EMU 2018
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EMU 2018
This is the official thread for this summer's EMU Championships, to be held in Mercury between 7th July and 21st July! The final draw has taken place, with the tournament's two groups looking like this:
Group A
Hoenn
Mercury
New Vaduz
Nova English Korea
Group B
Caputia
Nova England
Passas
Talenore
Teams are now open to submit their 20-man squads (with two named goalkeepers), and these must be received by Monday July 2nd to avoid FMF player selection. Fixtures and dates shall be announced shortly!
Group A
Hoenn
Mercury
New Vaduz
Nova English Korea
Group B
Caputia
Nova England
Passas
Talenore
Teams are now open to submit their 20-man squads (with two named goalkeepers), and these must be received by Monday July 2nd to avoid FMF player selection. Fixtures and dates shall be announced shortly!
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Re: EMU 2018
Fixtures
7th July
Group A: Mercury vs. New Vaduz
Group A: Hoenn vs. Nova English Korea
Group B: Caputia vs. Talenore
Group B: Nova England vs. Passas
10th July
A: Nova English Korea vs. New Vaduz
A: Hoenn vs. Mercury
B: Talenore vs. Passas
B: Caputia vs. Nova England
13th July
A: Mercury vs. Nova English Korea
A: New Vaduz vs. Hoenn
B: Nova England vs. Talenore
B: Passas vs. Caputia
17th July
Semi-final: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B
Semi-final: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A
21st July
Third-place: Loser Semi-final 1 vs. Loser Semi-final 2
FINAL: Winner Semi-final 1 vs. Winner Semi-final 2
7th July
Group A: Mercury vs. New Vaduz
Group A: Hoenn vs. Nova English Korea
Group B: Caputia vs. Talenore
Group B: Nova England vs. Passas
10th July
A: Nova English Korea vs. New Vaduz
A: Hoenn vs. Mercury
B: Talenore vs. Passas
B: Caputia vs. Nova England
13th July
A: Mercury vs. Nova English Korea
A: New Vaduz vs. Hoenn
B: Nova England vs. Talenore
B: Passas vs. Caputia
17th July
Semi-final: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B
Semi-final: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A
21st July
Third-place: Loser Semi-final 1 vs. Loser Semi-final 2
FINAL: Winner Semi-final 1 vs. Winner Semi-final 2
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Re: EMU 2018
Goalkeepers
1. Jonathan FOSTER (Tow Law FC, 27)
12. Callum BAILEY (Mercury City, 30)
Defenders
2. Ryan BISHOP (May Wanderers, 32)
3. Stephen CHARLTON (Sverige Tiem FC, 31)
4. Chris DEACON (Dynamo Deacon, 26)
5. Paul MCEWAN (Dynamo Deacon, 30)
13. Daniel HANNERBY (Tow Law FC, 21)
16. Michael FISHER (Kateki Blavisen FK, 27)
Midfielders
6. James BISHOP (Bohemian Rhapsodies, 29)
7. William FRESNEL (Tow Law FC, 27)
8. Stephen RYDBERG (May Wanderers, 30)
9. Wilmont FIZEAU-BLAKE (Cook Island FC, 29)
14. Ben SHEARER (Mercury City, 26)
15. William BENTHAM (Tow Law FC, 27)
18. Samson YATESBY (Cook Island FC, 23)
Forwards
10. Joe FOXON (Tow Law FC, 24)
11. Jack PARTRIDGE (Xäiville Teflons, 27)
17. Addey HANBURY (Cook Island FC, 23)
19. Michael JOLLIFFE (Kealb FC, 27)
20. Frank LAURIE (Mullen Albion, 20)
Re: EMU 2018
THE RAYQUAZA
Hoenn's National Men's Soccer Team
Formation: 4-2-1-3
Manager: Zazawa Eiji
Goalkeepers
1. MIYAGI Genji (24, 1.FC Takamatsu)
12. NISHIWAKI Satoshi (19, Kagawa County S.C.)
Defensemen
2. KAWANO Morikazu (20, Sinnoh International [non-FMF])
3. FUJIWARA Katsuya (26, Queen Athletic [MER])
4. ONISHI Junpei (23, Psyche A.C.)
5. TANAKA Makoto (23, Lilycove 1904 F.C.)
13. SUZUHARA Katsumi (25, Blackthorn Dragons [non-FMF])
14. RI Jae-suk (20, Lilycove 1904 F.C.)
Midfielders
6. MATSUSHINA Chojiro (26, Sevii Islands F.C. [non-FMF])
7. NAGANO Taro (22, Rubello Town A.C.)
8. OCHI Fujio (25, Toɂshima F.C.)
15. KAKUTAMA Akeno (30, Orlando City S.C. [non-FMF])
16. YAMAUCHI Ken (23, Miyaco United [non-FMF])
17. MATSUI Ayumu (24, Racing Club [non-FMF])
Forwards
9. HIGASHI Masamichi (29, Lavaridge A.C.)
10. HAN Seung-eun (24, Magyar A.C. [non-FMF])
11. SATO Naoki (26, Tosa Province F.C.)
18. SAKAMOTO Shuhei (25, Littleroot A.F.C.)
19. MURAKAMI Reizo (27, Lavaridge A.C.)
20. HAMADA Umanosuka (19, Lavaridge A.C.)
Hâlian, Magic: The Gathering player/baseball and gridiron fan/computer guy/conlinguist and worldbuilder/tabletop and video game fan too
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Re: EMU 2018
*Played 7th July*
Group A
Group A
Mercury 3-0 New Vaduz
71' - J. Bishop
76' - J. Partridge
84' - J. Partridge
Hosts Mercury made a perfect start to proceedings in the EMU Championships as they overcame a poor New Vaduz side in the tournament's first match. An opening ceremony filled with Mercurian yellow and white made way for the action, which began at high tempo, with Mercury creating a number of chances in the first few minutes. Fortunately for the New Vaduzians, attempted shots by both Joe Foxon and Jack Partridge were snatched at and wayward. New Vaduz recorded just one shot throughout the first half, an indication of Mercury's dominance over a side that only narrowly managed to qualify from its evenly-matched group, with Imre Lichsteiner's optimistic shot floating straight into Jonathan Foster's gloves. Mercury were held into the break, however, but their persistent attacks and improved shooting - with Tom Wise called into action more - gave a feeling of when, rather than if, they would score.
The second half was more fruitful for the hosts, who scored almost instantaneously from the kick-off, only for captain Foxon's chipped finish to be ruled-out for an offside against assist provider Partidge in the build-up. New Vaduz formed a short period in which they threatened once again just before the hour, with two off-target shots being aimed towards Foster's goal, but were unable to truly worry Mercury, who eventually took the lead with around twenty minutes to go. After a spell of possession down the left side, the ball was swiftly moved across by Wilmont Fizeau-Blake to find James Bishop on the right with space to run, which he did before firing into the opposite side of the net from just inside the box with Wise unable to stop it. Mercury's lead was doubled a matter of minutes later through Jack Partridge, whose own pace caused right-back Jürgen Meier all sorts of troubles as he cut inside before sliding the ball into the bottom corner of the goal before New Vaduz could even regroup after the first. The Mercury win was sealed soon afterwards as Partridge hit his brace, this time latching-on to a beautifully-weighted pass from Fizeau-Blake after rounding the defender to hit a first-time finish inside Wise's near post as the 'keeper tried to spread himself.
After an ultimately easy win for the hosts, they face tournament débutants Hoenn on Tuesday, while New Vaduz go up against Nova English Korea on the same day.
Hoenn 2-0 Nova English Korea
23' - Sato N.
68' - Ochi F.
Hoenn's first ever finals tournament match ended with a comfortable win over Nova English Korea, as set pieces decided the game. Despite being one of the first nations to secure their involvement in Mercury, Hoenn hadn't actually recorded a victory since April, with two draws and two defeats to their name since, but their play against a side returning to the EMU Championships after missing 2016 gave no indication of a lack in confidence. Nagano Taro acted as the team's go-between, and was a focal point in creating attacks for the Hoennese forwards, setting Sato Naoki and Han Seung-eun free on different occasions only to be met by solid goalkeeping from Lee Sin-Ju. Nagano was also the player brought ruthlessly down by a Lee Nook-San challenge around 25 yards out, which led to the free-kick that assisted the opening goal. Ochi Fujio's dinked delivery found Sato Naoki accurately at the back post and the forward had the simple job of aiming his header on target to squeeze it into the net as Lee was unable to react quickly enough to parry it away. After taking the lead, Hoenn were visibly the more comfortable side on the field, and gave purpose to their play, ensuring possession was retained and no dead ends were followed with attempted balls forward, leading the first half to end 1-0.
Nova English Korea changed formation during the break, and brought on an additional striker in the shape of Ahn Tai-Lo to form a front three; a sign of attacking intent which became clear after forcing saves from Miyagi Genji for the first time. Hoenn were afforded greater countering options as a result, however, and one such move sourced the team's second goal. Nagano was unleashed down the left wing and skipped past Yoon Jae-Son before being blocked off by Lee Nook-San's body check; a cynical move which gave the defender a yellow. Ochi stood over the free-kick and found the top-left corner of the net after a short run-up which gave the indication of another cross, with the ball curving its way over the wall and past the 'keeper's dive in vain. An assist and a goal capped an impressive display from Ochi, with his midfield teammate Nagano unlucky to not add a third near the end of the match after having a speculative effort tipped against the crossbar by Lee. The Nova English Koreans weren't completely muted, despite not finding the net, and chances for Ahn and Seol Tae-Ki were hit just wide of the target on occasion.
Hoenn now know their chances of progressing are boosted, even with favourites Mercury up next, with Nova English Korea hopeful of overcoming a weak New Vaduz to stay alive.
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Re: EMU 2018
*Played 7th July*
Group B
Group B
Caputia 1-0 Talenore
41' - A. Miller (pen.)
Andrew Miller's first-half penalty split the difference between a closely-matched Talenore and Caputia on the latter's tournament début. Having finished fourth two years ago, Talenore were hoping to start this tournament well after a dreadful 2017 World Cup in which they lost all four of their group matches, while Caputia's team - albeit made-up of former Hammish and Alexandrian title winners - began the competition with an effective carte blanche of no prior results to live up to. The match was an even affair, as the run of play switched between the two sides. Talenore's greatest threat came via Vernon Cristaldo in midfield, who caused Jean-Pierre d'Oliviera troubles all evening, while Caputia's dream strike partnership of Miller and Álexis Carrasco were at times unplayable. The match's only goal came shortly before the break, as Álexis' run through with the ball was ended in a foul by Jakop Hamar only inches inside the box, and the referee gave the penalty. Miller stepped-up and coolly sidefooted to the 'keeper's left as he dived right to take the lead. Talenore were unfortunate to not go into half time level, as Petro Gjanocca's shot was well saved by Foucault just around the upright earlier in the 45.
The second half was much like the first, with attacks and stages going back and forth between the pair. However, gilt-edged chances were rare to come by and defence stole the show at both ends of the park. Loïc Montraneau was Caputia's standout defender, with imperious clearances and tackles disrupting multiple Talenorean attacks. Talenore had both Taki Tolâso and Sejrajun Axmabam to thank most for keeping the score down, with the former's important save and latter's subsequent block halting Miller near the end.
Even a narrow victory gives Caputia the three points, however, and sets them up well for a clash with Nova England in three days' time, though Talenore now take on the reigning champions next, knowing a defeat will send them home early.
Nova England 1-1 Passas
33' - A. Danelon
79' - Q. Young
In a repeat of the final from two years ago, Nova England saved face by snatching a draw against the holders to whom they lost heavily last time. Passas began the game on the front foot, clear in their desire to better their start from last summer's World Cup where they lost their opening three matches in a row. Danijel Đorđević forced Nicholas Harfield into two acrobatic saves in just the first quarter-hour, cutting inside and curling efforts on goal, but Alex Danelon was the Passasians' most efficient forward in the first half. With just over half an hour played, Danelon linked-up with Łukasz Dąbrowski to play the ball around Nova England's centre-back duo before finding enough of a gap between Harfield's diving torso and the ground to slip the ball through and into the net. Danelon came close again before the break, but Harfield was equal to his poked effort this time and gathered confidently, while Nova England forced a save of their own from Passas' Adam Shawnessy, as Graham Savoy had his shot blocked by the stopper closing him down rapidly.
Passas maintained their position of creating more chances in the second 45, but found Harfield in impressive form, as he had been during the domestic season. The Nova English's best opportunity was the one they took to level the scores. A Theo Sinclair corner failed to be dealt with by Passas' back line, and the resulting scramble in the box ended with Quentin Young smashing home from the middle of the area with around ten minutes of normal time remaining. Passas continued to push forward 'til the death, as they searched for a winner, but this approach almost cost them in injury time as Sinclair lurched forward with the ball on a solo counter-attack, but Shawnessy's body blocked the winger's tired attempt at a shot before clearing long.
Overall, a draw isn't particularly damaging to either team, but Passas will need to ensure Talenore don't surprise them and Nova England will play a buoyed Caputia, after their opening win, on Tuesday.
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Re: EMU 2018
*Played 10th July*
Group A
Group A
Nova English Korea 1-0 New Vaduz
58' - Jung H.M.
Nova English Korea took the three points over New Vaduz, whose very slim chances of advancing stay alive on the possibility of them recording a huge win in their final fixture. After a defeat apiece in the opening round, these two came into the game eyeing it up as their best opportunity to get points on the board. After a very poor showing three days ago, New Vaduz began the encounter with an offensive mindset, with their front trio combining effectively at times to open-up the NEK defence. Claus Vogel's pace was a key factor, but the willingness of Lee Sin-Ju to leave his line interrupted attacks with punches clear and a timely smothering of Bastian Großler in a one-on-one. Nova English Korea were penned back for the majority of the first half as a result, but threatened Tom Wise's goal near the break as Jo Park-Lee sprinted forward before setting Ahn Tai-Lo up for a shot which he shanked past the post.
In the way of the quintessential "game of two halves", Nova English Korea were the dominant attacking force after the interval. New Vaduz struggled to contain a rejuvenated Ahn upfront, as the forward forced Wise into action almost immediately before creating the opening goal within 15 minutes. After receiving the ball out on the right, Ahn's dribble inside led to a pass to Jung Hyun-Min, who took a touch before rolling a finish into the bottom-left corner beyond Wise. Ahn could have had another goal to himself not long after the first, but found his effort once again being wide of the mark after being found in space by Jung's squared ball. The New Vaduzians fought their way back into contention as the match progressed, but only in the latter stages genuinely caused trouble; Johannes Schäfer's long-range punt needing to be directed over by Lee to stay out.
Nova English Korea still require a result against Mercury to have a chance to advance, but the semi-finals aren't beyond their reach as they have shown before, as New Vaduz take-on Hoenn next, with the débutants favourites based on the tournament so far.
Hoenn 1-2 Mercury
9' - Sato N. (pen.)
70' - J. Foxon
79' - J. Partridge
Mercury came alive in the final twenty minutes of the game for a second fixture in a row to overturn Hoenn's lead, which they had held since the first ten minutes. Following a convincing win in their first tournament showing three days prior, Hoenn took confidence to the hosts and put their defence under pressure from the off. Before the Mercurians could form a meaningful attack of their own, Higashi Masamichi was fouled inside the area to give Hoenn a penalty; Higashi was played in down the right and was too rapid for Paul McEwan, who tripped him with a late challenge and was given a booking. Sato Naoki, the scorer of the tournament's opening goal, stepped-up and doubled his account with a powerful strike that Foster was unable to reach despite guessing the correct direction to dive. Mercury were up against the ropes slightly after going behind, and Hoenn played some stylish football though were cursing Foster for stopping both Sato and Han from finding the back of the net. Although play evened-out towards the back end of the half, Mercury were happy to see half time come.
Hoenn's style remained effective after the break, with high pressing causing Mercury to rush and mislay passes. Although no clear chances presented themselves for the visitors in the way they did at the start of the first, Sato was a notable challenge for Mercury's defence to deal with. The Mercurians worked their way back into the match well, however, with James Bishop dangerous down the right after being recalled for EMU 2018. The winger twice found a route through to deliver crosses, but had little help in the area to convert. As the 70th minute came, in a near-symmetry to their opener, Mercury came good thanks to Joe Foxon. The striker was on hand to tap home after a swift move which saw him head down for Jack Partridge, who took the ball into the area to shoot, with Miyagi's save only directing the ball onto Foxon's left foot for an easy touch in. Partridge proved his worth less than ten minutes later, with a goal of his own to add to his brace three days ago, to score the winner. Stephen Rydberg was taken down outside the area by a nervy Kawano, and free-kick maestro Foxon stepped-up to hit a shot which found the underside of the crossbar with Miyagi well-beaten. The hit, however, bounced back into play, where Partridge was the quickest play to react, leaping forward to put his forehead on the ball and guide it across the line as the stopper flapped on the ground unable to readjust. The final ten minutes witnessed Hoenn at full throttle as they tried to salvage a point after looking to be on their way to an unexpected three, but Han's most obvious opportunity was snatched at and cleared the bar.
After two victories, the hosts are on the brink of progressing to the final four for the fifth time on the bounce, but could still miss-out if an unprecedented turnaround occurs. Hoenn, on the other hand, could still be eliminated with a win over New Vaduz, but are in the most preferable position of the other three sides going into the final batch of matches with goal difference on their side.
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Group B
Group B
Talenore 1-1 Passas
20' - Ł. Dąbrowski
44' - M. Ghanbarzadeh
Holders Passas let a lead slip for the second match in a row as Talenore earned their first point of the championships. Coming off the back of a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 defeat, respectively, Passas and Talenore were both hoping for a victory to take an advantage in what is shaping-up to be a very closely-fought group. The Passasians were the stronger starters in this fixture, with what is arguably one of the strongest forward lines on Micras finding holes in Talenore's defence and creating possibilities to score. Talenore were thankful to Taki Tolâso in goal after keeping scorer from the last game Alex Danelon at bay, but the 'keeper couldn't do anything to stop the scoring being opened by Łukasz Dąbrowski minutes later. An overlapping run by Ron Michelson allowed Dean O'Malley to offload, and the right-back's outswinging cross was at the perfect height for Dąbrowski to rise up and direct home with a header into the top of the net. Before the match reached the half-hour, Talenore were forced into a substitution when Joonas Qerunor fell awkwardly after challenging for a header in the middle of the pitch. Qerunor was the only Talenorean to find the net in Senya last summer, meaning an obvious goal threat had been removed, but it was his replacement who managed to level the scores just before half time. In attempting to see-out the half, Dannis Pritchard was caught-out as his pass forward was blocked by a closing Kali Kalani and the interception put the ball into Mansour Ghanbarzadeh's control, and the midfielder had a relatively straight-forward advance into the box before tapping the ball inside the 'keeper's left-hand post as he failed to make himself big enough to stop the shot.
Although the second half gave us no change in scoreline, the order of play varied little from the first. Passas' offence was still the clearer dominant force, but a lack of killer instinct meant Tolâso wasn't fazed when dealing with shots primarily straight at him. Talenore brought lone striker Kali Kalani into the match more with play designed to focus on his strength, and some typical bullying afforded him space to shoot, twice hitting the side netting
However, the game came to an end with things all level, with everything to play for in the final games with Passas marginally in the driving seat over Talenore by a sole point.
Caputia 2-0 Nova England
52' - Álexis C.
90' - N. Harfield (o.g.)
Caputia became the first team to secure their place in the semi-finals, and guaranteed they would win the group, after a well-earned victory over Nova England. After a narrow opening win over Talenore, Caputia entered this match in high spirits, while the Nova English's late equaliser against Passas buoyed them somewhat after avoiding defeat. Nova England were an improved outfit in comparison to the last match, falling back into the rhythm which led them through qualifying unbeaten, with Theo Sinclair and James Tracnell influencing attacks down the wings. Nova England's forward pairing of Gimbel and Savoy, however, were persistently thwarted by Loïc Montraneau and Ulrich Olson, who have formed a defensive juggernaut for the unofficial Hammo-Alexandrian successors. Caputia were less intense with their attacks, despite the presence of Miller and Álexis up top, and went closest through a curling free-kick from Tamer Modrem which skimmed the outside of the post on its way out, leaving the scoreboard unchanged at the midway point.
Caputia wasted no time in finding the net after the restart, following the first-half deadlock, as Álexis Carrasco poked home within seven minutes. The previously anonymous Javier Santos' sprint down the wing ended with a cutback and delivery that evaded the entire Nova English back four, as Álexis beat any offside call to stick-out his leg at the back post and divert the ball up into the net off his shin. A classical poacher's finish for his first EMU strike. After going ahead, Caputia paid homage to the adage that a team is most vulnerable directly after scoring, and allowed Nova England a clear opportunity to level which Gimbel blazed over the crossbar from close range after Foucault had allowed a low cross to bypass him entirely. The Caputians escaped with just a big warning, however, and soon found their flow once again. Modrem's distribution was the team's key component, with Santos and Chertrand-Pernet targets for numerous passes, with the latter ultimately being the cause of the second goal right at the death. An Álexis-Modrem one-two was fed to the bye-line where Chertrand-Pernet hit a first-time ball across. In what initially looked like a Miller goal as the striker had put his foot in to try and get a touch, the replays confirmed that the ball had deflected off the arm of Harfield in goal; an unfortunate own goal to go against his name after a match-saving performance the other day versus Passas to epitomise the roller-coaster of footballing emotions.
The win gives Caputia an unassailable lead at the top of the group, guaranteeing them a semi-final in the city of May, as defeat leaves Nova England at the foot of the table, albeit with every opportunity to advance with a win of their own over Talenore and a favour off the Caputians.
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Group A
Group A
Mercury 2-1 Nova English Korea
29' - S. Rydberg
41' - Seol T.K.
87' - J. Foxon
Mercury once again scored late in their match to secure a third straight victory and top the group, as Nova English Korea's hopes of advancing were dashed. Coming into the match with two wins to their name, Mercury's most notable criticism was that all of their goals so far had only been scored in the last twenty minutes of their matches. Stephen Rydberg needed less than half an hour to change that fact, as his strike, during the first noteworthy attack of the game, found the back of the net via the crossbar after being curled in following a poor clearance. After a very slow start to proceedings - Nova English Korea could advance with a draw if New Vaduz beat Hoenn - in which both sides took time in figuring one another out, Mercury went forward in droves and eventually caught a break through Rydberg's effort after Joe Foxon and Jack Partridge failed to penetrate the NEK defence during the same onslaught. After taking the lead, Mercury improved, and were only stopped from doubling their lead thanks to Lee Sin-Ju saving a Foxon volley. However, with minutes left before half time, a Nova English Korea counter-attack was met by some sloppy Mercurian defending, which led to the ball finding Seol Tae-Ki with time to aim a left-footed shot across Foster and inside the bottom-right corner, levelling the score against the run of play.
With a draw having no negative impact on Mercury's placing at the top of the group, the second half began with Nova English Korea being the team more on the front foot, with wing-based play from Lee Geum-Yong and Jo Park-Lee creating opportunities from crosses which Seol and Jung spurned on multiple occasions. NEK's best opportunity was from goalscorer Seol, who was blocked at point-blank range by Foster after being laid through as the 'keeper atoned for conceding just before the interval. As news from the other match filtered through, Mercury began to exploit the space created as a tiring NEK were urged forward, and ultimately made it count as the match entered its twilight. A headed clearance by Chris Deacon fell to Wilmont Fizeau-Blake, whose run forward bypassed a number of players before sending the ball out to the right. William Fresnel's first-time cross swung deep into the area, where captain Foxon was there to expertly tuck it away with an open-bodied sidefoot after losing his marker.
Time ran out and a third win in a row established Mercury as the team to beat this EMU Championships, heading to their fifth successive semi-final, as Nova English Korea's journey comes to an end at the first hurdle.
New Vaduz 0-1 Hoenn
53' - Sato N.
Hoenn narrowly defeated New Vaduz thanks to Sato Naoki's third strike in as many matches, and advanced to the final four of their first ever tournament. Following two defeats, New Vaduz's ability to advance was kept alive purely on the chance of a remarkable turnaround and combination of results, but the slimmest of possibilities wasn't enough to motivate them against a well-organise Hoenn side which knew a draw would likely take them through, on the assumption Mercury won. As a result, the match itself ended-up a possession game, with Hoenn happy to take their time picking and choosing their times to take the defence on, and the New Vaduzians willing to sit back and soak the pressure up when it came. Hoenn had stages of realistically threatening and the longest spell of which witnessed the only goal. A sustained period of passing play spiked with Ochi Fujio beating Nils Lichsteiner for pace before squaring to Sato, who swiftly buried the ball into the bottom corner around Wise for his third of the competition. New Vaduz's best chances came via Bastian Großler, but were severely limited, and were unable to give Miyagi a save to make.
Hoenn take two wins from three games into the knock-out stages now, with confidence on their side that they can utilise, while New Vaduz head home having been shut-out in all three losses.
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Group B
Group B
Nova England 2-0 Talenore
18' - P. Gimbel
37' - G. Savoy
Nova England eased to victory over a weary Talenore side to do what was required of them, but the group's other result ensured their efforts were in vain and left this match purely for bragging rights. As both sides entered the match on one point apiece, only Talenore's marginally superior goal difference left them higher in the table, with there being an opportunity for either to still advance in a tight group. It was the Nova English who took the match by the scruff and dominated the first 45. The front line was particularly destructive, as they can be when all are on their day, with Graham Savoy's movement creating spaces for the others fluidly. Savoy's strike partner Paul Gimbel opened the scoring, however, after bossing his way through the tackles of Abax and Axmabam before striking powerfully at Taki Tolâso in goal. While the stopper got a touch to it, there was no directing the ball anywhere away from goal and it settled in the net. Talenore really struggled to formulate attacks of their own, due to the Nova English maintaining possession effectively, and were unable to string multiple passes together themselves without being pressured into submitting the ball. Nova England made sure their first-half display was advantageous, knowing how easily matches can shift after the break, and scored again with eight minutes to go. Savoy got a goal of his own, albeit fortunately, with a second attempt at a Trent Chambliss delivery. The marauding left-back's initial cross was headed by both Savoy and his marker Petro Gjanocca at the same time, with the ball wedging between the pair as they landed, and Savoy was able to poke it forward before Gjanocca could interfere to put it past the out-of-position Tolâso.
The second half saw the Talenoreans improve on their passing moves, and they created more opportunities in the first quarter of an hour than they did the entire first 45. In spite of their improvements, Nova England continued to be the better side and looked more like scoring, though no further goals ultimately came. Savoy persisted to get his second, and was the side's primary threat, but Tolâso was equal to him on two occasions and deflected the ball away with his body. In contrast to their other two games, Theo Sinclair was unusually quiet, which was arguably down to a strong display from opposite number Shânu Mallawi. Talenore were unable to muster any attacks of note before the match, and their second EMU appearance, came to an end.
Both teams are reduced to facing early exits this year, having both advanced in 2016, in what was a typical group of death.
Passas 1-0 Caputia
80' - Ł. Dąbrowski
Holders Passas guaranteed passage to the knock-out rounds with a nervy win over an already-through Caputia, keeping the dream of retaining the title alive. Having won their opening two fixtures, coupled with draws all round elsewhere, Caputia were already secured as group winners heading into this match-up, with Passas aware that anything other than a win would certainly send them home at the earliest possible opportunity. As a result, a cagey affair ensued, with Passas' pressure contrasted by Caputia's lack of nerves. Rigid defending by the holders ensured that any Caputian showboating was ineffective, while their own attacks were often frenetic as they attempted to force the ball through when passes weren't available. The first half ended with no efforts on target by either side.
Passas improved after the break, as Caputia waned slightly and conceded possession more frequently. Possibly motivated by the other match's score; a result that would have seen Passas crash out if it remained, more chances were formed as Danijel Đorđević found his creative spark all along the front of the midfield. Caputia's previously resolute defence needed to be alert as a result, and Ulrich Olson did well in his role as a man-marker for Łukasz Dąbrowski. With ten minutes to go, Caputia eventually succumbed and allowed a goal for the first time all tournament. A corner was routinely worked back to Đorđević, who picked a gap in which to cross low and with pace. With a high delivery expected to try and exploit Dąbrowski's height, Olson was caught on his heels as the striker slipped in front of him to meet the cross with a half-volley that arrowed into the top of the net from just beside the penalty spot with Foucault stretching. Caputia, although with an unbeaten record to try and maintain, were unwilling to exert themselves to search for an equaliser, and the match came to a standstill at full time with Passas' celebrations filling the stadium.
A first win for holders Passas puts them in good stead for a semi-final against the host nation, as Caputia will take-on qualifying rivals Hoenn as both attempt to make the final on their competitive tournament début.
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Re: EMU 2018
Semi-final fixtures
Mercury vs. Passas
Caputia vs. Hoenn
Mercury vs. Passas
Caputia vs. Hoenn
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Re: EMU 2018
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Semi-finals
Semi-finals
Two former champions collided in the first semi as the hosts played the holders; Mercury off the back of three consecutive group victories and Passas following a late win to sneak into the knock-out rounds. The Passasians opened the match well, primarily through solid defensive tactics that kept Mercurian talisman Joe Foxon quiet, and created multiple chances for their talented front duo. The best of these fell to Alex Danelon, whose headed chance was deflected onto the crossbar by Jonathan Foster's reactionary flail, but is was midfielder Dean O'Malley who made the difference from the resulting corner. The delivery into the box was headed away by Stephen Charlton back out to Sa Pazi, who brought the ball back in before sliding a pass back through the crowd, where O'Malley was ready to scuff the shot into the bottom-left corner. Passas' attempts continued to come, with Łukasz Dąbrowski troubling the Mercurian defence, but Foster was his equal to put the ball away from danger. Mercury forced two saves from Adam Shawnessy themselves, both through Jack Partridge, near the end of the half as they aimed to bring themselves back into the game.Spoiler!
Despite the tides looking to turn towards Mercury before the break, it was Passas who started the second 45 on the front foot. Mercury were thankful to Foster once again for stopping a Dąbrowski thunderbolt, but began to push forward for the last half an hour. Joe Foxon had his first chance of the game with a looped header that dipped over the bar, while Wilmont Fizeau-Blake was the team's creator from the centre of the park. Fizeau-Blake supplied the assist for the eventual equaliser with just over 15 minutes remaining, as Mercury again waited to score as they have all tournament. Fizeau-Blake ran through and was supported by midfield partner Stephen Rydberg, to whom he passed for a quality strike into the top-right corner past Shawnessy. The final quarter of an hour saw both sides attempting to break through with some slightly desperate long-ball tactics, but no further goals were registered and extra time was an inevitability.
The additional thirty minutes were all Mercury, and the feeling that penalties would be avoided became even stronger when young forward Frank Laurie was introduced and scored minutes later. The 20 year-old, in his first tournament, took the place of Partridge and his speed was too much for Timothy Johnson as he sprinted the ball past the defender after receiving it off Foxon before finding the back of the net through a minimal deflection off Shawnessy as he tried to readjust to save. With Mercury comfortably ahead and happy to keep ball, Passas ran-out of time to get a late goal to take it to a shoot-out, and the Mercurians ensured they made their third final in their last five EMU Championships, stopping Passas from repeating their feat of 2009 in winning back-to-back titles.
EMU 2018's only two débutant teams met in the semi-finals, having advanced from their respective groups with identical records but in different positions; Caputia having topped their group and Hoenn placing second below the hosts in theirs. Having met twice in the qualifiers, Hoenn approached this meeting with the upper hand on head-to-head record over Caputia, but it was the Caputians who were the driving force in the first half of this game. Javier Santos was a key threat down the left wing, with his ability to cut inside and shoot utilised to challenge Miyagi Genji's reactions, with Tamer Modrem afforded room to unleash shots from range on a couple of occasions as well, though those shots were off-target. Minutes after Hoenn's Sato Naoki was denied a fourth goal in as many matches by a flying Foucault save, Caputia went ahead. Andrew Miller added to his opening-match penalty with a goal from open play after a quick move; Vincent Chertrand-Pernet broke clear of a tackle from Fujiwara Katsuya but was intercepted by Tanaka Makoto, which deflected the ball to Miller, who had time to take a touch before striking home past the left hand of Miyagi. Hoenn continued well despite going behind, with Han Seung-eun having a chance that was saved their best chance before the break.Spoiler!
Han began the second half being put through in the first few minutes, but chipped his effort wide of the mark as Foucault rushed out. Caputia worked their way back into control, however, with Heinhorn and Modrem combining effectively in midfield to distribute the ball well and supply the striking duo of Miller and Álexis Carrasco. Álexis went close just after the hour mark, during a strong spell, but Miller was more productive soon afterwards and hit his second of the night. A ball forward to Álexis saw him control well and strike at goal, where Miyagi was on hand to save, but his parry away was attacked by a sliding Miller who studded the ball over the line from a few yards out. In the end 15 minutes, Hoenn were on top form as they tried their best to keep their chances of a final alive. Nagano Taro's creativity led to a goal five minutes from time, after receiving the ball from Ochi Fujio and laying a cute ball through the defence to find the run of Higashi Masamichi, for the forward to poke his first goal of the tournament in via the far post. Nagano's influence was sustained in the last minutes as the Hoennese pushed, with an attempted through ball and shot inside the box both having too much on them and going wide of the post. A scramble right before the whistle included Miyagi up from the back, but Sato's header was cleared by Ulrich Olson to give the referee an excuse to blow.
As Caputia advance to play the hosts in the final, Hoenn will take-on the holders Passas for pride and third place on Saturday.
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Re: EMU 2018
Third-place play-off fixture
Passas vs. Hoenn
Final fixture
Mercury vs. Caputia
Passas vs. Hoenn
Final fixture
Mercury vs. Caputia
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Re: EMU 2018
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Passas approached their first ever EMU Championships third-place play-off after a narrow extra-time loss to the hosts - having reached the final in every other year they made the semis - with Hoenn having lost to Caputia by the same scoreline in regular time four days ago. With retaining their title now out of their grasp, Passas were uninspired and Hoenn gave the best account of themselves in the first half. Passas stopper Adam Shawnessy was needed to save attempts from Han Seung-eun and Ochi Fujio, while Higashi Masamichi was unable to add to his goal in the last round as he curled a shot wide of the mark. The first half remained goalless as Hoenn's defence outperformed the Passasian strikers, with neither Danelon nor Dąbrowski permitted the freedom to release a shot on goal for the entire 45.Spoiler!
Passas created more opportunities in the opening ten minutes of the second half than they did before the break, with Danijel Đorđević twice breaking though tackles from Kawano but firing beyond Miyagi Genji's reach and the goal's frame both times. Hoenn put the pressure back on after that, however, and squeezed their way into the lead from a corner halfway through the half. Centre-back Ri Jae-suk was up from defence for the set piece, and towered over Dannis Pritchard as the delivery came in from Nagano Taro to glance the ball home inside the far post. Hoenn's goal spurred them on, and a second followed before the final ten minutes, as Sato Naoki struck his fourth of the tournament to put him top of the scoring charts. Matsushina Chojiro broke free of Tom Arans and played the ball through to Han, whose first-time slide-rule pass picked Sato out behind the back line for the forward to direct past Shawnessy with an outstretched leg. While Passas' best effort of the whole match fell in the dying minutes, with Łukasz Dąbrowski crashing the ball against the crossbar with a courageous volley from outside the box, the game was Hoenn's to seal and they did so.
Passas take fourth as Hoenn mark their first FMF tournament appearance with a top-three finish which gives them great hopes ahead of next year's World Cup campaign.
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Two 2-1 wins in the semi-finals, one via extra time, led to a match-up between the winners of both Group A and B, as hosts Mercury took on the Caputians. Mercury approached the final as part of a five-edition run of successive last-four appearances, while Caputia, despite their players' own individual achievements, were in their début tournament with no track record to live up to. The hosts began at rapid pace, in contrast to their previous matches, and within the opening twenty minutes had stormed to a convincing lead. With three goals in the opening two games, Jack Partridge was Mercury's main threat from the off, and his pace was a struggle for Ulrich Olson to cover, leading to a breakthrough that Jean-Alain Foucault blocked. Partridge was involved in the opening goal as well, acting as a go-between for Wilmont Fizeau-Blake and Joe Foxon as the former's movement outside the area and the latter's height combined for a headed finish from a chipped cross as the Mercurian skipper towered over Loïc Montraneau. The lead was doubled minutes afterwards, as the Caputians were shell-shocked. After losing possession from the restart, Caputia saw Stephen Rydberg stride forward to assist Fizeau-Blake, whose touches brought him into space before he pulled the trigger from outside the area and unleashed an exocet of a shot over the heads of the defenders, which dropped perfectly to kiss the underside of the bar as it flew in. Two to the good, and in high spirits, Mercury were the much stronger side for the remaining 25 minutes of the half, but couldn't find a third in spite of trying. Foxon went closest before the break, having another header cleared off the line by an instinctive Foucault save at a corner, while Partridge stabbed wide of the mark after being played through again. The Caputians' all-stars were restrained by the hosts' back line for the first 45, and failed to put an effort on target before half time.Spoiler!
Caputia started the second half in the best way possible, as they pulled a goal back within three minutes of the kick-off. A half-time substitution saw the muted Álexis Carrasco replaced by Oliver Adamson, and the Hammish-born combination with Andrew Miller had immediate impact. Regaining the ball soon after the restart, Tamer Modrem used Miller up top as the striker pulled away from Paul McEwan, but his powerful shot was palmed onto the post by Jonathan Foster's first save of the night. However, Adamson was in the direct path of the rebound and had no problem in putting the ball into the middle of the net with his left boot. The goal was a boon to Caputia, and gave them a great footing in the match, leading to a period of dominance over Mercury. Eric Heinhorn created chances, getting the better of Ryan Bishop, and had a handful of unsuccessful crosses either cleared or over-hit. Foster was required to keep Mercury alive as well, making saves with both his hands and feet from Miller and Vincent Chertrand-Pernet. The Mercurians struggled to push themselves forward with the urgency seen in the first half, and were very much on the ropes as the final stages of the game came. Tamer Modrem became a third forward for Caputia as they tried to find the goal to take it to extra time, and the Alexandrian-born player had a near miss with five minutes remaining; a snatched volley inside the box from a Chertrand-Pernet cross where a more wise striker may have buried it. The hosts eventually withstood the onslaught to hear the most alleviating final whistle blow, and spark celebrations throughout the stadium and pubs and homes across the nation.
Mercury now stand above one-time winners Craitland, Hamland and Interland with two EMU titles to their name; one behind Passas' record of three, to remove any doubt in them as one of Micras' most successful ever footballing countries. Caputia can return home with a sense of pride despite losing the final, having impressed in their first year of existence with the uncertainty their campaign began with, and will be surely seen as one of Keltia's favourites to seal their place in the World Cup next summer. But today, and for the days coming, Mercury will be the most jubilant nation on this continent.