AHFA 2020 World Cup

[Pragmatic Progressive]

from pilkarski.mm
​

Union of Rhodesia

Coach: Barry Groening

Lineup:

William Jaeger

Preston McPhillips
John L. D'Anzio
John Greig
Ryan Brown (70' Jay McLennan)

Victor MacLean
Oscar H. Kerr
Lester Addison (45' Kieth Ferguson, Jr.)

Hugh Thorpe
Thomas Hawthorne
William McNabb

Leon and Castille

Coach: Sérgio Conceição

Lineup:

Ruben Blanco

Angeliño
José Fonte
Pepe
(71' Raphael Guerreiro) Jonny

Thiago
Bruno Fernandes

Diogo Jota
João Felix
(60' Ruben Neves) Iago Aspas
(90+1' Santi Cazorla) Juan Mata
​

Rhodesia 0 - 3 Leon and Castille

Goals: 0-1 Joăo Félix (10')
0-2 João Félix (38')
0-3 Diogo Jota (54')

Referee: Takefusa Omae (Empire of Japan): Grade A-
The match was quite easy to referee, and it was correct to disallow the goal by Thorpe (29', offside) and to allow the goal by Jota (54', no offside). Also, he was consistent in dealing out yellow cards.

Both coaches fielded some of their potentially strongest starting elevens, but both managers make some changes. After an abysmal performance from Alec Henderson in the last match against the Red Stars, he was replaced by Hugh Thorpe. On the side of Leon-Castille, Lucas Vázquez, who had taken a knock in the first match against Iran, was left out in favour of the excellent Juan Mata.

And everything was as predicted: Rhodesia tried to park the bus against the star-studded and higly favoured Lions. But this approach did not work out for long. An excellent piece of linkup play was started after a half-dangerous shot by Thorpe (7') which was safely picked up by Ruben Blanco. Jonny played an excellent ball to Diogo Jota, but then, the ball got played around the box with more than 10 passes. In the end, Mata crossed the ball into the box, where João Félix just had to put the foot through it! 0-1 João Felix (10')!

The dominance of the Conceição team was all but assured, and they continued their well-known and well-feared tactics of ball possession and tiki taka. With such a tactic, they had already won Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, and it was still successful despite the defeat at the hands of East Prussia in the quarterfinals of Euro 2016. An excellent piece of play was delivered by Leon and Castille. Diogo Jota had run forward with the ball on his left wing, and with just one touch, he passed to Bruno Fernandes. His attempt to put João Félix in the right position was stopped when John Greig deflected the ball in an excellent tackle (20')!
But the Lions do have their weaknesses - and they almost conceded. After a corner, Thiago lost the ball to MacLean, who gave the ball onto the right wing of William McNabb, who passed back to Lester Addison. Lester Addison played an excellent throughball to Hugh Thorpe, who scored nutmegging Ruben Blanco. But the linesman raised his flag! Hugh Thorpe was offside! No goal - and TV pictures confirmed Omae's decision. An excellent ruling by linesman Yamasato Shirosama!

Leon and Castille held onto their lead, and, after Jaeger parried away a header from Aspas (32'), they extended it. John D'Anzio did not see another way to stop a dribbling by Juan Mata other than by a foul. And it was Bruno Fernandes to take the free kick! D'Anzio was booked. Bruno Fernandes brought the free kick into the box, and chaos ensued. Nobody had the overview, until Diogo Jota got the ball onto his foot. He hammered a shot at Jaeger, who managed to parry it - but only into the middle where João Félix was the fastest to react! 0-2 João Félix (38')!
A decisive blow to the morale of the Gazelles. Groening tried to turn this match around during half-time, bringing in Kieth Ferguson, Jr., but it was to be in vain.

As push came to shove, the Groening team made a grave mistake in defence: Not even under pressure, Preston McPhillips played a bad pass into the feet of Diogo Jota, and since the pass came from a Gazelles player, the offside rule was not in effect. Jota ran on the left wing and into the box, neither D'Anzio nor Greig able to stop him, and, from just behind the line of the penalty box (i.e. just within the penalty area), hammered a shot into the upper right corner! No chance for Jaeger! 0-3 Diogo Jota (54')!

The match was decided, and much more did not happen. Despite the Lions reducing their speed and effort, several situations still produced at least a modicum of danger: A deflection from Greig after an attempt at a cross by Diogo Jota nearly turned into an own goal (71'), Guerreiro's shot from a centre-left position was parried away by Jaeger (78'), and a header from Pepe, at the last minute after another corner was brought in by Ruben Neves, was narrowly deflected over the crossbar by Jaeger (90+2'). On the contrary, Rhodesia did not have a single shot on target after the disallowed goal which Hugh Thorpe scored. ​

 

[Aztekk]

Referee: James Birch (New England)

Yellow cards:
Ragusa: Ignjat Sorgo ('24)
Iran: Milad Mehrani ('24); Kaveh Rostami ('87)

Red cards:
None

Player of the Match: Ignjat Sorgo (Ragusa)

 

[Capibara]

EL SIGLO DE TORREÓN


Australia takes a big step towards the knockout round
An impeccable free kick by Nagoya forward Ashley Kennedy gives the Socceros the victory against an inoperant Khemia​

The beautiful colonial city of Querétaro witnessed a match that promised much but didn’t deliver in the end. Even though neither team is among the favorites to win the tournament, fans still expected them to put up a good show. With the two teams coming from a defeat in the previous match day, the game promised to be an open one, with plenty of opportunities, as both sides try to get the victory and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

However, caution is the word to best describe what happened during the match. It appeared both teams were more concerned with not losing than with winning, as none of them attacked much for almost half an hour after the start of the match.

If it hadn’t been for an untimely tackle by Ioals, who was booked and will miss Khemia’s next game against Tibet, the match would probably would’ve ended 0-0. However, Australia boast one of the best freekick-takers in the tournament in the person of Ashley Kennedy, who gave the ball such an effect that it overcame the barrier on the outside and curved to enter the post opposite the goalkeeper.

After Australia’s goal, not much changed in the Soccero’s tactic, who now had a goal they hadn’t really been looking for, while the Khemians suddenly realized that they had to attack as well, if they ever wanted to achieve something in the tournament. However, the Australians simply bunkered down and weathered the storm, which was more akin to a calm breeze, as the opposing side never managed to piece their ideas together or threat Ryan’s goal in a meaningful way.

Australia will play its last game of the first round against Mexico next Saturday in Monterrey, while Khemia will need to win its two last matches against Tibet and Provence and pray the stars in the whole galaxy align or go back home.

Lineups:
Australia: Ryan, Daly, Cahill, Kennedy, Shah, Killy, de las Cuevas, Tusveld (Soolia, 53’), Posner, Kennedy, Perichon (van Spijk, 73’)
Khemia: Husniya, Fathy, Iolas (Hegazi, 46’), Hegazi, Rabia (Tsaldaris, 66’), Elneny (Hassan, 74’), Trezeguet, El Solia, Hamed, Ghaly, Kahraba

Goals:
1-0, Kennedy, 28’

Yellow cards:
Australia: Tusveld, 33’
Khemia: Iolas, 26’, Elneny, 71’

 

[Gust]

Provence marches on!

Lloris had just one job... ​

It was an almost effortless endeavour as Provence beat Tibet 2-0. Provence maintained possession for most parts of the game.

Provence striker Ludovic Ajorque would put his team in the lead after 20 minutes. From that point onwards, the fate of the match was never really in doubt.

Tibet’s only chance came from Dechen Wangchuk heading the ball into the lower corner of the net, only barely being saved by Provence’s Hugo Lloris.

The game was played while it was morning in Provence, with most of its population waking up early to watch the game before the normal day began. Surprisingly many fans had also travelled to watch the game live in Veracruz. There were however little to no Tibetan fans.

If there ever was any suspense in the game, it would die when Jordan Ferri made it 2-0 following a rather embarrassing drop from Tibetan keeper Dawa Wangchu. In a rather unusual reaction, Wangchu was actually subsequently substituted by 84-year-old coach Lhamo Dhondup, a move almost universally criticised as making no sense.

While Provence would continue to dominate the game, they would never get the chance needed to expand their lead. And they didn’t need to either, as the Tibetan team was mostly absent from the Provencal penalty zone.

Tibet is now all but out of the tournament, while Provence looks to advance along with Mexico.

Tibet 0-2 Provence​

Ajorque 20'
Ferri 64'​

 

[riskyrofl]

Madagascar v Celtica
Monday 22 June, Centennial Stadium, Guadalajara​

The Celtic Union enter their third game after a win against the CSA, Madagascar meanwhile lost their opening match to New England in a close encounter

1' Celtica win the coin toss, and take the kick-off

3" First chance of the match for Celtica, Eirdsidh MacPhaildein takes a shot from just outside the 18-yard box, which sails just over

5" Richard Wichmann takes down Daibhidh MacPhoil in a rather cynical challenge early in the match

9" Corner for Celtica, Murchadh O’Donnagain whips in a ball which MacPhoil knocks towards goal. Régis Barnier stops the ball on the line!

14" Dughlas Fearghasdan threads a nice pass through to Tomaidh MacMheinn, who curls in a low shot from the right. Andre Jefferson does well to make a block.

18" Impressive long throw from Pierre Pernet finds Lou Thatch, who heads the ball just to the left of goal. Celtica weren't expecting that!

25" Young defender Sven Arlen Erlingsson does well to snuff out a Celtic attack third time he's done that.

28" Free-kick for Celtica from a dangerous position as MacMheinn is brought down by Estienne Pernet. O’Donnagain smashes the ball over the bar.

34" The Celtic threat is growing. Two crosses cause panic in the Madagascan box.

39" MacPhoil finds himself in a one-on-one situation against Jefferson! The keeper puts his body on the line, and denies Celtica an opener.

42" Madagascar get a rare chance, as Erlingsson floats in a cross for Sebastian Hornigold who heads the ball just wide

Half-time: Celtica have dominated the game, some last-gasp Madagascan defending and bad luck has prevented them from taking the lead.

48" MacMheinn intercepts a poor pass from Francisco Yáñez and breaks towards goal, James Crabbe puts in an important sliding tackle to deny Celtica a chance

53" Wichmann tries a long diagonal pass to Thatch, who had made a smart run behind Fearghas Moireasdan. But Iosaph MacUilleim read the pass and heads it away.

57" Fearghasdan looked to have scored after receiving a through ball from O’Donnagain, but the linesman raised his flag. VAR confirmed the linesman's call, offside.

61" Corner for Celtica ricochetes off MacPhaildein and Yáñez into the path of MacUilleim who volleys the ball. Jefferson has to reach to make an important save.

66" Excellent work by Anndra MacRaibeirt and MacGeidigh to foil a Madagascan attack down the right and then launch one of their own. Erlingsson brings down MacPhoil in a cynical foul to prevent a chance for Celtica. For his effort, Erlingsson is given a yellow.

72" MacMheinn breaks down the right and whips in a cross, Fearghasdan strikes the ball and Jefferson makes another fantastic save. At this point, he's the reason Madagascar still have a chance at a result

74" Another cynical tackle from Madagascar, this time from Barnier who also receives a yellow.

75" Celtic players shout for a penalty, as the ball hits Crabbe's arm as the defender slides down. The referee says no penalty, and VAR seems to have confirmed his decision.

80" MacDomhnullach bisects the Madagascan defence with a nice turn and pass to MacMheinn who strikes the ball powerfully. It hits the crossbar. Celtica cannot believe their luck.

82" Celtica are looking desperate for a goal, Green-Blue shirts flood into the box for a corner, but the ball sails over.

86" Goal! Celtic finally has their lead! You can't say it hasn't been coming. The attack began with MacUilleim delivering a cross to MacPhoil whose shot was blocked by Yáñez. The ball went into the path of O’Donnagain, who scores with a flick into the net. It's the goal that the Celts have been waiting so long for!

90" Madagascar almost make it even! Ludovic Brochard beats Anndra MacRaibeirt and delivers a powerful strike. Lachlann MacGilleBhrath makes his first proper save of the game.

Full time: Celtica dominated the match and deserved a win today. Still have to feel for Madagascar, who showed some real bravery in their defending. It's an important result for the Celtic Union who now have six points as they enter their last match against a confident New England. Final Score: Madagascar 0 - 1 Celtica

​

 

[Wings]

Match Day: Gran Colombia v Nova Catalonia
Monterrey Grand Stadium, Monterrey
Attendance: 81,589​

Rosters:
Gran Colombia:
Ciceron
Saez (Yepes 70')
Espiga
Montenegro
de la Cruz
Quesada
Sainz (Tassis 82')
Ordonez
Manzanedo
Aguayo
Japon

Nova Catalonia:
Bartra
Ngcukaitobi
Mpofu
Nkhulu

73'
Biko
Sebe
Romeu (Companys 46')
Vila
Figueras
Mfeketo (Nokwe 70')
Sibeko (Crosas 82')

Summary​

0' Kickoff of this all important game between Gran Colombia and Nova Catalonia ! With a win here, Colombia could take a huge step towards the Round of 16!

10' Gran Colombia have a firm foot on the ball for now. Sainz gets the first opportunity for Colombia but his cross is deflected into a corner kick which gives nothing.

19' First real chance for Gran Colombia ! Another run by Sainz sends the catalonian defense packing and the midfielder can arm a strike. Unfortunately for him Bartra catches it before it goes into the net.

24' It's Nova Catalonia's turn to come close ! A good counter-offensive sends Figueras on a wild run on the right side of the pitch. Before getting caught he does manage to cross it for Sibeko but the Catalonian striker heads it just over the bar !

26' Another good counter-offensive by Catalonia gives nothing. Sebe attempts to run off with the ball but fumbles execution. Throw-In.

35' Great chance for Gran Colombia ! Ordonez runs off with the ball and delivers a perfect pass to Japon in front ! The striker has a perfect shot but is brought down in the box by Mpofu, it's going to be a penalty !

36' And Bartra saves it ! The Nova Catalonian goalkeeper gets it right and goes to the right, where Japon's shot was going, and saves the penalty, score stays level !

42' Gran Colombia are not done as they pressure ever forward. Sainz gets a good ball, which he delivers to Aguayo. His shot goes slightly wide.

44' Goal right before half-time ! Colombia's insistance pays off as Aguayo makes a run for it in the Catalonian defense. He dribbles two defenders before delivering a perfect pass to Manzanedo who scores for Colombia ! 1-0 !

45+3' Half-time as Colombia lead despite missing a penalty. Nova Catalonia have yet to get a shot on target this game.

46' Only one substitution at half-time as Romeu comes off, replaced by Companys.

54' Gran Colombia still have total control of the game. Another run by Sainz finds Aguayo but his shot goes wide.

68' Nova Catalonia cannot come even close to Colombia's 20 meter line. The closest they've come is Vila charging forward but losing the ball on the edge of the box.

70' Double substitution. Saez comes off for Colombia, replaced by Yepes, while Nokwe takes Mfeketo's place for Nova Catalonia.

74' Booking for Nkhulu as he defends roughly onto Aguayo who finds himself on the ground. The referee takes no chances with that one.

82' Another double substitution, this time Sainz is replaced by Tassis while Sibeko is replaced by Crosas.

89' It seems as Nova Catalonia have given up. They cannot mount any sort of offensives into the opposite side of the field.

90+3' And Japon seals the deal for Colombia ! After another great run by Aguayo, the Colombian winger edelivers a perfect cross for Japon, who sends it into the back of the Catalonian net ! 2-0 !

90+5' It's all over ! Gran Colombia take 3 crucial points and are very close to securing a spot in the Round of 16 !

Gran Colombia 2 - 0 Nova Catalonia​

Manzanedo (44')
Japon (90+3')​

Stats:
Shots on Target: 4 - 0
Possession: 68 - 32
Yellow Cards: 0 - 1
Red Cards: 0 - 0
Man of the Match: Jesus Diego Aguayo (Gran Colombia)

 

[New Britain Mapping]

Match 38 - Confederate States of America vs Antarctique - San Cristóbal Resort Field

Confederate States of America lineup:

Coach:
Pierre Gustave Toulant Beauregard Dominique Valle

Roster (23 players)

Goalkeepers:
Shaun Martinez
Brian Wilson
Robert Lee V

Defenders:
JEB Stuart V
Tom Joad
Henry James

Midfielders:
John Samuelson
Peter Hayward
Robert Gracie
Samuel Lee
Charles Lee

Forwards:
Don Johnson, Jr.
Thomas Gracie
Robert Edwards
Walter Houston
Peter Jackson
Samuel Wilson
Howard Roscoe Russell IV
Peter Mayhew
John Carter IV
Marsh Rice IV
Thomas Carter
Robert Ross

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Shaun Martinez
Defenders: JEB Stuart V, Tom Joad and Henry James
Midfielders: John Samuelson, Peter Hayward, Robert Gracie and Samuel Lee
Forwards: Robert Edwards, Walter Houston and Samuel Wilson

Antarctique Lineup:

Goalkeepers:
1. Alcide Becker (27, Liverpool)
16. Fernand Muselier (33, Galatasaray)
23. Serge Romeyer (33, Manchester United)

Defenders:
2. Gabriel Marchand (RB, 33, Al-Rayyan)
3. Jacques Laxalt (LB, 27, AC Milan)
4. Jacques Godin (C) (CB, 34, Internazionale)
5. Joseph Simon (CB, 25, Atlético Madrid) (Suspended)
12. Nicolas Autemande (CB, 32, Manchester City)
13. Alexandre Tellès (LB, 27, Porto)
14. Gaulthier Kannemann (CB, 29, Guilde de Port Alègre)
15. Emmanuel Maman (CB, 24, Zenit)

Midfielders:
6. Léandre Pariède (CM, 25, Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Mathias Vexin (CM, 28, Internazionale)
16. Rodéric Bétancourt (CM, 22, Juventus)
17. Lucas Thorez (CM, 24, Arsenal)
18. Jean Le Cel (CM, 23, Tottenham)

Forwards:
8. Ange De Marie (RW, 32, Paris Saint-Germain)
9. Edouard Chavanne (ST, 33, Paris Saint-Germain)
10. Lionel Messie (LW, 32, FC Barcelona)
11. Louis Souaret (ST, 33, FC Barcelona)
19. Maurice Picard (ST, 27, Paris Saint-Germain)
20. Serge Aguerre (ST, 31, Manchester City)
21. Paul Dybala (ST, 26, Juventus)
22. Douglas Lacoste (LW, 29, Juventus)

Starting XI:

Goalkeepers:
1. Alcide Becker (27, Liverpool)
Defenders:
2. Gabriel Marchand (RB, 33, Al-Rayyan)
3. Jacques Laxalt (LB, 27, AC Milan)
4. Jacques Godin (C) (CB, 34, Internazionale)
12. Nicolas Autemande (CB, 32, Manchester City)
Midfielders:
6. Léandre Pariède (CM, 25, Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Mathias Vexin (CM, 28, Internazionale)
Forwards:
8. Ange De Marie (RW, 32, Paris Saint-Germain)
9. Edouard Chavanne (ST, 33, Paris Saint-Germain)
10. Lionel Messie (LW, 32, FC Barcelona)
11. Louis Souaret (ST, 33, FC Barcelona)

Callum Pokaret: Welcome to the game between Confederate States of America vs Antarctique!
Pam Edwardia: Let's hope for a thriller as there can be a expection for qualification.

FIRST HALF STARTS

5' A quick penalty has been given to Antarctique!
6' GGGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! Lionel Messie HAS SCORED!!

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA 0-1 ANTARCTIQUE

28' GGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!! LOUIS SOUARET HAS JUST SCORED!

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA 0-2 ANTARCTIQUE

(Referee signals 5 minute added time)

FIRST HALF ENDS

Callum Pokaret: 2 goals, is this gonna feel like insane?
Pam Edwardia: Will CSA attempt to take a shot successfully and make it an goal?

SECOND HALF STARTS

68' A shot by Samuel Wilson, goes over the bar.

(Referee signals 7 minute added time)

SECOND HALF ENDS

Callum Pokaret: How is that possible?
Pam Edwardia: 7 minute added time.... interesting!

Goals:
Antarctique 2
CSA 0
Shots:
Antarctique 2
CSA 1
Posession:
Antarctique 68
CSA 32
Goal Times:
Antarctique 6' and 28'
CSA N/A

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

from pilkarski.mm
​

Co-Operative Republic of Britain

Coach: Alan O'Harper

Lineup:

Vishnu McCall

Oswald Merriman
Benito Mussolini Anderson
Lamont Anthonisz
Johnny Wright

Connor Davidson
George Fernandez
Vihaan Dismukes (58' Brian Kishore)
Oswald Parr (89' Lionel Chaudhury)
Lintorn-Orman Williams

Haymitch Xander (80' Jesse Stansfield)

Venice:

Coach: Guido Brunetti

Lineup:

Alvise Vianello

Giovanni Scarpa
Andreas Kapodistrias
(90+1' Silvestro Favaro) Angelo Rizzo
Sebastiano Tiozzo

Carlo Ballarin
(50' Enrico Frigo) Cristoforo Budinić
Paolo Tiepolo
Francesco Liveralis

Giovanni Marulić
(76' Pietro Lorenzon) Domenico Dal Corso
​

Co-Operative Republic of Britain 1 - 0 Venice

Goals: 1-0 Haymitch Xander (34')

Referee: Habib Azizi Kamara (Mande National Union) - Grade: A
A superb performance in a match with many difficult situations. Correctly allowed the goal by Xander (34', no offside), with goals by Marulić (70', offside) and Frigo (78', offensive foul) correctly disallowed. Not awarding a penalty (64' - Kapodistrias played the ball) was confirmed by VAR. Consistently lenient in booking players, but all decisions were justifiable.

Both coaches sent their best starting elevens, with the notable exception of G.S.T.K. Fernsby being rotated out. Lamont Anthonisz came in. Some claim that Fernsby had taken a knock, however, the most common explanation was that Anthonisz was thought to be faster and stronger than Fernsby against several technically gifted Venetian players.

From kick-off, it was Venice dominating, but they did not quite do enough to truly endanger the goal of Vishnu McCall. A shot from the distance by Budinić (13') and a well-executed free kick by Liveralis (21') did require intervention by McCall, but the subsequent corner after the Liveralis free kick proved harmless. However, it was clear that Venice was the superior side in this match...
At least until Liveralis lost the ball to Benito Mussolini Anderson. A speedy player himself, he ran forward with the ball until an opportunity to pass the ball perfectly into the feet of Haymitch Xander opened up. At first, many thought it could have been offside, but - keeping to the new AHFA guidelines - the flag was not raised. And indeed, Xander outmuscled and outwitted both Kapodistrias and Tiozzo and scored! Kamara allowed the goal and the VAR only confirmed this decision! Haymitch Xander was on side! 1-0 Xander (34').

Domination on the part of Venice became stronger, not weaker, however, the Lions were somewhat shell-shocked by this successful counterattack and switched to a somewhat more defensive tactic in order not to run into more such counterattacks. Nothing much happened in front of any goal before half-time, the most dangerous opportunity being a shot from a tight angle on the right by Marulić (45'), easily saved by McCall.

The second half once again saw offensive moves by the Brunetti team. At first, success was limited though. And every Lions supporter was to panic soon after: Benito Mussolini Anderson, this time retrieving the ball from Dal Corso, ran forward again! He passed onto Kishore, from there out onto the left wing of Connor Davidson, who excellently crossed it to Haymitch Xander! Kapodistrias took him down, and immediately, Kamara pointed towards the spot! Penalty for Britain's Blackshirts (64')! Xander is pepared!
But Kamara shows the screen - VAR intervention! And after thoroughly reviewing the scenes, Kamara reverses his decision: No penalty for Britain, the game proceeds with a corner instead! Kapodistrias' tackle was fair and he had played the ball!

With the penalty decision reversed, it became a question of time when Venice would break through the British defence who put a valiant effort in. And six minutes later, it happened. Marulić outran Anthonisz and, having recieved the ball from Tiepolo, scored. However, Mohamadou Niane raised his flag immediately, and this time, no assistance was needed! The offside position was more narrow than many thought, but the decision was entirely correct!
The Blackshirts' lead lasted, but only eight more minutes. A corner was brought in by Tiepolo. The ball was cleared away by Vishnu McCall, but it landed with Tiepolo again, in a position too central and too far from the goal for a direct attempt at scoring. Tiepolo passed it towards the centre-right, where Frigo seemed open! The latter found the back of the net, taking down Fernandez in the process. And again, Kamara disallowed the goal. No video assistance was needed, but replays showed that the decision was correct once again: Frigo had committed an offensive foul.

After having two goals correctly disallowed, and several other chances stopped by the Blackshirts' defence (Vishnu McCall rarely had to intervene), the Brunetti team's morale plummeted. Another shot by Frigo was positioned too centrally and easily picked up by McCall (80') and Marulić's attempt from a distance of over 30 metres was deflected over the crossbar (87').
Thus, despite having fewer chances and fewer shots on target, due to a valiant defence in excellent form and a good refereeing performance, the Co-Operative Republic of Britain retained all three points! Venice, with just one point after three matches, has to win its last fixture against Colombia and most likely also hope that the group is not decided when they rest. Meanwhile, both New Catalonia and Gran Colombia are able to exploit the lapse...​

 

[Aztekk]

Referee: Joao Saraiva (Sao Paulo)

Yellow cards:
France: Virgil van Djik ('36), Sadio Mané ('79), Breel Embolo ('82)
The Philippines: Miguel Tañag ('55)

Red cards:
None

Player of the Match: Javier Patiño (the Philippines)

 

[Wings]

Match Day: Siberia vs Macedonia
San Felipe Stadium, Leon
Attendance: 88,500​

Rosters:
Siberia:
Alyosha
Matvey

68'
Nikolay
Pavel
Budimir
Pyotr (Alexey 65')
Kolya (Mikhail 83')
Stanislov
Kirill
Gischa
Avgustin (Egor 46')

Macedonia:
Saveski
Trajkovski
Aleksov
Solun
Pellas
Spasovski (Popov 83')
Attikaski
Ionski
Dardan (Rodic 83')
Kuber
Korab

Summary​

0' Kickoff between Siberia and Macedonia ! Macedonia need a win to keep themselves alive in this tournament and get some air as France skyrockets in the standings !

3' Things start off bleak for Macedonia, with Stanislov exploiting the weaknesses in the Macedonian defense and manages to get a cross in. Fortunately, it finds no one.

15' A good chance for Siberia ! Kolya finds Gischa alone 20m from goal. The Siberian striker shoots but it is no big worry for Saveski who saves it.

18' Another shot by Gischa goes over the bar. Despite not having possession, the Siberians counter-attacks are having a big effect on the Macedonian defense.

27' Finally a chance for Macedonia ! Good corner on the right side taken by Pellas goes onto Aleksov's head but his attempt goes slightly over the bar.

33' Macedonia have woken up. Spasovski finds Kuber but his run his a bit short and he loses the ball before entering the box.

37' Big chance for Macedonia ! The momentum builds up as Spasovski finds Dardan all alone. The left wing dribbles two Siberian defenders but his shot is deflected by Alyosha !

40' Siberia react with a swift counter-offensive but Avgustin's shot goes wide.

42' Another corner kick for Macedonia goes over the box menacingly. The ball is repulsed into Dardan's shoes but the left wing just cannot hit the net.

45+1' Half-Time here in Leon ! No team has managed to find an advantage but Macedonia seem to be racking up some momentum. Let's see if Siberia can react in the second half.

46' Before the game restarts, Siberia make a substitution. Avgustin is off the pitch while Egor comes on.

51' Nothing much happens in these first five minutes. Macedonia have control but fail to deliver anything worthwhile from it.

54' And just as we say this...goal for Macedonia ! Korab is brought down 27 meters from goal and this gives a free kick to the Sunbursts. Dardan delivers a perfect ball to Solun who scores ! 1-0 !

60' The wind has been blown off Siberia's sails. They cannot react.

65' Another substitution for Siberia as Pyotr comes off, replaced by Alexey.

68' Frustration is showing on Siberia's side. Matvey is booked after tugging a bit too roughly on Dardan's shirt.

72' Macedonia continue going forward. Kuber attempts a shot but it goes slightly over the bar.

83' Triple substitution. Siberia remove Kolya from the pitch, replaced by Mikhail, while Macedonia bring out Spasovski and Dardan in favor of Popov and Rodic.

90+2' The final whistle is blown. Siberia haven't put up a fight after conceding the goal while Macedonia have done the bear minimums to secure their lead. Macedonia get an all important 3 points here.

Siberia 0 - 1 Macedonia​

Solun (54')​

Stats:
Shots on Target: 1 - 2
Possession: 35 - 65
Yellow Cards: 1 - 0
Red Cards: 0 - 0
Man of the Match: Marjan Dardan (Macedonia)

 

[Capibara]

Of Football, Food and Videogames
Today: Transylvania vs. Wales​

Hello, my dear readers! I have some great news, today I finally had the chance to attend a World Cup match and didn’t have to wrestle with my work internet connection to watch the games. Thanks to a friend, I managed to secure a couple of tickets for the Transylvania-Wales match, which is probably the best first-round game we’ll have here in Puebla, besides the one between the Great Lakes Republic and Milan last week.

So today’s report will be a little different, as it is one thing to watch a game on your TV or laptop and another to go to the stadium, especially when the game is a World Cup one. I left work early and picked up Liz and headed for the stadium, its surroundings already abuzz with fans from both European nations.

Some Transylvanian fans were even dressed up as vampires, while their rivals sang nonstop those beautiful chants in Welsh that I, as you know, love so much. Of course, my conationals didn’t waste the opportunity to witness another World Cup game and filled the stadium, supporting Transylvania and Wales alike.

It was a great game, with both sides attacking all the time and possession equally divided between both of the teams, even though shoots on goal were a bit scarce during the first half of the game, where the most exciting thing was a dog running into the pitch and Hálasz getting booked for reminding Ramsey of his mother, or something like that, I’m not that fluent in Hungarian, specially when I have to read lips.

Second half was another story, with the Welsh almost scoring at least three times, making Kapolcs earn his pay. It was at about halfway the second half that Lingard stole the ball in midfield, and sending a magnificent pass to Rhydbrech, who just had to delicately lob the ball over Kapolcs to give the Welsh the advantage.

Wales then proceeded to fall back a bit, trying to put under lock that 1-0, also known as their first victory in the tournament. However, fate had something else in mind. When it seemed the Welsh would get their first victory, enter Kende István, who finally made the Welsh fans go silent, as he sent the ball to the back of the net with a precise header after a cross by Landau for the 1-1. Bale was so angry, claiming that the Transylvanian was offside that he earned a yellow card, poor lad.

Poor Wales, that result would’ve given them 4 points, now they’re stuck with Canada and Novorossiya with 1 point each, while the Transylvanians keep Group E's first spot, ahead of Sao Paulo by one point, who have one match less.

I think it is becoming clear who will advance in this group, but I’ll tell you more about it in my next entry. Remember that tonight, I’ll be streaming the new Animal Crossing game, which will include some World Cup flavor. Don’t miss it!

Lineups:
Transylvania: Kapolcs, Péter, Simon, Kogalniceaunu, Apród (Christmann, 78’), Halász, Dezső, Landau, Bârladeanu, Gulyás (Nostitz, 70’), István
Wales: Hydd, Roberts (Mepham, 54’), Williams, Keane, Dyfed, Iago (Vaulks, 70’), Ramsey, Allen, Lingard, Rhydbrech, Bale

Goals:
0-1 Rhydbrech, 68’
1-1 István, 86’

Yellow cards:
Transylvania: Halász, 14’, Simon, 56’
Wales: Bale, 88’

 

[Gust]

Canada and Novorossiya left with scraps, face elimination

It was not the game that anyone had wanted. But it was what most observers had expected from two of the worst teams in group E.

It can very well be argued that the match did not have the quality to deserve to be played at the Aztlán Arena in Mexican prime time. Nevertheless, the game did deliver in entertainment. Plenty of chances were created by both teams, making it a thrill to watch. Especially from the start, when Canadian Peter Roger made it 1-0 after 10 minutes.

The game stayed pretty even as Novorossiya dominated the last ten minutes of the first half. Nazariy Lagunov came close to scoring, but hit the post despite being one-on-one against Canadian goalkeeper John Tremblay.

The story was pretty much the same after the break. That is until Novorossiya, in the form of midfielder Grigoriy Vasilev, made it 1-1 on a penalty given for handball after 54 minutes.

From there on both teams struggled to take the win, but neither succeeded despite the efforts. Both teams needing a win made it entertaining, but also made it sadder knowing that the incoming result would likely eliminate both teams.

As the clock ticked away it became clear that the result would stay. Novorossiya would be eliminated from the tournament. Canada meanwhile needs to win their remaining two games to even have a theoretical chance of qualifying.

Canada 1-1 Novorossiya​

Roger 10'

Vasilev 54'​

 

[New Britain Mapping]

Match 45 - Belgium vs Banat

Banat
Roster (23 players)
Goalkeepers:
1 Dragoljub Velimirović
12 Ivan Tatarescu
23 Paul Freisler

Defenders:
2 Bogoljub Lazarević (Captain)
6 Risto Darković
15 Sergiu Ionesco
3 Vasile Barbu
22 Pataki Rajmund
14 Raoul Heidler
11 Eckhardt Hartjenstein

Midfielders:
5 Ljuba Ugljanin
10 Arsenije Živanović
20 Antonio Torje
13 Wawrzyniec Wisz
4 Calin Paler
8 Fábián Adrián
19 Gabriel Stieler

Forwards:
7 Ilija Blagojević
9 Tiberiu Stefan
16 Antonio Hurgoi
17 Szilágyi Vince
21 Kozma Benjámin
18 Paweł Garbacz
Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Dragoljub Velimirović
Defenders: Bogoljub Lazarević (Captain), Vasile Barbu, Risto Darković and Eckhardt Hartjenstein
Midfielders: Ljuba Ugljanin, Calin Paler, Fábián Adrián and Arsenije Živanović
Forwards: Ilija Blagojević and Tiberiu Stefan

Belgium
1 Thibaut Courtois - plays for Real Madrid (SP)
12 Simon Mignolet - plays for Club Républicain de Bruges (FR)
20 Anthony Moris - plays for RE Virton (BEL)

2 Toby Alderweireld - plays for Tottenham Hotspurs (ENG)
3 Thomas Meunier - plays for Club Républicain de Paris (FR)
4 Perr Schuurs - plays for Ajax (NL)
5 Laurent Jans - plays for Paderborn 07 (PFS)
14 Chris Philipps - plays for Legia Warschau (PL)
27 Stijn Wuyters- plays for AZ (NL)

6 Axel Witsel - plays for Vorwärts Dortmund (PFS)
7 Nacer Chadli - plays for RSC Anderlecht (BEL) (sent off)
10 Yannick Carasco - plays for Atlético Madrid (SP)
14 Vincent Thill - plays for Orléans (FR)
16 Hans Vanaken - plays for Club Républicain de Bruges (FR)
18 Siebe Schrijvers - plays for Club Républicain de Bruges (FR)
19 Sébastien Thill - plays for Progrès Niederkorn (BEL)

8 Dries Mertens (C) - plays for Société Generale-Sportive Parthenopéenne (FR)
9 Kevin Mirallas - plays for Club Républicain d'Anvers (FR)
11 Sam Lammers - plays for PSV (BEL)
13 Roy Beerens - plays for Vitesse Arnhem (NL)
15 Daniel Da Mota - plays for Racing Luxemburg FC (BEL)

Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Meunier and Perr Schuurs
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Nacer Chadli, Yannick Carasco and Vincent Thill
Forwards: Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas and Sam Lammers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST HALF

1' The match kicks off!

6' Belgian Kevin Mirallas takes a shot but it sadly fails.
SHOTS: BANAT 0-1 BELGIUM

9' Banatian Tiberiu Stefan attempts a long-range shot but it fails.
SHOTS: BANAT 1-1 BELGIUM

19' Toby Alderweireld tackles Ilija Blagojević and he gets a yellow card.

31' Axel Witsel attempts to shoot but it does fail.
SHOTS: BANAT 1-2 BELGIUM

(Referee signals a 4-minute added time)

HALF TIME
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND HALF

56' Banatian Tiberiu Stefan attempts to shoot but it fails because of a wonderful save by goalkeeper Thibaut Cortois.
SHOTS: BANAT 2-2 BELGIUM

70' GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!! TIBERIU STEFAN HAS DONE IT!!!!!!
SHOTS: BANAT 3-2 BELGIUM
GOAL! BANAT 1-0 BELGIUM

71' The Banatian fans have just celebrated crazy! The match resumes.

83' Nacer Chadli tackles Tiberiu Stefan and he's injured. Nacer Chadli is sent off!
MEN: BANAT 11-10 BELGIUM

84' A substitution has happened for both teams:
Banat: Tiberiu Stefan off - Antonio Hurgoi on
Belgium: Sam Lammers off - Daniel Da Mota on

(Referee signals a 5 minute added time)

FULL TIME
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goals:
Banat 1-0 Belgium
Shots:
Banat 3-2 Belgium
Possession:
Banat 50%-50% Belgium
Goal Times:
Banat: 70'

Yellow Cards:
Banat:
Belgium: Toby Alderweireld

Red Cards:
Banat:
Belgium: Nacer Chadli

Man of the Match:
Banat: Tiberiu Stefan

DING DONG!

 

[riskyrofl]

Goalkeeping heroics from Yan Jingling the highlight of the match, as China and Viti held to
0-0 draw in Chihuahua

Group H remains wide open while China's goal was closed up. The Warriors had the majority of chances and must feel that they could have gotten more from this game.

​

It was uncharacteristically cloudy in Chihuahua as the two sides, both on three points, took to the field for a game that I really felt either could win. China had been confidently swept aside by a Banat team after a win against Patagonia, while Viti had beaten Banat in a close match to begin their campaign. For both sides it represented an important win to secure before the challenge of facing Belgium.

It was Viti who would come bursting out, creating a series of crosses and inside runs in the first 25 minutes, while China struggled to respond. Raiwalui, in particular, stood out as he broke down repeated Chinese attacks before distributing to the wings in his position as a defensive midfielder. Despite the efforts of Feng Jin and Hao Junmin, China looked absolutely toothless, while manager Arsene Wenger sat glumly in the technical area. Viti had studied the Chinese loss against Banat, perhaps, or perhaps China had been flattered by their win against Patagonia.

Viti's best chance of the half came as the ball was worked to Dolokoto, who placed the ball to his right, into the path of the speeding Bolawaqatabu. Clear on goal, the winger smashed it into the top left. Almost the perfect goal, but for the fingertips of Yan Jingling. A chance for China soon followed, as the Dragons caught Viti on the break from a corner. It was Raiwalui, in a Claude Makelele-esque sprint and lunge who managed to clean deny Hao-wei a chance on goal.

The second half followed in match the same fashion. Despite possesion being roughly equal, Viti was creating chances while China was not, quite simply. Jingling made several saves to deny Viti their goal, China meanwhile seemed willing to play for set pieces. Will Donkin did graze the crossbar from an impressive free-kick, but for the most part the Chinese set-pieces were no more effective than their attempts from play. Ming Tian came on for a struggling Ting-Yang, and to Wenger's credit the substitute was crucial to denying Viti numerous chances on their right flank. Viti did find other opportunities, a volley from Qera and a long-ranged effort from Nacewa both required strong goalkeeping. Viti will also regret missing several chances, most egregiously example being a 3-2 situation that resulted in Naqelavuki, with a clear shot only a few yards out, blasting the ball into the stands.

Viti's threat upfront wavered as the sides tired. China had managed to ride their luck and the game dragged out to a stalemate in the last 15 minutes. Bainimarama, Voka and Koroilavesau each received yellows as Viti showed some frustration. Dolokoto managed a last chance for Viti as a deflceted shot from Koroilavesau landed at the strikers feet, but once again, the unbeatable man-of-the-match, Yan Jingling was there to deny Viti.

Today's match was a strange one, much of the game felt, equal, and that is reflected in the possesion, 52-48 to Viti. Viti however managed to get the ball everywhere that it mattered, and despite this they, somehow, failed to score. China rode their luck indeed, now the question is, do they have enough luck left for Belgium in their final match? Viti too will face the Belgians, as well as the Patagonians, and will have felt that three points today would have made them feel much more comfortable going into those two crucial matches.

 

[lotrian]

Hi rascals! Today begins in style with a Germany-Great Lakes, not stung from the beetles! Let's go?

Germany already won 2-0 against Turkestan, but was forced to a draw by Nova Holandia.

Great Lakes only played against Milan so far, to whom they lost 1-2.

Apparently on the German side, we would start on a 3-4-2-1 with the left piston Grynszpan and the trio NTT-Sójka-Sarr on the front. Why not. Oh, by the way, I’ll be referring to Nguyễn Tất Thành as NTT, like many commenters.

The hell of the North Coasters before taking on the Milanese fury. This is the program for this Germany.

The roster for the United Neutral Team (Germany):

Kocyła

Sulzberger – Hachadi - D'Egidio

Grynszpan – Wolff – Roth - Mohr

Tất Thành – Sójka - Sarr



The roster for the Great Lakes republic (GLR), playing in 4-4-2. They align a mix of players playing at home and in Europe. It is interesting to note that none of GLR’s starting midfielders are natural wingers:

Steffen

Lichaj-Brooks-Ream-Cannon

McKennie-Stanko-Mihailovic-Pineda

Pulisic-Sargent





1’ – Ready? Fire!

4’ - It starts timidly, all that.

9’ - The run of Super Eric Lichaj! Sargent did not conclude, Hachadi was on his side.

12’ - Hop hop hop the mess on the first German corner! Serene Steffen.

14’ – Eric Lichaj warned: Thou shall not pass!

16’ – This boy Mihailovic’s got skills.

17’ – Headshot over the goal for D’Egidio, the tractor of Trento.

18’ - Perfect cover of Cannon in front of Mohr...

18’ - ... Then absolute butcher tackle on this same Mohr. Unless the former Nantes player shouted more than necessary ... A match inside of the match, as they say. Referee says “Keep on playing!”

20’- Oooooooooooooh Cannon’s handplay on the corner .............. VAR?

The man in yellow, by the name of Eric Wattellier, will watch the footage. It's long ... Your opinion on VAR my friends? It's something we haven't talked about much, anyway.

21’ – PENALTY FOR GERMANY!

It’s Grynszpan who will take his chance.

STEFFEN PUSHES IT BACK ON HIS RIGHT! BUT GRYNSZPAN WILL HAVE A SECOND TRY! Well, the goalkeeper was some good 2-3 meters away from his line at the time of the strike. But without Grynszpan’s feint, the keeper was in a lawful position. Boarf.

Yellow card for Zach Steffen in the cacophony.

22’ - It's for Sójka now! What a shame…

GOAAAAAAAL! Germany 1-0 Great Lakes

Sójka doesn’t miss the chance to score his penalty! He celebrates in front of GLR’s fans and tease them.

The North Coasters are really going mad, and we can understand them.

The referee is having a hard time getting everyone back to play as GLR players are arguing about the fool play they feel they have been cheated with.

Lichaj is very upset. He must remain cool if he wants to avoid getting booked.

24’ – Everyone seems to have cooled down a bit now and the match can resume.

29’ - Pulisic too short on a cross from the left. Let’s get down to work, my North Coaster friends.

32’ – Sójka too shy on the good corner kick by Grynszpan.

33’ - Ouuuuuuutch Grynszpan smashing McKennie's shin guard. This came close to disaster. Yellow card for the German.

35’- WOOW! NTT has just successfully completed a double small bridge! He’s caught back by Hachadi who commits a fool.

36’ – GOAAAAAL!!!!!!!

On the free-kick provoked by NTT, Roth takes a volley from the left foot at the far post!

Amazing goal for Germany!

Germany 2-0 GLR

42’- Steffen on parade on a vicious strike from Grynszpan!! It’s getting unbreathable for the North Coasters.

45’- Referee informs of 3 minutes of extra time, considering all the mess that happened at the time of the penalty.

45+3’- HALF TIME! 2-0 for the United Neutral Team, the Great Lakes Republic better start driving all their anger into some result on the field for the second half.



Eric Lichaj (GLR) on the mic “Inevitably there is a lot of anger, we are always penalized in the same way. Germany anyway, without penalty, it is a very average team so the referees should wake up at some point."



46’ – Ready for the second half!

49’ - A bit of a hurry Steffen, 45 minutes left, take the time you guys need.

53’ – Lichaj’s on fire! Come on!

55’- Germany looks like they’re sinking… Even if now Mohr is saving the corner kick.

58’ - The rocket Grynszpan almost gave another goal to NTT! The run was perfect.

63’ – Sojka dances in the box, but can’t do anything against the comeback of Brooks.

65’ - Cannon rides on the left! But Wolff made the effort.

67’ – Six fouls commited by Germany in the second half, none by GLR.

69’ - Goal denied to Sarr for an NTT offside! The poor man had already started celebrating. But no VAR this time, at least. Very strange by the way, this goal.

71’ - Corner messed up by Pulisic, then a difficult shot from Stanko. “Insert annoyed emoji”.

73’ – Nice shot by NTT after a long rush. Steffen blocks it.

75’ – No one wants to make substitutions in this match? Isn’t there 11 players on the bench waiting to make a difference?

77’ - Sójka had made a superb oriented control but slipped like a dump on his strike. Rah.

79’ – At last, the first substitutions: GLR changes two players. Ethan Finlay, a real winger, enters for McKennie, and the veteran Brian McBride, 47 years old, make his entrance instead of Sargent.

83’- Big fight on the corner, the German defense is doing well, but Sulzberger took a big buffer.

84’ – Substitution for Germany: Tomáš Šindelář enters, NTT gets out.

86’ - This is nonsense, this end of the match. Wolff was knocked out after a shock, and the GLR coach was booked.

88’ – Last substitution for GLR: Gutjahr in, Pineda out.

89’ - Ball stung from McBride to Gutjahr which stung in the 6 meters box. The same as Neymar to Sergi Roberto, an evening in March 2017. Less success.

90+1’ – GLR didn’t place any shot on target.

90+2’ – Substitution for Germany: Sójka out, Berthold Frucht goes in, his last international appearance was on the 8th of April 2018, for a 5-0 win against… Great Lakes Republic!

90+4’ - END! Heavy atmosphere in San Ildefonso, United Neutral Team imposes itself without manner and without having really trembled either. See you next time? Take care of yourself, long live free football!





United Neutral Team 2-0 Great Lakes Republic

(Sójka 22’, Roth 36’)



It’s looking good for Germany which collected 7 points in 3 matches and takes the lead in the group. On the other hand, Great Lakes is clearly in difficulty, collecting no point in their 2 matches so far.

North Coaster football legend Michael Jackson (here while playing for Provençal team OGC Nice) once said "Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win."

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

from pilkarski.mm
​

Turkestan:

Coach: Vadim Abramov

Lineup:

Stas Pokatilov

Nuralı Ălip (89' Temırlan Erlanulı)
Valery Kichin
Yehor Krimets

Arslanmırat Armaulı
Bauırjan Erbosınulı
Güljigit Alıkunulı (68' Forhod Firaydunulı)
Batur Ötkür (38' Temırxan Niyazulı)

Vitaly Lux
Vahıd Orazsahedulı
Şahrom Samulı

Nova Holanda

Coach: Hendrik van Barneveld

Lineup:

Isac Quaresma da Silva

Christian Binot
Erwin Gabriel Militão
Marcel Vieira da Silva
Edwin de Boer

Leonardo do Nascimento
(74' Jan Wever)Leendert Snijer
Simon Cruijf

Romarinho da Souza Faria
(53' Karel Winterink) Paulo Taffarel
(86' Sócrates Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira) Arthur Wilhelmus Ramos de Oliveira Melo
​

Turkestan 1 - 3 Nova Holanda

Goals: 1-0 Güljigit Alıkunulı (14')
1-1 Karel Winterink (54')
1-2 Simon Cruijf (72')
1-3 Arslanmırat Armaulı (86') (o.g.)

Referee: Wawrzyniec Polcyn (Miedżymorze) - Grade C+:
No decisive mistakes. It was correct to retract the penalty for Turkestan (44' - foul outside the box) and to He dished out yellow cards and set pieces too harshly. Booking Ãlip (28') is harsh, but still correct, but yellow cards for Snijer (13') and Erbosınulı (85') were not justified.

To many people's surprise - against one of the stronger teams of the group - established Turkestani striker Aibekulı was given a match on the bench to rest, despite no injuries that we know of. Rumour has it that Orazsahedulı was chosen because of his better speed, however, some media outlets are also citing a lack of discipline, possibly related to the speeding incident, on the part of Aibekulı.
On the other side, van Barneveld brought his strongest starting eleven onto the pitch.

Everyone expected dominating play and a lot of ball possession on the part of the Canaries, but it was not to be. The Golden Eagles from Central Asia pressed early on, the van Barneveld side made unusually many mistakes, and the amount of ball possession in the first minutes of the match ended up about equal, slightly better for the Abramov side. However, no real chances were created as of yet.
Until Snijer unfairly tackled Alıkunulı in a harmless position in midfield. The former was booked - too harsh - and a free kick awarded to the Golden Eagles. And it was Alıkunulı who initiated play, at first with a short pass to Armaulı. He passed to Batur Ötkür, and both Christian Binot and Leonardo do Nascimento were outrun. The cross itself did not prove dangerous, though - Vieira da Silva easily cleared it, out for a corner. Batur Ötkür brought the corner in. Chaos in the penalty box ensued, an attempt by Lux hit the post, but it was Güljigit alıkunulı who got hold of the ball quickest! He only had to put his foot in, and the ball went over the line! 1-0 Güljigit Alıkunulı (14')!

Nova Holanda was furious, but it was the Turkestani defence and midfield who controlled this match. The most dangerous situations were an excellent free kick, taken by Romarinho. His direct free kick landed in the dangerous area, but instead of a Canary, Nuralı Ălip was the fastest to get to the ball, clearing it out for a throw-in (33'). On the other side, counterattacks did make for some danger: Erwin Gabriel Militão had to clear a cross from Şahrom Samulı at the cost of a corner (20'), and after a fair, but robust tackling by Edwin de Boer (38') - Batur Ötkür was injured and had to be carried off the pitch - a free kick was awarded to Turkestan. Vitaly Lux crossed the ball into the penalty box, onto Şahrom Samulı, whose header was saved at the last moment by Isac Quaresma da Silva.

But it was another wave by the fast and determined Golden Eagles which was to prove even more dangerous. Arslanmırat Armaulı outran Christian Binot, initiating a sequence of play at the end of which Temırxan Niyazulı, from the right wing, dribbled towards the centre. And he was stopped by a robust tackle from Marcel Vieira da Silva! Polcyn, after a few seconds of deliberation, pointed to the spot - a penalty for Turkestan?
The VAR team contacted Polcyn, he showed the screen gesture, and after minutes of studying and deliberating, he retracted the penalty. And this decision was entirely correct: The foul took place outside the penalty box, and thus, only a free kick was awarded, if from quite an advantageous position. However, Leonardo do Nascimento had no problem clearing the ball and the Orange Canaries kept possession until half-time.

The match being 1-0 to Turkestan was humiliating to Nova Holanda, and van Barneveld needed to revise his strategy. The first move to do so, after an inconsequential first few minutes in the second half, was to take off ineffective Paulo Taffarel for Karel Winterink. The substitution was done after the ball landed out. It was a Turkestani who last touched it, so Nova Holanda got a throw-in.
And Romarinho threw the ball to Leonardo do Nascimento, who passed to Snijer, to Cruijf, back to Romarinho, who crossed it - within the penalty area - to Karel Winterink! His header left Pokatilov with no chance! 1-1 Karel Winterink (54')!
The defence of the Golden Eagles was broken. And from this point onwards, Nova Holanda was in control. However, they could not assume total control of the game - on a counterattack, a shot by Orazsahedulı could just be parried over the crossbar by Isac Quaresma da Silva (69')
Nova Holanda, though, no longer could afford to be shocked - and they indeed were not. A bad pass by Erbosınulı gained Leonardo do Nascimento the ball. Over many more passes, mainly in the centre, it ended up on Simon Cruijf's foot in a centre-left position, 21 metres in front of the goal. He dribbled a few metres, just into the penalty area, outwitting Kichin in the process, and finished! Into the centre! Pokatilov should have saved that - a clear mistake on his part! 1-2 Simon Cruijf (72')!

And this match was decided. Nova Holanda resorted to a balanced approach now, keeping the ball to themselves, but also trying offensive play whenever a possibility opens up. And indeed, Romarinho's shot (78') went just wide of the goal, though Pokatilov did not have to intervene. Late in the game, the opportunity presented itself once again after a mistake by Erbosınuli. Wever had the ball, playing it onto Cruijf. The latter was in a position too far left to directly shoot, but he clearly saw Romarinho had run into a much better position just to the right of the goalkeeper, less than seven metres in front of goal.
Simon Cruijf crossed the ball in - but instead of finding Romarinho, the ball was intercepted by Arslanmırat Armaulı. He tried to deflect it, but unfortunately, it found the back of the net instead with a badly aimed, but fast header! Pokatilov had no chance, the first own goal of the tournament was scored! 1-3 Arslanmırat Armaulı (86', own goal)!

The last minutes of the match passed with neither Nova Holanda nor Turkestan trying anything more. Nova Holanda kept the ball to themselves for the most part - but, though the result seems clear, at least for seventy minutes, Turkestan and Nova Holanda were on equal footing... ​

 

[Capibara]

DIARIO IMPERIAL

Mexico seals its pass to the next round at the expense of Australia
The hosts will now define first place in the group with Provence ​

After a uncertain start, the Feathered Serpents have reached once again the playing level that has characterized them in recent years, defeating Australia and proving to the world that they are a serious contender for the title. On the other hand, the Australians, despite their victories against Khemia and Tibet, were left without a chance to advance to the round of 16, as they were left with 6 points, while both Mexico and Provence now have 7 units.

The match was played at the Grand Stadium under the scorching Monterrey sun, forcing the referee to stop the game a couple of times so that the players could drink water and recover a bit. Miguel Herrera decided to repeat the lineup that paid off against Khemia, while Australia also didn't vary much in the lineup used in their previous three games.

As expected from before the game, Mexico came out to attack from the start, with Pizarro, Lozano and Jiménez leading the attack again, cornering the Australians in a matter of minutes. The Australians were determined to draw a tie that would allow them to stay alive and, if luck smiled on them, a counterattack goal that would give them the victory, but never without attacking openly, at the cost of being thrashed by the Mexicans.

Despite continued Aztec insistence during the first half, including a shot from outside the area by Giovani Dos Santos that hit the crossbar, and a header by Jiménez into Ryan's hands, the Socceros' strategy worked very well throughout the first half and a good part of the second. However, with the entry of veteran striker Oribe Peralta in place of Jonathan dos Santos and with Edson Álvarez advancing forward, things changed, as Mexico began to create more danger and dismantle any of the few opportunities that Australia had.

It was finally at the 78th minute when Miguel Layún crossed the ball from the left wing, which was lightly combed by Oribe Peralta, and found the leg of Raúl Jiménez, who deflected the ball enough to put it out of Ryan's reach and send it to the back of the goal. With this, the Australian strategy collapsed, as they were now forced to seek the equalizer goal, as defeat would leave them out of the tournament. For this reason, Arnold sent Cawley and Bradic to the field, in a desperate attempt to find the goal as they had not done throughout the game.

Despite their attempts, all they got was for Mexico to score the goal that ensured their victory: after an attack in which almost the entire Australian team went to the front, Salcedo cleared the ball, which was taken by Rodolfo Pizarro, who proceeded to accelerate to the other side of the pitch and passed the ball Jiménez, who was left alone in front of Ryan and surpassed him with a low shot to the opposite post, scoring his second goal of the night and his fourth of the tournament.

With this result Australia says goodbye to the tournament, while Mexico is tied in absolutely everything with Provence, so their games against Tibet and Khemia respectively will define the winner of group A, who will face second place in group B, while the one who is left behind will go against the winner of this group.

Lineups:
Mexico: Ochoa, Layún, Mier (Cisneros, 90'), Salcedo, Gallardo, Álvarez, dos Santos (Peralta, 65'), dos Santos, Pizarro, Jiménez, Lozano
Australia: Ryan, Daly, Cahill, Kennedy, Shah (Cawley, 80'), Killy (Bradic, 80'), de las Cuevas, Tusveld, Posner, Kennedy, Perichon

Goals:
1-0 Raul Jiménez, 78’
2-0 Raul Jiménez, 88’

Yellow cards:
None

 

[Aztekk]

Referee: Marcus Crowley (Canada)

Yellow cards:
Khemia: Ahmer El Solia ('29), Mena Hamed ('55), Ibrahim Wahba ('58)
Tibet: Tenzin Gyeltshen ('73)

Red cards:
None

Player of the Match: Arthur Tshering (Tibet)

 

[Wings]

Leon and Castille Slam the Caribbean to secure first place in Group B​

The match between Leon/Castille and the Caribbean was widely regarded as the battle for first place in Group B. Raheem Sterling's squad was shown as underdogs but still capable of putting up a fight against the Leonese. However, the Caribbean squad were very unlucky in front of goal. During the first half only, Sterling saw his shot saved by Blanco (28') while Beauvais would hit the post soon after (34'). Leon on the other hand would also miss their chance, Aspas seeing his header saved by Vazquez (38'), but scoring early on thanks to Felix (6') definetly helped them secure the game. The Caribbean didn't stop attacking though, Bailey hitting the bar soon into the second half (57'). Their attempts would be stopped dead in their tracks as Leon and Castille started putting much more pressure, with Fernandes' free kick finding the Caribbean top left corner (70') and Aspas would seal the deal a few minutes later (88') to the joy of his team.

Leon and Castille 3 - 0 Caribbean​

Felix 8'
Fernandes 70'
Aspas 88'

 

[Gust]

Iran dominates Rhodesia, sends them home.

Shojaei secured Iran the win this game​

It was unlikely either of these two teams were going to make their way out of the group stage. But even so, this was their best chance of getting a win in this tournament.

Rhodesia started with a big chance. Striker Rudi Fraser had a great shot from outside the box, only stopped by goalkeeper Payam Niazmand. This would be Rhodesia’s only real chance this match.

For most of the rest of the match, Iran dominated the game especially in terms of possession. This would eventually lead to chances. Midfielder and Irani captain Mehran Shojaei would make it 1-0 for Iran after 38 minutes.

Iran would continue to dominate the second half. And while Rhodesia didn’t give up, they never managed to hold onto the ball to be able to get the chances they needed. Iran would make it 2-0 with a great goal from striker Mehran Sohrabi after 70 minutes. This would be the final result.

Rhodesia is now eliminated from the tournament, though their game next Monday against Ragusa could have implications for who makes it through the group. Iran however still have a theoretical chance of making it through.

Iran 2-0 Rhodesia​

Shojaei 38'
Sohrabi 70'