2018 Copa Apollonia
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2018 Copa Apollonia
This is the official thread for this summer's Copa Apollonia, to be held in the Kingdom of Coria between 28th July and 11th August! The final draw has taken place, with the tournament's two groups looking like this:
Group A
Florian Republic
Gotzborg
Kingdom of Coria
Lamantia
Group B
Gerenia
Jingdao
Senya
Stormark
Teams are now open to submit their 20-man squads (with two named goalkeepers), and these must be received by Monday July 23rd to avoid FMF player selection. Fixtures and dates shall be announced shortly!
Group A
Florian Republic
Gotzborg
Kingdom of Coria
Lamantia
Group B
Gerenia
Jingdao
Senya
Stormark
Teams are now open to submit their 20-man squads (with two named goalkeepers), and these must be received by Monday July 23rd to avoid FMF player selection. Fixtures and dates shall be announced shortly!
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Fixtures
28th July
Group A: Kingdom of Coria vs. Gotzborg
Group A: Florian Republic vs. Lamantia
Group B: Gerenia vs. Stormark
Group B: Jingdao vs. Senya
31st July
A: Lamantia vs. Kingdom of Coria
A: Florian Republic vs. Gotzborg
B: Stormark vs. Senya
B: Gerenia vs. Jingdao
3rd August
A: Gotzborg vs. Lamantia
A: Kingdom of Coria vs. Florian Republic
B: Jingdao vs. Stormark
B: Senya vs. Gerenia
7th August
Semi-final: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B
Semi-final: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A
11th August
Third-place: Loser Semi-final 1 vs. Loser Semi-final 2
FINAL: Winner Semi-final 1 vs. Winner Semi-final 2
28th July
Group A: Kingdom of Coria vs. Gotzborg
Group A: Florian Republic vs. Lamantia
Group B: Gerenia vs. Stormark
Group B: Jingdao vs. Senya
31st July
A: Lamantia vs. Kingdom of Coria
A: Florian Republic vs. Gotzborg
B: Stormark vs. Senya
B: Gerenia vs. Jingdao
3rd August
A: Gotzborg vs. Lamantia
A: Kingdom of Coria vs. Florian Republic
B: Jingdao vs. Stormark
B: Senya vs. Gerenia
7th August
Semi-final: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B
Semi-final: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A
11th August
Third-place: Loser Semi-final 1 vs. Loser Semi-final 2
FINAL: Winner Semi-final 1 vs. Winner Semi-final 2
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
The Florian Republic squad has been selected. This is the first ever squad from the country to feature in a major tournament.
Goalkeepers
1.Patrick Marshall (Xäiville Teflons FC [Craitland])
20.Luka Ramirez (Northcliff United)
Defenders
2.Stewart Florian (Queen Athletic [Mercury])
3.Derek Campos (Northcliff United)
4.Jack Holt (Northcliff United)
5.Nick Evans (Northcliff United)
12.Oliver Eaton (Meadowedge Red Star)
13.Nathan Wallace (Meadowedge Red Star)
Midfielders
6. Tom Parker (Lilycove 1904 F.C.[Hoenn])
7. Dave Wheeler (Meadowedge Red Star)
8. Harry Lewis (A.C. Fortree [Hoenn])
11. Ryan Clark (Plava Zvezda Grendbej [Coria])
14. Christopher Kent (Stonehall Hotspur)
15. Noah James (Daocheng FC [Jingdao])
17. Brandon Gray (Ostville Wednesday)
19. Ainslee Farrar (Dragonmoor City FC)
Strikers
9. Cristiano Ramírez (Northcliff United)
10. Sam Butcher (Dragonmoor City FC)
16. Ronald Vega (Westlake Town)
18. Alex Mccabe (Dragonmoor City FC)
Debutants in italics
Spoiler!
Last edited by EF2000 on Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Lamantia squad
1. GK - Marcel Amsel - AFC Colgrad
2. DF - Marko Dreher - AFC Colgrad
3. DF - Matthias Sagner - AFC Colgrad
4. DF - Benjamin Schaefer - AFC Colgrad
5. DF - Florian Kluge - AFC Colgrad
6. MF - Michi Schniester - King's Lynn Town
7. MF - Reuben Frederiksen - King's Lynn Town
8. MF - Sebastian Frederiksen (captain) - King's Lynn Town
9. FW - Sven Ebersbacher - King's Lynn Town
10. FW - Stephan Bayer - King's Lynn Town
11. FW - Jörg Schwarz - AFC Colgrad
12. DF - Jup Stong - FK Bordelor [DES]
13. DF - Domonik Podolski - King's Lynn Town
14. DF - Tillmann Schober - Borussia Bergdorf
15. MF - Seb Brundenbrit - Olinket [DES]
16. MF - Jens Eisenhower - AFC Colgrad
17. MF - Mark Bentgor - Kateki Blavisen [DES]
18. FW - Jan Jankola - Svorgas Knights [DES]
19. GK - Sebastian Rheine - Cook Island [MER]
20. FW - Tobias Lehrer - AFC Colgrad
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Senya squad
1. GK - Sileman Bɏankarlënœ - Osĵätoņ Aztecs [CRA]
2. RB - Karl Rœč - Svorgas Scitenhima
3. LB - Aleks Mëa - Jogasim Revolution
4. CB - Jær Van Kotrisbond - Dyas Scitenhima Ĵets
5. CB - Harë Ëgermarč - Urzi Magalatska
6. CM - Jan Maytek - Jogasim Revolution
7. CM - Domonik Ƨarkœvič - Urzi Magalatska
8. CM - Markœ Minyorletsken - Svorgas Scitenhima
9. FW - Alesandrœ Danetskë - Jogasim Revolution
10. FW - Kazak Mongel - Otaq Röyal [BRG]
11. RM - Ƨinkœ Zvet - Sverige Tiem [CRA]
12. GK - Aleksarnder Pitka - Kateki Blavisen
13. LM - Barnaby Hands (captain) - Urzi Magalatska
14. FW - Jack Smith - Eĵars Town [CRA]
15. CB - Rödë Vankarlënœ - Urzi Magalatska
16. RM - Sesker Moskver - Svorgas Scitenhima
17. CM - Sam Kimsin - Dyas Scitenhima Ĵets
18. CM - Patrik Montol - Jogasim Revolution
19. CB - Bɏëder Volinsk - Kateki Blavisen
20. FW - Kiket Volinsk - Kateki Blavisen
Senya have announced a much changed squad from last summer's World Cup as they head into this Copa Apollonia. Whilst much of the Starting XI is unchanged, a move to 3-5-2 has meant that Senya have brought in a higher amount of central players into their squads. Additionally, the Volinsk brothers, who had breakout seasons with KB last term have been included in the final 20, whilst Kazak Mongel earns a recall to the team following several successful years in Birgeshir.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Republic of Gerenia squad
1 - GK - Režan ARKUSE - Clementsgrad
2 - DF - Jorg DAYAN - Ramez White Stars
3 - DF - Mikkel NEVY - KPSK Isherwood
4 - MF - Zorau PÁNČASTER - Sverige Tiem [CRA]
5 - MF - Martîn NÍHIS - KPSK Isherwood
6 - DF - Ismael DESTZAN - KPSK Isherwood
7 - MF - Valentîn IGADA - International
8 - MF - Francesco VALENCIA - Jogasim Revolution [DES]
9 - FW - Karl BRÜKNER - KPSK Isherwood
10 - MF - Zelmar TOSCANO - Biulya äqi Jedu [CRA]
11 - FW - Fabris BALBÎN - Mercury City [MER]
12 - GK - Sergiu KERYA - Ramez White Stars
13 - DF - Pavel BERRAN - International
14 - MF - Mikkel CARAMAN - KPSK Isherwood
15 - DF - Jan KORAU - Osĵätoņ Aztecs [CRA]
16 - MF - Ärsel BWARY - KPSK Isherwood
17 - DF - Enver EMNE - KPSK Isherwood
18 - FW - Ábelder ARĴAN - KPSK Isherwood
19 - DF - Bastian MARTÎNES - Clementsgrad
20 - FW - Ivan DEKRAT - Santamarina
1 - GK - Režan ARKUSE - Clementsgrad
2 - DF - Jorg DAYAN - Ramez White Stars
3 - DF - Mikkel NEVY - KPSK Isherwood
4 - MF - Zorau PÁNČASTER - Sverige Tiem [CRA]
5 - MF - Martîn NÍHIS - KPSK Isherwood
6 - DF - Ismael DESTZAN - KPSK Isherwood
7 - MF - Valentîn IGADA - International
8 - MF - Francesco VALENCIA - Jogasim Revolution [DES]
9 - FW - Karl BRÜKNER - KPSK Isherwood
10 - MF - Zelmar TOSCANO - Biulya äqi Jedu [CRA]
11 - FW - Fabris BALBÎN - Mercury City [MER]
12 - GK - Sergiu KERYA - Ramez White Stars
13 - DF - Pavel BERRAN - International
14 - MF - Mikkel CARAMAN - KPSK Isherwood
15 - DF - Jan KORAU - Osĵätoņ Aztecs [CRA]
16 - MF - Ärsel BWARY - KPSK Isherwood
17 - DF - Enver EMNE - KPSK Isherwood
18 - FW - Ábelder ARĴAN - KPSK Isherwood
19 - DF - Bastian MARTÎNES - Clementsgrad
20 - FW - Ivan DEKRAT - Santamarina
Ger*
President of the Republic of Gerenia, 2012-2017 (as Gerald Ruze)
President of the Republic of Gerenia, 2012-2017 (as Gerald Ruze)
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Group A
Gotzborg 0–0 Kingdom of Coria
Both Gotzborg and hosts Coria managed to get off the mark in an uneventful opening game, with neither side really threatening to score. Martin Ćorluka had the best chance of the opening exchanges, as his shot from the edge of the penalty area fizzled disappointingly wide. Kristian Jentzsch's similarly-placed effort in the second half provided Gotzborg fans with some brief excitement, but both sides will be happy to get a point on the board as neither particularly impressed.
Group BFlorian Republic 1–0 Lamantia
53' - Ramirez
Rugby league arch-nemesis Lamantia were the victims of the Florian Republic's first-ever Copa Apollonia win, as the Red Army fought their way to a tense 1-0 victory. Sven Ebersbacher almost put Lamantia ahead in the first minute, but Marshall was equal to his effort. Another chance went begging for Ebersbacher, as a corner found its way to his head, but from point-blank range, he was only able to find the space above the crossbar. The Florians seemed similarly unable to find the net in the first half, with Ramirez's 25-yard free kick being met by the hand of Amsel, and the game seemed to be heading the same way as the opener. It took a moment of brilliance for the first goal of the tournament to finally come, as Cristiano Ramirez worked the ball into the box, beating four Lamantians on the way, before coolly slotting the ball just out of the reach of Amsel and into the back of the net. Lamantia had a very good penalty shout turned down late in the game, as the ball appeared to strike Jack Holt's outstretched arm, but despite their protests, they were denied their opportunity to level the game.
Gerenia 0–2 Stormark
6' - Thorstvedt
10' - Nevy (o.g.)
Gerenia suffered an upset as Stormark's impressive performance saw them take Group B's first three points. Two very early goals were all they needed, as Erik Thorstvedt's close-range effort beat Arkuse at the near post, and Mikkel Nevy's unfortunate deflection saw Gerenia go 2-0 down. Arguably one of the tournament favourites, they were clearly stunned and, despite chances for Balbîn and Toscano, were unable to get back in the game.
Jingdao 2–0 Senya
33' - van Veen
87' - van Veen
The second shock of the tournament saw defending champions Senya also go down to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Jingdao. Alesandrœ Danetskë almost managed to give Senya the lead, but his strike was just off the mark. Jingdao managed to convert their first real chance, as Jonas Van Vore's through ball managed to split the Senyan defence and van Veen was able to slide the ball past Bɏankarlënœ. Senya managed to keep the majority of the possession as they searched for an equaliser, but Zidikit's blinding performance kept Jingdao's slender advantage intact, and his distribution was key in their second goal three minutes from time, as most of the Senyans were thrown forward, his clearance found its way to van Veen's feet, and he was left with the simple task of beating Bɏankarlënœ in a one-on-one to secure the three points.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Naldas riot after opening day defeat
The Senyan ultras, known as the Naldas, rioted following their opening day defeat to Jingdao. Senya, who had been tipped to win the tournament, woefully underperformed against Jingdao, a nation with whom Senya fought their only war against back in 2014. The Naldas booed the national anthem prior to the game and displayed a tifo of a Jingdaoese marshall having a gun pointed at the back of his head by a Senyan soldier with the caption "just do it" in Senyan written at the bottom. As usual, the Naldas set off flare after flare during the game, often disrupting the flow of the game, but at the final whistle the scenes really started to unfold, as the Naldas attacked the Jingdao supporters section. The Corian police didn't seem to involve themselves much in attempting to stop the fights, and the Naldas, who outnumbered their opponents, were able to dominate in the stadium fight, though the Jingdaoese, who are always up for a fight, fought well given their smaller size. Outside the ground, a larger street fight ensued between the two sets of hools, as the local Zeleni watched on. Many fans on both sides were left with serious injuries as flashbang grenades and fireworks were launched at each other, along with glass bottles being used. Several local bars were also trashed in the fighting, which lasted for several hours after the match, until the police finally dispersed the two groups. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties. With a final day match against their Gerenian rivals the Marauders, we can all look forward to another blood bath later in the tournament!
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Group A
Florian Republic 2–0 Gotzborg
20' - Butcher
44' - Ramirez
The Florian Republic impressively swept aside a poor Gotzborg team, as they blitzed their way into the semi-finals of their first-ever Copa Apollonia. An early chance for Halbach from range could have put Gotzborg ahead, although he was only able to scuff his shot wide of the mark. The Florians took the lead through Sam Butcher, as the momentum just started to swing their way, and the rest of the half seemed to continue in the same vein, as they doubled their advantage just before half-time thanks to Cristiano Ramirez's second goal of the competition.
With the Florians sitting in pole position in their group, they took their foot off the gas slightly, and were given a scare as Jentzsch found himself clean through on goal, but a fine save from Patrick Marshall kept their two-goal cushion intact. That could have become three had Ramirez timed his run better, but he was judged to be a fraction offside, so his effort was not allowed to stand. Despite this, the Red Army march straight into the semi-finals with a game to spare, knowing that no matter the result against the hosts, they're guaranteed top spot in the group.
Group BLamantia 0–0 Kingdom of Coria
37' - Ebersbacher missed pen.
61' - OFF - Schaefer (Serious foul play)
62' - Kocić missed pen.
Hosts Coria were held to yet another 0-0 draw in their second match of the tournament, although this one was somewhat more eventful than the previous outing. Martin Ćorluka's early effort grazed the outside of the post, before Niko Jeglič's long-range effort was tipped away by Amsel in the Lamantian goal. Schniester almost put Lamantia ahead, heading in from a corner, but was narrowly judged offside after a flick-on from Ebersbacher, with the Corian defenders doing well to catch him out. They had an even better chance of taking the lead, not long before half time, as Despotović picked up a booking as he was adjudged to have handled the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, although Ebersbacher was unable to convert the resulting penalty.
The home side were awarded a penalty of their own just after the hour mark, as Benjamin Schaefer hauled down Mileusnić and earned a red card for his troubles, but Amsel was equal to Kocić's effort, although Ćorluka was unlucky not to score from the rebound. Vujić had work to do as Ebersbacher was sent through by Eisenhower, and was unable to keep things scoreless as the game ran its course. The Kingdom of Coria now find themselves in second place in the group on two points, but with a tricky tie against group winners the Florian Republic, they could end up relying on their two previous opponents doing them a favour.
Stormark 0–0 Senya
Stormark were unfortunate not to add another three points to their tally against a Senyan side that look in grave danger of crashing out of the competition. Arnio Morivari would have put his side in front, had it not been for a goal-line clearance from Ëgermarč, and the defender again came to the rescue as Bjarne Jensen went on a weaving run, managing to poke the ball away just before Jensen could get a shot off. The Senyans did manage to create some chances of their own, but Danetskë was once again frustrated, as he was denied his opening goal on numerous occasions by Le Roux. In the end, it was Bɏankarlënœ who had to have the final say, keeping Thorstvedt's half-volley out, and keeping his side in the competition, for the time being at least. Their slim chances of defending their title now rest on beating rivals Gerenia in their final group game, whereas Stormark can secure a semi-final spot with a draw against Jingdao.
Gerenia 4–0 Jingdao
17' - Balbîn
25' - Balbîn
45' - Igada
78' - Níhis
Gerenia were able to bounce back from their opening day defeat with a thumping win over Jingdao. Fabris Balbîn was able to open his account with a nicely-finished goal, before doubling his tally in almost-identical fashion. Gerenia continued to dominate possession, and the inevitable third goal came on the stroke of half time, Valentîn Igada leaping highest to power his header past Zidikit. The rout was completed thanks to Martîn Níhis' lucky deflection managed to find the back of the net, and as a result, Gerenia leap-frogged Jingdao into the second qualifying position, knowing that a draw against Senya will be enough to see them through. Jingdao must now win their final group game to have any chance of going through, as their goal difference means that a draw will not be enough.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Riots and violence erupt as crisis-hit Senya face Copa Apollonia eliminationSenya, who started the Copa Apollonia this year as favourites are on the brink of elimination as a series of crises have embroiled the camp. Their 2-0 defeat to Jingdao was followed today by a 0-0 draw with Stormark, and the tepid display has brought out a series of events that have shocked Micras as they unfolded this evening.
- One point from two games leaves favourites on brink of elimination
- Ultras pelt team bus with rocks and fireworks
- Coach driver and team doctor taken to hospital with injuries
- Fans riot in stadium, damaging goalposts and attacking rival fans
Immediately following the game, flares and bottles were thrown in the direction of manager Draco Sanchez as the travelling Senyan fans showed their displeasure with the tepid display. The Senyan players ran inside as a deluge of items were pelted towards the tunnel as several fans spilled onto the pitch in an attempt to attack players. Whilst the police managed to contain the fans, several Storish players were also attacked as they ran inside, though none were injured, as Senyan fans then attacked several Storish fans as police lost increasing control. Fans from across Micras were in shock as Senyan fans tore down the goalposts and fought amongst each other as anarchy decended upon the pitch. Meanwhile in the tunnel, the players were held for an hour before the plans for the post-game warm down were abandoned. Instead, as the Senyan team bus drove away, fans attempted to block the streets and pelted the coach with firecrackers, flares and rocks. Several windows were smashed as players had to hide under the seats as the coach drove off. Eventually, police support allowed the coach to get away. However, in the midst of the violence, the coach driver and the Senyan team doctor suffered head injuries sustained from the shattering of glass which hit them in the skull, and were later taken to hospital.
The Senyan team are now recovering at their team hotel, with the Senyan FA (FADESS) saying they will release a statement in the morning.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Senyan coach resigns ahead of Gerenia game
The Senyan manager Draco Sanchez has resigned ahead of Senya's final group game against Gerenia. In a press conference, Sanchez said
"I have enjoyed my time as the manager of the Senyan national team, a job that I have always taken great pride in. However due to recent events, I no longer feel safe in my position and given the current climate around the national team, I do not feel that I am in a position mentally to carry on."
Senya's final game will be managed by Sanchez's assistant David Morter, who will take the role of the Senyan manager as caretaker until after the tournament, when the Senyan FA will go through the process of appointing another coach.
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Group A
Group B
Semi-final fixtures
The already-qualified Florian Republic faced-off against hosts Coria in the final round of group fixtures, with only the home side having anything to play for. The Florians' relaxed attitude allowed Coria to play a more expansive style of football than they'd been used to so far in the tournament, and it almost paid off in the opening exchanges as Ćorluka was only inches wide of the mark. A Cristiano Ramirez free kick could have given the Florians the advantage had it not been for the fingertips of Vujić, but ultimately it was to be the hosts that would take the lead, with Aleksandar Mileusnić becoming the first to beat Patrick Marshall in the entire tournament.
They managed to carry their one goal advantage to the half-time break, although it was not to last long, as the Florians levelled the score through Dave Wheeler's half-volley into the bottom corner. With the hosts level again, they needed to score again in order to ensure passage to the semi-finals, and almost retook the lead through Niko Jeglič, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Derek Campos. Ćorluka almost snatched it at the death, but Marshall was able to palm the ball away to ensure that the Corians would only take the one point and rely on the other game's result.
Spoiler!
Group A tableGotzborg faced Lamantia in Group A's other game, with a win not necessarily guaranteeing progress, as they had to rely on the hosts failing to overcome group champions the Florian Republic. With this in mind, both sides started positively, knowing they had to take full advantage, and it was Gotzborg that had the first real chance of the game, with Metzelsacker heading against the crossbar. Stephan Bayer could have put Lamantia ahead, but was denied by Schmitt, although he made sure with his second chance, and gave Lamantia the lead just shy of half-time.
Gotzborg needed to find a way back into the game, and Kristian Jentzsch thought he had the answer when he went one-on-one with the keeper, only to see his chipped effort go agonisingly wide. It was almost 2-0 when Reuben Frederiksen found himself in space, but his tame effort was easily collected, and Schmitt's distribution allowed Gotzborg to break. Halbach's inch-perfect ball put Jentzsch through on goal, but Amsel managed to keephim out, only to be beaten by Conrad Hahnel's rebound. With the scores level, and only 10 minutes to go, both sides knew they needed to find a last-minute winner, but Lamantia were quicker out of the starting blocks, with Sven Ebersbacher sending his side into the semi-finals five minutes from time.
Spoiler!
Spoiler!
Group B
Stormark impressed yet again, facing a Jingdao side that had beaten the defending champions, but looked fairly lacklustre ever since. It didn't take them long to get on the scoreboard, as Bjarne Jensen poked the ball in from close range, and he was on hand to double his side's lead just short of the half-hour mark, beating his marker to power a header into the roof of the net. Van Veen could have pulled a goal back for Jingdao, but his free kick was well saved by Le Roux.
In the second half, Stormark continued to dominate, and almost put the game to bed immediately, with Erik Thorstvedt coming close not long after the restart. Eventually, it was Arnio Morivari that made it 3-0, his left-footed strike beating a stranded Zidikit, and Stormark had comfortably assured their passage as group winners.
Spoiler!
Group B tableIt was still technically possible for both teams to be eliminated as Senya faced Gerenia, with both knowing that at least one would not make it to the knockout-stages. With Gerenia only needing a draw, Senya had to play the more positive football, and they almost overstretched, as Balbîn found himself through on goal, but Harë Ëgermarč was able to work back and snuff out the threat. It seemed as though Danetskë's frustrations were to continue, as he was unable to grab Senya's first goal of the tournament, although Domonik Ƨarkœvič was on hand to tap in the rebound, and give his side a much-needed lead. Senya seemed to be on the ascendency following the goal, and almost nicked a second through Mongel, but a fortunate deflection diverted the ball away from any danger.
Gerenia almost managed to level shortly after half-time, but Brükner was judged to have handled the ball in the process. Balbîn had another chance to beat Bɏankarlënœ, but the 'keeper stood firm and coolly collected the ball. The Senyans seemed comfortable in possession, and were given a golden opportunity to attack as Destzan over-committed to his challenge, and Danetskë was finally able to break his duck and put his side 2-0 to the good. The Gerenians were visibly deflated after the second goal, and were unlucky not to cut the deficit as substitute Arĵan could only find the side-netting, but it was not to be their day, as despite the odds prior to the game, Senya did what they do best, and now face the unbeaten Florian Republic in the semi-finals.
Spoiler!
Spoiler!
Spoiler!
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Zeleni destroy the stadium as Coria gets eliminated in group stage of Copa ApolloniaThe hosts are eliminated from the tournament, ending all group stage matches in draw, collecting 3 points which were not enough to proceed to the next round. Fans are deeply disappointed, describing one goal scored in 3 matches as total disaster of Corian football. The last night's game with Florian Republic ended in 1-1 draw, finishing third in the group stage.
- Domestic fans disappointed of Coria's performance
- Riots and violence erupts inside and outside of stadium
- Local police accused of repression towards Florian fans
- Pressure on Corian head coach Nikola Urošević
Following the final whistle, managers and players from the both sides were escorted from the pitch with heavy riot police presence, as home fans try to attack them with flares and seats. Quickly after, the violence has turned onto the Florian fans who rushed to leave the venue understanding the serious situation. A never seen before riots occured. More than 5,000 seats which make almost 15% of stadium capacity were pulled out and thrown on rivals, making at least 120 of them injured, some heavily. Chaos continued outside, where Zeleni attempted to continue their anger on Florian fans but riot police managed to control the situation. Local police have been accused of selectively arresting and later beating Florian fans during the night in the police stations, which Minister of Internal Affairs denies. Pressure on Corian head coach Nikola Urošević rise as his team coach bus was greeted with flares, firecrackers and chants 'Uprava, napolje!' (Administration, out!). No statements have been made by the Corian Football Federation yet.
Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Senya progress, but yet more riots as Hools clash
Senya finally managed to get a win against their great rivals Gerenia in a 2-0 win. The game as ever saw both ultras group produce great pyroshows and tifos, though some federation officials would have been concern when the Senyan banner depicted Draco Sanchez with a pot of money in a Gerenian shirt with the caption "behead the traitor". For their part, the Gerenians had blue and white tape draping over their fans, typical of their "barra brava" type of ultras. As ever with these two groups, there was plenty of pyro, set off throughout the match, and especially so after the goals.
There were some small clashes in the stands, but nothing too major. Following the game, the Senyan fans stayed to applaud their team, whilst the Gerenian fans made for the exits.
However, if the authorities thought it was over, they were to be disappointed. In a nearby market street, the Marauders of Gerenia waited for the Naldas and pounced, sparking a big street fight. As both sets of fans exited the stadium, the clashes grew as more and more people joined in. The police were slow to react as the hools started attacking each other with a variety of weapons, including flares, firecrackers and furniture from nearby bars.
The increasing violence saw backup arrive from the Corian police as they attempted to clear the streets with tear gas and water cannons, however the ultras continued. The violence really flared up though when a local group of Zeleni (Corian ultras) appeared, and joined the Naldas in attacking the Marauders. Chants of "Korija i Senija, srce Apolonija" (Coria and Senya, heart of Apollonia) rallied round, as the amount of people in the fight grew into the tens of thousands. Soon after, a small group of Florian hools joined in trying to attack the Zeleni from a side street to the north. They joined in with the Gerenian hools in attacking both the Corians and the Senyans. Both the Zeleni and Naldas wore green and Marauders and Red Army (Florian hools) wore red, perhaps suggesting the fight was pre-planned. Some local bars were attacked as the hools fought with each other and the Corian police, who looked out of their depth.
The Corian army were then drawn in and were a little more effective in clearing the crowds as they started to fire rubber bullets at the hools, which was slightly more successful in clearing the hools. However, some did try and fight them, albeit unsuccessfully. The fight continued until the early hours of the morning, when the final few were arrested by the Corian police.
Reports suggest that a few hools have sustained serious injuries and are in intensive care, whilst one hool (from Senya) is reported to have died from injuries related to being beaten in the head.
There has been no official comment from any of the groups, federations or police as yet.
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Re: 2018 Copa Apollonia
Semi-finals
The as-yet-unbeaten Florian Republic took on the struggling defending champions, Senya, in the first of the two semi-finals. It was the Florians that looked to be on the front foot early on, but they were caught lacking in defence when Ƨarkœvič played a long ball forward to Mongel, who was brought down by Nicholas Evans. Danetskë powered home the resulting spot-kick, to give his side the lead. The FR could have levelled it through Ramirez, but Wheeler's pass came a fraction too late, and the Florians entered the break a goal down, but confident of finding an equaliser.
They came out positively in the second half, and came close to a leveller as substitute Macabe fired narrowly wide of the target, but they soon found themselves 2-0 down as Jack Holt's unfortunate deflection found its way to Minyorletsken's feet, and he was able to poke home from close range to put Senya comfortably in the lead. From two goals down, the task ahead of the Florians seemed insurmountable, and it seemed even more so after a string of acrobatic saves kept Senya's two-goal cushion intact, and it was to stay that way, as the FR suffered their first defeat of the tournament, and now have a third-place play-off to look forward to, whereas Senya can look forward to their second-successive final.
Florian Republic 0–2 Senya
19' - Danetskë (pen.)
56' - Minyorletsken
The tournament's only other unbeaten side, Stormark, played honorary hosts for the second semi-final, as they faced fellow knockout-stage débutants, Lamantia, and the Storish run of good fortune continued as Matthias Sagner's deflection found its way into his own net for only the second own goal of the competition. They were able to level just after the interval through Stephan Bayer, and he could have given Lamantia the lead shortly after, had he timed his run a little better, although his disallowed finish was sublime.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock, so a further 30 minutes was needed to separate them. Lamantia seemed content on holding back for penalties, which allowed Stormark to pile on the pressure, which they duly did, and it paid dividends just before the extra-time break, as Thorstvedt grabbed his second goal of the competition to join the other six players on two goals. He could have found himself in pole position for the Golden Boot as well, but his late effort could only find the side-netting, but Stormark's dominant extra-time performance saw them reach the final, with Lamantia facing a rematch with the Florians for the bronze medal.
Stormark 2–1 Lamantia (aet; 1-1 after 90 minutes)
6' - Sagner (o.g.)
49' - Bayer
103' - Thorstvedt