AH Euro 2012 Football Championship
- Thread starter Martin23230
- Start date
Hang on, at this rate we'll end up with 2 events next year, unless we chose between the 2 in a poll.
Confederation's Cup or America's Cup, which one will we do?
Confederation's Cup or America's Cup, which one will we do?
d32123
Banned
FRISIA VS. DENMARK-NORWAY
Fußball Arena München, Munich, South Germany
Welcome to Munich, South Germany! Today we have the third place match. Going into their last match, neither team would have wanted to wind up here, but that's how it goes, isn't it? Neither of these sides can be too disappointed with their finish despite the result here tonight. Frisia qualified for the knockout stage as the fourth third place side and have managed to finish in the top four. Denmark-Norway were knocked out by the high-flying Spaniards, so no shame there. One has to expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere here in Munich between these two sides. Here's how they stack up:
Frisia
GK: Tobias Duffner
RB: Hanke Atsma
CB: Uwe Jansz
CB: Sjoerd Laninga
LB: Lourens Pieters
RM: Aiko Adema
CM: Ediz Balik
CM: Lukas Genzmer
LM: Sandor van der Heide
FW: Arien Robben (captain)
ST: Henk Bos
Denmark-Norway
GK Olaf Maustad
RB Siggurd Hot
CB Bjorn-Jon Alfredsson (captain)
CB Magnus Jaer
LB Olin Ericsson
CDM Scylfi Hudnsson
RM Gunnar Skjarr
LM Daniel Agger
CAM Wilfired Tomasson
ST Peter Henning
ST Alfi Magusson
The referee for tonight is Spaniard Herberto Ceferino. He'll definitely be watching tomorrow's match as well!
You can tell that this is a third place match just by how the fans are acting. You can see Frisian and Denmark-Norwegian shirts intermingled throughout the stadium as they sing together. The Frisian supporters have been great thus far in this tournament. Glad to see such camaraderie out there after the shocking incident between the Wessex and England supporters early on in the tournament.
First is the national anthem of Denmark-Norway, then the Frisian anthem.
Denmark Norway will start out with the ball as Alfredsson and Robben shake hands before kick off.
1 - Kickoff and the Denmark-Norwegians play the ball out wide right away. Gunnar Skjarr takes the ball quickly down the line.
5 - Early cross into the box by Agger. Henning goes up for the ball and heads it over the bar.
7 - Long Frisian ball into the box. Maustad is off his line and Bos tries to score but the ball goes just over the net.
10 - Tomasson with a nice bit of skill there to get past Balik with the ball. Nice shot from just outside the box there. Duffner is there to do away with the threat.
12 - Agger plays the ball off Atsma for a corner.
13 - Magusson gets his head to the ball but Duffner is able to tip it over the net for another corner.
14 - Corner launched in but Jansz with the confident clearance.
19 - Robben uses his pace to get behind Ericsson on the counter. Alfredsson makes a massive tackle to dispossess his fellow captain before he can get a shot off.
21 - Henning hits a shot at goal from outside of the box but Duffner watches it go wide.
24 - Skjarr hits a cross into the Henning, but the striker is beaten in the air by Laninga who heads it behind for a corner.
25 - Hudnsson attempts a volley off the corner but it goes well high.
31 - Genzmer hits a long bomb to Robben, but he's just offside.
34 - Bos with a shot at goal but it goes wide.
38 - Magusson launches a shot at the Frisian goal but Duffner parries it skillfully. Pieters clears it to safety.
45 - That's halftime. Denmark-Norway have been the better side though neither team has scored.
46 - Frisia kick off.
49 - Shot by Tomasson. Duffner is forced into an acrobatic save. Corner for Denmark-Norway.
50 - Henning gets a header off on the corner but Duffner suffocates the ball.
55 - Jansz blocks Magusson's shot. Was that a handball? The ref doesn't think so. Not much protests from the Denmark-Norwegians either.
59 - Van der Heide takes the ball down the wing past Siggurd Hot. Bos gets his head to the cross but Maustad is there to stop the ball and Alfredsson clears the rebound out for a throw in.
64 - Ericsson hits a long ball into the box, which Magusson gets on the end of. Jansz blocks his shot as it goes out for a corner.
65 - Corner launched in. Henning attempts a bicycle kick but misses the ball as it fizzes by for a throw in to Frisia.
70 - Agger with a cross in to Tomasson. The playmaker hits a nice through ball in as Henning and Magusson get behind the defense. Magusson hits a nice little cross to Henning who slams it past Duffner and into the net! GOAL FOR DENMARK-NORWAY! SOME POOR DEFENDING BY FRISIA THERE! Frisia 0-1 Denmark-Norway
71 - Subs by both teams before Frisia kicks off.
76 - Robben with a slashing shot towards goal but Maustad has it covered.
79 - Jaer heads the ball behind for a corner under pressure from Bos.
80 - Genzmer gets onto the end off the ball. OFF THE CROSSBAR! Alfredsson clears the ball away.
82 - Skjarr hits a cross into Henning who mishits a volley.
88 - More last minute subs.
90 - There will be two minutes of added time.
90 + 2 - Full time. Denmark-Norway will get their third place medals and Frisia will get fourth place. Neither side can feel hard done by here. Both sets of fans give their teams standing ovations as they exchange shirts in the middle of the pitch.
FULL TIME
FRISIA 0-1 DENMARK NORWAY
Fußball Arena München, Munich, South Germany
Welcome to Munich, South Germany! Today we have the third place match. Going into their last match, neither team would have wanted to wind up here, but that's how it goes, isn't it? Neither of these sides can be too disappointed with their finish despite the result here tonight. Frisia qualified for the knockout stage as the fourth third place side and have managed to finish in the top four. Denmark-Norway were knocked out by the high-flying Spaniards, so no shame there. One has to expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere here in Munich between these two sides. Here's how they stack up:
Frisia
GK: Tobias Duffner
RB: Hanke Atsma
CB: Uwe Jansz
CB: Sjoerd Laninga
LB: Lourens Pieters
RM: Aiko Adema
CM: Ediz Balik
CM: Lukas Genzmer
LM: Sandor van der Heide
FW: Arien Robben (captain)
ST: Henk Bos
Denmark-Norway
GK Olaf Maustad
RB Siggurd Hot
CB Bjorn-Jon Alfredsson (captain)
CB Magnus Jaer
LB Olin Ericsson
CDM Scylfi Hudnsson
RM Gunnar Skjarr
LM Daniel Agger
CAM Wilfired Tomasson
ST Peter Henning
ST Alfi Magusson
The referee for tonight is Spaniard Herberto Ceferino. He'll definitely be watching tomorrow's match as well!
You can tell that this is a third place match just by how the fans are acting. You can see Frisian and Denmark-Norwegian shirts intermingled throughout the stadium as they sing together. The Frisian supporters have been great thus far in this tournament. Glad to see such camaraderie out there after the shocking incident between the Wessex and England supporters early on in the tournament.
First is the national anthem of Denmark-Norway, then the Frisian anthem.
Denmark Norway will start out with the ball as Alfredsson and Robben shake hands before kick off.
1 - Kickoff and the Denmark-Norwegians play the ball out wide right away. Gunnar Skjarr takes the ball quickly down the line.
5 - Early cross into the box by Agger. Henning goes up for the ball and heads it over the bar.
7 - Long Frisian ball into the box. Maustad is off his line and Bos tries to score but the ball goes just over the net.
10 - Tomasson with a nice bit of skill there to get past Balik with the ball. Nice shot from just outside the box there. Duffner is there to do away with the threat.
12 - Agger plays the ball off Atsma for a corner.
13 - Magusson gets his head to the ball but Duffner is able to tip it over the net for another corner.
14 - Corner launched in but Jansz with the confident clearance.
19 - Robben uses his pace to get behind Ericsson on the counter. Alfredsson makes a massive tackle to dispossess his fellow captain before he can get a shot off.
21 - Henning hits a shot at goal from outside of the box but Duffner watches it go wide.
24 - Skjarr hits a cross into the Henning, but the striker is beaten in the air by Laninga who heads it behind for a corner.
25 - Hudnsson attempts a volley off the corner but it goes well high.
31 - Genzmer hits a long bomb to Robben, but he's just offside.
34 - Bos with a shot at goal but it goes wide.
38 - Magusson launches a shot at the Frisian goal but Duffner parries it skillfully. Pieters clears it to safety.
45 - That's halftime. Denmark-Norway have been the better side though neither team has scored.
46 - Frisia kick off.
49 - Shot by Tomasson. Duffner is forced into an acrobatic save. Corner for Denmark-Norway.
50 - Henning gets a header off on the corner but Duffner suffocates the ball.
55 - Jansz blocks Magusson's shot. Was that a handball? The ref doesn't think so. Not much protests from the Denmark-Norwegians either.
59 - Van der Heide takes the ball down the wing past Siggurd Hot. Bos gets his head to the cross but Maustad is there to stop the ball and Alfredsson clears the rebound out for a throw in.
64 - Ericsson hits a long ball into the box, which Magusson gets on the end of. Jansz blocks his shot as it goes out for a corner.
65 - Corner launched in. Henning attempts a bicycle kick but misses the ball as it fizzes by for a throw in to Frisia.
70 - Agger with a cross in to Tomasson. The playmaker hits a nice through ball in as Henning and Magusson get behind the defense. Magusson hits a nice little cross to Henning who slams it past Duffner and into the net! GOAL FOR DENMARK-NORWAY! SOME POOR DEFENDING BY FRISIA THERE! Frisia 0-1 Denmark-Norway
71 - Subs by both teams before Frisia kicks off.
76 - Robben with a slashing shot towards goal but Maustad has it covered.
79 - Jaer heads the ball behind for a corner under pressure from Bos.
80 - Genzmer gets onto the end off the ball. OFF THE CROSSBAR! Alfredsson clears the ball away.
82 - Skjarr hits a cross into Henning who mishits a volley.
88 - More last minute subs.
90 - There will be two minutes of added time.
90 + 2 - Full time. Denmark-Norway will get their third place medals and Frisia will get fourth place. Neither side can feel hard done by here. Both sets of fans give their teams standing ovations as they exchange shirts in the middle of the pitch.
FULL TIME
FRISIA 0-1 DENMARK NORWAY
Thank you d32123.
So that means we are finally here! After a month of matches, surprises, upsets, a team from the British Isles winning on penalties and some exiting football amongst all that, the AH EURO 2012 final is coming up tomorrow!
So that means we are finally here! After a month of matches, surprises, upsets, a team from the British Isles winning on penalties and some exiting football amongst all that, the AH EURO 2012 final is coming up tomorrow!
FOURTH PLACE FOR FRISIA
After their penalty shootout lose to Northumbria in the semi final, Frisia found themselves playing the match that no team wants to play in, the third place playoff. In a press conference before the match, manager Casper Tillens (who's native Netherlands lost in the quarters to Spain) said, "Obviously we would have rather gone all the way to the final but we can't change history can we? I think we've all got to be positive this evening and try and finish our tournament with a win."
Unfortunately Denmark-Norway proved to be the better team on the night in Munich with Frisia's defence having to work hard to keep out an attacking Denmark-Norway. The Dano-Norwegians managed to get through in the 70th minute with the game finishing 1-0 to the Scandinavians. A small consolation can be taken that the scoreline was slightly better than Frisia's 3-1 lose to Denmark-Norway in the group stage.
Despite the disappointing end to the Euros for Frisia, they should be proud of their achievements. As many Frisia fans will know this is the first time the national team has qualified for a major tournament since 1980 where they failed to progress from their group. If anybody had said Frisia would reach the semi-finals of this year's competition a month ago I, and I'm sure you, would have called them crazy or wildly optimistic at best. We shouldn't forget either that on their way to the semis, Frisia knocked out co-hosts South Germany having lost to them in their previous match, causing the upset of the tournament.
Well here it is!
20:22 Well here we are – the final of AHFA Euro 2012. I’m Rein Herrema and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it’s been a thrilling three weeks of football from North and South Germany.
20:25 Tonight sees the Union of the Northern Counties in their first Euro final while the Spanish have been here twice before, coming as runners up to North Germany in 1996 before winning their first European title on home turf eight years ago against the Nine Republics.
20:28 A special mention should go to the hosts, South Germany and the UGSS, who have together put on a great tournament. With the exception of a few early incidents the tournament has gone without any problems with both Germanies showing a remarkable level of cooperation between their respective security and police forces.
20:30 Tonight’s final is being played at the Arena des Volkes in the North German capital of Berlin and I have to say it’s looking spectacular. I could describe it but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
YOUR COMMENTS – Kai on text: “Beer pizza and footie. What more do I need?”, Dieuwe on Facebook: “No its short notice but c’mon guys who should I support??”
20:34 Let’s take a look at the starting line-ups.
UNC (4-3-3): Steve Harper, Matthew Bates, Chris Stratton, Scott Bourne (c), Tim Weatherby, Stewart Downing, James Mahon, Jordan Henderson, Andy Carroll, John McCary, Tom Kempf
Spain (3-1-4-2): Salvador Velez (c), Jorge Herrera, Jordi García, Alejandro Reyes, Dario Figueroa, Santo Aquino, Montego Hernandez, Angelito Palmadas, Miguel Valencia, Rafael Ramirez, Agustín Pereda
Both sides unchanged from their semi-final victories.
20:37 As I said this is Northumbria’s first appearance in a final and they’re undoubtedly the underdogs going into this match. Northumbria have scored 12 goals so far this tournament and conceded 6 while Spain has scored 17 while only letting in 4, although 10 of those goals came from their group games, which were arguably easier than Northumbria’s.
20:39 It looks like a capacity crowd here in the Arena des Volkes with less than five minutes to kick off. It’s a sea of red and gold with a sprinkling of purple from the Spanish supporters.
20:41 The players are out on the field now, the Northumbria players in yellow and the Spanish in red.
20:42 National anthems starting with the UNC’s. The players and supporters are all in good voice.
20:43 There will be one Frisian on the pitch tonight - referee Tiede Hoekstra.
20:44 Captains Bourne and Velez shake hands and exchange flags before kick-off. I hope you’re all ready to settle back and enjoy the next hour and a half (and possibly more) of football.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ty via text: “Should be a really good game tonight. Rooting for Northumbria”, Rodrigo on Twitter: “¡¡VIVA ESPAÑA!! ¡¡VAMOSSSS!!!”
0’ Kick-off! Northumbria’s Tom Kempf gets the game under way.
1’ Northumbria keep possession as Henderson and Mahon pass the ball between themselves in the middle of the field.
3’ Hernandez gets possession for Spain, passing it forward to Ramirez.
4’ Ramirez unable to find an opening and crosses to Valencia who’s shot’s blocked by Bates.
6’ Downing to Henderson who makes a short run before returning it to Downing who taps it towards John McCary.
7’ McCary looks like he’s going to take a shot but instead passes to Carroll who fires it towards the goal and into Velez’s hands.
8’ Pereda gets himself on the end of Velez’s goal kick and runs towards the Northumbrian goal with acres of space around him. He takes a shot but it goes wide. Where was the UNC defence?
YOUR COMMENTS – Lourens on Facebook: “UNC lucky Velez’s aim was shite!!”
10’ Carroll takes the ball up the field but loses it to Palmadas who takes it back the other way before crossing to Valencia. He weaves past Stratton and UNC skipper Bourne before sliding it back to Henderson.
11’ Henderson takes a shot but it’s blasted away by García.
12’ The crowd here in Berlin is in great spirits, having been singing and chanting continuously since kick-off.
13’ The ball’s back in Spanish hands (obviously not literally) with Aquino making a good run up the right before crossing to Palmadas, who taps it forward past Harper to Ramirez.
14’ Ramirez on the end of a fierce tackle from Chris Stratton that sees the Castilian on the ground, clutching his knee.
15’ Ramirez is still down and being attended to by the medics.
16’ Ramirez is back on his feet.
17’ Hoekstra awards a free kick to the Spaniards. Agustín Pereda steps up to take. He fires the ball towards the goal, over the wall of Northumbria defenders… but he’s misjudged it! The ball sails harmlessly wide and over. Another lucky escape for the UNC!
YOUR COMMENTS – Ben on Facebook: “Cmon Northumbria! Stop giving away stupid chances!!!1” Elke on Twitter: “y do they put their hands on their stuff?! Would lol if they did get hit there tho!!! #euro2012”
19’ Mahon with the ball. He passes to Kempf who takes it all the way to the Spanish box before passing back to McCary who blasts it forward. Reyes boots it back but can’t clear it as Carroll comes in with another shot which Velez just gets on the end of.
21’ Northumbria with their best chance of the game so far, showing Spain that they can control the game as well as the Iberians.
23’ Figueroa passes to Hernandez but the ball ends up short allowing Downing to take possession. He wheels round Hernandez and passes forward to Henderson.
24’ Henderson finds Carroll who takes it up the field but is stopped by Figueroa who sends it back up to Aquino.
26’ Spain with a spell of possession but they can’t penetrate far into the Northumbrian half.
27’ Weatherby dispossesses Valencia, sending the ball towards Mahon.
28’ Mahon to Carroll who takes a shot but it’s easily blocked by García.
29’ GOAL! García’s clearance is picked up by Kempf who passes it forward to Henderson. Henderson dances past Herrera and Reyes and slots it cleanly in past Velez! Great goal for Jordan Henderson! UNC 1-0 Spain.
30’ The Northumbrian fans have erupted as they celebrate the fact that Northumbria are in front of Spain in the Euro 2012 final thanks to that lovely goal by Jordan Henderson! Henderson himself is currently buried under a pile of his teammates.
YOUR COMMENTS – Hid on Twitter: “NORTHUMBRIAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!1111111 Genius from Henderson!!!!!
” Jurre on text: “Yes Northumbria!!! Hope they can keep it up!”
32’ Hernandez with a long pass to Valencia who boots it forward to Pereda.
33’ Pereda takes a shot but it’s cleared by Bourne.
35’ Spain with another attack. Ramirez smacks it past Stratton and it looks on target. But he’s denied by the post!
36’ A good chance for Spain from Ramirez. Can they find an equaliser before half time?
37’ Not if Kempf has anything to do with it! The UNC striker with a great shot that hits the bottom of the bar! Velez fumbles with the ball before finally managing to secure it.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ed via text: “Wow this game HOT! Three great chances in ten min!”
39’ Figueroa passed to Aquino who loses it to Mahon.
40’ And Mahon loses it back to Figueroa.
41’ Figueroa to Hernandez then to Palmadas who takes it forward but he can’t get past Weatherby who sends it back to the midfield.
42’ The fans are getting a bit impatient with the slower pace of the last few minutes.
44’ Carroll gets the ball and makes a good run up the pitch, getting past García before being stopped by Reyes, who sends it back to captain Velez for a goal kick.
45’ Santo Aquino receives the ball but he’s surrounded by yellow shirts and doesn’t get far before Mahon takes the ball off him.
45+1’ Mahon sends it forward to McCary who crosses to Kempf.
45+2’ Kempf takes a shot but it ends up in Herrera’s chest. Hoekstra’s whistle goes and that’s the last kick of the half. HALF-TIME: UNC 1-0 Spain.
21:34 Well its half time and, with the exception of the last five minutes, both teams have risen to the occasion, which is quite rare in major finals.
21:36 Both Northumbria and Spain have had a number of good chances, and although Spain have managed more shots on goal, its Northumbria who have so far managed to make it count, thanks to Henderson’s wonderful 29th minute goal.
YOUR COMMENTS – Tim via text: “Both sides playing well but think Spain have the edge. They just need to make it count!”, Minke on Facebook: “Really hoping UNC can hold on –got them in the office sweepstake!”
21:40 Northumbria need to work on their defence if they’re going to hold on to their lead in the second half but I certainly wouldn’t rule out a Northumbrian victory just yet!
21:44 Both teams back out on the pitch now, ready for the second half.
46’ Kick-off! Trailers Spain restart the game as Ramirez passes to Valencia.
47’ Valencia slots it forward to Pereda but he can’t get past Bates and Stratton so drops the ball back to Palmadas.
48’ Palmadas has another go at the Northumbrian defence but is again stopped by Stratton.
50’ The ball’s now with Northumbria as James Mahon takes it down the left wing before crossing to Henderson. Henderson runs a couple of yards before passing to Carroll who swings past Figueroa and García but comes up against Herrera who relieves him of the ball.
51’ The Spanish fail to completely clear it though and McCary comes back at them, crossing to Kempf who takes a shot. And it’s saved by Velez!
YOUR COMMENTS – Rokus on Twitter: “Nice!! #UNC again taking control. Gd work from #Stratton and #Carroll #euro2012”
53’ Northumbria’s Tim Weatherby picked up Velez’s goal kick but found himself penned in by Spain, with his cross to Downing being intercepted by Hernandez.
54’ Hernandez to Palmadas who takes a long shot that goes sailing over the bar.
56’ Spain racing up towards the UNC box as Valencia passes to Ramirez who crosses it to Pereda. Pereda drops back, drawing the Northumbrian defence out from the box, before crossing to Ramirez.
57’ GOAL! Ramirez takes on Bates and gets the upper hand over the Northumbria defender before slipping the ball to Miguel Valencia who does his job and puts it past Harper who was still expecting the shot to come from Ramirez! UNC 1-1 Spain
58’ Brilliant play from Spain there with the equaliser, showing why they they’re the favourites to take home the silverware tonight. The pressure’s on Northumbria now though to find a reply.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ed on Facebook: “Lol great work by Ramirez, totally tricked Harper (probs not difficult tbh”, Javi on Twitter: “MIGUEL VALENCIAA ¡¡MI HIJO!!! Knew Spain would get one back! ¡¡¡JAJA!!!”
61’ Carroll’s shot to Kempf finds the Newcastle man in a nice amount of space. Kempf aims and it’s saved by Velez who lunges forward to bat the ball away!
62’ Spain quickly clearing the ball from their half as Valencia takes it past Downing before finding an unmarked Agustín Pereda.
63’ Some sloppy defending from Northumbria as Pereda gets past the back line to slot one in. It’s only some quick thinking from skipper Bourne who dives into the goal mouth and flicks the ball away with his foot that prevents Spain going 2-1 up.
65’ Substitution: Ed Trael on for Matthew Bates (UNC). A change at the back for Northumbria.
66’ Carroll gets the ball from Henderson and makes a run up the field but is easily tackled by Jorge Herrera.
67’ Substitution: Danny O’Connor on for Andy Carroll (UNC). That run proved to be Carroll’s last touch in this match. He’s looking very tired as he comes off.
YOUR COMMENTS – Jan on Twitter: “Whoa! Angelina Jolie’s let herself go! Oh – it’s Andy #Carroll with his hair down! #euro2012”
69’ A nice cross from Palmadas finds Hernandez who races forwards past Mahon and Stratton before being stopped by Trael. Good work from the Northumbrian sub with his first touch.
70’ A couple of Spain’s subs are off the bench now and warming up.
71’ Kempf leading a Northumbrian attack. He’s forced to the left by Reyes and García who tackles Kempf and sends it off for a UNC corner.
72’ Kempf takes the corner, swinging it in towards the box where it finds O’Connor who jumps up for a header but he can’t quite connect and it’s cleared by Reyes.
73’ Substitution: Joaquin Alonso on for Agustín Pereda (Spain) Spain coach Mahmoud Salah bringing on a fresh set of legs up front.
75’ We’re entering the last quarter of an hour of regular time. Both managers will no doubt be planning for extra time but hoping it won’t be needed.
76’ A quick throw in for Spain, taken by Santo Aquino who chucks it to Hernandez.
77’ Hernandez equally quickly crosses to Valencia who passes to Alonso, giving him his first involvement in the game.
78’ And it’s Alonso with the ball as he gets past the Northumbrian back line. He shoots but it goes wide.
80’ Substitution: Álvarro Torres on for Montego Hernandez (Spain).
81’ Inside the last ten minutes of regular time…
YOUR COMMENTS – Tjaard via text: “Will this go to extra time? Basically do I need to get some more beers from the fridge?” Japik via text: “If anyones gonna score before 90 reckon itll be Spain”
83’ Mahon passes forward to McCary who sends it O’Connor’s way but it’s Torres who picks it up, sending the ball back towards Ramirez.
84’ Ramirez with a shot but he’s stopped by Bourne who sends it back to his keeper.
85’ The play’s back in Northumbria’s half as Torres takes it forward before passing to Alonso.
86’ Chris Stratton with the tackle on Alonso and it’s off for a Spanish corner.
87’ GOAL! Rafael Ramirez takes the corner sending it towards Torres who passes to Valencia who sends it towards the goal but it looks like it’s going wide! But it’s intercepted by Santo Aquino who’s nifty move slots the ball in behind Steve Harper’s back! UNC 1-2 Spain.
88’ And that looks like the winner for Spain! The Spanish fans have erupted as Aquino runs in front of them cheering and whipping them into a frenzy.
89’ Precious little time left now for Northumbria to get one back now as McCary makes a desperate run up the field but he’s stopped by Reyes.
90’ Substitution: Jesús Benavides on for Jorge Herrera (Spain) and Cody Trentham on for Jordan Henderson (UNC)
90+1’ Weee-weee-weeeepp!! Tiede Hoekstra’s whistle goes and SPAIN ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!!! FULL-TIME: UNC 1-2 Spain.
22:34 The Spanish fans and players are ecstatic as they celebrate together with cries of “¡Olé!” ringing out and masses of red, gold and purple flags waving in the stands. Northumbria meanwhile down the other end of the pitch have their heads in the hands, looks off utter disappointment etched on their faces.
YOUR COMMENTS – Heiko on Twitter: “Ah! would’ve been great to see the underdogs triumph but congrats to #spain. great goal from #aquino #euro2012”, Sergio on Facebook: “¡¡¡¡¡ESPAÑAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! LAS FLECHES SON LOS CAMPEONESSSS ” Abe on text: “Great game, gutted for UNC but deserved win for Spain!”
22:40 Despite losing to Spain, Northumbria should be proud of their performance during this tournament. They won every game in their group as well as their round of 16 match and quarter final and have exceeded all but the most wildly optimistic pre-tournament predictions.
22:46 In the last act of this year’s tournament, Spanish captain Salvador Velez lifts the Martin Toothrie trophy to the cheers of the thousands of Spanish fans in the Arena des Volkes and no doubt millions watching in Spain.
20:48 Well that’s it from me for this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tournament and, who knows even my commentary, and thank you to everyone who contributed their comments – the commentary wouldn’t have been the same without you! I’ll leave you to your fiestas or drunken commiserations. Thank you and good night. Rein.
(Credit to Martin for the stadium picture)
AHFA EURO 2012 FINAL:
UNION OF NORTHERN COUNTIES vs THE SPANISH STATE
UNION OF NORTHERN COUNTIES vs THE SPANISH STATE
20:22 Well here we are – the final of AHFA Euro 2012. I’m Rein Herrema and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it’s been a thrilling three weeks of football from North and South Germany.
20:25 Tonight sees the Union of the Northern Counties in their first Euro final while the Spanish have been here twice before, coming as runners up to North Germany in 1996 before winning their first European title on home turf eight years ago against the Nine Republics.
20:28 A special mention should go to the hosts, South Germany and the UGSS, who have together put on a great tournament. With the exception of a few early incidents the tournament has gone without any problems with both Germanies showing a remarkable level of cooperation between their respective security and police forces.
20:30 Tonight’s final is being played at the Arena des Volkes in the North German capital of Berlin and I have to say it’s looking spectacular. I could describe it but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
YOUR COMMENTS – Kai on text: “Beer pizza and footie. What more do I need?”, Dieuwe on Facebook: “No its short notice but c’mon guys who should I support??”
20:34 Let’s take a look at the starting line-ups.
UNC (4-3-3): Steve Harper, Matthew Bates, Chris Stratton, Scott Bourne (c), Tim Weatherby, Stewart Downing, James Mahon, Jordan Henderson, Andy Carroll, John McCary, Tom Kempf
Spain (3-1-4-2): Salvador Velez (c), Jorge Herrera, Jordi García, Alejandro Reyes, Dario Figueroa, Santo Aquino, Montego Hernandez, Angelito Palmadas, Miguel Valencia, Rafael Ramirez, Agustín Pereda
Both sides unchanged from their semi-final victories.
20:37 As I said this is Northumbria’s first appearance in a final and they’re undoubtedly the underdogs going into this match. Northumbria have scored 12 goals so far this tournament and conceded 6 while Spain has scored 17 while only letting in 4, although 10 of those goals came from their group games, which were arguably easier than Northumbria’s.
20:39 It looks like a capacity crowd here in the Arena des Volkes with less than five minutes to kick off. It’s a sea of red and gold with a sprinkling of purple from the Spanish supporters.
20:41 The players are out on the field now, the Northumbria players in yellow and the Spanish in red.
20:42 National anthems starting with the UNC’s. The players and supporters are all in good voice.
20:43 There will be one Frisian on the pitch tonight - referee Tiede Hoekstra.
20:44 Captains Bourne and Velez shake hands and exchange flags before kick-off. I hope you’re all ready to settle back and enjoy the next hour and a half (and possibly more) of football.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ty via text: “Should be a really good game tonight. Rooting for Northumbria”, Rodrigo on Twitter: “¡¡VIVA ESPAÑA!! ¡¡VAMOSSSS!!!”
0’ Kick-off! Northumbria’s Tom Kempf gets the game under way.
1’ Northumbria keep possession as Henderson and Mahon pass the ball between themselves in the middle of the field.
3’ Hernandez gets possession for Spain, passing it forward to Ramirez.
4’ Ramirez unable to find an opening and crosses to Valencia who’s shot’s blocked by Bates.
6’ Downing to Henderson who makes a short run before returning it to Downing who taps it towards John McCary.
7’ McCary looks like he’s going to take a shot but instead passes to Carroll who fires it towards the goal and into Velez’s hands.
8’ Pereda gets himself on the end of Velez’s goal kick and runs towards the Northumbrian goal with acres of space around him. He takes a shot but it goes wide. Where was the UNC defence?
YOUR COMMENTS – Lourens on Facebook: “UNC lucky Velez’s aim was shite!!”
10’ Carroll takes the ball up the field but loses it to Palmadas who takes it back the other way before crossing to Valencia. He weaves past Stratton and UNC skipper Bourne before sliding it back to Henderson.
11’ Henderson takes a shot but it’s blasted away by García.
12’ The crowd here in Berlin is in great spirits, having been singing and chanting continuously since kick-off.
13’ The ball’s back in Spanish hands (obviously not literally) with Aquino making a good run up the right before crossing to Palmadas, who taps it forward past Harper to Ramirez.
14’ Ramirez on the end of a fierce tackle from Chris Stratton that sees the Castilian on the ground, clutching his knee.
15’ Ramirez is still down and being attended to by the medics.
16’ Ramirez is back on his feet.
17’ Hoekstra awards a free kick to the Spaniards. Agustín Pereda steps up to take. He fires the ball towards the goal, over the wall of Northumbria defenders… but he’s misjudged it! The ball sails harmlessly wide and over. Another lucky escape for the UNC!
YOUR COMMENTS – Ben on Facebook: “Cmon Northumbria! Stop giving away stupid chances!!!1” Elke on Twitter: “y do they put their hands on their stuff?! Would lol if they did get hit there tho!!! #euro2012”
19’ Mahon with the ball. He passes to Kempf who takes it all the way to the Spanish box before passing back to McCary who blasts it forward. Reyes boots it back but can’t clear it as Carroll comes in with another shot which Velez just gets on the end of.
21’ Northumbria with their best chance of the game so far, showing Spain that they can control the game as well as the Iberians.
23’ Figueroa passes to Hernandez but the ball ends up short allowing Downing to take possession. He wheels round Hernandez and passes forward to Henderson.
24’ Henderson finds Carroll who takes it up the field but is stopped by Figueroa who sends it back up to Aquino.
26’ Spain with a spell of possession but they can’t penetrate far into the Northumbrian half.
27’ Weatherby dispossesses Valencia, sending the ball towards Mahon.
28’ Mahon to Carroll who takes a shot but it’s easily blocked by García.
29’ GOAL! García’s clearance is picked up by Kempf who passes it forward to Henderson. Henderson dances past Herrera and Reyes and slots it cleanly in past Velez! Great goal for Jordan Henderson! UNC 1-0 Spain.
30’ The Northumbrian fans have erupted as they celebrate the fact that Northumbria are in front of Spain in the Euro 2012 final thanks to that lovely goal by Jordan Henderson! Henderson himself is currently buried under a pile of his teammates.
YOUR COMMENTS – Hid on Twitter: “NORTHUMBRIAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!1111111 Genius from Henderson!!!!!
” Jurre on text: “Yes Northumbria!!! Hope they can keep it up!”32’ Hernandez with a long pass to Valencia who boots it forward to Pereda.
33’ Pereda takes a shot but it’s cleared by Bourne.
35’ Spain with another attack. Ramirez smacks it past Stratton and it looks on target. But he’s denied by the post!
36’ A good chance for Spain from Ramirez. Can they find an equaliser before half time?
37’ Not if Kempf has anything to do with it! The UNC striker with a great shot that hits the bottom of the bar! Velez fumbles with the ball before finally managing to secure it.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ed via text: “Wow this game HOT! Three great chances in ten min!
”39’ Figueroa passed to Aquino who loses it to Mahon.
40’ And Mahon loses it back to Figueroa.
41’ Figueroa to Hernandez then to Palmadas who takes it forward but he can’t get past Weatherby who sends it back to the midfield.
42’ The fans are getting a bit impatient with the slower pace of the last few minutes.
44’ Carroll gets the ball and makes a good run up the pitch, getting past García before being stopped by Reyes, who sends it back to captain Velez for a goal kick.
45’ Santo Aquino receives the ball but he’s surrounded by yellow shirts and doesn’t get far before Mahon takes the ball off him.
45+1’ Mahon sends it forward to McCary who crosses to Kempf.
45+2’ Kempf takes a shot but it ends up in Herrera’s chest. Hoekstra’s whistle goes and that’s the last kick of the half. HALF-TIME: UNC 1-0 Spain.
21:34 Well its half time and, with the exception of the last five minutes, both teams have risen to the occasion, which is quite rare in major finals.
21:36 Both Northumbria and Spain have had a number of good chances, and although Spain have managed more shots on goal, its Northumbria who have so far managed to make it count, thanks to Henderson’s wonderful 29th minute goal.
YOUR COMMENTS – Tim via text: “Both sides playing well but think Spain have the edge. They just need to make it count!”, Minke on Facebook: “Really hoping UNC can hold on –got them in the office sweepstake!”
21:40 Northumbria need to work on their defence if they’re going to hold on to their lead in the second half but I certainly wouldn’t rule out a Northumbrian victory just yet!
21:44 Both teams back out on the pitch now, ready for the second half.
46’ Kick-off! Trailers Spain restart the game as Ramirez passes to Valencia.
47’ Valencia slots it forward to Pereda but he can’t get past Bates and Stratton so drops the ball back to Palmadas.
48’ Palmadas has another go at the Northumbrian defence but is again stopped by Stratton.
50’ The ball’s now with Northumbria as James Mahon takes it down the left wing before crossing to Henderson. Henderson runs a couple of yards before passing to Carroll who swings past Figueroa and García but comes up against Herrera who relieves him of the ball.
51’ The Spanish fail to completely clear it though and McCary comes back at them, crossing to Kempf who takes a shot. And it’s saved by Velez!
YOUR COMMENTS – Rokus on Twitter: “Nice!! #UNC again taking control. Gd work from #Stratton and #Carroll #euro2012”
53’ Northumbria’s Tim Weatherby picked up Velez’s goal kick but found himself penned in by Spain, with his cross to Downing being intercepted by Hernandez.
54’ Hernandez to Palmadas who takes a long shot that goes sailing over the bar.
56’ Spain racing up towards the UNC box as Valencia passes to Ramirez who crosses it to Pereda. Pereda drops back, drawing the Northumbrian defence out from the box, before crossing to Ramirez.
57’ GOAL! Ramirez takes on Bates and gets the upper hand over the Northumbria defender before slipping the ball to Miguel Valencia who does his job and puts it past Harper who was still expecting the shot to come from Ramirez! UNC 1-1 Spain
58’ Brilliant play from Spain there with the equaliser, showing why they they’re the favourites to take home the silverware tonight. The pressure’s on Northumbria now though to find a reply.
YOUR COMMENTS – Ed on Facebook: “Lol great work by Ramirez, totally tricked Harper (probs not difficult tbh
”, Javi on Twitter: “MIGUEL VALENCIAA ¡¡MI HIJO!!! Knew Spain would get one back! ¡¡¡JAJA!!!”61’ Carroll’s shot to Kempf finds the Newcastle man in a nice amount of space. Kempf aims and it’s saved by Velez who lunges forward to bat the ball away!
62’ Spain quickly clearing the ball from their half as Valencia takes it past Downing before finding an unmarked Agustín Pereda.
63’ Some sloppy defending from Northumbria as Pereda gets past the back line to slot one in. It’s only some quick thinking from skipper Bourne who dives into the goal mouth and flicks the ball away with his foot that prevents Spain going 2-1 up.
65’ Substitution: Ed Trael on for Matthew Bates (UNC). A change at the back for Northumbria.
66’ Carroll gets the ball from Henderson and makes a run up the field but is easily tackled by Jorge Herrera.
67’ Substitution: Danny O’Connor on for Andy Carroll (UNC). That run proved to be Carroll’s last touch in this match. He’s looking very tired as he comes off.
YOUR COMMENTS – Jan on Twitter: “Whoa! Angelina Jolie’s let herself go! Oh – it’s Andy #Carroll with his hair down! #euro2012”
69’ A nice cross from Palmadas finds Hernandez who races forwards past Mahon and Stratton before being stopped by Trael. Good work from the Northumbrian sub with his first touch.
70’ A couple of Spain’s subs are off the bench now and warming up.
71’ Kempf leading a Northumbrian attack. He’s forced to the left by Reyes and García who tackles Kempf and sends it off for a UNC corner.
72’ Kempf takes the corner, swinging it in towards the box where it finds O’Connor who jumps up for a header but he can’t quite connect and it’s cleared by Reyes.
73’ Substitution: Joaquin Alonso on for Agustín Pereda (Spain) Spain coach Mahmoud Salah bringing on a fresh set of legs up front.
75’ We’re entering the last quarter of an hour of regular time. Both managers will no doubt be planning for extra time but hoping it won’t be needed.
76’ A quick throw in for Spain, taken by Santo Aquino who chucks it to Hernandez.
77’ Hernandez equally quickly crosses to Valencia who passes to Alonso, giving him his first involvement in the game.
78’ And it’s Alonso with the ball as he gets past the Northumbrian back line. He shoots but it goes wide.
80’ Substitution: Álvarro Torres on for Montego Hernandez (Spain).
81’ Inside the last ten minutes of regular time…
YOUR COMMENTS – Tjaard via text: “Will this go to extra time? Basically do I need to get some more beers from the fridge?” Japik via text: “If anyones gonna score before 90 reckon itll be Spain”
83’ Mahon passes forward to McCary who sends it O’Connor’s way but it’s Torres who picks it up, sending the ball back towards Ramirez.
84’ Ramirez with a shot but he’s stopped by Bourne who sends it back to his keeper.
85’ The play’s back in Northumbria’s half as Torres takes it forward before passing to Alonso.
86’ Chris Stratton with the tackle on Alonso and it’s off for a Spanish corner.
87’ GOAL! Rafael Ramirez takes the corner sending it towards Torres who passes to Valencia who sends it towards the goal but it looks like it’s going wide! But it’s intercepted by Santo Aquino who’s nifty move slots the ball in behind Steve Harper’s back! UNC 1-2 Spain.
88’ And that looks like the winner for Spain! The Spanish fans have erupted as Aquino runs in front of them cheering and whipping them into a frenzy.
89’ Precious little time left now for Northumbria to get one back now as McCary makes a desperate run up the field but he’s stopped by Reyes.
90’ Substitution: Jesús Benavides on for Jorge Herrera (Spain) and Cody Trentham on for Jordan Henderson (UNC)
90+1’ Weee-weee-weeeepp!! Tiede Hoekstra’s whistle goes and SPAIN ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!!! FULL-TIME: UNC 1-2 Spain.
22:34 The Spanish fans and players are ecstatic as they celebrate together with cries of “¡Olé!” ringing out and masses of red, gold and purple flags waving in the stands. Northumbria meanwhile down the other end of the pitch have their heads in the hands, looks off utter disappointment etched on their faces.
YOUR COMMENTS – Heiko on Twitter: “Ah! would’ve been great to see the underdogs triumph but congrats to #spain. great goal from #aquino #euro2012”, Sergio on Facebook: “¡¡¡¡¡ESPAÑAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! LAS FLECHES SON LOS CAMPEONESSSS
” Abe on text: “Great game, gutted for UNC but deserved win for Spain!”22:40 Despite losing to Spain, Northumbria should be proud of their performance during this tournament. They won every game in their group as well as their round of 16 match and quarter final and have exceeded all but the most wildly optimistic pre-tournament predictions.
22:46 In the last act of this year’s tournament, Spanish captain Salvador Velez lifts the Martin Toothrie trophy to the cheers of the thousands of Spanish fans in the Arena des Volkes and no doubt millions watching in Spain.
20:48 Well that’s it from me for this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tournament and, who knows even my commentary, and thank you to everyone who contributed their comments – the commentary wouldn’t have been the same without you! I’ll leave you to your fiestas or drunken commiserations. Thank you and good night. Rein.
(Credit to Martin for the stadium picture)
Yeah I had a feeling as I was writing it that it might do!YES! filler
PS: AH imitates life
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that.
We had French Algeria vs Wessex.
We had the United German Socialist States vs the Paris Commune
We had Northumbria vs the Most Serene Union of the Nine Republics
We had Denmark-Norway vs the People's Republic of Catalonia
We had the greatest European teams that AH.com could muster, and in the end...
Spain won.
We might as well have just watched the news.
But anyway, I must thank everyone involved for making this tournament such a success, the people that contributed teams, who helped with the initial setup and of course those who I call the writer-uppers. And special thanks of course to my ex-roommate Alex Richards. I'll do a proper in-universe round-up tomorrow, I am sort of dazed from watching the OTL final at the moment. In the meantime, here's a map and a final invitation to join us when we do the whole thing again, whenever that may be.
Martin 'Toothrie' 23230
We had French Algeria vs Wessex.
We had the United German Socialist States vs the Paris Commune
We had Northumbria vs the Most Serene Union of the Nine Republics
We had Denmark-Norway vs the People's Republic of Catalonia
We had the greatest European teams that AH.com could muster, and in the end...
Spain won.
We might as well have just watched the news
.But anyway, I must thank everyone involved for making this tournament such a success, the people that contributed teams, who helped with the initial setup and of course those who I call the writer-uppers. And special thanks of course to my ex-roommate Alex Richards. I'll do a proper in-universe round-up tomorrow, I am sort of dazed from watching the OTL final at the moment. In the meantime, here's a map and a final invitation to join us when we do the whole thing again, whenever that may be
.Martin 'Toothrie' 23230
I had really Fun with this Thread. Thank you guys for this awesome Alternate Football month. I Would be glad to Join the next Cup.
Furthermore i say thanks to the writers. I loved the Reports of the Matches
Also i Must say i want to Applaud for the Great graphics and the Magazine Reports
Guys u are awesome
Greetings
Pwnor
Furthermore i say thanks to the writers. I loved the Reports of the Matches
Also i Must say i want to Applaud for the Great graphics and the Magazine Reports
Guys u are awesome
Greetings
Pwnor
MarshalBraginsky
Banned
One last thing: the next time we do this kind of tournament, I may have to ask one of you guys about a team that I wanted to put together, but belongs to a country that has an entirely different history. I'm talking about my earlier post about making a fictional Rus-PH team.
d32123
Banned
I'm definitely going to go for something more different for the next cup as well. Debating about a few different ideas.