
4' Majapahit have had most of the posession. The game currently looks like this; Majapahit's defence attempts to play the ball over Siam's defence to Hamengkubuwono who is either offside or else the ball sails to Vathanak who receives the ball gratefully.
6' Majapahit have been tackling hard.
8' Sakardadu throws his weight around. Lucky for him no card is given, but he should be more careful now.
9' Luca's free kick from a distance sails wide. Poor kick.
12' Siam have begun putting the pressure on. Shot count; Siam: 4, Majapahit: 1.
14' Great, but risky tackling from Majapahit.
20' Majapahit hold on to the ball in the midfield for a little bit, but soon let go of the ball.
21' Sovann can't get around the Majapahit defense, get's fed up and shoots. Of course it is well over the bar.
24' BOOKING To Sartika for an awful slide tackle on Kok.
25' Luca takes the free kick, and it slams off of the closer post. All of Majapahit heaves a huge sigh of relief.
26' Off the corner, Vachiraban heads it off the crossbar and it comes down to a lucky keeper.
30' This game is all Siam now.
38' BOOKING Mojokerto comes flying into Luca at the halfway mark.
40' The ball is played to a rushing Sayayutthi who crosses it for Vachiraban who chests it down to his foot. The left footer shot sails well wide.
41' A huge Nawir goal kick frees Hamengkubuwono on a breakaway! But Vathanak conmes up huge diving to his right! Beautiful save.
45' Two minutes injury time.


Half Time: Nerve wracking for the Majapahit fans I'm sure, and Siam will likely be disappointed that they have not seen a goal go their way so far.


46' Siam take a shot off the kick off. It doesn't reach the net; the coach shrugs and his face says; “What the hell are you up to?”
49' Siam get the ball back after a brief attack from Majapahit.
50' Nice shot from Luca, curls wide.
53' BOOKING Midfielder this time; Wijaya throws an awful one at Siam. Sensless.
54' SENT OFF!!! Mandasawu goes flying into a rushing Vachiraban! Ugly tackle and it is inside the box to boot! Penalty kick for Siam! Luca to take.
55' GOAL! Luca, coolly plays the ball by Nawir on his left. Simple goal from him.
56' I'm sure all of Majapahit hates Mandasawu right now. That was horrible tackling.
57' SUBSTITUTION Sartika will be replaced by Mangku Pastika. The big number 4 balances out the playing field and Majapahit switch to a 4-4-1 in light of Mandasawu being sent off.
60' More attacking from Siam. Shots are coming in left right and center.
63' GOAL! Luca plays the ball through a slumbering Majapahit backline and it hits Vachiraban who turns and shoots. Vathanak parries the ball, but only as far as Saphan who is in the right place at the right time.
64' 2-0 Siam and Majapahit is very sad...
67' SUBSTITUTION Patih replaces Wijaya, likely because of the yellow.
71' BOOKING Giri gets sloppy and puts his foot into Fuangprakob's chest. Could have been red.
74' SUBSTITUTION Sindok goes on for Setiawan. Majapahit switches to a 3-4-2. Looking to pull a goal or two back.
80' Boring.
82' Sindok may have brightened things up. His shot (The first on target) for Majapahit hits the keeper and bounces wide.
86' Siam is pushing for a third. Hathairattanakoo's shot barely misses.
89' Gonna say it's game over for Majapahit.
90' Five minutes on top.


Game over! Well done Siam! And Majapahit really needs to step it up and the discipline MUST improve! Looking forward to more!

[counterblitzkrieg]

63' GOAL! Luca plays the ball through a slumbering Majapahit backline and it hits Vachiraban who turns and shoots. Vathanak parries the ball, but only as far as Saphan who is in the right place at the right time.


I believe you meant Nawir, the Majapahit goalie, Vathanak is the Siam goalie. :eek:

Anyways, with match day 1 over, here's the tournament's scorer's list so far:

1 goal:
Yitzhak Dayan (Israel)
Guy Kortetzki (Israel)
Toshihiko Tanaka (Japan)
Lee Chung-Yong (Korea)
Oh Nam-Il (Korea)
Vijay Kumar (Mysore)
Chamaraja Wodeyar (Mysore)
Ivan Kovalev (Siberia)
Luca (Siam)
Khieu Saphan (Siam)
Robert Cullen (Taiwan)
Hassan Bojan (TCU)
Said Rezaei (Timurids)
Aidan Murphy (West Australia)
Oleg Mostovoi (Yenisei)

As of the Siam-Majapahit match, no one has yet to score more than 1 goal. The tournament so far is also a relatively low scoring affair, with 15 goals in 8 matches, less than 2 goals per game.

[Batintrenche]

Alright, so who wants to claim for the next round? I'll claim for one I suppose. Either one is fine with me, though I'd prefer the one involving Java.

[Gandavien]

I'll take a couple.

[counterblitzkrieg]

BUMP! I'll take the Group A matches to start up the second part of the Group Stage.

[MrHuman]

So, this is a bit necro-ey, but this was really cool. Would it be possible for it to be started back up?

[Martin23230]

So, this is a bit necro-ey, but this was really cool. Would it be possible for it to be started back up?

Rather necro-ey indeed.

I would assume we will do a version for the 2012 Euro tournament in Poland/Ukraine in July. It worked brilliantly for the World cup then sadly didn't for the Asian Cup. It's probably a bit early to start planning right now but we would have to have a look at what worked, what didn't and try and replicate the earlier success.

I think there were two big problems that I remember, without going all the way through the thread again; one fundamental that less people just care about the Asian Cup in general: the World cup one had a good following because it was riding the hype from the real one. Hopefully the Euros should replicate some of that. Secondly from what I remember, because I was quite involved in it, we spent way too long deciding things like host country that didn’t matter that much. The system was in place and shown to work with the AHWC, so that should have done well again if it was not for the first point. But that is what I remember, I'm sure we will analise it more to see what to do and what not to do again.

Anyway, come back in 5 months and we should be getting ready for AHEuro2012!

[d32123]

I'd be more than willing to help run AHEuro2012. I will have the great combination of having lots of spare time and decent knowledge of European soccer.